"In theory, perhaps." If they avoided doing any work with the Heavens, that could keep them out of trouble, but... "We don't know what other methods these enemies might take. They've already shown that they see us as unwitting accomplices, if not direct targets. Note how their attack caused harm to humans as well as the gods and shinki who were delegated the work, but I don't recall seeing any of the higher-ups doing that work personally. So even if we say they were targeting the Heavens, they didn't actually attack the Heavens directly."

If they could sneak in ayakashi like that, why not set them up to be released while still in the Heavens' possession? Actually, if they wanted to attack the Heavens to usurp control, wouldn't it make more sense to avoid attacking gods or shinki who are only following orders? Those are the people you'd want to try and convert to your cause, attacking them directly would only cause them to side with the Heavens more firmly.

... Unless they're not concerned with persuading anyone. Add frowns.

"It's also possible the Heavens aren't the real target," he suggests after a long pause, thinking over his words carefully. It's a bit more of a delicate subject. "The Heavens may have just been the most convenient method to distribute the ayakashi. There would be easier methods if they were targeting human victims, but if they wanted to attack new gods and shinki...

"Our existence in this world is unusual. Perhaps there are those who disagree strongly with new souls being dragged in to act as gods."