"Haha... none of that matters. The urgent task is to disable the barrier. You two, step back. I'm going to make a move. It's my first time doing this, so if anything happens when it's disarmed, it won't be good..."
Yuan Shang chuckled awkwardly, taking out the prepared 'Yupe' and preparing to activate the blue barrier sealing the passage before him.
"Wait, brother Yuan Shang, how confident are you? And... what might happen when it's disarmed?"
Arataki Itto quickly stopped him. He felt uneasy if he didn't understand clearly, not wanting to die without knowing why.
"Uh... to be honest, I'm not sure. The last time it was opened was thousands of years ago. Possible scenarios are limited. For instance, an impact when it's disarmed, sending you into an abyss. Or perhaps the unfamiliar air will make you unable to breathe. Or the guardian dragon might suddenly appear. Or, I might be cursed and turn into a monster that controls fire..."
Yuan Shang told Arataki Itto not to be nervous. Since they were already here, it was too late to run!
"..."
This was clearly a dangerous situation, yet Yuan Shang appeared so nonchalant, not only unfazed but even in the mood to chat?
Arataki Itto was puzzled, but if even the scholarly Yuan Shang was fearless, how could he, a brave warrior, retreat?
"Alright, it's fine. Brother Yuan Shang, you can disarm the barrier now!"
Arataki Itto found a sturdy rock, hid behind it, and then gestured to Yuan Shang with his hand, indicating he was ready.
Yuan Shang placed the 'Yupe' onto the blue barrier. The barrier rippled like water, then instantly dissolved into golden motes.
There was no shockwave, no stale air, no guardian dragon. Nothing happened...
It was like a holographic projection that lost power, leaving Arataki Itto somewhat disappointed.
This outcome made his previous precautions seem rather cowardly...
"Wow, disarming an ancient ruin seal for the first time, it's quite exhilarating! Seeing such a large wall disappear really gives one the pleasure of burning down a grand library!"
Yuan Shang clapped his hands and laughed after coming to his senses.
"Hey, hey, hey, brother Yuan Shang, your thoughts are a bit dangerous. Are you really a researcher of ancient texts?"
Arataki Itto walked out from behind the rock and quipped at Yuan Shang.
"Ahaha, of course. I can't wait to explore the interior of the Ishine Theater, to see if there are any rare ancient scriptures..."
Yuan Shang chuckled, feeling he had said too much. He might as well get down to business. He led Feng Yi and the other towards the high tower of the Ishine Theater.
On the path leading to the Ishine Theater, there was a very, very long staircase...
The three arrived at the foot of the Ishine Theater, which resembled a skyscraper.
"Look, over there!"
Yuan Shang suddenly pointed inside the Ishine Theater, to a platform connected by a floating staircase.
"This is the nexus of Enkanomiya... no, of the Watatsumi Island's land. Quickly try to activate this mechanism. I predict it will be an incredible experience!"
Yuan Shang led the two to the platform and pointed at the stone platform device, nearly three meters tall.
"Brother Yuan Shang, why don't you try it? You love research the most. Direct experience leads to deeper understanding!"
Arataki Itto sneered. He might be a bit slow, but he wasn't foolish.
If this thing was dangerous, wouldn't they become Yuan Shang's pawns for scouting?
Having followed Boss Feng Yi for so long, he had learned a little about predicting consequences. He didn't want to be used as a pawn. Didn't he see Boss Feng Yi deep in thought?
"Alas, such a fun thing, I wanted to let you two experience it, but you're unappreciative. Fine, I'll do it then!"
Yuan Shang shrugged. He had no ill intentions.
Under the watchful eyes of Feng Yi and Arataki Itto, Yuan Shang activated the stone platform device.
*Hummm—*
Several muffled sounds echoed from above. Feng Yi and the others looked up, only to see the luminous devices of the Ishine Theater spinning rapidly, and then the lights extinguished.
The entire Enkanomiya plunged into an everlasting night, devoid of light.
"Eeek... a ghost, a ghost!"
Yuan Shang suddenly shouted, startling Feng Yi and Arataki Itto.
The two, recovering from the shock of the day-night transition, realized that a blue ghost had appeared on the high platform, not two steps away from them.
"Brother Yuan Shang, calm down! Calm down! It's just a ghost, what are you afraid of?"
Arataki Itto feigned composure, but his body subtly retreated behind Boss Feng Yi.
He had heard Yuan Shang shout "ghost" earlier and thought Yuan Shang was calling him. Just as he was about to respond, he saw a pale blue ghost floating before him, nearly making him choke.
As a respectable Oni, he felt no fear battling tangible monsters.
But when it came to these intangible, eerie ghosts that couldn't be fought, Arataki Itto felt a bit creeped out.
To cover his discomposure, he decided to embarrass Yuan Shang.
"Ahem... how embarrassing. I... I actually already realized. Because of its spectral nature, the land of the night... will project past vestiges. Although their stories have ended, their personalities at that moment are preserved, and they can even react to you..."
Yuan Shang also realized he had lost his composure. He coughed twice, explaining the phenomenon to the two in an attempt to salvage his dignified image.
"Woooo... so my appearance will be seen by heroes of later generations, right?"
At that moment, the blue humanoid ghost spoke.
"Oh my... it can talk?!"
Yuan Shang was almost scared again, nearly exclaiming profanities.
"Ah, it seems the hero has arrived. Hello, my name is Aru, my name in Enkanomiya was Argos. I am here to deliver the next stage of the trial, which is to restore the 'Sesei no Yui' and display the royal authority of the King of the Night!"
"The 'Sesei no Yui' is a national treasure that can command the lingering souls of the underworld to speak. It is made from the same materials as the Ishine Theater. It requires the 'Yupe' as its core, and further processing and assembly. Therefore, you will need to find three more fragments..."
"Uh... if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I believe the residual spirit I've left behind can respond."
The blue shadowy ghost named Aru spoke, guiding their next course of action.
"It can really respond to anything? Then... can you do a handstand and eat ramen?"