Why is my anime art style so weird?

Aoyama Nanami nodded repeatedly.

Xu Ming felt somewhat relieved. With the protection of this amulet, Aoyama Nanami should be able to stall until he could resolve this incident.

Although this amulet was just a fake, it did protect Aoyama Nanami before; otherwise, her condition would have been much more serious than just hallucinations.

As for why Shiina Mashiro was completely unharmed, Xu Ming speculated that it might be related to her.

Xu Ming decided to take her with him to see Kato Megumi for this very reason. He was eager to know what was going on with Shiina Mashiro.

"We're off."

Xu Ming gave a greeting and then led Shiina Mashiro toward the elevator.

"farewell."

Aoyama Nanami watched their retreating figures with a pitiful expression, like a pet abandoned by its owner...

While riding the elevator, Xu Ming had already spoken with Kato Megumi, informing her that he would be bringing a friend along, and Kato Megumi agreed.

When he got downstairs, he saw a black Mercedes parked on the side of the street, and a young shrine maiden standing next to the car, smiling at him.

Xu Ming led Shiina Mashiro over. The shrine maiden seemed to have received a notification from Kato Megumi and was not surprised by Shiina Mashiro.

We got into the Mercedes and sped off.

The three of them soon arrived at Meiji Shrine.

The priestess led them back to the secluded temple, introduced them inside, and then left.

Kato Megumi sat regally in the hall, dressed in a shrine maiden's robe with pine and crane patterns, wearing a golden crown from the day before. A set of purple clay teaware was placed in front of her, where she poured herself a drink, just as Xu Ming had seen her last time—relaxed, serene, and otherworldly…

However, when she saw Shiina Mashiro behind Xu Ming, a hint of surprise inadvertently appeared in her eyes.

"This is Shiina Mashiro, a friend of mine."

Xu Ming gave a brief introduction.

Unexpectedly, Kato Megumi looked at Shiina Mashiro with a strange expression and suddenly blurted out something out of nowhere.

"Miss Mashiro, is that right? I wonder if you would be interested... in becoming a shrine maiden?"

To Xu Ming's surprise, Shiina Mashiro refused without hesitation.

"I want to become a cartoonist."

"Really? What a pity."

A hint of regret flashed in Kato Megumi's eyes, but she stopped trying to persuade him.

Xu Mingyun was completely confused and quickly asked:

"Is there a problem with Shiina?"

Kato Megumi glanced at Shiina Mashiro and began to explain.

"She can indeed see the 'strange' because she is a natural 'spiritual seer' with a keen sense of intuition far exceeding that of normal people, and even surpassing that of formally trained Onmyoji, enabling her to easily discover things that others cannot."

The supernatural attracts the supernatural. Because psychics have far superior intuition than ordinary people, they are more likely to attract all kinds of supernatural things. However, psychics who have not undergone systematic training cannot fight against the supernatural, so natural psychics always live in danger.

This is why I wanted Shiina-san to become a shrine maiden—to protect herself.

By the way, I'm also a clairvoyant.

Xu Ming nodded as if he understood.

“Miss Shiina, if you change your mind, please come to me. The Jingu Shrine is always open to you.”

Those with clairvoyance seem to be extremely rare and exceptionally gifted individuals, which is why Kato Megumi repeatedly tried to persuade them to stay.

However, despite her seemingly gentle appearance, Shiina Mashiro is surprisingly stubborn in this regard.

"I'm very sorry, my dream is to become a cartoonist."

That was her consistent answer.

After asking about Shiina Mashiro, Xu Ming began to inquire about the paintbrush.

“I’ve already inquired about that paintbrush with the former landlord. She sold it to an antique shop called ‘Drunken Mountain Residence,’ but as you know, I’m just a powerless commoner…”

Kato Megumi's eyes flickered, and she immediately understood the implication in Xu Ming's words.

She smiled faintly.

"Ming, the reason I called you here today is precisely for this matter."

As she spoke, Kato Megumi pushed an ID card and a wooden box in front of him.

Xu Ming picked up the document and saw that the top of the document had a very impressive name written on it—Ministry of Defense.

Below is a list of information, including name, organization, title, etc.

This document has Xu Ming's photo and name printed on it.

His workplace was the Strategic Technology Department, Special Investigation and Search Section.

In addition, there are related serial numbers and barcodes.

This fake certificate is really well-made; it's incredibly convincing...

Xu Ming had just thought this when Kato Megumi, as if she had read his mind, said with a smile:

"This document is absolutely genuine and verifiable."

So, Xu Mingjun, congratulations, you are now a civil servant.

"..."

"Don't be surprised. The Exorcist Association is an official organization, and such credentials are necessary to facilitate the handling of various incidents."

With this certificate, you can access the files of the local Metropolitan Police Department at will, and you can also request assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department if necessary.

Therefore, this document is very important, please keep it safe.

Xu Ming picked up the ID card-sized document with some surprise and played with it in his hand.

Such a small card contains such great power.

Thinking of this, Xu Ming immediately dared not be careless and put it into the inner pocket of his clothes.

Then Xu Ming pointed to another wooden box and said:

"What is this?"

"You can open it and take a look first."

Kato Megumi kept everyone in suspense.

Xu Ming opened the lid of the wooden box with a puzzled look in his eyes.

The golden light flashed and disappeared in an instant, and even Shiina Mashiro, who was standing there in a daze, was attracted by the light and turned her head to look over.

Xu Ming looked into the box and found that it contained a charm made of gold thread.

The design is similar to the previous Amaterasu amulet (fake), except that the one inside the box is more exquisite.

Even without activating 'Spiritual Vision', Xu Ming could still sense a strong fluctuation from this protective charm, as if it contained an extremely powerful force.

Xu Ming couldn't help but reach into the box. The moment his fingertips touched the amulet, he immediately felt a warm current flow from his fingertips throughout his body.

Chapter 146 Amaterasu Guardian - True

—I obtained 'Amaterasu Guardian - True (3-star)'.

—Amaterasu Amulet - True (3-star): Obtained by the Mikami-ko of Amaterasu, who prayed and offered sacrifices day and night for a thousand days. It contains a rich Amaterasu divine power and protects the wearer from evil spirits.

It can significantly reduce the damage of 'Strange'. The effect is weakened if the 'Strange' soul level is higher than 4, and it is ineffective if it is higher than 5.

It can slowly purify the negative energy remaining on the wearer's body.

(Note: Not upgradable)

Xu Ming's expression changed slightly as he read the detailed information provided by the system.

"This is far too valuable."

With a production time of 3 years, this can no longer be described as just a masterpiece.

"This is an extra reward from the association after resolving the 'blood moon' incident at the Totsuki Tea House. I went through a little process and gave it to you ahead of time."

So don't let me down, Ming~

Kato Megumi explained with a smile, but her eyes were very determined, making it impossible for Xu Ming to refuse.

"Well... alright, I'll accept the things. Consider it a favor I owe you."

Considering that he was about to face a dangerous situation he had never encountered before, and that he was indeed lacking protection, Xu Ming hesitated for a moment before carefully putting the amulet away in front of Kato Megumi.

"I have one last question."

After placing the protective charm, Xu Ming put his hands on his knees and sat up straight.

How can I seal the sacred artifact?

Kato Megumi did not immediately answer his question. Instead, she picked up the purple clay teapot, poured a cup of tea for Xu Ming and Shiina Mashiro, and then made a 'please' gesture.

Only after Xu Ming picked up his teacup did he hear Kato Megumi's voice slowly emerge.

"The simplest method is to directly shatter and purify the obsession entangled on the relic. However, this method is too brutal, and the relic is a relic that houses the obsession of a heroic spirit, not an inanimate object. Acting rashly will trigger a strong backlash from the relic."

Then Kato Megumi held up two fingers.

"The second method is to try to communicate with it and see if the Heroic Spirit's obsession can be satisfied. This method is gentler and less dangerous. The downside is that if the obsession is strong, or if the Heroic Spirit is inherently bloodthirsty, the Relic may refuse to communicate."

As for other methods, they are not suitable for you.

Xu Ming took a small sip of tea, and the rich aroma immediately cleared his mind.

In short, artifacts possess a certain level of intelligence, requiring communication with them to persuade them and complete the sealing process.

As soon as Kato Megumi said that, Xu Ming immediately understood.

There may be other methods, such as various Yin-Yang techniques or magic arrays, but none of them are suitable for Xu Ming.

"Anyway, I'll go check out Zuishanju first."

As Xu Ming spoke, he prepared to get up and take his leave.

Kato Megumi suddenly sat up straight.