Soul Palace Completed and the Unlucky Voldemort! A Small Ten-Thousand-Word Chapter, Please Subscribe and Vote!

Because of Chu Yang, the two major factions in the Demon Slayer world had fallen into a strange balance for a short time. Large numbers of demons had begun to vanish from sight, and Demon Slayer Corps members were going out on missions far less frequently.

But this brief peace was only an illusion. Both sides could feel the storm brewing on the horizon.

Naruto world.

Under Tobirama Senju’s mediation, Chu Yang and Madara Uchiha, who had disagreed over safety concerns, finally reached an agreement. The number of Anbu participating in the operation would be reduced according to Madara Uchiha’s wishes, but only on the condition that it remained sufficient to protect Chu Yang.

In the end, Uchiha Yangdou would lead three team members proficient in Earth Release on the mission. They would be responsible for Chu Yang’s personal safety.

The other Anbu members would focus primarily on gathering intelligence.

In truth, compared to the Uchiha-heavy Anbu, the Hyuga clan was better suited for reconnaissance in the entire Tailed Beast capture plan.

But in order to keep the Uchiha clan in check, Tobirama Senju was unwilling to rashly mobilize the Hyuga clan. If too many casualties occurred, the Hyuga clan would fall behind in its competition with the Uchiha clan.

The current arrangement was better. It was most appropriate to use a legitimate reason to whittle down the Uchiha clan’s fighting strength.

Based on intelligence gathered by the Anbu over several days, Chu Yang quickly pinpointed the Nine-Tails’ location. By sheer coincidence, the Nine-Tails was currently wandering along the border of the Land of Fire.

Thus, Tobirama Senju swiftly issued the order to capture the Nine-Tails.

On the way to capture the Nine-Tails, Chu Yang kept wondering why it had appeared at the Land of Fire’s border.

So far, all the Tailed Beasts’ movements had taken them away from the Land of Fire. Every Tailed Beast was no less intelligent than a human, and they could sense why their companions had vanished.

Logically, the Nine-Tails should not have appeared so close to Konoha. Some special reason must have forced it to come here.

Ninjas traveled quickly. Departing from Konoha, they reached the target area in just one day and one night.

Next, they would have to rely on Chu Yang’s Observation Haki to conduct a sweeping search for the Nine-Tails’ whereabouts.

Throughout the process, Madara Uchiha silently observed Chu Yang’s actions. After half a day, he realized that Chu Yang did not like using complicated tracking techniques. Instead, he relied purely on his innately powerful perception to trace the Nine-Tails.

Was that a bad thing?

No.

It was an excellent thing.

In Madara Uchiha’s eyes, skills could be honed through time and experience, but talent was something no amount of later effort could change. What you were born with was what you would be for the rest of your life.

Madara Uchiha had always believed in talent. He never believed that mere hard work could surpass genius. Only a genius who worked even harder could surpass another genius, especially in the unusual profession of being a ninja.

What a pity this kid isn’t an Uchiha. If he could marry someone from the Uchiha clan, just how gifted would their children be?

Such a thought suddenly surfaced in Madara Uchiha’s mind, and once it did, he could not stop thinking about it.

When Izuna gets back, I’ll discuss it with him and see how to lure that brat Senju Yang over. A marriage alliance between the Uchiha clan and the Senju clan could further strengthen the harmonious atmosphere between both sides in the village.

The corners of Madara Uchiha’s mouth curled upward, and his eyes lit up. He thought it was a brilliant idea.

"Lord Madara, the Nine-Tails is ahead. Lord Yang said you can prepare to make your move," Yangdou appeared beside Madara Uchiha and reminded him softly.

The crimson tomoe in Madara Uchiha’s eyes slowly rotated.

His gaze passed over a mountain and landed on the Nine-Tails, sleeping soundly beneath the moonlight.

It was the dead of night, and the surroundings were completely silent.

Aside from insects chirping and birds calling, any other sound would be especially conspicuous.

The Nine-Tails was unlike any of the previous Tailed Beasts. Even the Eight-Tails was significantly weaker than it, so Madara Uchiha needed to be a little more careful this time.

A weaker barrier would be like paper to the Nine-Tails. It would not be able to contain it at all, so there was no need to deploy one. It was better to let Madara Uchiha act directly.

Chu Yang had learned his lesson this time. He left the battlefield before they started fighting, bringing along three meat shields to absorb damage for him.

The battle between Madara Uchiha and the Nine-Tails was ferocious, far more destructive than the previous battle with the Eight-Tails. Man and beast fought from the sky to the ground, and it was already difficult to judge them by human standards.

This was a realm that belonged to gods…

Yangdou and the other team members watched with blank expressions.

Chu Yang thought that if the Senju clan had not possessed that freak Hashirama Senju, their entire clan probably would not have been enough for Madara Uchiha to fight.

The reverse was true as well.

Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju were both powerhouses who transcended their era.

As Chu Yang was reflecting on this, he suddenly sensed a wave of hostility.

"Stay alert!"

Chu Yang first shouted a warning to his companions.

Then, he rapidly formed hand seals and erected a defense before himself.

The Tree World Wall rising from the ground blocked the enemy’s attack at just the right moment.

"Hmph!"

A humanoid mass of black matter appeared before Chu Yang, seemingly furious that he had blocked its attack.

At the sight of such a bizarre creature, Uchiha Yangdou and the other three Anbu members showed shocked expressions. Only Chu Yang was somewhat surprised and confused.

This black creature was the manifestation of Kaguya Otsutsuki’s will—Black Zetsu.

It should have been hiding in the shadows and manipulating everything. Why had it suddenly appeared to attack him?

"If it weren’t for you, that bastard Izuna Uchiha would have died long ago! The suffering Madara Uchiha was supposed to endure was ruined by you! It’s all because of you, you damned bastard!"

As Black Zetsu raged, it continuously cursed Chu Yang. The hatred in its heart was plain to see.

Chu Yang suddenly realized that his appearance seemed to have greatly obstructed Black Zetsu’s plans.

Madara Uchiha had not followed the path into darkness that Black Zetsu had arranged for him. Instead, Konoha had become more united than ever.

Izuna Uchiha, the head of the Anbu, spent every day with Hashirama Senju, leaving Black Zetsu with no opening at all.

It could only vent its anger on Chu Yang. It believed that Chu Yang had caused the deviation that led to the current situation.

After the brief shock, Yangdou immediately led his team in a counterattack. No matter who the intruder was, anyone who attacked them would be treated as an enemy.

The three Anbu members coordinated their Ninjutsu, using Earth Release to block Black Zetsu’s escape routes. Yangdou activated his Sharingan and rushed toward Black Zetsu, intending to use Genjutsu to control it.

The instant their eyes met, both bodies froze.

"Captain Yangdou has already controlled the enemy." One of the Anbu members let out a sigh of relief.

Chu Yang, however, frowned. He was not optimistic.

Would Black Zetsu, a creation of Kaguya Otsutsuki’s will, really be controlled by Genjutsu so easily?

After dragging Black Zetsu into his Genjutsu, Yangdou tried to return his consciousness to reality, only to suddenly discover that he could not escape the illusion space.

Directly opposite him, Black Zetsu, who should have been under his control, suddenly moved. It walked toward him step by step, and with every step, ripples spread beneath its feet like water.

Yangdou panicked. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation.

"I know the Sharingan very well. Using Genjutsu against me was not a wise choice." Black Zetsu smiled coldly. "Besides, you only have a Three-Tomoe Sharingan. You have not even reached the Mangekyo realm."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk…"

Black Zetsu’s mocking words made Yangdou’s heart tremble.

The enemy was clearly familiar with the Sharingan and even knew how to deal with it.

The moment he let his guard down, Yangdou felt something binding him. Looking down, he saw countless tree roots spreading from his legs up his body.

The roots spread incredibly fast, reaching Yangdou’s waist in the blink of an eye. He tried to break free, but he could not muster any strength.

By the time Black Zetsu reached him, Yangdou had been swallowed by a large tree. Only his shoulders and intact head remained outside, leaving him unable to move.

Extreme fear filled Yangdou’s eyes. As someone skilled in Genjutsu, he knew what he was about to suffer.

Black Zetsu pressed one hand against the tree and stared at Yangdou with inhuman eyes, smiling grimly. "Don’t be in such a hurry. You can be afraid later."

About ten seconds passed in the real world before Chu Yang sensed that something was wrong. If Yangdou had truly controlled Black Zetsu, there should not have been no movement even now.

Chu Yang strode forward and formed the hand seal for "Release," dispelling Yangdou’s Genjutsu. He found Yangdou pale-faced, staring at him in terror.

"Hehehe, what a quick reaction. He was supposed to stay in my illusion space for an entire day." Black Zetsu let out a chilling laugh, staring at Chu Yang as though from an abyss.

"Killing Izuna Uchiha is no longer that important. From what I’ve observed during this period, both Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha think highly of you."

"So… as long as I kill you, Madara Uchiha, who brought you along on this mission, will definitely develop a rift with the Senju brothers."

"Then, everything will return to the proper course."

Chu Yang looked at it indifferently. "You’re quite confident. All you talk about is killing this person and killing that person. Have you ever considered that the one who gets killed might be you?"

As he spoke, the three Anbu members quietly approached Black Zetsu. They formed hand seals at the same time, intending to suppress Black Zetsu with a combined Ninjutsu. They had just watched Yangdou’s Genjutsu get thoroughly broken, so they did not dare let down their guard.

Earth Release: Heaven Dropping Cover!

A black hole abruptly appeared above Black Zetsu’s head. A green lid carved with strange creatures descended from the sky, covering Black Zetsu with lightning speed.

"Success!"

The three exchanged looks and cried out in delight.

Chu Yang shook his head. This Ninjutsu could trap an ordinary jonin, but it could not trap Black Zetsu.

This creature knew a special Ninjutsu called the Mayfly Technique. It could merge with the earth, grass, and trees, traveling at high speed anywhere through the network formed by underground plant roots and subterranean rivers, without leaving behind the slightest trace of its presence.

"Don’t let your guard down! The enemy hasn’t been trapped by this Ninjutsu! Stay focused!" With no time to explain, Chu Yang could only shout furiously to make his teammates more cautious.

The roar made all three of them shudder!

Fortunately, his Observation Haki had not failed. Even through the ground, Chu Yang could still clearly sense Black Zetsu’s path of movement.

He threw the mentally devastated Yangdou toward the three Anbu members, then formed hand seals with both hands and activated Wood Release.

Since Black Zetsu was moving underground, the tangled tree roots beneath their feet were perfect for restraining it!

As Chu Yang activated Wood Release, the surrounding ground began to shake violently. Then, patches of earth bulged upward, as though a sleeping dragon beneath the ground were turning over.

Observation Haki told Chu Yang that Black Zetsu had stopped moving, but he could not determine whether it had been restrained. He could only continue increasing his power and make the roots bind it tighter.

After catching Yangdou, the three Anbu members retreated with him to a safe position. They still did not know where Black Zetsu was, so they could not help even if they wanted to.

Suddenly.

Chu Yang sensed Black Zetsu moving.

It had not been restrained by the roots. Instead, it rapidly advanced toward Chu Yang along them.

Just as Chu Yang was about to sever his connection to the Wood Release, Black Zetsu burrowed out before him along the roots. Face-to-face with Chu Yang, Black Zetsu laughed loudly. "You can experience that brat’s pain too!"

The moment its words fell, Chu Yang’s consciousness sank into chaos. When he came to his senses again…

He was already standing inside the Soul Palace.

Black Zetsu stood directly across from him.

"Is this the reflection of your consciousness? It looks pretty good. Hiding such a magnificent palace in your mind… do you want to become a king?"

"Hahahahaha."

Black Zetsu threw back its head and laughed, saying teasingly, "You’re young, but your ambitions aren’t small. You don’t just want to become the leader of Konoha. You want to become the king of this world?"

Chu Yang ignored it. Instead, he turned and walked toward his throne, then slowly sat down.

The instant Chu Yang sat upon the throne, Black Zetsu’s heart gave a violent jolt. It had never experienced such an intense warning before.

The corners of Chu Yang’s mouth lifted slightly as he teased, "You are a manifestation of Kaguya Otsutsuki’s will, a special existence between life and death. You have never feared entering another person’s consciousness because you are consciousness itself."

"I guess that once you perish within a consciousness space, you die completely. Is that right?"

Black Zetsu felt increasingly stifled, as though a massive stone were pressing on its heart. The stone gradually grew heavier, crushing the breath from its chest.

It tried to change the scene, but the towering palace remained before it, like a mountain connecting heaven and earth.

It had clearly cast the Genjutsu, yet Chu Yang had become the master. This scene was no different from before, except the protagonist had changed.

Black Zetsu looked around and found the palace before it incredibly strange. It seemed to contain an indescribable power. It could not help asking, "What place is this? Who exactly are you? How do you know about Mother?"

Chu Yang sat upon the throne like a god or demon looking down upon all living beings. He smiled faintly. "What use is there in answering you? You’re about to die anyway."

The scent of danger grew denser and denser. Black Zetsu’s expression darkened as it tried to sink into the ground and escape the mysterious palace before it.

But its Mayfly Technique seemed to have failed. It stood there motionless, its face turning as pale as paper while cold sweat streamed down.

"Ha ha…"

Chu Yang’s laughter echoed through the empty palace.

Black Zetsu suddenly looked up. Figures had appeared around the thrones surrounding Chu Yang, all of them watching it.

In Black Zetsu’s eyes, those figures converged into a black curtain that blotted out the sky and descended upon it.

"AAAAAHHHH!!!!"

Something inside the black curtain writhed continuously, as though it were chewing.

Black Zetsu’s screams gradually faded.

At the same time, a shattered throne behind Chu Yang began restoring itself at a visible rate.

The instant Black Zetsu died, the Chu Yangs scattered across the various worlds were summoned into the Soul Palace.

"Another newcomer?" Demon Slayer Chu Yang swaggered over and looked around, but he did not see any sign of a newcomer.

"No newcomer? Then what’s gotten into this palace, dragging us all here?" Demon Slayer Chu Yang frowned.

"Something special must have happened." Magic Chu Yang suggested that everyone share their recent memories first.

The four gathered in a circle. Once the memory sharing was complete, they finally understood what had happened.

"These broken thrones can actually be repaired…" Magic Chu Yang stepped forward and gently touched the newly restored throne.

Pirate Chu Yang asked in confusion, "What was so special about Black Zetsu that it could be absorbed by the Soul Palace?"

After pondering for a moment, Hokage Chu Yang said, "Could it be related to the fact that it was a manifestation of Kaguya Otsutsuki’s will?"

"A palace that exists within consciousness, absorbing a manifestation… of consciousness?"

The four murmured at the same time and realized that it really was possible.

Magic Chu Yang said, "Whether that’s true or not, we can only verify it when the same situation happens again."

After the discussion ended, everyone began summarizing what they had gained during this period.

Demon Slayer Chu Yang had gained the most. He had honed Sun Breathing to its peak, awakened his mark and Transparent World, and his physical capabilities were breaking through their limits bit by bit every day.

Magic Chu Yang was learning wandmaking and had organized many highly practical spells. Based on everyone’s current state, he had also formulated suitable training plans for each of them.

A stable and reliable logistics researcher!

Pirate Chu Yang’s Taijutsu and Haki had also improved tremendously. Under Shanks’ tutelage, he had gradually begun touching the realm of Conqueror’s Haki.

After leaving the Soul Palace this time, it would not be long before he awakened Conqueror’s Haki.

Compared with the tangible progress of the other three, Hokage Chu Yang seemed much more methodical. Every day, he trained in Wood Release, studied some Ninjutsu, and worked on education. Day after day, he lived like a civil servant.

Other than training Wood Release, he did not need to devote much effort to researching Ninjutsu. Magic Chu Yang assisted him in that regard, so he only needed to take the results and verify them with Tobirama Senju.

After sharing their abilities and talents, the four of them took another major leap in overall strength.

Harry Potter world.

Chu Yang pushed open the door to the wand shop. The world outside had already become a vast expanse of white, with tiny snowflakes dancing through the air like willow catkins before settling upon the ground and becoming part of the white.

"Haha, Merry Christmas, Mr. Chu Yang!"

"Good morning, Mr. Ollivander. Merry Christmas!"

Ollivander carried over two cups of hot black tea, handing one to Chu Yang and raising the other to his own lips. He took a light sip, gazed at the snowy scenery outside, and let out a lingering sigh of admiration.

"Child, once Christmas is over, you’ll be returning to Hogwarts. Have you made any plans for the future?" Ollivander held his tea and glanced back at Chu Yang. There was a light in his eyes, as though he had something he wanted to say.

Chu Yang thought he was reluctant to part with him, so he hurriedly said, "I’ll come visit you often, Mr. Ollivander. Apparition isn’t difficult for me."

"Haha, of course I know it isn’t difficult for you, because you’re a genius." Ollivander winked at Chu Yang like an old child, then shook his head with a smile. "That isn’t what I wanted to say, Chu Yang!"

"When it comes to wandmaking, I have nothing left to teach you. Your ability to learn is simply too…" At that point, Ollivander gave a helpless laugh. Praising Chu Yang had become a habit of his, one he could no longer change.

"In short, you’ve completed your apprenticeship. From today onward, you’re an official wandmaker. Or perhaps… I should call you a master."

"You can make wands for others under your own name. With your current skills, there certainly won’t be a shortage of people seeking you out. Combined with the abundant resources you possess, you’ll never have to worry about Gold Galleons again."

Chu Yang fell silent for a while before asking, "Mr. Ollivander, are you trying to remind me that I don’t actually have to return to Hogwarts?"

"What a clever child." Ollivander sighed. "Hogwarts, with Dumbledore overseeing it, is said to be the safest place in the world. But I believe you understand that Dumbledore isn’t a god. There are things even he cannot do."

"Hogwarts isn’t safe right now. Even the entire wizarding world has been shrouded in darkness because of certain recent events. No one knows when this crisis will erupt."

Although Ollivander did not say it outright, Chu Yang knew he was talking about Voldemort.

Unable to obtain unicorn blood to prolong his life, Voldemort must have resorted to other evil methods. That was why the wizarding world had become so turbulent in secret, with everyone fearing for their own safety.

Ollivander hoped Chu Yang could stay away from those dangers. Even if it delayed his studies, or even meant abandoning them entirely, it would be fine. With Chu Yang’s talent, he could establish himself in the wizarding world without the title of a Hogwarts graduate.

"Given Voldemort’s current condition, he should be close to making a move against Harry and the Sorcerer’s Stone."

Based on all the signs from the past month, Chu Yang felt that Voldemort would most likely act during the Christmas holidays. If he waited until after the holiday to return, he could study peacefully for the rest of the term.

Chu Yang was not worried about Harry’s safety. With the blood protection charm and protagonist’s luck, Voldemort would not have the slightest chance before Harry turned eighteen.

Still, as the saying went, ideals were full-bodied, but reality was bony. Just when you thought reality would unfold step by step, fate would be waiting around the corner to hit you with a club.

That evening, cheerful songs began ringing throughout Diagon Alley, while the door to the wand shop was hammered with loud bangs.

"Hey! Hey! It’s a holiday, we’re closed! I don’t know where you came from, but you’re incredibly rude!"

Ollivander grumbled as he walked into the main hall.

He had intended to throw open the door and give whoever was outside a thorough scolding.

But the moment the door opened, he froze.

Three young wizards stood outside, and one of them had left a particularly deep impression on him.

The famous "Harry Potter"!

Ollivander swallowed every curse that had reached his lips and quickly put on a delighted smile. "Oh! Isn’t this Mr. Potter? Have you come to Diagon Alley with your friends to celebrate Christmas?"

"Though I’m sorry to say it, this is a wand shop. We don’t provide any additional services."

Hermione hurriedly said, "Mr. Ollivander, we came to find Chu Yang. Is he here with you?"

Ollivander paused. "Who told you that?"

Ron shrugged. "Hagrid…"

Harry and Hermione both jabbed Ron in the waist at the same time, signaling him to shut up.

Chu Yang’s whereabouts after the holiday began had been a secret. Only Dumbledore and Hagrid knew.

The trio had only learned of Chu Yang’s destination from Hagrid by sheer coincidence.

His sudden departure for the holidays had kept them worried about him, so they had decided to use the Christmas break to come see him.

Under normal circumstances, Chu Yang would definitely have been happy that they had come to visit him…

But coming at a time like this was truly a headache.

Seeing the trio standing before him in a neat row, Chu Yang could not bring himself to feel happy at all.

Chu Yang was pushed out of the wand shop by Mr. Ollivander. The old gentleman smiled warmly and told him to go celebrate the holiday with his friends, completely failing to notice the helpless smile on Chu Yang’s face.

The trio left their luggage at the Leaky Cauldron and excitedly wandered around Diagon Alley. The dazzling array of Christmas goods around them left them spoiled for choice.

"Ron, aren’t you going home for Christmas?"

"I wanted to, but my parents went to Romania to visit my brother Charlie. He studies dragons there."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful. I hope they have a perfect Christmas."

"Thank you, Chu Yang."

"What about you, Hermione? You should be going home to celebrate with your parents, right?"

"I was going to, but I changed my mind at the last minute. Ever since I was little, we’ve spent every Christmas together. This year, I wanted to do something different."

Chu Yang took a deep breath and struggled to keep smiling. Then he turned to Harry, who scratched his head and gave him a "hehehe" grin.

Chu Yang silently turned back around. If he kept looking, he felt like he was going to have a heart attack.

The three of them ran wild the entire way. Whenever they saw something fun, they had to try it out. Whenever they saw something tasty, they bought it immediately. Rich Harry cleared the way with Galleons, leaving passing wizarding families staring at them with eyes full of envy.

"Tsk, tsk. Good thing this is Diagon Alley. If it were next door, those three would probably get robbed down to their underwear."

Chu Yang accepted the cotton candy Hermione handed him and complained while eating. But soon, he sensed malicious gazes sweeping over them from within the crowd.

Chu Yang did not make a sound. Instead, he quietly released his Observation Haki.

In the darkness near the street corner stood Professor Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who had disappeared not long ago. He stared at the trio led by Harry with venomous eyes.

Through his Observation Haki, Chu Yang sensed Quirrell whispering with Voldemort.

"It was all because you were exposed and attracted Dumbledore’s attention. He moved the Sorcerer’s Stone out of the secret chamber, and now there’s no trace of it anywhere."

"Please calm your anger, my master. If I hadn’t encountered that strange person in the Forbidden Forest, I would definitely have helped you obtain the Sorcerer’s Stone."

"Enough. Shut your mouth. I don’t want to think about that matter again. Now, I only want you to do one thing: capture Harry Potter and use him to exchange for the Sorcerer’s Stone with Dumbledore!"

"Rest assured, I will fulfill your wish."

"Idiot!"

With Voldemort’s curse, Quirrell ended the conversation awkwardly, and Chu Yang understood their intentions as well.

More and more people filled the street. Quirrell gradually vanished from the intersection, and moments later, his figure appeared in Knockturn Alley.

By then, the trio seemed to have tired themselves out. Chu Yang took them to a restaurant he visited often, and after they were seated, he found an excuse to slip away.

After thinking it over, Chu Yang decided that he should deal with Quirrell and Voldemort while they were both weak. Otherwise, Hermione and Ron might be caught up in it, or even Mr. Ollivander.

After covering himself in a black robe, Chu Yang followed a hidden path into Knockturn Alley.

Already incredibly dark, Knockturn Alley seemed even more eerie and bizarre amid the holiday festivities.

All sorts of strange figures crouched in the narrow alleyways, letting out malicious laughter at Quirrell, who had just arrived.

But they clearly did not know that Quirrell’s meekness existed only in front of Voldemort.

No one noticed Quirrell’s lips moving slightly.

A flash of magical light shot from Quirrell’s wide sleeve and flew toward the Dark wizards provoking him with lightning speed.

The spell struck one unlucky fellow, then spread into a strange light circle that blasted the others away. Only then did some onlookers who had been watching the show spot the wand beneath Quirrell’s robes.

They immediately scattered like startled birds, vanishing into the edges of the alley.

In just one exchange, Quirrell showed those ill-intentioned people what he was capable of.

The empty alley was so silent that it was unnerving.

Quirrell put away his wand, lowered his head, and continued onward.

But after only a few steps, he suddenly saw someone standing at the far end of the alley. The person was completely shrouded in a black robe. Quirrell could not see his face, and his smaller build gave Quirrell a familiar feeling.

"Who are you?"

Quirrell frowned and questioned him in an almost scolding tone, his hand once again reaching for the wand hidden beneath his robe.

However, the person opposite him reacted much faster. The instant Quirrell moved, magical light flared in the darkness.

The spell crossed the narrow alley and accurately struck the wand hidden beneath Quirrell’s robe, blasting it away.

"Disarming Charm…" Quirrell’s expression darkened. He had never seen spellcasting so swift and precise, capable of hitting the wand concealed in his sleeve from such a distance.

Damn it, did you carry a telescope whenever you cast spells?

"Run!" Voldemort, who resided inside Quirrell’s body, suddenly shouted. "He’s the one from the Forbidden Forest!"

Quirrell’s expression changed. At last, he understood where that familiar feeling had come from.

"You reacted pretty fast." Chu Yang sneered.

Then he waved his wand and cast the Petrification Curse just as Quirrell turned around.

Magic Power streaked through the air like a meteor and struck Quirrell in the back.

Quirrell froze in place.

Chu Yang slowly walked over from the other end of the alley.

Just as he was about to reach Quirrell, a great mass of Gray Fog suddenly burst out from the top of Quirrell’s head.

It was Voldemort in soul form!

Sensing danger, Voldemort instinctively rushed toward Chu Yang, intending to frighten him away. But before he could get close, a burst of red light suddenly erupted from Chu Yang’s body. An aura like blazing fire surged from Chu Yang’s nose and mouth, swirling around him.

It was as though a sun had risen within the pitch-black alley!

Voldemort’s fragmented soul was fiercely scorched by that sun-like aura, and a miserable scream immediately burst from his mouth.

Chu Yang had not expected Sun Breathing to deal such devastating damage to souls.

If this continued, Voldemort’s remnant soul might be burned away completely.

Yet Voldemort’s will was exceptionally tough as well. He endured the pain and forcibly broke through the flames surrounding Chu Yang, fleeing into the depths of the darkness.

Only Quirrell, struck by the Petrification Curse, remained standing there in terror. If Chu Yang left him alone, he would very likely freeze to death in Knockturn Alley tonight.

The sounds of battle sent most of the Dark wizards wandering nearby fleeing at once. At least for tonight, they would not dare approach this place.

"I’m sorry to meet you here, Professor Quirrell."

Chu Yang walked up to Quirrell, removed his hood, and smiled politely.

Quirrell’s eyes instantly widened in disbelief, but unfortunately, he could not say a single word.

"I actually quite liked your Defense Against the Dark Arts classes." Chu Yang smiled, then pointed his wand at the ground by Quirrell’s feet and said, "Deprimo!"

The Blasting Curse blew a massive pit into the ground beneath Quirrell’s feet, frightening muffled growls out of him.

Chu Yang showed no trace of pity.

He decisively kicked Quirrell down into the pit, then swiftly sealed the opening.

After finishing everything, Chu Yang vanished into the darkness and left Knockturn Alley.

"Chu Yang, why did you take so long? Ron and the others are about to finish all the food!"

Hermione angrily complained to Chu Yang after he had been gone for quite some time. It was clear that his silent disappearance had worried her.

"Sorry, Hermione. My stomach was feeling a little unwell just now. Since you were eating, I didn’t say anything."

Chu Yang explained with an apologetic expression.

"Oh, so that’s what happened. Are you feeling better now? Roast chicken probably isn’t suitable for you. Should we order something lighter for you?"

Hermione’s temper came quickly and went quickly. The moment she heard Chu Yang had been unwell, she immediately asked after him with concern.

Ron and Harry, who had been eating with great enthusiasm beside her, also put down their food.

They both looked toward Chu Yang, showing their concern.

Not wanting to ruin their mood, Chu Yang smiled. "I’m much better now. Don’t worry about me."

With that, he speared some food from the table with his fork, put it into his mouth, and chewed with an expression of enjoyment.

Only then were the three reassured. They resumed fighting over the food on the table. By now, Hermione could no longer care about behaving like a lady. Since Chu Yang had not returned earlier, she had barely eaten anything and was starving.

While Chu Yang and the others happily celebrated Christmas, Voldemort, having lost his temporary host, wandered alone through the wind and snow like a flame that could go out at any moment.

The Christmas holiday soon came to an end, and Chu Yang returned to Hogwarts with Hermione and the others. Before leaving, Mr. Ollivander still tried to persuade Chu Yang to leave the wizarding world for a while and avoid the danger.

He did not know that Voldemort, the source of all the trouble, would find it difficult to cause any more problems for some time.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore noticed that Voldemort and Quirrell had already left Hogwarts, and the tense atmosphere at the school eased considerably.

Chu Yang no longer needed to extend his holiday.

Everything returned to normal.

But for one person, life had fallen from heaven back into hell.

"I rather like the bed by the window, Mr. Malfoy. Could you please move your luggage a little?" Chu Yang spoke calmly, smiling at Draco. "Also, with two people using one room, don’t you think it’s a bit too crowded?"

Draco nodded frantically, indicating that he completely agreed with Chu Yang. Without another word, he began packing his luggage.

A short while later, he had moved back into the familiar large dormitory, sleeping "happily" between Goyle and Crabbe.

Compared with Draco, who lived in constant fear as though walking on thin ice, Chu Yang’s return delighted the other students, and the first-year circle became lively once more.

After all, who would not like a classmate who helped them study and lent them homework to copy?

The professors and teachers were happy as well. Even Snape, who was usually sharp-tongued and cold, did not make any sarcastic remarks to tease Chu Yang.

On the second day after Chu Yang returned to school, Dumbledore brought him to the Headmaster’s Office for a long private conversation. Most of the time, Dumbledore asked about what Chu Yang had gained during this period.

So, right there in the Headmaster’s Office, Chu Yang used the tools Mr. Ollivander had given him to make an exquisite wand on the spot, leaving Dumbledore clicking his tongue in amazement.

Near the end of their conversation, Dumbledore suddenly asked a question that caught Chu Yang off guard.

"Did you see Professor Quirrell in Diagon Alley?" Dumbledore instinctively wanted to probe Chu Yang’s memories, but then he suddenly recalled the palace deep in Chu Yang’s mind and quickly abandoned the thought.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I haven’t seen Professor Quirrell since Halloween." Chu Yang smiled politely, appearing entirely sincere.

Dumbledore laughed helplessly. "Perhaps I’ve been too sensitive lately. How could you possibly have seen Quirrell? Sorry, Chu Yang. When people get old and don’t sleep enough, they become like this. Don’t take it to heart."

"How could I? Headmaster Dumbledore! I know you’re concerned about me." Chu Yang said solemnly.

"Mm…" Dumbledore nodded. After chatting with Chu Yang for a while longer, he let him return to the dormitory to rest.

Until the moment Chu Yang closed the door to the Headmaster’s Office, Dumbledore had been watching him. Even without using Observation Haki, Chu Yang could feel Dumbledore’s gaze.

This wise old man seemed to suspect something…

However, Chu Yang was not worried that Dumbledore’s attitude toward him would change after learning the truth, because he had already proven that he would not become a second Voldemort.

After that, Chu Yang received special approval from Dumbledore.

As a first-year student, he was permitted to take the O.W.L. examinations.

Those exams were originally meant for fifth-year students.

And if all went well, Chu Yang could even go on to take the N.E.W.T. examinations afterward.

Having returned to normal school life, Chu Yang once again immersed himself in the library as always.

Spring passed into autumn, and cold gave way to heat.

Demon Slayer world.

Since the Demon Slayer Corps and Kibutsuji Muzan’s faction had both fallen silent one after another, the world had entered a brief period of peace.

But both sides knew that this balance would eventually be broken.

And the day that balance was broken would be the moment one side was completely wiped out.

A large number of swordsmen gathered at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters for concentrated training. Kagaya Ubuyashiki hoped they could survive the coming final battle as much as possible.

Every Hashira-class swordsman at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters had mastered the power of the marks.

With Chu Yang helping replenish their vitality, the marks’ aftereffects could almost be ignored.

As for the Transparent World beyond the marks, they needed to hone their Breathing Technique to the utmost while using unwavering willpower to endure the pain brought by the process.

That was no longer something Chu Yang could interfere with.

Among the many swordsmen, only Gyomei Himejima had not only mastered the marks but also become the sole person among them to comprehend the Transparent World.

Next was Kyojuro Rengoku. He was very close to taking that step, but still fell just short.

So far, he seemed to be the only one showing signs of comprehending the Transparent World. The others were far behind, and likely had no hope of attaining it in their lifetimes.

After noticing this, Chu Yang and Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke at length and decided to halt the training in a few days.

But before the order could be passed down,

Kibutsuji Muzan arrived with his army of demons.

During these days, Kibutsuji Muzan had been frantically creating subordinates while having Nakime locate the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.

He did not care about Kagaya Ubuyashiki or those Hashira at all. He had one and only one target!

Chu Yang!

Countless demons launched a nighttime raid on the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. Just as Chu Yang was about to draw his blade and join the others in slaying demons, he realized he had arrived alone in a strange city.

It was as though time and space here were both distorted.

Clap, clap, clap~~~

Applause rang out from the depths of the city as Kibutsuji Muzan, dressed in a suit, slowly approached.

"Welcome to Infinity Castle."

Several figures Chu Yang had never seen before stood beside Kibutsuji Muzan. They were neither Kokushibo of the Upper Moon nor any other Upper Moon demons.

"These are the gifts I prepared for you."

Kibutsuji Muzan smiled and snapped his fingers. The Black Shadows immediately surrounded Chu Yang.

The corners of Chu Yang’s lips curled upward slightly.

Killing intent surged!