Ling Qi (Spiritpact / Soul Contract)

Episode 8

Turbulence with a Chance of Dilemma

The one-armed spiritualist, You Nei.

When I heard that name before, I felt a dread that made me tremble.

So that's why Tanmoku Ki chose him.

Don't get so cocky!

Hey, lady. You cut off my hand earlier. Now I've returned the favor.

That man was not hostile against youma, but even the strongest demons obeyed him.

If a human's lifespan were longer,

we might be frightened of that man even now.

You Keika is probably a descendant of You Nei.

That's enough. You've won.

I'll give you the Youmeishi.

In Tetsu-sama!

For even In Tetsu-sama to back down, You Keika must be...

What's wrong? Not going to come at me?

A one-on-one match with you? I wouldn't stand a chance.

Take this. It's the Youko clan's miracle drug.

Have him take it.

The Tanmoku family is staging a coup d'etat.

If anything happens to him, I won't go easy on you.

Hey! Wait!

Well, it looks like he wasn't lying, at least.

The miracle drug has worked.

Are you okay?

I'm sorry. It's all my fault.

Keep your voice down.

Okay, come on.

Is your wound better?

You aren't mad anymore?

Hey, wait!

Get the Rakugetsu sword.

Hurry.

We'll change in the car.

They've begun to move.

Is that so? Then we shall begin as well.

Tanmoku Ki, you're really not angry?

I stabbed you with the sword, besides...

I'm the one at fault.

I couldn't protect you.

Anyway, what's with those clothes? Weren't they supposed to protect me?

They weren't useful at all!

They were supposed to protect you from Shito Ritsu and the other spirit masters.

So it can only to protect me against Shito?

Did you not know that?

No, I didn't.

Where are we going this late at night anyway?

To where my master lives.

Master?

He knows the most about the Rakugetsu sword.

Master, you have visitors.

Is it Ki?

How did you know?

You come with me, too.

I would like to learn more about this sword too,

but this really isn't the time to be doing that.

Ki!

It's been a while since you last visited.

Is he blind?

Master, I came today because I have a favor to ask of you.

A favor?

Do you remember the rules?

I always keep your teachings in mind.

There must be an equivalent exchange.

Precisely.

You can hand over something important.

Otherwise...

I have to beat you!

What's going on?

Why did they suddenly start fighting?

It appears that you are injured.

You cannot beat me. Come back when you have healed.

I don't have that kind of time.

Then there is only the equivalent exchange.

Give me one of your important things.

Master, even so, I don't have anything like that I can give you.

This tenaciousness is rather unlike you.

I have a reason to fight!

Tanmoku! Look out!

You're being reckless.

You didn't try to avoid it.

Did you think I wouldn't hurt you?

You would never go easy on me.

Still, that was my win just now.

Ki!

Are you okay?!

Why is he suffering from such a terrible wound?

He fought so desperately that he re-opened his wound.

Who could have done this?

I will avenge you!

Pretty sure it's your fault, though.

Please hurry and bring the medication!

Yes.

Now tell me...

What favor is so important that you would risk your life?

It's that sword.

The Rakugetsu sword?

The treasured sword passed down

through the Tanmoku family that eradicates evil spirits

and protects the balance of this world?

What should I do when spiritual power is sealed by the sword?

Did you get that wound from the Rakugetsu sword?

Your powers were sealed by the Rakugetsu sword? Then you have to erase it's soul.

Is there no other way?

I have already answered your question.

If you beat me, I will allow you to ask another.

Master! That's not fair!

You can also exchange something important to you.

I don't have anything.

All that I have belongs to the Tanmoku family.

There is something, isn't there?

That spirit waiting outside... He is important to you, isn't he?

He still doesn't know anything, does he?

No.

I'll go speak with him.

Master!

Master!

Got it? I'm leaving Ki with you.

Yes, sir.

Master, please wait!

Don't worry. I won't go too far.

This sword belongs to you, right?

You can see me?

Of course. You are Ki's spirit shadow.

If you beat me, I'll consider it his victory.

What are you doing?

Be careful.

Here I come!

Hey, wait a second.

That's punishment for hurting my student.

I've gotten it from Shin Shiyou and that red-haired jerk,

and now I have to be scolded by you, too?

Damn it!

Tanmoku Ki doesn't care, and yet all of you are being so obnoxious!

Knock it off already!

You want to avenge your precious student, don't you?

Come on.

I don't want to owe Tanmoku Ki anything.

You mustn't get up yet.

What are you doing? You should rest.

Master...

Hurry up and lie down.

If you die here, I won't be able to explain it to the Tanmoku family.

Tanmoku-san is worried about you, master.

He's right. That boy is certainly an impressive spirit shadow.

It is likely that even he doesn't know the depth of his powers.

Hey, Tanmoku Ki!

Ask all the questions you want.

I'll win for you as many times as you need.

Hey, old fox.

I'll take you on as long as it takes to end this.

Now, now, there is no need to go that far.

You Keika, that form is...

Isn't it cool? It started when I was fighting the red-haired jerk.

Master, he won.

Please tell me the answer to my second question.

Fine.

When the sword is returned to its scabbard, the seal will be undone naturally.

But master, the Rakugetsu sword's scabbard...

According to what I can remember, I believe...

That is as much as I can tell you.

What happens next depends on your luck.

When the sword is returned to its scabbard, the seal will be undone naturally?

That means...

You Keika, I no longer have any spiritual powers.

When you stabbed me with the Rakugetsu sword, it sealed my spiritual powers.

How could it do that?

The answer is written in that book.

Once upon a time, there was an artisan who

made the Rakugetsu sword according to heaven's will.

The sword could cut down evil spirits and demons,

and it was even able to quell evil spirits from across the land.

It could also punish Youmeishi.