I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

—Indeed, any martial artist who can make a name for themselves in the hidden world of Edo is a true superman!

Upon realizing this, Qingdeng couldn't help but grin.

Since the start of the battle, he had been consciously avoiding using sword techniques, instead using only basic moves such as thrusting, slashing, and vertical slashing, just like Saito Yakuro.

This is why the two of them clashed and fought with their swords so often.

If Qingdeng were to use sword techniques and routines from schools like the Natural Rishin-ryu or the Hokushin Itto-ryu, this battle would undoubtedly be much easier.

But he insisted on opposing it.

The reason is quite simple.

To be fair, compared to fighting styles that rely on tricks and tactics, Qingdeng prefers this kind of head-on confrontation, like trucks crashing into each other!

From a very long time ago, very few martial artists have been able to fight Qing Deng head-on.

The battle with "Power Saito" made him feel the "numbness in his hands holding the sword" that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Who knows when I'll encounter another pure and powerful warrior like Saito Yakuro?

It would be such a waste not to take advantage of this rare opportunity to have a great battle!

This head-on fighting style is quite physically demanding.

By now, both of them were covered in sweat, and wisps of heat were rising from their heads.

Their bare upper bodies were glistening and shiny with sweat.

Despite his rising body temperature and increasingly rapid breathing, Qing Deng showed no signs of fatigue; on the contrary, he fought with increasing vigor... The same was true for Saito Yakuro!

The age difference between the two seemed to exist without any difference.

Saito Yakuro's parries were flawless, and his attacks were as swift and fierce as thunder!

The two were surrounded by countless broken limbs and remains of bamboo swords.

The outcome of this fierce battle... was decided in a fleeting moment!

Suddenly, Saito Yakuro abruptly turned backward.

Upon seeing this, Qing Deng strode forward with his tall body like Kuafu chasing the sun, striking the opponent's shoulder with his bamboo sword.

At this moment, Saito Yakuro, who had already retreated, suddenly steadied himself and launched a counterattack, striking Aoto in the chest.

Saito Yakuro's sudden retreat was a classic example of the military tactic of "luring the enemy deep into your territory."

To lure Qingdeng into attacking, so that I can seize the opportunity to counterattack.

Qing Deng saw through Saito Yakuro's intentions, but he chose to play along, resolutely stepping forward and falling into the trap set by the other party.

In the end... Saito Yakuro made a wrong move.

Aoto slashed at Saito Yakuro's shoulder.

Saito Yakuro slashed at Aoto's chest.

The bamboo swords of both sides were destined to collide in mid-air.

However, this time the situation is slightly different from the previous knife fight.

This time, whether it was due to carelessness or something else, Saito Yakuro's sword angle was not ideal, so the expected slashing power could not be fully exerted.

The moment the two swords clashed, Saito Yakuro's bamboo sword was violently deflected.

Qingdeng's bamboo sword encountered no further obstacles and continued its downward trajectory!

Just as the sword was about to strike Saito Yakuro's shoulder, it suddenly stopped.

From a blurry "afterimage" to a steady "solid entity"... the sudden change in speed unleashed an extremely strong wind pressure, not only shaking off the large amount of sweat on Saito Yataro's body, but also causing his face to tremble uncontrollably.

The strikes they used in this battle were all powerful enough to shatter bamboo swords.

If such a strike were to land on a person... even a superhuman with extraordinary physical strength would definitely suffer considerable injury.

Even setting aside the utilitarian perspective of "having to maintain a good relationship with Saito Yakuro in order to secure the future talent market for the Shinsengumi's gunnery units," Aoto didn't want to hurt anyone casually, especially a cheerful old man he quite liked.

"..."

The old man remained as carefree as ever.

Despite the fact of defeat, his face showed no negative emotion.

She merely raised her graying eyebrows, then spoke softly with a slight smile:

"I lost."

[Ding! Talent detected]

[Successfully copied talent: "Late Bloomer +7"]

[Talent Introduction: The older one gets, the sharper and more agile one's mind becomes. The aging rate of organs slows down.]

--oh?

This time, it was Qing Deng's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"Late bloomer +7"... This talent with such a high numerical suffix can be traced back to more than a year ago, to the time when he killed the Rakshasa.

If the system has any other benefits for Qingdeng besides making him stronger, it would be that it "helps him see through the truth of the world".

Thanks to the system, he gradually came to understand everything.

No wonder he could unleash such a terrifying strike even in his seventies.

No wonder he was able to abandon swordsmanship for artillery at nearly 60 years old without hesitation, and master the relevant knowledge and skills in a very short time.

Great talents mature late... I see, I see.

—What a pity.

Qingdeng sighed inwardly.

—This talent is impressive, but it's completely useless to me right now…

This new talent is a true "late-game talent," and its power will only be unleashed decades later, when Qingdeng has become an old man with white hair.

Although it won't be useful in the short term, this new talent deserves the title of "god-level talent" in any case.

Life is a long marathon.

Whoever has more physical strength, more energy, and better physical condition can run farther and longer.

With this talent, it means that while others are too old and frail to move, Aoto can still run straight forward with vigor, just like Saito Yakuro today.

"Niou, how was it? Did you enjoy the fight?"

At this moment, Saito Yakuro's sudden question brought Aoto back to his senses.

Before Qingdeng could respond, he chuckled and answered his own question:

"Anyway, I had a great time! It's been a long time since I've had such a satisfying battle. It was really tiring."

Qingdeng smiled and replied:

"I'm happy to oblige too! Mr. Saito, let's have another match sometime when we have the chance!"

"Of course! However... I don't always stay in the training hall now, after all, my identity is no longer that of a martial artist, but an artillery expert."

"Regarding this... Mr. Saito, I happen to have something quite important that I would like to discuss with you."

Qing Deng lowered his voice and spoke seriously, enunciating each word clearly.

"When I have money in the future, may I be allowed to recruit artillery talents from your esteemed institution?"

"Oh?"

An intriguing expression appeared between Saito Yakuro's brows.

*******

*******

Today's update is late again... but there's a reason for that! (crying leopard head.jpg) It's the National Day holiday now, so I went out to eat with my family for the first time in a long time, which took quite a while.

Even so, Leopard hasn't forgotten his duty to write! Although the update was a little late, the new chapter was still successfully released! Please vote for this book with your monthly tickets, in recognition of Leopard's diligence!

Please vote with monthly tickets! Please vote with recommendation tickets! (Leopard crying.jpg)

Chapter 527 Breaking Through the "Three Great Daoist Arenas"! Qing Deng vs. His Father-in-Law! [5200]

Edo, Kanda Tamachi, Genbukan—

Ever since his relationship with Sanako became ambiguous, Aoto has been visiting the Genbukan more often.

Over time, he became acquainted with the disciples of the Genbukan school and Chiba Yoko's younger brothers, namely Chiba Dosaburo and Chiba Tamon Shiro.

Compared to the enigmatic Chiba Eijiro, the unrestrained Chiba Jutaro, the proud Chiba Tamon Shiro, and the dignified Sanako, Chiba Michizaburo is the least swordsman-like member of the Chiba family.

With delicate features, fair skin, gentle demeanor, and a peaceful smile often playing on his lips, he resembled a scholar studying ancient texts in his study rather than a swordsman wielding swords in a dojo.

On the surface, it's impossible to imagine that this kind and unpretentious young man would be the leader of Genbukan, the head of the three major dojos of Edo.

About six months before Aoto launched this "Edo Expedition," he had already challenged Chiba Dosaburo.

Looking back at the Red and White Battle two years ago, Chiba Michizaburo fought against five opponents single-handedly against the five strongest warriors of the Shieikan.

At that time, the lineup on the Shieikan side consisted of Aoto, Souji, Kondo Isami, Hijikata Toshizo, Inoue Genzaburo... It could be said that the strongest people in Shieikan were all there.

As a result, they were completely unable to do anything about Chiba Michizaburo.

Faced with Chiba Dosaburo's self-created "Hokushin Nitsuru-ryu", Aoto and his men were utterly defeated and routed.

In the end, only Aoto and Souji remained, struggling to hold on.

If it weren't for the extraordinary power of "Flowing Light" and "Flat Blue Eye Three-Stage Strike".

If it weren't for the perfect understanding between Aoto and Souji.

If it weren't for their good luck...

Otherwise, they would never have been able to defeat Chiba Michizaburo at that time.

Qing Deng's challenge six months ago was driven by a desire to "avenge his previous humiliation".

Perhaps the other party also wanted to know who was stronger between him and Qing Deng... In any case, when Qing Deng issued the challenge, Chiba Michizaburo nodded in agreement without hesitation.