Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 163

 In the midst of the clouds, a flock of birds was flying.

 They looked like numerous black dots in the blue sky. How many of them were there? Maybe a hundred, two hundred, or even more. Most of them were carrying elegant Tang-style chest adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquer, and other decorations. They carried the heavy Tang-style chest in pairs, creating a solemn and oppressive atmosphere as they drooped.

 It was like a line of defeated survivors, and indeed from the perspective of those waiting for these birds, it was a group of defeated stragglers, a gathering of the defeated. A miserable and pitiful gathering of the defeated army...

 '...'

 The flock of birds silently began to descend in altitude. Gradually, the ground came into view. They recognized it at a corner of Mount Anma. The army of grotesque monsters. And the figure of a giant snake leading them.

 The remnant of the fallen dragon and serpent god...

 '...'

 In accordance with the signal from the leading Tengu, the following groups began to land one after the other. They landed and lined up the Tang-style chests they had been carrying.

 (You finally arrived! Now, shall we hear your noble bird response?)

 A majestic, solemn, and especially venomous sound reverberated as if shaking the air, but it wasn't actually produced by vocal cords. It wasn't even a true voice, to be precise.

 Unfortunately, what was akin to telepathy and mental resonance now resembles more of an amplification tool. In the days when the serpent deity had eight heads, it could easily surpass mountains and deliver its prophecies to individuals, read minds, appear in dreams, and even interfere with the spirit. However, in its considerably diminished state, it has become nothing more than a mere means of conversation.

 'Hissssss...'

 The serpent itself, internally, reluctantly acknowledged this. Simultaneously, it recalled one of the men who had once defeated it and growled in displeasure. To think that it could deceive the mind by swapping its own personality...

 '...Oh, divine serpent dragon god reigning on the earth since ancient times. It is an honor to meet you for the first time.'

 The Tengu at the front bows respectfully and humbly. They bow, declare, and continue.

 'This is a gift to express our gratitude for being able to meet you. It is a contribution from all of us in the Tengu party. It may be small, but please accept it.'

 And with those words, the Tengu behind them begin to open the contents of the chest, one after another.

 It was a truly splendid sight. It was filled with gold and silver treasures. There were coral, pearls, jade, dragon stones, and crystals. There were exquisite swords and weapons decorated with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl. In another chest, there were accessories made of turtle shell, amber, and agate, and various items such as hand mirrors, incense burners, and pottery. There were stacks of luxurious fabrics, including wool and silk, and piles of large coins and silver coins neatly arranged in wooden boxes. There were even stacks of copper coins that looked like a mountain.

 It was all gathered meticulously from the village... that's the right way to put it. And it had a deeper meaning than just offering wealth as an offering.

 In truth, unless it's a curse tool, treasure is worthless to most youkai. Because they possess the elements of Tengu who prefer shiny things, because they have the intelligence to engage in trade with humans, and because such Tengu offer it, there is more value there than just a simple act.