NOVPUBAnd him?
Naturally, he had become nothing but prey on the platter.
"Of course, it’s Jason."
"Is this the power of an Exorcist?"
Hui Lijing’s eyes were sparkling.
She had an agreement with Jason; she would help him find those bizarre cases, and in exchange, Jason would teach her some knowledge from the Mystical Side.
Before this, Hui Lijing had already felt the strength of this knowledge.
But it was never as direct as this.
Was it possible to ’drink’ dry an entire river?
What kind of secret technique was this?
Or was it some sort of tool?
Hui Lijing was guessing.
The female detective did not believe that Jason literally drank ’Ghost River’ dry.
After all, no one had such a big stomach.
It wasn’t just Hui Lijing who thought this—the old Monk of Tongshou Temple and Tsuchimikado thought so as well.
"Did Jason detect Tsuchimikado’s arrangements, hence making preparations in advance?"
"Yes!"
"Only then does it explain the calmness he maintained from beginning to end."
"So he came prepared!"
The old Monk of Tongshou Temple heaved a sigh of relief.
Being prepared was good!
At least, he had survived again.
Unlike the old Monk’s relief, Tsuchimikado was fuming with anger.
"Was it Ichiro Sakajo’s prior probe that exposed me?"
"Did that damn Exorcist use divination?"
"The most detestable is the old Monk of Tongshou Temple!"
"No wonder he was so composed just now; my unease was due to him having seen through everything already, waiting for me to step into the trap!"
Tsuchimikado was grinding his teeth in irritation.
But what’s done was done.
What could he do?
He could only try to mitigate the losses as much as possible!
Ghost River absolutely could not be drained dry.
Even as a projection of a tributary, it was one of his most significant trump cards; to lose it here... was not worth it!
With that thought, Tsuchimikado waved his hand.
Hui Lijing and Ryosuke disappeared.
Jason at the bottom of the river also vanished.
Only after the old Monk of Tongshou Temple placed his palms together in a sign of respect did he and the small boat disappear.
The next moment—
Everyone appeared in a courtyard.
In the midst of the crisp ’startled deer’ sound, Hui Lijing and Ryosuke saw the mastermind behind the scenes.
Both were surprised by the other’s good looks.
And Tsuchimikado did not even glance at them; he was scrutinizing the old Monk with a judging look.
He had not forgotten his own words.
To go back on his word?
His pride would not permit that.
But to fulfill the promise and acknowledge the other as his lord... he was somewhat unwilling.
The old Monk of Tongshou Temple looked at Tsuchimikado and instantly guessed his thoughts.
But at this time, he did not speak.
He knew all too well the nature of these great families.
At this moment, if he suggested not to fulfill the promise, it would be seen as an insult by Tsuchimikado, and there would be unending enmity.
But if he was to actively suggest fulfilling the promise, it would also be considered an insult, continuing the unyielding hostility.
So staying silent was the best approach.
Leave everything to Tsuchimikado.
However, very quickly, the old Monk realized something was amiss.
After Tsuchimikado’s gaze lingered on him, it shifted to... Jason.
Tsuchimikado was sizing up Jason.
Hmm?
Why is there a sense of murderous intent?
The old Monk was filled with surprise.
And Tsuchimikado was the most shocked; he not only sensed murderous intent but also felt unprecedented danger.
How could this be?
How could a mere Exorcist, who seemed as desperate as a dog without a home, give me this feeling?
Of course, there are powerful Exorcists.
Not to mention those twelve ’Stellar’ Exorcists.
Even some of the renowned Exorcists are worth his regard.
But in Tsuchimikado’s opinion, Jason was definitely not included.
Could it be...
Everything I saw was an illusion!
Is there a deeper truth?
Tsuchimikado looked at Jason, somewhat in shock.
His heart filled with another speculation.
Suddenly, sweat appeared on his forehead.
To think, even one old Monk of Tongshou Temple was more than he could handle.
And now, add in a hidden Exorcist?
He was doomed!
What to do?
Stay calm!
There must be a way out!
Tsuchimikado’s brain began to operate Swiftly.
As for Jason, it was much simpler!
He only knew that this person in front of him had interrupted his ’drink’!
And that meant bearing his wrath!
Jason was about to take action.
But just at this moment, the old Monk of Tongshou Temple stepped in front of Jason.
"Well done."
"You’ve passed my test."
"From now on—"
"You will be the new Tongshou Temple, and ’Wei’ (Awe) the flag bearer will be entrusted to you."
The old Monk of Tongshou Temple spoke earnestly.
Jason was stunned.
And in that moment of stupor, Tsuchimikado Motoharu rushed down the steps, kneeling straight in front of Jason, his forehead pressed to the ground—
"Tsuchimikado Motoharu greets the lord."
