[Comprehensive] Tang Ji

There is a kind of "worm" named "isoko" that lives on the seabed all year round.But only the first full moon after a solar eclipse will float up from the abyss of the sea floor and be next to the moonlight.At dawn on the second day, they will return to the abyss in the sea and wait for the full moon after the next solar eclipse.

The reason why it is named "Isoko" is because the first "Isoko" to land was cut out from the belly of Isohime.That was 500 years ago--500 years according to reliable records.

It also happened in this area.At that time, the coast was not so wide, almost surrounded by rocks, and the trees growing in the crevices of the gravel surrounded the entire coast.If you want to get close to the coast, you must cut down these trees that are like defenders.In short, it is a place that is difficult for humans to live in.

The profession of "bug master" was still little known at the time.Even "Onmyoji" was introduced to Fujiwarakyo for the first time.There is such a "bug master", whose real name has not been verified, and the recorded materials call him "Shiji". Obviously, this name comes from "isozi".Since he was the one who discovered the "Isoko" bug, it is not an exaggeration to call him by the name "Isoko" without knowing his real name.

In short, it was this insect master named "Shiji" who came to this coast one day.Although it is difficult for humans to live near the coast, there is a village with only a few families about ten miles away from the coast.People in the village depend on this sea area for their lives.Although wise and uncivilized, even a little barbaric, all creatures have the instinct to avoid danger.It seems that instinct made them feel that this coast was extremely dangerous, so they opened up a clearing six miles away from this coast.

The open space is too small for people to live in, so the villagers use the open space as the best place to dry nets and fish.

If he lived like this all the time, "Isoko" would not have been discovered.It is a biological instinct to avoid danger, but so is curiosity

It is also instinct—an instinct that belongs to human beings.

A child went to that coast out of curiosity.Afterwards, he never came back.No matter how the villagers shouted his name, there was no response.Even if the adults went to that coast with fear, they still found nothing.If it is dead, but even the body has not been seen.

[Perhaps it was taken away by the Sea God. 】

【Ah, it's a hidden spirit...】

Looking at the dark blue return, almost everyone thought so.

Born by the sea, the sea is their god.

Being taken away by the Sea God, isn't it [God Hiding]...

【Child chosen by God】

After this, the villagers called the child that way.

Whether it is from the heart or just a consolation, at least the parents of this child have been "peace of mind".

The Lord of Arakawa's explanation was very simple. After hearing this, Kuisi plucked the fine strands of hair beside his ears: "What about after that?"

"after?"

"I really can't think of a reason for "Isoko" to go ashore, except—to reproduce. "

Rather than asking about the development of the story, it is better to directly ask about the results.

Choked by Kui Xi's straightforward words, the Lord of Arakawa coughed pretending to be calm.

"Naturally. The monster light produced by the solar eclipse is powerful, but "Isoko" can't stand this force, so the first full moon after the solar eclipse is the best time for them to absorb the power and reproduce. "

After saying that, the Lord of Arakawa's eyes saw the torii gate in the sea.The soft moonlight shines on the torii gate, and the bell hanging in the center rings, which is a sign that Isoko has come ashore.

He sighed suddenly, then turned around and told Haifangzhu to go to find Huaye.

After Umibo-zu left, the Arakawa-lord shook his head and said, "I really don't want to meet him. It's been too long since humans have set foot here."

"What will happen when Isoko comes ashore? "

I can feel the seriousness in Lord Arakawa's heart at this time.Although the lord of Arakawa himself looks very serious, but from his sigh, Yoshihira instinctively noticed that this "worm" named "Isoko" didn't seem to be very friendly.

I don't know much about "Insect" Jiping, maybe there are relevant records in his father's handbook.But even so, Jiping also knows some basic information about "worms".For example, the history of "worms" is longer than that of human beings, and perhaps even longer than the birth of gods.How long it is is impossible to test, but compared to ancient creatures, I am afraid it is very suitable.Live in the corners of the world by instinct.It is said that they have a way of thinking, but they feel that creatures based on instinct rarely talk about thinking.However, it seems inappropriate to say that "worms" have no thinking.They also choose the way of survival that suits them best.

The unscrupulousness of "worms" is just like the unscrupulousness of human beings towards "ancient creatures".

Living without them, relying on speculative conjectures is only conjecture after all.

"Tell me, Lord of Arakawa, whether the arrival of "Isoko" will affect anything. "

Kui Xi looked at the Lord of Arakawa calmly.

"If it's just to reproduce, you don't necessarily need to be so serious."

The eyes are calm, and the tone is so calm.It seems that he is not interested in "Isoko", but in fact he is very interested in his next explanation.

What a contradictory person.

The Lord of Arakawa gave her a deep look, and continued the story.

What will the next story be?Anyone who can listen to the story should have guessed that there will be a turning point next.

In fact, it was a turning point, and an incredible one at that.

One night, the child's parents heard calling each other from the sea, and they clearly realized that the voice came from their child.

【Sea God returned their child back. 】

For a moment, such thoughts lingered in their minds.There was no time to put on clothes, so he rushed out the door with only his unlined clothes, and ran towards the direction of the sound.

The distant voice kept approaching.

How helpless...

【Come back quickly...】

……

The awakened villagers chased after him holding torches.

So, on the night of the full moon, little lights of fire were slowly moving, approaching the dangerous coast.

The child's voice gradually faded away.Father quickened his pace, it was winter, and the cold outside could freeze a person.Although it didn't snow, it was the coldest night ever.

【How cold it must be for a child soaking in the sea...】

Father's face has turned red and his lips have turned purple.His legs seemed to have lost control, and he only knew that he was approaching the shore.

【finally reached. 】

Under the slight drunkenness of the torch, the owner of the voice revealed his true face.

[This is... what kind of ghost? 】

It was a young man who asked the question.After everyone was shocked by what he saw, he was the first to react and let out a brief exclamation.

This is a monster with a human face and a fish tail.But its face is very different.The mouth is open to the ears, with sharp teeth, and two antler-like things grow on the head.

[Is it a mermaid? 】

【Looks like a mermaid...】

After the young man's exclamation, everyone who reacted later began to discuss.But only the child's parents wept bitterly at what appeared to be their child's body.

The face of a monster that might be a mermaid was their child.

The villagers left without touching the monster's corpse.

The child's parents have always refused to leave.Lying on the monster's body howling loudly.

It seemed that in the whole world, only their cries were left.

-

On the second day, the villagers gathered to move the monster's body into the village.

That could be a mermaid.

——Thoughts like this filled everyone's mind.

If you eat mermaid meat, you will live forever.Although it's just a legend, there is a mermaid, isn't it?So the legend might be true...

Human beings' pursuit of longevity is so yearning even for people who have not yet developed their wisdom.

The villagers were very happy, so they took what they could bring and headed for the dangerous coast.

Compared with yesterday's anxiety, this time everyone's heart is full of spontaneous expectations.

But when they got to that place, they found that the child's parents had disappeared. Instead, a strange man was standing next to the corpse, squatting as if looking at something.Sometimes he shook his head and sighed, and sometimes he was apprehensive.

He has noticed the villagers who came here.Pointing to the corpse on the rocks, he said: [It has already been eaten, it is too late to come down...]

Who was eaten?

The villagers were puzzled, but the young man who spoke out last night shrank his neck and asked, "Could it be..."

The unfinished words directly reminded them of the couple who did not leave yesterday.

【hiss--】

【Do not make jokes!How can it be! 】

[How can a dead monster still eat people! 】

……

How is this possible...

That's right... how can a dead mermaid eat people... and it's still so clean.

【Because this is not a mermaid...】

[This is a monster named "Isohime". Although it looks very much like a mermaid, it is a more terrifying monster than a mermaid.This is still a toddler, and an adult Isohime is about seven feet long...]

The stranger told about the difference between the mermaid and Isohime in great detail.

He said: [Because I am an insect master.Although I am not an onmyoji, I still know a thing or two about monsters and the like. 】

What about worm masters and onmyoji, the villagers don't know.But after hearing what he said clearly and logically, he also believed it.

At this moment, Mr. Bug Master took out a small knife from his box, and directly cut Jiji's neck, and the blood immediately splashed out.

[Look, it's still alive.As long as the neck is cut, it can no longer eat people.Monsters like them like to lure humans here, then use their huge bodies to snipe humans, and finally swallow them into their stomachs. 】

Master Insect Master said, the knife in his hand moved to Ji Ji's abdomen again, and with a direct stroke, the internal organs flowed out.

【what! 】

[It's really terrible! 】

[I can't believe it! 】

In addition to internal organs, there are various organs that do not belong to Isohime's stomach.Looking at the familiar fabric, the villagers couldn't bear to look any longer.

【It's so pitiful. If you are eaten, no matter how you call it, it won't work...】

Master Bug Master said with a little regret.

【Hey, what is this? 】 The young man in the crowd exclaimed.

【what? 】

[That's it, the transparent thing! 】The young man pointed at the white and transparent things coming out of the internal organs.It was still a living thing, wriggling slowly, it seemed to be a monster, but it didn't seem to be a monster.

【what?Where is it? 】

[I didn't see it either, did I read it wrong? 】

Facing the complaints from the villagers, the young man suddenly fell silent.

On the contrary, Master Insect Master looked at him with a smile and said: [It seems that he is a person who can be born with insects, so do you want to be my apprentice? 】

The young man was taken aback by Master Bug Master's words.

The white and transparent thing that flows out of Isohime's stomach is a "worm", although Master Bug has never seen this kind of insect.But he was sure it was a bug.

Because it came out of Isohime's stomach, he temporarily called it "Isoko", and if he found out its identity, he would change the name.

The villagers no longer want to stay in such an ominous place.Since it is not a mermaid, there is no possibility of expecting any more.

The young man stayed and did not leave with the villagers.

He asked Lord Bug Master: [Can I really become a Bug Master? 】

Lord Insect Master smiled and said: [Of course.Wouldn't it be a waste of life if such a talent was not utilized? 】

The young people were persuaded.

【Have you seen this kind of thing before? 】

【No. 】

【Alas, it seems that this is the first kind of insect seen in this place. 】

Master Bug Master explained the basic knowledge about "bug" to young people in detail.Seeing the young man's serious expression, he nodded in satisfaction.

【After a solar eclipse, there will always be many things that are about to move...】

The author has something to say: Isoko is a fabricated bug in this article.

Isohime is a Japanese folk monster who looks like a mermaid, as described in the text.

Then there is the interplay between the story and the world.