Aftermath

Behind tonight's lesson lay a ceremony akin to washing one's hands in a golden basin.

Through the transfer of power and the enlistment of support, the dojo's renewal had been completed.

From this day onward, the Sword Saint would withdraw from the martial world.

No one had expected the old man to let go so swiftly and decisively. Before anyone could react, everything had already been settled.

The old man removed the sword at his waist. Then Kamizumi Haruka, still kneeling, respectfully raised the blade in both hands and displayed it before everyone. After that, she carefully and solemnly fastened it at her own waist.

Before all the dojo's upper ranks and disciples, the succession had been completed.

Before the undercurrents could begin to stir, the outcome had already been decided, leaving no room whatsoever for anyone with ulterior motives to make a move. Without a word, he had even brought in powerful allies like Mount Tengu and the nearby ally of Tamba, helping his successor weather the vulnerable transition period.

Perhaps this was what warriors called "strategy."

To move like thunder, to conceal oneself like shadow.

Mount Tengu lay far beyond the border and possessed immense strength, yet it could not shake the dojo's foundations. With a powerful distant ally like the Great Tengu, the dojo would be able to pass through the awkward transition period after losing its Sword Saint with sufficient stability.

Meanwhile, nearby Tamba was also in the midst of rebuilding. It possessed tremendous potential, but for now lacked the strength to covet the dojo. It could be trusted fully, and the two sides could conduct deep cooperation as equals.

With the Great Tengu and Huai Shi present, even if Kamizumi Haruka proved utterly incapable, they could still preserve the dojo's vitality.

As for whether the