Chapter 252: I

Gu Qing watched Liu Shōhachi and Duan Tianya, heads bowed as they reported, their eyes avoiding each other's after a night apart—this awkwardness amused him as he studied them with interest.

"You were struck by Sato Yoshinosuke's Blood-Condensing Palm—how are you still alive?"

Liu Shōhachi, upon hearing the report, asked in astonishment.

"It was Shōhachi who saved me."

Duan Tianya said plainly.

"Shōhachi saved you?"

Liu Shōhachi was even more baffled. "Shōhachi doesn't possess any miraculous healing medicine—he shouldn't be able to neutralize the Blood-Condensing Palm. How did he save you?"

As one of Japan's top experts, Liu Shōhachi knew this upper ninja well.

"He… paid a heavy price."

Duan Tianya hesitated.

"What kind of price?"

Gu Qing had guessed—his voice cut in.

Duan Tianya lowered his head. "It concerns our honor. I cannot say."

But he already had.

In the courtyard, Gu Qing knew the plot; Liu Shōhachi, Liu Yuki, and Liu Kyōjo knew the family's Genki Qi Art. All eyes turned to Duan Tianya and Liu Shōhachi—no one spoke, yet the two at the center felt the gazes like fire, scorching them.

They blushed!

Their faces turned red!

"Master."

Duan Tianya lifted his head and asked Gu Qing: "When do we return to the Central Plains?"

He couldn't stay in this damned Japan any longer!

"The joy here…"

Gu Qing smiled. His days in Japan had been delightful—but seeing Duan Tianya's expression, he added: "You must finish learning everything from the Iga School first."

The Iga School had been destroyed; all its secret manuals had been moved to the Liu residence. Duan Tianya must master them.

Duan Tianya nodded. He came to Japan to learn martial arts. Though he held the Illusion Sword, he still needed to study other Japanese styles.

"You might as well ask the Liu family too."

Gu Qing added: "I feel Genki Qi Art is an extraordinary healing technique. Learn it—you'll be able to save lives on the Jianghu."

Hearing Gu Qing had figured it out, Duan Tianya and Liu Shōhachi's minds shattered. They stared at Gu Qing—life suddenly tasted bitter.

"If Tianya wishes to learn Genki Qi Art, I will teach it without hesitation!"

Liu Shōhachi declared firmly—he wanted to bind them tighter.

Duan Tianya nearly died of shame. He bowed slightly and fled in disgrace.

Liu Shōhachi followed right behind.

"Heh."

Gu Qing chuckled.

Liu Yuki stood beside Gu Qing, whispering: "Husband, my Genki Qi Art was preserved for you."

The Liu family cultivated Genki Qi Art solely to save a loved one's life—but it required years of accumulation to activate once, and after losing one's virginity, it could no longer be practiced, making it even more precious.

Gu Qing turned his face, gently caressing Liu Yuki's flawless cheek. She naturally leaned into his arms. Since he had abducted her in marriage and consummated it, her body and soul belonged to him—she adored him deeply.

"Yuki."

Gu Qing spoke: "What is the secret of Genki Qi Art?"

Liu Yuki looked up in surprise, gazing at him. "Husband, you cannot cultivate it." Genki Qi Art required a virgin male and female—Gu Qing… she thought he was experienced, clearly having had many partners before her.

"Who says that?"

Gu Qing glared. My virginity is still intact tomorrow!

"Countless people in the Liu family have tried."

Liu Kyōjo stepped forward, snuggling into Gu Qing's arms. "Husband, don't worry—I'll train hard in Genki Qi Art and protect you when danger comes."

Gu Qing stroked Kyōjo's cheek.

Though Genki Qi Art required virginity, for Gu Qing it was no obstacle. He possessed Good Deeds—if he entered the Laughing in the Wind world, he could master the Kuihuabaodian without cutting himself—Genki Qi Art would be child's play.

"Actually, I want to pass on Genki Qi Art to someone—to save someone."

Gu Qing embraced both.

Gu San Tong suffered severe internal injuries; when he transmitted his power to Cheng Fei Shi, the act was ambiguous. Gu Qing wanted to add fuel.

Yuki and Kyōjo exchanged glances, then Kyōjo smiled sweetly: "If husband wants to learn, we'll tell him."

!

Gu Qing looked at the two sisters. Yuki was older, pure-hearted, and innocent; Kyōjo was younger, cunning, and steeped in killing intent—in the original plot, she slaughtered Jianghu figures without mercy.

But now, with Gu Qing, neither Yuki nor Kyōjo, nor the entire Liu family, would join the Iron-Dan Divine Marquis's scheme.

As for how the plot would change—he didn't care.

"Husband…"

After Kyōjo recited the Genki Qi Art, Yuki lifted her head slightly. "What is the Central Plains like?"

Duan Tianya's question about returning had touched Yuki's heart. For Yuki and Kyōjo, leaving Japan for the Central Plains brought fear.

"It's beautiful."

Gu Qing held them close. "Very beautiful."

Fear in their eyes faded, replaced by hope.

Unconsciously, night had fallen.

Today was the new moon—the dark side faced Earth; all around was pitch black.

Outside the Liu residence stood two men: Sato Yoshinosuke, who had attacked Duan Tianya yesterday, and Kobayashi Masaru, the one rescued.

"Liu Shōhachi has taken the general hostage and taken most disciples to the shogunate—Liu's defenses are lax. Now, only Gu Qing and Liu Shōhachi's two daughters remain inside. Perfect time to strike."

Sato Yoshinosuke stared intently.

As an upper ninja, Sato knew all changes in Japan stemmed from Gu Qing. Kill Gu Qing, and Japan would return to normal.

"But during the duel, Gu Qing killed my master and Min Kyūshirō alone."

Kobayashi Masaru had seen Gu Qing's sword—he knew his terror. "Master, facing Gu Qing alone is extremely dangerous."

"Hehehehe…"

Sato Yoshinosuke laughed. "What in this world isn't dangerous? I'm a ninja. If I fight Gu Qing, I won't clash head-on."

As he spoke, Sato leapt up, landing on the Liu residence's wall. "Boy, watch closely—this is the last thing I teach you: never give up, no matter who your opponent is. After all, your opponent is human."

"I know Gu Qing is strong."

"But I'm going to die!"

Sato Yoshinosuke leapt into the Liu residence.

Kobayashi Masaru gazed at him with reverence.

(End of Chapter)