Swallow Return

Miyata Mitsuji picked up the bamboo sword, assumed the correct posture, and solemnly said, "I am a disciple of the Hokuriku lineage of the Chujo-ryu swordsmanship, and have already received the fourth level of the profound technique 'Kasumitachi'."

Oto Tomonobu grasped a wooden stick, bowed respectfully, and said generously, "I am a disciple of the Shinto-ryu staff technique of the Tokai lineage, and have already obtained the permission of 'May Rain'."

Liu Yun shook his head indifferently: "My martial arts were taught by Zen Master Shunshan of Yuancheng Temple in Kyoto. I don't know which school or sect it belongs to."

After saying that, he strode forward.

First, a sudden vertical slash, like a thunderclap from the heavens falling to earth.

Miyata Mitsuji reacted quickly, raising his sword to parry, but he couldn't stop the power of the Flowing Cloud Divine Force. His bamboo sword was instantly cut in two, and a red, swollen bruise appeared on his forehead.

Then it swept horizontally, like a cold autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

With practiced ease, Oto Tomon quickly retreated, thinking he had narrowly escaped, but unexpectedly, Ryuun suddenly darted forward two feet and accurately slashed the belt around his waist.

Liu Yun calmly sheathed his sword and said indifferently, "This vertical and horizontal stroke is not some secret technique, but just the simplest basic skill."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Miyata Mitsuji and Oto Tomonobu were left standing there, stunned.

The Sasaki retainers were all delighted, with expressions that seemed perfectly natural.

The other onlookers in the city were all amazed and realized Liu Yun's unparalleled bravery. They all rushed up to chat and get close to him.

Some say it's about hosting a banquet.

Some people try to pull strings, saying they're related by blood or acquaintances from the previous generation.

Some wanted to become apprentices on the spot.

Some asked if I had a wife—and if so, whether I'd mind having one more, or even several.

Liu Yun gave a lonely smile, waved his hand, and said lazily, "It's getting late, and I have something to see Lord Kinoshita. We can discuss your invitations another day."

Then he leisurely left.

After hearing this reason, no one dared to stop them.

……

Once they were far away from the crowd, Eguchi Sukezaemon finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, saying, "Now they should understand why Lord Kinoshita values ​​our lord so highly. Who will dare to look down on the Sasaki family from now on!"

Hayami Kiyobei ​​hesitated for a moment before cautiously speaking, "Actually, the reason our lord easily defeated those two wasn't due to superior basic skills, but rather his innate immense strength and lightning-fast movements. If those two don't reflect properly after returning today, they might stray down the wrong path in swordsmanship..."

Eguchi Sukezaemon dismissed the matter, saying, "Hmph, who told them to be so defiant and block the road in front of so many people? Whatever the consequences, they'll only have themselves to suffer!"

Hayami Seibei sighed, "After all, they are fellow practitioners who have painstakingly practiced swordsmanship for decades. I can understand how they feel right now. Although they came with a provocative attitude, they are now clearly confused about the philosophy of swordsmanship... Sigh, I'm a little reluctant to see my fellow practitioners go astray..."

Liu Yun stopped and turned around, saying, "There's no need to offer kind words to those who come to provoke us. However, Qingbingwei, what friends you make and what you say in private is your business, and I won't care."

Hayami Kiyobei ​​pondered for a moment, understood the meaning behind the words, and bowed deeply with great emotion, saying sincerely, "Thank you, my lord, for showing consideration for a swordsman's dignity! Please allow me to leave for a moment."

Then he turned and walked toward Miyata Mitsuji and Oto Tomonori.

Seeing this, Eguchi Sukezaemon seemed to be deep in thought. He lowered his head and thought for a long time before suddenly saying, "My lord, as a samurai, I have practiced swordsmanship for many years, but I cannot understand the 'dignity of a swordsman' that Hayami Kiyobei ​​spoke of. In that case, can I still be considered a qualified samurai?"

Ryuun was somewhat surprised by this, but quickly came up with a response and said, “Everyone has their own ambitions. Hayami Seibei’s way of the samurai is to display his talents and make a name for himself; while your way of the samurai, Eguchi Sukezaemon, is to protect your homeland and be loyal to your duty. As for the two… if I had to say, I would say your philosophy is more commendable.”

Upon hearing this, Eguchi Sukezaemon's eyes lit up, and he immediately became delighted, nodding repeatedly: "My lord, you are absolutely right! Although we are all samurai, our ways of the samurai are completely different... By the way, my lord, what is your way of the samurai?"

This question stumped Liuyun.

He could only chuckle, feigning profundity, and brush it off with an expression that said, "It's all understood without words."

Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Flower Thief and the Demon-Slaying Ninja

Upon arriving at Yokoyama Castle Honmaru, I met Kinoshita Tokichiro as usual, and found him to be clearly absent-minded, lost in thought, and looking impatient.

Liu Yun was initially confused, but after thinking about it, he realized that this guy had just hooked up with three women he had brought back from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei and was eager to make it happen.

I was left speechless, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

This guy is a bit too "down-to-earth," or rather, a bit too "vulgar."

So he jokingly said, "It seems you have other important matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you any longer. Just take care of your health. Although the ape-faced transformation is powerful, it's probably not suitable for use in the bedroom."

Upon hearing this, Kinoshita Tokichiro paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, showing no embarrassment whatsoever, and boasted, "Don't underestimate me, brother. I don't need to transform to deal with three women. Don't just look at body size; a short man isn't necessarily less virile!"

Liu Yun had no desire to listen to this lewd middle-aged man's dirty jokes, so he immediately bowed and took his leave.

Kinoshita Tokichiro continued rambling on, "Brother, you can go home and hug your wife anytime, but you have no idea how hard it is for me! My family is all in Owari, and it takes ten days to go back and forth. I've been so busy lately that I haven't been back for half a year. As a castle lord, it's not convenient for me to go down to the castle to relax in the shops. I'm going to be bored to death..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yun simply responded with a few "hahahaha" sounds before quickly leaving.

Deep down, he was quite skeptical—that lewd monkey, how could he possibly hold back? He must have already made a move on the maid.

After leaving the palace, someone led the way to the residence that Kinoshita Tokichiro had arranged for you.

It was a secluded spot north of the main compound, a large house several meters in circumference, with a small courtyard planted with flowers and trees. It was spacious, bright, clean, tidy, and well-ventilated with plenty of light and air.

It's obvious that they have dedicated servants who take good care of it on a daily basis; that's quite good.

A long wooden sign hung at the entrance to the courtyard, which read "Sasaki Residence".

After entering and settling in with their entourage, they discovered that the servants assigned to the house were a middle-aged man and woman who looked like farmers. They were honest, hardworking, and not overly obsequious, which made them feel very comfortable.

Last time I stayed overnight in Hengshan City, I encountered a young girl who was eager to climb the social ladder and cross social classes. She was so eager to offer herself up and provide special services that it was no pleasure at all.

The servants packed their things, and the maidservant cooked dinner.

After finishing his meal, Liu Yun planned to rest early and wait for the next day's mission. However, unexpectedly, someone came to visit him after sunset.

"Is Lord Sasaki here? Maeno Nagayasu requests an audience."

Hearing the voice outside the house, it was someone they knew; there was no reason not to meet.

He ordered his attendants to open the door, and Liu Yun went out to the corridor to greet them, only to see three people outside.

The one at the very front is naturally Maeno Nagayasu.

There were two unfamiliar faces behind me... wait, upon closer inspection, they weren't unfamiliar at all. Weren't they the ones who had deliberately blocked the road and provoked me earlier—Miyata Mitsuji and Oto Tomonori?

Before Liu Yun could speak, Maeno Nagayasu interrupted with a fawning smile, "Excuse me, Lord Sasaki! You've met these two just now; one is named Miyata Mitsuji, and the other is named Oto Tomonori. In our Yokoyama Castle, they're considered relatively skilled samurai. Over time, they've become arrogant and ignorant. Hearing Lord Kinoshita's high praise of you, they dared to challenge you—how reckless! Fortunately, you were magnanimous enough not to harm them severely, and afterwards even sent someone to convey the true principles of swordsmanship to them… Now these two have reflected on their actions and begged me to come and put in a good word for them, hoping to gain their forgiveness…"

This explanation was a bit long-winded, but it finally made things clear.

Mitsuji Miyata and Tomonori Oto bowed repeatedly outside the door, bending deeply and saying things like "I'm sorry," "I'm sorry," and "Please forgive me."

The conflict had barely started, and before I knew it, important figures from the city had come to apologize.

Liu Yun didn't care much to begin with, and since the other party was quite respectful, he simply smiled faintly and waved his hand, saying, "Such a trivial matter, why bother with it—please come in!"

The three people outside the door did not come in.

Maeno Nagayasu repeatedly signaled with his eyes.

Miyata Mitsuji and Oto Tomonori stepped forward, with the former speaking first: "To express our sincere apology to Lord Sasaki, we two rude people have prepared a banquet at a tavern in the castle town. We would be grateful if you would do us the honor of attending!"

Oh, so there's a banquet!

Liu Yun had no objections.

After all, the daily diet in this era is too bland, so it's always good to take the opportunity to satisfy our hunger.

It's just... we just climbed up from the foot of the mountain, and now we have to climb back down. Isn't that a bit of a pain?

If it weren't for the monk's sake, tempura, and sea bream, I really wouldn't have bothered to eat it.

……

In this era, the taverns and lodgings in Japan can be roughly divided into two types.

The first type is similar to a post station, mainly providing accommodation services in key transportation hubs, catering to traveling merchants, itinerant performers, and even envoys and spies who frequently travel. These inns are characterized by their large size, numerous rooms, and spacious stables and warehouses. However, other aspects are not necessarily as refined.

The second type is similar to an entertainment venue, mainly located in prosperous areas with developed economies. It caters to high-income groups such as upper-middle-class samurai, wealthy merchants, and artisans, providing them with high-quality food and drink. In addition, it often offers hot water baths, gambling equipment, and other private services.

What Liuyun obtained tonight is clearly the latter.

The place wasn't very big, but it was decorated quite uniquely. There were plenty of waiters, and their appearance, clothing, words, and expressions were all very appropriate, making guests feel right at home.

It's easy to imagine that the Oda clan's samurai have been doing very well in recent years and must be quite well-off, which would have attracted such shops to appear in the castle town of Yokoyama Castle.

The cost is usually not low, but since Liuyun is here to "take time out of her busy schedule to visit", she doesn't need to worry about it.

The banquet appeared to be of very high quality. The three bottles of sake, from Nara, Kanazawa, and Miyazu respectively, each possessed distinct characteristics and all met the standards of monk-style sake. The fish included sea bream, bonito, and flounder; seafood included lobster, abalone, and oysters from Ise Bay; meat dishes included grilled scallop wings and wild boar; and vegetables were prepared in two ways: tempura and savory sauce…

In the 21st century, this would be at least a buffet costing 200 yuan per person, right?

In short, Liu Yun, as the heir to the great foodie empire, is satisfied.

If it weren't for the presence of so many people, I would have turned into a glutton and feasted to my heart's content.

Even so, the main focus of this banquet was on eating.

They didn't pay much attention to the social aspect.

It's just a ceremonial procedure anyway; no one can expect strangers to become friendly just by sitting down for a meal together.

In the room, Maeno Nagayasu tried his best to liven up the atmosphere, Miyata Mitsuji gradually relaxed and tried to make some self-deprecating jokes when toasting Ryuun, while Oto Tomonori remained rather reserved and sullen, appearing preoccupied.

Of course, this doesn't prevent Liuyun from enjoying her meal.

……

Given that we had work the next day, after a big meal, we didn't plan to play cards or take a bath, let alone go for a massage. We all went home in the first half of the night.

After a satisfying meal, Liu Yun strolled around the streets of the castle town, enjoying the cool breeze to sober up.

At this time, most shops were closed, with only a few special places still lit up, and the surrounding area was mostly dark.

But as Liu Yun walked, he suddenly noticed a man in black moving rapidly across rooftops and walls under the cover of night.

Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be coming from a street on the outskirts of the castle town.

It was the abandoned longhouse that housed the hundreds of women and children who had been taken from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei.

Could it be that a petty thief is trying to take advantage of the situation to steal?

But judging from the speed and skill of that figure, it shouldn't be a petty thief.

Unless... they're not after money.

Could he be the legendary flower thief with superb martial arts skills?

When Liu Yun brought them out from Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, he noticed that most of the hundreds of women, except for a few who looked old from the ravages, were beautiful—otherwise, they wouldn't have been targeted by the monks who had broken their vows.

Thinking about it this way, it's possible that it might attract a notorious womanizer.