I have an infinite number of shikigami-Chapter 39 - 37. Fujiwara Lin Ye’s crimes are monstrous

The night grew deeper, and the aura of gloom spread across the earth.

The cold and silent construction site was devoid of any light, with the gray-white exterior walls of the building giving one a chilling sensation akin to a tomb.

Staring at the trail of gloom stirring between the buildings, Ito Tatsushi’s expression remained indifferent as he let out a disdainful sneer.

"Just a mere vengeful spirit."

"How hard can it be to deal with?"

"If it weren’t for my lack of money to buy Spirit Talismans, I would’ve exorcised it long ago; would that brat from Asakusa have had the chance to step in?"—Ito Tatsushi had scolded Chief Inspector Suzuki like this a few hours ago.

But Chief Inspector Suzuki merely chuckled.

Not only did he pull out a heap of free Spirit Talismans for him, but he also promised that if he assisted that kid from Asakusa in uncovering the mastermind behind the incident, he could apply for a ’Public Spirit’ reward of one million yen.

One million yen?

To Ito Tatsushi, does that count as money?

No.

It’s a lifeline.

Two years ago, he wouldn’t have needed this petty cash.

After all, back then, whenever he took on an exorcism job, even the lowest E-level commission wouldn’t catch his eye for anything less than seven figures. The high price wasn’t due to his potent Mana or attentive service; it was just the standard fee back then.

Take, for instance, the Tokyo Exorcism World two years ago.

It was 2019, a year of infinite beauty, yet it was about to reach its end.

That year, Tokyo published a total of 306 exorcism commissions, with an average price of two million yen.

On the Onmyo-ryo APP, registered priests in Tokyo just reached 100. These 100 people adhered to conventions and had a great understanding among themselves.

Nobody competed recklessly; by comfortably taking on three to four commissions a year, they could earn over five million yen annually—living as comfortably as they wanted.

But come 2020, everything changed, like a collapsing tower, catching all practitioners off guard.

That year saw 350 exorcism commissions, with the average price plummeting to 500,000 yen!

The overall environment hadn’t changed much, but the prices took a nosedive due to one reason: a rustic little priest joined the Tokyo Exorcism World. ƒreewebɳovel.com

That bastard reopened Asakusa Shrine and single-handedly took on nearly a third of Tokyo’s commissions, forcing other priests to abandon their pride and engage in price wars for the commissions.

Thus... the average price let go from two million yen straight down to 500,000 yen.

Single-handedly, igniting industry-wide competition; peers lamenting, Fujiwara Reya, an unpardonable sin!

Compared to peers from other regions, Ito Tatsushi felt even more resentment towards Fujiwara Reya.

Aside from private commissions, priests earn significantly from commissions by Division Nine.

The Yoshiwara District and Asakusa District both belong to Taito District in Tokyo; last year’s entire Division Nine’s commissions went to Asakusa Shrine, and Yoshiwara Shrine didn’t receive a single one!!!

Likewise, Asakusa Temple did not receive any.

But Asakusa Temple is big and prosperous, with three to four tens of millions of visitors each year, who simply make them wealthy by lying down.

Yet Yoshiwara Shrine...

Poor enough to nearly go advertise in the red-light district competing with various entertainment establishments.

The more he thought, the angrier he got!

The angrier he got, the more he thought!

Ito Tatsushi did some calculations.

From the day Fujiwara Reya appeared to today, he had lost several million yen.

Not to mention those scattered commissions, just take the ghost in the construction site for example, it’s but a lower-tier ghost compared to his own prowess, not worth mentioning, a slap could end it.

But who knew...

A problem arose.

The ghost wasn’t defeated, but Ito Tatsushi’s money was gone.

Because of the industry-wide competition Fujiwara Reya spurred, the commissions Ito Tatsushi took last year barely covered the cost of Spirit Talismans.

Each commission was a loss.

Not only did he not earn money, but he also depleted his past savings.

Now, he no longer had money to buy Spirit Talismans.

So frustrating!

Fujiwara Reya, an unpardonable sin!

Because of having no money, when Kitahara Takashi approached him, Ito Tatsushi directly demanded a reward of ten million yen.

As a real estate owner, resuming the construction site’s project timeline was paramount, so Kitahara Takashi agreed without hesitation.

Ito Tatsushi calculated meticulously; this commission could net him at least 9.98 million yen, enough for him to live comfortably for half a year.

Who would have thought that the ghost in the construction site would be so tenacious, every Spirit Talisman he used felt like giving it a massage, making it howl in pleasure, with a look of "more, please".

Two million yen bought 100 Spirit Talismans, squandered all on the first night.

On the second night, he bought three million yen worth of Spirit Talismans but ended up feeling like he had a nightmare, waking up with slightly dampened eyes.

On the third night, he braced himself and spent the remaining five million yen on Spirit Talismans, intending to unleash his momentum.

And then...

The tormented ghost not only didn’t die but transformed into a vengeful spirit.

Amaterasu above—

Please help me!

Without Spirit Talismans, Ito Tatsushi had no courage to confront the vengeful spirit, so he had to shamelessly ask Kitahara Takashi for more money.

Kitahara Takashi told him to get lost.

So, he left.

Even if leaving the job halfway would damage Yoshiwara Shrine’s reputation, Ito Tatsushi didn’t care, after all... he’s outmatched, doesn’t have Spirit Talismans, staying would just hand him over.

Your life is most important!

So, when Chief Inspector Suzuki came knocking today, Ito Tatsushi initially refused.

But upon hearing about the free Spirit Talismans and payment, he was tempted. Money aside, restoring his reputation without risking his life is an important matter.

As long as there are enough Spirit Talismans, he can certainly crush that vengeful spirit. After eliminating it, he can then extort a hefty sum from Kitahara Takashi, just the thought made him feel delightful.

Chief Inspector Suzuki also mentioned that Master Fujiwara from Asakusa Shrine would assist.

Now, Ito Tatsushi was not only tempted but genuinely excited.

In his understanding, although Fujiwara Reya is incredibly handsome, unmatched in all of Tokyo, but in terms of strength, he’s no more than a failure who couldn’t even pass the lower-tier priest’s assessment.

Those commissions might have been completed by hiring people to help, using point-gathering tactics to enhance his title.

Otherwise, why is it that a priest unable to pass a lower-tier assessment could complete so many D-level commissions?

He’s encountered many such people.

Just like affluent kids paying to enroll in prestigious universities for social prestige, they look impressive but lack any real substance.

Humph!

Ignorance!

The Exorcism World isn’t somewhere you can make a name relying on reputation alone!

In this field, it’s necessary to speak with strength. Those without strength won’t earn the heartfelt respect of peers regardless of fame.

Humph!

Tonight!

Let me, Ito Tatsushi, show you, Fujiwara Reya, what true exorcism is!

※※※※※

"Master Ito?"

"Are you listening to me?"

"Hey, Master Ito?" Chief Inspector Suzuki waved his hand a few times.

Ito Tatsushi finally returned from his thoughts, holding his hands behind his back, maintaining a cool demeanor: "What’s the matter?"

"It’s about tonight, do you have confidence, Mage?" Chief Inspector Suzuki displayed his usual sycophantic smile.

For any priest who could bring in accomplishments, he would praise them wholeheartedly; if they felt flattered enough, he could naturally get promoted and make money— a no-lose deal.

"Not a problem at all!" Ito Tatsushi nodded with confidence.

"That’s such a relief," Chief Inspector Suzuki leaned in closer, grinning mischievously: "If you ask me, I shouldn’t have worried! Everyone in Taito District knows that Master Ito is a standout among the younger generation, achieving mid-level strength at the age of twenty, a genius level throughout all of Tokyo; a mere vengeful spirit is certainly no threat."

"Naturally." Ito Tatsushi proudly lifted his chin.

Even though he wanted to maintain the composure of a priest, he couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth lift.

Seeing the flattery taking effect, Chief Inspector Suzuki flattered him more vigorously.

"Next month’s patent trial at Yoshiwara Shrine, Master Ito will surely be the winner. There are only a handful of people in Tokyo who can compare to Master Ito, let alone at Yoshiwara Shrine. Your competitors are really pitiful, doomed to be mere runners-up..."

Ito Tatsushi couldn’t hold back anymore.

Such compliments, he absolutely adored.

What is a patent holder?

It’s the greatest honor for the young generation of priests.

Becoming a holder means being the Shrine’s representative, doing business outside with the Shrine’s title, attending the Onmyo-ryo conference, standing on equal footing with countless geniuses, and enjoying the reverence and envy of peers from the younger generation.

The patent holders of the Tokyo Grand Shrine and Kamakura Hachimangu are both once-in-a-millennium genius beauties; Ito Tatsushi had seen them once and has always held them in high esteem.

As long as he could become the patent holder of Yoshiwara Shrine, wouldn’t there be more opportunities for meetings with them?

That feeling...

Just the thought was delightful—

Saturated in fantasies and unable to extricate himself, Ito Tatsushi suddenly caught sight of a Honda Cub slowly riding over in the corner of his eyes.

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