The glowing spiritual particles bursting from the Shihōin Ring flew in all directions instantly.
They rapidly transformed the surrounding environment.
Shigure's gaze flickered slightly. His face showing a faint smile.
In fact, even before touching the Shihōin Ring, he'd already easily discovered the resonance vortex at its center through his Resonance Eyes.
This was a peculiar power Shigure had never seen before.
However, connecting it with what Yoruichi said, plus the clear display from his Resonance Vision, Shigure could naturally break through it quite easily.
At this moment, Soi Fon beside him spoke:
"Y-Yoruichi-sama, this barrier..."
"Could it be directly changing the simple spiritual particle composition of the surrounding environment to recreate that original... Frostburn Valley trial ground?"
Hearing this, Yoruichi also temporarily collected herself. Then said with a light laugh:
"That's right. Your eye is pretty good."
"However, saying it's entirely done by changing spiritual particle composition isn't quite right. There are also numerous autonomous creations involved..."
"Well... you'll know once it's fully released."
Saying this, Yoruichi showed an expression of watching a good show. Soi Fon's gaze focused slightly as she waited.
As for Shigure, his attention naturally wasn't on the surrounding changes. But in his mind.
He knew that if his previous speculation was correct, the check-in location the system mentioned should be right here.
Next, he just needed to wait for the notification sound...
Time passed second by second.
Finally, at a certain moment, a crisp sound rang in Shigure's mind.
"Ding! Congratulations Host, you have successfully reached the check-in location. Beginning check-in process!"
"Check-in duration: ten seconds. Exiting midway will result in check-in failure!"
"Ten seconds."
"Nine seconds."
...
At this moment, a comfortable smile finally appeared on Shigure's face.
Though running back and forth several times this morning was somewhat troublesome, ultimately, as long as check-in succeeded, any reward would be worth it.
But just then, the surrounding space suddenly changed. Immediately after, an invisible force suddenly enveloped Aning beside him.
Shigure's gaze immediately moved. Looking over.
However, before he could speak, Yoruichi beside him laughed and said:
"Don't worry, Segawa. It's just the Heavenly Gift Armament performing barrier exclusion."
"Probably because this little one is an Arrancar, she'll be directly transferred outside the barrier."
"What comes next is the true appearance of the Frostburn Valley barrier."
The instant her words fell, Aning's body directly disappeared from the spot. Then appeared in the distance.
Through his Resonance Eyes, he could naturally see Aning had no other abnormalities and was quietly standing in place. Only then did he relax.
And just at this moment, finally, the system countdown ended.
"Zero."
"Ding! Congratulations Host, check-in successful!"
"Mission reward: Hakuda Mastery!"
"Ding!"
As the notification fell, a strong tearing sensation immediately began appearing in Shigure's body. Along with hot currents spreading throughout.
The instant he heard the reward, Shigure felt slightly pleased.
Now, his proficiency in all four techniques of Zan-Ken-Sō-Ki had reached Mastery level.
Though the overall strength increase might not be too great, as long as there was progress, he was satisfied.
But just as this thought arose, the surrounding barrier immediately began changing.
Before he could speak, suddenly, the system notification sounded again.
And this time, hearing the content, his thoughts momentarily froze.
"Ding! Congratulations Host, your Hakuda proficiency has reached 'Mastery,' successfully triggering a consecutive check-in!"
"Will you accept the mission?"
"Friendly reminder to Host: The consecutive check-in mission will not require Host to travel to additional locations for check-in. Upon completing the mission, check-in will be directly completed!"
"If you do not accept this mission, it will automatically be replaced during your next check-in mission. You will not suffer any additional losses."
"!!"
Consecutive check-in?!
There's such a good thing...?!
The instant the notification fell, a smile immediately appeared involuntarily on Shigure's face. He chose to confirm without hesitation!
Are you kidding? There was no reason to refuse such a good opportunity to increase his strength!
The instant he confirmed, the notification sounded:
"Ding! Congratulations Host, you have successfully accepted the consecutive check-in mission!"
"No time limit. Please conduct Hakuda training at the original check-in location 'Frostburn Valley.' When your Hakuda proficiency reaches the ultimate level, the consecutive check-in will be considered successful and you will receive a system reward!"
"..."
After hearing the mission description, the enthusiasm Shigure had just felt was extinguished like water on fire.
Ultimate Hakuda proficiency—just like that previous swordsmanship training, it couldn't be obtained through check-in but required independent training to improve...?
Thinking this, Shigure suddenly regretted accepting this consecutive check-in mission so quickly.
However, just an instant later, he also understood.
This mission had no time limit. In other words, he could frequently come here for training afterward. Thereby improving his Hakuda...
Thinking of it this way, it wasn't particularly troublesome.
Moreover, once Hakuda reached the ultimate level, not only would his strength increase, but he'd also receive a system reward. It was killing two birds with one stone.
Thinking this, Shigure suddenly raised his eyes. Looking toward Soi Fon and Yoruichi. The corners of his mouth slowly curved upward.
If he wanted to train Hakuda...
Weren't they right in front of him already the best candidates?
Seeing Shigure's gaze turn toward them, both Soi Fon and Yoruichi looked somewhat confused.
They completely couldn't understand why Shigure's smile suddenly seemed somewhat ill-intentioned...
...
...
At the same time, on the other side, in the mountain cave beneath the Sōkyoku Hill canyon group.
At this moment, Muramasa suddenly sat up from his stone seat.
Then, on his pale face, a strange smile appeared for the first time.
Seeing this, Sode no Shirayuki beside him showed a trace of surprise in her eyes. She couldn't help but speak:
"Muramasa-san... has something happened?"
As her words fell, the others immediately looked over. After all, this was the first time Muramasa had shown such an expression. It truly puzzled them.
However, after hearing Sode no Shirayuki's question, Muramasa didn't answer.
Instead, he gazed into the void. After a moment, his expression returned to indifference. He said flatly:
"It seems the true time to attack the Seireitei is approaching."
"Our new companion has finally broken free from the shackles of his soul under my power of Corrupting Nothingness... and arrived here."
"..."
As his words fell, everyone fell silent.
For a moment, no one could understand what he meant.
Because this time, the word he used wasn't "awakened." But changed to "breaking free from shackles"...
After a moment, the woman wearing golden gauze beside him smiled and asked:
"Muramasa-san's words are somewhat difficult to understand."
"However, this new companion you mentioned... I wonder what name they have?"
The instant her words fell, all gazes converged here. Finally stopping on Muramasa's face.
This question was exactly what they were thinking.
And at this moment, Muramasa's eyes suddenly emitted an unusual light. He answered flatly:
"Candle Dragon."
It's now 4:49 AM, four chapters delivered as promised.
You should all see my sincerity now, right? Won't you give some "awesome" support?
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