Gu Sanqiu could swear to the old man himself that the comment he made earlier was purely offhand and held no ulterior motives—it was nothing more than a sheer coincidence.
Still, the idea that new disciples were flocking to a dojo not for swordsmanship but to gain access to a better platform and higher-level connections?
Tch, it seems this Tian Zhongji has more going on than meets the eye. At the very least, the Shinyu Style dojo's lineage must be significant.
"Tian Zhongji, from what you're saying, does this mean the Shinyu Style has lost its purity?"
Tian Zhongji's face clouded with shame. "That's correct. Our dojo has been around for some time and has ties to certain high-ranking officials in the Shogunate."
"Some of the disciples don't even seem like martial artists. They come to the dojo only because it offers a chance to associate with influential people."
Tian Zhongji sighed. "We've been discussing solutions internally for some time, but nothing has worked. It's gotten to the point where even our blade techniques have stagnated."
"Why not halt recruitment for a while?"
"Well... you see, sir, that's not something I can decide alone. Besides, the dojo needs income to sustain itself."
"The larger the scale, the less control you have. Is that it?"
"You're exactly right, sir."
"Then find a proxy. Get someone who can speak for you and help manage the trivial matters. Otherwise, forget improving your swordsmanship—you'll be lucky if it doesn't decline."
Gu Sanqiu turned, his tone sharpening. "I've heard enough. You may come in. Whether or not you can spar with me depends on your skill."
The doors opened, revealing a labyrinth beyond.
"Sir, what is this?" Tian Zhongji asked, stunned.
"This is a test for those who seek me."
Gu Sanqiu spoke flatly. "I will be waiting in the dojo ahead. If you are truly a qualified samurai, use the blade in your heart and follow your instincts to navigate this maze."
With that, Gu Sanqiu leapt into the air and disappeared toward the dojo, leaving Tian Zhongji gazing upward in awe.
"Master Longhai's martial prowess has reached an awe-inspiring level. Even such a movement is effortless for him."
"Master, is this Longhai Xuanzhe guy really that strong?"
"Watch your words!"
Tian Zhongji's face darkened. "This man's skills are extraordinary. Even I must address him with respect. Who are you to speak of him so casually?"
"It seems the Shinyu Style is indeed in dire straits. Even you lot are showing signs of decay!"
With a heavy snort, Tian Zhongji ignored his subordinates and strode into the labyrinth.
"Wait for us, Master!"
The group scrambled after him, panicked. They didn't care much about Longhai Xuanzhe, but Tian Zhongji's attitude toward them mattered greatly.
Accompanying him on such outings was an enviable privilege, and they couldn't afford to ruin it. If they failed, their peers back at the dojo would undoubtedly gloat at their expense.
"Tian Zhongji, huh?"
Watching from the maze's exit, Gu Sanqiu crossed his arms, deep in thought.
"Though his underlings are unimpressive, he himself shows promise. He can manifest sword intent, and the sharpness of his will is palpable even to others. Not bad for a cultivator."
Gu Sanqiu had left deliberate clues. The way he had spoken earlier and the path he took while leaping into the air were intentionally straightforward. For a martial artist with a keen sense of awareness, these hints served as a beacon.
If Tian Zhongji wasn't just for show, he should be able to traverse the maze in about ten minutes.
"Master Longhai."
Sure enough, ten minutes later, Tian Zhongji emerged before Gu Sanqiu.
"A cleverly designed labyrinth. Without the subtle trail of your presence as a guide, I might have been stuck for much longer."
"Clearing the maze means you've earned the right to challenge me."
Gu Sanqiu extended his right hand. "Choose your method—combat or a philosophical discussion. The choice is yours."
"Combat, of course. It's been far too long since I've felt the intense pressure of a true battle. I hope this experience reignites my passion for progress. I trust Master Longhai can provide the motivation I need!"
What the hell?
I'm not your favorite thing, your parents, or some unparalleled beauty. Where exactly is this motivation of yours coming from? Indigestion?
Gu Sanqiu unsheathed his blade with a calm expression. His arsenal was extensive—if this one broke, he'd simply replace it.
"Forgive me for the offense!"
With a low shout, Tian Zhongji drew his longsword in a flash, sending a silver arc of energy slicing toward Gu Sanqiu's chest.
The arc quivered slightly mid-air, splitting into smaller streaks of blade intent aimed at Gu Sanqiu's neck and limbs.
"Ah, the Shinyu Style. Blade intent formed by concentrated will, seamlessly paired with the physical strike. No wonder it's named as such."
Gu Sanqiu remained unfazed by the onslaught targeting him. The spiritual will behind the attacks wasn't strong enough to harm him.
With one motion, he drew his sword and slashed downward.
Clang!
The impact resounded like thunder. To Tian Zhongji's disbelief, Gu Sanqiu shattered the incoming blade energy with raw force and redirected his swing toward Tian Zhongji's horizontal slash.
"Kill!"
The oppressive aura of killing intent and overwhelming combat spirit surged like a tidal wave, engulfing Tian Zhongji.
When Gu Sanqiu's blade stopped at Tian Zhongji's neck, the latter remained frozen, stunned into silence.
"Hey, snap out of it!"
"Ah!"
Startled, Tian Zhongji let out a loud cry and stumbled backward, retreating several steps. Despite his trembling hands, he held his weapon tightly, refusing to let it go.
"Well? Any thoughts?"
"Sir—no, Lord, you are too powerful."
Tian Zhongji took several deep breaths to calm himself. "I'm no match for you. Is this the strength forged in the wilds?"
To gather so many cursed objects in the wilderness and then come to Inazuma to settle down—Gu Sanqiu's battles must have been beyond imagination.
Before coming here, the Tenryou Commission had described Gu Sanqiu as a "security risk"—a potential danger.
But now, Tian Zhongji could only curse the person who gave him that information.
A security risk?
If this man wished, he could throw Inazuma City into complete chaos without breaking a sweat!
Even as these thoughts swirled, Tian Zhongji's wary gaze fell on the blade in Gu Sanqiu's hand. Its cold gleam was blinding, proof of meticulous care.
Recalling the overwhelming aura and unrelenting combat spirit he had just faced, Tian Zhongji realized a chilling truth:
This man hadn't just killed cursed creatures in the wild. He'd killed plenty of humans, too.