Chapter 92: Night Parade of One Hundred Demons & Iris Flower
Six Eyes... Gojo Satoru from a thousand years ago, is the big event that is about to happen in Heian-kyo related to him?
Jiang Lai made up his mind about the answer. He stared at the person in front of him with his brown eyes, waiting for Ryoumen Sukuna to say more.
"It is almost the day of the One Hundred Demons Night Parade that happens once every few hundred years. This time the gate will be opened outside of Heian-kyō. It is the Gojo family's turn to guard the gate. The Rokugan, who is now the head of the family, is the frontline defender of this One Hundred Demons Night Parade."
The straightforward words contain important information!
When Jiang Lai heard the term "Yaxi Parade of One Hundred Demons" just now, his heart skipped a beat. Then he heard the following content and felt that the "Yaxi Parade of One Hundred Demons" in the Heian-kyo era a thousand years ago and the activities launched by Geto Suguru's organization a thousand years later were different.
The [One Hundred Demons Night Parade] here should be the one in Japanese folk legends.
Jiang Lai recalled the various explanations of terms that his science friends had shared in the group. [One Hundred Demons Night Parade] In the Neon legend of gods and ghosts, it refers to the parade of monsters that appear on summer nights.
In the world of curses, this place should have become a synonym for the Curse Parade.
It was summer now, and the Ghost Festival would arrive in a few days. The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons a thousand years ago probably took place on this day. Jiang Lai quickly figured out the answer in his mind.
According to what Sukuna said, the so-called "gate" will be something like a teleportation array, and a large number of curses will probably emerge from here continuously.
So, could it be that the content of the transaction between Ryomen Sukuna, who is currently near Heian-kyo, and Nose-sock (brain flower) is related to the One Hundred Demons Night Parade incident a thousand years ago?
Jiang Lai was thinking in his mind, but his face showed no sign of it. He replied casually:
"Really? He has become the head of the family. That sounds great—but is he the only one guarding the gate?"
"That's the next question." Ryoumen Sukuna was unmoved. He glanced at her with his scarlet eyes, raised the corners of his lips, and replied leisurely, "You can ask me to answer it, but in exchange, you have to answer one of my questions later."
He seemed to have been prepared for this, which is why he took the initiative to say "you are allowed to ask questions".
Jiang Lai's heart moved slightly. He raised his brown eyes and waited for half a second before finally nodding in agreement: "Okay."
——After all, he himself didn't have any big secrets to hide.
Moreover, you don’t have to tell the whole truth in your response; you can even throw in a few riddles.
After being influenced by the world of science, Jiang Lai has become very good at playing the role of a mystery teller.
The promise between the two of them became a simple bond. Then, Ryoumen Sukuna answered Jiang Lai's question: "He is the only one who is arranged by the upper level of the world of curse."
"For Rokugan, going alone shouldn't be a problem, right?" Ryoumen Sukuna snorted and said lazily, "I heard that the reason given by the higher-ups is that Rokugan's strength is too far behind the others, and having someone around would hinder his performance, and the power of his moves would easily affect the surroundings. So he went to the front alone, and the others stayed behind."
In a sense, this is true. Without anyone else around, Gojo Satoru, who is almost invincible, can launch a large-scale bombing.
Jiang Lai thought, but he still felt that this was not very reasonable.
Even if Rokugan is the strongest, he is still a human being. Isn't it a bit too much to leave everything to him?
Although Gojo Satoru can definitely handle it perfectly, he will always be tired afterwards.
Sure enough, rotten oranges a thousand years ago and a thousand years later will still oppress people.
However, the reality that the curse parade was threatening Heian-kyō made it difficult for Gojo Satoru to just sit there and do whatever he wanted.
Jiang Lai sighed silently in his heart, and then thought about it a little more: Is this arrangement purely based on the consideration of the Defense Curse Parade, or is it aimed at Gojo Satoru?
From Ryoumen Sukuna's words, we can hear that this time it is the Gojo family's turn to defend, and as the head of the Gojo family, Gojo Satoru will definitely not leave in this situation. He will most likely guard the so-called "gate" until the curse parade is over.
If the upper echelons of the Jujutsu world have intentions against Gojo Satoru, then this arrangement can achieve two goals:
① Consume the Six Eyes’ physical strength and magical power.
②Temporarily transfer Nagaha Gojo to the outskirts of Heian-kyō and ensure that he will not return during that period of time.
With thoughts flowing through his mind, Jiang Lai heard the person in front of him ask his question:
"——There are so many people like you."
"What?" Jiang Lai tilted his head. He did not immediately understand what Ryoumen Sukuna's overly simple words meant.
"You and I are the same kind in a sense, right?" Ryoumen Sukuna said something quite meaningful. He shook his wrist and said in a low and slightly contemptuous voice, "Don't talk about the disgusting brotherhood. Being the same kind doesn't mean we are companions. I don't agree with that."
"Then why are you asking me this?" Jiang Lai raised his eyebrows.
"I'm just curious and asking," Ryoumen Sukuna half turned his head and said, "According to the agreement, you only need to answer. It's not your responsibility to ask me questions in return."
Jiang Lai actually asked this question a long time ago, so this time, he responded according to his last answer:
"Like I told you before, a parent, an older sister or brother, me, and you...or both of you."
The last "you" naturally refers to the situation of twins.
After listening to this, Ryomen Sukuna made a "tsk" sound between his lips and looked like he was thinking about something.
After a few seconds, under Jiang Lai's gaze, he slowly said, "It's so little, not enough to eat."
Jiang Lai: “?”
The reason for asking this is because of cannibalism? ? As expected of you, the Lord of the Underworld——!
The sarcastic words that popped up in his mind flashed across his mind, and Jiang Lai quickly calmed down.
Although Ryoumen Sukuna's only hobby is eating, the problem at this moment may not be that simple.
It is very likely that the other party has keenly sensed some problems with the noose (brain flower), and therefore understands and analyzes it from the side.
Speaking of which, it can be seen from the Millennium Chapter that Nose Flower has a certain understanding of [existence].
Then, the other party should know that stabbing the neck will not kill the [existence], but it can cause the [existence] to be injured and lose its magic power?
Jiang Lai thought. If that was the case, the reason why the Supervisory Commission would look for him, take out the prison gate and stab him in the neck a thousand years later was probably to try to pull the strings, and if that didn't work, they would seal or weaken him and prevent Gojo Satoru from having a chance to be reborn.
Speaking of this... Jiang Lai suddenly had a bizarre but reasonable guess:
Considering the situation a thousand years later, could it be that Nozomi (Brain Flower) is planning to gather all [existences], become a god (?), and then reshape the world, doing what he wants to do, testing the limits of humanity?
What kind of Dragon Ball (Hell Version) development is this——
Oh, but, Xia Yu, a thousand years later, also said that the regulatory agency’s attitude towards [clocks] is "if you can’t use them for your own benefit, destroy them or use them up."
Well, maybe brains are two ideas that coexist: if they can be gathered together, then they will be gathered together; if they cannot be gathered together, they will never be allowed to become an obstacle.
With thoughts surging in his mind, Jiang Lai casually replied to Ryomen Sukuna: "Please keep the recipe normal. If you continue to kill people recklessly, you will be separated from this kind of people."
Using abilities in an objective way will cause the [Godhood] to fade away. It’s just that the manifestation of each [Existence] may be different.
Jiang Lai himself was in a deep sleep and his abilities were weakened to a certain extent, but it seemed that Ryomen Sukuna was not affected too obviously, or it might be that the other party did not show it.
Or maybe, it is because the other party is born with an incomplete divine nature, which allows him to grow like a human being and also possess some of the same subjective authority as a human being.
This is in line with the principle of equal exchange and mutual dependence of misfortune and fortune in the world of magic.
"Escape? So what?" Ryoumen Sukuna pulled up the corners of his lips and laughed loudly, "Why should I care about this? Whether it's a human, a curse, or the so-called peer, identity is not important to me. I only care about living a happy life."
Jiang Lai was not surprised to hear this, as it was very much in line with Ryomen Sukuna's character.
After all, the so-called "existence" is a benefit as well as a kind of constraint. This is the balance rule of the world.
When the divinity of [existence] is reduced and degraded to a certain extent, the entity is no longer [existence], and it no longer possesses the benefits of [existence] such as immortality, fearlessness of cold and heat, and no need to eat, and becomes a human being or a cursed spirit.
However, the status of humans or cursed spirits will no longer be affected by the accumulation of bad karma from now on.
"Besides, you obviously don't care about this identity of the same kind at all." Ryoumen Sukuna stopped laughing and glanced over. "I still remember what you said at that time. You seemed to be more interested in the identity of a human being."
Jiang Lai paused for a second and smiled softly: "I am not stubborn about my identity, I just choose the lifestyle I like."
"Your way of life is to hang out with weak guys? Clinging to feelings is childish and boring."
Ryomen Sukuna said sarcastically.
"Your way of living a happy life is to kill and eat others? It is so uncreative and dark to be controlled by instinct."
Jiang Lai responded fluently.
Ryoumen Sukuna laughed heartily: "I can take that as a compliment."
Jiang Lai shrugged slightly: "Then your evaluation is also an exaggeration to me."
The two of them exchanged words without any politeness, but in a sense, they had a tacit understanding.
Li Mei stood quietly beside him, silent as a puppet.
Maybe he had some thoughts in his heart, but he never showed them on his face. He was a very qualified subordinate.
There was a vague wave of strange power in the air, and Jiang Lai, who was sitting in place, sensed it sharply - this was the breath of [birth].
The fluctuations of the aura of [Existence] do not fall within the scope of cursed power, so Ryomen Sukuna, who has almost escaped from [Existence], and Riume, who is originally a human curser, did not sense anything special.
Jiang Lai sensed the distance and thought for a moment before deciding to get up and look for the other person.
Since you happened to meet him, just say hello and let him know that you are awake.
Seeing the dark blue figure stand up, Ryomen Sukuna raised his brows, and his hands were no longer on his knees. His lazy and casual posture still had a hint of readiness for battle.
He glanced at her with his crimson eyes and said, "I didn't allow you to move around freely - what, are you planning to escape? You haven't fulfilled your responsibilities as a spare ingredient."
"The word 'escape' is not appropriate. The preparation of food ingredients also depends on whether you have the ability to do it." Jiang Lai shook his sleeves and said, "I just want to take a walk around. There is no point in fighting with you. It's better to enjoy the flowers and plants and look at the animals and plants."
"Don't worry, I will come back naturally. I am also interested in the affairs of Heian-kyō, and I will go with you then."
Jiang Lai replied lightly, seemingly not taking the food threat in Ryomen Sukuna's words seriously, and in fact it was true.
There is no huge difference in the current strength between the two, and Jiang Lai's remaining ability is even slightly higher.
Ryomen Sukuna's advantage is probably that he is ruthless and decisive, and has more combat experience, but even so, it is impossible to determine the winner.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, there is no real possibility of a fight between them. It is meaningless.
If Jiang Lai really wanted to leave, Ryomen Sukuna would at most stop him for the sake of showing his respect, but he would not really risk all his strength in a battle with an uncertain outcome just to get a bite.
Jiang Lai came back because he planned to continue following up, trying to find out the content of the transaction between the other party and Nozomi, and go to Heian-kyo at the right time.
He did not continue the verbal battle with Ryomen Sukuna. He leaped up, performed the technique skillfully, and flew up and down several times, looking for her instinctively.
Jiang Lai moved lightly and quickly. After the clouds above his head floated past, blocking the sunlight and then clearing up, he finally arrived at the place where he was born.
He walked through the weeds and forests where almost no human beings had walked before, and after he pushed aside the obstacles, he saw a large cluster of irises. Perhaps because the environment in this area is quite unique, they still bloomed in the summer.
A pretty figure with a princess-cut hairstyle and wearing a lotus-pink twelve-piece kimono stood among the flowers.
In this dreamy ocean of blue, purple and white irises, He turned His head like a fairy and looked over.
Seeing Jiang Lai, [Shengsheng] smiled sweetly, and his words revealed a genuine smile: "Are you awake? That's great. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm fine." Jiang Lai took a few steps forward, feeling the care from his elder sister (eldest brother), he frowned, "I'm completely fine now."
"Are you here to see me? That's great, we can travel together." [The Birth] invited him very naturally. He took a few steps forward and walked in front of Jiang Lai, with the corners of his beautiful peach blossom eyes curled up.
Jiang Lai was of course not going out for a trip. He planned to follow Ryomen Sukuna to Heian-kyo to find out the details of the transaction between Nose and the other party, and to visit Rokugan - in case anything happened, he could help his friend on the spot.
However, these words seemed to be stuck in my throat, unable to be uttered smoothly, amidst my eldest sister's (eldest brother's) eyes full of expectation and concern.
Therefore, he decided to skip over this topic for the time being, and then explain it clearly after he had discussed the past and laid some groundwork.
Jiang Lai was thinking about the topic in his mind, and his eyes involuntarily moved to the sea of irises.
At the same time, a scene from a thousand years later suddenly flashed through his mind - the logo of the Regulatory Commission was the iris!
“Are these flowers pretty?” As if sensing where Jiang Lai was looking, [Incarnation] smiled beautifully. He looked out at the beautiful flower field and said in a gentle voice, “I like irises very much. They are very beautiful.”
"Yeah, that's right." Jiang Lai responded.
From the perspective of flower appreciation alone, irises are indeed beautiful.
He asked, "Are these flowers wild or did you grow them?"
"There are wild ones, but not many. I simply planted some more and used a little of my own [Existence] power to create this sea of flowers." [Shengsheng] stretched out his hand and held Jiang Lai, "Come, I'll show you the flowers I grew."
[Shing], who has no special feelings towards humans, seems to have a special affection for the plant iris.
He loves nature as he travels around the mountains and rivers, and with a wave of his hand he uses his magical power to bestow these beautiful plants.
Jiang Lai followed his elder sister (eldest brother) walking in the flowers. There was a small path in the middle of the flowers for walking. He always paid attention to his feet and used magic to gently protect the flowers on both sides to avoid accidentally stepping on them.
Noticing Jiang Lai's actions, [Shengsheng] smiled with his hands covering his lips: "How gentle, [Shikong]. It's okay, there's no need to be so careful."
He took Jiang Lai to the center of the flower field. The irises that were in full bloom were intertwined together, and in the breeze, they looked like a living, flowing river.
Even Jiang Lai, who was somewhat sensitive about irises, couldn't help but relax at this moment, softening his brows and appreciating this paradise-like beauty.
[The Birth] said, "Isn't it beautiful?"
Jiang Lai nodded: "Yeah."
Jifashi smiled and said, "If you get lost in the future, you can follow these flowers to find me. I will leave guiding iris marks everywhere I go."