The Old One Came After the Young One Was Beaten

As he watched Hakuji enter the room, Keizou could clearly sense that something about Hakuji's entire demeanor had changed. He could not say exactly what it was, but he had that feeling nonetheless.

Although Hakuji had reined in his presence, Keizou, who practiced martial arts regularly, could still detect the subtle irregularity in him.

Keizou only studied Hakuji for a moment before letting it go. As long as Hakuji was still the same Hakuji, that was enough. Everyone had a few little secrets, so there was no need to dig too deeply.

After chatting for a while, it was getting late. Koiyuki also needed to rest early, and sufficient sleep was especially important for her.

After Hakuji coaxed Koiyuki to sleep, everyone returned to their rooms to rest as well.

Compared to the harmonious atmosphere within the Soryu Dojo, the Swordsmanship Dojo across the street was shrouded in a far heavier mood.

The Swordsmanship Dojo Master paced anxiously around the courtyard. The five swordsmen he had sent out had yet to return, and that was highly unusual.

"There's no reason for this. Those five are all outstanding students of mine. There's no way they couldn't deal with a mere brat. Did something unexpected happen?"

The Swordsmanship Dojo Master stuck his head out and looked toward the Soryu Dojo across the way, his face filled with contempt. "Hmph, you got lucky today. But this matter between us is far from over."

The Swordsmanship Dojo Master had vaguely begun to suspect something. He clearly remembered setting the rule that even if the plan failed, those five students were to retreat immediately.

Yet after so long, none of his five students had returned to the dojo. That alone was enough to indicate something.

Early the next morning, before the sky had fully brightened,