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"So, the King of Hell!"
Urahara Kisuke was about to press further when Qin Yi's blood-red eyes narrowed, and he declared flatly, "I cut him down!"
Urahara's pupils constricted, freezing him in place as if struck by lightning.
No one had ever seen the King of Hell, but one could imagine that such a terrifying being would surpass all fantasies, a truly unique and unparalleled existence.
Qin Yi glanced at Urahara Kisuke before turning his gaze to Kenpachi Zaraki.
"Kenpachi Zaraki! Do you want to know why you could never defeat Kenpachi Chengdui?"
With that single sentence, Kenpachi Zaraki's eyes immediately locked onto him.
"Why?"
"It's not because you can't use Shikai or Bankai. It's because you've never truly trusted your Zanpakutō!" Qin Yi declared solemnly.
He lowered his head to gaze at the Zanpakutō at Kenpachi Zaraki's waist.
As if sensing Qin Yi's gaze, the blade began to hum and tremble violently.
"Can you hear that? Your blade is crying!"
Kenpachi Zaraki froze, lowering his head to stare intently at his Zanpakutō.
To be honest, he had been wielding this blade for a long time. He had always relied solely on his own strength, viewing his Zanpakutō as nothing more than a tool. Trust? It was just an inanimate object, what was there to trust?
"Crying?"
Kenpachi Zaraki murmured, as if he faintly heard something wailing.
Could it be...? My sword?
Qin Yi spoke only a few brief sentences before ignoring Kenpachi Zaraki entirely.
There was no doubt that his opponent was an immensely powerful Shinigami. Even without knowing his Zanpakutō's name, he had forcibly fought his way to the Eleventh Division, becoming its captain and earning the title of Kenpachi. In the original story, after unlocking his Shikai and Bankai abilities, he had soared to unimaginable heights of power.
During the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, when his strength reawakened, he became so violently ferocious that it made others tremble.
If Kenpachi Zaraki had been able to awaken his Zanpakutō's power, he wouldn't have been repeatedly defeated by Kenpachi Chengdui!
Qin Yi's recovery brought a surge of hope to Urahara Kisuke and his companions.
Even before becoming a Shinigami, Qin Yi's strength had been extraordinary. Now, having evolved into an unknown being surpassing even Shinigami in power, what heights might his abilities reach?
Though Urahara Kisuke knew that Qin Yi likely couldn't maintain his King of Hell state for long with his current strength, the sheer power he would wield during that limited time remained an unpredictable wild card.
With such a formidable new ally on their side, Urahara Kisuke couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Soon after, Qin Yi rejoined the group.
"Qin Yi," Urahara Kisuke said, his usual playful demeanor gone, replaced by an uncharacteristic solemnity. "To be frank, we were all originally Shinigami."
"Hmm."
Qin Yi glanced at Li Yuanli, who was nervously clutching the hem of his robe, and smiled faintly. He knew the boy had undoubtedly struck some kind of agreement with Urahara Kisuke, but he wasn't concerned.
Having come to the Shinigami World, he had always planned to build a grand empire here, laying the foundations for a lasting legacy. In its initial stages, it was only natural to collaborate with the local inhabitants.
"So, Shopkeeper Urahara, do you have a specific plan in mind?" Qin Yi asked with a smile.
"I've already discussed this with Yuanli, Your Majesty, and we've reached a consensus. He's willing to assist us," Urahara Kisuke replied, shifting his gaze to Li Yuanli.
The latter awkwardly scratched his head before explaining, "Your Majesty, it's like this: I was killed by Kenpachi Chengdui. Shopkeeper Urahara pulled me back from the brink of oblivion, just as my soul was about to dissipate and transform into a Hollow, and made me a Shinigami."
"Later, Shopkeeper Urahara recognized my potential to become a Mask Hollow and guided me in transforming into one."
"His kindness toward me was immeasurable, so I agreed to help him."
Li Yuanli chuckled, his eyes darting toward Qin Yi.
Deciding unilaterally to defect from the Kingdom and serve someone from the Target Realm was a serious matter, and a knot of anxiety tightened in his chest.
Fortunately, Qin Yi's face softened into a faint smile after hearing his explanation.
"Recognizing gratitude and reciprocation, Yuanli, you've done the right thing."
"However, Shopkeeper Urahara..." Qin Yi turned his gaze toward Urahara Kisuke, who looked up. "Did Yuanli inform you of our true identities?"
"He mentioned it once, but irrelevant matters hold no interest for me. After all, what's the point in dwelling on them?" Urahara Kisuke snapped his fan open, concealing his mouth as he chuckled.
"Shopkeeper Urahara, you're a discerning man. This King admires your discretion." Qin Yi nodded with a faint smile.
"In that case, I'll join you as well."
The moment Qin Yi's words left his lips, the eyes of everyone present sharpened, and Urahara Kisuke froze completely. His eyes narrowed into slits, revealing a look of delight.
"That's fantastic news! With an expert like you joining us, our faction's strength will increase dramatically!"
Qin Yi nodded but remained silent.
He knew that behind Urahara Kisuke, or perhaps within the man himself, lurked a secret military force. Its members were former Shinigami from the Soul Society who had gained immense power through Urahara Kisuke's Hollow Mask technology, allowing them to wage war against certain factions within the Soul Society.
"Who are your targets?" Qin Yi quietly asked after Urahara Kisuke had provided a general overview.
"The conspirators led by Aizen Sōsuke and Kenpachi Chengdui!" Urahara Kisuke's expression turned grave, his voice heavy with conviction.
"Kenpachi Chengdui?" Qin Yi's gaze sharpened as he asked in a deep voice.
"Correct. He's also a member of this group. Currently, I only know Aizen and Kenpachi Chengdui. I haven't been able to uncover the identities of the other members yet," Urahara Kisuke nodded.
"They began plotting a cataclysmic event that would overthrow the entire Soul Society over a century ago!"
Qin Yi's eyes flashed. He suddenly stared intently into Urahara's eyes and asked, "Are you referring to the Hogyoku?"
Urahara Kisuke's entire body stiffened as he locked eyes with Qin Yi. "It seems I underestimated you."
"Your true identity is likely far more than just a cross-realm traveler!"
Li Yuanli's eyes widened in shock. He realized he had severely underestimated their King. Compared to his Memories from the Past skill, Qin Yi seemed almost omniscient and omnipotent, infinitely more powerful than himself.
"The Hogyoku is of such critical importance that outsiders could never learn of it, not even its name!"
"How did you find out?"
Urahara Kisuke asked gravely, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
This object, capable of helping Shinigami break the boundaries of the Hollow realm, was no trivial matter. If its existence were to spread, it would inevitably cause a massive upheaval.
"How did I find out?"
Qin Yi grinned and gripped the Zanpakutō at his waist.
With a sudden movement, he drew the blade and pointed it at Urahara Kisuke. Its blade shimmered with alternating red and black hues, radiating a terrifying aura.
"Because... I felt it!"
Urahara Kisuke's eyes widened as he stared intently at the Zanpakutō.
"How is this possible?!"
"This blade possesses a power even more perfect than the Hogyoku itself!"
(End Of This Chapter)