Hakuji and Koyuki's Engagement: A Kneel Before Departure

As a samurai born in the Warring States period, Kokushibo valued his dignity and strength most during his human days.

Now that he has become a demon, he has long since abandoned everything related to samurai.

All that remains is the desire for greater power.

Or rather, the desire to surpass Tsugikuni Yoriichi.

Although Yoriichi had told him that those who pursue the ultimate path will arrive at the same destination through different means, Kokushibo knew that he might never reach the other's level.

If we want to surpass Yoriichi, we have to consider it from another direction.

Moreover, he had seen someone with a similar expression a long time ago.

If you think I'll agree to your request, you should give up now.

As expected of you, you already guessed it.

Looking at the Scribe, a faint hint of appreciation flashed in Kokushibo's six eyes.

He had similar feelings many years ago on that day in the village of knife blacksmiths.

Yes, he's now bringing up the same old idea again.

He took the Scribe as his apprentice!

But clearly, the Scribe, having guessed his thoughts, rejected him without hesitation.

With a flick of his sleeve, the Scribe prepared to leave.

A hundred years ago, he refused the invitation from Tsugikuni Michikatsu called Kokushibo, and a hundred years later, he will do the same.

Wait a moment.

Seeing that the Scribe was about to leave, Kokushibo quickly stopped him.

Even if you insist on leaving, I hope you will see that thing before you go.

After saying that, Kokushibo stretched out his finger and pointed in a certain direction.

Following the direction of his finger, the Scribe saw a flattened stone.

On top of the stone, there was also a small booklet.

The Scribe glanced at Kokushibo, seemingly sizing something up.

In the end, he still didn't get any useful information from the other party.

As the Scribe approached the stone, he noticed that the booklet in front of him looked somewhat familiar.

The material, size, and even the handwriting on it all gave me a strange sense of familiarity.

It looks almost identical to the Yoriichi then.

Looking at the cover of the booklet, five words were clearly written on it.

Breathing Technique.

After glancing at it and finding no signs of tampering, the Scribe picked up the booklet.

Turning to the first page, one finds the author's insights and understanding of Breathing Technique.

Although these things are child's play for modern Scribe.

But for those who are new to Breathing Technique, or even seasoned practitioners who have been practicing for several years, this knowledge is an invaluable treasure.

The more he flipped through the pages, the stronger the sense of unfamiliarity in Scribe's heart became.

When he turned to the next page and saw the four large characters written on it, he instantly understood.

On this entire page, only four large characters are written.

Moon Breathing

In other words, this booklet was written by Kokushibo in imitation of Yoriichi.

Further on, from the First Form of Moon Breathing to the Dark Moon: Evening Palace, all the way to the Clear Moon Projection that Kokushibo just used, there are detailed annotations.

After reading the entire booklet, the Scribe's expression remained unchanged.

Do you think I would covet the Moon Breathing?

Shaking the booklet in his hand, the Scribe looked at Kokushibo, his calm words tinged with a hint of anger.

Or do you think this booklet alone can atone for all your sins?!

Shaking his head, Kokushibo replied.

I have no intention of atoning for anything. If you were to be seduced by such a little thing, you wouldn't be the Scribe I know.

After saying that, a smile suddenly appeared on Kokushibo's lips.

Did you know that there's an unwritten rule in my family?

After viewing the entire body of knowledge of a master, whether the viewer likes it or not, they will be recognized by others as that master's disciple.

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of fiery red sword energy erupted, severing the projection in half.

The veins on his forehead bulged, and the Scribe knew he had been Kokushibo.

Although this had no negative impact on him whatsoever, and even brought considerable benefits, Kokushibo obtained what he had always dreamed of.

He forcibly took the Scribe as his apprentice.

From this day forward, the Moon Breathing will have one more unwilling inheritor in the world.

Haha, Yoriichi, I can finally stand at the same level as you!

Scribe, see you in three years!

For the first time in his life, Kokushibo laughed so loudly.

The excitement and exhilaration in Liu Yan's eyes were impossible to conceal; he had finally caught up with Yoriichi in some way.

The projection disappeared amidst his relieved laughter.

Chapter 86 Hakuji and Koyuki's Engagement, A Kneel Before Departure

Opening his eyes, the real Kokushibo, who was far away from the Scribe, opened his eyes.

He had been thinking about today's events Muzan gave him the order to find a way to cause trouble for the Scribe.

It can be said that both Imamura and those disciples of the dojo were merely tools of Kokushibo.

Their purpose was to attract the Scribe's attention, using their lives as bait to lure the Scribe here.

This does not conflict with Muzan's Muzan to cause trouble for the Scribe.

It can be said that Kokushibo chose a rather ambiguous method to implement the boundaries of the command.

This was also the first time that Kokushibo had mixed personal emotions with the task given to him by Muzan.

Of course, this is the last time.

After tonight, he will still be Muzan's partner, the Upper Rank One feared by all demons.

After entrusting the Moon Breathing to the Scribe, Tsugikuni Michikatsu's last wish in the world was fulfilled.

All that remains is Kokushibo.

He glanced back at the distant location where the Scribe was, then smiled faintly.

After a few leaps, he disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, the Scribe had already returned to the town.

At this moment, the townspeople who had survived the ordeal were still somewhat afraid, worried that the monster might reappear.

Only the Scribe knew that Kokushibo would never return.

At least, he won't come to this town alone again.

Upon returning to the Soryu Dojo, which was mostly destroyed, he saw Tamayo and the others from a great distance.

Is it all over?

The Scribe nodded, indicating that everything was over.

After telling them what had happened, Koyuki, who had just woken up, exclaimed in surprise.

Was that giant monster Imamura?!

Koyuki felt uncomfortable all over just thinking about the way the other person had looked at her.

If Hakuji hadn't told her that the monster had been killed by the Scribe, she probably would have been traumatized for the rest of her life.

Just then, Keizo suddenly spoke up.

Miss Tamayo, you just now

Although the other person didn't finish speaking, Tamayo could still detect a hint of panic in their words.

Tamayo told the Scribe about how her identity as a demon had been exposed, and shook her head to indicate that she was fine.

While she was living among humans under a false identity, she was prepared to be discovered.

Although she feels a little down right now, it's still within her acceptable range.

Looking at Keizo, whose eyes were wavering, and then at Tamayo, whose face was somewhat downcast, Scribe sighed.

He could understand Keizo's thoughts.

Not everyone is like me, possessing enough mindset and time to understand a life form other than humans.

After seeing the demonized Imamura, most people would form a habitual way of thinking.

Ghosts are all ruthless, brutal, and bloodthirsty beings.

Even if Tamayo acts like a normal person now, there's no guarantee she won't suddenly go crazy and eat people one day.

Trust is sometimes such a fragile thing.

Let's pack our things and leave.

Nodding, Tamayo turned and walked into the ruins.

When Koyuki overheard Scribe and Tamayo's conversation, her expression changed.

Father, what are you talking about? Do you suspect that Mister Scribe and Miss Tamayo will harm us?

Faced with his daughter's questioning, Keizo was speechless.

After his wife died, his daughter became his only support.

He didn't care how much gossip he endured or how others viewed him, as long as his daughter was safe.

Keizo admitted that he was extremely grateful to the Scribe and Tamayo for saving his daughter, and that he could never repay their kindness in rescuing them from the threat of death.

But he simply couldn't bear to see a bomb next to his daughter.

Clenching his teeth and fists, Keizo lowered his head, not daring to look Koyuki in the eye.

When Hakuji saw the father and daughter who had differing opinions, his eyes were full of conflict.

She glanced at Koyuki for a moment, then at Scribe and Tamayo.

Ultimately, he made his own decision.

Sorry.

Releasing his grip on Koyuki's hand, Hakuji showed a hint of apology on his face.

He turned around and ran towards Tamayo.

Miss Tamayo, let me help you.

Before Hakuji could finish speaking, the Scribe interrupted him with a roar.

Hakuji, you go back here!

Faced with the Scribe's roar, Hakuji defended himself.

But, Mister Scribe, I've made up my mind. I still want to go with you.

Are you planning to abandon Koyuki and Keizo?

The Scribe roared again, rushed straight to Hakuji, and grabbed him by the collar.