While Masaru and the two girls were walking down the corridor to take the elevator to the first floor to have their dinner, Masaru was having a conversation with Drago.
[The story is too complicated, you will have to hide the fact this sacred gear is different and only use your Byakko Mode till we know what is going on]
'What about little white, is she not telling you anything?'
[Not sure, however, she does have an extreme killing intent when Seiryuu was mentioned oi!? Don't throw such killing intent wantonly little girl, calm down!]
Masaru chuckled while listening to Drago who was coaxing Little white to calm down before he continued, [What I can say is you won't be able to trust anyone easily, it feels like every side has an agenda of their own but it definitely started because of the Kouryuu]
Masaru nodded as he too came to a similar conclusion, he was not certain why, however, he will have to consider that everyone would turn against him the moment he is revealed to host Kouryuu herself.
"What is the matter Ma-nyan?" Kuroka asked while looking at Masaru's complicated face,
Masaru's face returned to normal when he heard Kuroka "It's nothing, I am just trying to figure out the story a bit but we don't have enough information"
He answered her question while caressing her head, shortly they arrived in the dining hall where they spotted Zhou Hai patiently waiting for them.
"ah! Boss! I just arrived" Zhou Hai called out,
Masaru could see this little fatty had been here for a while now, he chuckled before pulling two chairs back for both his girls to take their seats before he took his own seat, Masaru checked the menu while he asked Zhou Hai, "How you managed to gather enough information for me?"
Zhou Hai nodded, "Yes Boss, from the looks of it there are several factions in the Chinese Mythology but there are two major factions, those that want Kouryuu to come back and retake the centre and those who want Kouryuu's power and become the new centre."
Zhou Hai felt a cold sweat down his back as he added, "And from the two major factions, it breaks into smaller parts where each group's intentions are revealed, for example, the group that wants to coexist with other mythologies and the group that wants to remain the only one in the country. And even rumours of some factions wanting the power of Kouryuu for themselves"
Masaru was quite interested in a peculiar faction, "Who is in the lead of the Faction that wants to take the power of the Kouryuu?"
Zhou Hai took out a small notebook flipping through it, "There are three names, Jiang Ziwen, Meng Zhang and then an outsider that no one knows his name"
Then he flipped one page back and continued, "The other faction is led by He Xiangu, Yama, Tian and also an outsider once again"
Masaru turned to look at Zhou Hai with a surprised look, "And how did they find out about these two outsiders?"
Zhou Hai scratched the back of his head, "Well it's quite widely known both factions has outsider help"
"Is the outsiders even trustworthy?" Masaru asked,
"Although there is no information about these outsiders, but my instincts tell me the outsider from opposing faction together with Meng Zhang and Jiang Ziwen is questionable" Zhou Hai said,
Masaru nodded while ordering his meal and drink followed by the girls and Zhou Hai, "Boss, I have to admit the fact it is widely known both sides have outside help, but there lies a problem about the fact no ones know who or what they are at all!"
Zhou Hai continued, "It's like someone deliberately created a rumour about this but I still wrote it down since it's a possibility. But then I can't help but feel suspicious towards the opposing faction that does not want to form an alliance with outside mythologies yet they did not decline outside help."
Masaru said nothing as he already felt something else was at play, 'To think I came at the worst possible time, I hope my reinforcements would arrive sooner' He thought
"We will do whatever we came here to do and leave, no need to get too involved in their internal war" Masaru spoke as he just made a choice to find out the reason Loki was assisted and the story behind Kouryuu then leave. The four of them enjoyed their meals in peace.
>\/<
"So Byakko came to China huh?" a young handsome looking man appearing in his early twenties with silver hair that is tied in a braided hairstyle, spoke towards Meng Zhang who was standing tall looking arrogantly at this outsider that was simply a pawn for their sake.
"Yes, Masaru Belial arrived in China as per our agreement. Now you will have to teach us the method to extract Byakko from him" Meng Zhang spoke haughtily, the outsider man was not the least bit bothered about this attitude and handed over a stack of papers that explained the process of removing a sacred gear.
"Since our transaction is complete, I will no longer support you" The outsider man was about to leave but soon when he was about to take a half step when he saw Meng Zhang was glaring at him,
"You think you don't owe us huh? We attracted the attention of your enemies you can't seem to handle away from Japan but your so-called reward for our assistance is not enough" Meng Zhang said,
The man gaze locked with Meng Zhang's before he sighed and took out another small box from his pocket when Meng Zhang opened it his smile grew wider before closing it, "It appears you are sincere, you may leave"
"Can you even trust him Seiryuu, don't forget it was the outsiders that brought our plans to take Kouryuu's power to light that we failed in the first place" Ling Guang who was always together with Meng Zhang came out from the shadows since she was listening in on the discussion,
Meng Zhang smiled sinisterly but when he heard Ling Guang's voice, he turned into a humble man who was smitten by a girl while moving swiftly towards Ling Guang in hopes to get her praise.
"The mission this time will not fail" Meng Zhang spoke confidently, Ling Guang felt a bit sceptical but still chose to believe in her lover.
>\/<
"Welcome to the Summer Palace" He Xiangu welcome Masaru who came wearing a black yukata, Kurokia was wearing her usual black rose pattern kimono while Roygun opted to wear a pink flower pattern Kimono,
"Thank you for your invitation" Masaru thank Xiangu politely while she led the three of them into the palace where many unfamiliar people were standing in groups chatting happily.
Masaru was introduced to many minor gods who were part of the faction that wants peace but from the looks of it, most of the major Gods were all busy so it was only He Xiangu and a Panda God that was representative of the major gods of the faction.
"Masaru, this is Pangu God of Yin Yang. He is one of the major gods in our faction" Xiangu introduced Pangu to Masaru, strangely enough, the face of the panda looked totally adorable even when Pangu was frowning it still looked like a plushie.
"It appears you find my appearance to be adorable like the rest do huh?" Pangu spoke with a disdain voice while he looked at Masaru as if to test him,
Masaru nodded "Well I will admit that I did have those thoughts, but I prefer calling you a warrior"
Pangu's eyebrows raised when he heard Masaru admitting it but also saying something most never said to him straightforwardly.
"I see" Pangu nodded while he tapped on the chair next to him for Masaru to take his seat, "I heard about your encounter with Seiryuu, I will have to advise you to be careful with that lizard as I suspect he intends to use you"
Masaru turned to look at the panda faced Pangu, "And you don't?"
Pangu chuckled not feeling one bit bothered by Masaru's direct question, "Yeah that is true, however, I only need you to be present for the Balance Ritual to stabilize our country for several centuries. Afterwards, I will not care how you live your life"
Masaru nodded, this may sound rude but it was simply Pangu being straightforwardly honest. he prefered dealing with such people in important matters, since there is no hidden agenda.
"Can you tell me about the outsider that is helping your side?" Masaru asked while taking a sip of his juice that was provided by a servant,
"It's true we did have an outsider helping us, but when we realized this outsider only helping us to prolong the internal war within our country did we decide to chase him away. From our sources, it appears he went over to our opposing faction" Pangu explained,
Masaru nodded, "Never expected you to be open about this"
Pangu laughed out loud, finding Masaru amusing. "It's because you are going to get involved in it anyway, just because you're the host of Byakko"
Masaru sighed as he thought this was something he will not be able to escape, "Which side is Genbu?"
Hearing this Pangu's eyes dimmed, "His whereabouts are unknown ever since that night Kouryuu left us, right now it's only Seiryuu and Suzaku who is still active, and then you who is the current Host of Byakko."
Masaru nodded, however, he felt sceptical of the absence of Genbu. There were just too many mysteries surrounding the incident in regards to Kouryuu that it did not make much sense.
Pangu chose this chance to ask a question of his own, "I heard some representatives from the Fallen Angels, Angels and Norse will be arriving in a few days?"
Masaru knew this information was already announced so there was no need to hide anything so he directly nodded. "Correct, they came to support me as you know I was quite heavily injured in mortal combat against Seiryuu"
Masaru spoke honestly towards Pangu who nodded, Pangu felt this boy was honest and straightforward so he took a liking to become friends with Masaru. "Well it does not matter, I honestly just want the ritual to be complete so it will not become a problem later"
Masaru nodded as he knew Pangu was referring to the Prophecy, he too would like to resolve this matter if it was true. Since he felt intuitively that if the balance was not restored, it could affect not only China but also the surrounding countries.
"He Xiangu, can I have a spar against you?" Kuroka asked Xiangu politely as she was feeling a bit itchy for a spar against a human who became an Immortal and finally a Goddess.
Before Xiangu could answer another younger girl approach Kuroka looking at her with disdain, "You dare to challenge my teacher!? You have no manners"
Kuroka was not fazed at the girl's sudden explosive entrance and instead looked at the girl feeling amused that she found a mouse to play with. Kuroka who was reborn as Masaru's pawn naturally underwent a different change since her body accommodated a mutated Pawn piece including her Bishop pieces meaning her Wizard trait body became more powerful while leaning closer to that of an all-rounder.
"So you want to face me instead?" Kuroka spoke with a mocking tone but her face had a gleam of excitement that she could experience the techniques of these immortals.
The young lady who abruptly appeared was a 1.6-meter tall lean body girl with modest breasts wearing a red qipao dress, her black her was tied into two buns at both sides, her eyes were fiercely glaring at Kuroka. "You will regret it"
Kuroka who heard the girl began to giggle happily while Xiangu turned to look at Masaru who was still chatting with Pangu, she could see he already heard what was going on but decided not to interfere,
'What is he up to?' She thought while turning to look at Kuroka who stood up, she would never expect that Masaru was allowing the black cat to enjoy her little fun since that was how she was.
Suddenly her cat-ears and twin tails came out the moment she revealed her true race shocking the surrounding people as the news of Nekoshou being close to extinction was not a hidden secret,
"To think a Nekoshou is in his team!!"
"Maybe I should try to pull her over to my side"
Masaru turned to look in the direction the men were talking while he leaked out a dense killing intent which caused them to shut up instantly, Pangu who felt his killing intent was not disturbed about it since he knew this boy loved his girls so protecting one's wives is the basic necessity of a husband and an Emperor of a Harem.
"Ma-nyan, can I go play?" Kuroka came over leaning on Masaru lovingly,
Masaru chuckled while gently caressing her head, "You may but remember to hold back, we are here as guests"
Kuroka nodded, meanwhile the Disciple of Xiangu felt her face was about to explode from the Rage she was feeling right now, 'Hold back!? He dares tell her to hold back?' She thought but sudden Xiangu came next to her
"Chunhua, you need to control your temper. Only with a calm mind will you progress" Xiangu advised her disciple.
Chunhua who heard her teacher Xiangu speaking to her sternly listened attentively, Xiangu continued "Never look down on your opponents, always be vigilant. Don't forget that girl's Master faced Meng Zhang despite not being a Mid God Class himself"
Chunhua calmed down when she heard this so she nodded,
"Good Girl" Xiangu nodded feeling satisfied this girl learnt how to control this fiery temper of hers, Kuroka turned to look towards Masaru who nodded towards her as if to grant her permission.
Suddenly in the middle of the hallway a bubble materialized, Xiangu stood near the Bubble "This is a temporary Alternate space we normally use for duels and personal battles"
Suddenly several bubble screens appeared showing the barren land with nothing but a flat terrain, "You can enter the Alternate space by jumping into the bubble"
Kuroka and Chunhua both nodded before leaping into the bubble, Pangu turned to look towards Masaru "Are you not going to stop this?"
Masaru smiled wryly, "Kuroka loves challenging stronger opponents, I am similar so I can understand she would like to test the abilities of Chinese Mythologies since we rarely come in contact with. I am certain you too are curious of our power, so it's a mutually beneficial exchange"
Pangu chuckled while looking at the bubble screen where two women were facing one another, Roygun came to take her seat next to Masaru as she too almost wanted to join in this battle but held back since one of them had to make sure pests won't bother their husband's time.
>\/<
"So your name is Chunhua, nice to meet nya!" Kuroka greeted Chunhua,
Chunhua was not certain if Kuroka was being sarcastic or only wanted to greet but she chose to greet back since she was the disciple of Xiangu "Chunhua Chen, one and only disciple of He Xiangu, one of the eight immortals"
Kuroka nodded, "Kuroka Belial, fiancee and pawn of Masaru Belial" Chunhua and Kuroka bowed with their fist clasped in their hand before taking their battle stances.
[BEGIN!]
Suddenly the two of them sprinted towards each other,
"Promotion Queen Nya!" Kuroka muttered softly as the pawn piece within her body vibrated and transformed into a queen piece boosting her overall aspects by several folds, Chenhua was surprised at this sight as she heard about this so-called Evil Pieces from the Devils but it will be her first time facing it head-on.
"Tiger Claw" Chenhua channelled her inner Qi within her dantian to circulate towards her right hand that was bend and spread like she wants to scratch Kuroka, suddenly the Qi she manipulated began to pour out of her fist materializing a massive tiger claw made out of Qi heading towards Kuroka's head.
However, Kuroka dodged the strike feeling quite exhilarated at how dangerous that strike was by using the radical movements Masaru taught her which included the principles of trackless steps as she disappeared from Chunhua's sight.
"What!?"
"What is those movement techniques!?"
But as a Cultivator Chunhua could use her soul to probe her surroundings so she immediately picked up Kuroka who was flanking to her right,
"You won't get away from me! Tiger Roar!" Chunhua channelled Qi towards her throat as she roared causing shockwave ripples to head in the direction Kuroka was heading towards.
Just when the fierce ripples of sound slammed into Kuroka, it exploded into smoke as Chunhua felt a fierce punch slammed into her back causing a ripple of air explosion to blast in front of Chunhua's chest.
BOOM!
However, Chunhua did not move forward but instead used to the propelling force to spin her body to slam her left elbow towards Kuroka.
'She is strong' Chunhua felt that strike in her back was a heavy blow and if it was a sword instead then she would have had difficulties.
Kuroka lowered herself as she felt the fierce blow touching the edge fur of her ears which alerted her at how dangerous the blow she just dodged was. With Chunhua taking on Kuroka face to face the two of them trading blows after blows that never connected with one another.
"To think that someone like you exists in this world" Chunhua spoke her honest opinion, she was enjoying the spar now after facing such a unique opponent.
Kuroka smirked as she took two steps back while instantly conjuring several yokai magic crests behind her, each of them had a different element with four spiralling spheres each.
"I am equally surprised that I could have so much fun tonight" Kuroka spoke with a smile as she thurst her palm towards Chunhua unleashing the volleys of spiralling sphere crashing down towards her.
These attacks were not meant to harm the body but the spirit and soul of the enemy, Chunhua was quite well versed with Yokai methods so she did not dare take these spheres head-on and opted to retreat.
But as she retreated Kuroka was moving after her while moving along the pathway her attacks were not crash landing,
"Kuh! Your quite something" Chunhua immediately took a stance where she lowered herself before leaping swiftly towards Kuroka while spinning,
"Tiger swallow the heavens!" Chunhua manipulated her Qi to increase the spinning speed creating a forward-moving vortex with an open mouth wanting to suck Kuroka in with Chunhua in the middle ready to rip her apart.
Kuroka stood still till she remembered a small lesson she once learnt from Masaru in the past, she used her mana to gather water vapour by rapidly gathering it into a suction orb which naturally enchanted the properties of the Hydrogens and Oxygen by several folds.
Shortly she split the hydrogens and Oxygens by 2 Hyrdogens for each 1 Oxygen, when the preparation was complete she created a fire that covered the orb but could not penetrate the layer that was containing the water vapour she prepared and covered the fire with another layer to prevent it from dying before she swiftly threw it towards Chunhua.
Pangu who saw the process almost choke with his own drink, he coughed loudly while looking at Masaru with Red teary eyes not believing what he just saw, even Xiangu who was lightly clapping Pangu's back to help him was looking at Masaru with Shock.
'This boy is teaching his peerage members such dangerous human knowledge!?'
Suddenly a massive explosion took place that shook the bubble screens and even the bubble doorway shocking the people out of their stupor from looking at a brilliant fight.
Pangu coughed a bit more to clear his throat before looking towards Masaru "Is all of your girls' such monsters?"
Masaru chuckled feeling slightly ashamed at how heavy Kuroka's attack was, "I made a mistake in teaching them knowledge in psychics, biology and others. Since the information was meant to improve their abilities, they tend to forget how dangerous those attacks are"
'Crazy!'