I'll Make It Happen the Way You Hope / Weigen Xujun's Ambition
She didn't know when the glass beneath her feet would shatter, or whether her reckless movement would cause a crack to tear through the already fragile glass prematurely, causing her to fall into the darkness... She closed her eyes and slowly opened them again, her bright red eyes meeting another pair of gentle eyes.
"Hua, what are you saying?"
A smile spread across her face; she had learned that kind of smile. It wasn't a forced smile that was immediately obvious, but an innocent smile, a smile that seemed out of nowhere. That fake smile couldn't fool Yurikawa Hana, no matter how careless she was.
"Wasn't that a bit too sudden?"
As if she had been asked a truth or dare game, a hint of embarrassment appeared on her face.
"However, I really like Miko and Hua."
"Yuria-chan,"
The orange-haired girl sighed.
"Even now, you still refuse to face your true feelings?"
Looking at Yuria, who was feigning composure, Yurikawa Hana's thoughts drifted back to the very beginning, to the time after school.
Why deceive yourself?
She didn't understand, she really didn't understand.
Those kinds of feelings are perfectly normal...
The wind began to blow again, rustling among the leaves, with the occasional leaf falling.
"Come to think of it, it seems like we've never really walked together as a couple."
Hua's words brimmed with the vitality and energy of her owner; she was a carefree person who had never felt troubled by many worries.
Sometimes she wondered if Yotsuya Miko had secretly helped her deal with some bad things all along, after all, Miko was a superhuman, very powerful.
"Most of the time it's just me, Miko, and Yuria together, or Miko and I together, or Yuria and Miko together. I always feel like if it weren't for Miko, the two of us wouldn't be able to talk at all."
Yuria was speechless at such sentiments, unsure of what to say, and simply nodded slightly at Hua beside her.
"Yes... I always feel like something's missing when Miko isn't around."
Do you feel the same way?
Hua's steps were light and quick; she suddenly leaped to the front of the road, paused a few times, and walked alongside her companion, looking somewhat restless. Behind this restlessness was Yuria's listlessness. Her enthusiasm was rather low, only so-so.
When the girl was standing next to her unenthusiastic companion, she tilted her head, closing the distance between them.
"To be honest, we don't seem to have much in common to talk about. Yuria, do you like watching movies? There's a new movie out recently, <Totoro 2>, I'm really looking forward to it."
"As for movies... I'm afraid I don't have much time, I'm very sorry."
Thinking of her position as the vice-minister of the Special Affairs Department of the Divine Gate branch, Yuria shook her head. Beyond her studies, her position as vice-minister brought not only convenience but also equal responsibility.
"If we do have time, Hua and I will go see it together."
"Is that so? Well, that makes sense."
Hua straightened up and put some distance between them.
"After all, Yuria, you're now a remarkable vice minister, and you're involved in supernatural events, so it's perfectly understandable that you're so busy. It's wonderful that you've accomplished so much at the same age, Yuria; I can't compare at all."
Her tone carried a hint of envy, but Yuria didn't find it particularly enviable.
Perhaps Hua envies her current achievements, but she herself is the one she should admire even more. After all...
"There's nothing to envy."
Yuria shook her head, glancing at Hua, who had suddenly brought up the topic, unsure whether she had done so intentionally or unintentionally. Seeing the distress on her friend's face, she suddenly found it somewhat amusing.
She wasn't envious of her own status; she was clearly envious of the many things she and Miko could talk about and discuss together.
However, what Hua didn't know was that these conversations were all too casual, nothing compared to her conversations with Miko. In Miko's heart, she had long since decided on the person she truly wanted to protect.
Thinking of this, Yuria felt a pang of sadness, even her lips tinged with a bitter taste. It was just an illusion, coming and going quickly.
Yuria, forget about these things.
The blond child murmured to himself, and the bitterness faded away, turning into calm, tasteless water.
As time goes by, the love that lingers in one's heart, the feelings that were never expressed to the person in question, will transform into a pure crescent moon, occasionally residing in one's heart, but it will no longer be the only one, nor will it last forever.
"Hmm, that's easy for you to say."
Upon hearing these words from Versailles Yurikawa Hana's cheeks puffed out, but upon gazing into those eyes that had dimmed even further, her anger dissipated.
She hates this, she hates this kind of behavior.
Then the wind rose, carrying her doubts, and blew in the direction of Yuria.
"You like Miko, don't you?"
Her short, orange hair fluttered in the breeze, and the hem of her clothes swayed. A fallen leaf shifted its position, and one landed on the top of her little leather shoes.
Yuria's eyes widened slightly, and like the fallen leaf that landed on her shoe, innocent words slipped out, obscuring the truth in her words.
"Your eyes have betrayed you, Yuria."
Yurikawa Hana probably never imagined that she would one day have to help her rival in love confront her own inner feelings.
After seeing those eyes, she vaguely guessed what would happen.
"Granny Saegusa, I've already asked."
"... Oh, is that so?"
She smoothed her wind-blown hair, as if smoothing her heart. Yuria dared not look at Hua before her; she dared not.
"You knew all along... is that right?"
"Yuria, are you already planning to give up?"
Hua didn't give a confirmation, but simply walked up to her.
"Are you really happy right now? Because you feel inadequate and give up so easily?"
Her hands rested on the small child. In that moment, she didn't care what minister he was or what superhuman he was. In that moment, he was just a child who lacked love.
"Even if you know you'll fail, can't you still express your feelings? That guy won't understand at all if you don't tell him."
It's certainly a bit strange to help your love rival confess their feelings, but because it's Yuria, she's willing.
"Are you really content with this now?"
Chapter 230 I will achieve it in the way you wish.
"Welcome, Ms. Yotsuya."
Not long after returning from Kamikakushi Mountain, One Kyojun finally met the person he was supposed to meet this time— Yotsuya Miko.
"Yes, it's a pleasure to see you, Mr. Xu Jun."
Yotsuya Miko took a seat in the conference room, her Spiritual Sense and gaze falling upon the important figure who had arrived, Jianping. However, she only glanced at him briefly and made no further move.
She had a good impression of the attitude shown by the Wagen Family, so she did not intend to do anything more.
"I look forward to reaching this cooperation agreement. If there are any questions after this meeting, please feel free to ask, Mr. Xu Jun."
Due to her transformation, Miko only wanted to complete the agreement as soon as possible, and her attitude became straightforward. She didn't intend to pay much attention to the current situation of the Divine Gate.
With Yuria working at Divine Gate, many things became much simpler.
"Well, rather than having any doubts, I'd rather have a heart-to-heart talk with Ms. Yotsuya."
One Kyojun said with a smile, his thoughts becoming stronger after visiting Kamikakushi Mountain.
"What is your view on the existence of spirits in this world?"
"Spirits that exist in this world?"
This topic made Yotsuya Miko pause for a moment, recalling her cooperation with the Wagen Family, and she briefly explained a few things.
"Those spirits, to me they're just ghosts and monsters. Divine Gate has existed for many years, so he should know a lot about these non-human beings. These beings called spirits are creations born from the Soul Body of the dead. Because of this, they have lost many of their human memories, leaving only chaotic instincts and obsessions. They have no chance of becoming Buddhas; they can only be destroyed or devoured by more powerful spirits. Since death happens all the time, these spirits can never be completely eradicated."
"Indeed, over a long period of time, some spirits have become powerful by consuming too many spirits and have begun to threaten the world of ordinary people. This is one of the purposes of Divine Gate's existence: to stop the actions of these spirits. But compared to these troublesome spirits, the troubles that Divine Gate faces are far more difficult. Miss Yotsuya experienced the Kawamimori Second Gate riot and should understand the hidden dangers of those Gate of the Underworld."
"The Gate of the Underworld?"
Upon hearing this, Yotsuya Miko felt a sense of unease. She didn't know much about the "Gate of the Underworld," but she was certain that it had some connection to the Gate of the Underworld Xuanhui Realm. Perhaps the weakened array or rune on the "Gate of the Underworld" was the work of cultivators from the Xuanhui Realm. The exorcists of this world couldn't have done that.
However, according to the myths and legends that Kawamori heard, the "Gate of the Underworld" were widely opened in ancient times, otherwise the Divine Gate organization, which was responsible for supervising the seals on them, would not have existed.
"I don't know much about the Gate of the Underworld. But the one thing I'm certain of is that behind the Gate of the Underworld are all sorts of exceptionally powerful monsters. However, these monsters don't easily pass through the gates; there are special barriers above the gates designed to weaken their power. You should already know this."
"Yes."
One Kyojun gave an affirmative answer, but still sighed and put on a wry smile.
"According to past records, the monsters in the gate seem to loathe our world. Yet many monsters still manage to pass through the gate and enter our world, each time bringing profound disaster. The monster you faced, Kawamori, was a severe catastrophe for us. It took too much to kill that monster."
In other words, do they have the power to kill the Xuanming Python?
Yotsuya Miko remained silent, listening intently to One Kyojun's words. She roughly understood that One Kyojun hadn't come to have a heart-to-heart talk with her, but rather to discuss "greater good."
"If this is the case in our country, then it's the same in other countries, isn't it?"
"You're right, but we're lucky because we have a powerful expert like you. That Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method has already spread within the Divine Gate in China, and other countries are also starting to spread it. Presumably, the strength of human exorcists will soon increase significantly, making it much easier to deal with these spirits and guard the Gate of the Underworld. This is all because of you."
"I am also very happy that this exercise can bring such benefits."
She took a sip of tea, letting it go in one ear and out the other.
"The Shepherd, organizations like Ashes have been actively working to break the seal on the Gate of the Underworld. If these organizations can resolve this quickly, it would be far better than the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method I offered. As long as the Gate of the Underworld controlled, many things will be peaceful. These cultivation techniques will eventually fall into the hands of these organizations. Instead of congratulating them on the techniques, Mr. Xu Jun should do the work himself. I heard that the Gate riot in Chuan Shou was quite serious. If there are multiple Gate riots, even I won't be able to deal with them one by one."
"..."
Xu Jun remained silent for a while before smiling as if nothing had happened.
"Please rest assured, Miss Yotsuya, we will definitely crack down on such organizations. Your words have been very helpful. In that case, let me make things clear."
Although pointless probing often wastes time, as a politician, One Kyojun preferred to trust his own eyes and judgment. Looking at Yotsuya Miko in front of him, he finally realized that this was the powerful figure the Wagen Family had to cling to.
They are not bound by grand principles or constraints, but they can accept the kindness of others.
"Although Okita- kun has already made it clear, please let me repeat it again. The Wagen Family will fully support you in taking a seat on the Divine Gate Supreme Council. While you hold this seat, the Wagen Family will be your supporters. Although this power is not great, your will will influence all those serving in Divine Gate throughout the country."
"So, what are the conditions?"
"Completely eliminate all other forces outside the Divine Gate."
Without hesitation, One Kyojun stated this condition. It was the Wagen Family's demand, but more importantly, it was his own. It was because of this demand that he met directly with Yotsuya Miko in his capacity, and that he was making every effort to facilitate cooperation with Yotsuya Miko. Because the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method had already shown him the possibility of its realization.
"Very interesting conditions."
Yotsuya Miko wasn't surprised by this condition; she simply looked at One Kyojun.
"I will achieve it in the way you hope."
Chapter 231 One Kyojun Ambition
The negotiations concluded smoothly.
At least that's what One Kyojun thinks.
Due to official business, after meeting with Yotsuya Miko, he got into his car and left the city.
Yotsuya Miko also left through the Divine Gate and headed towards Kamikakushi Mountain to see if the formation she had set up on Kamikakushi Mountain today had failed.
She hadn't expected this, but during her conversation with One Kyojun, Kamikakushi Mountain came up as a topic to ease the awkwardness. That's when she remembered the "giant beads" on Kamikakushi Mountain.
Although these tools are quite durable and can last for twenty or thirty years without maintenance, just in case, since One Kyojun recently visited Kamikakushi Mountain, she planned to go and check again to see if there had been any mistakes with the original arrangement.
By the time we reached Kamikakushi Mountain on foot, it was already quite dark.
Gazing at the Kamikakushi Mountain before her, Yotsuya Miko unleashed her Spiritual Sense, enveloping the entire mountain in it.
The sixteen silver beads, originally buried in the mountain, remain well-preserved, continuing to absorb the unknown spiritual energy within the Kamikakushi Mountain. Due to the existence of the attack mechanism, no Ghosts can approach this mountain, except for humans.
Yotsuya Miko wasn't particularly concerned about One Kyojun and Okita Qishen entering the Kamikakushi Mountain. Her modified Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method had lost the ability to draw in spiritual energy from the outside, so even if they were surrounded by spiritual energy, they couldn't absorb it. Moreover, the silver beads she had buried under the rocks had an extremely strong absorptive effect, and their presence made the spiritual energy in the Kamikakushi Mountain thinner.
"It seems I was overthinking it."
She glanced at Kamikakushi Mountain again and Miko had withdrawn her Spiritual Sense. The mountain had not undergone any changes and maintained the original formation she had set up. The arrival of One Kyojun and Okita Qishen had not brought any changes to the mountain.
"But... is their spiritual energy storage really that small?"
When he withdrew his Spiritual Sense, he also checked the spiritual energy stored in these silver beads. To his slight Miko, there wasn't much spiritual energy stored inside.