Bear School Astartes

Yamai Diansan's words didn't cause any reaction in Iwami Yixin, but Yuzi Jiu Lang's eyes widened in surprise.

The Samurai General looked at the unshaken Demon Hunter and continued speaking.

"Lord Genichiro, as well as the lords within Iwami Castle, who among them doesn't know there's a problem with the Immortal Peak Temple? Who doesn't know about their collusion with the Inner Mansion?"

"But should this be openly discussed?! Ming Country man, you seem politically astute; do you think this matter can be spoken of?"

"If we don't tear our faces, the Immortal Peak Temple will continue to support Iwami with money, effort, and resources. But if we do tear it apart?"

In his agitation, Yamai Diansan pounded his fists on the wooden floor with a thud.

It was not just an anger towards Lann's lack of consideration, but also a samurai's lament over the current impasse.

"Iwami is besieged by all of East Japan! Every friend is precious. Yes, those monks collaborate with us while doing business with the Inner Mansion. But if we act against them, even these minimal benefits from cooperation will be lost!"

"Momentary outrage? Chivalry? What use are they in Iwami?!"

Yamai Diansan shouted at Lann, condemning him as a foreigner who only cared for his own comfort, disregarding Iwami's life and death.

Indeed, he was just a foreigner; why would he care about Iwami's survival?

The Samurai General glared at the Demon Hunter sitting by the wall as if he were an enemy.

In his eyes, Lann, who acted on momentary chivalry, was undoubtedly an enemy to Iwami Country's strength.

Lann noticed the look in his eyes but seemed unfazed, merely turning to look at the old man lounging lazily in the principal seat.

"An uncontrollable and indecisive partner will only bring trouble. I stand by my opinion, please, let Lord Yixin decide."

Yamai Diansan also kept a stern face and turned to look over as well.

Yet the gaunt old man, at the center of their gaze, seemed unaware of the confrontation, only watching the Demon Hunter sitting by the wall with interest.

"I say, Lann..."

The old man even changed his supporting hand, making himself more comfortable in his reclining position.

"Just for the sake of two... let's call them 'friends,' you're going to take down the monks of the Immortal Peak Temple? I don't know how temples were in the places you've been, but in East Japan, these monks are not to be taken lightly."

Lann's expression remained unchanged.

As mentioned before, when tired of studying history in his homeland, he would seek foreign history for a change of pace.

In the Sengoku Era of East Japan, even figures like Oda Nobunaga had to strategize and disguise their intentions before daring to move against Mount Hiei Enryakuji Temple, facing opposition even from within his vassals before taking action.

It was clear that in East Japan's medieval times, temples were more than religious places; they were military and political entities.

The reputation of Vajra Mountain Immortal Peak Temple was also top-tier in this East Japan.

Lann lifted his gaze to meet the interested single eye.

"... Before they left, those two repeatedly said they would pray for me before the Buddha statue in the Immortal Peak Temple. I told them I didn't believe in Buddha, but they kept on saying it, incessantly, which was quite annoying."

The 'interest' on Iwami Yixin's face slowly faded, replaced by 'gravitas.'

Determination, regardless of its nature.

When people showcase such unwavering resolve, it naturally earns respect.

"Part of their reason for going to the Immortal Peak Temple involves me. I don't believe in Buddha, but I appreciate their sentiments. They're likely already dead at the hands of those monks, so I'm going to demand repayment."

"Even if... they merely mentioned it in passing in the Immortal Peak Temple's main hall?"

"Lord Yixin..." Lann chuckled softly. "A mere mention in the Immortal Peak Temple's main hall might be trivial to someone like you. But for that newly appointed lower-rank warrior, it was an opportunity his mother spent a lifetime praying for."

"So... yes. Even if he, before dying, merely mentioned in the Immortal Peak Temple's main hall, 'Please, Buddha, bless a Ming Country man named Lann.' I would still be grateful."

Iwami Yixin steadily watched the young man in front of him, his smile widening unknowingly.

"Hehehe... Hahaha!"

Initially a low chuckle, it soon became increasingly boisterous.

"How rare, how rare! In these times, to encounter such a person! Butterfly! Could you have imagined it, huh? Could you?! Haha!"

Iwami Yixin laughed heartily toward his old friend below.

Lady Butterfly tapped her pipe with a blank expression, "Hmm, it truly is a surprise today."

The feeling that one harbors obligatory, incomprehensible responsibilities towards others without anyone understanding... Indeed, Yixin, this young man now... isn't he just like you when you initiated the war thirty years ago?!

Is this what they call 'destiny'? In your twilight years, such a young man appears in Iwami.

"He makes one's hands itch..." The gaunt old man grinned broadly, his sharp smile resembling an evil spirit!

No longer was there any hint of his previous lazy, half-reclining posture; instead, as he unconsciously caressed the hilt of his sword, everyone felt a shiver of fear.

"You truly make one's hands itch, Lann."

"Dueling with you is an enjoyable experience, but forgive me, before handling this matter, I refuse to waste energy on you."

The Demon Hunter spoke calmly, and the old man laughed, unconcerned.

"I understand, which is why it's regrettable."

"I also know you brought this ninja to report to me, hoping to gather a force to destroy the Immortal Peak Temple. But it's regrettable; I'm not the lord of Iwami now, and the Samurai General won't listen to my orders."

"You're being too humble, Lord Yixin!" Yamai Diansan immediately turned and knelt before Yixin. "Even if you command me to die, I would not hesitate. But this matter not only concerns myself but also harms Iwami's strength. I cannot agree!"

"You see, don't you, Lann? You've made a wrong move. You came to the Hirate family for reinforcements, yet now, Yamai probably won't even let you leave Hirata Manor."

The old man shrugged, and Lann nodded.

"It was to be expected. After weighing the difficulties and benefits, I've acted, but now the 'difficulties' have spiraled out of control."

"Indeed, 'the difficulties' have spiraled out of control."

Iwami Yixin stroked the goatee on his chin and announced with a grin.

"Then, Yamai Diansan and Lann... have a duel to the death."

Both appeared calm and serene after the words fell.

However, Yuzi Jiu Lang, who had been listening all along, exclaimed in surprise.

"Eh?! How could this happen... Lord Yixin! Shouldn't there be further discussion? Isn't a duel too..."

"What else, Yuzi?" The calm elderly man mercilessly interrupted the child's words.

Butterfly also, at this time, pulled the child who wanted to say more, shaking his head at him.

"Iwami's samurai must uphold their loyalty and cannot allow anything harmful to the nation's strength to happen. The foreign chivalrous hero must fulfill the friendship and won't allow a friend's death to turn into a blood feud."

"Both sides wield swords; neither can compromise, so what else can be done?"

"Only speak with swords... A warrior has the honor of dying, not the disgrace of living!"