CHAPTER 4 – WHAT IS CELESTIAL ENERGY?

“Lily, you mentioned that the text you see says that a land of celestial energy is required?” Ayaka inquired.

“Yes, but perhaps we can try practicing without it and see if it works?” Lily suggested, hoping for a solution.

“That will not do!” Ayaka’s tone became firm. “These inscriptions were left by the great god Tsukuyomi. We must not take them lightly. If it is written there, there must be a reason for it.” Ayaka held great reverence for the great god Tsukuyomi and considered the text and instructions to be divine guidance. She couldn’t allow Lily to be negligent in following them.

Lily nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. “What do you think celestial energy refers to? Is it related to strong spirit energy?”

Ayaka pondered for a moment. “Celestial energy… I’ve only heard of it in mystical legends, and they might not be entirely reliable. But since this is a swordstyle created by the great god Tsukuyomi, it could be referring to the hidden realms in Takamagahara…”

Lily’s worry grew, and she asked with a hint of desperation, “Then… what are we supposed to do? Takamagahara is a mythical place, similar to the lunar realm, right? According to legends, only those who have reached the celestial realm can ascend to Takamagahara. But I have never heard of anyone in the entire history of the Heian dynasty achieving the celestial realm. It seems like nothing more than a legend!”

Ayaka’s voice carried a soothing reassurance as she replied, “Indeed, Takamagahara is a place of legend.” She continued, “Just as I possess the physique of a celestial maiden without truly being one, we must understand that we can only follow the guidance of the divine oracle as closely as we can. The success of our endeavors will depend on your fortunes, Lily. Since you have already mastered the first two stances, it is highly likely that the third stance can be attained in the land of Ashihara.”

After pondering for a moment, Ayaka turned to Lily and suggested, “I may not know where celestial energy can be found in Ashihara, but if we are seeking the closest place to Takamagahara, it must be the Ise Heavenly Gate!”

“The Ise Heavenly Gate?” Lily repeated in surprise.

“Yes,” Ayaka confirmed. “According to legends, only by passing through the Ise Heavenly Gate can one ascend to the skies. Beyond the heavens lies the realm of the celestials, Takamagahara! Although it remains a distant dream to cross the heavenly gates, the lands beneath must hold the highest concentration of celestial energy in Ashihara.”

The Ise Heavenly Gate!

It was the ultimate aspiration of every adept yearning for the celestial realm. However, without sufficient strength, the idea of approaching the Ise Heavenly Gate was nothing but a fantasy. Even Ayaka, who had knowledge of the gates, had never set foot in that sacred place.

“So, are you suggesting that we attempt this near the Ise Heavenly Gate?” Lily inquired.

“Yes!” Ayaka affirmed. “It is the only place that comes to mind. If this doesn’t work, then I fear learning this stance in the land of Ashihara may not be possible.”

Observing Lily’s uncertain expression, Ayaka added, “Of course, it may sound presumptuous for me to claim that. In this vast world, there are still countless things I am unaware of. There might be other locations more suitable for our purpose. If the Ise Heavenly Gate proves fruitless, I am willing to accompany you in the search for alternative sites. However, time is running short, and for now, the Ise Heavenly Gate is our best bet.”

Lily contemplated the idea of Izumo Mountain’s main peak, but it had been destroyed, rendering it unsuitable. With a determined nod, she replied, “Sister, shall we depart tomorrow morning?”

“Okay!” Ayaka agreed.

With their decision made, Lily guided their spirit bodies out of the mirror space, returning them to their physical forms.

“Lily, even though time may be limited, it’s crucial for you to get sufficient rest. Your practice will be hindered if you’re not well-rested.”

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“I understand,” Lily acknowledged.

“I will also make the necessary preparations,” Ayaka stated.

“Mhm,” Lily replied.

The two bid farewell for the time being, each returning to their respective rooms to rest and make the necessary arrangements.

……

The next morning greeted them with a rare twilight sky. Uesugi Rei remained unconscious, and Ayaka, after examining her pulse, predicted that she would regain consciousness in a few days. However, the poison continued to worsen despite this.

Lily and Ayaka were embarking on a long journey this time, prepared to stay away until they achieved their goal. If the Ise Heavenly Gate proved unsuccessful, they would tirelessly search for another suitable location within the given time frame.

Lily was resolute in her decision. She had allocated a specific timeframe to infiltrate Mount Ooe and obtain the antidote. Even if she failed to learn the desired stance, she would still proceed with her plans. She had a maximum of two months to train, and her determination would not waver.

With her plans in place, Lily gathered everyone together to announce her decision.

“I will be accompanying sister Ayaka to the Ise Heavenly Gates for training. I intend to train there for approximately two months, striving to master the third stance of the Tsukuyomi Swordstyle. During this time, the rest of you will remain here, as it should be relatively safe. Please do not worry.”

“Lily, Lady Ayaka is still injured. If you are going to train, allow me to accompany you. Have you forgotten that we are also pair training sisters?” Shimizu spoke softly, recognizing the seriousness of the situation. Ayaka’s injuries made her an unsuitable candidate for this training. Shimizu also possessed the physique of a celestial maiden, albeit the dark celestial maiden. Additionally, they would be practicing pair training while traveling alone, which would inevitably lead to ambiguous interactions. It was difficult for Shimizu to dismiss the uneasiness and unpleasant expectations that arose within her heart.

“Miss Shimizu, I appreciate your concern. If you could take my place, it would be wonderful. However, this time, Lily’s partner must have a high level of proficiency in the art of dancing, specifically the Dance of the Celestial Maiden. I have received some teachings from Mount Izumo in this regard, so I should be able to learn the dance from the stele quickly and synchronize with Lily. This is crucial for Miss Uesugi’s safety, and it is my responsibility.”

“Lady Ayaka’s words are logical. While this may be a joint practice, may I join as a guard? If Lady Ayaka’s injuries worsen, I can provide assistance,” Shimizu replied.

“Miss Shimizu, even I am uncertain about the situation at the Ise Heavenly Gate. It could be extremely dangerous. It is said that even contemplating the celestial gate without sufficient strength close to the celestial realm could lead to death. Although we do not plan on crossing the gate, the lands below it may hold unimaginable perils. With your current strength, it would be unwise for you to accompany us,” Ayaka declined. She wasn’t intentionally opposing Shimizu, as she didn’t fully understand Lily and Shimizu’s relationship. However, the situation was dire, and it was not the time to consider matters of affection.

“Sister Shimizu, thank you, but can you stay here and protect sister Uesugi? It is only when you are here that I can feel at ease,” Lily expressed. While Lily might not need Shimizu’s protection, Rei did.

“Very well, since it is your request,” Shimizu reluctantly agreed. Rei was in a perilous state and required someone to safeguard her. Everyone understood this.

“Mizue, Shiu, I rely on both of you to remain here as well.”
“Yes, don’t worry, Lily. We will help in guarding Suno.”
“Master, you have nothing to worry about.”

At that moment, Nariaki appeared, holding a painting scroll in her hand.

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“Miss Lily, I discovered this scroll in Lady Kimiko’s room when she confronted the Imperial Army,” Nariaki explained as she handed the scroll to Lily. The scroll emanated an extraordinary aura.

Lily was taken aback as she unraveled it. “This is… Himemiya Sen-no-Hana?”

Himemiya Sen-no-Hana, one of the sacred relics. When hung in the Kiyoszawa, the painting could expand to cover an entire wall, but in its rolled-up state, it appeared as an ordinary scroll, ten feet long and two feet wide.

“Lady Kimiko left this behind in her room before heading out to battle the imperial army. Normally, she would never part with this painting so easily. It seems that Lady Kimiko entrusted it to your care,” Nariaki explained.

“Huh? Why me?” Lily’s surprise was evident.

“Miss Lily, I am but a feeble demon cat. Even if I ponder over this sacred relic every day, it would take me hundreds of years to make any progress. It wouldn’t be of any help to Lady Kimiko. Only under your guardianship will this relic unleash its full power and vanquish those despicable villains! Miss Lily, you mentioned that the sword stance you are attempting to learn also contains the words ‘thousand blossom’ (Sen-no-Hana). Perhaps this painting will greatly aid you in your training1. Whether it is for your sisters, Lady Kimiko, or Suno, you must accept this,” Nariaki implored.

“This…” Lily hesitated, contemplating the significance of the offer.

“Miss Lily, furthermore, I am not giving this to you as a gift, but rather entrusting you with its safekeeping. You can return it when Lady Kimiko awakens. This treasure is of immense importance, and I truly question whether I have the ability to protect it,” Nariaki added. Her words rang true, as with her current power, carrying a sacred relic could pose an immediate threat to her life.

“I understand,” Lily replied with determination. “I will protect this relic. If it can aid in my training, it will increase my chances of success at Mount Ooe!”

She wouldn’t refuse Lady Kimiko’s request; she would safeguard this sacred relic! Now, Lily was carrying two profound sacred relics: the Twelve Moon Phase Instrument and Himemiya Sen-no-Hana. These relics symbolized the two great paths she had achieved—the Lunar True Intent and the Seduction True Intent. In the future, whenever she sought to comprehend the mysteries of these paths, there would be no restrictions holding her back.

“Lily, let’s depart,” Ayaka said.

“Mm,” Lily nodded. “Sister Shimizu, everyone… please stay safe!”

“Miss Lily, this is a voice transmission orb I borrowed from old grandma. It can connect with the orb in Lady Kimiko’s house. Take it,” Nariaki offered a jade orb.

“Nn. Nariaki, if Suno is in danger or if sister Uesugi’s condition changes, contact me,” Lily requested.

Nariaki nodded in agreement.

“Everyone, stay safe!” With those words, Lily and Ayaka set off.

“Lily, we’ll eagerly await your return,” Shimizu replied. “I’ll dedicate myself to my practice, hoping that it will be of aid to you in the future. After all, I too gained opportunities in the battle at the execution ground.”

Shimizu took out the perfectly preserved ancient jade hanging from her neck and lovingly caressed it2.

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This ancient jade was flawless!

“Mm!” Lily smiled knowingly.

Ayaka’s gaze fell upon the ancient jade, a mixture of fascination and skepticism evident in her heated gaze, yet she chose to remain silent3.

References

Robinxen: I actually forgot about this painting, but hurray more power ups! Exp booster get!Robinxen: Her precious.Robinxen: Well I’m sure this won’t cause any problems.