Philosopher's Stone and Hogyoku (End)

"Should I go see Aizen? Forget it. I should wait until I get a little stronger."

Gazing at the grand buildings of Central 46, Shen Fei pondered for a moment before setting aside the idea of meeting Aizen for now. Even if they shared the same goal, given Aizen's personality, one had to first possess the strength to speak with him. Though Shen Fei was not afraid of Aizen at his current level.

Kyoka Suigetsu was indeed formidable, but that was only if one saw its Zanpakuto release without knowing anything about it. Under the current circumstances, Shen Fei would not be foolish enough to look at Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu. Still, it was always best to be cautious, just in case.

Cooperating with Aizen was currently the best option. Killing Aizen and taking the Hogyoku was also an option, but then he would have to face Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Yhwach, and the monk alone. None of those three would be easy opponents.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai in particular—both Aizen and Yhwach had defeated him through schemes. Neither had confronted him head-on. If Shen Fei killed Aizen ahead of time, he would probably have to find a way to create a fire-extinguishing prince to counter Ryujin Jakka.

As for the Hogyoku, before obtaining Tokinada Tsunayashiro's memories, Shen Fei would naturally have been determined to acquire it and use it to evolve his soul. But now, there was no longer any need.

He already knew the essence of the Hogyoku: it was the Spirit King's power. Now that Shen Fei knew this, he could create a Hogyoku himself. One could say that the Philosopher's Stone and the Hogyoku were the same thing; the Hogyoku merely had the Spirit King's power added to it. Add the Spirit King's power to a Philosopher's Stone, and it