Water sprayed through the air, drenching Master of Open Stratagems and the others like drowned rats.
Fortunately, Master of Open Stratagems had instructed everyone beforehand to go all out.
Otherwise, with the force of the water overhead, one careless move would have swept them off the cliff and into the sea.
Though they looked somewhat bedraggled, they had at least managed to stay alive.
Master of Open Stratagems knew full well that the water pouring down overhead was merely a smokescreen. The real killing move was still to come.
The water had successfully blocked their vision. If the Hozuki Castle guards continued attacking, Master of Open Stratagems and the others would have difficulty noticing in time.
Master of Open Stratagems gave no advance warning this time. Surviving the combined attack of the Hozuki Castle guards had already demonstrated their strength.
And his silence was meant to prepare for the next stage of his plan.
Sure enough, behind the waterfall, a barely visible fire dragon suddenly revealed its fearsome scales and horns.
Boom!
The fire dragon exploded on its own, turning into fifteen crimson chains that shot toward Master of Open Stratagems and his party to bind them.
Master of Open Stratagems was already prepared. With a quick movement, he made to flee toward the suspension bridge.
Some loyal confidants immediately darted forward as well, helping fend off the crimson chains.
The other confidants had no time to react before the crimson chains struck them.
The chains pierced their bodies and locked directly onto their collarbones. They lost the ability to use the chakra within their bodies, becoming "ordinary people" on the spot.
And all these displays were enough to deceive the lord of Hozuki Castle atop its walls.
Only two of the confidants Master of Open Stratagems had brought managed