Sparks flew everywhere!
The blades of [Fengdu] and [Tianque] sank slightly under the force but managed to block Sukuna's heavy blow.
The icy aura of [Fengdu] was chilling to the bone.
A strange pale-yellow liquid seeped from its pitch-black blade, flowing like a river carved into its surface.
The moment Sukuna's skin came into contact with the mysterious liquid, an intense cold surged through his body, disrupting his energy.
Sukuna's vast ocean of cursed energy began depleting at an alarming rate.
It wouldn't take long—Chu Yang wouldn't even need to attack—before Sukuna disappeared due to a complete loss of energy.
Sukuna stared at Chu Yang in shock.
The sword in his opponent's hand was the bane of all curses and even restrained curse users!
This man had the power to destroy the entire world of curses!
Chu Yang remained unaware of Sukuna's expression. After deflecting his attack, Chu Yang swiftly turned and swung his sword at Sukuna's neck.
Sukuna's reaction was just a fraction too slow, and his head was nearly severed.
Normally, he would immediately use Reverse Cursed Technique to heal his injuries.
But now, he realized it was futile.
Unless he could counter [Fengdu]'s suppression of cursed energy, no amount of healing would change the outcome.
Thus, for the second time in his life, Sukuna willingly accepted death.
His gaze was calm, without the hysteria of the previous occasion.
He stared at Chu Yang.
"Your goal… could it be to destroy the entire world of curses?"
Hearing Sukuna's question, Chu Yang's lips curled into a peculiar smile.
"Who knows?"
Sukuna burst into laughter, his body gradually dissipating.
As the shrine of curses disappeared, Chu Yang's consciousness returned to reality.
Unfortunately, his strength hadn't improved much.
It wasn't because the domain had failed but due to Sukuna's unique condition.
Truly defeating him required gathering all his fingers.
Even so, the Deathmatch Corridor allowed Chu Yang to harness some of the shrine's powers.
When Chu Yang came to, he saw Satoru Gojo had already removed his blindfold, prepared for battle, with even his hand signs complete.
Parched, Chu Yang chuckled, "Sensei, could you get me some water? That thing really scratches the throat."
Gojo pulled his blindfold back on and patted Chu Yang on the shoulder.
"Water can wait until we're out of here!"
Meanwhile…
In the Soul Society, Chu Yang's Zanpakutō had caused a massive commotion in the Seireitei.
It even... alarmed the Soul King Palace!
The protectors of Seireitei are the Gotei 13, and above them lies the existence of the Royal Guard.
The Royal Guard, also known as the "Royal Special Task Force," has the primary duty of guarding the Soul King Palace and protecting the creator of Soul Society—the "Soul King."
There are five members in the Royal Guard, each possessing strength far surpassing that of a captain.
Aside from immense strength, becoming a Royal Guard member requires another crucial qualification—creating something of monumental significance to Soul Society and being recognized by the Soul King as someone who "creates the history of Soul Society."
The Zanpakutō was invented by one of these members: Ōetsu Nimaiya.
He is the third officer of the Royal Guard, the Western God of War, titled "Blade God." All Asauchi, the precursors of every Zanpakutō in Soul Society, were forged by him alone.
The leader of the Royal Guard, Ichibē Hyōsube, is the one who names all things in Soul Society.
He was granted the title "Monk of Perception" and "True Name Monk" by the Soul King, meaning "the one who calls out true names."
Terms like "Zanpakutō," "Shikai," and "Bankai" were all coined by him. Ichibē Hyōsube knows the true name of every Zanpakutō—except...
Chu Yang's two Zanpakutō.
Since the emergence of Fengdu and Tianque, Soul Society gained two unknown Zanpakutō—a phenomenon unprecedented in thousands of years.
Ōetsu Nimaiya could sense the existence of the two Zanpakutō, but Ichibē Hyōsube could not discern their names.
Thus, the Royal Guard, which never interferes with matters outside the Soul King Palace, appeared abruptly in Seireitei before Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
As representatives of the Soul King, their actions follow his will.
Hearing the situation, Yamamoto's expression turned grave. This seemingly minor "accident" was bound to cause earth-shattering waves in the future.
They summoned Chu Yang immediately.
It was late at night.
Most Shinigami should have been asleep, but the commotion caused by the Royal Guard's appearance in Seireitei was immense. The spiritual pressure of Ōetsu Nimaiya and Ichibē Hyōsube was as dazzling as the sun in the night.
No one could sleep, including Chu Yang.
He stepped out of his room and gazed at the central palace of Seireitei, lost in thought.
He had a premonition that this sudden change was related to him.
After a while, everything returned to calm.
Two Shinigami captains appeared in Chu Yang's room—Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake.
As Yamamoto's most trusted disciples, they were tasked with escorting Chu Yang to meet Ōetsu Nimaiya and Ichibē Hyōsube.
"Don't be too nervous; the Captain-Commander said it's just a simple inquiry," Shunsui Kyōraku reassured Chu Yang.
He had a good impression of this young man, especially after Chu Yang had "accidentally" thwarted Aizen's scheme last time.
Jūshirō Ukitake remained silent.
For individuals capable of alarming the Royal Guard, how could it be a trivial matter?
This kid likely harbored secrets that couldn't be revealed.
In Soul Society's long history, it was exceedingly rare for someone like Chu Yang—a former Ryoka—to enter Seireitei and successfully become a Shinigami.
Let alone someone who had once outmaneuvered a dangerous figure like Aizen.
Such a person could hardly be ordinary.
As they walked, Chu Yang roughly guessed the purpose of the Royal Guard's visit—it must be about Fengdu and Tianque, his two Zanpakutō.
When the three of them arrived at the central palace, a crowd of Shinigami had already gathered.
Rukia Kuchiki, just back from a mission in the Human World, looked at Chu Yang with a worried expression.
"What trouble have you caused this time?" Rukia walked up to Chu Yang, with her elder brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, standing behind her. The siblings stared at Chu Yang.
Although their tone seemed accusatory, they were actually questioning Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake.
Shunsui Kyōraku scanned the surroundings, noticing the growing crowd of Shinigami. He quickly waved them off.
"It's nothing serious. The Captain-Commander just has some questions for him. Those who are off duty, go patrol. Those resting, return to your quarters. Move along!"
As one of the longest-serving captains, Shunsui Kyōraku commanded high respect. With just a few stern words, most of the Shinigami dispersed.
Only a few captains and vice-captains stayed behind.
Retsu Unohana stepped forward and asked softly, "Captain Kyōraku, were those two spiritual pressures just now...?"
Before she could finish, Shunsui Kyōraku nodded gravely.
Retsu Unohana glanced at Chu Yang with surprise before leaving.
The others also gleaned the answer from their exchange. In an instant, all eyes focused on Chu Yang.
Him again?
Sensing the odd atmosphere, Rukia quietly asked her brother, "Brother?"
Byakuya Kuchiki responded succinctly, "The Soul King Palace."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock.
By the time she recovered, Shunsui Kyōraku had already led Chu Yang away.
Her gaze dimmed. If it involved the Soul King Palace, neither she nor anyone in Seireitei could help Chu Yang.
Chu Yang and his escorts arrived at Yamamoto's residence.
Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Royal Guard leader Ichibē Hyōsube, and Zanpakutō creator Ōetsu Nimaiya were already waiting in the courtyard.
"Your Zanpakutō has awakened, hasn't it?"
Despite his imposing stature, Yamamoto leaned on his cane, stepping slowly toward Chu Yang.
His weathered face was expressionless, yet his words carried immense pressure.
Unlike other materialized Zanpakutō, Fengdu and Tianque resided within Chu Yang's soul.
With a mere thought, the two Zanpakutō appeared out of thin air, floating before him.
Terrifying spiritual pressure radiated from the blades, no less intense than when Ichibē Hyōsube and Ōetsu Nimaiya descended upon Seireitei.
Yamamoto stepped forward to examine the Zanpakutō, but Ōetsu Nimaiya reached them first.
Ōetsu gently caressed the blades, his eyes filled with infatuation, as if he were admiring the world's most beautiful woman. "Indescribable..." he murmured.
The designs of Zanpakutō varied greatly, and ancient sword styles were not uncommon. However, none matched the exquisite beauty of Fengdu and Tianque.
Yamamoto cleared his throat, seemingly reminding Ōetsu not to lose composure, but the latter ignored him entirely, like a crazed fan encountering a superstar.
"When did your Zanpakutō awaken?" Yamamoto asked.
"Not long ago," Chu Yang replied honestly.
"And Shikai?"
Chu Yang shook his head.
Due to their unique nature, although Chu Yang knew their names, he had yet to achieve Shikai.
Yamamoto glanced at Ichibē Hyōsube, who nodded slightly.
Then, to everyone's shock, the Captain-Commander removed his upper garments, revealing his muscular frame.
"For certain reasons, we need to understand your Zanpakutō. Since you haven't achieved Shikai, let me assist you."
Before Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake could react, Yamamoto launched an attack on Chu Yang.
However, the old man refrained from using Ryūjin Jakka and opted for Hakuda—Soul Society's hand-to-hand combat technique.
His vein-bulging fist tore through the air, shaking the surroundings with a casual strike.
Irritated by Yamamoto's domineering approach, Chu Yang's competitive spirit ignited, despite understanding it was a test.
He activated every enhancement at his disposal—Lightning Release Armor, Conqueror's Haki, Origin Breathing, Six Paths Sage Mode, Nine Yang Divine Skill, and Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique.
Matching Zanpakutō and spiritual pressure was impossible, but in terms of physical strength, the playing field was different!
With a calm yet powerful punch, Chu Yang's aura surged to match Yamamoto's.
Their fists collided violently, sending shockwaves that tore apart the courtyard and lifted it into the air.
Yamamoto's pupils contracted before a flicker of surprise crossed his face—Chu Yang's performance exceeded his expectations.
This kid… quite interesting!
The other four spectators moved away from the battlefield, and after a brief moment of shock, Shunsui Kyōraku quickly set up a barrier around the area.
He feared that the battle between the two would cause widespread destruction to the Seireitei.
Everyone was caught off guard.
No one expected the commotion to escalate to this extent!
A new squad member, who had only recently become a Shinigami, was actually capable of going head-to-head with the Captain-Commander in a fistfight?
Who would believe such a thing?
The four spectators had all assumed that Chu Yang would be completely crushed by Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
"This guy's energy fluctuations are strange, significantly enhancing his physical capabilities. Could it be a new kind of Kidō?"
"Did he create it himself?"