253: Friendly visit

Kyoto, inside an upscale cafe.

Koyasu Takehito’s face was ashen, his entire body rigid in his seat, as if all his bones had been removed.

His phone slipped from his powerless hand, the screen still illuminated with an angry text message from his boss, every word like a red-hot branding iron, searing his heart.

It’s over.

Everything is over.

His proud political future, the taste of power he had just begun to savor, all turned to dust at this moment.

He could even imagine what he would face next.

Being treated as a scapegoat, pushed out to appease the Dragon Country’s wrath, torn to shreds by the angry populace at home.

Fear, like icy seawater, completely engulfed him… Meanwhile, in a secluded shrine on the outskirts of Kyoto.

Moss mottled the ancient stone steps.

Lin Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, the ancient longsword “xue ming” lying quietly in its scabbard before him, his entire being merged with the tranquil night surroundings.

Three figures approached from a distance, silently landing behind him.

It was Fang Yuan, Han Li, and Liu Lian.

Lin Xiao slowly turned around.

His gaze fell on Fang Yuan first, and a subtle hint of surprise flickered in his deep eyes.

The current Fang Yuan’s aura was as deep and profound as an abyss, with faint purple lightning circulating around his body; that was no longer a mere spiritual energy fluctuation, but a qualitative transformation.

It was the pressure of the Golden Core Stage.

“Not bad.”

Lin Xiao uttered two words, a recognition of his strength.

For the usually proud Lin Xiao to say “not bad,” it showed that Fang Yuan’s current strength had truly entered his sight.

Fang Yuan also felt the increasingly pure and sharp Sword Intent emanating from Lin Xiao. He nodded, saying nothing more.

For people like them, sometimes a glance, a gesture, was enough for communication.

“Damn it! Lin Xiao, you’re not playing fair!”

Liu Lian boisterously came over, throwing an arm around Lin Xiao’s shoulder, an exaggerated expression on his face.

“You caused such a stir alone in Sakura Country! Killing Ancient Great Demons, leveling Sword Sects, now you’re on the front page of every newspaper in the world! Kunlun Sword Immortal, tsk tsk, that title is super cool!”

“Do you know that our academy’s registration website is almost crashing, ninety-nine percent of the applicants are aiming for the Sword Cultivation Department! This move of yours really boosted the Sword Cultivation Department’s KPI!”

Lin Xiao frowned slightly, subtly shifting his body to break free from Liu Lian’s arm.

He had no interest in such empty fame.

“Ryūsei Sōshū confessed some things before he died.”

Lin Xiao’s expression was calm, cutting straight to the chase.

“The evil Cultivation Technique he cultivated came from an Ancient Great Demon, Shuten Doji.”

“The location where he met Shuten Doji was inside a barrier at the foot of Mount Fuji.”

Hearing the name “Shuten Doji,” Fang Yuan and Han Li’s expressions became solemn.

This was a famous Ancient Great Demon from the legends of Sakura Country.

“It seems our previous speculation was correct; the Cultivation world of Sakura Country has been almost completely infiltrated and corrupted by these Ancient Demons.”

Han Li frowned, stating his inference.

“Then should we go now? Take down Shuten Doji’s lair?”

Liu Lian rubbed his fists, having just acquired the Golden Core Stage Magic Treasure, the “mother-child seven star sword casket,” and was itching to test its power.

“Not appropriate.”

Fang Yuan spoke in a deep voice. Now that he was in the Golden Core Stage, his perspective on problems was more stable.

“Since Shuten Doji could impart Cultivation Techniques that allowed even a good-for-nothing like Ryūsei Sōshū to touch the threshold of Foundation Establishment, his strength must be unfathomable, at least a Late Stage Golden Core Stage, or even a Nascent Soul Stage Ancient Great Demon.”

“We are only four people now; rushing in blindly carries too much risk.”

Lin Xiao also nodded, indicating agreement.

Although he was confident, he was not arrogant.

“My intention is to first investigate and ascertain the situation of the barrier.”

“Xie Wangsheng and the others are already on their way. Once all the classmates from the academy arrive, we will formulate a detailed battle plan to completely eradicate these demons in one fell swoop.”

“That’s a safe approach.”

Han Li agreed.

“However…”

Liu Lian suddenly thought of something and spoke with some concern.

“With so many of us coming to Sakura Country and preparing for such a big operation, will the Sakura Country government agree?”

“If they send troops and bombard us with missiles or something, that would be quite troublesome, wouldn’t it?”

Liu Lian’s words made Fang Yuan frown as well.

This was indeed a problem.

Cultivators were powerful, but they were still flesh and blood. Facing a saturated attack of modern thermal weapons, there would still be danger.

However, Han Li smiled mysteriously.

“Don’t worry.”

He said slowly.

“They wouldn’t dare.”

“Moreover, not only will they not dare, but they will also have to treat us well, serving us delicious food and drinks, and worship us like ancestors.”

“Huh?”

Liu Lian looked bewildered, completely failing to understand what nonsense Han Li was talking about.

Fang Yuan and Lin Xiao also cast puzzled glances.

Han Li merely smiled, offering no explanation, instead building suspense.

“Just wait and watch the show.”

...Kunlun Cultivation Academy, Dean’s Office.

Li Heng was leisurely sipping tea. In the Void Realm before him, a light screen floated, displaying the message Han Li had just sent.

“Dean, we have already met with Lin Xiao and are preparing to launch an anti-demon operation in Sakura Country. However, considering the potential international disputes that may arise later, your student dares to humbly request your intervention to help resolve any future concerns.”

Li Heng looked at the message, a slight smile playing on his lips.

These guys are getting more and more interesting.

Not only have they learned to solve problems themselves, but they’ve also learned to call for help.

However, he appreciated this approach.

Kunlun Cultivation Academy had never been an isolated entity; behind the students stood him, the entire academy.

It was time for the whole world to realize this more profoundly.

“Well, consider it a trip.”

Li Heng put down his teacup and murmured softly.

With a thought, he sent a telepathic message to Zhang He, who was down the mountain.

A moment later, Zhang He ran in, panting, a hint of panic and unease on his face.

“Principal… Principal Li, you were looking for me?”

“Yes.”

Li Heng nodded, speaking calmly.

“Help me contact the higher-ups of the Dragon Country.”

Zhang He’s heart immediately tightened, thinking something major had happened again.

“Do… do you have any instructions?”

Li Heng leaned back in his chair, speaking in a casual, conversational tone.

“Tell them that I, Li Heng, Principal of Kunlun Cultivation Academy, intend to make a friendly visit to Sakura Country.”

“Have them inform Sakura Country in advance that I will be coming.”

“Lest they fail to provide proper hospitality.”

As his words fell, the office was silent.

Zhang He’s eyes widened, his mouth slightly open, completely stunned in place.

Friendly… friendly visit?

The Principal is personally visiting Sakura Country?!

After a brief shock, a surge of ecstasy instantly flooded his heart!

He immediately understood the terrifying weight behind Li Heng’s words!

This was no friendly visit at all!

This was clearly a blatant show of force! A declaration of power at the highest level!

At a critical juncture when Kunlun Academy’s students had just caused a massive stir in Sakura Country, triggering a global media storm, the Principal himself was making a visit!

What did this represent?

This represented the Dragon Country government, represented Kunlun Academy, telling the whole world in the most direct and forceful way—

Yes, I killed them.

So what?

My people are right there in your country.

Do you want to try to touch them?

Zhang He’s breathing instantly became rapid, his cheeks flushed crimson from over-excitement.

He could even imagine the terrified expressions on the faces of the Sakura Country officials, as if they had seen a ghost, when the Dragon Country government relayed this message to them.

This was a tremendous merit!

It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the deep bond between the Dragon Country and Kunlun Academy to the entire world!

“Understood… understood! Principal Li! I’ll go at once!”

Zhang He’s voice trembled with excitement. He bowed deeply to Li Heng, then turned and practically ran out of the office.

He had to immediately, right now, report this earth-shattering news!