Chapter 901: Pincer Attack
Qi Xuansu asked, “If the flames of Izanagi and Himiko are of the same lineage, then why did Izanagi’s become a demonic fire steeped in heavy yin energy, while Himiko’s fire came to embody light?”
Suzuka Gozen replied, “Because the external forces were different. Mount Fuyo is an active volcano. Ancient legend tells of a vast yin-yang fissure beneath it that connects to the netherworld, from which endless yin energy gushes forth. When deities are corroded by this yin energy, their golden bodies decay, their divine kingdoms rot, and their sacred fire turns into cursed flame. Himiko has converted to Buddhism, deeming herself the incarnation of the Vairocana, and thus received the Buddhist Sect’s essence of light.”
Himiko’s divine offices were derived respectively from the Vairocana and the Amitabha, symbolizing the sun and light.
Suzuka Gozen continued, “For a long time, Shinbutsu-shugo, the fusion of deities and Buddhas, was common in Fenglin. Its deities became mere vassals of Buddhism, serving as its protectors. It was only when the Confucian School of Principle arose and the Tenmon Sect aligned with its principles of revering the emperor that the Tenmon Sect began to break free of Buddhism’s control and stand independently. Later, it absorbed doctrines from the Holy Court, proclaiming Fenglin as the center of the world. Gradually, the Tenmon Sect became the state religion, with the Emperor of Fenglin not only supported as the sovereign but also serving as its sect leader.”
Qi Xuansu said, “So the Three Great Kami first relied on the Buddhist Sect to defeat Izanagi, then took advantage of the Confucian School’s victory over the Buddhist Sect to gradually shake off the latter’s control. After a thousand years, they finally stood as masters of their own house.”
Suzuka Gozen smiled. “But just as they left the Buddhist Sect, the Daoist Order came about. Thus, after revering the emperor, they now have to also resist the Daoists.”
Qi Xuansu bowed sincerely. “Thank you for dispelling my doubts, Suzuka Gozen.”
Suzuka Gozen said, “I recall many years ago, when the Daoists had just taken charge of Fenglin, they investigated these ancient matters and even sent people to conduct field studies at Mount Fuyo.”
Qi Xuansu replied, “Too much time has passed, with so many Fenglin Daoist Mansion Masters succeeding one another. Most of the people involved are no longer around, so naturally, none remember it as clearly as you, Suzuka Gozen. I believe the Fenglin Daoist Mansion must have records, but who knows which dusty archive they’ve been left to lie?”
Suzuka Gozen asked, “The Daoists have always been renowned for their impressive organizing skills. Do they not have anyone assigned specifically to manage archives?”
Qi Xuansu said, “Such archives are top secret. After being registered by the Fenglin Daoist Mansion, they were promptly sealed, with only an index number and rough classification. If the number is known, they can be found quickly. But if the number is forgotten, then only those authorized to view top-secret files can personally search for them. Everyone knows those records are there, and if one wished to find them, they certainly could. But the present situation is not so urgent as to warrant the Mansion Master taking time to search for those files. The pressing matter now is the war in Fenglin.”
Suzuka Gozen chuckled. “It seems that when those archives were first established, it was done more as a matter of formality than true necessity.”