Promise

Of course, Ueno Kei also believed that the other party would not make any excessive demands. From the information he had gathered, it was clear that the person who set this up knew that anyone entering would either be weak or powerful.

Neither type of person would be able to fulfill his requirements. Furthermore, Ueno Kei had not yet detected any danger in this space; he was seventy or eighty percent certain that the other party had no countermeasures to threaten those who entered. The so-called transaction and requirements were likely supported only by moral obligation. Of course, the other party could also choose not to impart the Wind Wing Sword Technique, in which case nothing would change and nothing would be gained, resulting in no loss for anyone.

Just as Ueno Kei expected, that aged voice rang out once more.

"I have only two requests! First, if you are able to master the mysteries of my clan, please treat it as a legacy and pass it on, so that our secrets do not die out. Of course, if you cannot master it, please find a ninja or samurai capable of inheriting our sword technique. Second, if you encounter descendants of my clan in the future, please provide them with some care within your capabilities. If their sword technique has been lost, please teach it to them on my behalf."

The voice spoke with a hint of helplessness and bitterness. Of course, Ueno Kei could understand this; after all, having to pass on one's own family secrets to an unknown outsider was difficult. If it were him, he would likely feel as the saying went: he would rather let it rot in the ground than let others know.

Thinking of this, the corners of Ueno Kei's mouth curled up slightly. He shrugged and spread his hands in a very expressive gesture, looking quite adorable, though no one in this space could see it.

Returning to the matter at hand, Ueno Kei was neither surprised nor found anything unacceptable about the old man's demands (judging by the voice, Ueno Kei had sufficient reason to conclude that this guy was definitely elderly, especially since the fellow referred to himself as "this old man").

It was fair and practical. Ueno Kei felt he could accept it. As for helping his descendants, since he was already learning the family's secret, it wouldn't be a burden to help the descendants of the so-called Wind Wing clan within his power if he ever met them.

The man had also specified "within your capabilities," meaning he had no intention of making things difficult for him.

Therefore, Ueno Kei immediately and happily made his decision.

But how should I signal my agreement? I can't speak, and there are no switches to press. How do I indicate it? Ueno Kei suddenly thought of this serious situation.

Could it be that they were just destined to stare at each other in silence?

Immediately, Ueno Kei felt foolish. What am I worrying about? Since the person made this request, they surely have a way to handle it. Why am I overthinking things?

"Of course, this old man has no intention of making things difficult for you. If you do not agree, it is fine. I will send you out of this space. You may still use that blade, though it will not be as smooth to wield. If you agree, I will naturally teach you everything I know!"

The voice spoke unhurriedly.

Then, the person continued: "If you agree, bite your finger within a quarter of an hour and let a drop of blood fall onto the ground of this space. If you do not respond within that time, I will assume you have refused. This space will reject you and send you outside."

After that, the voice fell silent. It seemed the next quarter of an hour was intended as time for the person to consider.

Did this even require consideration? For Ueno Kei, this was already a bargain. All he had to provide was a promise, and the content of that promise didn't even necessarily have to be fulfilled; it was only to be done if possible. In a sense, Ueno Kei was getting a family's secret technique for absolutely zero cost.

Therefore, the moment the aged voice faded, Ueno Kei didn't even hesitate. He bit his finger and squeezed out a drop of blood, letting it fall onto the ground.

The moment the blood touched the floor, it was instantly absorbed. Suddenly, the entire space brightened and began to churn, causing Ueno Kei's eyelids to twitch.

Was I too hasty? What if this is a trap? Ueno Kei felt a slight sense of unease in his heart.

However, things had reached this point, and he could only wait quietly; the die was cast.

Ueno Kei had no other options, and it was unlikely he could change anything now.

I am still too young and lack experience, Ueno Kei sighed inwardly. Although he possessed memories from his past life, he had only lived for twenty-some years in that life.

At the moment he was killed, Ueno Kei had lamented his own naivety, having been played in the palm of others' hands and discarded once he had no value. He had sworn that in his next life, he would never let his guard down again.

He hadn't expected to repeat the same mistake. This was an even greater lesson, one that made Ueno Kei's heart grow more vigilant.

Of course, ensuring this wasn't a trap remained the top priority.

Fortunately, the owner of the Lingyu Blade truly had no treacherous intentions; it was purely Ueno Kei's own personal anxiety.

When the strange changes in the space subsided, a halo the size of a fist appeared before Ueno Kei. It was surrounded by rings of light, not vivid in color but rather transparent, giving off a unique sensation. A flicker of surprise crossed Ueno Kei's eyes.

This halo gave Ueno Kei a sense of familiarity, as if there were a trace of chakra, yet it wasn't quite the same. He felt it was a different form of power.

Having learned his lesson, Ueno Kei did not touch the halo easily. Even though he was filled with curiosity, he decided to wait and see.

"I knew you would agree to my deal. It is a win-win situation, is it not? I have no ulterior motives, so you need not worry. The halo before you contains a portion of my chakra, within which lies a part of my memories."

Ueno Kei's expression shifted. A portion of memories? A bad thought immediately surfaced in his mind, and he became fully guarded. Although he knew he might have no power to resist in this space, as someone who felt like he had been reborn, he would not willingly surrender.

Even if the odds were slim, Ueno Kei would definitely put up a fight.

"Of course, you need not worry. This portion of memory only contains my understanding of the sword technique, allowing you to better accept the mysteries of my clan. I do not know what your strength is, so it is impossible for me to plot against you, heh."

The aged voice chuckled, as if explaining things to someone.

Ueno Kei immediately let out a sigh of relief. Well, if that's the case, it's relatively better. At this moment, the halo suddenly flashed and, with a "whoosh," flew straight toward Ueno Kei. His pupils constricted.

Before he could react, the halo drilled into the center of his forehead and vanished. Ueno Kei instinctively closed his eyes, and immediately, a pained expression appeared on his face. His whole body began to tremble, and a wave of heat radiated from him.

He did not know how much time had passed before the expression on Ueno Kei's face gradually calmed, and he slowly opened his eyes.