Counseling Sōken Ishida

When Sōken Ishida's hand reached out to Liu Ziyun, it was a hand marked by the passage of time: rough skin, prominent knuckles, and faint, visible scars from battles with the Hollows. It was a hand that had witnessed countless battles, a hand that had protected countless lives.

Liu Ziyun gently placed his hand on his palm, as if it were a matter of Life-Taker.

The moment the blade touched the skin, a soft, white-gold light emanated from the blade and slowly seeped into Sōken Ishida's body. Liu Ziyun closed his eyes, sensing every trace of information about the old Quincy's body and soul emanating from the blade.

After a long while, he opened his eyes. His gaze held understanding, respect, and an indescribable complexity. "Your body and soul have not been corrupted by the power of the Void. However, due to years of fighting the Void, your body has suffered excessive wear and tear. Your power is somewhat mixed with the power of the Void."

He paused, then explained, "However, this is normal. Your Quincy battles involve absorbing surrounding Reishi into your bodies and then fighting using spells or bows and arrows. Therefore, some other powers attached to the Reishi will be mixed into your power. This is unavoidable."

Sōken Ishida nodded calmly, a detached composure on his aged face. "I know. After living and fighting for so many years, how could I not have these?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. "Then, I will treat you in the same way from now on."

Sōken Ishida smiled slightly, a smile filled with trust and expectation, "Alright, let's begin, Mr. Liu."

Liu Ziyun nodded.

He raised the Life-Taker again, the platinum-gold light on its blade growing even brighter. Then, without the slightest hesitation, he slowly plunged the blade into Sōken Ishida's body.

There was no blood, no wounds, only a warm and sacred light emanating from the blade, enveloping Sōken Ishida's entire body.

In the light, Sōken Ishida's body began to change. His originally hunched back gradually straightened, his originally pale face gradually became rosy, and his originally cloudy eyes gradually became clear. It was as if time had reversed, and he had returned to his youthful state.

Liu Ziyun slowly pulled out the blade.

As the blade was withdrawn, the light emanating from Sōken Ishida gradually diminished and eventually disappeared completely.

When he reappeared before the crowd, he was no longer the frail old man, but a vigorous and radiant middle-aged man. His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, and he exuded an indescribable aura.

Sōken Ishida looked down at his hands, which were now smooth and strong, as if he had returned to forty years ago. He moved his fingers, feeling the power surging within him, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.

"This... this is simply..." He looked up at Liu Ziyun, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Mr. Liu, I can't thank you enough. The Ishida Family owes you a favor."

Liu Ziyun his hand, a gesture tinged with humility. "No need to thank me. It was nothing."

He withdrew his Life-Taker, turned and walked towards the Gigai leaning against the chair back. He reached out and pressed down, re-entering the artificial body. The Gigai instantly regained its life force; it opened its eyes and moved its body.

"Alright, that's settled for now, I should head back."

Sōken Ishida quickly stepped forward, his attitude respectful and sincere. "You are an honored guest, and you have saved my life and Yicheng's life. How can we let you leave like this? Please stay for dinner so we can express our gratitude."

Liu Ziyun looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. "Alright, in that case, I'll stay a little longer."

He paused, then added, "There were some things I originally wanted Ryūken to relay. But since I met Mr. Zongxian today, I'll just speak to him directly."

Sōken Ishida tightened, and he quickly gestured for him to speak, "Mr. Liu, please go ahead."

Liu Ziyun sat down in the guest seat, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. His expression turned serious, and he looked directly at Sōken Ishida: "Mr. Sōgen, I hope you will abandon your idea of joining forces with the Soul Reaper to protect the World of the Living and eliminate Hollows."

Sōken Ishida was stunned. His brows furrowed slightly, his eyes filled with confusion. "Mr. Liu, why? Do you also think that eliminating Hollows is merely the job of Soul Reaper?"

Liu Ziyun shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his gesture. "I'm not that arrogant."

He put down his teacup, his tone becoming more somber. "However, because of what happened two hundred years ago, the Soul Society will not stand idly by Quincy grow stronger. Even if the Quincy develop methods for eliminating Hollows that can purify rather than kill them, those guys in the Soul Society will not agree."

A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes. "Especially those nobles of Soul Society. Breaking the uniqueness of Soul Reaper like this will affect their interests. So, if you continue like this, they'll see you as a thorn in their side."

Sōken Ishida fell silent. A complex expression appeared on his face, a mixture of resentment, helplessness, and an indescribable sorrow.

Liu Ziyun continued, "Furthermore, you Pure-Blood Quincy have been targeted by a research madman. He will find an opportunity to ensure that when you are attacked by Hollows, the Soul Reaper arrives only after you are dead. This way, he can legitimately obtain your corpses and then conduct his perverse research."

Sōken Ishida's pupils contracted slightly. "A research madman?"

Liu Ziyun nodded. "Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the Twelfth Division. A madman who will stop at nothing for research."

Sōken Ishida fell silent. His brows furrowed, and his eyes were deep in thought.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Mr. Liu, what should we do?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, a hint of sympathy flashing in his eyes. "I can't help it. So, you should just consider yourselves ordinary people."

He paused, his tone softening further. "Besides, why can't you live like ordinary people in this World of the Living? That way, your heritage can continue to exist."

Sōken Ishida sighed, a sigh tinged with resentment and helplessness, "But we can all see it. So we can't bear to see those who harm ordinary people."

Liu Ziyun nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. "Yes, I understand. With great power comes great responsibility."

He changed the subject, his tone tinged with mystery. "However, this matter isn't without hope. It's just that the time isn't right yet."

Sōken Ishida's eyes lit up. "Mr. Liu means..."

Liu Ziyun his hand. "It's too early to say. However, your family will produce an extraordinary person in the future. So don't worry, with that person as a starting point, we can plan things out and hopefully enable you to play your part."

Sōken Ishida gave him a deep look, then nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Mr. Liu."

At dinner time, the Ishida Family's dining room was filled with a warm atmosphere.

The long dining table was laden with exquisite dishes, each exuding an enticing aroma. Sōken Ishida sat at the head of the table, with Yoshizumi Ishida beside him and Ryūken Ishida opposite him. Liu Ziyun was seated as the VIP, with a variety of delicacies laid out before him.

The group sat together, eating and chatting. The conversation ranged from the history of the Quincy to the current state of the Soul Reaper, from life in the World of the Living to the rules of the Soul Society. Liu Ziyun's witty and humorous remarks filled the table with laughter.

Since being healed, Yoshizumi Ishida has always had a smile on her face. She looks at Liu Ziyun from time to time, her eyes full of gratitude. Sōken Ishida also changed his usual seriousness, with a gentle smile on his face.

After the meal, Liu Ziyun stood up, preparing to take his leave. "Thank you for your hospitality. I should be going now."

He walked to the door and suddenly stopped. He turned around, looked at Sōken Ishida, and a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes. "By the way, Mr. Sōgen, if you are going to teach your grandson Uryū Ishida in the future, try to do so within your family's own Training Grounds and avoid going out. Just in case."

Sōken Ishida took aback for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "Okay, I understand."

Liu Ziyun nodded. "Alright, I'm leaving now."

He turned around, waved, and disappeared into the night.