Volume 4, Chapter 67 – Spirit Bodies In The Mountains

Volume 4, Chapter 67 - Spirit Bodies In The Mountains

Translator: LazyButAmbitious

“Who gave you permission to call my name? Do you enjoy punishment that much? Can’t sexy and beautiful women like you show your charm without being punished?” Ui asked angrily.

“Why do you have these strange thoughts at such a young age?!” Lily retorted.

“Do you think it’s great to be punished? Hmph, I won’t give you what you want. Today, I won’t punish you!”

“...How could I possibly find that great? You are the one who’s strange!”

...

...

At this time, on the other side of the high mountains, Shimizu continued to walk in front while Tamurakonoe followed behind vigilantly. They had already entered the depths of the mountain range, ascending to a height of several hundred meters. At their current altitude, the temperature took a drastic drop and every step seemed to chill their soul.

Dark clouds chased the silvery moon, shadowing the mountains in pitch black. However, the misty brilliance of the purple fog peppered the surroundings with glimmers of light. The further they walked up the mountain, the more dots of light drifted about the trees and shrubs.

Shimizu could sense these spots of light, perceiving faint spirit fluctuations from each one.

The beckoning fluctuations only grew in strength as she continued onward.

Tamurakonoe remained oblivious to the peculiarities. From time to time, Shimizu would deliberately divert in random directions so as to shrug off any building suspicions.

Gradually, Shimizu felt the gaze of someone crawling over her back. She looked around but only saw the black ancient trees resembling demons with outstretched fangs and claws. Nothing seemed unusual, however, the feeling of being watched still persisted. It was unfortunate that spiritual awareness was restricted in this place.

Even Tamurakonoe started to notice the abnormal coldness in the mountain.

“Minamoto no Shimizu, you’d better be careful. I’m afraid that unimaginable danger lies ahead.” Tamurakonoe’s eyes sharpened.

“If you’re scared, we can return.”

“No need. We would have to climb the mountain sooner or later unless we want to stay trapped here forever. Although that Kagami Lily has extraordinary talent, she’s definitely not my opponent. I never thought that before I could even fight her, I would end up stranded on this deserted island. Does this woman have some kind of magic power?” Facing this bizarre environment, Tamurakonoe couldn’t help chuckling ruefully.

Suddenly, the sound of stirring wind and grass could be heard in the fog ahead.

Shimizu and Tamurakonoe paused their movements and looked over with grim expressions.

In the roiling mist, around six or seven human figures emerged from the dark shrubs tens of meters away. This group held spears, axes, and other primitive weapons, and consisted of both males and females. However, whether it was the human figures or the weapons, they exuded a faint silver glow, appearing almost illusionary but tangible.

“Halt! Who dares trespass on holy ground?” One of the figures shouted from a distance. The voice sounded somewhat ethereal and hollow as if it had endured the vicissitudes of time.

“Oh?” Tamurakonoe smirked, “To think that there are such things on this deserted island.”

“Sure enough, you can hear our spiritual words. Girl, although you’re not of our clan, you must possess the bloodline of the noble master’s clan that we have served for generations! This is a holy place, but if you want to enter, we dare not stop you. However, that person behind you is a foreigner, please do not let him in.”

What? A noble master’s clan?

Shimizu was startled. She was a direct descendant of the Genji clan. Did these ancient people serve her ancestors thousands of years ago?

In any case, this turn of events was very favorable for her current situation. It was indeed a wise choice to follow the spiritual fluctuations into the depths of the mountain.

Shimizu scanned the group of ancient spirits and exchanged a subtle glance with the leader in front. She could confirm that he was the one using spiritual voice transmission to converse with her.

“Senior, it is not my intention to bring this person here. I was kidnapped by this man behind me.” Shimizu replied through the spiritual connection.

“What?” The ancient spirits communicated among themselves in spiritual language before transmitting back, “This foreigner is really hateful. He dares to kidnap the descendants of the noble master. Girl, you can continue ahead. As long as you enter the holy land, that man will not be able to chase you any further. We will stay to block him, but we’re not certain for how long.”

“This...the man behind me is extremely strong. Isn’t it dangerous for you to confront him for me?”

“Minamoto no Shimizu, what’s the matter with you? Why are you in a daze? Hurry and rush over.” Tamurakonoe urged from behind. Although he was much stronger than these ancient spirits, he was still worried about potential traps or other secret methods. Currently, Shimizu was the best scapegoat.

“Girl, we’ve already been dead for countless years. It’s our duty to protect the master’s holy land with our remaining spirit bodies, as well as to protect the descendants of the master’s blood. It’s also the purpose of our existence. Quickly escape while we block this person!” The tall ancient spirit assured.

A wave of determination flashed across the faces of the several ancient spirits.

“Shimizu is grateful! Then, please!” Shimizu unsheathed her short sword and pretended to launch an aggressive attack, rushing towards the leader of the ancient spirits. Tamurakonoe watched on with a smug grin.

However, when Shimizu approached the ancient spirit, she didn’t attack but directly passed by his side and sprinted into the depths of the mountain.

“What? Why didn’t they stop her?” Tamurakonoe was stunned, “Are these ancient spirits just bluffing?”

“Well then!” He sneered and rushed over.

At that moment, the several ancient spirits all sprung forth, stabbing their weapons towards Tamurakonoe simultaneously.

“What?!” Although he was strong, he was caught off guard by the sudden attacks and had to jump back to retreat, “Why let that woman pass but not me?”

“Foreigner, stop talking nonsense! Allow us to send you on your way!”

The ancient spirits combusted with a blinding radiance, causing ancient rope patterns to circle around them. Their figures then dissolved into milky mist and converged together, forming a huge spirit warrior that raged with spiritual energy and dazzling silver light.

The once hollow voice also became more vigorous, “A mere foreigner dares to covet the holy land? DIE!”

A huge jade sword materialized in the hands of the light spirit warrior as it strode towards Tamurakonoe with heavy steps.

Tamurakonoe stood there, his long robe fluttering. He reached for the long tachi strapped to his back and smirked coldly, “Hmph.”