The Soul King is the supreme existence.
Although, for various reasons, the Soul King's existence itself didn't quite match this description.
But for the members of the Zero Squad who guarded him, their hearts were truly filled with respect for the Soul King himself, though this respect had nothing to do with their duties. They knew just how great a being the Soul King was and the immense sacrifices he had made for this world. Even now, with the Soul King's power, it probably wouldn't be difficult for him to leave the throne that was tailor-made for him.
It was precisely because they knew the extent of the Soul King's power that whatever the Soul King focused on became the Zero Squad's top priority. What mattered to the Soul King was what the Zero Squad needed to pay close attention to.
But the problem remained: even between the Zero Squad and the Soul King, there was an insurmountable gap.
There was no doubt that the Soul King was paying attention to Shihōin Ling Qing. But why he was paying attention was something that, at least for now, Kirinji Tenjirō couldn't figure out. Ling Qing possessed a part of the Soul King, and his absurdly strong talent might have been a gift from the Soul King. But Kirinji knew that these were just his shallow speculations; he probably hadn't even scratched the surface of the truth.
Some things, if the Soul King didn't want to say, not even the Monk (referring to Hyōsube Ichibē) could understand their true meaning.
Bathing was a relaxing affair. At least while enjoying a good soak, Kirinji Tenjirō didn't mind Ling Qing's less-than-respectful attitude. And Ling Qing felt much the same.
The two soaked in the same red bath, chatting idly to pass the time.
First, Kirinji explained Ling Qing's current physical condition. Although Kirinji's healing methods seemed a bit unconventional, even wild, he was indeed a medical professional. His secret healing technique was the "Mandarin Duck Hot Pot," where one enters the white bath and exits from the red. However, Ling Qing's injuries were quite severe, so he would need to go through the process several times.
Ling Qing had simply been disoriented when he woke up, not knowing the place or the people, and had been intimidated by Kirinji. As he gradually understood the situation, he regained his usual composure. He had never thought he could fight Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni without getting injured. Don't forget, back when Ling Qing was rampaging through the Rukongai, he always carried healing medicine in case of an accident. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had any medicine to use during his exhilarating fight with that man from the Zaraki district.
What Ling Qing hadn't expected was that Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni would strike so heavily. Realizing this, Ling Qing didn't resent Yamamoto for his heavy hand; instead, he was somewhat pleased. This wasn't because he was a masochist. In his view, the fact that he could force Yamamoto to strike so heavily meant that his current power was closer to Yamamoto's than he had imagined. Wasn't that something to be happy about?
After discussing Ling Qing's injuries, their conversation inevitably turned to Kirinji's identity and his current location.
Kirinji Tenjirō didn't have the high-class air Ling Qing imagined for the Zero Squad, but on the other hand, his eccentric personality made him easier to get along with. If he were like the rigid and harsh old men of the Shihōin Clan, Ling Qing would have had a massive headache. Ling Qing always respected the old and cherished the young, but he couldn't stand those old relics who were like crystallizations of feudalistic remnants.
Ling Qing knew of the Zero Squad's existence and some information about the Soul King's Palace. But even Shihōin Sōichirō probably never imagined that Ling Qing would one day set foot in it, so he couldn't have explained it in detail—or perhaps he didn't know the details himself.
So, while chatting, Kirinji gave Ling Qing a heads-up, telling him some common knowledge about the Soul King's Palace to prevent him from being clueless.
When he first woke up, Ling Qing needed the assistance of Kazuo and Kazuhiro. Later, he could already gauge his own healing progress and move between the white and red baths on his own.
Even Kirinji had to admit that Ling Qing was smarter, or perhaps more perceptive, than he had imagined. A severely injured person needed to soak in both baths repeatedly, but the timing for switching was supposed to be controlled by him. Yet, after the first few changes, Ling Qing immediately grasped the trick and the standard for it.
This meant that in terms of spiritual pressure perception, control, and even mastery over his own body, Ling Qing possessed a talent far beyond ordinary people. Such talent implied he could probably even learn Reverse Kidō.
However, Kirinji didn't mention any of this. He wasn't sure what the Monk's intention was in bringing Ling Qing to the Soul King's Palace—was it just to save his life, or was there another motive? So, he needed to observe and ponder a bit more.
After several rounds in the red and white baths, Ling Qing had completely recovered. The shocking burns that had covered his body were all gone, replaced by fair skin. And the massive wound that looked like it needed a long period of rest had also disappeared at some point.
Once the treatment was complete, Kirinji led Ling Qing out of the hot springs of the White Bone Hell and Blood Pond Hell. The two walked out wearing loose, white yukata-like robes.
Stepping out from the grand hall-like building, Ling Qing's vision suddenly opened up. Before him was a vast, magnificent, yet exceptionally empty and desolate space.
"This," Kirinji said with his hands on his hips, "is what you Shinigami call the Soul King's Palace."
"And you," he added, "saw this place even before Kuruyashiki Kenpachi and Hikifune Kirio."
"Captain Kuruyashiki and Captain Hikifune?"
Ling Qing had met Kuruyashiki Kenpachi more than once but had never had a deep conversation with him. As for Hikifune Kirio, he had heard her name many times but had never actually met her. The fact that Kirinji specifically mentioned these two names made Ling Qing a bit curious.
However, Kirinji, who had sparked his curiosity, had no intention of elaborating. He turned and pointed to a distant, saucer-like floating structure, one of the Zero Squad's detached palaces.
"Your treatment here is basically done. But you probably can't leave the Soul King's Palace just yet."
"Why?"
"Your Zanpakutō. That guy Ōetsu got curious and took it back to have a look. He said that when you woke up, you should go to his place. He has something to say to you."
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