Chapter 35 "Why should I let you go see someone else..."

From all perspectives, Azhi cannot be said to be alright; in fact, to put it bluntly, she is doing quite well.

If someone is truly captured and suffers, they will become emaciated due to lack of food and clothing, and will be listless or lethargic due to fear and anxiety.

If her illness was the greatest ordeal she ever endured, then since then, all the tragedies described above have become irrelevant to her.

A very long sleep, during which Azhi didn't even dream.

It felt like being immersed in warm water, making one feel lazy and unwilling to move.

Azhi struggled to open her eyelids, but her watery eyes saw nothing clearly. She stared straight ahead for a full minute before she could process what she was seeing.

Unlike yesterday, she completely reversed her direction. Without realizing it, she was facing the direction of the rising moon, so what she saw was the chest of a strange man.

The distance between them is almost zero.

This was the result of Aori quickly embellishing the statement; the truth was that her forehead was actually pressed against Kokushibo's. Upon realizing this, all the sleepiness in her mind vanished instantly.

If they were a couple, this posture would be perfectly normal, and there would be no need to make a fuss about it even if they were embracing. However, this is not the relationship between Aori and Kokushibo.

Azhi recalled the "wife" buff that 000 had given to Kokushibo. She took a step back at an unprecedented speed, almost wanting to run away, but fortunately, her remaining rationality calmed her down.

Upper Moon was still asleep, and in the dim light, he seemed even more enormous. Aori slept alongside him, something she would never have dared to imagine before—sleeping with a ghost…

000: Isn't it a bit too late to think about this now?

While the girl was sleeping, 000 kept its eyes wide open, staring at Kokushibo without blinking. If it were a human, its eyes would probably be bloodshot.

Fortunately, the upper moon didn't forget his manners and didn't do anything to take advantage of the situation.

Kokushibo knew Aori was awake the instant her aura changed. He hadn't actually been asleep; he didn't need to sleep anyway.

As expected, Ah Zhi was restless while sleeping.

Before Kokushibo could do anything, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of fabric rubbing together, followed by a rustling sound, and a petite figure moved toward him without any defenses.

Kokushibo can manipulate his body temperature at will. After becoming a demon, his body temperature is much lower than that of a normal human. So when facing Ori, he consciously raised his body temperature.

He was really warm, like a furnace that kept radiating heat, which caused Azhi to unconsciously move closer to the heat source while asleep.

She only moved a little closer at first, her sleeping posture was still very proper, and she didn't move her hands or feet. She was snoring comfortably as she slept.

It wasn't that he wasn't on guard, but she was fast asleep. If she woke up, she would definitely prick up her ears and widen her eyes, observing him from time to time with what she thought was a very discreet gaze.

However, this defense is weak, and people will let their guard down when they are in their comfort zone.

As if to confirm his thoughts, the girl finally realized that no matter how much she moved around, there seemed to be no danger. She then very consciously leaned against Kokushibo and found the most comfortable position, falling into a deep sleep.

The herbs worked, and his rosy cheeks were filled with tranquility. His fuzzy hair, which had become fluffy from being turned over, brushed against his chin, making him feel a little itchy.

The girl's fingertips were loosely clenched and placed on her cheek. She curled up slightly to the side, her whole body relaxed and buried in the quilt. Her dark hair was softly pasted on her neck and cheeks, only revealing a little bit of her dazzlingly white earlobe and profile.

The scene was so beautiful that it was too precious to disturb it.

The girl, half-asleep, had blank eyes, as if she had forgotten everything that had happened before. Cleverly, Kokushibo closed his eyes the moment they focused, pretending that he was still asleep.

Now fully awake, Azhi simply sat up, being careful not to make any noise. Then she saw that she was the only one with the blanket, while Shangxian was completely uncovered.

If I'm not mistaken, Kokushibo is indeed not covered by a blanket.

The Upper Moon with its six eyes closed wasn't as terrifying anymore. He was still majestic, but he didn't make people want to disappear on the spot. A-Zhi's initial fear stemmed entirely from those unique six eyes.

However, at this moment, he was lying on his side, using his arm as a pillow, occupying a third of the bed, without a blanket, which was... a bit pitiful.

—This fake "husband" is really getting into character.

As expected, Azhi fell for it immediately. She let out a soft "ah," her voice still thick with the nasal tone of someone who had just woken up, and her cheeks and neck flushed with guilt.

She wrinkled her nose in confusion, feeling a bit troubled.

A moment later, a small hand carefully began to fabricate a scene, clutching the corner of the blanket. Azhi, her face burning, propped herself up and prepared to slowly drape the blanket over Shangxian's body.

She had only tugged at it a little bit when Shangxian, who hadn't reacted at all, suddenly moved, its eyelashes fluttering as if it were about to wake up. Azhi, who was already sneaking around, felt guilty and immediately messed up her movements.

She almost fell directly onto Upper Moon; to be precise, if she hadn't been stopped, she would have fallen face-to-face into Kokushibo's arms. Fortunately, her arms were caught.

When their eyes met, Azhi, whose mind was blank, mechanically tugged at the corners of her lips, revealing an extremely stiff smile, and forced out a greeting: "...Good morning."

She not only failed to cover him with a blanket, but also woke him up. Ah Zhi couldn't think of anyone in the world more unlucky than her.

Unlike Aori, who had just woken up, Shangxian paused for a moment for some unknown reason, then gently settled Aori down before replying in a deep voice, "Good morning."

Since he didn't really want to sleep, Kokushibo didn't intend to lie down any longer. He opened his eyes when he heard the girl's panting sounds.

Then that scared her.

—Actually, it should be good evening, because Azhi slept through the entire day.

Ghosts undoubtedly live a life where day and night are reversed. They fear the sun, but such a life is not difficult for A-Zhi. In fact, it matches her life when she was an undercover agent at the Shirenya.

The courtesans in Yoshiwara also rested during the day and worked at night, so she didn't find it difficult to adjust.

However, this was just a small episode in the daily routine that followed. It wasn't long before Aori truly discovered that Kokushibo didn't need to sleep.

The day that followed came much earlier than 000 had anticipated.

It was a bright sunny day outside, the sunlight made everything warm and cozy, and even the air felt much fresher. Azhi, who was in a deep sleep, suddenly heard the chirping of birds on the roof, and then she suddenly opened her eyes.

Perhaps because she had slept too much, she was incredibly alert when she woke up.

Azhi didn't move at all, but just wanted to concentrate and listen for a moment. Then she saw Shangxian lying next to her come closer. In the dim light, his dark hair cascaded down like a waterfall.

Then, quite naturally, she asked in a low voice, "Did you have a nightmare?"

She should have nightmares, after all, she encountered so many unbelievable things, but her sleep quality has been exceptionally good these past few days.

Upper Moon reacted very quickly, so quickly that it was impossible to tell that he had been asleep before. However, before going to sleep, Aori clearly fell asleep only after she felt that Upper Moon was not moving. She vaguely realized that Upper Moon was pretending to be asleep.

For no apparent reason, Aori couldn't say anything else. She seemed to have no right to accuse Kokushibo. She turned over and mumbled, "...No."

Aori answered "no". If she had answered "yes", the atmosphere might not have become awkward. But when she saw the gentleness in Upper Moon's eyes... yes, gentleness, Aori suddenly couldn't handle it.

She had no choice but to turn her back to him.

Aside from sleeping, Aori and Kokushibo seemed to have nothing to talk about. When they had something to do, they would each do it in silence, and when they had nothing to do, they would kneel and stare at each other.

Azhi has nothing to do most of the time, but she doesn't find it boring because she has 000 to keep her company.

The only difference is that the feeding process is slightly different.

For example, today, Kokushibo prepared grilled fish. The fish, freshly caught from the river, was very delicious, and just a sprinkle of salt was enough to make it tasty.

Although the Upper Moon, dressed as a swordsman, had no smile on his face, one could sense a slight relaxation in him. He silently placed the grilled fish into a small bowl, and after it cooled for a while, he handed it to Aori.

The girl instinctively took it, and unintentionally, the back of her hand lightly brushed against the calloused fingertips of the upper rank. Even though it was just a brief moment of contact, Kokushibo felt as if his heart had been scratched by a cat's claw.

"I'm starting to eat."

Azhi pinched the last piece and put it in her mouth. Some crumbs got on her fair fingertips. She felt it was a bit wasteful, and since she didn't have a handkerchief with her, she simply stuck out her tongue and carefully licked it.

Before, she might have felt like a little piglet waiting to be slaughtered, fattened up by the Upper Moon before being eaten. Now, with the "wife" buff of 000+, she feels a little more at ease, at least she doesn't have to worry about being slaughtered.

—But it's still so decadent.

The girl frowned and licked her fingertip. In the etiquette education that Kokushibo had received, this should have been an extremely unseemly scene, but he felt that Aori was like a precious white kitten licking its fur.

His double standards were on full display, and he himself was unaware that he was being hypocritical.

Perhaps overwhelmed by guilt, after eating and drinking her fill, Azhi, realizing her belt was a little tight, gradually froze, becoming like a statue. [I think I've gained weight!!!]

The girl was incredulous; her thin back, hidden beneath her kimono, trembled slightly. She touched her abdomen and quickly put it down, where there seemed to be a ring of soft flesh.

000's face was so hideous it could scare a six or seven-year-old child to tears. They chimed in, "Wow, you've really gained weight!"

She hasn't actually gained weight at all. Her face is still the size of a palm, and if you pinch her body, you'd probably only feel bones. Her feeling that she's gained weight is purely psychological.

However, 000 couldn't stand it anymore.

Given Kokushibo's slow and steady approach, it might not take long for Aori to be cooked through. She's someone who's not very strong-willed and is easily fooled by sweet talk.

How could 000 possibly watch the flowers she had painstakingly nurtured be picked by... a ghost!

Azhi continued in disbelief: "How...how could this be?"

It's only been a few days.

She began to reflect on herself. She realized that she had deliberately restricted the girls' diet while she was at the totenya, and that daily piano practice and performances also took a toll on their physical strength...

Although she eats some random snacks on weekdays, she doesn't seem to eat much, so it seems that she hasn't expended much energy since she was arrested, and she eats her fill at every meal.

Azhi doesn't want to eat so much.

She wasn't that greedy; it was that wretched Upper Moon who always prepared such generous portions. Aori, who usually only ate one rice ball per meal, ended up eating half a rice ball more than usual, even under Kokushibo's disapproving gaze.

In the end, all he could do was secretly rub his bulging belly and groan.

000: […………]

"Is this what married life is like?" Aori suddenly asked, feeling extremely puzzled about the strange situation she was in with Upper Moon.

When I was at the Tokitoya, a customer once gave a lady a little rabbit as a gift because he heard that she really liked rabbits.

But the older sister didn't seem to like the rabbit that much either. Azhi had secretly gone to see it a few times, and the rabbit was kept in a cage. It would be fed carrots or green leafy vegetables when it remembered, and it didn't seem happy at all.

Aori really finds it hard to see herself as Kokushibo's "wife." Whenever she thinks about it, she suddenly blushes with shame and needs a while to calm down.

But compared to a husband and wife, Azhi felt more like a pet being kept, fed when hungry and given water when thirsty.

Pets are also restricted in their range of movement. Like her, her range of movement seems to be limited to this small house. Although Upper Moon didn't say it explicitly, all the signs indicated that this was the case.

Upper Moon only went out once when she was sick, and never went far away again after that. When he occasionally went out to fetch water or do other things, he never closed the door from the outside, as if he wasn't worried that Aori would run away.

Because he was nearby, he knew she couldn't escape or go far, so there was no need to close the door.

This was the conclusion she drew after observing, because everything was traceable, which puzzled her.

[Of course, married life isn't like that!] After refuting this, 000 realized its words couldn't be examined too closely; in fact, they sounded a bit discordant. It coughed and addressed the root of the problem: [Remember, you and he are not married!]

A-Zhi: [Okay!]

********

The reason that broke the facade of peace was that Aori took the initiative to make a request to Kokushibo.

Unlike Aori, the tall Upper Moon didn't have a leisurely life. He would practice swordsmanship outside at fixed times, the moonlight shining on his muscular physique, and sweat would be released with every movement.

An overwhelming sense of power.

The blade seemed capable of cutting through the void, and each move was so fast that it was impossible to keep up. For a moment, Azhi felt as if the wind had stopped, and she wondered if it was just her imagination.

She sat by the door frame, and when she got tired, she would relax her back and lean against the wall, looking at this scene that was both unfamiliar and novel to her.

Giyu Tomioka and Sabito are both excellent swordsmen, but Ori didn't have many opportunities to see them train. When she met them at the Butterfly Mansion, it was only because they were injured and needed treatment, and she had even fewer opportunities to see them after that.

The upper arc should have a fixed number of swings, and it will only stop after exceeding a certain minimum number. After sheathing the sword, it may disappear for a short while.

Azhi had observed that he always came back covered in sweat, which meant he must have taken a shower, so this time, she seized the opportunity to make her request.

Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, her fingers gripping the doorframe turning slightly white, and she said shyly, "Um, I want... I want to take a shower."

Azhi isn't good at directly expressing her needs to others, let alone something as private as taking a bath. She's even less likely to bring it up proactively.

But she hadn't showered for almost three days. Although she wasn't very dirty, she used to shower every day when she was at the Tokitoya. Now, just thinking about not having showered made her feel uncomfortable.

The girl unconsciously straightened her back, looked over hesitantly, and her round eyes reflected the full moon. After glancing at him, she quickly lowered her eyelashes as if shrinking back.

Not far away, there was a small river flowing down from the mountain. Kokushibo drew water from there and usually washed himself directly downstream. However, this method was obviously not suitable for the frail Aori.

The mountains are shady and always have a cold wind. If Azhi washes herself in the river water, she'll probably catch a cold. Kokushibo doesn't like how she looked when she had a fever and was weak and listless; she seemed so easily lost.

Now is the best time.

Kokushibo: "Okay."

Boiling water isn't actually that difficult; the troublesome part is the container. However, this problem isn't hard to solve either. There's plenty of wood in the forest, so just choose a slightly thicker one.

This kind of work, which is difficult for craftsmen, may not require much effort for demons. Kokushibo chose a tree that required two people to hug it tightly.

This was also the first time he had done something like this. Recalling the touching and expectant look in the girl's eyes after he responded, his thoughts couldn't help but pause for a moment.

Kokushibo wanted to experience this rare feeling many times over.

A-Zhi just wanted to ask Shang-Qian to fetch more water from where he usually gets water, so he could just wipe his body with it; he didn't expect it to be too much trouble.

Unexpectedly, she saw that Upper Moon seemed to possess magical powers, and when he returned, he brought back a bathtub. She wasn't mistaken, it was a bathtub.

In a daze, Azhi felt that the one who actually possessed the system was Kokushibo, because he seemed to be able to conjure up whatever he needed. No, at this moment, he seemed more reliable than 000.

000: [What do you mean?]

Azhi was assigned a rare task—to tend the fire, although it was also to boil water for herself.

Time passed quietly, and after everything was ready, Shangxian very consciously walked out of the room.

Even when she was in the warm bathwater, Azhi still felt like she was in a dream. Her head was spinning as she looked at her wet hands in the water and the specks of water hitting her body, which gave her a sense of reality.

The steam condensed into mist in the air, the fire continued to burn, and Shangxian added more firewood before leaving. With the addition of extremely hot water, Azhi could hardly feel the cold.

Amidst the rising steam, she blinked, and a tiny drop of water fell. [Could I ask him later... if he could let me leave?]

Before 000 gave Aori the "wife" buff, Upper Moon had always acted very powerfully and frighteningly, and Aori had no time to think about anything other than being afraid.

But the Upper Moon is different now. Although his every move has become strange, making it hard for Aori to figure out what he's thinking, his temper seems to have improved a lot.

Every time A-Zhi talks to him, he responds and never refuses. It seems that it's quite possible to talk to him properly and discuss things with him.

That's a really naive question she asked.

000 has undergone rigorous training and is not prone to short-circuiting, but after hearing what Azhi said, it was caught off guard and short-circuited for a moment, even taking a high-tech temperature check of Azhi's body with a lot of doubt.

It measures very accurately, without error due to external environmental factors. It then discovered that Azhi's temperature was within the normal range. 000 asked in surprise, "[You don't have a fever, so why are you talking nonsense?]"

This ghost isn't crazy for going to all this trouble; his goal is to keep you here. And you're asking him if he can let you go?

Azhi paused for a moment, then understood what 000 meant and immediately became unhappy. She submerged her body, her shoulders underwater, leaving only her wet little head above water. 【Why have you been acting so sarcastic lately!】

Not satisfied with just one sentence, Azhi thought for a moment and added another piece of evidence: "And he's always criticizing me!"

000: You only remember me arguing with you, right?

Azhi sighed sadly, her face flushed from the steam as if she were drunk. She slapped the water's surface in frustration. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

[It's not a good idea for me to stay here. What about Giyu and the others? They must be worried about me, and I can't complete my mission here!]

【…………】

Azhi started counting on her fingers the reasons she needed to leave, then suddenly realized that 000 hadn't mentioned the mission to her in a long time. She was shocked: "Why aren't you urging me anymore?"

Something's not right, something's very wrong!

If nagging could get the task moving, 000 would consider turning into a megaphone and constantly repeating the same message in A-Zhi's head. But the situation is clearly much more complicated. [Let me tell you, every single word you utter is like adding fuel to the fire!]

Don't underestimate the possessiveness of a male ghost, especially one who has waited for so long and is extremely jealous!

"Probably not, he seems like a reasonable ghost now." Aori's tone was a little uncertain, feeling that Kokushibo wasn't as exaggerated as 000 described. She gripped the edge of the bathtub, frowning as she considered, "Maybe after I leave, I can introduce him to a real...girlfriend."

Um... it seems a bit difficult to explain.

There shouldn't be any problem with his appearance. Although he still has six eyes, Azhi hasn't forgotten when Upper Moon pulled her hand to his cheek. According to her aesthetic sense, his face was quite handsome back then.

He is physically strong and can do many things. He is usually very stable, but occasionally a little moody, which doesn't seem to be a big problem.

After considering various options, Azhi suddenly realized at the last minute that she had overlooked the most important point: she couldn't keep the fact that he was a ghost a secret from others.

Although Kokushibo said he didn't eat people.

Personally, I think that a demon that doesn't eat people is a good demon, like Nezuko and Kokushibo. But not everyone thinks that way.

Therefore, his other half must be someone who is not afraid of ghosts and can get along well with them.

In that case, Azhi felt that things were getting a bit tricky.

Azhi was a little discouraged: "[It's really going to be hard for him to find a wife.]"

000: [Ha!]

********

The moon was very round tonight, hanging low in the sky, and brighter than ever before, illuminating the surroundings. The sound of water in the room gradually stopped, and the girl's light footsteps slowly approached the door.

As soon as Kokushibo turned around, he saw Aori tilting her head, gathering her hair to one side, with a few strands clinging to her neck, revealing a pearl-like earlobe, and saying that she could come in.

This almost perfectly overlapped with the scene that Kokushibo had depicted countless times in his mind.

It's clear that she had cleaned up before coming out, wiping up most of the spilled water. However, due to time constraints, the cleanup wasn't thorough enough, and a clear footprint remained on the ground, unnoticed by her.

Small and kind of cute.

After his gaze lingered there briefly, Kokushibo realized that the girl had something to say, and she was making it all too obvious.

Aori knelt beside the spot where Kokushibo often stayed, her bright black eyes filled with "Come quickly, come quickly," looking like she had been eagerly waiting for a long time, being incredibly obedient.

Then Kokushibo walked over and picked up the towel that was placed next to him.

Azhi's hair was very long, and simply wiping it once had no effect. She wiped it very casually, and soon the ends of her hair started dripping small water droplets, soaking the clothes next to her and making them appear dark.

It would probably take a long time to dry like this, but practice makes perfect, so Kokushibo simply started doing it by hand.

"Um, could I go out for a bit..." Azhi hesitated, feeling somewhat insecure after being hit by 000's series of blows. She only dared to tentatively ask, "My friends, they must be very worried about me..."

She didn't dare to tell her to leave directly, but instead said "go out for a while," implying that she would come back. What Azhi actually wanted was to have 000 turn off the "wife" buff as soon as she could break free from Upper Moon's control.

This might sound like a deception, but in return, Aori will do her best to help Kokushibo find a suitable partner within her limited lifespan.

Her moist, delicate lips opened and closed, revealing a vibrant color that tempted one to explore, but what came out were words that stung the heart and were things one didn't want to hear.

Kokushibo noticed the word "he" that Aori mentioned, as well as the word "they" that followed. He only knew that one of them was named "Giyuu," but that wasn't important.

"I told you, you are my wife." With half his face hidden in shadow, Kokushibo maintained his meticulous posture. The first thing he said was not a refusal, but to emphasize their relationship to the girl again.

But his tone then turned to one of obvious disgust, as if coercing or punishing. Kokushibo leaned down slightly, his lips hovering near the girl's ear, his voice terrifying, "Why should I let you see other men?"

Hundreds of years is enough time for Kokushibo to learn many, many things. Kokushibo always used a mimicry form in front of Kato, so in Kato's mind, he was just a powerful and mysterious swordsman whose whereabouts were unknown.

In front of Aori, who has lost her memory, Kokushibo did not want to use his simulated face. Only in front of her did he conceal his sharp claws and fangs, pretending to be harmless, in order to gradually break down her guard.

He will have a long time to carry out his actions and has already begun to disguise himself, but that does not mean he will remain calm when faced with the fact that "A-Zhi has left".

This is his Achilles' heel, something that cannot be touched.

Upper Moon didn't speak again, but stared intently into Aori's eyes, his burning gaze revealing every hidden thought.

Azhi immediately sensed the danger. In the suffocating atmosphere, she shamelessly chose to shut her mouth and stop talking, successfully transforming into an obedient little quail.

"…………"

Her hair was almost dry when Shangxian got up and left, leaving Azhi with a sore neck.

000 sensed that A-Zhi had autistic tendencies, so it quickly comforted its cabbage: "I already told you not to do anything foolish. There's no point in talking to this ghost."

A-Zhi: [...]

She said, extremely aggrieved, "I will never introduce him to a girlfriend in this lifetime!!!" No wonder he hasn't found a wife in centuries!

000: Oh, no, you actually took it seriously?

It seems that Upper Moon ran away because of her, because he didn't come back for a long time. A-Zhi sat on the bed, lost in thought.

Azhi was about to faint: [What's there for him to be angry about? I'm the one who should be angry!]

It was indeed taking longer than before, and 000 felt something was wrong. It checked and found nothing unusual.

—No, the biggest anomaly is the absence of any anomalies.

000 began a deep investigation, as if the fog had been blown away. Countless tiny red dots, varying in shade, immediately appeared in its danger alarm and kept approaching.

This means something is approaching, and there are quite a lot of them. With such a commotion, it's impossible that 000 only noticed it now; they must have used some secret technique to conceal their presence.

It suddenly spoke: "A-Zhi, leave right now!"

Aside from the broadly managed verbal reminders and assistance, the influence 000 exerts on A-Zhi or other characters requires energy, so it generally doesn't interfere too much with actions in the mission world.

Except in emergencies, like right now.

Azhi was still caught up in her anger and couldn't pull herself out of it. She was a little stunned when she heard 000's words: [What's wrong?]

"Something's coming." 000 urged Azhi, inwardly furious at her own negligence. She knew that explaining further would only confuse Azhi. "I've concealed your presence. Head south!"

Several intensely red dots, clearly visible on the alarm, were scattered around. Three of them had been intercepted somewhere, while one was rapidly approaching and would soon break through the safe zone.

Hearing such a commanding tone, A-Zhi didn't waste any more time, but a hint of worry lingered in her heart: [If I run away, what will happen to him?]

000 knew who A-Zhi was referring to, and almost sneered, but held back. [Move a little to the left; he'll definitely be doing better than you!]

They've entered the scanning range; it's Upper Moon Two, Doma. 000 has read about him, and he's unlike any of the types Aori has encountered before. This Upper Moon is someone she has absolutely no way of dealing with.

Because this Upper Moon is here to kill.

So why did Kokushibo so irresponsibly put Ori in danger?

********

The bright moon hung in the sky, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daytime. The dense greenery stretched into a thick fog, heavy and pressing down on one's heart. The silence was eerily profound; not even the most common chirping of insects could be heard, which was very abnormal.

The forest is teeming with ghosts, no exaggeration.

Azhi watched helplessly as another deformed ghost darted past the bushes where she was hiding, heading straight in the direction she had come from.

This looks like a siege.

Ah Zhi was the only prey in the encirclement. She was like a panicked fawn, running through the dark forest where countless traps were hidden, with only her heavy breathing echoing in the surrounding space.

She hadn't actually run very far, but this was already the third ghost she had encountered along the way.

000 has been planning safe routes for her and helping her conceal her presence. Only when she encounters situations that are truly unavoidable will she be allowed to hide temporarily.

Azhi didn't have time to shed tears because things happened too quickly. She followed 000's instructions and felt like the changing scenes in front of her were playing out like a video. She couldn't think and could only passively accept it.

It was another strangely shaped ghost with two heads, and its two long, dragging tongues almost swept across A-Zhi's arm.

Azhi had never seen so many ghosts at once before. She covered her mouth, afraid that her breathing would attract the ghosts' attention.

After a while, she continued to drag her increasingly heavy body and run desperately. She was not wearing shoes, and the gravel and fallen branches on the ground hurt her feet, but she dared not stop at all.

【Don't be afraid, keep walking on the right.】000 knew this was difficult for Azhi, as the mountain path was already difficult to walk on, and she had to hide, but there was no other way.

Azhi didn't see the road clearly and fell to the ground. She clutched her chest and gasped for breath. Just as she was about to continue, an unfamiliar presence silently enveloped her from behind.

The light was completely blocked.

"Oh dear, I caught it."

In stark contrast to the breathless girl, Upper Moon, holding a folding fan and dressed in strange clothes, walked slowly as if stepping on moonlight, his seven-colored engraved pupils revealing great interest.

Doma had put in some effort to find Ori. Compared to the other Upper Moons surrounding Kokushibo, he thought finding her would be much easier, but he was surprised to discover a big surprise.

It was a sudden attack, the kind of attack that even Upper Moon One didn't sense beforehand, and they only realized something was wrong when they tightened their encirclement.

So, a very unfortunate thing happened: Kokushibo happened to be separated from Ori, exposing his biggest weakness, and he couldn't immediately go back to protect it.

To Doma's surprise, Aori, who was the weak point, was not in the house hidden deep in the forest.

When Doma arrived, all he saw were lonely burning candles and bonfires. He strolled around slowly for a while before coming out to search.

—And then I couldn't find it.

It wasn't that he hadn't found it, but rather that he hadn't started looking. He felt that if he delayed any longer, he might be punished, so Doma toned down his playful attitude a little.

…………

"Are you the woman the adults are looking for?"

The girl fell to the ground, covered in dust, her face filthy and indistinct. Her slender white heels kicked backward, making her appear even more beautiful against the brown ground.

Doma didn't know Aori's name, only her face. He slightly bowed his back, his voice sounding like he was smiling, but the long, drawn-out aura emanating from him was so cold that Aori was about to freeze.

Just standing in the same space as him, Azhi endured immense pressure and torment; every word he uttered sent shivers down one's spine.

Her lips trembled, and her body stiffened as she slowly backed away, as if trying to shrink herself into the trees behind her, so that she would never be seen again.

It's impossible to expect a poor girl who's terrified to answer that question.

Douma crouched down, reached out and gently lifted the girl's chin, comparing it with the image in his mind. After confirming it was correct, the corners of his lips curved upwards slightly. "Found it."

Upper Moon didn't stop, but continued to touch A-Zhi's cheek. The touch was very gentle, and it was definitely not a touch out of pity, but more like curiosity about the object.

The icy temperature made Azhi shiver, and she could clearly see that the face that always seemed to be smiling actually contained a bone-chilling coldness.

"Can you tell me how you found out in advance and escaped? And how did you find the weakest point in the encirclement?"

He put his index finger to his lips, smiling innocently, his voice carrying a peculiar tone, almost coaxing, "Tell me."

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Author's Note: You're going to suffer a lot! Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 2023-05-09 20:48:06 and 2023-05-10 22:56:38!

Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: Ayang (27 bottles);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!