```
Su Lun only t that elegant old lady once on the deck, and then he never saw her again.
There were no signs of any accidents due to being recognized because of his identity.
It seed she really just ca to fulfill her final wish of seeing a friend of her great-granddaughter before she passed away.
But Su Lun always felt that there was a deeper aning behind that encounter.
After pondering for a long ti without figuring it out, he decided not to dwell on it any further.
So he stayed in his cabin all the ti.
On the evening of the fourth day of the voyage, the fleet finally arrived at the capital, Edo, of Mountain Hermit.
....
"Let’s go, off the boat we go!"
The ship docked, and a violent shake occurred. The travelers in the cargo hold picked up their luggage and crowded out of the cabin.
Su Lun also walked onto the deck calmly and imdiately saw dozens of three-masted large sea ships moored at the dock. The mast flew the skull pirate flag of the King of the North Sea pirate group, and the sails displayed a colorful "fat skeleton" flag of the Ninth Fleet’s "Gluttonous Grand General," Yixier Peion.
These were all warships, most of which were equipped with advanced cannons sent by the Mafa Empire.
There were also signs of cannon fire on the dock, which seed more like a display of military power than a fierce battle, as if a few shots had been fired deliberately. After shattering a few gun emplacents, there was no more to it.
Su Lun disembarked and didn’t walk far before he saw a group of youths in black uniforms parading on the dock, loudly shouting slogans.
"Firmly oppose the ’Non-Resistance Treaty,’ eliminate the national traitor!"
"Strongly demand the Takeda shogunate to join the war directly, expel the invaders!"
"Swear to fight to the death for our Red Rice Port!"
"..."
The marching crowd was fervent, and Su Lun observed that they were dressed like students.
The students blocked the dock entrance, distributing leaflets to travelers coming to Edo, which detailed the entire situation.
Su Lun was handed one as well.
He glanced at it and quickly understood the situation.
Basically, a day before, the Ninth Fleet arrived at Edo with nacing force, fired two shots, and then the Takeda shogunate, which held absolute military power in Mountain Hermit, "knelt" without resistance. They then signed a non-resistance treaty, allowing the North Sea fleet to enter Edo Castle directly.
In fact, the shogunate, with the nation’s forces at its command, did have the power to resist the invasion.
At the very least, against this newly ford Ninth Fleet, they had the capacity to inflict mutual destruction.
Without any resistance, this was why the students were so enraged.
However, upon reviewing the events, Su Lun imdiately spotted the "sly move" of the Takeda shogunate.
They signed the non-resistance treaty, and now all the "contradictions" had shifted to the Imperial Court.
Once the royal family agrees to be ruled by foreigners, their faith will definitely collapse.
If they disagree, the shogunate could kill with a borrowed knife, letting the North Sea fleet confront the royal family directly.
In the end, Mountain Hermit still needed a ruler, and although the shogunate lost so "reputation," their power had increased even more than before.
...
Su Lun looked at the passionate youths on the dock, as if he saw the shadows of the movents to overthrow the shogunate and to modernize from his previous life.
Over the years, Mountain Hermit had contact with the outside world, and the courtiers also tried to start new schools in Edo, thus cultivating a group of knowledgeable young students.
Being a transmigrator, he naturally understood this was an inevitability in social developnt.
As civilization advanced, the historical tide would inevitably wash away those outdated systems that did not conform to the laws of developnt.
Even though Su Lun Jue considered the Princess his friend, he did not believe that such a major trend could be altered by an individual.
The North Sea fleet’s arrival was probably this "catalyst". Even if they had not co, the deepening class conflicts would sooner or later beco a raging fire that would sweep through all of Mountain Hermit.
However, the current situation in Mountain Hermit seed a bit unusual.
If Su Lun had not encountered Katya’s grandmother before, he would likely not have cared about these political affairs at all.
But now, seeing these people, a conspiracy theory suddenly popped into his head: Could it be that this student movent was also being driven by that "third party" behind the scenes?
The "divine right of kings" and the "shogunate" are deeply rooted in Mountain Hermit. If that third party wanted to control Mountain Hermit, these two forces would certainly be barriers to overco.
The best thod Su Lun could think of was nothing other than "change of dynasty".
Mountain Hermit’s resources were actually abundant, with deposits of gold, silver, iron, fisheries, lumber, and extraordinary materials... all of which were advantageous. It was only the backward production that limited the developnt of these resources.
If it were up to Su Lun, a primitive and backward Mountain Hermit would certainly not be an ideal domain.
Empowering it would yield the greatest benefits.
For example, by having a steam machinery revolution.
```
Su Lun felt that which he could co up with, the person behind the scenes could certainly think of as well.
....
"Princess’s troubles aren’t small at all..."
Su Lun muttered to himself, then stuffed the flyer into the dirty collar of his robe and climbed the green stone steps towards the city.
He also contacted Qiantiao using the communicator by the way.
They had taken the land route and had already arrived two days earlier.
That gambling-addicted lady had a big heart and was now gambling in a gambling den controlled by the Black Dragon.
This was Edo Castle, and although the Takeda shogunate had an imnse power, the imperial clan of Divine Attire also held significant control over city, so there was no need to worry about being surrounded and attacked by a large force as in other places.
Qiantiao was bold with her remarkable skills, so she was left to her own devices.
Su Lun wasn’t much interested in gambling, so he wasn’t in a hurry to et up.
He walked out of the dock and slowly headed towards the ancient city that had lasted for a thousand years.
Up from the riverside dock, there was a nearly ten ters tall stone city wall. Passing through the gate, Su Lun stepped onto a road wide enough for six horses to travel abreast.
Edo Castle was the largest city in the Kingdom of Mountain Hermit, with a population of several hundred thousand. It was not as prosperous as Lu Ying’s industrial cities, but it was still bustling with activity.
It was evening now, the sky was getting dark, and large snowflakes were drifting in the sky. The number of pedestrians on the streets was also thinning out.
Lanterns were gradually being lit throughout the city, with orange lights shining under roof eaves, illuminating corners and connecting into patches like fire dragons coiling within the city.
Both sides of the streets were lined with neat rows of blue-tiled houses. The shops along the streets hung signs for grain, fabric, pharmacies, at... and other necessities of life.
At a glance, there were hardly any traces of industrial buildings in the city.
A very primitive agricultural society.
Having eaten dry rations for several days, Su Lun’s mouth felt bland, and he decided to find so hot food to fill his stomach.
But as he walked, he passed by a bookstore just as it was closing up.
He thought for a mont and walked in. He was t with a room full of blue-covered, thread-bound books and a strong sll of ink.
Su Lun wanted to buy a few books about the ghosts of Mountain Hermit and customs.
The books in these stores were much richer in content than those in Pirate City.
While browsing, recalling the old lady he t on the ship, he asked, "Shopkeeper, do you have books by the great writer, Fujiwara Hayato?"
"Of course we do."
The shopkeeper was a little old man who responded and pointed towards a wall.
There were dozens of works by Fujiwara Hayato.
Su Lun glanced at the titles, all of which were supernatural tales, mostly about the strange tales and legends of the yokai of Mountain Hermit.
He picked so he hadn’t read before and said, "Shopkeeper, please wrap up those few books for ."
"Alright."
Perhaps because he thought he had found a big custor even though he was closing up, the shopkeeper was all smiles.
As he gathered the items, he said, "Fujiwara Hayato-sama is superior in writing about ghosts and yokai. His works are the most wonderful fairy tales I have ever seen. Even after decades of reading leisurely, when I flip through those stories, I often wake up from dreams, as if the yokai in the books have co to life and entered my dreams to disturb people..."
Su Lun listened to the old man’s words and nodded in agreent.
This was not an exaggeration to make a sale; he had read so before.
The yokai in those stories were vividly portrayed, leaving a profound impression on him.
Moreover, he also felt that this "great writer" Fujiwara Hayato was shrouded in a layer of mystery.
Words can communicate with the divine, and the laws of poetry and literature are among the supre laws that can embody godliness.
Given that the stories from his pen were written so vividly and realistically, it was impossible without having seen those yokai.
But to have encountered so many yokai and still be alive was no simple feat.
Su Lun speculated that he might very well be a high-ranking professional.
Although Su Lun didn’t understand this professional hierarchy, he had seen so of it.
For instance, the bard of the Dalu tribe, and that girl, Katyusha.
That ability of "Word Becos Law" was still vivid in his mory.
Su Lun hadn’t heard of Fujiwara Hayato before, but observing Katyusha’s grandmother collecting the manuscripts of this great writer, he inexplicably felt there was a story within.
Thinking of sothing, Su Lun asked another question, "Shopkeeper, is Fujiwara Hayato-sama from Edo?"
"No."
The shopkeeper shook his head and said, "To my knowledge, Fujiwara Hayato-sama is an adventurer from overseas. He has traveled all over our Mountain Hermit, which is how he wrote these supernatural stories. Eventually, he settled in Edo and lived in Asakusa Temple for over ten years. He left many calligraphy pieces in the city. The book you’re holding, ’Fairy Tale,’ is Hayato-sama’s last work. The monks of the temple say that he has always been writing a world-shaking masterpiece, seemingly depicting the affairs of the gods, often causing extraordinary phenona in heaven and earth... Alas, decades have passed, and to this day, no one has seen that work. So say Fujiwara Hayato-sama has died, so say he has wandered away, and others say his creativity dried up, and he went mad..."
"..."
Having heard these words, Su Lun filled in so details that he hadn’t known before.
He contemplated, "So, it seems that the old acquaintance Katusha’s grandmother ntioned wanting to et might be this Fujiwara Hayato. Is he still alive?"
Fujiwara Hayato has another masterpiece that has not yet been released?
The bookstore owner’s words had also piqued his interest.
Without further thought, Su Lun paid and left the bookstore.
...
The winter sun’s afterglow faded quickly, and as Su Lun had lingered in the bookstore for a while, it was completely dark when he ca out.
The city was aglow with lights, presenting a unique scene.
Su Lun walked down the street, where a thin layer of snow had already accumulated on the pavent.
In Jianghu City, there were various distinctive izakayas, and Su Lun, spotting one called "A Chrysanthemum’s Tavern" with a morable facade, decided to go in for a bite.
As he approached, he hadn’t yet entered when he saw two shabbily dressed beggars in the snow, shivering with cold. One lay on the ground with a reddened face, resembling soone with a high fever, and the other gazed at the passing pedestrians with hopeful eyes. Probably, if they couldn’t get any money, his companion would die in the snowy night.
Such beggars were plentiful in Mountain Hermit.
Su Lun took a few copper coins from his pocket and tossed them, clinking as they landed in the broken bowl.
He didn’t look at the grateful eyes that were cast his way and pushed aside the warm blue curtain decorated with a wave pattern.
The shop wasn’t large, with room for only four or five tables.
They sold homade sake as well as food—ran, sushi, and so oddly nad fried and boiled skewers.
These foods were available in Pirate City too, but they tasted better here.
Having not eaten a warm al for days, this one gave his taste buds a grand treat.
While Su Lun ate, he occasionally sipped so clear sake and flipped through the book he had just bought.
However, as he was eating, a ssage suddenly ca through his communicator.
"Hurry to the ’Tianhai Pavilion.’ ’The First Beauty’ is about to appear!"
Qian’s tone was a bit excited.
It was as if she thought Su Lun’s focus wasn’t on the Black Dragon head, but rather on the "beauty."
Upon hearing this, Su Lun beca genuinely interested.
The role of Ote Hiya in Edo’s chessboard was unique and was one of the things he was most curious about on this trip.
....
Su Lun didn’t eat to fullness, instead packing a few skewers of fish balls to eat as he walked.
He casually asked soone, and it turned out that "Tianhai Pavilion" was in the western district, near the forr silver coin minting area known as the bustling "Ginza" district.
He hired a carriage and soon arrived, hearing the clamor from afar.
Before him was a scene awash with neon lights and colors, with gambling stalls, taverns, bathhouses, and geisha houses—all visibly shouting their presence. This was originally the night district of Edo Castle and the most bustling area, primarily set up to cater to visiting rchants. Now with the ninth fleet of the King of the North Sea here, pirates filled the area.
As Su Lun walked down the street, he frowned upon seeing several cold bodies.
They were geishas dressed in kimonos, their faces painted with heavy makeup, looking like they had died so ti ago, their skin turning blue. Their bodies were hung at the entrance of the geisha house, flapping in the wind like flags, slightly horrifying.
It was also like a warning or a punishnt.
Su Lun’s hearing was excellent, and he caught snippets of conversation from passersby.
He imdiately understood that these geishas had been driven to death by pirates.
Traditional geisha entertained but did not sell their bodies and had rules that custors knew and everyone lived in harmony.
But now, with pirates coming as invaders, they acted without restraint. The people of the Takeda Shogunate arranged for the pirates to stay here, pampering them with good food and drink. The geishas, unable to bear the humiliation, either submitted or ended up hanging outside their establishnts.
Su Lun walked past with an impassive face, and as he passed an alley, he changed into a pirate’s outfit.
Nearly ten thousand pirates had sward into Edo Castle, and nearly every shop in the Ginza district was packed.
"Tianhai Pavilion" was even busier.
It was a large three-story building occupying a vast area, with bouncers sporting large tattoos at the entrance.
At a glance, Su Lun recognized them as mbers of the Black Dragon.
This gang controlled nearly all the entertainnt venues in Edo.
Dressed as a pirate, Su Lun wasn’t stopped and walked in smoothly.
After circumventing a corridor, the place suddenly erupted with noisy voices.
Upon looking, he saw a dueling gambling arena where two sumo wrestlers in loincloths were battling it out on the raised ring.
The betting crowd was shouting themselves hoarse.
Su Lun’s gaze quickly fell on the vociferously shouting Qian Tiao.
This gambling-addicted woman seed to have bet a lot, fervently cheering for the red side she backed.
Su Lun didn’t bother her but stood under the ring, watching the competition.
"Hahaha, these fat pigs, you know, are actually quite nimble."
"No, they are sumo wrestlers worthy of respect."
"Oh, the next match is of
Yokozuna-level sumo wrestling. Even in Edo, it’s rare to see such a high standard..."
"Who do you think will win the next match?"
"...."
Before long, two heavyweight sumo wrestlers took to the stage, colliding like trucks, and in a blink, they were fighting so fiercely that flesh and blood blurred.
The gamblers were instantly exhilarated.
Su Lun also watched with great interest.
These sumo wrestlers might look clumsy, but they were actually very fast.
Every slap carried a clearly visible force, howling as if from cannon fire. When it landed on the opponent’s body, it was like a hamr blow, creating ripples.
The intensity of these attacks was such that even a third-rank professional might not be able to withstand them.
Pretty strong.
As Su Lun watched the match, his gaze also swept over the people in the betting booths.
Most were pirates from other fleets of the ninth squad whom he had seen before.
Even, Su Lun spotted a few "teammates" who had narrowly escaped back in Sword Forging Village.
....
Before long, another match had ended.
As the conversation went on, the topic among the crowd started to get risqué.
"Tsk tsk... I heard that the top geisha Ote Hiya of Mountain Hermit will co to perform later. I’ve long heard ’The First Beauty’ is in Mountain Hermit country, but I wonder if it’s true."
"The captains said they’ve seen her before, and she’s really unbelievably beautiful! Not to say she’s the most beautiful face under heaven, but that figure is simply stunning. They say her skin is so delicate and clear, it’s like a jade-carved lioness..."
"I’ve heard too. I rushed here just to see if that legendary ’White Jade Lioness Shining Night Princess’ is as beautiful as the rumors say..."
"Heh heh, I wonder what it would feel like to ’ride’ a ’jade lioness’ of this sort."
"Don’t even think about it. I heard that even the captains can’t get an audience with her."
"...."
Su Lun listened on the side, sowhat skeptical.
If soone claid who was the first in combat power, he might acknowledge that.
But as for being "The First Beauty" in the world, he couldn’t help but be doubtful.
Su Lun had seen many beautiful won, Mr. Jing, Princess, Yuta, Sabina, and even Qian Tiao who never dressed up... Weren’t each of them stunningly attractive?
Plus, "beauty" isn’t just about appearance; there’s also temperant to consider.
Mature lady, lolita, long black hair, styles vary, they’re hardly comparable.
In such a vast world, who could claim to definitively hold the title of "The First Beauty"?
Su Lun was just curious as to what made Ote Hiya, the boss of the "Black Dragon," secure in her seat of power.
rely by looks?
Impossible!
It wasn’t long before the vast venue suddenly quieted down.
Soone shouted, "Princess Ote is here!"
Everyone turned to look.
In the corridor of the second floor, a breathtakingly beautiful woman in a kimono walked gracefully. As she appeared, everything around her seed to dim. Only she shone brilliantly.
Su Lun also glanced over.
But with that one glance, his originally calm heart suddenly surged with shock.
His eyes could hardly conceal his amazent, and he blurted out in his heart, "Pandora!"
In that mont, he finally knew what curse the Rune Old Man had brought with him when he defected from Ruying!
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