Conspiracy

Sugo Ungo, the Tengu's secluded Secret Realm, is the main clan of all Tengu branches scattered across this nation, and it is the Tengu's last great base.

Countless steep, towering peaks rose from the ground, countless bottomless canyons crisscrossed, and incessant strong winds blew through them all year round.

Among the many peaks, there was an extremely massive, straight mountain peak that pierced the sky like a sword, with thick clouds gathering around it, preventing those below from directly seeing the summit, like a pillar of heaven.

Between the cloud-shrouded peaks, clear springs gushed from the rock crevices of the mountains, forming waterfalls that plunged straight into the dark valleys. Countless extremely tenacious plants grew from the solid rock crevices of the cliffs, and fragrant grasses and trees adorned the originally barren peaks with patches of green.

Mountains and peaks, abysses and canyons, clouds and strong winds, vegetation and flying streams... these scenes collectively formed the beautiful and perilous landscape of Sugo Ungo, where numerous yokai, led by the Tengu, soared and flew.

At the summit of a towering isolated peak, a tall figure stood. A majestic full-face golden mask covered its face, long grizzled hair fell loosely to its waist, a wide and luxurious robe was worn, and black and golden wings grew from its back. Even without emitting any demonic power, it still exuded an invisible pressure.

Kakuhanbo, the Great Tengu, Great Clan Leader of the Sugo Ungo Tengu, a Great Yokai holding the title of Yokai Lord, stood in place, silently gazing at the distant peak that soared into the clouds like a pillar of heaven.

“Clan Leader...”

A Karasu-tengu man, dressed in a black Kariginu, with dark red wings on his back, short light yellow hair, and a half-covered winged mask on his head, flew down from the sky, landing behind Kakuhanbo, and knelt respectfully as he spoke.

“Roku, how are things?”

Kakuhanbo turned around and slowly spoke to the kneeling Tengu behind him.

“According to your orders, the Secret Realm barrier has been reinforced. All Karasu-tengu patrol teams have begun continuous patrols. White Wolf Tengu are already on duty guarding all entrances and exits, and River Tengu have blockaded the waterways connecting to the outside. With the current level of alert, there will definitely be no more attacks.” Facing Kakuhanbo, the Karasu-tengu named Roku reported on his work.

“Very good, as expected of you, Roku...” Looking at his subordinate, a hint of approval appeared in Kakuhanbo's eyes.

“It is merely my duty, Clan Leader.” Facing Kakuhanbo, Roku's expression was utterly respectful, but in response to this subservience, Kakuhanbo's gaze darkened.

“Then, what about Aoi's situation?” Kakuhanbo continued, his tone this time very calm.

“According to the message she sent back earlier, after refusing a direct search, the Onmyoryo no longer allowed Aoi to enter Heian-kyo. Aoi could only search in its vicinity, and has now found some clues.” Roku's expression hardened, and he then continued.

“The humans rejected our request. It seems they truly have something to hide.”

“Although it was anticipated, I didn't expect them to refuse so decisively, and even expel our envoy from the city? Hmph, humans will regret their foolishness one day...” Clearly, Kakuhanbo had expected the Onmyoryo to refuse the search request, but he hadn't expected them to directly expel the messenger.

“So what should we do now, Clan Leader? Prepare for war against Heian-kyo?”

“It's not time yet... As of now, we don't have enough evidence to prove they did all this.” Kakuhanbo said, looking into the distance, his eyes glinting with a sharp light.

“Since Aoi has already found clues in Heian-kyo, we will wait for her to see what she can uncover. If the final result truly points to those Onmyoji, then I will make Heian-kyo pay the price.”

Hearing Kakuhanbo's words, Roku was about to say something more, but just then, an unexpected change occurred. Kakuhanbo suddenly bent over, clutching his chest, and began to cough violently.

“Cough... cough cough cough... cough cough!!”

Seeing Kakuhanbo in this state, Roku was startled. He quickly took out a delicate small box from his clothes, opened it, and took out a bright red pill, which he swiftly handed to Kakuhanbo.

Kakuhanbo extended a trembling hand to take the pill Roku offered, then slowly removed the golden mask with his other hand. Beneath the mask, an old, wrinkled face was revealed.

Kakuhanbo shakily swallowed the pill. Not long after, he stopped coughing, his breathing gradually became smooth and natural, and the wrinkles on his face began to rapidly disappear.

Replacing the golden mask on his now handsome face, Kakuhanbo let out a long sigh and lamented.

“The wound... is acting up more frequently...”

“You should take more medicine, Clan Leader.” Roku said, respectfully handing the medicine box to Kakuhanbo.

“These were just made. We had to go to Harima to collect materials again, so it took quite some time. I apologize.”

Taking the medicine box, Kakuhanbo looked at his subordinate and sighed softly.

“No need to apologize. I'm already surprised you could make medicine to suppress this wound and poison. However, it seems now that medicine alone cannot fundamentally solve the problem.” As he spoke, Kakuhanbo touched his chest.

“I'm afraid I don't have much time left, but before then, I will finish everything that needs to be done.”

...

After bidding farewell to Kakuhanbo, Roku left the isolated peak, spreading his wings and soaring among the perilous mountains of Sugo Ungo. After flying swiftly for a long time, Roku flew into a dark and eerie canyon.

Roku flapped his wings and slowly descended into the valley, finally landing before a dead tree. On its dry branches, a crow stood steadily, its eyes fixed on Roku, as if it had been waiting for a long time.

“How are things on your end? Now, with further evidence, I can persuade Kakuhanbo to act.” Looking at the black crow on the branch, Roku said directly.

“My apologies, there's been a slight problem on my end?” The crow spoke, and the voice that came from it was Minamoto no Yorimasa's.

“Problem? Didn't you say everything was ready, just waiting for the fish to bite?” Hearing Minamoto no Yorimasa's words, Roku frowned and asked directly.

“Indeed... The bait for fishing had already been laid, and the fish was about to bite, but then a damned Water Ghost suddenly appeared and swallowed the bait first!” The crow spoke with clear anger in its voice, while Roku asked directly and seriously.

“Water Ghost? Who are you referring to?”

“Who else could it be? Naturally, it's that meddlesome fellow... Owl...”