Female Swordsman Training Dojo

The cold, indifferent gaze reflected the grotesque figure of the elusive demon. Whether he was in the arms of a courtesan, under the skirt of a proprietress, or stealing food and drink, spitting into the customers' food, his golden eyes remained unwavering, perfectly capturing his comical actions.

Half an hour later, the satisfied Nurarihyon left a large puddle in the corner, pulled up his pants, and headed to the next house. Meanwhile, Ran Shiranui tapped her mask and followed from the rooftop. The two stayed relatively close, but Nurarihyon remained completely unaware of Ran Shiranui's presence, just as no one else seemed to notice his movements.

It seemed that Shiranui Ran could easily catch him off guard and capture him, but things weren't that simple. The Nurarihyon, a rare type of yokai, possessed very unique abilities. Besides reducing their presence and interfering with perception, they also had an extremely disgusting ability: the head of a household.

As the name suggests, this ability makes everything treat Nurarihyon as the head of the household, and obey his commands within that sphere. Of course, like other seemingly powerful spells, this can be resisted. Lady Kama in Shiranui won't be affected, but she can't carry Nurarihyon around forever. And if you want to lock him up, neither cages and locks, nor ropes and chains, can withstand his power.

Therefore, capturing him alive is much more troublesome than assassinating him. Especially when it's uncertain what kind of magical talent he possesses, if he happens to be skilled in that area, he might be able to command walls to make way, making capture even more difficult.

Fortunately, Lord Fire Demon knew very well that there was a way to counter this unreasonable ability—a way other than killing the caster.

As the masters of dining without paying and the king of uninvited, wicked guests, the Nurarihyon actually have a very subtle weakness: they deeply believe in a legendary "patriarch." According to the legend, the Nurarihyon's abilities are completely ineffective against him and will instead be suppressed or even stripped away. And once the Nurarihyon does something too disrespectful, the patriarch will punish these Nurarihyon, or even turn them into incompetent old mortals.

This legend is obviously false, and there's no patriarch involved, but it could also be considered true. It actually refers to a method to break the Nurarihyon's abilities: constantly watching him and reprimanding his "rude" behavior, causing him to begin to doubt himself and wake up from his innate sense of superiority. Once this is done, the Nurarihyon will no longer be able to use his magic.

Shiranui Ran wasn't sure if the sly demon in front of her knew the truth of the legend, but she'd just assume he did. After all, an ordinary sly demon wouldn't go so far as to dine and dash and then defecate in someone else's restaurant. That was more than just rude!

But it doesn't matter. After all, the essence of this method is to completely overwhelm the Nurarihyon's strength in every aspect, suppress his excessive pride, make him mentally collapse, and ultimately lose his ability to cast spells due to racial defects.

"It's time too."

The rascal walked into the next izakaya, skillfully sat in the lap of the woman with the biggest breasts, and picked up the most expensive drink to start drinking. He continued this routine until he finished relieving himself, pulled up his pants, and was about to run away when Shiranui Ran kicked him: "Rude scoundrel!"

The sudden shout startled the ecstatic Nurarihyon, who instinctively reached for his long sword at his waist, aiming to slash at Shiranui Ran. However, Shiranui Ran was faster; her katana, hanging at her waist, flashed out of its sheath, deflecting Nurarihyon's sword and kicking him into the puddle he had just defecated.

"A mediocre and shameless bunch! How dare they be called guests of honor!"

Shiranui Ran shouted angrily, her conjured aged face revealing a furious expression as she looked down at Nurarihyon. Nurarihyon jumped up in rage, yelling, "What are you? How dare you use this trick on me! I'll tear you to pieces!"

However, when the Nurarihyon jumped out of that lump, his vision suddenly vanished; the old and dignified Nurarihyon had disappeared, leaving only the outline of the izakaya. And all the customers' eyes were fixed on him.

Oops!

The slippery ghost slapped his forehead, picked up the sword that had fallen to the ground, and turned to run away.

As he sped away, the patrons and the owner, who had initially looked terrified and were about to scream, slowly fell silent. Cognitive interference is indeed incredibly effective for ordinary people.

The elusive demon, having run out of the izakaya, breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the place return to normal. It wasn't that he was afraid of these ordinary people; he could wipe them out with a snap of his fingers. The problem was that Orochi had just told them not to make a scene, and here he was, carrying out a massacre. Was he afraid that monster Taira no Harunobu wouldn't be able to find him?

Moreover, some bastard is actually trying to use that ridiculous legend against him. Does he think he's some kind of brainless brat? It's just some illusion trick. It can't even make those mortals notice him immediately. Don't let me catch him, or I'll make sure he knows what real rudeness is!

After a few cold laughs, the slippery guy decided to go somewhere else to find some more fun.

Shiranui Ran happily followed him into the next izakaya.

This time, Nurarihyon took a satisfied sip of his drink and then happily urinated; but just as he was about to randomly select a lucky customer to spit on, Shiranui Ran appeared beside him again: "Rude scoundrel!"

Nurarihyon slashed at Shiranui Ran with a swift strike, simultaneously activating his cognitive interference. However, his blade was once again deflected by Shiranui Ran, and the powerful interference force vanished without a trace.

Then, Shiranui Ran once again used the Ethereal Cicada Technique, which she was so skilled that she didn't even need to take off her clothes, to moisten herself back onto the roof beam.

With Nurarihyon's abrupt actions and Shiranui Ran's subtle magical support, the customers and the owner of the izakaya also noticed the deformed old man reeking of feces, causing Nurarihyon to hurriedly run out again.

Next up was the next one. This time, Nurarihyon had just finished urinating when he was startled by a loud shout from the imposing Shiranui Ran, causing him to draw his sword and slash, but it was to no avail.

Then came the next establishment, this time the rascal deliberately minimized his presence to the bare minimum, becoming less noticeable than a passing breeze. However, before he could even begin to urinate, having just settled into the lap of a busty prostitute and picked up a bottle, that righteous shout rang in his ears once more: "Insolent scoundrel!"

Shiranui Ran slapped the sake bottle that Nurarihyon had picked up away, her face contorted with rage: "Disgraceful! A disgrace to our ancestors!!"

Enraged, the Nurarihyon unleashed his fastest speed ever, slashing at the old Nurarihyon before him—but all he felt was air as the blade passed.

And a heavy sense of guilt suddenly welled up in his heart, making him shudder.

This sudden change in mindset was all too familiar to him; it was clearly a tactic to alter one's perception! But he was a cunning demon! A genius among cunning demons! Even within the Tongxin Society, he was a carefree demon with a high degree of freedom! How could his perception be altered by someone else?

In fact, he was not altered. Shiranui Ran was not skilled in this kind of magic; so she simply used the minimum charm spell, just enough to make Nurarihyon feel respect and love for her, which was the highest level she could accept. Combined with Nurarihyon's attack, it naturally made him feel guilty for attacking the person he respected most.

He naturally resisted and dispelled even the most basic charm spells. Once he regained his senses, he felt a sudden pang of guilt, and naturally, he would activate his clever, bald head...

Shiranui Ran used the Ethereal Cicada Technique and watched as Nurarihyon left the izakaya with suspicion.

The time was almost right, and he began to waver.

If he just performs the same trick a couple more times, this slippery fellow will... tsk.

Chapter 449

Why are you thinking of running away so soon? You spineless coward.

Shiranui Ran lowered her gaze, her bright golden eyes locking onto the Nurarihyon fleeing in the darkness, and then she descended from the sky!

"coward!"

The madman was devastated.

Chapter 420: The Village of Mechanical Ninjas (3rd update)

Naturally, there was no gatekeeper at the entrance of Namba Industrial Company. To be precise, there was only the presence of one living person in the entire building, and that person was located underground.

I don't know whether to say Hattori Ichizo is really good at dodging, or that Minamoto Yukisakura's sensory abilities are just that strong...

Harunobu slashed open the iron gate in front of him and was about to head straight for the entrance to the basement when Minamoto Yukisakura suddenly stepped forward: "Harunobu, let me try, shall I?"

Having regained her composure, Yuan Xueying smiled, holding a knife in one hand: "I can't possibly go back and report that I've only been observing from the sidelines the whole time, can I?"

Harunobu was a little puzzled, but didn't back down a bit: "Alright, it seems I've taken too much credit; now it's up to you to show your skills. I'd also like to see the Tennen Rishin-ryu swordsmanship."

The two spoke in affected, formulaic, and awkward tones, but the smiles in their eyes were identical, creating a sense of perfect harmony. Fujiwara Kaguya, who had been fidgeting, looked left and right, finally pouting and gently tugging at Harunobu's hand.

"You little jealous thing." Harunobu said, both amused and exasperated, as he grabbed Fujiwara Kaguya's hand and gestured for Minamoto Yuki to move forward.

In any case, given Hattori Ichizo's strength, unless he fills the building with explosives, he won't be able to cause any trouble. He can't even escape through the secret passages, because Shiranui Ran has already figured out his lair, and every exit of the secret passages has a surprise gift prepared for him.

To put it bluntly, this is a genuine picnic for them.

Yuan Xueying reached the bottom of the stairs, glanced around casually, then drew her family's heirloom demon sword, Sakura Fubuki, and plunged it into the floor. The hidden mechanism door, which was perfectly flush with the floor, immediately malfunctioned with a creaking sound, then sprang upwards, revealing a stone staircase leading underground.

"To be able to achieve this level using only machinery... is this guy really a genius?"

Harunobu blew away the flying dust and debris, and looked at Minamoto Yuki Sakura, "However, to find and break through his mechanical weakness in an instant, Sakura, your genius surpasses his."

Yuan Xueying gave an elegant smile, ignoring Qingxin's praise, and cautiously continued downstairs. Fujiwara Kaguya's voice then drifted over: "Teacher, Teacher, don't let Sakura's silence fool you, she's actually very happy right now. Look at her hand that's not holding the knife..."

Minamoto Yukisakura turned her head and glared fiercely at Fujiwara Kaguya. The shame, anger, and murderous intent in her eyes were more terrifying than a hundred Hirakosuke, instantly silencing Fujiwara Kaguya. However, this turn of her head caused Minamoto Yukisakura's composure to crumble, and a blush spread across her fair face.

She quickly turned around and walked down the street. For the first time, she fully empathized with Ran Shiranui, who was being mocked by Yakumo Kurenai, and decided to learn from her.

Kaguya, you just wait.

Yuan Xueying, filled with embarrassment and anger, was completely unaware that the two people behind her were barely able to contain their laughter.

"Well done." Harunobu secretly gave Fujiwara Kaguya a thumbs up.

"Of course~" Fujiwara Kaguya proudly raised her head and rubbed against Harunobu's big hand.

Entering the underground passage, a narrow tunnel unfolded before Qingxin and his companions. The walls were entirely forged from pure steel, reflecting a cold, metallic sheen under an eerie, cold light. Yuan Xueying gradually regained her vigilance, but just as Shiranui Lan had said, there was nothing dangerous inside. It was nothing more than ordinary traps: iron balls that slammed down after sensing excessive weight—which were sliced ​​open; sharp spears that simultaneously sprang from above, below, left, and right—which were also sliced ​​open; and two automatic rifles that descended from the ceiling—their bullets were deflected and then sliced ​​open.

"Wow, that's incredible! Is this the level of the ultimate master?" Qingxin exclaimed sincerely. "Completely predicting the enemy's moves, and even predicting the enemy's predictions."

“You can do it too, right?” Yuan Xueying flicked away the remaining iron filings and gunpowder from the blade and looked at Qingxin: “In fact, you’ve already surpassed the level where you need to predict. No matter how good a person is, they can’t predict the wind and lightning, can they?”

"That's not necessarily true—look, didn't you foresee it?" Qingxin manipulated the breeze that Yuan Xueying had subconsciously cut open, drying the sweat on her cheeks.

Yuan Xueying pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. Of course she could sense it; after all, she had achieved oneness with nature, but how could an ordinary person do that? Moreover, she could only perceive the ordinary flow of wind just now. If it were a storm like the ones Qingxin had created when he unleashed his full power several times before, she still couldn't do it.

While the picnic group flirted and joked, Hattori Ichizo inside was terrified. The passageway was only about twenty meters long, and from his hiding place, Hattori Ichizo could see almost everything inside. He had rushed over to investigate when the first trap was triggered, and the more he looked, the more desperate he became.

I can't beat him, I can't beat him no matter what.

At any other time, he would have packed up and run away the moment Yuan Xueying charged at him with the automatic rifles. But it had to be today! It had to be at this very moment!

Hattori Ichizo turned to look at the mechanical doll on the workbench next to him, his face full of struggle.

Today marks a pivotal moment in his life's work. The heir to Iga Village, having lost all his ninja companions, is determined to forge an unwavering steel ninja. To this end, he has made countless sacrifices: selling off ancestral treasures and abandoning his clan's ancient precepts to become a merchant. He even risked death to participate in the Heavenly Observation Trials, let alone something as trivial as collaborating with demons.

All of this will be completed today! His first autonomous mechanical ninja with a true soul and self is about to be finished! If he runs away now, it will just be left here—he doesn't have the strength to carry a mechanical ninja weighing 300 kilograms away!

If he abandons the mechanical ninja, by the time he gathers that many materials and equipment again, he'll probably be old and dead. Those materials took him twenty years and so much effort to collect!

Just as Hattori Ichizo was hesitating, Minamoto Yuki and Harunobu arrived at the end of the passageway and gently knocked on the door of his hiding place.

As the steel gate collapsed, Hattori Ichizo's heart skipped a beat. In fear and panic, he launched his strongest attack!

Dozens of mechanical ninjas leaped out from their hiding place simultaneously from all sides, unleashing a variety of ninjutsu: fireballs, ice blades, tornadoes! Kunai bullets, shuriken!

However, all these fancy things vanished like bubbles when a gust of wind swept by, returning them to their original positions.

"A robot that operates according to a program?"

Harunobu looked at the mechanical ninjas who were still pulling the trigger even after they had run out of bullets, and tilted his head. "It seems we didn't come to the wrong person after all, Mr. Hattori Ichizo. Just hand over the information about you and the Tongxin Society honestly, and maybe I can let you live."

Hattori Ichizo stared at the gleaming Tenkazemaru perched on his neck, his eyes losing their luster.

He didn't understand why Ping Qingxin would come looking for trouble with him; he hadn't provoked Ping Qingxin at all! Tongxin Society? What Tongxin Society? What did he have to do with it?!

Looking at Hattori Ichizo's resentful yet self-righteous expression, Harunobu nodded knowingly: "I understand. It seems that leaving a little bit was indeed the right thing to do."

Black mist emerged from Harunobu's outstretched palm and seeped into Hattori Ichizo's brain amidst his resentful gaze.

A moment later, Hattori Ichizo's gaze turned to terror.

Chapter 450

And regret.

The author says:

Author's Note: It got recommended, so I'm adding an extra chapter. Seriously, nobody's been asking for more chapters lately~ Happy slacking off~

Chapter 421: Wiping Them All Out

The pitch-black mist spread through Hattori Ichizo's mind, and the deep patterns engraved in his soul gradually faded, eventually collapsing completely as the last wisp of mist disappeared.

A glint appeared in Hattori Ichizo's dazed eyes, fear and regret swirling within them before settling into rage. Scenes sealed by the magic, scenes he had subconsciously forgotten and ignored, flashed before his eyes: from accepting his first order for a yokai's mechanical doll for money, to his tireless work designing the colossal, well-crafted mechanical doll for the Mitsuhiko-kai; from using ordinary steel as a material, yet calmly using living human subjects to lubricate the gears; from his ecstatic anticipation of payment after completing the development, to the sorrow of being branded with the magic seal and reverting to his pathetic state as the last Iga ninja…

The overwhelming emotions that surged forth in an instant overwhelmed the poor ninja's brain, causing him to vomit on the spot.

Harunobu waited for him to catch his breath before tapping him on the shoulder with Tenka-maru: "Hey, Hattori Ichizo, give me your information."

Hattori Ichizo wiped the grime from the corner of his mouth and straightened up: "No problem, Master Taira; I will tell you everything I know, and hopefully you can still make it."

Hattori Ichizo's answer made Harunobu feel uneasy: "You mean, the present-day god has already been completed?"

"The design was already finished long ago, before I went to Tenran for the trial," Hattori Ichizo said, unable to hide his resentment. "Those bastards didn't even pay me!"

"This is really bad news..." Harunobu said with some regret, but it wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, the foreigners were able to produce a complete set of blueprints, so it was to be expected.

"So do you know where the Tongxin Society creates living gods?"

Hattori Ichizo nodded affirmatively: "Right below Osaka Bay, there is a large underwater factory overseen by Umibozu. All the components of the current gods should be manufactured and assembled there."

Harunobu asked again, "Underwater... how did they do that? Even if those aquatic monsters can live underwater, how are those production machines waterproofed?"

Hattori Ichizo answered fluently: "We can just use yokai materials to make the machines. Ordinary machines can't process and manufacture the materials of gods and humans anyway."

Do you know the exact location? How do I get in?

"Of course I know, that's the location I chose." Hattori Ichizo was even more anxious than Harunobu. "The manufacturing and delivery deadline they set should be in the next few days, we have to act quickly!"

Qingxin looked at Yuan Xueying, who was somewhat regretful, but still nodded slightly: "Matters are important, but shouldn't we wait until the others have finished? If we could find the leader of the Tongxin Society directly and take him out, that might be better."

Yuan Xueying is right. More importantly, we can't be sure that Hattori Ichizo's words are completely true. Even if he doesn't want to lie, we can't guarantee that what's in his head is true, since his soul has been manipulated before.

Harunobu tapped his head and contacted his wives through the Garbhadhatu Mandala.

"Hong, Xingzi, Shengzi, have you finished on your end?"

……

At the roaming house, Yakumo Kurenai closed the landscape painting in her hand, glanced coldly at the resentful crowd around her, and said sweetly to herself, "It's done~ It's even simpler than I imagined; basically, it's just that Sachiko-nee charged in with her sword, and I easily broke the painting demon's barrier, and that was it."

It was actually a bit troublesome, mainly because the blood therapy at the Naruyōya attracted too many ordinary people. During Hirayukiko's attack, many ordinary people even risked their lives to protect those inside the Naruyōya. This did make things a bit difficult; if it were Shiranui's style, she would have killed them all with a single spell.

However, since she was now Qingxin's person, she tried her best not to kill ordinary people, even these indiscriminate scoundrels, unless absolutely necessary. And to injure them without killing them, while also immobilizing them, was indeed more troublesome than simply killing them... although she wasn't the one facing the trouble.

Yakumo Kurenai looked at Hirako, who was standing in the crumbling Rogue House, her blade and sleeves stained with blood. She still looked calm and composed, her expression unchanged; as if she hadn't fought the blood zombie created by the painting demon using blood therapy for three hundred rounds at all—if you ignored the unrestrained phantom floating behind her.

The Susanoo-no-Miko was pouring a waterfall of scarlet sake into his mouth, a stark contrast to Hira-yukiko herself.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Tachibana Seiko also connected with Harunobu's contact. She gazed into the distance, where the Knights of the Round Table had ruthlessly torn apart the alchemists' defenses and launched a fierce attack on the innermost part of the alchemists' territory. The Red Dragon Queen was fighting on the front lines, her gleaming armor stained crimson. The bizarre giant puppets created by the alchemists through self-sacrifice could not withstand the enraged Red Dragon Queen and were quickly hacked to pieces.