Swallow Return

At this rate, they'll either be killed or work themselves to death...

Does this mean that simply fighting the monsters is not enough, and that we also need to break through certain key points in the formation in order to completely kill the monsters?

Liu Yun couldn't think about that much for the time being, since the enemy was already in front of him, so he had to continue fighting.

Even if each time you kill a monster, you can only maintain peace for less than half an hour, it's still half an hour, enough to catch your breath.

So he immediately shouted, "Liu Yun is here, Sasaki clan members need not panic!"

Then, wielding a two-foot-long wakizashi, he joined the battle.

After a long and tiring day, Liu Yun was quite exhausted.

Although I ate something and rested in the room just now, I haven't recovered well.

However, the strength of the group of monsters in front of them had not diminished in the slightest compared to half an hour ago.

On the contrary... perhaps because they knew they could be resurrected, their courage was much stronger than last time!

The one-eyed old man leading the group remained standing behind, watching silently, and let out an undisguised, arrogant laugh: "I told you, you can't kill us today! Children, hurry up and take Sasaki Ryūun's head!"

Upon hearing the order, twenty or thirty monsters roared and bared their teeth, swarming around Liu Yun, ignoring the other retainers and soldiers, intending to gang up on him alone.

"Fight alongside our lord!"

Hayami Seibei, holding a bamboo bundle in one hand and a sword in the other, calmly issued orders, leading the Sasaki family guards to rush over and help.

His martial arts skills weren't particularly high, but he was very quick-witted. Instead of confronting powerful monsters head-on, he ordered his soldiers to protect Liuyun's flanks and rear, thus restraining any monsters that tried to outflank him.

Kurotabo and Aotabo are more capable fighters and can engage in frontal combat.

Another one is the white-clad female demon who was just summoned, who is Iori's maternal grandmother.

She appeared to be a gentle and quiet woman, not a particularly strong fighter, but the demonic energy within her was quite considerable.

The moment the white-clad female demon appeared, the one-eyed old man leading the group on the opposite side flew into a rage. He roared to the sky, his single remaining eye turning blood red. His previously refined and amiable demeanor vanished, and he pointed a finger, snarling, "It's you! The katana that blinded me in one eye! You've also become a demon and even taken human form... Very well, it really is related to Sasaki Ryūun. The divination was correct!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun realized that Iori's maternal grandmother was a yokai transformed from a katana.

No wonder the "One-Eyed Lord" sought revenge; it turns out he had foreseen this predestined fate.

Then, a blue light burst forth from the one-eyed old man's body, and his body suddenly became much thicker and longer, filled with explosive muscles, and his head became the size of a water vat.

Although it still only has one eye.

The one-eyed old man opened his enormous, blood-red maw and spat out a huge cloud of thick black mist at Iori's grandmother. Then, with a wave of his arms, his forelimbs and hands stretched and grew as if they were rubber, grabbing at her.

Liu Yun was somewhat worried.

But he had just managed to kill two monsters and was fighting three or four enemies, so he couldn't be distracted for the time being.

As for the other retainers and soldiers, they would have even less spare capacity.

Iori's grandmother faced the attack of the "One-Eyed Man" with unwavering courage.

She stretched out her right hand and chopped down forcefully. Suddenly, her entire arm transformed into a sharp blade, emitting a strong white light that blocked the dense black mist.

Then he swung his left sleeve, using the wide sleeve as a blade, to cut down the two huge hands that were attacking him.

As expected of a yokai transformed from a katana, any part of its body seems to be usable as a weapon at will.

The "One-Eyed Lord" went berserk, then exhaled another cloud of black mist, and at the same time, a pair of even thicker claws grew from where his arms had been severed.

It's still the same two tricks.

Iori's maternal grandmother focused intently and dealt with the situation with all her might.

The battle between the two powerful demons was largely a stalemate.

The one-eyed old man held the initiative and launched continuous attacks. The woman in white could only parry and dodge, but she was not defeated for the time being.

Liu Yun glanced at Iori's maternal grandmother out of the corner of his eye and saw that she was quite capable, which reassured him a lot.

He then focused his mind and fought a fierce battle with his retainers and soldiers, killing twenty or thirty monsters and finally eliminating the one-eyed old man who had changed his state.

Even as he was being killed, the "One-Eyed Lord" showed no fear. Instead, he laughed wildly and said, "You can't kill me today! I'll be back later, hahaha!"

The battle is finally over.

A moment later, just like last time, the monster's corpses dissipated into mist, gathering in the sky above Kyoto.

It seems likely that it will continue to revive.

Therefore, the retainers and soldiers felt no joy at the victory, but rather a great deal of fear.

Who knows how many times a monster can be resurrected?

Even someone as powerful as Liu Yun couldn't say how long he could hold out against the endless stream of enemies. In fact, he was becoming increasingly exhausted, especially after once again using his own blood to heal his retainers and soldiers. He even felt a slight dizziness.

Not to mention others.

Hayami Seibei couldn't help but shake his head and mutter to himself, "This can't go on. If the monsters really keep coming in an endless stream..."

"What are you afraid of! Kill them every time they come!" Eguchi Sukezaemon shouted irritably. But in reality, his expression was also very serious, and he clearly lacked confidence.

Liu Yun didn't know what to say.

At that moment, out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Aotabo and Kurotabo were staring longingly at Iori's maternal grandmother.

It seems we're hoping this "senior monster" can come up with a solution?

I remember someone saying earlier, "Today's magic array is very special, and I'm afraid Lord Liuyun will find it difficult to handle alone."

Is it...

Liu Yun cast a skeptical glance at him.

Their eyes met just as the woman in white was looking at them.

Iori's maternal grandmother lowered her head in thought. After hesitating for a while, she raised her head and said in a deep voice as if she had made up her mind: "Lord Ryuun, please tell everyone that there is no need to worry. As long as you cooperate, I have a way to prevent the monster from being resurrected."

Without hesitation, Liu Yun immediately agreed: "Of course I'll cooperate! It involves everyone's lives and my own, how could I not cooperate?"

Chapter 164 Becoming the Master of the Demon Sword

"Unlike mortals, the existence of demons is fundamentally based on 'obsession.' Their bodies are formed from this obsession. It is said that this was a rule established by Xu Fu and Jianzhen, but I don't know whether it's true or not. In short, if a demon is killed, its obsession temporarily dissipates. After a long period of evolution, it may reappear and take shape, but because so many years have passed, it is no longer a completely different individual from the original, and its memories have long been lost. Therefore, from the perspective of mortals, it can be said that the demon has been successfully subdued."

Iori's maternal grandmother calmly knelt on the tatami mat and slowly stated a rule of this world.

Although her appearance is seven-tenths similar to Iori's and she doesn't look her age at all, their temperaments are completely different.

She was dressed in simple white, but there was no trace of gentleness or tranquility about her. As a yokai formed from a katana, she exuded an indomitable and sharp edge.

Liu Yun sat cross-legged solemnly, listening attentively.

Although I already know quite a bit about monsters, every time I hear new information, I always feel that my understanding of the world has become a little more comprehensive.

After a pause, Iori's maternal grandmother continued:

"But what if someone sets up a magic array so that after a demon is killed, its dissipated obsessions quickly re-condense? If the time is short enough, the memories will hardly be affected, which is equivalent to a complete resurrection. This was an idea proposed by an unknown Onmyoji hundreds of years ago. At the time, most demons thought it was a fantasy, and I was no exception. However..."

Hearing this, Liu Yun couldn't help but interject: "But someone else succeeded later?"

Iori's grandmother hesitated for a moment before replying, "For now, you could say it was partially successful. Within the range of the magic circle, the designated yokai could indeed be reborn continuously. So back then, many yokai willingly offered up a part of their 'original essence' to form a contract with that Onmyoji. However—at the time, they didn't know that this contract, besides protection, was also a constraint, making the yokai's soul subject to the caster's commands."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun's expression changed: "It seems that the Yin-Yang Master has ill intentions."

Iori's maternal grandmother nodded: "That Onmyoji who invented the magic circle used deception and coercion to subdue half of the yokai in the Kinki region, becoming the strongest person in Japan for a time. Just imagine, who in the world could fight against thousands of yokai soldiers who could be resurrected at any time? This Onmyoji died of old age, and the contract was passed on to his descendants, seemingly ensuring the eternal stability of the kingdom. However, the enemy still found a way to break it, and the kingdom was lost after only two generations."

Liu Yun asked doubtfully, "This sounds familiar. Could it be related to the Genpei War?"

“That’s right.” Iori’s maternal grandmother said calmly, “The Onmyoji I mentioned earlier, whose human name is Taira no Kiyomori, was the one I used to conceal the demonic aura on Iori. That’s why there’s a strange resonance today. Back then, the Taira clan seized power by force, relying on demonic soldiers who could be resurrected repeatedly. They were too domineering and caused panic among everyone. Opponents rallied under the Minamoto clan and eventually devised three ways to break the magic circle. One of them was… to fight with a famous sword that contained special power. By killing the demons and severing the contract, rebirth could be prevented.”

"A famous sword with special powers..." Liu Yun suddenly realized, "There's no time to search for famous swords elsewhere right now, unless you mean..."

“Hehe…” Iori’s maternal grandmother revealed a meaningful smile: “My true form was originally a katana from ancient times. Because I injured the so-called ‘One-Eyed Lord,’ that guy fell into demonhood, and I also became entangled in karma that I could not wash away. Speaking of which, that was when the three factions were fighting fiercely for Jianzhen’s legacy. Japan was in a lot of chaos, and people with even a little obsession could easily turn into demons!”

"So you've also become a senior demon capable of transforming into a human?" Liu Yun couldn't help but ask.

“No.” Iori’s maternal grandmother shook her head. “Back then, I was only tainted with a faint demonic aura. Later, after wandering from place to place, I was acquired by a swordsmith from the Osafune faction in Bizen Province and reforged. Because I was imbued with the swordsmith’s life-affirming dedication, I gained independent consciousness. According to their custom, I was given the title ‘Osafune Nagamitsu’. Hmm… that swordsmith was actually Iori’s maternal grandfather…”

As she said this, a hint of nostalgia appeared on her face.

Liu Yun felt a surge of respect for the swordsmith and solemnly said, "I understand. All you need to do is reveal the true form of your katana, and that will be enough to sever the contract and completely kill the attacking evil demon."

Iori's maternal grandmother—perhaps now we should call her "Lord Nagamitsu of Osafune"—nodded and then shook her head, sighing, "That's how it was originally. When I was reforged, the swordsmith bestowed upon me the wish to 'cut through all things, both tangible and intangible.' However, the injury I suffered more than ten years ago was a powerful curse targeting my 'original self,' and I haven't fully recovered yet. It's hard to say whether it still has the same effect as before."

Liu Yun suddenly realized: "You just said you needed my cooperation, is that why? So how should I cooperate?"

Iori's grandmother's smile gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression. Instead of answering the question directly, she continued reminiscing about the past: "The birth of a yokai stems from obsession. When Iori's grandfather reforged the sword, he lamented that such a divine weapon might find a worthy master. I was born from this very obsession. If I were truly placed in the hands of a wise ruler, my obsession would be resolved, and the curses of the past would be nothing to fear. However, I must remind you that three heroic warriors in the past used me as their weapon, but their resolve was not firm enough. They failed to achieve great deeds with me and instead brought disaster upon themselves."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun nodded solemnly and then said decisively, "Let me try! I don't know if my will is strong enough, but the entire capital is now shrouded in a magic array, and monsters are constantly being reborn. If I want to protect my family, or even further, save the innocent, I cannot hesitate."

“Very well!” Iori’s grandmother said without hesitation, “Because of Iori’s existence, you and I have already formed some karmic connection, but it is not enough. Now, please drink your blood with me. I will also reveal my true nature to you. Now please do as I say…”

As instructed, Liu Yun had a maid bring him a plate, and then used a short sword to slit his forearm—he was already quite skilled at this action today.

Blood flowed into the dish.

Then Iori's grandmother also cut open her arm, releasing a silvery liquid from the wound that she couldn't identify.

Perhaps it's the blood of the sword demon?

The red and silver liquids, mixed together, were initially as distinct as water and oil.

Iori's grandmother chanted a few long incantations and stared at the plate, releasing powerful demonic energy.

A flash of white light appeared, and the two liquids finally began to merge, with the merging speed increasing rapidly.

It eventually became a mysterious liquid that shimmered with a faint light.

As previously agreed, Liu Yun drank two-thirds of the wine, while the other party drank one-third.

He immediately realized that a very close spiritual connection had formed between him and Iori's maternal grandmother.

Joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, gratitude, and resentment—it seems that they can all empathize with each other and share everything without reservation.

At this moment, Iori's maternal grandmother gracefully prostrated herself, full of ambition, and said, "Master, please use this sword to slay powerful enemies, make a name for yourself, and let the name 'Osafune Nagamitsu' resound throughout the world! This is the sole reason for my birth!"

As the words were spoken, a flash of white light appeared.

The white-clad female demon who sat on the tatami mat and resembled Iori by about 70% disappeared.

Instead, a katana was placed on the low table in the middle of the Japanese-style room, sheathed.

The handle is one foot long, and the blade is three feet and two inches long.

It was the length that warriors used in ancient times. Now, with the passage of time, most people are no longer used to wielding such a huge weapon.