This Japanese Monogatari Isn't Lame
Chapter 520 - 336. Between Shapes and Representatives (4000 words)

Chapter 520: Chapter 336. Between Shapes and Representatives (4000 words)

Ihui Guangjiu was a fellow traveler of Beichuan Si, and accordingly, Ihui Nailuo also had a fellow traveler—the sister of Ihui Guangjiu, named Ihui Ju Xu.

Her name was derived from the transliteration of the second level of the eighteen layers of Hell, known as Ju Xu.

The specific purpose of their trip to Mikami Forest was not disclosed by Ihui Nailuo, but it was clear that the uses of these two sisters were not so simple.

The following day at noon—

Beichuan Si was now staying in the library of the Ihui Main Family.

This was also something prompted by Ihui Nailuo.

Apart from some particularly secret documents that were off-limits, all other scrolls were at his disposal to read as he wished.

It seemed the other party intended to earn Beichuan Si’s trust through this approach.

Thanks to such measures, Beichuan Si was able to gather information that outsiders could not possibly obtain.

For example, information about human effigies.

In fact, the making of human effigies was not solely for the purpose of attaching souls.

They had two other functions—

Bait.

It was said that in the era of the Ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, Ihui Island was rampant with vile creatures. Therefore, every household would create effigies from umbilical cords, hair, and fallen teeth, so if they encountered an evil spirit, they would throw these human-scented effigies.

The evil spirits would then tear at the human-scented effigies, while people seized the opportunity to escape.

Besides serving as bait, effigies were also used as living human sacrifices.

Yes, compelling the Divine Tree to suppress the Yellow Springs Water did not come without a price.

And this price required a living human sacrifice.

Only, it had been discovered long ago on Ihui Island that human effigies could be used in place of living people for sacrifices.

Therefore, the old practice of large-scale human sacrifices had been abolished and was no longer in use.

However, even so, a living person was still needed as a sacrifice.

Reading the words recorded in this ancient text, Beichuan Si muttered under his breath, word by word:

"The living sacrifice for the Izumi Shrine priestess, only the blood of the priestess who has lived long by the Divine Tree and is willing to give her life for it, may stir the effigy."

"With her blood, stir the effigy."

"Through the effigy, feedback to this person."

"The priestess, with her blood, enters the Divine Tree, her soul may dwell within the Divine Tree, control it, and suppress the Gate of Yellow Springs."

"After the Gate of Yellow Springs is suppressed, the priestess becomes a Heavenly Person. No longer troubled by the flesh, she accepts the offerings of the Izumi Shrine."

Beichuan Si pondered with a hum.

It appeared that the priestess was not making a sacrifice for the islanders without compensation; once she passed through the Divine Tree, she would become a Heavenly Person and enjoy the veneration of the shrine.

And on Ihui Island, the status of a Heavenly Person was very exalted. Thus, it was not so surprising that priestesses were willing to calmly go towards death... even compete for it.

For the villagers, for their own honor, and to become a Heavenly Person after death...

Although in Beichuan Si’s eyes, this was not something to be happy about, on Ihui Island, becoming the sole living sacrifice for the Divine Tree seemed to be something many aspired to do.

He rubbed his temples and was about to put down the old document to rest...

"Hmm?"

Beichuan Si, having already closed the old document, felt something amiss.

The latter part of the book’s cover seemed too thick, and on closer inspection, it appeared that there was a slightly swollen layer at the side of the book’s cover.

On an even closer look, it seemed uneven with the front cover.

Beichuan Si looked up.

Ihui Guangjiu was standing by the door, with her head lowered, respectful and reverent.

As if sensing Beichuan Si’s gaze, Ihui Guangjiu lifted her head: "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Beichuan Si diverted his gaze and shook his head: "Nothing."

After these words, he turned his back towards Ihui Guangjiu.

The cold glint of Jian Ding flashed from beneath his sleeve.

Accompanied by the swift movement of Jian Ding, Beichuan Si quickly tucked the object hidden within the cover into his sleeve.

Beichuan Si was not in a rush to check the contents, but simply closed the document again and stepped away from the bookshelf—

"Have you finished looking at what you wanted, Beichuan Master?" Ihui Guangjiu asked from behind him, her voice calm.

Was it duty or something else that made Ihui Guangjiu so diligent?

As soon as Beichuan Si stepped out, Ihui Guangjiu closely followed him.

"Nearly done."

Beichuan Si nodded: "I would like to rest in my room now, what about you?"

Ihui Guangjiu lowered her head: "Serving Beichuan Master is the mission given to me by the Great Heavenly Person, and of course, I must follow you."

Beichuan Si gave Ihui Guangjiu a lingering look.

Ihui Guangjiu simply kept her head bowed in a dignified manner.

This must also be a barrier that Ihui Nailuo had set up for Beichuan Si.

Having Ihui Guangjiu at Beichuan Si’s side also meant surveillance.

"As you wish." Beichuan Si said simply and then walked towards the room prepared for him by Ihui Nailuo without looking back.

As he walked, he contemplated.

There were three more days until this year’s Ihui Day. In the middle of the night two days from now, at twelve o’clock, the Gate of Yellow Springs would become restless. The shrine needed to be reset before then, and the Divine Tree awakened.

If he could perceive Ihui Nailuo’s intentions within these two days...

Beichuan Si hesitated.

He had arrived outside his own room.

Seeing this, Ihui Guangjiu also consciously sat down outside the door, kneeling with her eyes cast low: "I will be outside the door, Beichuan Master. If you need anything, you can call on me at any time."