Listening to the ghost's soft, mellifluous voice chiding her words, Rio Futaba suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
It couldn't be helped.
This kimono-clad ghost, with her refined, classical beauty, was simply too striking.
Otherwise, Rio Futaba wouldn't have worried that she might bewitch Ye Xing.
"Sorry."
"No harm done."
The kimono-clad ghost covered her mouth with a sleeve as she chuckled at Rio Futaba's apology, then turned her gaze to Ye Xing.
"So you realised I was merely testing you. Your insight is remarkable."
Indeed.
What Miko Yotsuya and the others had witnessed—the bloody, back-and-forth battle between the exorcist and the evil spirits—had actually just been a test.
The evidence was clear.
Ye Xing could tell that while the evil spirits in this group were relatively strong within the Reverse World, they were nowhere near powerful enough to make the black mist and other spirits flee in fear.
This meant that what truly made the black mist and other spirits avoid them wasn't the size of this evil spirit group.
It was just this single yokai—the kimono-clad woman seated in the white-draped carriage.
As a professional exorcist, Ye Xing had explained to Miko Yotsuya before:
Evil spirits have no bottom line.
Whether pretending to beg on their knees, disguising themselves as humans, or threatening a human's companions, they're capable of all these things.
Given that, why hadn't the kimono-clad woman attacked?
She could have used Miko as leverage, but even Yui Yuigahama and Rio Futaba—ordinary humans standing further away—would have made perfect targets.
Either the kimono-clad woman was being overly cautious.
Or she was merely testing, her real goal being to gauge the true abilities of this so-called professional exorcist.
Ye Xing suspected the latter was more likely.
"So now..."
Ye Xing met the kimono-clad woman's gaze steadily as he spoke.
"Tell me your purpose in doing all this, even at the cost of sacrificing dozens of your followers, just to test my abilities."
"My, you're quite impatient."
The kimono-clad female ghost chuckled softly.
"Perhaps you're unaware, but I've heard quite a bit about your exploits recently."
At this point, she paused, glancing with interest at the spot where Ye Xing had devoured the mountain-like evil spirit.
"A human capable of devouring evil spirits... this is truly the first time I've heard of such a thing."
"You still haven't said what you want. My patience has limits."
Rio Futaba hid behind Ye Xing, listening to his firm tone while stealing a glance at the kimono ghost. She couldn't help feeling somewhat... illusory.
Seriously?
This is how you negotiate?
To those who know, this is the Reverse World —the domain of evil spirits.
To those who don't, they'd think this was your own backyard.
Despite her internal complaints, Rio understood this was a negotiation tactic - keeping one's cards close to the chest to gain better terms.
She knew full well about Ye Xing's negotiation skills.
After all, she'd been the one drawn into the clubroom, agreeing to his terms step by step until becoming the current "victim".
But...
Would evil spirits fall for this?
"My apologies for the presumption."
To everyone's surprise, including Rio's, the kimono ghost actually bowed slightly in polite apology.
Bloody hell. An evil spirit apologising to an exorcist?
This was like goblins and female saintesses maintaining peaceful coexistence.
Utterly bizarre.
"My purpose here is actually to propose a transaction."
At these words, all members of the Society, except Ye Xing, including the evil spirit Hachishaku-sama, looked thoroughly astonished.
An evil spirit wanting to make a deal with humans?
That sounded... highly problematic.
Are you sure you're not just lusting after Ye Xing's body?
Seeing no immediate response, the kimono ghost continued unperturbed, smiling at Ye Xing with graceful composure.
"If I'm not mistaken, devouring evil spirits enhances your power."
"In which case, I have a mutually beneficial proposal."
"I can provide you with information about areas in this world where powerful evil spirits frequently appear - including their specific abilities and active time periods."
"Of course, I'll merely supply the information. Whether you choose to devour them remains entirely at your discretion. What say you?"
After listening, Ye Xing gave a noncommittal nod.
"I see..."
He drawled lazily, eyes twinkling with amusement as he glanced at Rio beside him.
"Imperial Consort, your emperor is weary. Analyse this for me."
At the term "Imperial Consort", Rio's face flushed crimson. She gritted her teeth indignantly.
"W-who's your imperial consort? Stop with the nonsense!"
Despite her protest, her brain immediately began analysing the kimono ghost's proposal with perfect obedience.
An evil spirit wanting to strike a deal with humans?
Why?
Any transaction requires mutual benefit.
Ye Xing gains strength by devouring spirits.
What benefit could there be for the kimono-clad female spectre in having him devour his own kind?
Rio Futaba's thoughts raced as she analysed the current information about the Reverse World, evil spirits and psychics.
Suddenly, inspiration struck. She recalled a casual remark Miko Yotsuya had made while explaining the truth of this world to her on the way here.
'Evil spirits... I've seen some particularly powerful ones devour their own kind. It's disgusting. Though I hate to admit it, compared to Ye Xing, their devouring scenes are downright inelegant—like zombies in movies.'
Zombies? Cannibalism?
It was as if thunder roared in Rio's mind.
There could only be one truth!
"I understand now."
Summoning her courage, Rio stepped out from behind Ye Xing to face the kimono-clad spectre directly. Adjusting her glasses, she spoke deliberately.
"I suspect that among evil spirits, many powerful ones lack rational thought like yours. Instead, they're highly aggressive, instinctively devouring their own kind indiscriminately to grow stronger."
"To you, these spirits are equivalent to the most vicious criminals in the human world—madmen who commit unspeakable atrocities."
"You don't need to state your terms because simply reducing the number of such spirits benefits you."
"There's also a hidden advantage: by providing Ye Xing with intelligence about these spirits, you've effectively established a contract between you."
"This way, Ye Xing won't actively devour you or spirits under your dominion."
"As their numbers dwindle and yours remain stable, your position in this world becomes more secure. Am I correct?"
Having delivered this lengthy analysis in one breath, Rio's fair cheeks flushed red as she struggled to catch it.
The kimono spectre, her subordinate spirits, and even Miko and Yuigahama nearby were utterly stunned by this deduction.
This was too intense!
To extract so much information from just a few of the spectre's words in mere seconds?
Now Miko understood why Ye Xing had insisted on adding that nonsensical "quantum mechanics" to their club name just to recruit Rio into the Supernatural Quantum Mechanics Research Society.
This level of rational analysis and processing speed wasn't something ordinary high schoolers—no, ordinary humans—could achieve.
Consider this:
It was Rio's first time entering the Reverse World. She'd only just learned about evil spirits from Miko moments ago.
To perform such an analysis under these circumstances was nothing short of astonishing.
Watching the stunned spirits, Yuigahama and Miko, Ye Xing thought to himself—Your perspectives remain too limited.
Who was Rio Futaba?
In the original storyline, she'd connected Mai Sakurajima's Adolescence Syndrome with quantum mechanics theory and devised concrete solutions.
Rio Futaba's analysis had never once been wrong.
What did this mean?
If this were some fantasy or xianxia world, Rio Futaba would be one of those causal-law powerhouses whose words became reality!
Truly fearsome... utterly fearsome indeed.
The kimono-clad ghost woman paused for a moment before regaining her composure. She gave Rio Futaba a deep look, then covered her mouth with her sleeve as she smiled meaningfully.
"Little girl, though you're just an ordinary human, your mind is quite sharp indeed. As you said, this is precisely my intention."
Ye Xing thought to himself, 'Girl, she may be, but...'
His gaze flickered towards a certain part of the kimono ghost's anatomy.
The other party hardly had the qualifications to call Rio Futaba a "little" girl.
"So, do you accept this transaction?"
"No problem."
Ye Xing didn't hesitate much before giving his answer.
"Then let us sign the contract."
At the mention of the word "contract", Hachishaku-sama, standing beside him, visibly shuddered, as if recalling some particularly unpleasant memories.
"The contract must, of course, be signed."
The kimono-clad female ghost extended her right hand, whereupon an evil spirit immediately scurried over, presenting a scroll to her with utmost deference.
Honestly, you really had to admit...
The scene carried the same swagger as a yakuza boss extending his hand while underlings instinctively knew to light his cigarette.
"Here."
The kimono-clad ghost unfurled the scroll. Where there had been blank space, several lines of small characters gradually materialised, precisely outlining the contractual terms she'd just proposed.
The word "contract" carried immense binding force.
Hachishaku-sama had once told Ye Xing that whichever party violated the contract would suffer severe backlash – potentially even death.
This was far more formidable than any human contract where surface harmony could mask underhanded schemes. There were absolutely no loopholes to exploit.
Taking up the brush with elegant poise, the kimono-clad ghost inscribed her name upon the scroll.
Rio Futaba, standing closest, saw the name being written and her pupils dilated in shock.
As a science-minded girl devoted to quantum mechanics research, she'd never paid much attention to supernatural folklore.
Yet the name appearing on that scroll was one even many in China would recognise, let alone in Japan.
Who could have imagined this kimono-clad ghost's true identity was that of such a legendary demon?
"Your turn."
"Right."
Ye Xing accepted the brush from the ghost and, likewise, bent to inscribe his name on the scroll.
He'd briefly considered using evil spirit power to materialise a dagger – perhaps signing in blood for dramatic effect.
But upon reflection...
That seemed unnecessarily painful.
Never mind. He'd forgo showing off this time. There'd be other opportunities.
Yet when Ye Xing finished signing, the kimono-clad ghost frowned slightly, her face displaying unprecedented confusion as she murmured:
"How can this be? The contract... hasn't taken effect?"
This defied comprehension.
Both parties had signed, yet the contract remained inert.
Only one explanation existed:
One signatory lacked the capacity to fulfil the contractual terms.
She knew her own ability to comply was absolute.
Logically, suspicion should now fall upon the other party.
Yet she'd witnessed Ye Xing personally demonstrate his evil spirit devouring ability – even sacrificing dozens of her attendants to verify it.
So why...?
"Didn't take effect, eh..."
Ye Xing didn't seem surprised, merely smiling as he said:
"In that case, let me sign with my other name."
"Hmm?"
Rio Futaba, Yui Yuigahama and Miko Yotsuya exchanged bewildered glances at this.
You have another name?
Since when?
Are you some wanted criminal?
Ignoring the Society members' puzzled stares, Ye Xing took up the brush again, writing another name.
His strokes were swift, but noticeably more complex – clearly more than two characters.
Before Rio Futaba could even get a clear look, the kimono-clad spectre abruptly changed expression upon seeing the name Ye Xing had written, swiftly rolling up the scroll and tucking it into her robes.
"The contract... is sealed. This humble one shall take her leave now."
With those words, the kimono-clad spectre quickly turned and boarded her carriage, departing the area along with her entourage at remarkable speed.
For some reason, as Yuigahama and the others watched the evil spirits fade into the distance, the same thought occurred to them all.
They... seemed afraid?
Especially that kimono-clad spectre, who had maintained such serene elegance throughout, yet appeared thoroughly alarmed after seeing the name Ye Xing had written.
Just what had he written?
...
Ten minutes later, in an abandoned Kyoto hospital, back in the real world.
"Finally back."
After passing through the Gate, Ye Xing checked his phone - it was only 6:30 pm.
"That's it? We're back already?"
Rio Futaba and the others were speechless.
After all that dramatic entrance, they'd only stayed for an hour and a half?
Nearly an hour of which had been spent following that procession of evil spirits while listening to Ye Xing play 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' on his suona.
Had they gone to the Reverse World to hold a concert?
What kind of madman holds a concert with a suona?
"Couldn't help it. I hit my limit."
Ye Xing leaned exhaustedly against the wall, looking thoroughly spent.
"My power depletion was too severe. Staying longer in the Reverse World would've been dangerous."
Rio Futaba's brow furrowed slightly. After hesitating, she moved closer and crouched beside Ye Xing, her carefully controlled tone unable to mask the concern in her voice.
"Are you alright? Should we get you to a hospital?"
Strangely, when she said this, both Miko Yotsuya and Yui Yuigahama's expressions became somewhat complicated.
"Thanks for your concern."
Ye Xing exhaled deeply before continuing.
"I actually expended nearly ten per cent of my power. Almost dropped below the safety threshold of ninety HP. That was close."
Rio Futaba froze.
Ten per cent?
Wait.
One hundred minus ten equals...
Ninety!?
"You!"
Only then did she realise.
Seeing Ye Xing's exhausted state, she'd assumed he couldn't even muster the strength to keep fighting evil spirits, hence the urgent retreat through the nearest Gate before twilight hour ended.
Yet he still had ninety per cent of his power left!?
"See? You think it was close, too, right? A real brush with death."
Hearing Ye Xing's matter-of-fact tone and seeing Rio Futaba's utterly bewildered expression, both Miko and Yuigahama covered their mouths to suppress giggles.
Back then, they'd fallen for the same trick.
Now, seeing the normally rational and composed Futaba-senpai similarly deceived was simply too much.
"Honestly, you're impossible."
Rio Futaba shook her head, then murmured with a complicated expression.
"Yet I never expected to witness a legendary great yokai with my own eyes today. It feels like a dream."
"Shall I pinch your backside then, to confirm this isn't a dream?"
"Absolutely not! Besides, shouldn't you pinch cheeks? Who pinches... that area?"
"Think about it - cheeks might get bruised. That area won't show marks."
"Die already!"
Listening to their exchange, both Yui Yuigahama and Miko Yotsuya grew curious and couldn't help moving closer to ask:
"Futaba, what exactly do you mean by 'great yokai'?"
Only then did Rio Futaba remember she alone had seen the name the kimono-clad spectre wrote on the scroll.
Instead of answering directly, she first glanced questioningly at Ye Xing. Receiving his indifferent nod, she finally replied:
"You've both heard that kimono spectre's name before."
"Huh? We have?"
"Indeed."
Rio Futaba adopted a solemn expression as she enunciated each word clearly:
"She is the legendary great yokai - Tamamo-no-Mae."