"The Pride of Heaven, Walls of Iron."
Before the surprised Soi-Fon, Tokikaze slowly recited an incantation while the majestic Reiatsu seemed to surge like a tide, covering the Nest of Maggots.
The complex incantations echoed and merged into the Reiatsu, altering its original form.
"Dragons move, lions roar, tigers howl, wolves rush, severing heaven and earth before the collapse!"
"Bakudo #81: Danku!"
What was supposed to be a towering transparent barrier abruptly curved into a semicircle shape and, in a form of multiple releases, completely enveloped the Nest of Maggots in the instant Tokikaze finished the incantation.
"Those guys won't be able to break this barrier for a while."
Tokikaze clapped his hands, showing a very relaxed demeanor.
There was a flash of unusual color in Soi-Fon's eyes. Let alone breaking it, this barrier now seemed even stronger than before.
In several battles, she had noticed a characteristic of Tokikaze's.
In the four basic combat methods of Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Kido, and Hakuda, there were no weaknesses among them.
This also meant that Tokikaze had the ability to tweak and develop combat techniques!
With this in mind, Soi-Fon's gaze towards Tokikaze had undergone a strange change.
If he mastered that technique, his strength would definitely undergo a tremendous leap.
By then, he'd easily surpass Yoruichi Shihoin and all the former Captains of the Second Division, and becoming a pillar of the Soul Society would be within reach!
"Your gaze is quite dangerous, Captain Soi-Fon."
Tokikaze felt that the identities of both sides had reversed at this moment.
"It's nothing, I just happened to think of something pleasant for the moment."
Soi-Fon turned her head away to prevent Tokikaze from seeing through her.
"The trouble with the Nest of Maggots is temporarily resolved. Let's gather the Division Members for patrol and search immediately."
Tokikaze didn't dwell on it too much. "Every minute counts at night; Any Division Member could be killed by their own Zanpakuto."
As a Captain, maintaining a good public image was still necessary.
Soon, dozens of figures set out from the Second Division barracks, searching along the direction of the most intense Reiatsu.
Meanwhile, within the Central 46 Chambers.
Below the Underground Assembly Hall.
A gentle smile was plastered on Aizen's face as he walked steadily down the seemingly endless staircase.
Behind him, a figure followed suit, with curious eyes scanning the surroundings incessantly.
"What a long staircase," Gin remarked in surprise. "I never expected such a sight beneath the Underground Assembly Hall."
"Coming to a place like this amidst the chaos, Captain Aizen really is cunning."
"Is there really such a thing as the true history of the Soul Society at the end of the stairs?"
Without receiving any secret orders, ordinary Captains didn't have the right to enter the Underground Assembly Hall.
As one of the most heavily guarded places in the Soul Society, even during times of turmoil throughout the entire Seireitei, it still possessed considerable defensive strength.
If it weren't for Kyoka Suigetsu's ability, it would be impossible for the two to silently infiltrate this place.
"This is the cornerstone of the history of the Soul Society, and also a vast repository of information."
Aizen explained calmly, "The Great Archive, guarded by the Tsunayashiro Clan, records a series of major events and secrets of the Soul Society from ancient times to the present."
"I'm here just to find some answers."
At his words, Gin's face showed a false smile, slightly squinting his eyes to reveal a hint of azure color.
"Wow, there are things Captain Aizen doesn't know in this world? That's quite shocking."
Aizen nodded, seemingly unsurprised. "I am not a god who creates worlds, so naturally I do not possess the ability to know everything."
"Moreover, the Great Archive is not as simple as you imagine."
"This is a mysterious place that was unrelated to the will of the Soul Reaper, which forcibly collected and records all information of the Soul Society."
Gin's face showed a surprised expression.
He didn't fully understand the true nature of the Great Archive, but from Aizen's description, he could still sense the power and mystery of the place.
Just the fact that it disregarded the will of the Soul Reaper and forcibly collected all information from the Soul Society was already terrifying enough.
No wonder it was entrusted to the head of the Tsunayashiro Clan, one of the Five Great Noble Clan.
The nobles really liked to control everything that exceeded their expectations.
With this in mind, Gin disdainfully shook his head.
In their conversation, the seemingly endless staircase finally reached its end, and a massive portal stood like a mountain in the darkness, with the giant character "Forbidde" depicted in red ink!
It glowed in red like blood.
"To enter, you still need a little trick."
Under Gin's gaze, Aizen extended his right hand, gathering a large amount of Reiatsu on it, outlining straight lines one after another, spreading towards the back of his arm.
When his right hand pressed against the red "Forbidden" character, a bright light emerged in the dark.
Although it should have alarmed the Central 46 Chambers above, due to a strange force, all activity was confined near the gate.
Then, the gate opened.
What met their eyes was an endless array of books.
The hexagonal space was so vast, even surpassing the size of the Seireitei, with countless floors stacked one after another, each filled with a vast number of books, seemingly endless.
Gin took a deep breath, suppressing his astonishment, his slightly open eyes shimmering with an inexplicable light.
Was this Aizen's objective?
"Come with me, Gin."
Aizen didn't seem to notice anything odd about Gin's oddity, still speaking in the same casual tone:
"Finding the information you want in a place like this is not an easy task."
"First, we need to determine the year..."
The two stepped onto a platform between floors, propelled by Reiatsu, smoothly descending.
A few minutes later, the platform stopped in front of a floor.
Aizen descended leisurely, followed closely by Gin.
"Captain Aizen, please hurry up."
"Although the Seireitei is in chaos, it doesn't mean the Tsunayashiro Clan is as well!"
Gin reminded him.
"No need to worry, Gin, everything is according to plan."
Aizen walked to a bookshelf and stopped, motionless for a long time.
Out of curiosity, Gin stepped forward and looked at the bookshelf.
What met his eyes was an empty bookshelf, devoid even of dust.