The so-called Bone-Eating Well was actually an ancient well crafted from the sacred tree, used for disposing of the remains of yokai.
Having been passed down through generations, the original creator of the well was long forgotten.
Only its method of use remained.
Now, Kikyo calmly explained the details of the Bone-Eating Well to Luo Shu:
"Yokai remains thrown into the Bone-Eating Well naturally disappear without causing Demon Power contamination or spawning new yokai. It also possesses some ability to repel yokai."
"Long ago, the ancestors of Kaede's Village discovered the sacred tree and the Bone-Eating Well here. Recognising its purpose, they chose to settle near the well to protect themselves from yokai attacks."
"The well's reputation is well-known among the monks of Musashi Province. Occasionally, powerful priests would visit to dispose of troublesome yokai remains they couldn't handle."
"However, I never imagined that Tōga of the Western Country had also been here and thrown So'unga into the well."
At this point, Kikyo couldn't help but frown, her expression tinged with unease.
She was no stranger to tales of So'unga.
Before Tōga subdued it, the Demon Sword had been one of the most infamous and sinister weapons of the Warring States period, having destroyed several nations and earning a reputation as the most evil blade in existence.
That such a weapon had been sealed within the Bone-Eating Well was something Kikyo could understand—yet it still left her with a sense of helplessness.
"While the Bone-Eating Well can erase yokai remains, it cannot dispose of living beings. Additionally, it's ineffective against Demon Swords or enchanted artefacts."
Having been born in Kaede's Village and possessing Spiritual Power from a young age, Kikyo had encountered numerous priests who came seeking the well to dispose of yokai.
This exposure meant she was privy to nearly all the hidden knowledge within the exorcism world.
Therefore, regarding how Tōga would handle So'unga, Kikyo had a vague speculation:
"Since Tōga sealed So'unga in the Bone-Eating Well, he likely didn't intend for the sword to disappear. Instead, he probably wanted to use the combined power of the well and the sacred tree to suppress this Demon Sword and prolong its seal."
"After all, the shortcomings of the Bone-Eating Well aren't secrets among Great Yokai. That's why Kaede's Village has been able to occupy this place peacefully."
At this point, Kikyo couldn't help but frown as she said:
"Because my Spiritual Power inherently possesses purification abilities, yokai struck by me often leave no remains behind."
"Thus, after taking up guardian duties for Kaede's Village, I never inspected the Bone-Eating Well. Instead, I built a wooden hut around it to enclose the area, only opening it when priests came to deposit yokai bones."
Hearing this, Luo Shu nodded in understanding.
Simply put, the Bone-Eating Well was essentially a yokai morgue with automatic cleaning functions.
What normal person would think there was something hidden beneath it, or bother going down to check?
What's the difference between that and jumping into a cesspit?
Kikyo ignored this point, which was actually normal. Or rather, as a shrine maiden, it would be her usual approach to avoid places like the Bone-Eating Well and cordon it off.
However, what Kikyo never expected was that Tōga, that absolute disaster, would actually seal such a Demon Sword inside the Bone-Eating Well.
If So'unga were to break free without Kikyo's knowledge...
'Hmm?'
Luo Shu suddenly realised something.
If So'unga were to break free and confront Kikyo, wouldn't Kikyo actually have the upper hand?
A shrine maiden born with Purification Power was naturally the bane of all evil spirits.
Especially since So'unga's ability was to resurrect the dead from the Underworld. Against Kikyo's Purification Power, it would probably be one arrow per ancient relic.
In the end, So'unga would either be destroyed by Kikyo or severely wounded and sealed again.
Thinking this, Luo Shu rubbed his chin and remarked:
"I suddenly think So'unga drew the short straw, having you as the shrine maiden guarding this place!"
Hearing Luo Shu's teasing, Kikyo merely glanced up at him before continuing her deductions:
"If Tōga truly sealed So'unga inside the Bone-Eating Well, then it's likely buried beneath the sand at the very bottom right now."
Seeing Kikyo even speculating about its location, Luo Shu couldn't help but laugh:
"What? Planning to retrieve So'unga and deal with it properly?"
"Yes." Kikyo nodded without hesitation.
Not knowing was one thing, but now that she knew such an evil object was lurking in her own backyard, how could Kikyo possibly rest easy?
One must understand that the Shikon Jewel, being a conglomerate of souls, could also enhance weapons.
Kikyo had already been keeping the sealed Shikon Jewel close at hand because she didn't trust yokai like Yukari Oikawa. Now knowing So'unga had been right there in the Shrine's courtyard all along inside the Bone-Eating Well, she felt even more uneasy.
To be honest, Kikyo felt somewhat relieved now.
Relieved that when she'd previously sealed the Shikon Jewel inside the shrine's deity statue, So'unga hadn't broken free to steal it.
Had So'unga actually obtained the Shikon Jewel, she might have become a criminal in the eyes of history.
"Luo Shu, could you accompany me to the front courtyard?"
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kikyo abandoned her tea preparations. The matter of Kaede's Village's relocation, which she'd intended to discuss amiably with Luo Shu, would have to wait. Instead, she directly invited him to return to the front courtyard with her.
Seeing her urgency, Luo Shu didn't refuse. He stood up and said:
"If you're putting it like that, let's deal with So'unga first."
"Perfect timing - I've been curious to see just how demonic this so-called Demon Sword really is."
With that, the two made their way through the corridor from the back courtyard to the front.
Upon arriving, Luo Shu couldn't help but glance at the snow-covered forest scenery in the distance, where a silver canine the size of a small mountain stood amidst the wintry landscape.
"Why are those two fighting over there?"
Luo Shu muttered, unable to comprehend what Yukari Oikawa and Senhime Rin Getsu were thinking.
Noticing this, Kikyo also frowned at the two Great Yokai confronting each other in the forest before turning her gaze to Luo Shu.
Catching her look, Luo Shu waved it off: "Don't mind them. They're probably just bored and fancied a spar."
Hearing this, Kikyo paused briefly before nodding. She then led Luo Shu to the small wooden hut beside the sacred tree and unlocked it.
Amidst the dust stirred by the creaking door, Kikyo entered with her Miko outfit's sleeve covering her nose, walking straight to an ancient well encircled by aged wood.
"Is this the Bone-Eating Well?"
Luo Shu, who followed behind, raised an eyebrow and then said:
"So we just jump straight down?"
"Yes!"
Kikyo nodded, then lifted her skirt with one hand and leaned against the well's edge.
Seeing this, Luo Shu stopped her: "Let me go first."
Kikyo shook her head at this:
"There's a thick layer of bone powder at the bottom. If you're careful, descending from the edge won't be a problem."
"Is that so?"
Realising he couldn't stop her, Luo Shu gave up:
"Then shall we go together?"
Kikyo turned her head to glance at Luo Shu, then nodded: "Alright."
"Then... 3... 2... 1, jump!"
As the words fell, Luo Shu and Kikyo leapt into the well together.
Their vision darkened simultaneously at that moment.
When they opened their eyes again, a somewhat familiar voice reached Luo Shu's ears:
"Huh? Director Luo, how did you return from the Abyss?"
Luo Shu's eyes snapped open, and his expression changed abruptly as he stared at the bewildered Chikichi Ogiwara before him:
"Where is this?"
"Where else could it be?" Chikichi Ogiwara replied, utterly confused: "Higurashi Shrine in Itō City!"
At these words, Luo Shu immediately turned his head towards the sacred tree behind him.
Bathed in the dusky golden light of evening, the sacred tree's leaves rustled softly in the breeze...