The Sacred Tree was right there.
Kanbe Hikaru followed Kikyo through the village, across the ridges of the fields, and through a small grove.
As they walked further, the outline of the giant tree became clearer.
The trunk was shockingly thick, its surface covered with thick moss, with small vines clinging to the crevices, and the gray-brown bark was covered in gullies and patterns left by time.
The canopy truly blocked out the sky, the dense branches and leaves showing varying shades of color under the sunlight, occasionally a few wisps of golden light falling through the gaps in the leaves, gathering into tiny specks on the grass.
And on that trunk, one could vaguely see something slowly flowing.
That was definitely not something carved by human hands, but naturally formed—as if it were an extraordinary power inherent to the tree itself.
"We're here."
Kikyo stopped in front of the tree.
Her hand was still holding Kanbe Hikaru's hand, fingers interlocked, with no intention of letting go.
Kanbe Hikaru looked up at the giant tree, an indescribable emotion welling up in his heart.
This was the Sacred Tree.
"Can I get closer?"
Kanbe Hikaru asked.
"Yes."
Kikyo then silently let go of his hand and took half a step back: "The Sacred Tree will not reject those it has recognized."
Kanbe Hikaru nodded and stepped toward the giant tree.
With every step closer, he could feel that vast power slowly surging.
It was not Demonic Qi, nor was it spiritual power, but something more ancient and purer.
It was like the breathing of the world itself, the rhythm of all things growing.
Kanbe Hikaru reached out and placed his palm on the trunk.
It felt warm to the touch, carrying a pulse that brought peace of mind.
And then—
[Target available for conquest detected]
[Sacred Tree]
[Quality: Divine Artifact]
[Current favorability: 0 (Stranger)]
[Evaluation: A Sacred Tree that connects the past, present, and future. It has been growing here for thousands of years, older even than this country, and thus has witnessed countless life and death partings. It has no hostility toward you, but also no favorability. To gain its recognition, you need to provide sufficient sincerity.]
It really was a Divine Artifact.
This quality was the same as the Shikon Jewel.
Higher than demon weapons containing demon power, and even higher than mortal weapons like Sōza Samonji or Muramasa in its initial state; this was also the highest-grade quality conquerable object Kanbe Hikaru had seen so far.
It was an existence akin to a deity.
The Shikon Jewel was formed after the strongest shrine maiden Midoriko perished together with hundreds upon thousands of powerful demons, containing the four souls representing Courage, Affection, Wisdom, and Love, while also sealing the demons' resentment.
The Sacred Tree, on the other hand, was a divine tree nurtured by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, possessing the power to connect time and space.
The essence of the two might be different, but their quality should indeed be on the same level.
"Interesting."
Kanbe Hikaru said in a low voice.
He was not in a hurry to conquer it.
First, he quietly felt the warmth coming from his palm, feeling that ancient and vast power.
And then—
"How many years have you been growing here?"
He spoke.
His voice was very light, as if chatting with an old friend.
"One thousand years? Two thousand years? Or even longer?"
The Sacred Tree did not respond.
It just stood there quietly, its branches and leaves swaying gently in the breeze.
"It must be very boring."
Kanbe Hikaru continued.
"Watching people come and go, watching the cycle of life and death, while you yourself stand here forever."
"However—"
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
"Starting today, I will come to visit you often."
There was still no response.
But Kanbe Hikaru could feel that the pulse beneath his palm seemed to have changed slightly.
Only a tiny bit, almost imperceptible.
But it definitely existed.
[Sacred Tree: favorability 0, it is still not interested in you, but it has already'seen' you.]
Although it was still 0, it was already a beginning.
However, it was foreseeable that the progress rate would be very slow from here on out.
It was even highly likely to be much slower than the Shikon Jewel, which had the cooperation of the 'naohi'.
"How is it?"
Kikyo's voice came from behind him.
Kanbe Hikaru withdrew his hand and turned around.
Kikyo was standing just a few steps away, her white kosode and red hakama standing out clearly in the sunlight, her long, raven-black hair fluttering gently in the breeze.
Her expression remained as aloof as ever, but those pitch-black eyes clearly held a hint of curiosity.
"It is an existence I can 'communicate' with."
Kanbe Hikaru did not hide it.
By now, even if he didn't say it explicitly, Kikyo must have guessed more or less that his ability was to communicate with all things.
Kikyo raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat surprised.
"You can sense it?"
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