The oil lamp flickered uncertainly, and the air in the dilapidated house was so gloomy that it seemed to be dripping with water.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki sat on the broken wooden table, not talking, just stroking the ancient sword on his waist.
His face was gloomy, and his eyes looked at You Er full of murderous intent.
Clang!
A Japanese swordsman suddenly drew his sword.
His feet were as swift as the wind, and before the sound of the sword dissipated, a person appeared behind "You Er" with a sharp sword on his neck.
It only takes one swipe to kill him.
"You're a pariah, I'll kill you first!"
Feeling the chill on his neck, You Er didn't panic at all, and said with a smile, "Master Sanada, if you want to kill, you won't wait until this time. As the saying goes, this... seems very rude."
"Be bold!"
The warrior named Sanada was furious, but still did not take action.
It's not that I don't want to, it's that I don't dare.
They sneaked into Divine Land this time, originally to collect information about the court's attitude towards Goryeo, but unexpectedly when the academy released Steam Engine, they became greedy and wanted to take back the blueprints.
The reason for taking such a risk is entirely due to the domestic situation.
But precisely because of this, we fell into a dilemma.
"Sanada, stand down!"
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki above suddenly spoke. After the warrior sheathed his sword angrily, he said in a deep voice, "Inoue, I want to know when you were bribed by Zhao Qingxu, and whether you set up a trap from the beginning?"
"Your Excellency, you are wrong."
"You Er" bent down slightly, with a smile on his face, but his eyes were full of viciousness, "I didn't want to do this at first, weren't I forced by adults?"
"You asked me to steal the blueprints without even thinking about the current situation in the city. The academy is being watched by everyone. How can I do it?"
"Just at this time, a secret message came from the country. His Highness was executed. Your Lineage was also surrendered and died. The way back is blocked."
"I know that if I give this secret letter to you, no matter whether I leave or stay, you will kill me immediately to avoid future troubles."
"There are also those children you are eating. If you do it in the capital, it will definitely attract people's attention. I have to spend a lot of money to get it from other places. All the money I have saved over the years has been eaten up by you in a short period of time!"
At this point, his face was full of resentment.
"You just gave the order and never thought that you would push me into a desperate situation. Fortunately, although Master Zhao Xian hid his whereabouts, he knew the situation in the city very well and took the initiative to find me. He gave me the information."
"Huh, if you were me, would you still have a choice?"
"(ばか)bastard!"
"(kill) kill you!"
The surrounding swordsmen and rogues saw murderous intent and drew their weapons one after another.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki raised his hand to calm everyone down, then stood up slowly and said calmly, "In that case, I won't say more about this matter. What exactly does Zhao Qingxu want to do, and what can we get?"
"Lord Dharma Master."
You Er took a step forward and respectfully said, "Immortal Zhao just wants to ask you for a favor. Now the whole capital is looking for you. You just need to hide carefully and occasionally show up to make some noise. Whether it is the hiding place or the baby, Immortal Elder will provide it."
"The imperial court must have thought that you will leave by sea, but Immortal Elder has made arrangements. After the event is completed, it will arrange for you to leave from the north to Goryeo. Baekdu Mountain has a team of one hundred people hidden in it, which will be given to the Master."
"Toyotomi Hideyoshi That monkey is old and won't live long. Immortal Elder said that the other people in 'Hundred Ghosts Seat' have long been dissatisfied. When the Dharma Master gathers people, he may not be able to accomplish great things!"
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki gently stroked the hilt of the sword, "Okay."
You Er was immediately overjoyed and hurriedly bent down and handed over his hands, "Dharma Master, Daxuan Enforcement Hall's people are hunting everywhere. Chief Cao Gang has also taken action. He is a half-step master. This place is no longer safe. Please come with me."
Upon hearing his words, all the Ronin swordsmen looked at Tamayori Hime Kantsuki.
After being tricked once, they were not sure whether it was a trap or not.
"Master Dharma Master, time is pressing."
You Er hurriedly bent down and said, "Hong Zhenyue of Cao Gang is not a good person. Cao Gang has disciples all over the world, and those of the Enforcement Hall, with their tracking skills, they are probably here soon."
"Let's go."
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki finally spoke, with a cold voice, "If you play tricks on the way, I won't spare you."
"Don't dare."
You Er secretly breathed a sigh of relief, with respect on his face, turned around and led the way.
The night is like ink, a natural curtain.
Led by You Er, the group of people got out of Mass Burial Grounds like ghosts and walked quickly on remote roads.
They walked through the deserted fields and sparse woodland outside the city, and occasionally heard a few barks from the village in the distance.
Although there was no one around, everyone looked Spiritual Sense extraordinary, and there was a vague heavy pressure on my back.
They knew that the pursuers might be nearby.
About half an hour later, Official Road was faintly visible ahead.
Just beside the bend, in the shadow of the woods, stood a row of large cars covered with heavy tarps.
The air is filled with the unique dry smell of grass and rice.
"Stop, right here."
You Er lowered his voice and pointed forward, "The food and grass are mixed with ingredients to avoid being tracked by spiritual beasts."
After saying that, he walked to the car and gently tapped the shaft three times.
Almost at the same time, a corner of the oilcloth at the rear of the car was lifted, revealing two silent and vigilant faces.
They were a few people dressed as local porters. They looked very ordinary, but they had a special smell of cigarette smoke. When they saw this group of Japanese people, their faces were calm and indifferent.
They nodded to You Er without words.
Smelling the stench emanating from the haystack, a trace of disgust flashed in Tamayori Hime Kantsuki's eyes, but he still raised his hand and asked his men to quickly climb onto the grain truck and endure the rice debris to get into the gaps in the sack pile.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki was the last one to get on the bus. His movements were so nimble that he didn't make any sound.
Before getting into the grain bag, his cold eyes swept over the porters as if they were real.
But these people just put down the oilcloth numbly, as if nothing happened.
"The Dharma Master is Fushou Paste..."
A ronin whispered a reminder.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki suddenly understood, and became more and more curious.
These people are obviously Zhao Qingxu's secret agents.
According to the intelligence, Zhao Qingxu has cut off all the clues, but unexpectedly there is still one hidden.
The space inside the grain bag pile is small, stuffy, and smells of dust and grain.
Rumble!
In the distance on Official Road, the vibration of horse hooves could be heard.
It is the elite patrol officers Commandery Commandant Office and Enforcement Hall.
Listening to the noise, it is heading towards Mass Burial Grounds.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki also breathed a sigh of relief.
He had made a right bet. If he had killed You Er before, facing Enforcement Hall's wave of masters coming in waves, even if he had great skills, he would not be able to survive. Now he could only take one step at a time.
I don't know how long the bumps lasted, but the vehicle slowed down.
There was a lot of people outside, but before they knew it, it was already dawn and they were outside the city gate.
The people in the convoy seemed to be familiar with the guard and entered the city without much careful investigation.
After an unknown amount of time, the carriage finally stopped.
The oilcloth was lifted again, and the same porters with numb eyes motioned for them to get off.
Everyone got out of their grain bags and dusted themselves with grass clippings and dust.
Looking around, he saw a rather spacious courtyard in front of him.
The floor is paved with blue bricks, surrounded by gray tiles and pink walls that have the charm of a southern water town.
However, the building standing at the end of the yard looks out of place.
It is clearly a Thai-Western style church.
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki frowned slightly and snorted, "Red Haired Foreigners's church?"
He was no stranger to the church.
Just in the past few decades, many Red Haired Foreignerss have gone to Japan to preach. Especially with Nine Provinces Island as the center, daimyo territories such as Bungo Kingdom and Hizen Kingdom will allow missionaries to be exchanged for raw silk, firearms and other items.
These daimyo even donated Nagasaki to foreign religious administration.
Therefore, in a short period of time, the number of believers covered warriors, merchants, farmers and other classes, reaching nearly 300,000.
When there are too many people, there will be chaos, and because of preaching, they are rejected by Buddhism and Shinto.
Later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued a decree after the Nine Provinces conquest, banning missionaries from entering the country and requiring them to leave the country within twenty days. Instigated by them, the two sides even fought on the seaside and killed many believers and priests.
Speaking of which, they can be considered old enemies.
"Dharma Master, don't worry."
Upon seeing this, "You Er" quickly explained, "This church was built by Matteo Ricci in the past. He was responsible for the Great Xuan Dynasty's court. In addition, this is a gathering place for Red Haired Foreigners merchants. We have checked it a while ago and it is safe now."
"Well, let's go."
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki nodded slightly, signaling his subordinates to be alert.
Everyone entered through the side door of the backyard.
As soon as he passed through the wooden door and entered the church, Tamayori Hime Kantsuki noticed something was wrong.
He is also familiar with the styles of these churches.
On the imitation Roman-style facade, the location where the stained glass windows should have been inlaid is now sealed with thick wooden boards and oiled paper, giving it a gloomy look. Several wooden frames tied with straw ropes are also piled up.
The interior space of the hall is high and spacious, and it is indeed based on the Latin cross layout of a Catholic church, but it is full of weirdness.
On the thick wooden pillars supporting the dome, the mottled and peeling paintings are vaguely discernible, which seem to be biblical stories - Noah's Ark, the Last Supper... but most of the characters' faces have been deliberately scratched out with knives.
There were many people wearing priestly robes inside.
Some were from the feudal lord, but most of them were local men. Their eyes were all empty and numb.
Seeing You Er and them, there was no reaction.
The church was very dark, and the only source of light was the towering copper candlesticks on both sides of the altar.
But the candlelight was dim and seemed to be suppressed by some force.
As You Er made a gesture, a figure wearing strange clothes slowly walked out of the shadows and faced them.
This man was of thin build and wore a strange-looking gown that was washed a little white.
The gown is a common Confucian robe with straight skirt, but the waist is tighter and the collar is tied with a belt instead of a button. The most eye-catching thing is that the gown is covered with a faded black velvet short waistcoat, which is also worn by Western priests.
Such a strange mix and match is not surprising in Divine Land.
When Matteo Ricci and other priests started preaching in the early days, in order to reduce hostility, they followed the local customs.
Even the clothes changed accordingly, gradually integrating into the gentry class.
This look has become a common look for Divine Land priests.
The person who came was a middle-aged Red Haired Foreigners, with a haggard face, sunken eye sockets and prominent cheekbones.
He bowed slightly to Tamayori Hime Kantsuki and others, and said dryly, "My Lollio, by the order of the Lord... and his loyal servant... Father Zhao... welcome all of you... distinguished guests. The abode of God... may bless you."
Western priests who preach in Divine Land usually give themselves the surname Divine Land.
Looking at this man's appearance, Tamayori Hime Kantsuki suddenly felt terrified and looked up suddenly.
But on the wall behind the altar, a huge stone cross statue was still there, but the statue's face had been roughly flattened, and replaced by a layer of red cloth with strange black runes painted on it.
Buzz buzz~
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki's ancient sword trembled slightly, and he quickly held it down.
This is his Lineage inheritance. The ancient sword "Moon Coffin" seals the Tamayori Hime demon soul and can cast the evil secret technique "Frost Descent Child" that controls the soul of children. This is also the reason why they are called "Hundred Ghosts Seat".
And now, the Tamayori Hime demon soul inside is actually afraid!
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki felt his back tense and said in a cold voice, "What happened here...?"
"Dharma Master..."
You Er's voice was trembling, as if he was excited and mixed with fear.
"Master Zhao's power is far beyond your imagination."
"Be smart and don't ask anything. You will be rewarded afterward."
Everyone in Japan looked at each other in shock. Although they felt chilled in their hearts, the matter had come to this, and they could only enter the secret room below the church under the leadership of the strange priest.
This is where wine is stored, with wooden barrels stacked on top of each other like a maze.
The good thing is that the priest has already prepared sumptuous food and wine.
There was also a wooden basket covered with floral cloth, and the faint sound of children humming could be heard.
These Japanese warriors and swordsmen were so hungry that they immediately started eating and drinking.
After having enough wine and food, worries surged into my heart again.
"Dharma Master."
The swordsman named Sanada said with worry on his face, "There is something wrong with this place."
"Hmm."
Tamayori Hime Kantsuki stood up slowly, with blood on the corners of his mouth. He threw away the basket in his hand and subconsciously pressed it on the ancient sword "Moon Coffin" on his waist. He looked up and his eyes flashed red.
"Then Zhao Qingxu is probably a powerful demon. Don't act rashly..."
Because You Er responded, Tamayori Hime Kantsuki and others were able to escape.
Commandery Commandant Office and Enforcement Hall were lost, and Luo MingZi and others were scolded a lot.
But many things will not stop because of these lurking monsters.
After competition from all parties, the list was finally determined, and the time for admission to the academy finally came.
Two days later, the morning light dewed slightly and the mist shrouded the place.
Qiankun Academy The central square built in the pattern of "round sky and square earth" is already full of people.
Today is the auspicious day for the official opening of the academy.
The first batch of selected disciples "Inquiry of Things Department" and "Mysterious Engineering Department" gathered here.
Although these disciples wore uniformly distributed indigo coarse robes, they were obviously different.
Some have dull faces, broad palms, and are inexplicably nervous.
These are Craftsmen Sect Disciple selected from various places, all with extraordinary talents. After traveling a long distance to the capital, and then arriving at this long-famous academy, they naturally felt uneasy.
And some people can't hide their nobility in their actions and demeanor.
They are the children of common people sent by the powerful to come here to fight for a future.
All the disciples, most of whom were no more than fifteen or sixteen years old, were in groups, whispering.
The eyes that looked at each other were full of scrutiny and consideration.
On the high platform in the distance, Yan Jiuling, who looked exhausted, looked at the scene below, his eyes full of excitement.
"Brother Li, guess what I saw?"
Standing next to him was none other than Li Yan, who was temporarily pulled over.
Li Yan's eyes are also a bit complicated.
He didn't expect that his unintentional actions would eventually lead to such a scene.
Hearing Yan Jiuling ask, and remembering the Xuanmen Steam Engine he saw before, he pursed his lips.
"A new era..."