Imperial Treasure

Chapter 1313 - 754: Abe Haruaki, Here for the Art of Onmyōdō

On the bustling street of the temple fair, Sui Yi was undoubtedly the most conspicuous figure. She didn’t bother exchanging pleasantries with the others; a mere glance sufficed, as she intended to enter Lingyun Pavilion with Natasha and others to prepare for the battle...

Her eye caught Wanwan’s iconic graceful figure, accompanied by Hou Xibai, prompting Sui Yi to raise an eyebrow.

Wanwan approached, indifferent to the fact that Sui Yi’s group, both in number and overall strength, could easily overwhelm her.

Her gaze quietly swept over Shi Feixuan, finally resting on Sui Yi, with an expression of resentment...

Without uttering a word, such a woman probably has a gaze that speaks louder than a thousand words.

Kou Zhong himself was quite fond of lovely women and had encountered many beauties like Shong Xiufang, Shi Feixuan, and Li Xiuning, yet he found Wanwan’s soul-stirring beauty most irresistible. He secretly guessed the meaning behind that gaze might be...

Many turned to look at Sui Yi.

Oh, the burdens of romantic entanglements, sir.

However, Wanwan truly said nothing, merely collecting her resentful gaze, subtly making her point, then leaping into Lingyun Pavilion.

Hou Xibai nodded and smiled at Shi Feixuan, then followed suit.

Outside, Natasha lazily remarked, "So many of us, yet she risks everything, not afraid of getting hurt, just because someone won’t bear to harm her, or... it’s true love~"

Sui Yi lightly glanced at her, "And haven’t I spared you, despite your bullying me several times?"

In terms of casual rebuttals that happen to tease, Mr. Sui’s skill points are truly at their max.

And what’s most disarming is... her tone and demeanor are devoid of any flirtation; she just says it offhandedly, and you’re left swaying.

Natasha’s expression froze for a moment, then a smile graced her face, dazzling and radiant.

Many secretly shook their heads.

Shi Feixuan noticed the Princess Ruo across from her seemed quite content with a faint smile at her eyes and mouth, prompting a slight frown.

This woman... has always been an enigma to her.

Li Jiancheng harbored deep resentment towards Sui Yi but dared not show it, currently could only grit his teeth inwardly, thankful not to be a man.

Indeed.

Dong Dong Dong!

A distant bell tower chimed, signaling the time.

Some hurried into Lingyun Pavilion while others outside clamored, wondering why the Dongying Japanese were yet to arrive?

"What’s that?"

Suddenly, someone pointed towards the lake...

The skyline where the blue sky meets the Green Lake, dotted figures swiftly approached.

Soon, those dots turned white as they entered everyone’s view.

Eighteen people, seventeen dressed in attire unlike the Central Plains nor like Goryeo or even the Turks, resembling kimonos but notably different. Specifically, it was the unique garment of Dongying Yin Yang Masters — the hunting robe.

Seventeen Onmyoji, plus one black-clad Blade Guest.

Among the seventeen, could one be Abe Haruaki?

Sui Yi glanced across hundreds of meters, raising an eyebrow.

Not among them.

At least, undisclosed.

Swish Swish Swish!

All eighteen moved like terrifying afterimages, leaping into everyone’s sight within ten meters... and in a blink, that ten meters became negative five meters.

For they directly leapt into Lingyun Pavilion, instantly standing atop a flat roof, all gazing at the center empty platform where Heavenly Saber Song Que sat cross-legged.

At this moment, the Central Plains people could carefully observe the faces of these Dongying individuals.

In Dongying, Onmyoji is a highly exclusive profession, requiring mastery in arts, spells, politics, and more, along with exceptional appearance and demeanor, making the selection criteria overly meticulous. Thus, these seventeen were all exceptionally handsome and extraordinary, with skin as white as jade, leading the Central Plains people to perceive them not as superlative masters but akin to well-favored noble playthings...

Of course, none dared say this aloud, inwardly already dismissing them.

Each was indifferent.

Lady Qi Lian gently spoke, "They have all cultivated spiritual bodies..."

Spiritual bodies? Shi Feixuan pondered, "Is Lady Qi Lian referring to Shikigami, the Dongying Yin Yang Sect’s exclusive secret technique... I’ve only heard of it before, could it truly exist?"

Lady Qi Lian, fond of Shi Feixuan, smiled slightly, "Some things that are unseen are the ones truly existing... you must feel with your heart."

"Yet when even heartfelt attempts are futile."

"Then you’re doomed."

Shi Feixuan and others felt a chill inside, grasping Lady Qi Lian’s implied warning — if a real confrontation ensued, should these Central Plains masters fail to perceive the presence of Shikigami, their demise would be but minutes away.

And at this moment... Song Que opened his eyes, gazing at the eighteen atop the roof.

That gaze, like a saber’s edge, electric brilliance.

"Abe Haruaki, since you’ve arrived, why not reveal yourself?"

Among the eighteen... no one responded, yet all lowered their heads.

For the air before them bizarrely condensed into a figure.

He too wore a snow-white hunting robe, even more straightforward and clear than the others, but this man’s appearance...

Even those like Song Que, accustomed to the world’s breathtaking figures, were momentarily stunned.

Abe Haruaki... was exceptionally beautiful.

A man can be beautiful, exhibiting many forms of beauty: masculine beauty, feminine beauty, elegant beauty...

Yet when that beauty surpasses a certain limit, it transforms into something rather terrifying.

Abe Haruaki was the type who, upon first glance, struck one with a beauty too terrifying.

He neither possessed feminine grace nor masculine vigor, but his beauty was both similar and dissimilar, a complexity of unfathomable elegance. When he appeared, even the wind seemed to halt its drift.

"Central Plains, Heavenly Saber, Song Que"

His tone is intermittent, yet it doesn’t sound abrupt, merely laden with meaning.

"I’ve heard that your blade is the supreme blade of the Central Plains"

Song Que listened to him finish speaking, his eyes deep and obscure, lightly saying: "Do you mean to have me battle the Blade Guest by your side? Only by defeating him will I earn the right to engage you?"

Many martial artists present were filled with anger!

What kind of person is Heavenly Saber Song Que! After accepting a challenge, does he still need qualification to duel with this so-called State Preceptor from a small nation?

These people are simply too arrogant!

Song Yuzhi was infuriated, directly rushing into Lingyun Pavilion, but didn’t shout, for Song Clan disciples have always been mindful.

The disgrace of Song Que, only Song Que can wash it away!

Sui Yi stood on the street, silently glancing at Abe Haruaki’s back, focusing on the person beside him.

The Black-clad Blade Guest.

The Heavenly Sword in his hand trembled.

"Demon Blade Muramasa"

"The one wielding it... Dongying Martial Saint Miyamoto Musashi"

Sui Yi’s slow voice spread like ripples.

Everyone was shocked beyond belief.

Could it be..... after the Dongying Goblin Master was slain by Sui Yi, the other two top-ranked warriors have gathered in the Central Plains?

Firstly, there is the undisputed Martial Saint Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest Swordmaster in Dongying’s history.

Secondly, there is Abe Haruaki, the foremost practitioner of the Yin Yang Technique.

What great ambition brings these two, one mastering combat and the other technique, to the Central Plains.

Song Que already recognized Miyamoto Musashi, for Musashi’s unabashed gaze was far too overt.

Martial Saint!

He is Dongying’s foremost Martial Artist, the premier Swordmaster!

His target is Song Que, acclaimed as the number one blade of the Central Plains!

If it’s Miyamoto Musashi, it wouldn’t be an insult to Song Que after all.

"I represent technique, and Miyamoto is combat, Lord Song Que, you would rather face Miyamoto in battle, right?"

Abe Haruaki’s pupils are like glass, his demeanor not effeminate but giving off a mystical aura.

Song Que felt seen through.

But his conscience was clear, being seen through didn’t matter to him, he replied calmly: "Indeed, I don’t prefer battling someone like you who’s adept in technique, probably even less interesting than fighting Ning Daoqi... However, Mr. Abe, having come all the way from Dongying, surely you aren’t merely here to observe my duel with Miyamoto Musashi?"

Miyamoto Musashi glanced at Song Que, his eyes somber, his rugged face expressionless.

"The Goblin Master was under his jurisdiction; with the Goblin Master’s death, he must deal with its aftermath... he’s here for the one who killed the Goblin Master, also for technique, as for me... Song Que, I’ve wanted to face you in battle for three years now"

Miyamoto Musashi’s words caused many to change their expressions subtly, while Abe Haruaki already turned his gaze toward a sparse spot among the dense crowd on the nearby street...

His attention landed on one particular person.

"Central Plains Wizard, I am here for you"

Shi Feixuan and others finally understood what the aura between peerless masters meant.

When Miyamoto Musashi and Song Que locked eyes, the sabers on both trembled... imposing and fierce, as if dragons and tigers roared!

While when the enchanting and godlike Abe Haruaki gazed remotely at Sui Yi, and Sui Yi returned a cold stare...

There was the loftiness of mountains and the etherealness of mist.

Motion and stillness.

Sui Yi finally spoke: "I thought you came here for the Heavenly Sword."

Abe Haruaki smiled slightly: "Should you be defeated, the Heavenly Sword naturally becomes mine; should you triumph, why speak of the Heavenly Sword?"

He wasn’t so arrogant as to assume his own invincibility, rather he laid out both possible outcomes.

This kind of person is the most formidable.

"Between you and me, only technique stands as the sole aspect"

The Heavenly Sword was never part of his contemplation.

"Technique...."

The comparison between Yin Yang Techniques and witchcraft, modern and ancient... truly necessary.

"Teacher, I..." Lady Qi Lian instinctively wanted to speak... To her, what kind of figure is Sui Yi.... How absurd that a modern derivative of a technique would rival the origin, the progenitor?

Simply ludicrous.

Her intervention was more likely, though her technique was weaker compared to her fellow disciples....

Sui Yi waved his hand, smiling: "I’ll handle this myself.... after all, some things I have long forgotten.."

Abe Haruaki needed to aid her in recalling.

Lady Qi Lian understood and said no more, only watching Abe Haruaki, lowering her gaze: "Looking at him, it resembles another Loulan... truly unlikable"

Sui Yi was momentarily stunned, then chuckled.

Loulan, huh?

She couldn’t remember the other person’s appearance, though apparently, Lady Qi Lian was both wary and disapproving of Loulan.

That must be a truly exceptional individual.

As for Abe Haruaki... not simple.(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)