Chapter 476: Root of Decline

Matsuura Takanobu was indeed a smart man. Knowing Li Miao's direction of inquiry, he outlined the relationship between sword technique, Shinto, and the Emperor in a few words.

Honoring God sword technique originated from the gods, or monsters, worshipped by Shinto. And the main deity of Shinto, also the deity worshipped in the largest shrines, was the ancestor of the Emperor.

However, just talking about what he said, it was vaguely in conflict with the current situation in Japan that Li Miao understood. For example—

"According to what you said, Shinto holds the root of Honoring God sword technique and has the endorsement of the Emperor's identity. It has power and fame, and as a religion, it can be considered deep-rooted... How could it be beaten by Buddhism?"

Li Miao looked into Matsuura Takanobu's eyes and asked.

Matsuura Takanobu shook his head slowly.

"I don't know about this, Lord."

"Although I am a Daimyo, Fuso is divided into Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. I am just a Daimyo living in a corner on Kyushu Island. The real struggles and secrets happen in Honshu, which I cannot reach."

He carefully observed Li Miao's expression. Seeing Li Miao's eyes narrow slightly and his fingers stop twisting, his hair stood on end, and he hurriedly opened his mouth.

"However, I roughly understand some peripheral things."

"For example, Shinto has only shrunk in the scope of believers, and has been trying to regain its dominant position in recent years. The chaotic war currently happening in Honshu is related to the struggle between Shinto and Buddhism."

"The reason Kotesashi Yasutsune came under my command and became my subject was the result of Shinto's layout... They seem to be using these swordsmen who practice Honoring God sword technique to deepen their influence on various Daimyos step by step."

"As for why Shinto declined in the first place... of course, there was the reason for the Emperor on the throne at that time supporting Buddhism, but as far as I know, the root cause is not that simple... I can only tell you a few times."

Matsuura Takanobu took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"One thousand and ten years ago."

"Seven hundred and ninety-three years ago."

"Two hundred and seventeen years ago."

Li Miao frowned.

"So precise?"

Matsuura Takanobu nodded.

"Yes... because these times were not explored by me, but news passed down from my ancestors, only... Fuso has been in war for many years, Hirado City has been invaded many times, and my father's generation had several successions that were extremely hasty, so some information was lost."

"But these three times were passed down extremely accurately, clearly extremely important... I therefore investigated the news, but I still know little."

Matsuura Takanobu extended three fingers.

"Shinto declined step by step at these three points in time, and was pressed under Buddhism step by step. Of course, decline is a process spanning decades, and what my ancestors passed down were precise times."

"Therefore, what my ancestors really wanted to tell me were the three things that happened at these three points in time, but they were lost, leaving only three times."

"Therefore, I can only tell you 'on the surface' what happened around these three points in time."

Matsuura Takanobu retracted his fingers one by one.

"One thousand and ten years ago, Buddhism was introduced to Fuso."

"Seven hundred and fifty-four years ago, Master Jianzhen crossed the sea to the east."

"Two hundred and seventeen years ago, Shinto completely declined."

Lu Wushuang beside him murmured.

"Wei-Jin, Tang, and the end of the Yuan Dynasty."

With Lu Wushuang's words, Li Miao suddenly smoothed his brows.

He sighed rarely and shook his head, his laughter carrying a hint of self-mockery and emotion.

"So that's how it is."