Truth is everywhere within range

God of mountains?

Qiao Qiao was not moved by Kamijou Shiori's request. Instead, it was the words in her words that caught Qiao Qiao's attention.

The god of mountains, that is, the mountain god.

In the traditional culture of Japan, mountains indeed often appear in the objects of Shinto worship.

For example, the Konzuan Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is dedicated to Mt. Omuro, and the Iwakiyama Shrine in the Tsugaru area is dedicated to Mount Iwaki. Of course, mountains like Mount Fuji also have corresponding shrines.

It's just that the mountains here in Yamanashi Prefecture are not famous. They are just ordinary natural peaks around Tokyo. Naturally, there is no belief.

If Qiao Qiao didn't know anything, he might still consider whether it was some declining mountain god belief, but after knowing that this was the sealing place of the old gods, the mountain god made Qiao Qiao feel that something was not right.

"You worship the mountain god?"

Qiao Qiao asked Kamijou Shiori to stand up.

"Yes, the great god's divine body is in a cave near the village. Our lineage has protected the great god for generations. My grandmother and mother have all served as shrine maidens."

Kamijou Shiori replied.

"In ancient times, my ancestors were rescued by the God of the Mountain and swore an oath to protect the God of the Mountain. This oath formed a curse. Once anyone tells other people about the God of the Mountain, they will be cursed."

She looked a little embarrassed when facing Qiao Qiao and looked away.

"I just entered the room secretly to confirm whether you two were invaded by evil spirits. Please forgive me if I have caused any offense."

"Is that confirmation method really okay?"

Ariko twitched the corner of her mouth.

"So, now that you have told us this, we should also be affected by the curse?"

Qiao Qiao confirmed that there was nothing abnormal around him. If the curse was caused by some kind of evil spirit, he had not seen any other strange signs.

"Well, I'm very sorry, but I have no other choice."

Kamijou Shiori bit his lower lip lightly.

"A few days ago, I rescued Mr. Miki. His vehicle broke down, so I invited him to spend the night in the village. However, he accidentally bumped into the scene where I was wearing a shrine maiden costume and performing worship services. He learned that Regarding the mountain god, I originally asked him to stay in the village to avoid being harmed by the curse, but he insisted on leaving. Unexpectedly"

"The body of Mr. Miki was found on the roadside. All his internal organs were missing. The body remained at normal temperature in the ice and snow and was badly decomposed."

Qiao Qiao confirmed Kamijou Shiori's words.

"Does that mean that if we leave now, we will die as violently and miserably as Mr. Miki?"

"Yes."

Kamijou Shiori nodded.

"Originally, there was only our Kamijou family in the village. Later, due to the curse, some people gradually remained. For many years, everyone has lived together peacefully, guarded this place, and agreed not to leak secrets."

"But in recent years, many resentful spirits and monsters have emerged in the mountains. Our family relies on the blessing of the mountain god to survive. But if we can't ask for help from the outside world, I can't fight against so many resentful spirits by myself." of."

After hearing Kamijou Shiori's words, Qiao Qiao thought for a moment.

"I understand, Miss Kamijou, we will stay here for the time being, but please take us to the cave where the God of the Mountain's body is located tomorrow daytime."

"OK, all right."

Kamijou Shiori did not refuse, he bowed and left the room.

"What kind of development is this, teacher?"

Ariko asked after Kamijou Shiori left.

"If the God of the Mountain is an old god, curses and the like can be understood as a means to gather humans. However, according to her, humans should have been eroded over the years. It is impossible to still maintain this So sane."

Although Kamijou Shiori was a roguish cat, his other behavior was quite normal and he did not look like someone who had been serving the old gods for a long time.

The influence of the old gods cannot be completely controlled by himself, especially the old gods that were sealed tens of millions of years ago. They are not unreasonable at all. In most cases, even if their own intention is to communicate peacefully, they are full of indescribable Emotional babble can also make ordinary humans become equally crazy.

"Is it because the old gods have recently begun to break the seal and pollute the spirits around here?"

From this perspective, it is in line with the current situation.

"Ariko, when you come into contact with the old gods, sometimes you can't think with common sense."

Qiao Qiao said.

"The existence form of the old gods is completely different from that of humans. Many times, things that we think are very reasonable are not so in the eyes of the old gods. However, at least there is a trace to follow."

"What is it?"

Ariko took out a small notebook and took notes.

"That's survival."

Qiao Qiao replied.

"No matter what kind of old gods they are, existence is their first priority. Therefore, all the actions of the old gods can be understood as arrangements for survival."

"So, as long as you do a little analysis on which behavior is more likely to allow the old god here to survive, you can naturally get the answer."

Nothing happened all night.

early morning.

Qiao Qiao opened his eyes and put away the blood barrier covering himself and Ariko.

"Well, is it true that there was no attack?"

Qiao Qiao looked at the marks on the defense wall.

Last night, after Kamijou Shiori left, the two discussed for a while, decided on today's plan and went to bed.

Just in case, Qiao Qiao opened a blood barrier to deal with possible attacks.

But as Kamijou Shiori said, there were no ghosts or evil spirits to harass me at night.

Ariko's attack was more dangerous than weird.

Qiao Qiao felt the weight on his body and glanced at the source of the weight.

Ariko was using Qiao Qiao, who was curled up in her sleeping bag, as a large pillow, hugging her tightly with both hands and feet. She was not awake yet, and was purring evenly like a kitten.

Her clothes were a little messy, but fortunately the temperature in the room was suitable, so she wouldn't catch a cold.

The girl's face was right next to Qiao Qiao's ear, and her warm breath brushed against his ear, making people feel itchy.

safe and sound.

Qiao Qiao thought.

His blood changed shape, and he gently picked up Ya Lizi and placed it on the bed beside him. He got out of the sleeping bag and folded it.

Breakfast did not bother Kamijou's family. Qiao Qiao cooked a box of military canned braised beef. After eating it with Ariko, he followed Kamijou Shiori out of the house.

During the day, there seemed to be more people in Pingye Village. People in heavy coats could be seen walking on the road carrying shotguns or axes. When they saw Qiao Qiao and Yalizi, the villagers did not say hello. They only whispered something and were not friendly. .

After passing through the still twisted and wildly growing forest, Kamijou Shiori, dressed in a miko costume and holding a lantern, led the two of them to a secret place covered in snow in the deep forest.

During the journey, Ariko seemed to see some animals, but they were different from what he knew.

The closer you get to the depths of the mountain forest, the quieter it becomes.

Finally, halfway up the mountain, Kamijou Shiori stopped.

Ahead, there is a deep and invisible cave.

The entrance to the cave is sealed with ropes and charms, giving it a mysterious feel.

This is where the body of the mountain god is located.