This Japanese Monogatari Isn't Lame

Facing Beichuan Si's question, Mouchi Mashi didn't hesitate much; she answered candidly:

"As I mentioned before, the Mouchi Witch is the key to connecting Yellow Springs... that is, the present world and the hidden world. This is the purpose of the Mouchi Witch."

"Such an important person naturally holds a high status in our Mouchi family."

"... Is that so."

Beichuan Si glanced at Mouchi Mashi, and seeing that she wasn't lying, he continued to ask, "Serving as the key between the present world and the hidden world, what happens next? After opening Yellow Springs, can the Mouchi Witch survive?"

Indeed... this was the most crucial question Beichuan Si wanted to ask.

What is the price for opening the Gate of Yellow Springs?

Could it be the life of the Mouchi Witch?

Beichuan Si looked seriously at Mouchi Mashi.

Under his gaze, for some reason, Mouchi Mashi seemed a bit afraid.

She stepped back two paces before answering, "The Mouchi Witch won't die just from opening the Gate of Yellow Springs. After all, she's the chosen candidate in the Mouchi family; how could someone cultivated for this purpose die just from opening the entrance to the hidden world? It wouldn't be necessary to go through so much trouble to train a disposable tool for opening the Gate of Yellow Springs."

"Is that so?"

Beichuan Si wasn't assured by Mouchi Mashi's response. He continued to ask:

"Then what about opening the Gate of Yellow Springs? What is the Mouchi Witch supposed to do after opening the gate?"

"I am not sure about that," Mouchi Mashi raised her head. "You might not believe that as the head, I'm unaware of the subsequent events... but this is indeed the truth."

Mouchi Mashi shook her head and continued, "Because the current Mouchi family... isn't the real Mouchi family."

This truly is one wave after another.

The head of the Mouchi family not knowing what happens after entering the Gate of Yellow Springs.

The Mouchi family isn't the real Mouchi family...

These enigmatic words made Beichuan Si raise an eyebrow.

"The reason I say the Mouchi family is no longer the Mouchi family is because it's now built on the foundation of the Mouchi Branch."

Mouchi Mashi explained the reason.

"In other words, the current Mouchi family is actually a combination of the 'Main Family' and the 'Branch.' Mr. Beichuan, you are aware that not just the Mouchi family, but many families establish branches to deal with external affairs."

"This I do know."

Beichuan Si nodded, affirming Mouchi Mashi's explanation.

Whether it's Shenzhu Village or Ihui Island or the Shigomi family... they always set up a base outside to avoid extermination of their village or family after suppressing Yellow Springs.

"Since Mr. Beichuan is aware, it's natural for him to know that certain matters are never disclosed from the main family to the branch... Although I belong to the Mouchi Main Family, I was young during the ritual... When the family urgently evacuated, they took us younger members to the Mouchi Branch."

Indeed.

Mouchi Mashi is actually from the Mouchi Main Family; on the day of the ritual, they were transferred to the Mouchi Branch.

This is also a precautionary measure.

To prevent an immediate failure of the ritual from causing the death of all family members.

"The secrets of the ritual are extremely confidential within the Mouchi Main Family, and even my parents who took me away are unaware of the specifics."

"..." Beichuan Si.

Since this concerns the entire family, the Mouchi Main Family being silent towards unrelated parties is expected.

Leaving behind Mouchi Mashi is akin to preserving the flame of the Mouchi family.

To this day... what the Mouchi Witch exactly does after entering into Yellow Springs... remains a mystery, even Mouchi Mashi cannot answer.

"But there's only one thing we do know."

Mouchi Mashi looked at Beichuan Si, gritted her teeth, and spoke:

"That is... no one who enters Yellow Springs has ever returned."

Yes... although the specifics weren't narrated, whether the Mouchi Witch returned after entering Yellow Springs... this point Mouchi Mashi is quite clear about.

After all, the Mouchi Witch is responsible for the family's ritual activities; whether she returned or not, whether she is alive or dead... this she knows.

"..." Beichuan Si.

No Mouchi Witch who entered Yellow Springs has returned to the present world...

Beichuan Si tilted his head and took a deep look at Mouchi Mashi.

This woman in her twenties, even though she strives to maintain elegance and composure, her face has turned pale, and her voice somewhat distorted.

Is she afraid...? Or is she pondering something?

Beichuan Si approached with an unchanged expression.

Looking at Mouchi Mashi's complexion, he spoke expressionlessly: "Honestly, I'm somewhat curious."

"Curious?" Mouchi Mashi instinctively responded.

"Yes, I am very curious."

Beichuan Si nodded.

"Truthfully, you didn't have to tell me 'none of the Mouchi Witches who went to Yellow Springs returned'... Because this only increases the likelihood of me taking Mirai back to Tokyo, leading to the departure of the Mouchi Witch you've been searching for in the Mouchi family..."

Indeed, knowing that Shen Gu Mirai might die in Yellow Springs, would Beichuan Si venture there again?

This answer need not be thought to be clear.

"But you still told me."

Beichuan Si looked at Mouchi Mashi, his voice unchanged.

"What are you plotting... Or what are you contemplating? My departure from Kagoshima Prefecture with Mirai benefit you... or the Mouchi family in what way?"