Who Takes Anyone Seriously These Days?

Stepping out of the iron gate of the Maggot's Nest, the midday sun shone directly down, making one squint.

Wang Xun raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight and took a deep breath.

The unique crispness of the forest air helped him relax his tense nerves a little.

He hadn't expected that Kisuke Urahara would actually dare to bring this up directly.

He made it clear that he had been tested during the last mission, that he possessed Hollowfication power, and even subtly offered to help him control this power.

This audacity was far greater than he had imagined.

Urahara has always been a shrewd person; he probably always keeps something in reserve.

But this time, it was so direct.

Clearly, he valued the Hollowfication power within him immensely.

Wang Xun started walking towards the suspension bridge.

The iron chains creaked beneath his feet, and the white mist churned beneath the bridge, much like his thoughts at that moment.

He raised his hand and touched the Zanpakuto at his waist. The coolness of the blade seeped through his palm, gradually clearing his mind.

How could he not understand Kisuke Urahara's thoughts?

What helped him uncover the truth about the power? What made him stronger?

Ultimately, they just wanted to use him as a guinea pig.

Urahara a research fanatic who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Just like Ichibē Hyōsube, the captain of the Zero Division who was known as the "Monk of the Eye".

He didn't care who the Soul King was, nor did he care whether the Soul King lived or died.

As long as there is one Soul King in Soul Society, the balance of the three realms can be maintained.

Kisuke Urahara was the same.

As long as I can achieve my goals, as long as I can withstand the impending crisis.

In his eyes, it didn't matter who was sacrificed.

Everything else is just a high-sounding excuse.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Wang Xun's lips.

Trying to take advantage of him won't be that easy.

He has never been a pawn to be manipulated. Urahara wants to make a move on him, he'll have to see if Urahara will agree.

He recalled the person behind the scenes mentioned in Urahara's words, and his heart sank slightly.

He had long been aware of the disappearances of Soul Reaper in Rukongai, as well as the mysterious vanishing souls.

Urahara's suspicion that someone was behind it all is true.

To this day, no one knows that the mastermind behind all these events is Sōsuke Aizen of the Fifth Division.

Only Aizen such strength and cunning to manipulate Hollow Hunters to kill Soul Reaper right under the Seireitei's nose, and do so flawlessly.

The unusual activities of the South Rukongai and the Adjuchas in East Rukongai are likely both linked to Aizen.

That man is lurking in the shadows of Soul Society, silently laying his plans.

The thought of Aizen filled Wang Xun with a sense of apprehension.

The ability to Kyōka Suigetsu can perfectly manipulate a person's five senses, making it impossible for them to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Once he sets his sights on you, you won't even know how you died.

Wang Xun finally managed to gradually fade from Aizen's sight.

Aizen's attention is probably all on the Hōgyoku right now, and he won't care about Aizen's insignificant Fourth Seat in the Fourth Division.

He didn't want Urahara's scheming to attract Aizen's attention again.

Urahara is currently still working under Yoruichi and is a member of the Gotei 13.

Unlike later on, he was not sentenced by the Central 46, turned his back on Soul Society, or lost trust in the higher-ups of Soul Society.

At this point, Kisuke Urahara was still somewhat mindful of the rules of the Seireitei and his own status, and dared not go too far.

Aizen, however, was different. He had long since abandoned all scruples and was capable of doing anything to achieve his goals.

If Aizen were to discover the Hollowfication power within him, he would likely be captured and dissected within a few days, becoming material for Aizen's research on the Hōgyoku.

Moreover, he's currently in the Fourth Division.

His abilities are steadily improving, and he is living a stable and fulfilling life.

He doesn't need to take such a big risk for the sake of becoming stronger, as Urahara mentioned.

Wang Xun's steps gradually came to a stop in the middle of the suspension bridge.

He looked down at the surging waves below the bridge, the apprehension in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

He saw through Kisuke Urahara's thoughts.

Conversely, could Kisuke Urahara also be used by him?

Urahara a smart man, and even more so, a capable one.

The collaboration on the Spirit Spring Project has already brought him benefits, allowing his Spiritual Might level to increase rapidly.

If I can continue to utilize Urahara's abilities, will I be able to improve my strength even faster?

That does have some feasibility.

Of course, there is a price to pay for using Urahara.

He must remain vigilant at all times, not allowing Urahara to lead him by the nose, and not revealing any more of his secrets.

He needed to maintain a delicate balance with Urahara, a balance of mutual exploitation and mutual wariness.

If this balance could be extended to the exploration of the power of Hollowfication, that would not be a bad thing.

A glint of light flashed in Wang Xun's eyes.

He's not someone who constantly avoids opportunities; he knows how to seize them.

Urahara wanted to use him, and he could easily go along with it.

As long as he keeps a backup plan and remains clear-headed, and as long as he doesn't completely trust Urahara, he won't fall into a passive position.

After all, the Hollowfication within him was granted by the system.

He improved by absorbing the fragments step by step; he had his own rhythm.

If I could use Urahara's research as a pretext to accelerate my own progress, that would be an unexpected bonus.

But all of this must be under his control.

Wang Xun out of his thoughts, gripped the Zanpakuto at his waist, and strode forward, continuing towards the other end of the suspension bridge.

His steps were steady, his gaze firm, and all the emotions in his eyes were deeply concealed, leaving only a trace of indifference.

He won't actively seek out Kisuke Urahara, nor will he completely reject him.

He believed that Urahara would definitely lose his patience and come knocking on his door again.

What he needs to do now is to quietly improve his strength in the Fourth Division.

He will master the swordsmanship of the Unohana sect, integrate the techniques of the Kidō, further improve his Spiritual Might level, and take his strength to the next level.

Only by possessing sufficient strength can one gain a foothold in the unpredictable Soul Society.

Only then can one become the one who holds the initiative in the power struggle between Urahara and Aizen, rather than a passive pawn to be manipulated.

After crossing the suspension bridge, Wang Xun arrived at the barracks of the Second Division.

Before long, he arrived at the training ground of the Second Division with ease.

At this moment, the team members are practicing Hakuda and Shunpo with great effort, sweating profusely.

Soi Fon's figure also appeared in the center of the training field.

Her movements were swift and ruthless, and then, as if sensing the gaze, she turned around.

Upon seeing Wang Xun, Soi Fon paused, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She then walked over, her tone still cold, but with a hint of barely perceptible surprise.

"Wang Xun? What brings you to the Second Division?"

Wang Xun looked at Soi Fon, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"It's nothing, Third Seat Urahara just wanted to talk to me about some collaboration."

Soi Fon nodded, looked Wang Xun up and down, her eyes gleaming.

Then, a glint of fighting spirit flashed in her eyes.

"It's rare for you to be back, so how about a little competition?"