Swallow Return

If that's the case, then Lady Kicho's experience at Kiyomi-ji Temple was probably not so simple.

Liu Yun fell into deep thought for a moment, but after considering it for a while, he felt that there was no need to worry too much. Given their current strength, it would be most convenient to rush directly to Azuchi Castle to confront Oda Nobunaga.

But after he finished thinking, he suddenly realized that Lady Guidie beside him seemed to have quickly entered that state of mental confusion and being like a walking corpse again.

When you greet her, you get no response; all you hear are her emotionless mutterings like, "Why do they all say I'm dead? Am I really dead...?"

It seems to be because they ran into those samurai from before.

They all believed that Lady Guidie was dead. This belief, amplified by a certain spell, led Lady Guidie to believe she was dead as well, and then she truly began her journey to death.

This process was originally interrupted by Liu Yun, but was restarted by a group of talkative passersby.

So, how do we interrupt again?

According to the Nine-Tailed Fox, "Lord Liuyun, simply repeat what you did to me on Lady Guidie."

But... is this something a human being would do?

Chapter 299 The Method of Climbing the City Wall

Of course, Liu Yun couldn't possibly repeat what he did that day on Lady Gui Die, just as the Nine-Tailed Fox had suggested.

However, he also understood that he had to share his power. After considering it for a while, he decided to do so by sharing bodily fluids. Of course, these bodily fluids referred to as blood, not any other random substances.

After Lady Guidie woke up again, she was clearly aware of the fishy taste in her mouth and glanced over with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

The two then continued their journey towards Azuchi Castle.

As sunset approached and there was still a long way to go, Liuyun asked if they wanted to rest. Lady Guidie resolutely gave a negative answer, saying that she only wanted to find out the truth of the matter as soon as possible.

There is nothing wrong with this.

Interestingly, while traveling under the starry night sky in the middle of the night, they actually encountered a vengeful spirit that had come back to life on an empty street.

There were five in total, and they should all be soldiers of the Asai family who died in battle at Odani Castle a few years ago. I even had a vague impression of the leader, Ryuun, and I vaguely felt that we had met before.

Therefore, it seems that the resurgence of vengeful spirits is indeed a real phenomenon and not a fabricated rumor.

This conveniently led the eyewitnesses to mistake Liuyun and Lady Guidie for such demonic creatures, rather than suspecting that Oda Nobunaga was bluffing and deceiving them.

Is it really just a coincidence?

It was truly a perfect coincidence.

Liu Yun had some doubts in his heart, but his hands were not idle. He drew the "Long Ship Long Light" from his waist and easily killed the five vengeful spirits.

Lady Guidie originally intended to draw her sword and fight, but before she could even make a move, she watched as all the enemies were killed.

Seeing this, she couldn't help but widen her eyes and ask incredulously, "Lord Liuyun, the speed and power of your sword swing just now... has it become even stronger?"

Liu Yun nodded and said, "Yes."

He knew that he had indeed become much stronger after seizing the Nine-Tailed Fox's power. The most obvious change was a significant improvement in his physical attributes.

Lady Guidie's eyes still gleamed with astonishment. She exclaimed "Ah!" and asked, "I find it hard to believe that you are even stronger than before. Your attacks are almost invisible, yet they still exude an overwhelming aura. May I ask, just how powerful have you become?"

"Well……"

This is a difficult question to answer.

It's difficult to measure "how skilled someone is" by any standard.

The nine-tailed fox chuckled in the virtual spiritual world, saying, "Why don't we let Lady Guidie try it herself and see just how strong Lord Liuyun really is!"

That's really going too far.

Even Iori, who had been relatively silent, couldn't help but roll her eyes and give him a disdainful look.

Of course, one cannot actually roll their eyes in the virtual world, but everyone can feel similar emotions.

The nine-tailed fox covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes darting back and forth.

Despite her innocent and carefree demeanor, Iori was greatly wary of her and immediately retreated.

The demon swordswoman, Nagafune Nagamitsu, suddenly interjected, "I never expected that the fearsome demon senior would be so approachable."

The nine-tailed fox shook her head and laughed, "What kind of senior demons are we now? We are all just servants of Lord Ryuun, and we must serve our master wholeheartedly! In that respect, Sister Yaodaoji is the senior! However, you seem to lack the spirit of service; you haven't completely dedicated your body and soul yet..."

These few words were enough to throw Yaodaoji into disarray and leave her speechless.

At this moment, Liu Yun appeared and ordered that they should not act recklessly.

The nine-tailed fox feigned a submissive and obedient demeanor, kneeling and bowing in apology.

However, Iori and Yoto Hime still looked uneasy.

Logically, the nine-tailed fox was ambushed by Oda Nobunaga and fell into a long slumber. It was only with the help of Ryuun that it had a chance to catch its breath. But no one expected that this brief awakening would frighten people like this.

Ryuun has already taken the initiative and can control the Nine-Tailed Fox's mind and body, so there's no need to be afraid of her. However, one can understand the fear that Iori and Nagafune Nagamitsu feel.

Leaving aside this side story in the virtual world, in the real world, after a moment's thought, Liu Yun answered Lady Gui Die as follows:

"I encountered Ōtakemaru ten years ago. At that time, I could only escape from him by chance and had no chance to fight back. But if we meet again today, I should be able to fight him, and I might even be able to win."

Lady Guicho was even more astonished upon hearing this, and exclaimed, "Is that the legendary King Ootakemaru of Suzuka Mountain?"

Liu Yun nodded: "It's that legendary Suzuka Mountain King, Ōtakemaru."

Lady Guidie was still shocked: "Is it that Ōtakemaru, who is on par with Ōtengu, Shuten-dōji, and the Nine-Tailed Fox?"

Liu Yun nodded again: "Yes."

Actually, the nine-tailed fox has already been... well, you know... but there's no need to brag about that.

Lady Kicho blinked a few times, let out a long sigh, and said with a bright smile, "In that case, I truly believe that you have a way to deal with Lord Nobunaga."

Liu Yun was a little surprised: "You didn't believe it before?"

"Ahem..." Lady Guidie lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed, and looked away. "I originally just felt that I had to explain my anger to Lord Nobunaga. At the same time, I also felt that since I had incurred his hostility and there was no way to escape, I might as well fight back..."

Liu Yun simply said "Oh," not paying much attention to the matter.

However, Lady Guidie seemed to find the matter rather embarrassing and awkward, and suddenly became much more reserved.

Although Liu Yun didn't understand, he didn't think there was anything wrong with it and didn't care.

……

We approached Azuchi Castle on the morning of the second day.

It was already broad daylight. Just like when I came last time, there weren't many active merchants, but many samurai who weren't on duty were now appearing in the streets and alleys, chatting about all sorts of random news, both true and false.

In addition, the security personnel in the castle town, as well as the guards at each gate and on the walls, have all begun their duties.

Although there wasn't a large-scale formal military deployment, it was estimated that at least four figures were stationed near Azuchi Castle to provide services and protection for Oda Nobunaga. If you looked up at the higher ground inside the castle, you could see many elite "Black-Clad Warriors" and "Red-Clad Warriors".

Roughly estimated, there should be four lines of defense leading from the main gate to the castle tower, which would involve more than three hundred armed forces.

Even if you sneak into Lake Biwa and take the back entrance via the waterway, you still need to overcome three layers of obstacles.

If it were Liu Yun a few years ago, facing this situation, he could only sneak up under the cover of night, concealing his tracks, to have a chance of breaking in. If he were to be discovered during this process, the odds would be against him, and his life would be uncertain.

Not to mention that Lady Guidie, whose martial arts skills are slightly inferior, also had to be brought along.

However, he was confident that he could force his way into the castle tower of Azuchi Castle today.

But having confidence doesn't mean putting it into practice.

After all, it was a risky move, and it would be foolish to fail. Even if it succeeded, it would inevitably result in the deaths of countless guards, which was not what Liu Yun wanted.

He decided to use the skill he had obtained from the nine-tailed fox, which he had not yet fully mastered.

Liu Yun first waved his hand, placing an imperceptible aura around himself, then winked at Lady Gui Die, leading her to the door. Ignoring the people queuing to be seen, he said directly to the guards, "I am an unknown person from the countryside, but I have some important matters to discuss and wish to see the magistrates in the city. Could you please make an exception?"

If it were someone else saying such arrogant and ignorant things, they would definitely be kicked out immediately, and might even be beaten up.

But for some reason, the lower-ranking warrior guarding the gate paused for a moment, then nodded to Liu Yun and said, "Alright, come with me, I'll take you to see the head guard."

The people queuing nearby probably thought he was someone with connections, and they all cast envious yet disdainful glances at him.

Liu Yun led Lady Gui Die calmly inside, and on the next level, they met a mid-level warrior known as a "Ban Tou".

Then he repeated what he had just said.

The intermediate-level warrior known as "Fan Tou" reacted much like the previous gatekeepers, obediently leading Liu Yun and Lady Gui Die inside to see the city's steward, "Feng Xing".

The "magistrate," whose identity was clearly that of a high-ranking samurai, also fell for the trick and led them to the door outside the citadel.

This area is the territory of the "Black-Clad Warriors" and "Red-Clad Warriors" who are by Oda Nobunaga's side. The passersby in front of them have no right to easily lead people through.

Throughout the entire ordeal, no one refused Liu Yun's request, nor did anyone raise any questions.

No one seemed to realize the special identities of these two uninvited guests—which was especially illogical. It was one thing not recognizing Sasaki Ryūun, the former "First Warrior of the Oda Clan," but how could so many Azuchi Castle staff not even recognize the mistress of the house?

Although everyone thought the mistress was dead, rumors said she had only been dead for about a year.

Standing outside the citadel, only two hundred steps from the castle tower, one could vaguely sense Nobunaga's presence. Ryuun nodded to himself, "So far, entering Azuchi Castle is no more difficult than entering Himeji Castle."

Lady Guidie was so shocked that her jaw almost dropped: "Lord Liuyun, such an ability has gone beyond the level of magic. Perhaps it should be called the 'authority' of words becoming law. Now, even if you were to say that you are the reincarnation of Xu Fu and the birth of the Great Tengu, I would find it somewhat believable."

Chapter 300 This woman is a bait trap

Originally, if Liu Yun's supernatural ability were used to control other people's minds, it could only target ordinary people with mediocre strength and weak will. But now, having gained more power and knowledge from the Nine-Tailed Fox, he has unlocked a new skill: using mental power to exert inducement and suggestion.

It is merely a suggestion rather than manipulation, so the recipient is unlikely to notice and will not have strong resistance. Its applicability is greatly expanded, and it can solve most of the guards in Himeji Castle and Azuchi Castle.

Of course, if you really encounter a powerful expert with high cultivation, they will most likely see through you at a glance, and there's no way to stop them from working.

Liu Yun easily led Lady Gui Die through four artificial defense lines, but he knew in his heart that it was time to stop.

We can't expect to defeat Oda Nobunaga with a wave of his hand; after all, he's the "Demon King," and we should treat him with respect.

With this in mind, Ryuun arrived at the entrance of the citadel, only to be surprised to find that there were no soldiers guarding it.

There was only one handsome young man with delicate features and fair skin, dressed in a light blue blouse embroidered with pink flowers, waiting there with a charming smile.

"Welcome, Lord Liuyun and Lady Guidie! In fact, when you two appeared at the city gates, the lord already knew and specifically instructed me to wait here."

As he said this, the handsome young man gracefully bowed down, displaying impeccable manners.

With such distinctive features, one could immediately recognize him as Mori Ranmaru, a favored pageboy of Oda Nobunaga. This man was not merely a servant to the emperor; he was entrusted with authority over all aspects of military, political, and domestic affairs, making him arguably the number one "chief secretary" in Japan at the time.

This chief secretary is also one of the nine-tailed fox's incarnations.

Moreover, it was a clone that had broken free of control and betrayed its original self.

Upon seeing Mori Ranmaru, Ryuun immediately sensed the anger and confusion transmitted by the Nine-Tailed Fox through their mental link.