Inside the high-walled box made entirely of black lacquered wood, there rested a gourd.
It was a reddish-brown color, about the size of two adult fists, and it emitted a soft, glowing brilliance under the sunlight. Without need for close examination, one could determine that the age of this gourd was considerably ancient.
However, for Jason, things like ancient age were completely unimportant.
What mattered was the taste!
The rich ’food’ aroma had already reached his nose before.
When the box was opened, such a scent became even more intense.
It almost hit him in the face.
Just like the stream of steam bursting out the moment a steamer lid is lifted when steaming buns.
It was not only hot but also carried that unique scent of wheat-based food.
In the rich ’food’ aroma, there was a mix of faint wine scent.
Although weak, it was very distinct.
Jason furrowed his brows slightly.
It wasn’t that he abstained from drinking.
In fact, to some extent, Jason was quite fond of alcohol.
Back in his hometown, drinking and skewers were one of the great pleasures of life.
Next to the streets on a summer night, when the sun had completely set, and the ground still retained some warmth, getting a small table with one or two friends to sit by the roadside, shouting to the owner: ’10 meat skewers, 10 tendons, 4 kidney skewers, grill an eggplant, two green beans, and bring three crates of Snow Beer, chilled! And mix a plate of peanuts and edamame!’
Such pleasure was truly wonderful.
So wonderful that Jason wouldn’t even dare to dream about it now.
Because he was worried about drinking too much.
Being drunk was not a good thing.
Not just because it reduced reaction time and clouded judgement, preventing response to sudden danger.
But also because one might ’speak truth after wine’.
Jason had far too many secrets.
Each one, if revealed, would cause unpredictable consequences.
That’s why, he truly did not dare to drink himself into intoxication.
"If ’food’ has a wine taste, will it get you drunk?"
Meanwhile, Hanakaiin Haru beside him was explaining the origins of the gourd.
"This is a gourd crafted by a Warring States-era artisan who imitated a great demon’s gourd. It looks like a real gourd but is actually forged from iron, bearing Secret Techniques within. Apart from storing wine, it can also capture an enemy inside the gourd, provided one knows the enemy’s date and time of birth and possesses their fresh blood. It’s a rare object indeed. Unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately what?"
The engrossed Sagaraso girl eagerly inquired.
"Unfortunately, the method to use this gourd has been lost."
"My ancestors tried many ways but couldn’t activate the gourd."
"It just became an ornament."
Hanakaiin Haru spread his hands, a look of helplessness on his face.
A look of regret also appeared on Sagaraso girl’s face.
As for Jason, something stirred in his mind.
Why does this gourd sound familiar?
"It can enclose anyone inside?"
"It’s just a replica!"
"The maximum it can hold is the pinnacle of ordinary humans!"
"However, if it were the great demon’s gourd, it should be able to contain everyone, right?"
"Of course, these are all rumors, I don’t know if they’re true."
Hanakaiin Haru said and laughed about it himself.
Even though he was part of the Mystical Side, the young Onmyoji of the Hanakaiin Family half-doubted the legends passed down in his family.
Because he knew too well some of the family’s practices.
History is written by the victors.
Every 20 to 30 years, the books in the family would be rewritten.
The official statement was organization, modification, preservation.
So, truly believing in those records could really get someone killed.
"As mentioned before, this is my apology to you, please accept it."
Hanakaiin Haru took out the gourd and handed it to Jason.
Jason nodded and accepted the gourd.
He was quite confident that the rumors were true.
But that was only a high probability, the final outcome?
However, Jason knew that the Hanakaiin Haru in front of him was a very good collaborator.
Even before their cooperation officially began, he had already obtained the ’Blessing Stone,’ ’Rice Peace Arrow,’ and this unknown gourd from him.
Therefore, Jason’s opinion of the young man improved considerably.
Perhaps there was the pride of a great family, but the person was not stingy and kept his word.
And what Hanakaiin Haru said next made Jason’s impression of him go up another notch.
"Since all three members of our team are gathered."
"How about I host dinner tonight?"
Hanakaiin Haru asked.
Sagaraso girl nodded eagerly.
With food involved, Jason naturally wouldn’t object.
"As previously promised to Mr. Jason, one of the two banquets will be held when everyone is gathered, and I’ve long reserved the venue for this occasion."
"Mr. Jason, Sagaraso, do you have anyone you’d like to bring?"
"The banquet hall is very large and can accommodate many attendees," Hanakaiin Haru added.
Sagaraso girl instinctively wanted to invite all her friends.
But then, remembering she was going to participate in the ’King of Fighters - KOF tournament,’ she immediately dismissed the idea.
After all, she had signed a non-disclosure agreement: She was not allowed to proactively reveal the Inside World.
Sagaraso shook her head regretfully.
"I’ll probably have a few friends coming."
Jason straightforwardly said.
Whether it was the old Monk from Tongshou Temple, He Tai, Hui Lijing, Ryosuke, or Urashima, they were all familiar with the Inside World, so naturally there was no need to hide it from them.