Female Swordsman Training Dojo

A figure that looked about 80% like Tsuchimikado Haru, only more mature, suddenly appeared on Tsuchimikado Haru's escape route.

"summer--"

Before Tsuchimikado Haru could utter his first word, Tsuchimikado Natsu had already grabbed his shoulder and disappeared from the spot.

Amu Hosho's sword struck the floor, and a string of blood beads rolled down the blade and fell into the fresh wound on the floor.

A few seconds after the swift, fleeting scene ended, Hijikata Souji finally realized what had happened; his handsome face flushed red like stale liver, veins bulging on his forehead, making him look like a demon ready to devour its prey. He slammed his fist on the table in front of him: "Bastard!!!"

The promises she had made to Tsuchimikado Haru were still ringing in her ears, yet now, like boomerangs, they struck Hijikata Souji's face with devastating force, making her want to tear that bastard Tsuchimikado Komei to pieces immediately.

Chapter 423

West.

Without any intention of holding back, she grabbed the phone next to her, dialed the number of her trusted subordinate, and prepared to call for reinforcements.

On the roof of her house, Tsuchimikado, his face deathly pale, looked at the succubus and shrieked, "Youkai! It's time for you to keep your promise and make them forget that Xia appeared!"

If his mana hadn't been completely drained by the complex, large-scale spell that combined spatial teleportation, sensory obscuring, physical weakening, and barrier destruction, Tsuchimikado Kitsune would have wanted to give the succubus a Word of Power right now. Because, just like Hijikata Souji said, he simply couldn't afford to offend the police force led by the Matsudaira family.

He dared to do this entirely because the succubus had shown him the ability to silently influence people's memories. With the succubus's help, even if he committed such a crime, it could be concealed as if it never happened. Although this wasn't an unlimited ability, only affecting short-term memories, he only needed to erase the memory of "the murderer who kidnapped Tsuchimikado Haru."

Without evidence, the Matsudaira family can't do anything to him! Not even Taira no Harunobu!

"Honestly, you men are all the same, you only think of me when you need me~" the succubus complained, exhaling a fragrant pink mist.

Tsuchimikado Komei's eyes widened as he drifted forward in the pink mist, his breathing becoming rapid.

This is it, this is it! If this thing works, his plan will be a complete success—

But suddenly, the pink mist stopped.

Tsuchimikado Komei glared angrily at the succubus, expecting her to raise the price at the last minute. However, he only saw a face beaming with delight: "I'm sorry, Mr. Tsuchimikado; my boss suddenly changed his mind, so..."

Then, before Tsuchimikado Komei could react, pink smoke rushed into Tsuchimikado Komei's head as the succubus waved her hand to dispel the azure flames on her hand.

"Oh, oh, oh, their mental fortitude is stronger than I imagined, but their weaknesses are too obvious... OK, all done."

Having erased the memories of herself from Tsuchimikado Kitsune's mind, the succubus spread her tiny wings and flew away happily, leaving behind only a few barely audible words: "Here I am, here I am. You're not kidding me, are you, Phoenix? Is that knight named Hirahara Harunobu really that powerful?"

Inside the house, Hijikata Souji had already dialed the phone, furiously issuing orders: "Ryoma! Gather everyone! Immediately! Right now! Get to the Tsuchimikado residence!"

"You sonless bastard! How dare you slap me in the face!"

Chapter 395: Watch Me Send Your Whole Family to Heaven with Explosives

The sudden escape of the succubus left Tsuchimikado Kitsune stunned, his mind blank. He only snapped out of his daze when he heard Hijikata Souji's roar.

At this point, he had no other choice.

Even if Tsuchimikado Natsumi had already taken Tsuchimikado Haru back to the Tsuchimikado family, and even if she were still here, Tsuchimikado Komei wouldn't hand her over. Because even if he did, the broken relationship couldn't be mended; it was better to continue gambling!

As long as he becomes the head of the Yin-Yang sect, everything will be alright! The police force, and even the Matsudaira family, are not monolithic; as long as he becomes the head of the Yin-Yang sect, there will always be a way to hold on!

Already possessed, Tsuchimikado Kitsune was further bewitched by a succubus and even took a hit from a succubus spell. Now, he's a gambler with bloodshot eyes, and there's no turning back.

Having made up his mind, Tsuchimikado Kitsune immediately activated the magical artifact, nimbly climbed off the roof, and ran towards his home.

In any case, as long as he keeps that rebellious daughter, Tsuchimikado Haru, in his hands, he still has a chance to struggle!

……

Half an hour later, Hijikata Souji arrived at the Tsuchimikado family's doorstep with hundreds of heavily armed police officers; Hosho Amu arrived with all the disciples of the Aozorakan.

The usually open gate was now tightly shut, and the guards huddled behind it in silence. The bright light of the protective barrier enveloped the walls, clearly demonstrating their vigilance and defensiveness.

Amu Hosho remained relatively calm at this moment. She had contacted Harunobu immediately and learned through him that Haruto Tsuchimikado was in good condition, thus managing to control her anger.

But Hijikata Souji didn't have such a good attitude, even though Hosho Amu told her that Tsuchimikado Haru was alright. Because it wasn't a matter of whether Haru was alright or not; it was that this old bastard Tsuchimikado Komei had dared to slap her in the face! And in front of so many people!

If she doesn't vent her anger today, how can she become the next head of the Matsudaira family? If she can't be the head of the Matsudaira family, how can she build her own Shinsengumi?

This is now a personal grudge!

"Shoot me!"

The eldest daughter of the Matsudaira family shouted angrily, completely disregarding how many laws this violated. However, this was quite reasonable, since the Shinsengumi had done the same thing back then.

The police picked up their rifles and bombarded the Tsuchimikado family's gate with a barrage of firearms—but the effect was far from satisfactory.

The gate remained unscathed; all the bullets, upon entering the barrier, seemed to lose speed instantly, as if they were encased in some kind of gel, until they hit the ground. Of course, it wasn't entirely ineffective; the heavily bombarded barrier noticeably dimmed slightly.

However, just as Hijikata Souji was preparing to overload the barrier with firepower, a dim spot within it lit up again. This is the troublesome aspect of barriers: as long as the core protective structure remains intact, it can be continuously repaired using magical power.

Hijikata Souji gritted his teeth, but instead of wasting more ammunition, he looked at Hojo Amu and the others. Since guns alone couldn't solve the problem, they would have to add swords.

Without hesitation, Hojo Amu unleashed her most proficient Fang Thrust at the barrier. This time, the straight blade broke through the barrier's resistance and pierced through the Tsuchimikado family's heavy gate—however, Hojo Amu was swiftly forced back.

"This barrier contains a curse, and a rather troublesome one at that," the kitten explained, meeting Hijikata Souji's puzzled gaze. "Even if we can resist it for a while, it will be difficult to fight against the Onmyoji and Shikigami of the Tsuchimikado family."

It's not that they're completely outmatched, but there will definitely be casualties—which would implicate the teachers' college. It's better to hold back for now. After all, Xiaochun is protected by the teachers' college; no one can touch a hair on her head without their permission, so nothing will happen. Even if something does go wrong, the teachers' college can notify them at any time, and then they can launch a full-scale attack.

Hijikata Souji's face was grim: "As expected of the Tsuchimikado family, although the strength and character of their descendants are lacking, their foundation is still strong enough."

The kitten shook its head: "Don't worry, it can only buy us a little while; I've already sent someone to find Princess Misaku. No matter how strong this barrier is, can it stop the other families from breaking it together?"

The kitten deliberately spoke loudly because she was certain that Tsuchimikado Kitsune was observing them. Even if he was stupid, once he heard that this matter had alerted Misuru-hime, he should realize that the only way out was to quickly release the hostage and beg for mercy.

Otherwise, forget about the location of the yin-yang head; just keeping the head intact would be considered a miracle from Abe no Seimei.

In broad daylight, kidnapping the wife of the head of the Anti-Demon Division right in front of Hijikata Souji, the good sister of all the members of the Aozorakan, the stick sister of Misuruhime, and the honorary ninja of Shiranui... This is not just slapping Hijikata Souji in the face, this is slapping Misuruhime and the royal family in the butt!

You think you can do a yin-yang hairstyle with this?

Do you even know how to spell "loyalty" and "honesty," you idiot!

The kitten was unaware that a succubus had bewitched him, so he racked his brains but still couldn't figure out the basis or reason behind Tsuchimikado Kitsune's actions.

Has he always been so brave?

Actually, the kitten also

Chapter 424

One thing I forgot—the priestess is watching this place too. Harunobu just finished his satisfying slaughter and is out of danger, so the priestess naturally has time to spare for this area. She was almost red with anger; Harunobu had specifically asked her to look after his woman before he left, and now she's caused such a huge mess… Isn't this a slap in the face?!

Congratulations to Mr. Tsuchimikado Kitsunemi for single-handedly offending the Aozorakan, the police, the Aizu Domain behind them, Misuru-hime and Shiranui-sato, the Imperial Family, and even a reclusive god.

Let alone the yin-yang hairstyle, even Abe no Seimei would have to admit that he's stronger now—after all, Abe no Seimei never really had a falling out with the Imperial Family.

At the Tsuchimikado residence, Tsuchimikado Kitsune did indeed hear what the kitten had deliberately said. And as time passed, the succubus's magic and bewitching effects gradually faded, and his not-so-bright intelligence finally regained control of his mind.

He knew perfectly well that he was probably finished—no! Not yet, he hadn't lost yet!

Tsuchimikado Kitsune suddenly remembered something important and immediately looked at his third daughter sitting next to him: "Natsu, where did you send Koharu?"

“In her own room.” Tsuchimikado Natsu replied with some annoyance. As the most talented of the younger generation in the Tsuchimikado family, her mind had long been distorted into the image of the Onmyoji, under the deliberate brainwashing and cultivation of Tsuchimikado Komei, as well as the bottomless flattery and praise from those around her.

In other words, anyone who doesn't know magic is considered a servant, even a younger sister. Therefore, she even thought it was a good thing for Tsuchimikado Haru to be sent for a political marriage; it was better than being a mere samurai's concubine. However, she didn't really care what happened to Tsuchimikado Haru; she just wanted to avoid being sent for a political marriage herself.

How could a mere piece of trash compare to her precious jade? Even that samurai should know this. If all else fails, she'll reluctantly marry him...

A new voice suddenly came from the eavesdropping spell set up in a corner of the room and connected to the outer wall of the Tsuchimikado residence: "Lord Hijikata! The explosives have arrived!"

"Very good, go and pile them up carefully!"

"You have a barrier, huh? You're casting a curse, huh? I'd like to see how the Tsuchimikado family's barrier compares to the one in Ueno Park!"

"A bunch of outdated old fogies are still pretty arrogant. Watch me send your whole family to the heavens with explosives!"

Not to mention Tsuchimikado Komei and his daughter Tsuchimikado Natsu, even the cats and their group outside were all gaping in astonishment, feeling that Tsuchimikado Souji was being a bit too extreme as a police officer.

However, it's perfect for friends of Aozorakan.

The author says:

Author's Note: I originally wanted to add an extra chapter, but after finishing it and looking at the gap in the chapter, I think it's better not to. Looks like I'll wait until Mid-Autumn Festival to accumulate a big chapter. Anyway, please vote!

Chapter 396: The Truth Behind the Possession

"Father!"

Tsuchimikado Natsumi stood up nervously and looked at Tsuchimikado Komei. Although she couldn't understand why anyone would make such a fuss over a mere piece of scrap rock, she could still tell from Hijikata Souji's tone that he was completely enraged and extremely serious.

This crazy woman really intends to turn the Tsuchimikado family home into the next Ueno Park—doesn't she worry about Tsuchimikado Haru?!

Damn it, she didn't want to be buried with a piece of junk!

Tsuchimikado Komei's face was also extremely grim, but at this moment he was completely caught in a dilemma. The more aggressive Hijikata Souji and the others became, the less willing Tsuchimikado Komei was to face that desperate outcome—if he had no other way out, he might accept it to save his life, but he still had one way out!

That was Tsuchimikado Haru.

Of course, he wasn't using Tsuchimikado Haru for a marriage alliance. The fact that those other families hadn't come to kick him while he was down was already because it involved Aozorakan. What he needed was Tsuchimikado Haru's power. After all, the reason Aozorakan had become such a behemoth was because Taira no Harunobu was strong enough!

If he could become that strong, even stronger than Taira no Harunobu, then the Matsudaira family, the Imperial Family, and even Misuru-hime might all turn to him! At that time, he could not only become the head of the Onmyoji, but perhaps, like Taira no Harunobu, become a representative of his class and a pillar of the Onmyoji!

"Don't blame me, Xiaochun; it's all for the family."

Tsuchimikado Komei muttered to himself, ignoring Tsuchimikado Natsu's repeated questions, and sprinted towards Tsuchimikado Haru's room at the Tsuchimikado house. Tsuchimikado Natsu stared in astonishment at this scene, then stamped her foot and followed.

……

In Tsuchimikado Haru's room, the genius, beautiful young onmyoji and swordsman seemed completely oblivious to being kidnapped, appearing quite cheerful instead. Why? Because not only was she in no danger, but she could also continue talking to her beloved teacher!

Although telepathy is said to be perpetual, the feeling of actively communicating with someone and being passively connected is quite different. Especially since Haru and the others usually don't contact Harunobu casually in order to avoid disturbing him or distracting him, they naturally rarely have this kind of clear experience.

It's just that Tsuchimikado Haru is already past his prime, otherwise everyone would say they'd rather be kidnapped every single day—

"Are you an idiot? You're already thinking about it, aren't you?" Harunobu thought to himself as he interrogated Sadako Ootake.

"Hey hey hey~"

Haru Tsuchimikado grinned foolishly, not just in his mind, but also on his face in reality, a silly, goofy smile spreading across his face. But this smile quickly vanished with the sound of hurried footsteps, replaced by indifference.

"Tsuchimikado Komei is here. He's probably going to let me out." Tsuchimikado Haru thought to Haruto in his mind. "Master, don't worry about me. Go and get back to business."

"You are the most important people, and watching you won't interfere with my conversation." Harunobu certainly wouldn't let go of Tsuchimikado Haru's attention at a time like this; on the contrary, he devoted even more energy to it. After all, simply asking questions didn't require much effort, and there were others helping to record Ootake Sadako's answers.

"Honestly... Shiban, you spoil us too much." Tsuchimikado Haru said, seemingly complaining, but the sweetness in his heart was undeniable. Unfortunately, as Tsuchimikado Komei pushed open the door and entered, a hint of annoyance was mixed into the sweetness.

The contrast between her now completely delusional father and sister and the father and sister who were once relatively normal and caring towards her makes Tsuchimikado Haru feel truly melancholy and frustrated.

So Tsuchimikado Haru decided to cut to the chase: "Father, it seems you've regained your senses. I'll be going now, no need to see me off."

Haru Tsuchimikado walked towards the door. The door, which had been tightly sealed by Natsu Tsuchimikado's magic and the Tsuchimikado family's barrier, was now wide open, no longer able to confine her.

Tsuchimikado Komei instinctively reached out to grab Tsuchimikado Haru's shoulder, but was stopped by an invisible barrier the moment he got close. Haru, sensing something was wrong, immediately switched from walking to running—but Tsuchimikado Natsu waved his hand, and the door that had just opened slammed shut again, glowing with magical light.

Haru Tsuchimikado stopped and turned to look at Tsuchimikado Komei and Tsuchimikado Natsumi, coldly saying, "Are you still going to put up a stubborn resistance? Do you want to drag everyone down with you and have them blown to the sky by Hijikata Souji?"

Tsuchimikado Natsumi pursed her lips and looked at Tsuchimikado Komei. She had just acted subconsciously according to Tsuchimikado Komei's attitude, but now that she thought about it, perhaps it would have been better to just let Tsuchimikado Haru leave... But perhaps her father really did have some other way?

The young and proud genius Onmyoji has no intention of bowing down to ordinary people.

Tsuchimikado Komei looked sadly at Tsuchimikado Haru: "Haru, why won't you just listen to me? If you just listened to me, everything would be alright, and the Tsuchimikado family could be revived!"

"I'm just a piece of trash. No matter how much the Tsuchimikado family revives, it has nothing to do with me." Tsuchimikado Haru's initial sadness was completely extinguished by Tsuchimikado Komei's impassioned lines, and he coldly uttered a sentence that drew a clear line between them.

Then even more

Chapter 425

He said impatiently, "And I advise you to stop dreaming. The moment you kidnapped me in front of Hijikata Souji, the Tsuchimikado family was doomed; the Matsudaira family will not let you go, and the other families will not miss the opportunity to kick a dog when it's down."

Tsuchimikado Komei's face twitched as if he had been punched hard; then he angrily raised the bat fan in his hand: "No! I still have a chance! Koharu, since you're willing to be a useless rock, then stay a useless rock! Let me bear your ominous power now!"

"Ai?"

"what does that mean?"

“My ominous power—did you already know—no, could that evil spirit actually be—”

Haru Tsuchimikado was never stupid, especially since Tsuchimikado Komei had completely self-destructed. She had always found it strange that a teacher who didn't know magic could see her talent; while Shiranui Ran and she alone could find the possessing evil spirit, yet the entire Tsuchimikado family treated her like an ordinary piece of trash?

If that was the work of the head of the Tsuchimikado family, then it makes perfect sense.

At this moment, Tsuchimikado Kitsune stopped pretending, because he didn't feel there was any need to pretend: "That's right, you should have been even more talented than Natsu; but you are different from Natsu. Your power is too strong and too uncontrollable, so I had no choice but to seal it away."

"Then why didn't you tell me afterwards!" Tsuchimikado Haru's voice rose eight octaves, and her calm expression changed for the first time. She could accept that she was a useless stone, and she could even accept that she was forced into becoming a useless stone by some evil spirit, but being turned into a useless stone by her own father was still beyond her ability to accept.