Bear School Astartes

The thread-bound book in his hand wasn't thick. "The Iwami Style" is a type of martial arts that suits the battlefield well.

In other words — concise and direct.

Throughout the entire swordsmanship manual, apart from the basic training methods common in East Japan Sword Dao, there are only seven moves that can be called unique skills.

Four of these moves are akin to "permanent passive skills" that need to be practiced deep into one's bones, similar to fundamental skills.

The remaining three moves are offensive techniques.

For the Iwami people, who don't have much cultural education, it's considered very friendly. Naturally, for Lann, it's very easy to understand as well.

As Lann quickly flipped through the pages, Mentos recorded all this content in the database.

However, Lann still put this thread-bound book into the alchemy pouch at his lower back.

Mainly because the calligraphy of this book looks bold and vigorous, even someone like Lann who doesn't have much research in writing can see it.

It's estimated to be personally written by Iwami Yixin.

How prestigious is he! The Sword Saint!

Although it seems a bit fantastical, but who knows, maybe in the future, he could comprehend some "Sword Intent" or other esoteric things from the handwriting?

Keep it as a memento, consider it a part of a collection.

But just as Lann put the martial arts manual back into his pocket, the Demon Hunter's body suddenly stiffened, and his pupils slightly contracted.

In front of him, a pleasant sound of metal rubbing against the scabbard's opening was slowly emanating.

Accompanying it was an aura even sharper than what he felt at the Buddhist Hall's large doors.

Lann cautiously turned his head slowly, facing Iwami Yixin, who was drawing his saber from his waist.

The enthusiastic smile made that aged face appear slightly ferocious.

"Suddenly drawing your blade... It's really frightening, Lord Yixin."

Lann spoke blandly while placing his right hand on the sword hilt over his shoulder. His body shifted to lower his center of gravity, muscles beginning to excite.

"Well, don't mind me, foreign warrior."

Iwami Yixin's saber, under the firelight inside the Buddhist Hall, revealed beautiful hamon patterns.

"After all, it is about teaching swordsmanship, so isn't it normal to first understand the practitioner's foundation?"

"Looking at you like this... doesn't seem like you're aiming to 'understand the basics', huh."

"Haha, is it that obvious? Then I'll just say it outright."

The gaunt old man laughed heartily, in a way that didn't match his body shape.

"I want to properly appreciate authentic Southern Barbarian Swordsmanship before you learn 'The Iwami Style'."

"When I was young, I challenged many dojo, laying the foundation for 'The Iwami Style', but the most unconventional martial arts I encountered were from Ryukyu and Silla, those places were too close... I've appreciated them too much! Too boring!"

"Now, although I am aged, I won't miss the chance to catch a glimpse of Southern Barbarian Swordsmanship from thousands of miles away!"

The bound owl sneered.

He knew it, rather than saying this old chap came to see his betrayed old brother, it's more like he came to 'try something new'!

Iwami Yixin's mouth was grinning, on that old face, only that single eye was emitting an ominous glow...

Lann's mouth inadvertently twitched.

What kind of 'aged body' is this?

This guy's aura in his eye alone is even scarier than when Owl threw the firebird last night!

But even with these thoughts in mind, Lann's blood flow speed began to quicken under the coordination of genetic seed, primal heart, and the Second Heart.

Neural response speed entered combat level, sensory sharpness significantly increased...

Interstellar Warriors are combative biological weapons.

They are designed for combat, killing, suppression.

They are proud and confident, never avoiding challenges.

And the Sons of the Emperor inherited by Lann are the best among them.

A sword duel... Lann couldn't even think of a reason to refuse.

The corners of the Demon Hunter's thin mouth curled into a similar arc to that of the old man in front, without even realizing it himself.

They are the kind of people—

The kind that wouldn't feel fear but instead excitement when a blade grazes their eyeball.

"Lord Yixin, to say in advance." The Lady of the Lake's Sword unsheathed from behind him. "This sword... is very strong."

"Oh-ho-ho, that's just perfect. The Golden Iron Dragon-Slaying Blade, unique to Iwami. Although it may not be a famous blade of the world, in terms of toughness alone, the Iwami people are very confident."

The one-eyed old man gently caressed the samurai sword with the hamon patterns in his hand.

The two simultaneously lifted their eyelids, cat-eye and single-eye meeting each other's gaze.

"Clang!!!"

Sparks flew in all directions!

-----------------

Within the inner residence above the hidden Buddhist Hall of the Hirate family, Yuzi Jiu Lang sat restlessly on a cushion while Lady Butterfly leisurely smoked a pipe.

"Lady Butterfly... Lord Yixin came personally. It's unreasonable to not entertain him, isn't it? Moreover, requesting a duel upon arrival seems too disrespectful."

The delicate young boy asked with a bitter face.

Lady Butterfly indulged, unconcerned at all.

"Don't mind such trivial matters, to that old thing, having Lann clash swords with him is considered 'entertainment'. I can see, that boy and that old thing, they're actually the same kind of people."

The old lady exhaled smoke, letting out a sneer.

"Cut, getting overly excited dueling with a master is like being with a woman."

"Lady Butterfly!"

The young boy's face turned red, unused to the old woman's crude jokes.

But then, the old woman's expression turned serious and said to the Yuzi,

"Lord Jiulang, Lord Yixin came personally, besides satisfying curiosity and dealing with Owl. The most important purpose, I think you should be clear, right?"

"That's for you."

Yuzi Jiu Lang's restless form suddenly stiffened, his expression heavy.

"Yes... it's the power within me."

"Exactly." Butterfly took another puff, "Yixin doesn't want the current Lord of Iwami — Genichiro, to touch the power within you. That Yamai Diansan coming is definitely not just to enhance defense, hehe."

"If in the morning, he hadn't seen that the Hirata family still had so many people, he probably would have directly used your safety as an excuse to bring you to live within Iwami Castle, right?"

"I must never allow the things within me to be used by anyone!"

On Yuzi Jiu Lang's small face, there was a resolute expression that didn't match his age.

"Even if Iwami is defeated, at least as humans, the Iwami people can die, and after failure, the Iwami people can still continue to survive and propagate as humans. But if this power is abused... They! Even the entire East Japan! Everyone would be twisted by the power of immortality into non-human entities!"

"I will never allow such a thing to happen!"

Butterfly nodded.

"That is the reason Yixin came personally. Although he has stepped down as the Lord of the Country, as long as he's here, Genichiro can't use strong-handed tactics to take you to Iwami Castle."

After saying this, even the usually expressionless Lady Butterfly heaved a sigh.

"Presumably, Genichiro is also giving Yixin a headache, right? Let's allow Lann's sword to give him a little relaxation."