The next day, Qingshui sought out the Third Kazekage.
"The summoning scroll for Ryūchi Cave... are you certain, Qingshui?"
The Third Kazekage sat at his desk, speaking to Qingshui.
Would Qingshui need a Summoning Beast?
It seemed he really didn't have any powerful Summoning Beasts.
"Yes, I have some ideas about Sage Art that I need the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave to clarify, or any other related research materials would also work."
"Sage Art, you say..."
The Third Kazekage frowned.
"When I was young, I also thought I had a chance to master Sage Mode, but in the end, I backed down. Ryūchi Cave's training methods are extremely dangerous; I even felt they didn't intend for contractors to truly learn their Sage Mode. Plus, I couldn't even sense Natural Energy, so I simply gave up.
Later, some other things happened that kept me from returning to Ryūchi Cave for nearly thirty years. So, Ryūchi Cave might hold some ill will towards me, and towards our village. Coupled with the extreme danger of training in Sage Mode, I don't recommend you go to Ryūchi Cave."
"No, no, no, Third Generation, I'm going to Ryūchi Cave to research Sage Art not because I haven't learned it yet—in fact, I already have. It's just that this Sage Art is something I figured out on my own, so I need some references. I need someone who has walked further down this path to discuss it with."
Qingshui waved his hand at the Third Kazekage.
"You've already learned Sage Art!"
The Third Kazekage was taken aback.
He didn't know Sage Art, but he had seen Jiraiya use it on the battlefield.
Without Sage Mode, Jiraiya's strength was only considered average among Kage-level powerhouses. But when he activated Sage Mode, he was among the strongest in the Ninja World, second only to Qingshui.
And Qingshui's strength was already almost above the Kage level. How much stronger would he be with Sage Art?
"Yes, I can use it, but it's incomplete. However, I think it has more potential than Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode. The specifics can wait until I've researched it more thoroughly, because once this Sage Mode is fully developed, it should be something everyone can learn relatively safely."
As Qingshui spoke, he pulled down his collar, revealing the faint blue Demon Slayer Mark at the base of his neck to the Third Kazekage.
Seeing this Demon Slayer Mark, the Third Kazekage immediately believed him a bit more.
It certainly looked like the anomalous phenomenon that appears with Sage Mode, except it wasn't on the face but on the neck.
"Sage Mode... everyone can learn it..."
The Third Kazekage had to admit, he was tempted.
If all the ninja in Sand Village could use Sage Art, he couldn't even imagine the possibilities!
Of course, the Third Kazekage knew that Sage Art had a barrier to entry. Even if Qingshui said everyone had a chance to learn it, it probably only lowered the threshold and eliminated potential dangers during training.
But no matter what, surely the Kage-level powerhouses of Sand Village could meet the training conditions?
If their overall strength could be elevated by another level, then not only could they completely suppress Konoha, but even defeating Konoha plus the other ninja villages wouldn't be out of the question!
"Oh, right, Third Generation, one more thing. Remember to notify the ninja in the village who have mastered their Breathing Style to the level of Constant State or higher: if a Demon Slayer Mark similar to mine appears on their body, remember to go to the Sealing Squad and use the Evil Sealing Method to seal the Demon Slayer Mark. While this Demon Slayer Mark may bring power, it also brings danger. The sooner it's sealed, the better, otherwise it will be life-threatening. Everything else can wait until I've thoroughly researched it."
Qingshui pointed to the blue Demon Slayer Mark on his neck, reminding the Third Kazekage.
After one person developed a Demon Slayer Mark, others who had mastered their Breathing Style to the extreme would also subsequently develop Demon Slayer Marks.
"I see. Mastering Breathing Style to the extreme allows one to touch the power of Sage Art? I will notify everyone about the Demon Slayer Mark and conduct enhanced training in Sealing Jutsu for all ninja who have reached the Constant State or higher in Breathing Style. They must at least master basic Sealing Jutsu so they can temporarily suppress the Demon Slayer Mark if it appears on their body."
The Third Kazekage spoke with a solemn expression.
Since he had once contracted with Ryūchi Cave and understood Sage Mode, he naturally knew the potential harm Natural Energy could inflict on the human body.
"As for the summoning contract for Ryūchi Cave, come with me. What I have is just a copy; the true original is, of course, still in Ryūchi Cave, usually guarded by the White Snake Sage or the Three Great Tagorihime. As long as you write your name in blood on the copy, the same name will appear on the original. If you can get the approval of Ryūchi Cave's high-ranking members, you can leave your name and become a contractor of Ryūchi Cave.
I haven't summoned any snakes from Ryūchi Cave in a long time, so I don't know if my name has been erased or if this copy is still effective. In any case, it's worth a try. With your strength and your preliminary mastery of Sage Art, there shouldn't be anything in Ryūchi Cave that can threaten you. However, you should be careful with the White Snake Sage. If things go south, you can use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to return on your own. With your strength, the White Snake Sage shouldn't be able to do anything to you."
"So that White Snake Sage is quite formidable, then," Qingshui said, rather surprised.
What do you mean, "can't do anything to me"?
"Indeed, snakes are naturally cold-blooded and unruly. The White Snake Sage's ability to subdue the many exceptionally powerful great snakes of Ryūchi Cave naturally means its strength is extraordinary."
That made sense.
In that case, the White Snake Sage's power, even if not as terrifying as Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara's, was probably comparable to his own, exceeding the Kage-level realm.
The Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku and the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest were probably much the same.
However, since these three were willing to stay put and not personally meddle in the numerous conflicts of the Ninja World, but instead cultivated their own racial forces and contracted summoners among humans to influence the mundane world, there must be some limitations involved.
It was probably related to those horned brothers.
Qingshui followed the Third Kazekage all the way to the latter's home, where he rummaged through boxes and cabinets, finally unearthing a summoning scroll covered in dust.
After a simple cleaning, Qingshui used his own blood to write his name on the scroll.
"Your blood name hasn't faded. It seems Ryūchi Cave has temporarily agreed to sign a summoning contract with you. You can now perform the Reverse Summoning Jutsu and travel to Ryūchi Cave.
If you encounter a red snake named Shinya there, I hope you can apologize on my behalf and heal its eyes. Tell it that I didn't mean to abandon it at the time, but doing so was the only way for us both to escape alive from the encirclement of the Stone Hidden army."
The Third Kazekage looked at Qingshui's name, which had faded and then reappeared on the scroll, his expression complex.
"Alright, I'll be sure to deliver the message."
Qingshui gave a slight nod to the Third Kazekage.
He wasn't privy to the Third Kazekage's past with Shinya, but since it happened almost thirty years ago and involved a battle with Stone Hidden, he figured it must be ancient history from around the First Great Ninja War.
At that time, the Sand Village was still under the rule of the Second Kazekage Shamon, and the Third Kazekage hadn't yet taken power; he was just a promising newcomer with considerable strength.
Qingshui wasn't interested in the details; he just needed to deliver the message.
*CRACK!*
Biting his finger, Qingshui formed a hand seal and immediately performed the Reverse Summoning Jutsu.
A puff of white smoke appeared, and his figure vanished from the spot.
The Third Kazekage watched the place where Qingshui disappeared, his eyes flickering. He let out a soft sigh, then turned and left to continue his work.
Meanwhile, Qingshui found himself in front of a resplendent palace. On the plaque above the main hall, the gilded characters for "Ryūchi Cave" were prominently displayed.
The palace doors opened, and a beautiful woman in ancient attire pushed them open, bowing gracefully to Qingshui.
"My name is Tagorihime, and it's a pleasure to meet you, esteemed guest. You must have traveled a long way for an important visit. The White Snake Sage is waiting deep within the cave. Perhaps you'd like to have some refreshments first to fill your stomach."
Tagorihime stepped aside, revealing a long table inside the hall laden with food.
"A decent Genjutsu. It can affect sight, hearing, and smell. It seems taste and touch can also be affected. The only clan in the Ninja World capable of interfering with others' five senses to this extent is Konoha's Kurama clan. Ryūchi Cave is truly extraordinary. But isn't it a bit shabby to offer a pile of rocks and sand as hospitality?"
Qingshui walked into the hall, sat down on a chair, picked up a steamed bun, and crushed it in his hand.
A wisp of ash flowed through the gaps in his fingers, and the brilliant lights in the hall vanished with it. Everything around him transformed from an ornate palace into a dim stone cave filled with white mist.
Tagorihime's heart sank.
This human saw through her Sage Art Genjutsu at a glance. He must be very powerful and wouldn't be easy to deal with.
"My apologies, esteemed guest. Ryūchi Cave has been a poor host. Please follow me."
Another ancient-attired loli floated into view, holding a lantern, ready to guide Qingshui.
"I suggest you stop playing these tricks. Just honestly take me to see the White Snake Sage. I don't want to fight with you."
Midway, Qingshui sighed again.
Still with the Genjutsu?
As long as it doesn't directly affect the mind, this kind of deceptive Genjutsu can't fool the perception of Transparent World at all…
Of course, if it truly did affect the mental realm directly, Qingshui wasn't to be underestimated, as he had already achieved considerable mastery in matters of the mind.
"You worry too much, esteemed guest. My name is Ichikishimahime, and I merely wished to play a game with you."
Ichikishimahime's figure subtly became ethereal. The surrounding white mist dispersed, and Qingshui found himself in a stone chamber surrounded on three sides by rock walls.
*RUMBLE!*
Another massive boulder fell, blocking the entrance to the stone chamber.
"Esteemed guest, if you're willing to play just one game with me here..."
"Bolts of Balthakk."
Thunder roared, and the sturdy stone walls instantly shattered into countless fragments under Qingshui's full power.
Qingshui then turned around, taking a deep breath, which caused the surrounding white mist to grow even thicker.
Several bright blue chains, imbued with Innate Qi, shot out, binding a snake woman who had lunged at him with a wide-open maw.
"I came here to kindly visit the White Snake Sage and deliver a message for someone to Shinya. What you're doing is making things very difficult for me."
"This is... Sage Art Chakra? Why are you here in Ryūchi Cave if you can already use Sage Art? No, you don't have those changes... What exactly is going on?"
Ichikishimahime was bewildered, her loli face filled with a blank, confused expression.
"Damn it! Let me go! Do you want me to eat you?!"
Takirihime, bound by the bright blue chains, hissed, flicking her long snake tongue, and made a threatening gesture towards Qingshui.
"Enough, Takirihime. This seems to be an honored guest whom the White Snake Sage wishes to meet personally. Please release Takirihime, and then please follow me."
Tagorihime, dressed in a simple, green-trimmed ancient robe, reappeared from the white mist and spoke to Qingshui.
"There won't be a next time."
Qingshui glanced at Tagorihime, then reached out and released Takirihime.
Tagorihime glared at Takirihime, who still wanted to complain, then apologized to Qingshui:
"My apologies, esteemed guest. All of that was merely a series of trials that outsiders must undergo to enter Ryūchi Cave. According to our rules, only by passing three trials can one meet the White Snake Sage and become a Summoning Beast contractor of Ryūchi Cave."
Only by passing the trials could one become a Summoning Beast contractor of Ryūchi Cave. If one failed, their fate, of course, was to be devoured by the three great divine princesses as a snack.
"Lead the way."
Qingshui told Tagorihime.
He found that he seemed to have a certain restraining effect on these three snake sages of Ryūchi Cave.
Their strength was actually quite good, but they seemed to have invested too many skill points into Genjutsu-related fields, used for charming people.
Passing through the dark and deep snake cave tunnel, Qingshui finally arrived at an open area.
The lighting here was a bit better than elsewhere because of a natural open-air cave entrance above. A few old trees, each with a unique silhouette, grew among the rugged rocks at the mouth of the cave.
Even strong sunlight was significantly diminished, with only slender beams casting onto the ground after being filtered by the dense foliage of these old trees.
In the very center of the flat area stood an ancient, rustic house. It was nothing like the grand, deceptive palace Tagorihime had conjured earlier. On the contrary, in this environment, it looked more like a gloomy haunted house. The only thing connecting it to the illusionary palace was a plaque above the "haunted house" that read "Ryūchi Cave."
Snakes prefer dark, damp places, but as cold-blooded animals, they also enjoy sunbathing. Qingshui guessed that this relatively sunny spot must be the White Snake Sage's dwelling.
At least, besides the White Snake Sage and the three great princesses, Qingshui couldn't imagine any other snake in Ryūchi Cave living in a house resembling a human abode.
This time, it was the loli-like Ichikishimahime who pushed the door open.
Qingshui walked straight in.
The house wasn't small, but it wasn't particularly large either. After walking for only a short while, he went upstairs and found the White Snake Sage in a rather spacious room.
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