Bear School Astartes

"Lann, the existence of the power of immortality isn't a rare topic for the generals of Iwami. My grandson, Genichiro, has been pushed to hysteria by the ever-growing power of the Inner Mansion Army. Even with forbidden powers, as long as he can protect Iwami Country, he wouldn't hesitate to use them."

"But without a doubt, for an old fellow like me who's almost in the ground, it's just a childish affliction of a young brat. If there were living beings in the world, who would be immortal? It's the same for people and for forces."

"When the time comes for Iwami to end, it will naturally end, no different for the mighty Inner Mansion. Clinging onto shadows of the past only makes one look unsightly."

"But in the end, my grandson already sees the survival of Iwami Country as more important than his own life. This is the result of my teaching, and I have no stance to criticize him."

"However, Lord Yamai Diansan, take it as my detest for the power of immortality. The conflict between you two is confined only to this duel. Do not involve any other ashigaru or warriors. Once Lann wins, he shall be free to leave, and you must not hinder him further."

Yamai Diansan waited for a long time, not hearing what happens if he wins.

He then looked up and asked Iwami Yixin.

"What if I win?"

The statement from Yamai Diansan caught Iwami Yixin, who was reminiscing the past, off guard.

The withered old man pursed his lips, smiled politely at the Samurai General, and said nothing more.

You dare to imagine!

Even 'if you win'...

Since neither party had objections, in the courtyard of the inner residence of Hirata Manor, the Samurai General donned his present-day armor.

A tachi of about 1.6 meters in length was drawn from its sheath before the start.

It was clear that he wasn't a swordsman who mastered the [Iwami Cross Slash], but rather a warrior who adapted the [Iwami Style] on the battlefield.

Under the horned helmet was an old man's mask, specifically designed for resembling the face of an elder. It was used both for protection and intimidating foes.

Beneath the elder mask, Yamai Diansan's eyes were sharp and filled with murderous intent.

He truly wanted to kill this foreigner who aimed to weaken Iwami's strength.

But in contrast, Lann's katana remained sheathed at his waist. His calm gaze was no different from when he was in the room earlier.

Lann was someone who would show a wide range of emotions usually, but once serious, he was a focused contender.

Based on the information from the Immortal Peak Temple that Mentos had estimated, until this matter was resolved, Lann would likely maintain his icy demeanor.

There was no one acting as a referee; this was a deadly duel. Swordsmen and warriors should not rely on the so-called referee's command as a signal for combat.

The moment they stood facing each other, locking eyes, the battle had already begun!

"Young brat! I, Yamai Diansan of the Iwami General, will cut you down!"

The 1.6-meter-long tachi was originally a weapon for mounted warriors, with a greater curvature and better slashing capacity than the katana used for foot combat.

Relying on the Iwami body's attribute enhanced by the Water of Origin, Yamai Diansan wielded the long tachi adeptly even on foot.

He dragged the blade behind him and advanced towards Lann, holding the sword with both hands and positioned sideways.

This stance could conceal part of the blade's length and hand movements from the opponent.

Though both sides had already drawn their weapons from the start,

within duels, due to the fluctuations in height, angle, lighting... and other factors, the perceived length of the blade constantly changes.

Unless you're incredibly familiar with the opponent's weapon, you must rely on real-time observation to measure distance every time the blades clash.

By forward-pressuring when the opponent hasn't drawn their sword, someone in such a stance gains the upper hand in the battle.

Yamai Diansan's footsteps were strong and powerful.

Nurtured by the Water of Origin and honed through ceaseless practice, his charge was bold and swift.

The sound of the blade slicing through the air already reached from behind.

That meant his sword was already in motion, but from Lann's perspective, he couldn't see the trajectory or length of the sword.

An upward swing? A horizontal slash? A reversed thrust?

So many possibilities, take your guesses!

Opposite to Yamai Diansan, Lann began calmly moving his right hand, placed by his side, towards the sword hilt on his left waist.

Beneath the elder mask, a bit of understanding flashed in Yamai Diansan's eyes.

He knew it, not drawing the sword before the fight meant a secret move or ill-intention!

In just a few days, did he already master the commendable [Iwami Cross Slash]?

Such talent was envy-worthy, but... he must die anyway!

The Samurai General raised his arm to chest height, which certainly meant a horizontal slash... or not?

A loud "thud!" of armor plates colliding rang out.

Yamai Diansan's blade was still behind him; he raised his armed arm to his chest—to lead with an elbow strike!

This was not a strike led by the blade but a move of physical techniques first!

This incredibly misleading sequence of attacks made Lann's eyes involuntarily widen slightly.

Yet, there was a significant difference in reaction speed between the two. The hand that Lann originally extended towards the sword hilt adjusted mid-path, directly using the back of his armored fist to counter the elbow strike.

The failure of Yamai Diansan's elbow strike didn't hinder his subsequent moves at all, as if he hadn't expected the elbow strike to defeat his foe.

He was a Samurai General active on the battlefield, where relying on physical techniques either meant insanity or real strength.

He clearly didn't belong to either.

After the elbow strike, the blade behind him came whistling horizontally!

Physical techniques weren't aimed to kill but to disrupt the enemy's rhythm of defense.

In many swordsmanship styles, there are moves where the sword-wielder intentionally performs pauses, delays, or redundant actions.

Because most rely on nerve reactions that can't endure the rapid pace of sword combat, and rely on muscle response instead.

In a chaotic flurry of exchanges, deliberately being a beat slower can throw off the muscle response, creating significant gaps in defense and attack.

Then strike decisively.

This move of Yamai Diansan's was akin to such swordsmanship.

"I'll take your head!"

The Samurai General's eyes locked on Lann's exposed neck, unprotected by a helmet.

Judging by his sword speed, this slash wouldn't just cut the neck but sever a regular person's unarmored waist in two!

However, as Yamai Diansan's attention focused entirely on Lann's unprotected neck, he failed to notice the Demon Hunter's right hand, which still hadn't lowered.

"Clang!!!"

A crisp sound of metal collision echoed, all who practiced [Iwami Style] felt immensely familiar with this sharp sound.

This was accompanied by a burst circle of sparks.

Yamai Diansan's eyes were momentarily blinded by sparks he hadn't expected, his pupils constricting suddenly.

"Is it [Ascending Carp]? But with no sword in hand, how... it's with a fist?!"

Once his eyes adjusted to the sudden bright sparks, the Samurai General was shocked to discover.

The sparks erupted because the blade collided with the opponent's steel arm guard!

His stance grew sluggish and stiff following that strike.

Just like the calm eye contact between him and Lann's cat-like eyes.

"To use a fist for [Iwami Style]... impossible!?"