At the cave beneath Mount Hiei.
The massive red cocoon kept contracting, every pulse compressing power within itself, which in turn caused the cocoon to shrink in size.
At this moment, five figures stood around the cocoon.
Only the Ran'ei Divine Master was absent.
"Of the eight branches, only five of us remain. What's more, Ran'ei's death has filled this ritual with endless uncertainty."
A deep voice echoed through the cave.
"Would now be an appropriate time for the transformation?"
It was the White Wolf Tengu who spoke. The others remained silent, but subtle changes flickered across their faces.
The prolonged division had twisted the thoughts of every individual, leading each to form new ideas of their own.
Though they all originated from the same source, merging together promised greater strength and completeness. Yet it also meant obliterating their individuality.
"Perhaps we should wait and see."
The Yamabushi Tengu suggested cautiously.
