"Th-this guy's hand..."
Seeing Ye Xing's right arm transform into the pale ghost hand, the seven previously drunken thugs were instantly sobered by fear.
"Sweating buckets?"
Watching Ye Xing retract his smile, his eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuation as he approached them step by step, the drunken man holding the dagger finally succumbed to the pressure. Gnashing his teeth, he charged forward and thrust the dagger with all his might towards Ye Xing's abdomen.
"Die!"
"Idiot."
Ye Xing didn't even bother to glance down, merely extending his right hand, its long, sharp black nails piercing directly into the drunken man's skull.
"Made me laugh for a moment."
Seeing their companion convulse, blood dripping down his face as he collapsed to the ground, lifeless and transformed into a cold corpse, the other six men were terrified, their faces contorted and legs trembling.
Gazing at Ye Xing standing there, utterly indifferent without the slightest flicker in his eyes, they felt the most intense fear they had ever experienced in their lives.
A sense of danger, as if being targeted by a ferocious beast, chilled their bodies to the core.
This guy... wasn't here for a fight at all...
"He... he killed someone!"
Listening to their panicked screams, Ye Xing merely wore a bored expression, shaking the blood off his ghost hand.
"Scream all you want."
He strode forward slowly, his pale fingers reaching out once more to clamp onto the face of another drunken man. Staring into the other's fear-widened pupils, he spoke softly.
"Lowly maggots ought to have the resolve to vanish silently in such filthy, remote corners."
...
Five minutes later.
The alley returned to utter silence.
Only the thick blood mingled with dust and filth, along with the lifeless bodies on the ground, bore witness to what had just transpired.
"Lord Ye Xing, you truly have time to spare."
Hearing the light laughter of a woman from behind, Ye Xing didn't turn immediately. Instead, he snapped the fingers of his left hand, watching as a surge of black flames incinerated the remaining blood and corpses into nothingness before finally turning around.
He looked towards Tamamo-no-Mae, standing opposite him, holding an oil-paper umbrella, dressed in a light-coloured kimono, with a princess-cut hairstyle, smiling.
"Why aren't you staying in the Reverse World? What brings you to the real world?"
"Oh, how cold, Lord Ye Xing."
Tamamo-no-Mae pursed her lips into a smile, her tone soft and seductive.
"It was you who asked me to protect Kyoto's safety alongside Hachishaku-sama while you were in Tokyo. Now that you're back, you cast me aside like worn shoes. What a heartless man."
"Cut the act."
Ye Xing was completely immune to Tamamo-no-Mae's charming advances, chuckling lightly as he shook his head.
"You say protect Kyoto's safety, but nothing actually happened while I was away, did it?"
"In the real world, indeed not."
After saying this, Tamamo-no-Mae paused briefly before continuing.
"However, in the Reverse World, another group of evil spirits has disappeared."
"But after I came to the real world myself, I realised that the frequency of strange incidents in Kyoto hasn't increased with the rising density of evil spirits. In fact, it's decreased compared to a few months ago."
At this point, Tamamo-no-Mae's eyes glimmered as she parted her lips slightly.
"This indicates that the majority of evil spirits disappearing from the Reverse World aren't acting autonomously. There's something commanding them from behind the scenes."
"And to suppress so many powerful evil spirits, even forcing them to restrain their killing instincts in densely populated Kyoto without revealing their traces - even I possess nowhere near such formidable power."
"Analysing further based on the nature of the Reverse World, though I don't mean to boast, there are truly few legendary tales more famous or terrifying than the so-called Tamamo-no-Mae."
Hearing Tamamo-no-Mae's final remark, Ye Xing glanced at her and said calmly.
"It seems you've come to understand how you were formed."
"I'm not stupid, you know."
Tamamo-no-Mae smiled charmingly and spoke softly.
"However, that Hachishaku-sama by your side truly isn't very clever. I originally only suspected, but with just a little probing, she exposed everything."
Ye Xing wasn't surprised by this.
As evil spirits both born from the Reverse World, it was hard to say whether Hachishaku or Tamamo-no-Mae was stronger, given that the former had undergone rigorous training.
But when it came to intelligence...
Well, there was nothing more to say.
Hachishaku-sama's intelligence attribute was basically negative.
How could a silly, sweet-natured being who spent her days clutching milk cartons and crouching in corners possibly compete with a cunning faction leader from the Reverse World like Tamamo-no-Mae?
During the period when Supernatural Society members went to Tokyo, these two must have had considerable time alone together.
After the train incident, Tamamo-no-Mae had already begun suspecting her own nature. With just a little testing, she learned the truth from Hachishaku-sama.
"Judging by your attitude, though you've learned you're not the real Tamamo-no-Mae, you don't seem troubled by it?"
"Naturally."
Facing the identity crisis that had once troubled Hachishaku-sama, Tamamo-no-Mae appeared completely unbothered, merely smiling.
"Regardless of how I came to be, I already exist. The so-called Tamamo-no-Mae is just a name anyway."
Tamamo-no-Mae didn't dwell on this topic, instead shifting the conversation.
"Do you remember that giant evil spirit we encountered before?"
Ye Xing nodded slightly.
"Ah, yes. The taste was acceptable."
Hearing this evaluation, Tamamo-no-Mae didn't dare respond.
To be honest, she was somewhat... no, quite afraid of Ye Xing.
His abilities and past actions, in the eyes of evil spirits like Tamamo-no-Mae, were equivalent to how humans would view a deranged cannibal. How could she not be afraid?
What if Ye Xing suddenly became inspired, his appetite aroused, and decided to eat her? What should she do then?
Thinking this, Tamamo-no-Mae's attitude became somewhat cautious.
"Well... I suspect that giant evil spirit was manipulated, deliberately sent as a pawn to test your strength."
"Consider this - its size was too enormous. If it came to the real world, it basically couldn't hide and couldn't possibly escape detection by you and the psychics around you..."
"Moreover, it didn't attack earlier or later, but specifically when you were near that girl called Hina Amano. Even an evil spirit couldn't possibly be that foolish..."
Before Tamamo-no-Mae could finish speaking, Ye Xing waved his hand and interrupted with a smile.
"I know."
"You know?"
Hearing this, Tamamo-no-Mae froze momentarily, her brow slightly furrowed as a look of confusion appeared on her face.
"If that's the case, why did you still reveal your true strength..."
"True strength?"
Ye Xing walked towards the alley's exit, leaving only these words behind.
"Since it managed to deceive even you, then presumably the other party will also believe that to be my true strength. They should take the bait soon enough."
After Ye Xing's figure disappeared from view, Tamamo-no-Mae let out a relieved sigh. A trace of lingering fear surfaced on her delicate and enchanting face.
For some reason, the impression he gave her today was completely different from his usual one.
Normally, he carried an aura of absolute confidence and composure regarding his own power - a relaxed demeanour where he could casually utter all sorts of abstract remarks, typical of a true powerhouse.
But today...
He was like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment, as if suppressing something.
Was it because he had just devoured a soul?
Or was it the influence of merging with the pale ghost hand?
Tamamo-no-Mae turned around, looking at the charred ground in the alley after the burning, pursed her lips slightly, her expression complex.
This was the first time she learned that Lord Ye Xing could devour not just evil spirits...
But even human souls as well.
What kind of ability was this exactly?
And what exactly was the true nature of that pale ghost hand?
...
The night passed peacefully just like that.
After returning home, Marin Kitagawa didn't ask many questions, simply cleaned the guest room before returning to her own bedroom, not even staying in the same room as Ye Xing.
It wasn't that she didn't want to.
But Marin Kitagawa felt that since she and Saki Kawasaki were friends after all, and she had even given the other girl relationship advice before.
Doing things behind Saki Kawasaki's back before formally declaring war would be rather despicable.
Marin Kitagawa wanted to win fair and square.
...
The next morning, at a café in the shopping district.
"Finally made your decision?"
Ai Hayasaka, wearing casual clothes, took a sip of coffee and asked in a calm tone.
"Yes, pretty much decided."
Ye Xing, sitting opposite Ai Hayasaka, nodded first before speaking with a smile.
"So, Miss Hayasaka, how should the commission payment for this job be calculated? From what I understand, Kaguya Shinomiya doesn't have the authority to access Shinomiya conglomerate funds, and just the pocket money saved up by her and you probably won't meet our Supernatural Society's standards."
Ai Hayasaka's expression remained unchanged as she replied noncommittally.
"Since you already know all this, yet still arranged to meet me here, I assume you've already thought about what kind of payment to demand. Stop beating around the bush and just say it directly."
Ye Xing shook his head, answering very sincerely.
"No, actually, I haven't thought of anything."
"Eh?"
Ai Hayasaka, who had been completely serious and prepared to begin negotiations, never expected Ye Xing to give such an answer, momentarily at a loss for words.
But immediately after, she frowned slightly, considering another possibility.
Hasn't thought of anything?
Could this be the so-called tactical retreat?
Was he using this method to tell her that he held the initiative, that he was the one who could set the price, while her side was at a disadvantage?
Truly worthy of being the genius who defeated all first-year students at Shuchi'in Academy in the joint exams, including Lady Kaguya.
Indeed, not someone who could be easily dealt with.
"By the way, there's one more thing."
Just as Ai Hayasaka was pondering, Ye Xing suddenly spoke softly.
"Does Kaguya Shinomiya know about her symptoms?"
"She... doesn't know. She has no memory of the nights, just thinks she's sleeping normally every day."
"Oh, I see."
Ye Xing gave a noncommittal nod, picked up the coffee cup on the table, glanced down at the dark, evidently bitter liquid inside, and ultimately set it back down.
"Have Kaguya Shinomiya come speak with me herself."
"Impossible."
Ai Hayasaka offered a negative answer without the slightest hesitation.
"Wherever Kaguya goes, she is accompanied by bodyguards. Without a proper reason, meeting a male peer is absolutely out of the..."
"I don't care about that."
Though Ye Xing maintained a smile on his face, his attitude remained firm.
"If Kaguya Shinomiya doesn't come, do you expect us to rush over to her home, explain the situation on-site, and then help her? My time is precious; I won't waste it on such matters. If she doesn't come, there's nothing to discuss."
Then, Ye Xing added something that left Ai Hayasaka feeling quite conflicted.
"Anyway, this symptom doesn't harm her physically. Studying a bit more is always good. I hope that in the next joint exam, she can make it enjoyable for me."
Upon hearing this, Ai Hayasaka gritted her teeth, her expression showing clear frustration as she looked at Ye Xing sitting calmly before her.
She wasn't aware of Adolescence Syndrome, but she wasn't foolish either.
Timing-wise, the reason Kaguya developed such symptoms was likely because she had lost to the person in front of her during the joint exam.
Not just lost.
But lost badly—a devastating, humiliating defeat.
As Kaguya Shinomiya's personal maid, close friend, and the double agent sent by the main family to monitor her, Ai Hayasaka understood Kaguya's personality well.
As the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, Kaguya had a strong competitive streak, especially in academics, where she loathed losing to anyone.
If she had lost to some student from Shuchi'in Academy, that would have been one thing.
But to lose to Ye Xing from Sobu High School...
Kaguya had lost. The eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family had lost. And Shuchi'in Academy had lost, too.
Exceptional talent, even unintentionally, could inadvertently hurt those around them.
Ai Hayasaka just never imagined that one day, Kaguya Shinomiya would be the one wounded by such talent.
"I... understand. I'll contact you again."
Ai Hayasaka said no more. She simply stood up, nodded to Ye Xing, and left the café.
Just as Ye Xing was about to leave as well, faint red threads began to materialise in the air.
"Lord Ye Xing, long time no see! How have you been lately?"
Seeing the deity of Itomori Town reach out to him once more, Ye Xing greeted it with a smile.
"Not bad. And you?"
"If you're doing well, then I'm doing well too, you know."
The red threads first offered a bit of flattery, then twisted to form a new message.
"I have a favour to ask, and I hope you can help."
"Go ahead."
The deity of Itomori Town had always acted with goodwill, and Ye Xing rather liked this abstract ally—though not human, it shared some similarities with him.
"My shrine maiden, that girl called Mitsuha Miyamizu... once made a wish to me... hehe."
"Wanting to become a handsome boy living in Tokyo?"
Ye Xing chuckled and shook his head.
"But I'm in Kyoto, not Tokyo. Besides, something like swapping bodies and turning into a girl - I seriously refuse."
"Hehe... Special cases require special handling. No need for body swapping. You saw last time, too - as my shrine maiden, this girl Mitsuha easily attracts evil spirits and spectres. To ensure her safety, I only trust her to your care."
Looking at these words from the deity of Itomori Town and the red thread representing the other party, Ye Xing suddenly grew curious.
"You... couldn't possibly be Yue Lao, could you?"
"Yue Lao? I'm not quite sure what that is. Anyway, I'll leave her to you! Please, please! While Mitsuha is with you, I'll take over her body and pretend everything's normal. Thank you so much!"
As the red thread disappeared, Mitsuha Miyamizu appeared in the seat opposite.
Clearly still adjusting to suddenly appearing in an unfamiliar place, she looked around blankly until she spotted Ye Xing sitting across from her. Only then did her tense expression ease slightly, and she let out a relieved sigh.
"Phew, so I came to see you. I thought I'd ended up in some strange place."
After relaxing, Mitsuha Miyamizu surveyed the café's interior, her eyes gradually sparkling with excitement that she couldn't contain in her voice.
"Is this... could this be... a café!?"
Ye Xing had known Mitsuha would react like this.
The harem god and veteran dating game player now made the most correct choice - one that would make Mitsuha's heart flutter, accelerate her heartbeat, bring a blush to her cheeks, and earn the most affection points.
Resting his left cheek in his hand, Ye Xing gently pushed the menu toward Mitsuha with his right hand, saying with a smile:
"Order whatever you want. You're my guest - it's on me."
"Really!?"
Mitsuha's face lit up with joy, but then she saw the high prices on the menu and hesitated, asking cautiously:
"This... this is too expensive. Can I really order anything?"
"Yes, I'm quite wealthy, so it's no problem."
"Well..."
Mitsuha felt somewhat embarrassed, but looking at the pastries she'd long dreamed of trying and their exquisite photos on the menu, she couldn't resist wanting to taste them.
"Then... when you come to Itomori Town next time, I'll treat you to something too... though nothing too expensive, since I don't have much pocket money."
"Don't worry."
Ye Xing chuckled softly.
"What I want to eat - you can treat me without spending any money."
...
While Ye Xing was enjoying a pleasant morning tea with Mitsuha Miyamizu, a cruel war was about to begin elsewhere.
"Marin, let's go shopping together, then have a meal."
Looking at the smiling Saki Kawasaki, Marin Kitagawa took a deep breath, met the other's eyes directly, mustered all her courage, and slowly spoke:
"Saki, there's something I want to tell you."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I... I've fallen for Ye Xing."
Hearing this, Saki Kawasaki, who had been in good spirits and humming a tune, suddenly fell silent.
The atmosphere in the room abruptly grew tense.
The room remained silent for a long time.