Female Swordsman Training Dojo

However, although Harunobu had taken his stance, the enemy did not come to him. A scarlet light had drawn their attention. The Yakuza, who had been transformed into ordinary monsters and were now driven only by instinct, turned around almost simultaneously and stared at the light that was shining from the sword hunter.

The overwhelming smell of rust permeated the air, covering the long street. A dark red figure dragged a withered arm and pierced through the Yakuza who was still in a supporting posture.

The eyes of Touki Sanada and Harunobu met. His blurry face tilted upwards, and then he flicked his arm, throwing off the corpse hanging on the Bizen longship, and went to the next victim.

As soon as he moved, the demonized Yakuza roared and charged toward the being they feared most and craved most.

Although he was temporarily relieved, Qingxin did not relax. He looked at the dark red figure and countless questions flashed through his mind. The first question was why Daoshou was not dead.

His previous reaction had already proven that he was a half-spirit. This could not actually be considered a monster, but rather a complex condition and a shortcut to enhancement. It originally referred to the situation where the soul leaves the body but still maintains a connection with the original owner. However, when an ordinary person's soul separates, it usually only forms a soft, fluffy ball like rice cake or mochi, rather than a dark red figure.

The only possible explanation for this is that the half-spirit completely broke away from its original owner and developed self-awareness—or, someone's soul was forcibly refined into another person's half-spirit. Although this still doesn't explain why Sanada didn't die, no matter how the half-spirit was formed, it should be a half-body that shares life and death with its master.

This explains why Sanada said that the sword hunters were unfilial descendants, and why he protected them.

The powerful soul was coveted by the descendant, who forcibly refined it. Then, due to the connection between their souls, the descendant had to be protected—no, that's not right, an ordinary monster without a brain couldn't possibly use the refining method.

Moreover, the sword hunter's attire didn't resemble that of a modern person; rather, it seemed to be from the Warring States period...

Qingxin's guess was very close to the truth, but what he didn't expect was that this situation was just an accident, a coincidence.

Meanwhile, the zombies and wandering spirits that awakened in the dilapidated ancestral graves in the mountains encountered each other. Driven by instinct, the two devoured each other because they had no food. In the end, the wandering spirits were the first to awaken and became what they are now.

This is why Suzuki Ippei wanted to capture Touki alive, because the organization behind him was engaged in the research of yokai. Such an unexpectedly born mutant, which was a fusion of two completely different yokai, was exactly what they needed.

However, they didn't realize that there was a conscious soul inside the stiff body of the sword hunter. This wasn't surprising, given that this soul...

Chapter 77

Even when the body is in good condition, it is difficult to come out.

But it doesn't matter now. The zombie, whose head has been severed, can no longer restrain his half-spirit, and the abundant fresh flesh and blood can prevent the wandering soul from dying along with the gradually weakening body.

Chapter 76: Hozoin School / Slaying the Sword Hunter

A massacre.

It is no exaggeration to describe how the sword-hunting Sanada ravaged the Yakuza. Those Yakuza who at most wielded katanas, and most of them used iron bars and steel rods, were no match for a completely insane elite monster. Not to mention the difference in martial arts and physical strength, the fact that their minds were completely controlled by magic already sealed their fate.

In the chaos of the battlefield, Harunobu was the calmest one. The Yakuza either collapsed and fled or rushed towards the sword hunters, and no one paid any attention to him.

As for the sword hunter, although Taira no Harunobu appeared to be seriously injured, he thought of the amazing slash he had just delivered. He would rather kill all the moving flesh and blood around him first, so that he could fully recover his former strength before crushing Taira no Harunobu!

Even if this gives Taira no Shinichi the same chance to recover, it doesn't matter. This guy's strength limit is probably just that one strike. Once he fully recovers, that strike won't be anything special!

Blood flowed freely, and the dark red figure became increasingly solid. Every time the Bizen Osafune swung its blades, someone was bound to die. As most of the Yakuza fell, the Bizen Osafune finally cut into the chest of a demonized Yakuza. Foul-smelling demon blood gushed from the wound, which allowed him to completely stabilize his body.

Jinshan Xun had already put down her binoculars, no longer looking at the one-sided battlefield. She reached into her clothes several times, but still couldn't take anything out. She turned to look at the two people behind her.

The kitten and Tanaka Yaichi were looking anxiously at the battlefield in the distance. Nishikiyama Kaoru understood their feelings very well, although he couldn't figure out who the two were really worried about.

Oh, he did think of part of what the kitten was worried about: "Team Leader Kitten, that Ping Qingxin is definitely doomed now."

"Yes," the kitten replied reluctantly, "the problem is, aren't we going to run away?"

Jinshan Xun touched the thing in her arms again, and then said, "Let's keep watching, what if Taira no Shin can turn the tables?"

There were too many unexpected twists and turns tonight, making Jinshan Xun somewhat insecure. Of course, more importantly, the things he held in his arms gave him confidence in his survival, especially with two more baits in the way.

Moreover, with such heavy losses today, if he can't produce results, even if he is a close confidant of Suzuki Ryuichi, even if some of the people lost were from his Nishikiyama group... no, it's precisely because his Nishikiyama group lost so many people that he will encounter even more trouble.

We must produce satisfactory results!

Hirahara Harunobu! Don't let me down!

Under the completely indifferent gaze of Nishikiyama Kaoru, or even ignored by him, the Yakuza began a complete rout. Even the last Yakuza that had been transformed screamed and scrambled toward the manhole cover. However, Touki was faster than him and had already set his sights on him, the one with the highest degree of transformation, who had turned into a giant lizard.

The Bizen Osafune slashed open the lizard's neck, bathed in hot blood, and gazed at Harunobu.

Harunobu also exhaled a thunderous breath and placed his hand on the hilt of Yukikiri's sword.

"What terrifying swordsmanship! The user hasn't even touched the heart, yet they can unleash such terrifying power." Dao Shou's hoarse voice rang out again. "But that's all."

He lifted his left foot and picked up a long spear that some Yakuza had brought, saying, "Hozoin-ryu, Menkyo Kaiden, Sanada! I pay my respects!"

“Hozoin-ryu…” Harunobu looked at the sword hunter holding a two-meter-long spear and his lips twitched. Is the final test of single sword against spear coming so soon?

But now we have no choice but to fight.

Although there was no need to fight anymore, since the headless zombie lying there was enough to fill the last quota for Harunobu, and for Sanada, thanks to Yakuza's selfless sacrifice, there were so many fresh flesh and blood, and even more than a dozen half-demons, which was much better than hunting mortals here and there before. In short, he had now completely become a fierce spirit and could just run away.

However, now is the time to continue fighting.

Harunobu's lips unconsciously curled up. After recovering during the time he spent with the sword hunter Tutuyakuza, he would probably be able to use the Fire and Thunder God again. However, after using it this time, he would really have to lie down. And Nishikiyama Kaoru hadn't come out yet. That guy could probably transform too. It was impossible to rely on Koneko and Tanaka Mataichi... But the time was about right.

He glanced at the bright moon, which was already high in the sky and was gradually sliding down, and exhaled a breath of white air. A cold wind blew up in the middle of the winter night, making his haori (a type of traditional Chinese garment) flutter.

"How about deciding the outcome with one move?"

Harunobu lowered his upper body and sheathed the Snow Cutter. The metal blade scraped against the wooden scabbard, producing a dull thud. Sword Hunter, gripping his spear, shouted, "No need for these tricks. I won't underestimate you based on that last strike—"

Choking!

The Snow Cutter, which had only been halfway back in its sheath, was suddenly drawn. The word "Kill" was still in his mouth when lightning was already approaching. The deafening thunder startled the surrounding residents, who wanted to peek out but were afraid of the Yakuza they had seen before. They could only pace anxiously in their rooms.

But facing the blade that had just beheaded him, the dark red figure looked up with a gleeful smile, then raised his spear—and stabbed!

An ordinary long spear spun and thrust out in Dao Shou's hand, the spear shaft and the man body becoming one. The force flowed from his feet to the top of his head and through to the spear tip, spinning rapidly and bringing with it a howling wind.

From the Oda army to the Uesugi army, and then to the Kinoshita army, Sanada spent his entire life on the battlefield, and his spear skills, honed through countless battles, were his greatest talent.

This move was the fastest, most accurate, and strongest shot in his spear technique!

In addition, the bewitching magic he gained after becoming a demon further enhanced the demonic nature of this move, making people unconsciously and willingly come to him.

This is—Hozoin School, Okugi Kai, Kazekami-getsu!

Within the range of his shot, the wind even suppressed the thunder! And Qingxin seemed to be actively facing the spinning, moon-like spear tip.

The scene unfolded in a flash, visible only in slow motion: the samurai wielding the sword had a spear plunged into his abdomen. The spinning spear shaft and tip tore and churned the existing wound, and amidst the gushing blood, slippery internal organs spilled onto the spear shaft.

However, as the spear pierced through, the expressions of the gunman and the knife-wielder were completely opposite to the actual situation.

The victor with the gun looked tense, then suddenly realized what was happening and grabbed the katana stuck beside him, while the samurai with the sword laughed wildly and swung his sword.

Harunobu did indeed move towards the spearhead voluntarily, but not because he was bewitched. He did so by his own will, so the spearhead only pierced his abdomen, and he moved directly to Toushi's side along the straight shaft of the spear!

The pain of being pierced through his body only fueled his power, causing the Breath of Thunder to roar with boundless joy, providing him with strength.

Boom!

The long swords clashed, and the hastily lifted Bizen Osafune was pressed directly against the chest of the swordsman. The immense force that Harunobu unleashed caused the swordsman's tiger's mouth to burst open, releasing dark red smoke, but he still managed to withstand the attack!

With his eyes wide open, Togashi excitedly swung his arms, and the Bizen Nagafune, which was held diagonally in front of him, spun around with the movement of his feet, leading Yukikiri into the open space, while Togashi came to Harunobu's side and behind.

Got it!

The nearly destroyed Bizen Osafune whistled as it slashed toward Harunobu's unsuspecting nape, but just as the blade was swung, the sword hunter realized something was wrong.

Is the space being stretched out?

What? What's pulling me in?

That is……

Chapter 78

Where was I just now?

The veteran's experience allowed Blade Hunter to instantly assess the situation, but by then it was too late.

Harunobu, seemingly out of balance due to excessive force, had already turned around. The spear embedded in his abdomen trembled slightly before it could turn around, and Yukikiri had already cleaved open Togashi's chest.

Flying Sword Style - Ultimate Technique: Heavenly Soaring Dragon Flash!

This move is the ultimate secret of the Flying Sword Style. The user must swing two swords at an extremely fast speed. The first sword is like a dragon raising its head, which is powerful and also presses down on the surrounding air. Once the enemy dodges or blocks this move, the second sword that comes immediately will draw the air pressed down by the first sword to form a brief vortex vacuum, pulling the enemy back to its original position. Then—slash!

This is what is known as "avoiding the dragon's head, but unable to dodge its claws."

"pretty!"

The swordsman, whose arms had been cleanly cleaved in two from the base, managed to utter a sound with difficulty. He then looked at the spear at Harunobu's waist and said, "If it were a scythe-spear—damn it!"

The dark red mist burst forth and scattered, only to be blown away by a gust of cold winter night wind, at which point the system notification sounded.

【mission completed】

Harunobu, who had been struggling to stay upright, finally relaxed, swayed, and plopped down on the ground.

Then a round of applause rang out, and Jinshan Xun clapped his hands, calmly smiling as he walked out of the shadows: "As expected of someone who could wipe out the entire Huashan Group by himself, no, I should say that the Huashan Group was so powerful that even you couldn't hold back. It is truly an honor for my Demon Dragon Society, Lord Ping Qingxin."

Chapter 77: The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, but thunder...

"Yakuza?"

Harunobu looked curiously at Nishikiyama Kaoru, who was dressed in hunting clothes and looked like a Heian nobleman. This was the first time he had ever seen Nishikiyama Kaoru in person.

"Yes, my name is Jinshan Xun, and I am the leader of the Jinshan Group, a direct branch of the Demon Dragon Society." Jinshan Xun bowed politely to Qingxin and said in a calm and courteous tone, "I have come uninvited today to ask Lord Taira Qingxin for a favor."

"Borrow what? I don't lend out swords or disciples." Qingxin shrugged, but the movement aggravated the wound on his abdomen, making him grimace. "Tsk, but for you Yakuza, I wouldn't mind lending you my sword to your neck, especially you Yakuza who love to spread rumors."

Harunobu would never admit to the Hanayama Group's involvement, and Nishikiyama Kaoru was merely testing the waters. In fact, after watching Togai's performance, he had already assumed that the Hanayama Group had perished at Togai's hands.

Now that he's so close, Hiraharu Shin hasn't made a move yet. It seems he really has no fighting ability left.

Jinshan Xun took out a small wooden box, about the size of a palm, from his pocket with satisfaction. The box was quite exquisite on the outside, but inside was a dark, somewhat rough-looking pill.

The pill was about three or four centimeters in diameter. Without hesitation, Jinshan Xun threw it into his mouth. With a swallowing motion, dense feathers spread from his body, even bulging his wide hunting robe.

But the biggest change was to his head. His once handsome face suddenly began to elongate, like Pinocchio, stretching forward until it reached a length of 15 centimeters.

His extremely prominent long nose, feathers, and the black hat on his head made Harunobu immediately recognize the object of his demonic transformation—a tengu.

"You are truly strong, Lord Taira no Harunobu. Even in your current state, I feel as if you could still kill me, so I have no choice but to waste a true medicine pill. Be honored for that, Lord Taira no Harunobu. You will die at the hands of a tengu—"

Before Jinshan Xun could finish his seemingly polite trash talk, a thunderclap exploded behind him, startling him so much that he immediately dodged to the side.

"Give me--"

The lightning bolt paused in front of Qingxin, who awkwardly raised his hand towards his top disciple.

The lightning flashed again.

"Leaving my teachers' college—"

The arrogant demeanor of the wingless fake tengu had vanished, replaced by rage and panic. It frantically moved its legs, trying to get away from Hirayukiko.

But Hirako, who was attacking in anger and had already gathered her strength beforehand, flashed twice in succession and pressed down in front of him.

"Go further away!"

The wooden sword struck Nishikiyama Kaoru's neck, slamming him against a low wall. The sturdy blade of the wooden sword snapped in two under the impact, demonstrating the immense force Hirako used in her furious attack.

Harunobu was dumbfounded. He opened the system panel and carefully confirmed that Hirayukiko was indeed at the level of a middle school student. How could she beat Nishikiyama Kaoru, whose strength was at least comparable to that of an ordinary-level yokai and who seemed to have retained her complete self, like a dog?

With that kind of power just now, if it were a real sword, Jinshan Xun's head would probably be gone.

But there's no difference now.

After the wooden sword broke, the dizzy and disoriented Nishikiyama Kaoru was about to retaliate when Taira Yukiko, who had just paused in front of Harunobu, casually picked up the Yukigiri sword and it fell down, severing his head.

The tengu's head rolled on the ground until it reached Harunobu, where it transformed back into the effeminate and handsome face of Nishikiyama Kaoru. In his eyes, the figures of the kitten and Tanaka Mataichi running towards Harunobu were reflected.

Do not look down.

"Shi Fan, are you alright?!"

The kitten arrived at Harunobu's side before Tanaka could, wanting to save Harunobu but not knowing where to start. Pulling out the gun now would only cause secondary damage.

“Shifan…” Hirako looked at Harunobu with heartache, equally unsure how to help him. Her hands, which had just swiftly finished the murder and beheading, were now helplessly entangled, wanting to hold Harunobu but also worried about aggravating his wounds.

For a moment, she felt an urge to slash Jinshan Xun dozens more times, even though it was clearly not something a good-for-nothing like Jinshan Xun could do.

But if it weren't for that bastard's ambush, how could my husband have fought against the sword hunter, and how could things have turned out like this!

Seeing his two disciples, one big and one small, with tears in their eyes, Harunobu suddenly felt a headache worse than his stomach. He could only reach out and grab Hirako's hand to prevent her from struggling with his hand.

"I'm fine, it's just external injuries. I'll get some treatment at the shrine later," Harunobu said optimistically. "And my kidneys are okay, it won't affect anything..."

Harunobu lowered his voice, but the kitten didn't need to guess; just one glance at Hirako's suddenly reddened face told it what Harunobu was talking about.

Bah! You lecherous bastard!

The kitten pouted and gave a disgusted look, which earned it a gentle head rub from Qingxin.