Chapter 491

The capital of Iron Country, the snow-covered city was caressed by the cold wind, tranquil and solemn.

In this silver-wrapped world, a solitary figure appeared at the edge of the city.

He was a warrior, wearing heavy armor, draped with a wind‑hat cloak, silently waiting for the arrival of an honored guest.

His face was reddened by the cold wind, but his eyes were firm and deep; the piercing cold wind could not shake his inner resolve.

At his waist hung an exquisite long sword, its scabbard inlaid with beautiful patterns, and the hilt engraved with his name—Shidou.

Behind him, the ancient city stood still, its mottled walls and wooden buildings telling an ancient and mysterious tale.

Behind the warrior stood a tall cherry‑tree, the snowflakes on its branches resembling blooming flowers, bringing a hint of softness and vitality to this cold winter.

Creak—creak!

A hurried footstep sound came.

"Lord Shidou, when I arrived, the Hokage had already reached the village ahead; it won't be long before he reaches the capital!"

After receiving the subordinate's report, the warrior named Shidou had no hesitation; he turned and galloped toward the city behind him.

Not long after, a large group of brightly armored warriors appeared, surrounding a middle‑aged man with bandages wrapped around his head and a cold gaze.

At that moment, at the far end of the view, three figures slowly appeared.

"It's the Hokage!"

Squinting to discern the distant figures, Sanchuan, the General of Iron Country, showed no hesitation and led his men forward to meet them.

"I didn't expect the Hokage to travel so lightly; I have been remiss!"

Seeing that Dong Shilang had only two guards following him, surprise flashed in Sanchuan's eyes and then vanished.

"The Mizukage and Raikage have already arrived; according to the news, the Wind Shadow and Tsuchikage, whose journeys are a bit farther, will also arrive by tomorrow at the latest. Then, the Five Shadow Summit proposed by the Leaf Village can begin!"

"General Sanchuan, you're too kind; I also want to thank Iron Country for providing the venue for us ninja to gather."

Regarding the person who, in the original story, defeated Huitu Bancang, Dong Shilang didn't pay much attention.

With his current strength, the so‑called Shanjiao Yu Bancang is nothing more than a ninja who is merely a bit stronger.

And Sanchuan is merely a warrior who is already somewhat outdated.

"I don't know how the security work for this summit is going?"

The villages don't really trust each other.

Although Leaf Village initiated this Five Kage Summit, after Zilaiye communicated with the major villages, he moved the summit's location to the Land of Iron.

Security matters were also handed over to the other side.

"Please rest assured, Hokage; although the samurai have declined, I guarantee with my life that there is absolutely no problem with security!"

For this Five Kage Summit, both Sanzen himself and the daimyo of the Land of Iron wholeheartedly approve.

Doing this not only raises their international standing as the Land of Iron, but also strengthens their identity as a neutral nation.

Therefore, to ensure the success of this Five Kage Summit, the entire Land of Iron can be said to have exerted every ounce of effort.

Not only did Sanzen personally take charge, but the venue chosen for the summit is a newly built villa by the daimyo, intended solely for pleasure.

"Thus, thank you for your hard work, General!"

"This is an honor for the Land of Iron and for me!"

Having taken on the Hokage, the heaviest responsibility, Sanzen also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Please come this way; we have specially prepared a resting place for the Five Kage."

While saying this, Sanzen led Dong Shilang toward the distant city.

"Hmm… it seems…"

Just as he lifted his foot, Dong Shilang suddenly stopped, turned his head, and glanced back in the direction he had come from.

Over there, it seems someone is… spying?

"Hokage-sama?"

Seeing that Dong Shilang hadn't caught up, the wily Sanzen was merely puzzled for a moment, then followed Dong Shilang's gaze toward the distance.

But all he could see was endless white snow; aside from the city, only the forests blanketed in snow.

"Please forgive my overreaction, General Sanzen; perhaps I'm just being too sensitive!"

Dong Shilang had not yet activated his sensory mode; he only vaguely felt that someone was looking at him with ill intent.

But when he turned his head to look into the distance, he sensed nothing at all.

Perhaps he was just being too sensitive.

He gave a self‑deprecating laugh and paid it no mind.

Since he incorporated the Item into his body,

Not only his eyes, but his body as well began undergoing unknown changes.

It seems… to be evolving toward a sage's body, or rather, the divine tree.

As for changes in his surroundings, he has become increasingly sensitive, able to gradually discern gazes, malice, hostility, and so on.

"Shidou, take some men over there to look; remember to search thoroughly!"

Although Dong Shilang didn't think much of it, Sanzen was quite wary; although he knew the facts might be as Dong Shilang said—that the Hokage was just being overly sensitive.

But he also maintained sufficient vigilance.

"Yes!"

Having received Sanzen's order.

Shidou immediately selected a few subordinates and headed toward the snow‑covered forest in the distance to begin checking for any abnormalities.

What a pity—not even a ghostly trace, let alone any abnormality, could Shidou find in the forest.

After Shidou had hurriedly come and then hurriedly left,

In the forest that originally had no one, the figures of Obito and Jue appeared.

This guy… we can't just leave him unresolved!

Just a distant glance let Yuzhibo Dongshilang notice something odd; Hei Jue anxiously watched the direction Dong Shilang vanished, his voice filled with deep apprehension.

I think we ought to be more careful… that guy feels like he's gotten stronger again!

No sooner had Hei Jue spoken than the Bai Jue possessing him spoke uncertainly.

His perception was outstanding; a mere distant sense showed that Yuzhibo Dongshilang's aura had changed significantly from before.

Gotten stronger again? … Could this guy still be in a phase of rapid power growth?

Hearing Bai Jue's words, Obito's lone eye filled with helplessness and disbelief, impossible to conceal.

Before age twenty, a person's strength can undergo earth-shaking changes due to their own growth.

Even someone with extraordinary talent cannot escape this rule.

If I remember right, Yuzhibo Dongshilang is two years older than me; he's already twenty-four, yet his strength can still increase rapidly.

This goes beyond common sense.

Obito, you say… could Chang Men possibly lose to this guy?

Seeing Obito fall silent, Hei Jue grew worried; sending Chang Men to handle Yuzhibo Dongshilang—could something go wrong?

If things go wrong and the Reincarnation Eye is lost, wouldn't all my careful plans come to naught?

Besides warning him, there's nothing we can do!

Chang Men and Xiao Nan don't trust him or the Jue.

Moreover, affected by the Reincarnation Eye, Chang Men's thinking has always been extremely obstinate; he won't turn back unless he hits an iron wall.

Obito, do you want to join as well? If Chang Men isn't a match for Yuzhibo Dongshilang, you can also escort him to retreat.

Just now Bai Jue sensed the change in Dong Shilang's body, and Hei Jue felt it as well.

If before he merely doubted whether Chang Men could lose, now in his mind Chang Men's chances of winning are under thirty percent.

However, with Obito present, escorting Chang Men to flee should pose no problem.

We could also try to persuade Xiao Nan to convince Chang Men to bring more reinforcements.

After some thought, Obito decided to use Xiao Nan as a breakthrough.

Xiao Nan doesn't really support their plan, but she is deeply concerned about Chang Men's safety.

With her help persuading him, Chang Men should agree to bring more reinforcements.

Furthermore, with him lying in wait nearby, things shouldn't turn out too badly.

Let's go, we're heading back~

His body was absorbed by the space vortex, and Obito no longer dwelled on Dong Shilang's matter.

No matter how much he dwells on it, Dong Shilang's matter still needs to be dealt with, and the other party already knows his identity.

Although I don't know why he let me go, if this person isn't dealt with, future matters will become very troublesome.

What's wrong?

After Obito's silhouette vanished, the Hei Jue left behind stood motionless, just staring blankly.

This left Bai Jue somewhat confused about the situation.

Nothing much, let's go too!

He said nothing was wrong, but inside Hei Jue's mind, a single thought stirred up a huge storm.

Yuzhibo Dongshilang, this guy—could he possibly awaken the Reincarnation Eye?

Just now the distance was too great; he couldn't perceive it clearly, but the other's aura gave him a sense of familiarity.

Unfortunately, that aura was too faint.

It flashed by, as if it were merely his illusion.

However, thinking that the other party is neither a reincarnation of Indra nor closely related to Asura, Hei Jue didn't dwell on it.

As for whether he's the reincarnation of my elder brother…

Just thinking about that, Hei Jue could hardly control his fear.

Yes, Hei Jue had just wondered whether Dong Shilang was the reincarnation of his elder brother, Da Tongmu Yu Yi, pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger, secretly reincarnating~

All of this happening outside the capital of Iron Country, Dong Shilang, as the party involved, felt nothing at all.

He had just taken up residence in the Iron Country daimyo's villa when Zhao Mei Ming, wearing the Mizukage's headgear at her waist, came to visit.

"Xiao Mei, you're still as graceful and charming as ever—your beauty hasn't faded a bit!"

Watching her stride confidently, full of ambition, Dong Shilang smiled and offered a compliment.

Zhao Mei Ming, who had just become Mizukage, exuded an air of confidence and composure from head to toe.

Add to that her curvaceous figure and shoulder-length brown hair, and she radiated brilliance.

Especially her jade-green eyes, which sparkled with an eager fighting spirit.

Thus, a queenly aura subtly emanated from her.