I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

The complete work comprises 98 volumes in 106 books, totaling over three million words, making it the longest masterpiece in the history of Japanese classical literature.

Compared to the grand occasion when "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden" was published, Sojirō's "Seidō Hokusou" was nothing special.

It is said that when "The Eight Dogs of Nanso Satomi" was published, "booksellers and engravers flocked to his door every day, waiting to engrave each page as soon as it was completed; engraving each chapter as soon as it was finished. Ten thousand copies were sold immediately, and people from far and wide scrambled to see it."

Although the book was completed only 18 years ago, many scholars have already regarded "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden" as a representative work of samurai literature, comparing it to "The Tale of Genji," a representative work of court literature.

The reason why "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden" has such a high status is that, setting aside the writing style and plot, the subject matter itself is quite groundbreaking.

Princess Fushihime, daughter of Satomi Yoshizane, the lord of Awa, was cursed and mated with a dog demon. Upon learning that she was pregnant with the child of an animal, Fushihime committed suicide out of shame. At the moment of her death, the child she was carrying scattered in the form of "ki," combining with the eight prayer beads she wore, flying into the sky and scattering in all directions. The scattered beads eventually transformed into human form, becoming the Eight Dog Warriors, the protagonists of the story. These half-human, half-demon Eight Dog Warriors, with their superhuman skills, roamed around showing off their abilities—this is the synopsis of the story of *Nansō Satomi Hakkenden*.

It is said that later works such as "Inuyasha" and "Dragon Ball" were inspired by "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden".

In an era where most novelists and playwrights are tirelessly producing literary garbage such as "samurai chivalry," "father-in-law incest," and "elopement," Kyokutei Bakin has actually written a magnificent and richly detailed fantasy novel.

The story of "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden" is not outdated even in the 21st century, let alone in the 19th century when the general public's education and knowledge were not high.

In this way, it is not difficult to understand why "Nansō Satomi Hakkenden" caused such a sensation after its publication.

At the same time, it is not hard to understand why Aoto felt that Ugaki Goro's claim that Sojiro's talent was comparable to Kyokutei Bakin was an overstatement.

"Young man, do you like reading?"

Suddenly, Ugaki Goro turned around and asked Aoto.

"I quite enjoy reading."

Qingdeng replied.

"Oh? What kind of books do you usually read?"

Ugaki Goro raised an eyebrow and pressed for an answer.

"Mainly historical records."

Although Qing Deng possesses a series of abnormal talents such as "Divine Brain +9" and "Gathering of Spirit", he is ultimately a human being, not a machine.

Since we are human, we will always have times when we are tired and want to rest.

Therefore, in his spare time from work and martial arts training, Qingdeng would also find various ways to relax his mind and body.

However, compared to the diverse and vibrant modern world, entertainment options in the Edo period were extremely limited.

Having been influenced by modern culture, Qing Deng simply cannot appreciate artistic performances such as Kabuki and Joruri puppet shows, as well as storytelling and novels of this era.

In Qing Deng's view, novels from the Edo period are not as interesting as history books.

At least in history books there are always exaggerated stories that even novelists wouldn't dare to make up.

As a result, reading... especially history books, became one of Qingdeng's greatest pleasures and one of his main ways of relaxing.

Of course, Qingdeng's reading of history books is "reading" in the true sense.

He treated history books like novels.

He never thought about studying the contents of history books in detail, nor did he consider the idea that "reading history can help one understand the rise and fall of dynasties"—he simply read stories to pass the time.

"History books? Wow~~ I didn't expect you to be not only a highly skilled swordsman, but also a learned scholar."

After making this remark in a strange tone that was hard to decipher—whether it was praise or sarcasm—Ugaki Goro walked straight to a corner of the room and sat down with an air of authority.

"Alright, let's get down to business. You said you wanted to talk to me about Tachibana Takayuki, right?"

Qingdeng nodded slightly.

Looking at Aoto nodding, Goro Ugaki's face slowly turned solemn.

"If that's the case, then please take off your straw hat and let me see who you really are."

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng's eyes flickered slightly.

"Will you only be honest with me if I take off my straw hat?"

"Of course."

Ugaki Goro said without thinking:

"If it's just about novels, women, or all sorts of trivial things, then forget it."

“But when it comes to Takayuki Tachibana… I can’t be so casual about it.”

"No matter who you are, I don't want to talk about Takayuki Tachibana with a stranger who hides his face and doesn't even dare to show it."

"If you want to talk to me about Takayuki Tachibana, take off your straw hat and show your true face."

"Otherwise, please turn back and go home."

Ugaki Goro's tone was firm and unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation.

Sanako and Souji both raised their eyes and looked at Aoto—like Ugaki Goro, they were waiting for Aoto's reply.

Aoto did not keep Ugaki Goro, Sanako, and Souji waiting for long.

In just a moment, he whispered:

"...I understand, I may remove my hat. However, I beg you to keep this a secret and not tell any outsiders that I have been here."

"Oh?"

Ugaki Goro grinned, leaning forward towards Aoto's location and watching him with interest.

"Young man, are you perhaps some kind of household name?"

Faced with Ugaki Goro's question, Aoto smiled but remained silent.

"Alright! I promise you! Even if you are Tokugawa Iemochi, I will not tell anyone that you have ever been here!"

"I am extremely grateful."

Qingdeng thanked him in a low, indifferent tone.

Then, under Ugaki Goro's piercing gaze, Aoto raised his hand and ripped off the low-brimmed straw hat on his head.

Looking at Aoto's face under his straw hat, Ugaki Goro first looked puzzled.

Immediately afterwards, the "doubt" turned into "sudden realization".

Finally, a look of utter astonishment appeared on his face.

While Ugaki Goro was still in shock, Qing Deng said solemnly:

"As you can see, I am Tachibana Aoto, captain of the Third Division of the Fire Thieves. I am currently wanted by the government for 'Niou'... and also the only son of Tachibana Takayuki."

"Tachibana...Aonto...?"

Ugaki Goro muttered the name Aoto softly.

Aoto wisely stopped speaking, giving Ugaki Goro time to react and process what was happening.

After a full three minutes, Ugaki Goro finally let out a long breath, then chuckled through his nose while leaning back against the wall behind him.

"...Hmph, what a day it is today! I never expected that my little sunroom would welcome such a distinguished guest today."

"No wonder you were able to beat that kid Wei Qi to a pulp."

"If he knew that his opponent today was Niou, Weiqi would probably feel better."

"To suffer a crushing defeat against the invincible King Ni is not exactly a shameful thing."

At this point, Goro Ugaki shifted to a more relaxed and comfortable sitting posture.

"Alright, now that you've taken off your hat and revealed your true colors, it's my turn to show my sincerity."

"Hmph, the other party is Longzhi's son... In that case, I can't just make things up."

Aoto keenly noticed that after learning his true identity, Ugaki Goro changed how he addressed Tachibana Takayuki.

The awkwardness of calling him by his full name has been replaced by the affectionate "Longzhi".

In this regard, Aoto is certain that Tachibana Takayuki and Ugaki Goro do indeed have a very close relationship!

“Tachibana Seito, ask your question—what do you want to talk to me about Tachibana Takayuki… about your father? Oh, right, why are you all just standing there? Aren’t you tired? Go find an empty spot and sit down.”

Upon hearing what Ugaki Goro said, Aoto and the others belatedly realized that they were still standing.

The three of them quickly sat down in a triangular formation directly opposite Ugaki Goro.

“Mr. Ugaki, as far as I know, you and my father are quite close, is that right?”

"Yes."

Ugaki Goro gave an affirmative answer without hesitation.

"Could you tell me in detail how you met my father?"

"How did you meet? Hmm... well..."

Ugaki Goro pursed his lips, as if deep in thought.

As he pondered, he raised his hand and stroked his chin.

Then, he chuckled softly a few times, a meaningful look appearing on his face.

"To put it simply, I met Longzhi through a loan."

"Borrow money?"

Qing Deng was taken aback.

"Why are you looking so surprised? I'm the owner of a private money exchange that specializes in lending. I met Takayuki through a loan—is that so unbelievable?"

At this point, Ugaki Goro paused, sighed, and then adopted a deep, melancholic tone:

"Thinking back carefully... the whole story of how I met and became acquainted with Longzhi is indeed quite unbelievable. He borrowed 5000 taels of gold from me in one go, and then, through a series of coincidences and confusion, I gradually became familiar with him without even realizing it."

Ugaki Goro's consciousness was immersed in memories.

However, Qing Deng was not listening at all.

To be precise, his attention was completely drawn to that string of numbers.

"...5000 taels of gold?"

Qingdeng asked tentatively in a cautious tone.

Ugaki Goro seemed to have anticipated Aoto's reaction. He observed Aoto's changing expression with interest, and said in a tone tinged with amusement:

"Yes, you heard me right. It's not 5000 copper coins, nor 5000 silver coins, but 5000 taels of gold."