After leaving Kaguya Houraisan room, he headed all the way towards the small valley on the west side. Of course, that area was just flat ground before, but now it has become a small valley.
And when Lancer reached the valley, a huge spider-shaped shadow enveloped him. However, Lancer was very calm because he knew the owner of this shadow.
The ferocious spider claws and terrifying compound eyes, paired with a massive, seemingly furry body, gave the impression of a monster that only exists in nightmares. And when it saw Lancer, it appeared extremely angry, especially the hatred that was practically overflowing from its compound eyes, which seemed to materialize. But unfortunately, even so, it still couldn't harm Lancer and could only stand there, watching him resentfully.
And just at this moment, the ground in the distance suddenly shifted. Immediately, the massive Tsuchigumo lunged towards that spot. Lancer only saw a cloud of dust rise, and then he saw a system prompt that he had gained points again.
As expected, it should be another small demon trying to take advantage of the situation.
Undoubtedly, after the 'Tsuchigumo' died, it not only scattered a large amount of demonic aura carrying disease but also completely polluted the nearby land. However, what is deadly poison to ordinary people is a 'treasure' that tempts certain special demons into madness.
Then, it goes without saying what the Tsuchigumo — killed by Lancer and turned into an enslaved spirit, who is full of anger because it cannot attack its 'Master' — would do when seeing these people coveting its 'legacy.'
Because it has been turned into a spirit, it naturally cannot possess the hard carapace that made Lancer feel helpless when it was alive. Even its abilities from when it was alive are barely a tenth of what they were. But even so, its strength is still not something that ordinary demons can offend.
The reason Lancer dared to leave here and go to the Bamboo Mountain was because this place was controlled by the spirit he manipulated, and the Teleportation Staff was also bound here. If any major problem occurred, he could rush back immediately.
It is unknown how long it will take for the effects of the 'Tsuchigumo's ability on this land to disappear, but it will take at least a month or two for its remaining demonic aura to dissipate. If he cannot find someone to replace him during this period, Lancer can only temporarily stay here.
After all, he doesn't want to cause a disaster because of his actions.
——————
Because the 'Tsuchigumo' spirit was patrolling everywhere, there was a strange rumor outside that the 'Tsuchigumo' had not actually died but was temporarily staying there for unknown reasons.
And soon, the people from the Onmyōji Bureau also arrived.
These spirits are demons that Lancer killed and enslaved, so although they are carrying out their respective tasks based on Lancer commands, they are not truly serving Lancer. At least, many of these demons are trying to find loopholes to cause trouble for Lancer.
Since they need to protect this ice-crystal-formed valley, Lancer naturally cannot prohibit them from attacking others. So, how to distinguish between friend and foe? Lancer simply made a pass for them.
However, Lancer was stunned for a moment when he saw the man holding the pass.
"Boat Head ? Why are you free to come here? Shouldn't you be leading a team to assist your Vice Director in dealing with the 'Oni Clan' matters?"
That's right, the person who came was the Boat Head Post . Since their farewell that day, the two hadn't met for almost a month. He didn't expect the other party to actually appear here. He had previously asked Fujiwara no Fuhito to notify the Onmyōji Bureau in Fujiwara-kyō to send people to handle it, but he had absolutely no idea that the person who came would be the Boat Head Post.
However, the Boat Head Post on the other side seemed a bit nervous. Although with his strength and his Shikigami, if Lancer didn't attack, he still had a good chance of escaping just by facing these spirits, no one with a normal mind would like the feeling of being watched by nearly a hundred demon specters along the way.
Generally speaking, people who manipulate spirits usually give off a gloomy or aloof feeling. This has nothing to do with the person's strength or personality; it is merely a normal change from long-term contact with spirits. However, in this ghost-like place of ice crystals + spirits, Lancer presence was like a ball of raging fire.
This undoubtedly made him feel very strange.
But strange as it was, he hadn't forgotten his 'job.'
"Investigating and dealing with this place? It's extra work, I guess. I came to see you this time actually because of something else."
"Something else? Oh? Something that would make you come to me? Let me guess, is it related to the 'Oni Clan'?"
Facing Lancer question, the Boat Head Post directly nodded. After all, there was nothing to hide about this matter.
"Actually, the person looking for you is not me, or the Onmyōji Bureau, but the 'Oni Clan' people are looking for you, and they merely 'requested' the Onmyōji Bureau's help."
Speaking of this, the Boat Head Post's expression was extremely subtle. It can be imagined that when those Oni Clan members went to the Boat Head Post and the others, they definitely didn't 'request' in such an elegant manner.
Lancer initially thought it might be seeking revenge or something, but after thinking carefully, he seemed never to have killed an 'Oni,' right?
"The Oni Clan is looking for me? Oh, is there something wrong? I haven't met anyone from the 'Oni Clan' since I arrived here. Do I have some kind of contact with them?"
"Contact, no, but it's not entirely unrelated either..."
Speaking of this matter, the Boat Head Post also felt somewhat helpless.
"You should still remember being referred to as the 'Red Demon,' right?"
"Of course, I remember."
This matter was truly frustrating. After all, it was ultimately his own fault, but who knew that the first reaction of Japanese people upon hearing 'Oni' (Demon/Ogre) would be those huge, muscular demons? Shouldn't a normal person's first reaction to what he said be 'Vengeful Spirit' or something similar?
However, the Boat Head Post didn't bother with Lancer subtle expression; he simply explained the matter to Lancer in an official manner.
"Actually, the people of the 'Oni Clan' heard that you defeated the 'Tsuchigumo' and are very curious about you. After all, the 'Oni Clan' itself is a battle-loving demon race. One of their leaders personally asked to find you..."
"Wait! What does the 'Red Demon' they're looking for have to do with 'Lancer' (me)!"
Lancer expression was incredibly serious when he said this. After all, he had never acted under the name 'Red Demon.' But looking at the Boat Head Post's slightly subtle gaze, Lancer suddenly had a bad premonition.
"You guys didn't sell me out, did you?"
Facing Lancer counter-question, the Boat Head Post subtly turned his head away.
"Actually, it's not exactly selling..."
But before he could finish turning, a hand pinched his chin and twisted his head directly back.
"Have the guts to look me in the eye and say that!"