Ultraman: This Belial only wants to make money.

Chapter 66. Jinglong Ida: Is the friend you're talking about yourself?

Inside the dilapidated temple, the spirit of a warrior from hundreds of years ago swung his most triumphant sword, vowing to vanquish the evil spirit before him.

Faced with a strike as fierce as a thunderstorm, Jin Yi's eyes remained calm and unmoved.

Snapped!

The wind that accompanied the flash of the blade lifted Jin Yi's hair. The tip of the blade grazed the hem of his clothes, and with a single stroke, the famous sword did not sever flesh and blood, but instead sank deep into the soil.

Kirino Makio gasped for breath, his hands split open, and beads of crimson blood slowly trickled down the blade. Even though he had managed to regain control of his body at the last second, that brilliant strike had exhausted all his strength.

"What are you doing? Possessed?!"

A furious shout exploded in Kirino Makio's mind. Although the collision between their souls lasted only a moment, Kirino had already discerned the name of the demon-slaying swordsman attached to the famous sword—Ida Kojuro Keiryu.

Then came a loud shout.

"Don't be fooled by the evil magic of demons and ghosts! The creature in front of you is not human!"

Of course I know he's not human! He's a Japanese officer from outer space, and aliens aren't Earthlings! Kirino cried out in his heart.

"I don't need you to tell me!"

Kirino covered his face, feeling a wave of fear. Although he had just suffered a great loss at Mr. Jin's hands, Jin Yi's friendly attitude and approachable personality left a good impression on Kirino.

Besides, his identity—the president of Toei Company, a guest and collaborator of the Earth Defense Organization, and an alien friend who came with good intentions—if that knife had really hit him, he might never have seen the sun rise again!

"...As expected of the renowned demon-slaying swordsman from hundreds of years ago, he was able to see through my disguise at a glance."

Jin Yi said calmly, "Don't worry too much about it. Kirino, Mr. Ida Keiryu is right."

Meeting Kirino Makio's puzzled gaze, Jin Yi continued, "As a superpowered individual, your ego is a bit too strong, so... please take a break for now. I need to speak with Mr. Ida Kagetatsu alone."

Immediately following, a deep and unfathomable aura of darkness swept through the mountains and forests like a gale, causing the branches overhead to rustle violently. The target of this dark storm was none other than Kirino Makio, who was lying paralyzed on the ground.

His vision went black and he fainted. Only now did he remember what he had seen while he was unconscious in the corridor.

But just as Kirino Makio closed his eyes, they suddenly opened them again, and his tiger-like gaze revealed that another soul within this body had awakened.

However, it was of no use.

The renowned demon-slaying samurai, buffeted by this dark wind, swayed precariously, barely managing to stay upright only with the support of his katana.

boom!

The dilapidated temple collapsed with a crash!

At that instant, the breath of darkness ceased, and the samurai, panting heavily, raised the white flag.

"Enough... Your Excellency, please stop toying with me... Please state your purpose."

That's right, that's the attitude for friendly communication.

Jin Yi nodded in satisfaction, stepped forward to help Jinglong Jingtian, who was about to fall, and dragged him back the way they came.

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Stay at the foot of Mount Su.

Although there are few houses near Sukuna Mountain, it is not difficult to find a place to eat. In a roadside restaurant, Ida Keiryu is controlling Kirino Makio's body and swallowing the fresh shrimp and fish cake noodles in the bowl.

After the long trek through the mountains and the exertion from what had just happened, Kirino's body was completely depleted and he was starving, so it was necessary for him to take in some energy.

In front of him were three empty bowls, indicating that this Warring States period warrior had a good appetite.

"Hiccup... How delicious! I haven't tasted anything like this in centuries..."

Ida Keiryu put down his chopsticks with satisfaction.

It wasn't mealtime, and there were only two customers in the small restaurant. The elderly proprietress with white hair was intently watching a soap opera on her screen, oblivious to the conversation taking place in the corner.

Jin Yi asked, "Mr. Jinglong, after a century, were you satisfied with this meal?"

Jinglong nodded and replied, "Such delicacies were probably only enjoyed by royalty and nobility in my time. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Jin."

In Jinglong's era, war raged, evil spirits roamed the island nation, and chaos reigned. The people suffered, officials were corrupt, and farmers neglected their duties. Even a simple meal of rice was a rare delicacy, and if served with dried fish, it was a privilege reserved for lords.

So, hundreds of years later, even in a small, ubiquitous restaurant, the noodles served are just ordinary industrial products, but the refined grains combined with modern seasonings and delicious seafood create a flavor that makes it no wonder that Ida Keiryu enjoyed it so much.

Seeing Jinglong's satisfied expression, Jin Yi continued, "Actually, I'm very curious, Mr. Jinglong, why did you stop so easily just now?"

This was also something that piqued Jin Yi's curiosity. Ida Keiryu was an unyielding person, and although the Belial aura that Jin Yi released was fierce, it was not fatal. Yet, this demon-slaying samurai simply stopped.

"Ugh... This is so embarrassing..."

Jinglong Jingtian blushed deeply.

He said, "The body you found for me is quite extraordinary."

Ida Keiryu stretched Kirino's thin wrist.

"Although I have neglected training, my mental strength is actually comparable to mine. Moreover, I have a feeling that the original owner of this body was not only powerful. In my time, probably only the priest of the Great Shrine... no, the original owner of this body had this power."

"With diligent training, becoming a living god isn't impossible... but..."

Jinglong Ida gave a bitter smile.

"This body, along with my soul, has surpassed my prime, yet it still cannot withstand even a single round of your greetings... If you so desire, I fear my soul will cease to exist as well."

In response to Jinglong's praise, Jin Yi responded very humbly, after all, he came to ask for help, and he had to show the necessary courtesy.

"No, no, Mr. Ida Keiryu, you are too modest. To be able to defeat demons as a mere mortal, your actions and will deserve praise from future generations."

"Oh, no, no... that's all in the past."

Although he used self-deprecating words, everyone likes to be flattered, and even the noble demon-slaying samurai could not escape the trend. A faint smile appeared on Ida Keiryu's lips, and he was quite pleased with this statement.

Seeing this, Jin Yi pressed on and asked, "Mr. Jinglong, I apologize for disturbing you and for having to awaken your soul. It was truly out of necessity, but... I have indeed encountered a thorny issue and need your insight to help me resolve it."

"Well... I can only say I'll do my best, provided that your question isn't too difficult."

Jinglong Jingtian's smile faded, replaced by a troubled expression. The young man before him was far stronger than himself, and if this problem was troubling him, he himself would likely find it difficult to solve as well.

"Alas, there is an old Chinese saying that goes, 'There is a sequence to learning, and each profession has its own expertise.' Mr. Jinglong Jingtian, your insights are very important to me."

Jin Yi sighed and continued.

"I have a friend who is possessed by an evil spirit..."