The oil lamp flickered unsteadily, and the air inside the dilapidated house was so gloomy it seed as if it could drip water.
Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin, sat silently at the broken wooden table, gently stroking the Ancient Sword at his waist.
His complexion was grave, with a murderous look in his eyes towards You Er.
Clang!
A Japanese swordsman suddenly drew his sword.
Swift as the wind beneath his feet, even before the sword's hum faded, he appeared behind "You Er," the sharp blade resting against his neck.
A re slice would end his life.
"A lowly peasant rising against his betters, I'll slay you first!"
Feeling the coldness on his neck, You Er remained unfazed, speaking with a wry smile, "Lord Shinada, were you intent on killing, you wouldn't wait till now. If you have sothing to say, do say it; otherwise... it seems quite rude."
"How daring!"
Shinada, the samurai, was furious but still did not act.
Not because he didn't want to, but because he dared not.
They had infiltrated the Divine State to gather intelligence on the court's attitude towards Goryeo, but upon encountering the Academy's release of the Steam Engine, their greed took over, seeking to snatch the plans.
This venture was exceptionally risky due to dostic affairs.
But for this reason, they found themselves in a bind.
"Shinada, stand down!"
Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin, suddenly spoke. Only after the samurai retracted his sword in frustration did he solemnly ask, "Inoue, I'd like to know when you were bought by Zhao Qingxu. Was the trap set from the start?"
"You misunderstand, my lord."
"You Er" bowed slightly, smiling but his eyes filled with malice, "I never intended this, but wasn't I forced by you?"
"You made steal the plans without considering the city's current state. With everyone watching the Academy, how was I supposed to succeed?"
"Coincidentally, a secret ssage arrived from ho, that the prince was executed, your families either demoted or killed, with no way back."
"Knowing this, should I hand over the ssage, whether you choose to stay or leave, my lord would certainly kill to silence the matter afterward."
"And as for those children you've been consuming, moving this morning would surely draw attention, so I bought them elsewhere at a high price, spending all the silver saved over the years!"
His face now full of resentnt as he spoke.
"You gave orders without considering how you pushed to the brink; fortunately, Immortal Zhao, despite hiding his tracks, knows the city's situation well, approached proactively, and the intelligence ca from him."
"Hmph, if you were in my place, would you have any choice?"
"(ばか) Bastard!"
"(殺す) I'll kill you!"
All around, swordsn and ronin showed murderous intent, drawing their weapons one after another.
Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin, raised his hand, calming them, then slowly stood up, saying indifferently, "Having said that, let's end this topic. What does Zhao Qingxu want and what do we stand to gain?"
"Dharma Master."
You Er stepped forward respectfully with a cupped fist salute, "Immortal Zhao rely wishes for your assistance. With the entire Capital under observation by your esteed selves, you only need to be cautious in hiding and occasionally create so commotion. Both safe havens and children are provided by the Immortal."
"The court will certainly think you'll leave by sea, but the Immortal has arranged everything. Once it's done, you'll depart north to Goryeo. In Baishou Mountain, a team of a hundred awaits to serve the Dharma Master."
"Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that monkey, is old and won't live much longer. The Immortal says the 'Hundred Ghost Seats' have long harbored dissatisfaction, and when the ti cos, the Dharma Master can gather them to accomplish great things!"
Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin, gently stroked the sword hilt, "Agreed."
You Er was overjoyed, hurriedly bowing and gesturing, "Dharma Master, people from the Great Xuan's Law Enforcent Hall are searching everywhere, and the General Leader of Cao Gang has also made moves. He is half a Grandmaster; this place is no longer safe. Please, follow ."
Upon hearing this, the ronin and swordsn together looked at Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin.
Having been deceived once, they dared not confirm if it was a trap.
"Dharma Master, ti is of the essence."
You Er quickly bowed, "Hong Zhenyue is no pushover. Cao Gang disciples are widespread, and with those Law Enforcent Hall people, given their tracking skills, it seems they'll arrive soon."
"Let's go."
Yu Yiyuan, attendant to the coffin, finally spoke, his voice icy, "If you play tricks along the way, I won't spare you."
"I wouldn't dare."
You Er secretly sighed in relief, maintaining a respectful deanor, turned, and led the way.
The night was like ink, a natural curtain.
Led by You Er, the group moved like specters away from the Chaotic Burial Mound, choosing deserted paths for a swift pace.
They traversed the outer fields of the city's abandoned dykes and sparse woods, with occasional dog barks echoing from distant villages.
Though no one was around, everyone had extraordinary Spiritual Sense, feeling a heavy intangible pressure on their backs.
They knew pursuit was likely nearby.
Roughly half an hour later, the official road ahead ca into view.
At the bend in the roadside woods, a row of wagon covered in thick oiled canvas was parked quietly.
The air was filled with the dry scent peculiar to hay and rice.
"Stop, this is it."
You Er lowered his voice, pointing ahead, "There's material mixed in the fodder to evade Spirit Beast tracking."
Then he walked to the wagon, gently tapped the axle three tis.
Almost simultaneously, a corner of the canvas at the rear lifted, revealing two silent and vigilant faces.
They were dressed like local porters, very ordinary-looking, but with a distinct smoky sll about them. Seeing this group of Japanese, their faces remained calm and indifferent.
They nodded to You Er, without a word.
Slling the odor emanating from the haystack, a flicker of distaste appeared in Yu Yiyuan's eyes, but he still gestured for his subordinates to swiftly climb on the grain wagon, enduring the rice debris as they squeezed into the gaps among the sacks.
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