I became the Lord of the Eternal World in Tokyo.

Because Imagawa Yoshimoto had absolute confidence in her own charm, so much so that even with such a significant benefit offered in advance, she believed he would still follow her.

Uesugi Tetsu couldn't help but laugh.

Such an absurd thing could probably only be done by the head of the Imagawa family.

He replied, "But I think so."

Uesugi Tetsuya said,

"Lord Okabe, I wish to cut off the heads of those ignorant elders for Lord Yoshimoto—if that would make the Imagawa clan even stronger."

Now it was Okabe Motonobu's turn to be puzzled.

She made it so clear, yet she received this response?

Even when faced with rewards and fiefs from daimyo-level figures, they remain unmoved and refuse without a second thought.

Are there still people in this world who are so pure and detached from worldly desires?

This is truly...unheard of.

So she asked coldly, "Why?"

Without hesitation, Uesugi Tetsuya replied, "I want to assist Imagawa Yoshimoto."

He disrespectfully called out Imagawa Yoshimoto's full name, causing Okabe Motonobu to unconsciously furrow his brow.

—During the Warring States period, it was acceptable to call someone by their family name, common name, or given name with a suffix. However, calling someone by their full name would greatly increase the chance of triggering a samurai duel.

But before she could speak, she heard Uesugi Tetsu continue.

"I want to see her become the ruler of the Tokaido, I want to see her become the general who reigns over all people."

Uesugi Tetsu: "If I could witness such a scene with my own eyes, it would be completely worth it even if I died."

"As for myself... does my high or low social status offer any additional help in cultivation?"

I have wandered through this chaotic world for a long time, and it has been a long time since I met a wise ruler. Therefore, I only wish to assist her in reaching the highest position.

Uesugi Tetsu countered, "Is there anything wrong with that idea?"

Motonobu Okabe was speechless.

She understands.

She understands this feeling all too well.

—Because she herself thought the same way!

As long as I can see my lord become the ruler of the world in this lifetime, nothing is too much to ask!

Motonobu Okabe remarked with emotion,

"Che, I find that we actually get along quite well."

In a sense, that is indeed the case.

Uesugi Tetsu nodded secretly.

Can I ask her about questions related to cultivating one's mental state?

Uesugi Tetsuya did what he thought of.

"Lord Okabe..."

"Mr. Che, how old are you?" Okabe Motonobu rarely interrupted him directly.

Uesugi Tetsu raised an eyebrow, but still answered.

"eighteen."

"I happen to be a few years older than you, so please call me Sister Yuanxin from now on, Mr. Che."

You call me Mr. Che, and I call you Sister Yuanxin, right?

Each classic has its own interpretation.

However, being able to get closer to Motonobu Okabe in such an unexpected way is a pleasant surprise.

Uesugi Tetsuya didn't refuse and generously addressed her, "Then, Yuanxin-nee, what are your thoughts on cultivating one's mental state?"

"State of mind..."

Motonobu Okabe was somewhat puzzled: "Why ask an outsider like me about such a private matter instead of asking yourself?"

However, she still gave her answer.

"If one day you actually witness your lord's successful ascension to Luoyang, will it help your mental cultivation?"

Uesugi Tetsu recalled what had happened between him and Ririko back then, and the subtle changes in his feelings at the time, and replied somewhat uncertainly,

"Probably so."

"That's easy."

The sound of rushing water came from the other side of the sliding door, and Okabe Motonobu's shadow reached out a hand towards him.

“Mr. Che, please go and witness it, stand behind our lord and witness all of this.”

……

Four days later, at noon.

【Coronal Breathing (Skin Hardening 336/360)】

In the courtyard, Uesugi Tetsu stared at the proficiency panel before him, muttering to himself,

"There is one last training session before I can complete the skin tempering stage."

Chapter 171 Skin forms the outline, bones form the pillars, the flow of time changes, and even the frail Onmyoji Che can attempt to slay.

In the private courtyard of Imagawa-kan, Uesugi Tetsuya.

After seeing the servant who was preparing the medicinal bath come out of the room, Uesugi Tetsu stood up.

Only one last medicinal bath training session is needed to complete the first major stage of the Flesh Palace training: Skin Tempering.

The term "Palace of Flesh" is actually used in two places.

The first is the mastery level of all breathing techniques, a level of proficiency that has been collectively referred to by predecessors as the "Palace of Flesh".

As for the reason, Uesugi Tetsu thought it was probably because, among the vast majority of breathing techniques, this stage required the highest level of proficiency in "flesh tempering".

Secondly, there is the "Palace of Flesh," one of the four ultimate forms that I recently unlocked after reading the nine books on breathing techniques.

The Palace of Flesh here is the ultimate form of "flesh" among skin, bone, flesh, and tendons.

Although both are called the Palace of Flesh, there is a significant difference between them.

"Bai Shi, don't you want to take a break? You need to balance work and rest to go faster and more steadily."

Before entering the room, Uesugi Tetsu spoke to Shiraishi, who had been squatting under the shade of a tree studying the manual all day.

Since Shiraishi experienced the strong positive feedback four days ago, he has spent almost all his time studying and practicing the ninja manual in his hands, except for eating and sleeping.

In four days, he had already skimmed through the manual.

Thanks to this, Shiroishi should now have a strength level of about half a star.

—But given Shiraishi's personality, such a strong drive to learn is clearly abnormal.

It's like a three-minute fad.

If he doesn't restrain himself now, he might greatly dampen his interest in cultivation when he encounters setbacks later.

Bai Shi, engrossed in watching, didn't hear this until Er Chi, who was sitting on a tree branch chirping and singing with the sparrows, jumped down and patted him on the shoulder, at which point Bai Shi looked up.

The two-foot-tall man repeated what he had said.

Shiraishi blinked, about to say no, no, no need to rest at all, when he saw Uesugi Tetsu stand up, probably preparing to begin his daily "terrifying training".

He called it a terrifying training because every day after Uesugi Tetsu entered the house, a series of crackling and whooshing eerie noises would come from inside.

This time usually lasts about an hour.

If it's an hour, it's only just past noon.

After his eyes darted around, Shiroshi tentatively suggested, "Boss, that 'slashing power test' in the east of the city seems to be quite popular lately."

It's said that after you strike it, the big black ball that was hit will accurately report the force of your strike in a strange tone—it's truly amazing!

The two-foot-tall man standing beside him had a strange expression.

Isn't this... that black, shiny Zanzemaru that Lord Che took out a couple of days ago?

—Because at home, her father beat up the samurai Zanzemaru every day, so she was used to it and didn't find it particularly amazing.

She thought Lord Che must think the same way.

So Shiraishi will probably be disappointed.

Shiraishi looked on expectantly: "How about we try it this afternoon?"

To Erchi's surprise, Uesugi Tetsuya, who was not far away, nodded after a moment's thought: "Alright. I'll take you all with me after I finish my training today."

Shiraishi immediately exclaimed, "Yay!"

The two-foot-tall man scratched his head, not quite understanding what Uesugi Tetsu was thinking.

—Of course, Uesugi Tetsu had his own considerations.

Three days ago, after he publicly displayed the Samurai Satsumaru, it immediately attracted samurai and ronin from all over the world in Sunpu Castle.

Many people followed suit and went to the Imagawa Museum as well, which has resulted in the museum being surprisingly quiet at the moment.

The area where Samurai Slayer stayed, known as "Senzanji" (Test Slayer Ground), has been incredibly popular and crowded for the past three days.

Although it requires having "some connection with the Imagawa family," nothing else is required.

More importantly, Imagawa Yoshimoto made the crucial decision that "the first three attempts can be free."

This is the real reason why the Trial Slash Ground has remained incredibly popular to this day.

Because it's free to try your hand at slashing, many eager samurai come with the thought, "Why not give it a try?"

Then, after the samurai had slain it once, they were amazed and it became a self-spreading tap water.

Therefore.

After completing the skin tempering, Uesugi Tetsu wanted to test his skills and show off his strength without holding back.

Because Okabe Motonobu had already secretly contacted him yesterday.

It is said that Imagawa Yoshimoto wanted to deal with the elders left in the Imagawa residence after they had all left Sunpu Castle and had alibis, after they had gone to conquer Mikawa Province.

In this way, we won't give others a reason to criticize us.

Even if some people suspect that the deaths of the elders are related to Imagawa Yoshimoto.

However, without evidence, these suspicions will only crumble in the face of the judgment of the world in the future.

—There should only be a few days left before we set off for the Three Rivers Kingdom.

However, if Uesugi Tetsu were to go and demonstrate his strength now, there would be a risk of "revealing his own forces".

However, this move would also allow those elders to gather more powerful guards around them and expose more potential reactionary forces.

Moreover, this intimidating power emanating from the Onmyoji Che will make the elders even more wary and hesitant to act rashly.

Based on Imagawa Yoshimoto's past practices, this is likely just a warning, and he will never actually take action.

Contrary to the aforementioned situation of summoning guards, the elders may even feel a strange sense of security because of it.

In addition, the purge after demonstrating overwhelming strength can also make any remaining unscrupulous individuals think twice before taking action.

The name of Onmyoji Che will spread even more widely, thereby increasing his prestige during the Warring States period.

—This thing may not seem very useful, but it can actually increase the completion rate of the main quest.

Therefore, this move of openly testing the waters, apart from revealing part of his own strength, has countless advantages!

It has only one drawback besides a hundred benefits!

But this harm is far too minor.

because……