When Yamauchi Shigetoki discovered the ninja invasion and that several of his subordinates had already met a tragic end, this experienced Ashina Soldier squad leader was naturally enraged.
"Killing my subordinates? You're seeking death!"
He burst forth with a speed that belied his build, rushing down the steps like a fierce tiger descending the mountain.
A chilling flash of a blade instantly erupted and slashed straight ahead! This strike had the power to cut down a horse!
White Crane Hermit was already prepared. As Yamauchi Shigetoki charged, he held his ground until the powerful and heavy slash was about to fall. Only then did he swing Kusabimaru to counter.
Clang!
The two blades collided!
White Crane Hermit keenly captured the weak point on Yamauchi Shigetoki's blade, and at the perfect moment, he swung his sword to block and defend, instantly creating a perfect mirror reflection effect.
Yamauchi Shigetoki was horrified to find that this much smaller ninja was not cut down. Instead, his own attack was repelled by a huge recoil force.
What's going on? This is impossible!
Unwilling to believe it, Yamauchi Shigetoki swung his sword again with all his might, but with another crisp clang, it was once again ineffective. He felt a sharp pain in his wrist and almost couldn't hold the sword in his hand.
The Ashina Soldier squad leader... just like this!
This was White Crane Hermit's thought after two exchanges. With Yamauchi Shigetoki's attacks repelled and his stance becoming unstable, White Crane Hermit didn't hesitate to counterattack with three swift slashes.
Although Yamauchi Shigetoki parried them with his exquisite swordsmanship and strong reflexes, he further consumed his stamina in the process, causing his entire body to ache.
This guy is not simple!
Yamauchi Shigetoki realized he had to finish the battle quickly! He took a step back, his body like a bow, gathering strength to unleash a powerful forehand thrust. This attack contained all his power, and he was confident that his opponent could not block it.
However, while the strike was powerful, its execution speed was too slow. When White Crane Hermit sensed that he couldn't neutralize this thrust, he widened the distance and easily avoided the attack.
With the killing blow missed, White Crane Hermit seized the opportunity and launched a fierce attack with several slashes.
Yamauchi Shigetoki's strength had waned, his steps becoming unsteady, and he could no longer hold his weapon steadily. A red gleam representing a weakness appeared.
In the next moment, White Crane Hermit parried the odachi and stabbed into Yamauchi Shigetoki's neck with a clean and decisive blow, accompanied by a brilliant spray of blood, officially signaling the end of this battle.
From beginning to end, White Crane Hermit emerged without a single injury. When facing an opponent whose attributes were clearly superior to his own, he performed with effortless ease, parrying several times, dodging once, and finally delivering the killing blow without even breathing heavily, appearing calm and composed throughout.
"Old Dean is too strong!"
"This battle was simply awesome!"
"I can already feel the charm of the Ashina Chapter!"
"Winning against the strong through skill and strategy is so satisfying to watch, let alone fighting personally."
"Indeed, although the Ashina Chapter is difficult, it's simply not difficult for Old Dean. After all, it's us who are too weak!"
Although White Crane Hermit had also performed well in the Tidal Secret Realm, the End of the World Raging Tide could not truly reflect the level of Adventurers at this tier. But Ashina Country was different.
These young Adventurers were truly feeling the value of being the first in Black Stone Town and an Adventurer who once reached the fourth tier. Even if others could fully portray Sekiro and integrate his abilities, using them perfectly still ultimately tested their operational awareness.
At least for now, in Miracle City, no Adventurer could do better than White Crane Hermit. He broke the record of Lonely Swordsman on his very first attempt.
At this moment, not only were the Adventurers excited, but White Crane Hermit was also thrilled. He found that the experience of fighting, parrying, and winning against the strong was far more exhilarating than he had imagined.
During the process of challenging this secret realm, he felt his state recovering at an accelerated pace.
After White Crane Hermit successfully killed Yamauchi Shigetoki, he continued to explore the remaining parts and cleanly dispatched several more Ashina Soldiers.
Shortly after, he found the escape route and reunited with the Divine Child. The onlookers were all overjoyed upon seeing this.
"Could it be that Old Dean is going to clear it in one life?"
"No, it's clearing it in one go! Old Dean only challenged it once in total!"
"It's incredible! A secret realm that was extremely difficult for us was cleared by Old Dean in just one attempt!"
While everyone was discussing, White Crane Hermit had already led the Divine Child out of the secret passage. When they left the dark and narrow environment, the new scene that appeared before their eyes caused the Adventurers, who were originally heatedly discussing, to fall into a state of speechlessness in an instant.
They saw the silver moon hanging in the sky. The distant mountains resembled a painting, and the white Reed Plains stretched out like a sea.
This was the famous scenic spot of Sekiro, the Reed Plains. Whether in terms of aesthetics, artistic conception, or emotional rendering, it was one of the most classic scene designs in gaming history!
Although the original design of Sekiro was already beautiful, Jack naturally optimized many important scenes in all aspects when creating Ashina Country for better results. For example, this Reed Plains area had increased by more than ten times!
At this moment, the night wind was slightly cool, gently blowing across the plains. The white sea of reeds under the moonlight surged like waves, stretching as far as the eye could see. It would be no exaggeration to describe it as poetic and picturesque.
The world where Adventurers lived was a desolate place, a boring environment with a wasteland-like art style. These people grew up in such surroundings, and most of the Underground City experiences were dark, cramped mazes. How could they have ever seen such magnificent scenery full of artistic conception and vitality?
Just as everyone was intoxicated by it, the air slightly solidified. A sense of killing intent and oppression struck.
They saw a mysterious figure appearing in front of the poetic and picturesque Reed Plains. His figure was as tall and straight as a solitary pine tree. The moonlight outlined his sharp profile, with high brow bones and deep-set eyes, adding a hint of fierceness to his handsome face.
He wore a helmet with a hoe-shaped crest, dark red samurai armor, a jinbaori embroidered with the Ashina clan crest over it, a large redwood bow on his back, and a long tachi sword tucked diagonally into a python-patterned belt.
This attire and presence indicated that he was definitely not an ordinary Ashina Soldier!
The two sides faced off in the Reed Plains.
"It's been a long time, Divine Child."
"We haven't met since we parted ways at my uncle's grave, have we?"
The man's voice was not loud but clearly reached everyone's ears. His tone was calm, as if discussing an everyday matter.
"Weiming Genichiro!"
Hirata Kuro knew how terrifying the man was and subconsciously took a step back in fear. He lowered his head and struggled for a moment, deciding to give up on escaping. He was about to step forward and say, "I'll go with you, please don't..."
White Crane Hermit reached out and stopped the Divine Child.
His eyes were full of determination. As the Divine Child's ninja, even at the cost of his life, he would never allow anyone to take his young master away.
After all, protecting the Divine Child was the entire meaning of his existence.
Kuro felt the ninja's firm will and showed an apologetic look.
"Please leave it to me!" White Crane Hermit's voice was low but filled with determination.
His gaze remained focused on Ashina Genichiro, his left hand gripping the scabbard, his thumb pushing the sword hilt to reveal an inch of intimidating sharpness.
"Sorry..."
The Divine Child had no choice but to step back.
He understood his ninja, and he also understood Ashina Genichiro. This was a duel that could not be avoided!
When White Crane Hermit felt that the Divine Child had retreated to a safe distance, he slowly drew Kusabimaru and assumed a fighting stance. The blade became even colder and more imposing under the silver moonlight.
"Do you intend to hinder me? The Divine Child's ninja!"
The man slowly drew a slightly old uchigatana from his waist.
"In that case..."
"Ashina Genichiro joins the battle!"
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