The Great Master of Gensokyo

Page 17

"We can help the gods gain faith, but the price is that you cannot restrict Midori's freedom, and you must grant the gods their respective abilities, how about that?"

"This is the deal I'm talking about."

Changing his somewhat condescending tone, Saigyouji Hanyu spoke slowly and deliberately, causing Yasaka Kanako to fall silent.

"Why are you helping us?" This Onmyoji had the upper hand in the conversation from the very beginning.

Being stared at by Saigyouji Hanyu made Yasaka Kanako feel as if she could be completely seen through, which made her somewhat wary.

It's normal to be wary, after all, they've been weakened for years. Then a human suddenly discovers the true name of a deity and tells them they'll help them regain their faith. Who could easily trust that?!

Besides, this is no longer the age of gods; gods have no say in the eyes of humankind.

In the age of gods, gods don't need to grovel before humans.

She is a girl with divine pride, yet she also possesses her own modesty.

"Let me make it clear first, Suwako and I will not become your shikigami." For a deity like Yasaka Kanako, becoming an onmyoji shikigami would be too disgraceful for her divine status.

"No, no, I don't need to use you as shikigami. I just want to use your power to help me grow better."

"I think the gods should understand the importance of faith to them; it's simply an equal exchange."

"I need to become a great Onmyoji as soon as possible."

Humans, unlike monsters, have a lifespan of only a hundred years, which is ultimately limited.

His teacher has left, and his fate in Heian-kyo is uncertain. Now that his shikigami and abilities are insufficient, what is the most effective way to improve himself? The answer is to borrow the power of the gods.

Kanako Yasaka possesses the "ability to create the heavens," meaning she can manipulate wind, rain, and natural weather. Suwako, on the other hand, possesses the "ability to create the earth."

Altering the terrain and influencing the landform, turning the land into fertile fields or a cursed wasteland where nothing grows.

"..." Kanako Yasaka's expression was conflicted.

I felt like I was bound by Saigyouji Hanyu.

If she refused, her own power was rapidly weakening, and both she and Suwako fell into a deep sleep.

"I hope you will make a choice, after all, this is a rare opportunity for the divine being."

"You should wish to regain the power you wielded as an ancient god, but do you understand why humanity has abandoned its gods in this day and age?"

Saigyouji Hanyu spoke calmly and confidently, as if victory was assured.

As for Midori, she had no idea what Saigyouji Habu was talking about; as a shrine maiden, she simply didn't know enough.

However, it's truly remarkable that Saigyouji Hanyu could make a god appear so embarrassed.

"So this is what an Onmyoji is like."

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Chapter Thirty-Three: Frog

A sense of longing arose in Cui Zi's heart.

Saigyouji Hanyu had no idea what the girl was thinking.

However, for him, the identity of an Onmyoji is to control gods and demons with a human body.

In Japan, there are three ways to come into contact with the supernatural: one is to become a monk and study Buddhism; the other is to become a priest; and the third is to become an Onmyoji (a practitioner of Yin-Yang philosophy).

Learning the law is not something that can be accomplished in a short time. And according to Kamo no Tadayuki's understanding, in an era when the gods are not manifest, the priests are not as powerful as they used to be.

There's a reason why Onmyoji (the game's creators) were able to flourish.

"Restore the power of ancient gods? Kid, don't be ridiculous. If it were that easy, I wouldn't be in this shrine right now." Kanako said angrily, feeling that Saigyouji Habu was trying to fool her. "Just a young Onmyoji. I want to hear what you know. Why would humans abandon their faith in gods in this day and age?"

Enraged yet laughing, Yasaka Kanako thought to herself that Saigyouji Hanyu probably didn't know about the chaos Prince Shotoku had caused.

That great upheaval brought the era of the gods to a complete end, and the already weakened gods were replaced by the foreign Buddhist and Taoist religions.

"What profound truths can mere humans possibly utter?"

Gods possess an inherent stubbornness and pride.

However, this pride can be fatal at times.

"I wonder if Your Majesty is aware of the purge of Shinto during the reign of Prince Shotoku?" Saigyouji Habu squinted at Yasaka Kanako and said, "Prince Shotoku ordered Soga no Toru to launch a purge of the ancient gods represented by Mononobe no Futsu, which led to the current flourishing of Buddhism and Taoism."

"That's because the development of Shintoism became outdated and unable to bring prosperity and peace to the country. Under the trend of worshipping the Tang Dynasty, the power of the native gods who represented your ancient gods was purged."

Saigyouji Hanyu's words left Yasaka Kanako speechless.

How does this guy know such ancient secrets so well, and even the names of Soga no Tokiko and Mononobe no Futo?

Those two were the most important ministers during Prince Shotoku's reign.

"Huh?" No way, this guy really knows.

Kanako Yasaka couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

"However, this is only one of them," Saigyouji Hanyu said casually.

Kanako Yasaka became curious about what the other main reason Saigyouji Hanyu had mentioned was. Midori's gaze fell on Saigyouji Hanyu, listening quietly to his words, "And what is the other reason, Hanyu-sama?"

These were old stories she didn't know. Midori now seemed to have discovered something new and exciting, wanting to learn more from Saigyouji Hanyu.

"More importantly, humanity is no longer ignorant; it has replaced its ignorant beliefs with new ones." Primitive humans revered heaven and earth and worshipped gods, who thus possessed all sorts of incredible powers. However, the gods were no longer great in the eyes of humans, and the era of the flourishing of the divine could no longer exist.

"The gods represent the backward and ignorant beliefs of this country in the past, while the beliefs of the Great Sea Kingdom can bring prosperity and peace to the country and control the common people to the greatest extent." The ancient gods represented by Yasaka Kanako of the primitive polytheistic religion naturally no longer exist.

"Frankly speaking, if humans don't need them, gods are nothing."

Both monsters and gods arise from humanity's understanding of the unknown. Once humanity comprehends this unknown, the existence of gods and monsters will either adapt to human rules or degenerate into extremely evil demons.

Demons are truly evil beings.

“Humans.” Yasaka Kanako murmured involuntarily. Things she didn’t understand before suddenly became clear. “It seems that Lady Shinki understood all along.”

She was a deity from the same era as Shinki, and served under Shinki. Shinki was once the goddess Amaterasu, but that goddess later disappeared in Takamagahara.

At this moment, Kanako Yasaka seemed to understand what Shinki had said.

"Don't underestimate humans. Humans believe in gods, and it seems natural for gods to give back to humans, but it's because humans need us." The old Kanako Yasaka didn't understand, but the current Kanako Yasaka does.

"Aren't you afraid of offending the gods by saying such things?" Yasaka Kanako couldn't help but look at Saigyouji Hanyu. The young Onmyoji in front of her was a bit hard for her to understand.

“If I fear the gods, then I am no Onmyoji.” Saigyouji Habu smiled and winked. “So, what does the divine deity say…?”

"Fine, I won't restrict that girl's freedom. I can grant you what you ask for. However, for the other deity, you'll need her consent."

With a soft sigh, Kanako Yasaka said.

"Eh? Kanna-chan, why did you suddenly call me out?" The reluctant little girl appeared to the surprised gazes of Saigyouji Hanyu and Midori.

The little girl had big, watery eyes and wore a frog-shaped hat.

With skin as white as snow, she could be described as an absolute adorable loli.

"So cute..." This thought flashed through Saigyouji Yuzuru's mind. A top-tier loli...it's just too amazing.

"Wow, a human."

The confused little girl, upon seeing Saigyouji Hanyu's appearance, was so frightened that she immediately hid in Yasaka Kanako's arms.

"..." Wow, am I a bad uncle? Completely bewildered, Saigyouji Yuzuru had no idea what was going on.

"Suwako, that human said he wants to help us collect faith. Would you be willing to lend him your power?" Yasaka Kanako asked, both amused and exasperated, introducing Saigyouji Hanyu, "Just like the shrine maiden I was talking about."

Without a doubt, the little girl is another deity of this shrine, Suwako.

"Really? Wow, so, human, are you going to become my priest?" Suwako's watery eyes stared at Saigyouji Hanyu, making him feel a surge of cuteness.

Author's message:

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: The frog has made its appearance!

Chapter Thirty-Four: Priests, Shrine Maidens, and Gods

Priests and priestesses are different.

Shrine maidens are pure women who wholeheartedly serve the gods, while priests preside over the rituals. Priests, in particular, are better positioned to serve as a bridge between gods and humans.

“Priest…” Saigyouji Yuusuke’s lips twitched. Does it seem appropriate to make an Onmyoji a priest?

Saigyouji Hanyu's feelings became slightly complicated.

Surprisingly, Saigyouji Hanyu didn't refuse after just looking at the adorable goddess loli.

"Of course." Nodding, Saigyouji Hanyu gave a slight smile.

“Yay, I have a priestess now!” Suwako said happily, placing her hand on Saigyouji Hanyu’s outstretched hand.

At that moment, the system's task notification sound rang out.

[Gaining the approval of Suwa Daimyojin, I acquired the ability—Manipulation of Earth Leylines.]

[By harnessing the power of the land, gather spiritual energy within yourself to cast spells.]

This gave Saigyouji Hanyu a glimmer of hope; manipulating the earth's ley lines was far too important for him at this point. Being able to harness the power of the land meant that Saigyouji Hanyu could unleash powerful spells with minimal expenditure of his own spiritual energy.

If Saigyouji Hanyu were given enough time to prepare, he might be able to prepare a spell to deal with hundreds of high-level yokai.

Moreover, the main spell skills of Talisman Annihilation and Word of Power: First Form are more powerful.

Suwako's ability influences the power of the earth.

However, in exchange, Saigyouji Hanyu must unconditionally provide his spiritual power to Suwako; this is an equal exchange.

[Suwako Moriya, one of the eight million gods, is the pinnacle of 'worship of gods' and 'the native god,' and currently resides in Mount Nara.]

At the same time, the system prompts displayed general information about Suwako.

"Idiot, you idiot, why did you just agree like that?" Kanako was furious, making Suwako tilt her head. "Is it not allowed?"

"It's not that it's impossible, you idiot Suwako, you really have no sense of caution towards humans."

Kanako, rubbing her forehead, looked somewhat helpless. She'd raised her own divine friend for almost a thousand years, and she still remained so immature.

However, this is probably Suwako's divine nature.

“Since Suwako has acknowledged you, then you will be our shared priest. As her priest, you will easily master Suwako’s abilities once she has been acknowledged. However, I will first pass on my abilities to that little shrine maiden. The different natures of the two deities’ powers will cause conflicts within her body, so I need you to master Suwako’s abilities until you are proficient in them.”

"skilled?!"

Saigyouji Hanyu never expected such a thing to happen, but how skilled would he need to be to do it?

"Hmph, of course it can evaporate lakes and collapse valleys, but you can't do that yet." Kanako's words were sarcastic, causing Saigyouji Hanyu's lips to twitch. How could a human possibly do that?

That would be putting him in too difficult a position.

"Don't think it's impossible. Ancient priests were capable of performing many 'miracles.' And your idea is to combine the abilities of both me and Suwako, but unfortunately, our powers will conflict with each other."

"With your current human body, you may not be able to withstand the impact of the different nature of the abilities of the two gods."

Although Saigyouji Hanyu was somewhat dissatisfied, he understood after hearing what Yasaka Kanako said.

Trying to do too much at once will only lead to failure. Kanako Yasaka's abilities already influence celestial phenomena and nature. Since Habu Saigyouji already possesses Suwako's power, it's impossible for him to be compatible with Kanako's.

"Then, begin to be recognized by me, Midori." Kanako said hurriedly, leaving Midori somewhat confused. "Um, what do I do, God-sama?"

"Just put your hand in mine."

Kanako, smiling, gazed at Midori with a gentle expression.

"Whoosh." A gentle breeze stirred around them. Kanako turned Midori's palm upward, and to Kanako's surprise, a mirror appeared in Midori's hand.

The mirror appeared out of thin air in Cui Zi's hand.

"Now, you are my Wind Guardian. This is my treasure, the Mirror of True Clarity, and you shall keep it safe now."

At this moment, Midori truly stepped onto the path to becoming a formal shrine maiden.

[The host, together with the shrine maiden Midori, gains the gods' approval; the quest to explore the grand shrine is automatically completed.]

[Rewards: Achievement Points +10, One Special Summoning Charm, 3 Shikigami Enhancement Materials (Needle Woman Fragment, 5 Mad Bone Fragment). 100 Shikigami Enhancement Materials are needed to complete the Shikigami's enhancement and advancement.]

For example, an R-rank shikigami can be upgraded from a weak yokai to a medium yokai by collecting one hundred enhancement materials, and so on.