Chapter 54 The Mystery of Ranluo's Background

Even though the three major families never considered sword spirits a threat, they still understood the importance of one's [True Name]. Even tsukumogami possess the ability to disappear. Once one's [True Name] is revealed, there is a risk of being disappeared.

Those born into these three families are only known by themselves, their parents, and their future spouses. Everyone else is referred to by a code name, in order to protect their real names from being revealed to the greatest extent possible.

What terrified Reiko Morikawa was that she had never met Han Zhou. How did he know her real name?!

"How...how did you know?!"

Han Zhou looked at the young woman, who was only in her early twenties, and sighed with a hint of regret.

"Humans think they understand the gods, but they don't realize... how many flaws exist in their understanding."

She hasn't used this kind of magic in a long time.

Han Zhou's light golden eyes gleamed slightly. The instant they met eyes, Morikawa Reiko felt as if her consciousness had left her body, and she could no longer control her desires.

They could only watch helplessly as their bodies acted according to Han Zhou's instructions, unable to interfere at all.

"My lord, won't doing this alert the enemy?" Horikawa Kunihiro asked with some concern.

The three major families sent so many people, yet they returned empty-handed. They certainly won't give up so easily.

"Don't worry, their superiors know I'm not so easy to deal with. If this little trick succeeds on the first try, it will only arouse their suspicion."

Their meeting with Ranluo was interrupted; she didn't even have time to investigate the Wanwu before rushing here. Fortunately, nothing serious happened.

Han Zhou shifted his gaze to the unfamiliar face of the sword spirit, which made Nankai Taro Asahiko and Hizen Tadahiro subconsciously straighten their backs.

"I really didn't expect the government to send you. But given your understanding of Tosa, it's not surprising."

"Want to come to my citadel? I'll handle the political situation."

Nankai Taro Asahi was slightly stunned, seeing the familiar person appear before him, the amulet he held in his arms still seemed to be warm.

A slight smile played on his lips, and his eyes held a hint of nostalgia.

"Long time no see, Lord Hanzhou. This question... I think the answer is obvious, isn't it?"

Mutsu no Kami happily put his arm around Hizen Tadahiro's shoulder. "Great! Now you have a companion in our citadel. Our citadel is huge. How about I show you around sometime?"

"Then I'll leave it to you, Mutsu no Kami."

"Hey! Don't hold me like that and won't let go!"

Han Zhou's lips curled slightly as he opened a time-space portal, his cool voice echoing in their ears.

"Let's go home."

Hearing the commotion behind her, she stepped into the time-space tunnel first. Despite the interference from the three major families, she also saw familiar faces.

——

Meanwhile, Miyugiri and Aoya, who rushed back to the citadel to recall their troops, found that their forces had not encountered any unexpected situations.

"I just contacted Ranluo, and there are no problems with her unit." Qingye had just closed the terminal, his brows slightly furrowed.

"It seems the three major families are targeting Lord Hanzhou this time."

"If all five members of the team break their swords at the same time, and the three major families unite to expose this matter, it will cause Lord Hanzhou considerable trouble," Yu Yuwu said, letting out a breath of turbid air with mixed feelings.

They will no longer send tsukumogami to the abandoned world; the risks are too great. Even if they equip the tsukumogami with protective charms, the three major families will have even more methods to deal with them.

"But I didn't expect... Ranluo was actually a half-demon," Qingye recalled the somewhat lively little girl, his expression somewhat helpless. "And she's even from the same clan as Lord Hanzhou."

"Ranluo's background is still questionable. Because the three major families suddenly stirred up trouble, the clues left by the red-haired monster have not yet been found."

"Yu Yuwu, there's no need to worry so much. After all... it's the three major families who are panicking right now. Lord Hanzhou certainly won't let them off easily for their actions this time."

What kind of happy ending will occur if you anger the gods?

Meanwhile, in Ranluo's Honmaru

"You mean, Lord Hanzhou was your former head of the family—?!" Ranlu looked at the two Genji brothers in disbelief.

"General, Lord Hanzhou was also one of my former owners."

"That's not all, Ryoma and Lord Kanshu are also very close. I remember... those guys from the Shinsengumi also know Lord Kanshu, right?"

"It's more than just knowing him... Lord Chongtian's swordsmanship was taught by Lord Hanzhou!"

Ranlu was somewhat stunned as she processed the massive amount of information. The discussions in the large hall were incessant, and Ranlu sighed helplessly.

"Haha, if you sigh, luck will run away~" Mikazuki teased with a laugh.

"That sounds more like what Monoyoshi would say..." Ranlu didn't mind the swords reminiscing about their former master; she didn't have that strong a desire for control or possession.

What she cares about now is her father, whom she has never met. Although she always harbored resentment towards him as a child, the special abilities she now possesses also come from him.

She wanted to know what had happened back then. Even on her deathbed, her mother hadn't revealed a single detail about her father.

Ranluo took out the sachet that Hanzhou had given her from her bosom, and she hesitated for a moment.

What if I disturb Lord Hanzhou while he's handling his affairs? He's probably very busy, after all, he has to deal with matters concerning the three major families. Ah—but I still really want to ask.

Just as she was struggling with her decision, the sachet in her hand shimmered slightly, and then a clear, cool voice appeared in Ranluo's mind.

What do you want?

"Lord Hanzhou?!" Ranluo was so surprised she almost jumped up.

[Well, as long as you have the sachet on you, you can contact us by silently reciting our name for a few seconds, so... what are you hesitating about?]

I...want to know about my father.

Ranluo waited a while, but didn't hear a reply from Hanzhou. She called out anxiously.

【Lord Hanzhou? 】

Meanwhile, Hanzhou sighed and declined the tea and snacks offered by Shokudaikiri.

The white fox clan would never abandon their mates and children unless absolutely necessary; all those who knew the truth back then were wiped out by the three major families.

Your mother was able to escape, and even give birth to you. Your father must have been protecting her. For more details… come to the Wanwu Inn and meet me there; perhaps you'll find an unexpected answer.