The torrent of yokai energy crumbled before Morpheus's Light Dimension power, shattered in an instant, dissipating into nothingness as if nothing had happened.
Rihan Nura stared in disbelief, his weapon clattering to the ground.
The gap was too vast.
The difference between them was insurmountable.
That strike had been his peak, unleashed at the risk of his body tearing apart—a once-in-a-lifetime attack.
In his centuries of life, he had never unleashed such a ferocious blow.
Yet, this devastating attack was neutralized by a single finger.
Unfathomable, unbelievable, incomprehensible…
Was this man named Morpheus truly human?
"Can we talk now?" Morpheus asked with a faint smile, retracting his overwhelming Light Dimension power and reverting to the harmless-looking human he appeared to be.
Seeing that Morpheus had no intention of wiping them out, Rihan Nura let out a subconscious sigh of relief. Unable to support his exhausted body any longer, he collapsed onto the ground.
Every inch of his body ached.
Though he had unleashed that strike, it had still inflicted severe damage on him.
Noticing this, Morpheus waved a hand, sending a gentle wave of Light Dimension energy to envelop Rihan and the other Nura Clan yokai.
Rihan felt a warm, soothing force wrap around him. His wounds healed at a visible rate, and his weakened body recovered in moments.
The Light Dimension's power could bring destruction when fierce, but healing when gentle.
Whether it destroyed or healed depended on Morpheus's will.
"You're truly a monster," Rihan said with a bitter smile, fully conceding as he lowered his proud head.
What else could he do?
Even the combined might of the Nura Clan couldn't defeat this man. Refusing to yield would only lead to the clan's annihilation.
He wasn't a fool.
The other yokai, now recovered, looked at Morpheus with a mix of fear and awe.
It was the nature of yokai: submit to the one with the bigger fist.
Rihan had used this principle to subdue yokai and form his own Hyakki Yagyo.
Taking a deep breath, Rihan stood and faced Morpheus.
"The Nura Clan will follow your orders and help you find the yokai that ate you."
"But what does this yokai look like? Any distinguishing features? Please, enlighten us."
Morpheus shook his head. "I don't know."
"Huh?"
Not just Rihan, but the entire Nura Clan was dumbfounded.
Morpheus explained, "Back then, I was just an ordinary human. Being eaten was so traumatic that I instinctively blocked out the memory. But I remember the yokai's voice."
"So, I need the Nura Clan to round up every man-eating yokai in Tokyo."
"I'll check them one by one."
Rihan gave a wry smile. "That's a tall order."
"So, you're refusing?"
"No, I agree."
Rihan wasn't foolish. Refusing would likely earn him another beating from this monster.
Better to agree promptly.
Once they found the yokai, they could deal with it thoroughly.
If not for that yokai, the Nura Clan wouldn't have faced this ordeal.
That yokai deserved death.
But still, what kind of encounter could transform an ordinary human into an unprecedented monster capable of crushing the Nura Clan?
Rihan racked his brain but found no answer.
Even after Morpheus left, he was still pondering the question.
Not long after, Nurarihyon returned from wandering the streets.
"Yo, you look troubled," He said.
"You're back, Dad," Rihan replied with a bitter smile. "I've brought shame to the Nura Clan."
Nurarihyon said calmly, "Kubinashi told me what happened. Facing a monster like that, there's little you could do. The Nura Clan is strong, but not invincible."
"Perhaps this defeat is a good thing."
"Since the Nura Clan dominated Tokyo, both the clan and your strength have stagnated, haven't they?"
"Do you feel motivated now?"
Rihan looked up, his eyes resolute, revealing everything.
"Once is enough. I won't let it happen again."
Nurarihyon smiled with satisfaction. That was his talented son—seemingly carefree but reliable when it mattered.
He believed this setback would push his son's strength to new heights.
A slippery ghost could fail, but never stay down.
"Dad," Rihan asked, voicing his doubt, "what kind of encounter could turn an ordinary human into a monster capable of crushing the Nura Clan?"
Nurarihyon lit his pipe, took a drag, and said slowly, "This world is vast. All sorts of unbelievable things can happen."
"But encounters that allow someone to ascend so drastically are rare."
"As far as I know, only those Devil Kings at the pinnacle have such experiences."
Rihan's eyes widened. "You mean Campione—"
"Careful!" Nurarihyon cut off his foolish son before he could finish.
Rihan shut his mouth. Some things weren't for yokai like them to discuss.
Those beings were far too terrifying.
After a pause, Nurarihyon said, "Take this matter seriously."
Rihan nodded.
At that moment, the door slid open, and Kejoro entered. "Supreme Leader, people from the Onmyoryo are here. Leading them are Daiten Tsuchimikado of the Twelve Divine Generals and Doma Ikaruga of the Twelve Heavenly Generals."
"Both the Divine and Heavenly Generals showing up? They really think highly of the Nura Clan," Nurarihyon said, puffing on his pipe.
Rihan replied, "It's probably because of the yokai energy I unleashed earlier. I'll handle this, Dad."
It was his mess, so there was no reason to let his father take the fall.
Nurarihyon nodded, having no intention of stepping in. His son had long proven capable of standing on his own.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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