Phantom

Challenging Owl?

As soon as Nura Rihyon spoke, the yokai in the Cat Izakaya began to whisper amongst themselves. Every yokai here knew Owl's reputation; ever since he first appeared and confronted the Leopard Cat Lord, those who opposed him never came to a good end. In fact, it was even possible that the Leopard Cat Lord himself had died by Owl's hand.

Someone actually stepped forward to challenge such a figure? Instantly, all the yokai in the Cat Izakaya went into spectator mode. They vaguely remembered the last time they watched for free, they even got a free meal out of it.

Meanwhile, Miketsu, sitting on the second floor, helplessly massaged her forehead.

Where did this guy come from? I didn't provoke you, so why are you suddenly challenging me? It seems being famous isn't always a good thing.

Nura Rihyon looked around, and seeing that the crowd had all been drawn to him, he nodded with satisfaction. His initial goal of attracting attention had been achieved. Next, it was time for provocation.

"I know that Owl is currently in this izakaya, so I'd like you to come out and spar with me. Don't worry, it's just a friendly match, and I'll go easy on you."

With a somewhat mischievous smile, Nura Rihyon continued, and his words immediately elevated the discussion in the izakaya to a new level. On the second floor, a vein popped on Miketsu's forehead.

"Damn it, this kid looks like he's not even a hundred years old, yet he talks such a big game..." Konkiku stood on the table, glaring at Nura Rihyon below.

Amidst the chatter, Nura Rihyon saw no one respond, so he pressed on.

"I know some people become famous because of genuine skill, while others are purely by luck. As for which type Owl is, I'm not sure, but I think he should at least come out and try. If he's timidly hiding in the crowd, wouldn't that mean he's the latter?"

The taunt escalated again, and the scene became even livelier. Nura Rihyon, seemingly still not satisfied, continued.

"Heh, I wonder if the famous heroes of Heian-kyo are just empty names, afraid to accept a challenge. Then how weak must the yokai of Heian-kyo be? To actually revere such a fellow as a strong one. Is it because they're too suppressed under the Onmyoryo's feet to gain any momentum?"

The taunt shifted from individual to group, and the Cat Izakaya instantly erupted. Yokai began to argue, many preparing to stand up and challenge Nura Rihyon, while many others cast their gaze towards Owl's seat on the second floor, hoping he would immediately teach this unknown brat a lesson. All of this was observed by Nura Rihyon.

"This is too much... Please don't intervene, let me teach that guy a lesson!" Konkiku, standing on the table, clearly could no longer tolerate the provocation. She was about to jump down and challenge Nura Rihyon, but at that moment, Miketsu stopped her.

"Wait, Konkiku..."

"But that guy is simply too..." Konkiku turned around, only to see Miketsu appearing unusually calm at this moment, seemingly unaffected by Nura Rihyon's words, not even looking at him.

But even so, Miketsu's hand was already gripping the katana at her waist, poised and ready.

"If your heart is stirred by words, you will lose clear judgment and overlook other presences. Following someone else's line of thought is not a beneficial endeavor," Miketsu said slowly. Her tone now held no anger, but rather a hint of amusement, which greatly puzzled Konkiku for a moment.

"U... Lord Owl, you are..."

Just as Konkiku was confused by Miketsu's reaction, a bald yokai with a massive, deformed single arm finally couldn't sit still downstairs. He got up from his seat, walked over to Nura Rihyon, raised his sturdy single arm, and fiercely swung it at Nura Rihyon.

"You ignorant brat! Take this!"

Facing the incoming giant fist, Nura Rihyon didn't dodge at all, his expression not even changing slightly, allowing the yokai's fist to smash into him.

Then, in full view of everyone, Nura Rihyon transformed into a phantom that dissipated into the air.

The Cat Izakaya fell silent. All the yokai who witnessed this widened their eyes, filled with disbelief, except for Miketsu, who remained seated on the second floor.

At this moment, Miketsu drew the sharp blade she had long prepared from her waist and slashed at the empty space beside her.

"Clang!"

The sound of clashing steel echoed through the silent space. In astonishment, the yokai turned their gaze to the second floor, only to see Nura Rihyon, who had just dissipated, had reappeared beside Miketsu, cloaked in black. He was holding a short blade, slashing at Miketsu, who had parried his attack with her katana.

What just happened? How did a fight suddenly break out? How did that guy suddenly get up there? And how did Owl know he was coming up?

For a moment, all the yokai present were utterly confused, unable to understand what had just transpired.

At this moment, the yokai were all bewildered, and although Nura Rihyon still wore a smile, the contempt he had previously exuded had completely vanished. His eyes were filled with gravity.

"Is that your ability?" Miketsu asked calmly, looking at the yokai boy clashing swords with her.

"Heh... Indeed. I didn't expect you to notice. It seems the so-called Owl is not just an empty name..." As he spoke, Nura Rihyon quickly retreated, rapidly increasing the distance between himself and Miketsu. Miketsu, too, rose from her seat, holding her katana, silently confronting Nura Rihyon.

"Wh... When did he appear here...?" Konkiku's mouth hung open as she stared in disbelief at everything before her. This yokai boy had just turned into a phantom downstairs, so how did he suddenly get up here?

Seeing this, Konkiku remembered what Miketsu had said to her earlier. She suddenly felt that if she had impulsively rushed forward, it certainly wouldn't have ended well.

This yokai boy, though young, should not be underestimated.

"Ah, Nura Rihyon..." Among the yokai downstairs, Tamamura watched the situation above, sweating nervously. He had thought his companion was about to succeed, but he didn't expect the other party to react.

Just as Tamamura was nervous, Yamausagi, who was snoring beside him, also broke her snot bubble.

"I am Nura Rihyon. My previous words were offensive, please forgive me, esteemed one." On the second floor of the Cat Izakaya, Nura Rihyon said with a smile, looking at the figure wrapped in bandages and covered in a black robe. Although he appeared to be apologizing, he did not sheath his sword, nor did he restrain the demonic power radiating from him. His demeanor clearly showed no intention of backing down.

Looking at Nura Rihyon, Miketsu said nothing, but instead pondered the abilities of this yokai boy. Based on the reactions of the yokai present, Miketsu initially deduced his abilities were creating illusions and psychological invisibility.

Why did she deduce this? Because Miketsu had not been affected by his abilities from beginning to end. As a deity, she was immune to these yokai's illusionary tricks. The eye-blinding technique that Yosuzume had used on her previously had no effect whatsoever; she could see exactly what Nura Rihyon was doing the entire time.

Now, it seemed that Nura Rihyon's previous provocative statements were not only intended to draw her out but also to disturb her mind, causing her to become agitated and confused. Under such conditions, he would likely be able to utilize his abilities more effectively. The final group taunt was probably not just to expand the range of his ability's influence, but also to use the yokai in the Cat Izakaya's gazes to pinpoint her location.

This guy, who seemed like an ignorant hothead, was actually surprisingly cunning...

Observing the yokai boy, Miketsu thought. At this moment, she decided to engage this challenger.

"You want to fight me, don't you? If so, then come..."