I'm a demon in Tokyo!

Chapter 203 Focus: Technique and Reason, The Invisible Blade! Effect Eight: Pandemic, Breathing Techniques Completed Again
Since the river god was so kind, he placed both the gold and silver axes in front of him.

Does Uesugi Tetsuya have any reason to refuse "wanting it all"?
"It's a bit petty to present two options but only let people choose one."

Therefore, Uesugi Tetsuya stared at the gold and silver options for [Sword Skills] and [Sword Theory], and said matter-of-factly, "I don't want to give up either the path of sword skills or the path of sword theory."

"I'm leaving."

A moment later, a notification flashed before his eyes again—

[Detection has been detected that you have met the hidden conditions for the swordsmanship style: Natural Mindfulness.]

[You have triggered the hidden choice: Skill and Reason!]

[Skill and Theory]

The colorful, shimmering options floated above the gold and silver pieces, finally bringing a satisfied expression to Uesugi Tetsu's face.

This is right.

—As Ririko once said, most of the monks who have received the full transmission of the sword, the teachers of the training school, and even the teachers of small dojos, only have an expert-level level of swordsmanship.

—And the vast majority of them will only choose one of swordsmanship and swordsmanship theory as the path they will continue to take from now on.

This is the most unwilling, the most resigned, but also the most down-to-earth choice.

Because the vast majority of swordsmen who can reach the threshold of extraordinary sword skills have gone through countless days and nights of training, countless battles, and have reached this point only after being soaked in sweat and blood.

That's why they are more aware than anyone else of how much talent they have, how much they have sacrificed to get to where they are today, and how much more they can still take on.

Aside from a very few swordsmen who harbored unrealistic dreams and were subsequently trapped in their current situation, living a life of frustration and unfulfilled potential because of this choice.

Almost everyone is only capable of standing at the threshold of expert level, looking up at the path of swordsmanship, which seems to have no end in sight.

After all, they might not even make it halfway down this path in their entire lives.

Geniuses are few and far between.

Acknowledging one's own mediocrity is the first cruel reality that swordsmen who have reached the pinnacle of skill must face.

This selection is extremely important; please choose carefully!

The yellow caution warning popped up a second time, wanting Uesugi Tetsu to think things through before making a choice.

Even if you choose only one of skill or principle, you might one day become a true swordsman admired by all, perhaps due to good luck or hard work.

"But that's all."

Choosing only one option may make the journey easier and faster, but it won't allow you to go far.

Even among all the great swordsmen, he would be classified as the lowest tier.

To think that you could climb any higher is utter nonsense.

However, if one fails to properly assess their own talents and acts impulsively in a moment of passion, it is easy to fall into a situation where it becomes difficult to make any progress from then on.

Finally, he watched helplessly as people who were once far inferior to him left him behind, and then committed suicide in despair.

Historically, there have been quite a few swordsmen like this.

The gains and losses involved are a matter of personal choice.

"But if you want to become a true strongman, how can you make choices?"

Uesugi Tetsuya swiped the cautious prompt aside and clicked on the colorful [Skill and Reason] without hesitation: "The strong are always somewhat greedy."

[If you choose "Focus on Direction: Technique and Reason," the difficulty of practicing the Natural Reason Mind Style will increase significantly. Please choose carefully!]

【Please choose carefully! 】

Two confirmation prompts popped up again, attempting a final interception.

Uesugi Tetsu reached out and crushed the two lines of text in one swift motion.

Then, the colorful words shone brightly in his palm!

[You have chosen the future focus of your swordsmanship, the Natural Reason Style: Technique and Reason!]

【Natural Mind-Body Flow: Technique and Reason (Expert 198/10000)】

[Effect: The path to enlightenment begins here.]

"What my heart desires, though I die nine times, I will not regret."

With the choice of a more focused path, the original 198 points of proficiency were invested, and the effects and descriptions of the Natural Mind Flow also changed.

Uesugi Tetsu calmly watched the notifications that popped up one by one.

[The effect of your swordsmanship, Natural Mindfulness Style, has undergone a major change!]

From this day forward, every improvement in your proficiency will deepen your understanding of swordsmanship and its principles, allowing you to take a further step on the path of the sword!

[—Seek the truth! Seek the truth! Seek the truth!]

Uesugi Tetsu stroked his chin with great interest.

This means that, even without accumulating a full 10,000 proficiency points to break through to the master level, one can still achieve this level on the original basis.

You can also benefit from every bit of proficiency gained through daily practice and combat.

This feeling is good.

However, the statement that "the difficulty of cultivation will increase significantly" is probably not just a joke.

I don't know how many proficiency points each daily practice session will grant.

Even now, the notifications continue to flood in.

[You have gained a new feature: First Impression of Swordsmanship!]

[You have gained a new feature: First Encounter with Sword Principles!]

[First Impression of Swordsmanship]

[Effect: Your understanding of swordsmanship far surpasses that of the average swordsman... but that's all.]

A true master always retains the heart of a student.

[Note: As the proficiency of the swordsmanship style "Natural Mind Style" increases, the trait "Initial Understanding of Swordsmanship/Sword Principles" will change.]

The effect of first understanding the principles of swordsmanship is quite similar to that of the introduction and sword techniques.

Uesugi Tetsu glanced at it at a glance.

—Expert-level swordsmanship has already surpassed the imagination of countless mortals. All sword moves, stances, and actions below it are nothing more than jokes that can be seen through at a glance.

This is why Ririko, who was holding a bamboo sword, was able to easily use it as a ball to hit him.

Because if it were the current Uesugi Tetsuya, even if all other conditions were exactly the same, he could still beat both of his predecessors so badly they couldn't get up.

Having traversed such a long journey, I have only reached the threshold of extraordinary swordsmanship.

"A new beginning..."

Just staring at the five-figure proficiency requirement, Uesugi Tetsuya felt as if he were seeing the longest progress bar he had ever seen.

But he smiled, overjoyed.

Because a long, unseen road lay ahead, awaiting his journey.

Along this journey, there were countless others who, like him, stubbornly chose the path of "skill versus reason."
"That's wonderful, that's great."

Uesugi Tetsuya exhaled and calmed himself down for a moment.

But not long after, he was somewhat surprised to find that he did not seem to have changed much before and after choosing "skill and reason".

Whether it's the mastery of stances and techniques in swordsmanship, or the understanding of the somewhat mysterious principles of swordsmanship.

strangeness.

Uesugi Tetsu squinted and explored for a while, and found that it was indeed true.

How could it be like...

Just as he was thinking this, he saw the description of the effects of Natural Mind Flow.

—"The path to enlightenment begins here."

Uesugi Che was slightly stunned.

Yes, the decision has only just been made, and everything is just beginning.

Why demand immediate change?

Whether it was Ririko or so many other hints, they all repeatedly reminded her that the path of skill and reason cannot be taken quickly.

But I seem to have been a bit too impatient.

"These days, I have indeed become a bit impatient and restless."

Uesugi Tetsu changed his position to avoid his back being pressed too hard and hurting.

He took two slow, deep breaths and thought, "It's time to make some adjustments."

There's no need to rush.

Even if 1.5 waves and seed battles are not far off.

But since he entered the Warring States period for the second time, only a few days have passed in the present world.
Three days.

Less than seventy-two hours.

In that short time, some lazybones could drink heavily, sprawl on the floor, and sleep soundly for two days straight.

So there's no need to rush.

Sometimes, slowing down the pace a bit can actually make you go faster.

Just like he once said to Ririko—

"Take it slow, it'll be faster."

Uesugi Tetsu patted his cheeks, and only after feeling much more relaxed did he continue thinking.

Before choosing between technique and reason, the changes brought about by simply breaking through to the expert level in Natural Reason Flow are still enormous.

The changes in technique are so obvious they couldn't be more obvious.

He has improved significantly in all aspects of swordsmanship, becoming like a large wooden barrel without any weaknesses.

Just as Uesugi Tetsu had thought, the change in technique alone was enough to completely crush the two versions of himself from before.

As for sword theory... that's really quite mysterious.

Uesugi Tetsu could clearly sense that something about him had changed, and he had indeed become stronger.

But when asked what his specific strengths were, he was speechless.

It seems like "lv+1" is popping up above my head, but my attributes don't change at all.

Uesugi Tetsu rubbed the small blanket covering him, wanting to continue pondering what Kenryu was and how he had become stronger.

But as soon as he raised his hand, he noticed with his sharp eyes that a perfectly smooth tear had suddenly appeared on the once clean blanket.

Or rather, a slash mark.

It felt like being cut by an extremely sharp knife.

"what?"

Uesugi Tetsuya confirmed that the blanket was perfectly intact just seconds before.

He wasn't so bored as to release any spiritual power or qi to his fingertips and deliberately ruin his own blanket.

"Could it be that……"

Uesugi Tetsu recalled the feeling from just now, and once again lightly brushed his fingers along the edge of the blanket.

pat.

Under his gaze, the upper right corner of the blanket silently separated from the main body and fell onto the smooth wooden floor.

real or fake.

Uesugi Tetsu stared at his fingers and found that they were no different from usual.

Yet, without exerting any force, she could cut through the soft, expensive blanket covering him.

It was as if an invisible, extremely sharp blade had sprung out from between my fingers.

Uesugi Tetsu waved his hand, then reached out and grasped, feeling an invisible "Kaga Kiyomitsu" in his palm.

"Is this a side effect of comprehending the principles of swordsmanship?"

Can't figure it out.

As he opened his hands to let "Kaga Kiyomitsu" dissipate, Uesugi Tetsu fell into deep thought once again.

This sword principle, like the Void Qi Sea I recently opened up, definitely has many effects that I haven't yet discovered. The only definite effect at present is the ability to grasp invisible, sharp blades that can be manipulated at will.

That way, I won't die from being unarmed in the future.

Uesugi Tetsu casually moved his five fingers, feeling the invisible blade grow larger and smaller at his fingertips: "After all, I'm not an academic, and my knowledge in this area is somewhat lacking."

After this, I still need to learn more from the seniors in related fields.

Thinking this, Uesugi Tetsu turned his gaze back to Kaga Kiyomitsu, who was leaning against the wall, a faint black light emanating from the gap in his scabbard.

After Kaga Kiyomitsu slayed the embodiment of illness and settled down, he began the same evolution as after slaying the embodiment of love and separation.

This time we need to be quick; the progress bar has already jumped to over 40% in such a short time.

By the time he took a nap, Xiao Jia should have woken up long ago.

That's normal, after all, illness and suffering are just manifestations, while separation from loved ones is the true nature.

He thought to himself, "When Little Jia wakes up, I'll discuss with it which direction to strengthen..."

Respecting and listening to the child's opinion when not necessary is also an important part of cultivating a relationship.

Now, all the accumulated notifications have finally been cleared up.

Uesugi Tetsu stretched comfortably, listened to the rustling noises outside, and snuggled back into his not-so-thick blankets.

Anyway, I'm still in a state of being unable to do anything as a result.

Since that's the case, why not just continue to sleep soundly and make up for the time I missed?

With that thought, Uesugi Tetsuya closed his eyes and instantly drifted into a sweet, dreamless sleep.

……

What woke Uesugi Tetsuya again was the aroma of warm food.

"It's been so long since I've been able to sleep so peacefully..."

Uesugi Tetsuya yawned and opened his eyes to find miso soup, tofu, rice, and fish neatly arranged in front of him.

It can be said to be a classic four-piece set from Japan's Sengoku period.

However, the fish is a little different.

It wasn't one of those dry, overly salty dried fish, but rather one that had clearly been killed recently, emitting a slightly fragrant aroma.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the fish bones had been carefully removed.

Not a single one was left.

Not only that, but there were two more four-piece sets next to this set – with different dishes such as kelp and white radish.

It seems they were worried that the food wouldn't suit his taste or that he wouldn't eat enough.

With such meticulous arrangement, Uesugi Tetsuya knew without even thinking who was behind it.

Beyond the food, further still, was Kaga Kiyomitsu, who had already emerged from his sword sheath to keep watch.

It was hanging on the windowsill, looking at the outside world, its drooping blade tip swaying gently in the breeze, like two little feet wobbling.

Uesugi Tetsuya plucked at a string of nerves and looked at Kaga Kiyomitsu to confirm who had come from not long ago.

Then he received an affirmative answer from the latter.

—Yes, of course!

—That woman, Xiao Jia thinks she's pretty good!
Uesugi Tetsu, who was at the tenth level of Canadian, let out a silent "hmm" in his mind.

Didn't he previously have Kaga Kiyomitsu and Imagawa Yoshimoto confront each other?

Their relationship shouldn't have been very good, so how did it suddenly change?

I wonder what kind of mind-control drug Imagawa Yoshimoto secretly gave it while I was asleep to bribe this guy...

Uesugi Tetsuya wasn't in a hurry to see Kaga Kiyomitsu's new look. Instead, he sat down in front of the three dishes, put his hands together, and said softly, "I'm starting to eat."

He picked up his chopsticks with some difficulty, picked up some food, and put it into his mouth.

Although his body is still very weak, because his Qi Sea has been constantly nourished by Qi, Uesugi Tetsuya has now regained relatively normal mobility.

Uesugi Tetsu ate very slowly, taking nearly thirty minutes to finish all three dishes without leaving a single grain of rice.

"I'm done eating."

After saying something to himself, Uesugi Tetsu waved to Kaga Kiyomitsu, who had never tired of seeing the same scenery for so long.

"Xiao Jia, come here."

So Kaga Kiyomitsu happily jumped over.

It controlled its force so well that it didn't even leave a tiny dent on the wooden floor.

buzz~
Kaga Kiyomitsu straightened up in front of Uesugi Tetsu.

"You must be bored after all this time, Kabuto." Uesugi Tetsu patted its hilt. "Why don't you go outside and relax for a while?"

Buzz?
Kaga Kiyomitsu was puzzled, not understanding why his master would ask such a silly question with an obvious answer.

Master, haven't you always been very smart?

However, it still answered.

hum.

—If I leave, who will protect you, Master?

Feeling the unthinking answer resonating in his heart, Uesugi Tetsuya was speechless.

He sat cross-legged, placed Kaga Kiyomitsu on his lap, and gently stroked its blade.
"Thank you for your hard work, Jia."

hum.

Kaga Kiyomitsu's sword didn't seem to care much; it would stay in its scabbard for one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven days without ever saying a word.

Once it calmed down, Uesugi Tetsuya looked at its new panel after it had slain the manifestation of suffering.

The quality remains the same, but there's one more effect.

【Kaga Kiyomitsu: Blade of Farewell】

[Quality: Epic+++]

Soul Points: 2188

【…】

[Effect Eight: Plague. When Kaga Kiyomitsu's Blade of Parting strikes an enemy, the more negative effects the enemy has, the more plague-related negative effects are inflicted.]

This blade has severed the eight sufferings, including separation from loved ones and the embodiment of the eight sufferings, including illness. If we consider only the present century, it can already be called a legend in this world.

After carefully examining Effect 8, Uesugi Tetsu couldn't help but tighten his grip on the hilt of the sword.

In other words, the four debuffs that originally fell on the enemy—lightning, air, blazing, and sorrow of parting—will be doubled, becoming eight debuffs.

Although the doubled debuffs are all related to the epidemic and are easy to target and remove, they are still exaggerated enough.

It's no wonder it's a special effect that fell from Ba Su.

Now that he's about to strike, how many demons can withstand it?
Demons below one star would probably be reduced to ashes by the torment of the eightfold debuff after just getting a scratch from Kaga Kiyomitsu.

The current Kaga Kiyomitsu fully deserves the title of "Demon Sword".

Uesugi Tetsu said with a sigh, "Jia, you've gotten even stronger."

Kaga Kiyomitsu, however, was unimpressed. Instead, he raised the tip of his other sword with a showy air, revealing wisps of black energy flowing through the pure, pale sorrow of parting.

As if to say,
—Isn't he handsome!
After that, it shook the hilt of the knife, as if asking for praise.

Uesugi Tetsu nodded quickly: "Beautiful, beautiful, my little Jia is the most beautiful."

Actually not.

This black aura, associated with illness and suffering, gives off an ominous feeling just by looking at it.

Uesugi Tetsu's feelings at this moment were complicated, like an old father who suddenly saw his children dressed up as punks and even ran up to them to ask, "Old Deng, do I look good in this outfit?!"

What's most ridiculous is that he had to reluctantly give a thumbs up and say, "Wow, kid, you look so stylish!"

In short, I have mixed feelings.

Let's change the subject first.

"Xiaojia."

Uesugi Tetsu flicked the blade with his finger: "Is enhancing your slashing attack or your IQ the only thing you're thinking about?"

Buzzing?

Kaga Kiyomitsu hummed in bewilderment, indicating that it was up to him to decide such matters, and that he had no say in them and did not want to.

Now, the burden was thrown back onto Uesugi Tetsuya's shoulders.

But Uesugi Tetsuya was a bit conflicted.

On one hand, the upgraded attack effect can be linked with the "Thrust Expert" skill, and clicking it will grant an increase in raw power.

On the other hand, it can make Xiao Jia smarter, with greater potential, and maybe even make it squeak a few times.

If only I had a few hundred more Soul Points...

Unfortunately, if he waits until he has fully recovered before going out to search, the sick and suffering families of the entire Sanhe Kingdom will have been almost completely wiped out.

Such as now.

[Current task completion rate: 71%]

In a day or two, that 71% will probably become 91%.

"No rush, let's think about it for a while."

Uesugi Tetsu smacked his lips twice, picked up Kaga Kiyomitsu, and sat him down at the doorway of the room, then looked up.

Alone with his sword, he stood at the entrance, silently watching the sun set and the moon rise, calmly sensing the changes in the world.

Time passes by.

After an unknown amount of time, Imagawa Yoshimoto, wearing a twelve-layered kimono, emerged from behind the bushes and roused Uesugi Tetsu from his mystical state with a single sentence.

“Che-jun…”

[Because you have comprehended the changes in heaven and earth, your proficiency in the Spirit Control Technique - Qi has increased by 300!]

Before she could finish her sentence, she immediately raised her hand to cover her mouth, swallowing the rest of her words.

Imagawa Yoshimoto stared at Uesugi Tetsuya, who was looking at her, opened her mouth, and after a long while said, "Did I interrupt you?"

"Do not."

Slightly dizzy, Uesugi Tetsu shook his head, feeling his vision blurring.

—If Imagawa Yoshimoto doesn't come soon, he'll probably lose his life right at the door.

After all, his body is still weak.

That would be a real problem.

"Feel sorry."

Imagawa Yoshimoto pursed his lips.

Once he had recovered, Uesugi Tetsu noticed beads of sweat on her forehead and asked curiously, "Lord Yoshimoto, what happened?"

"nothing."

She shook her head, went inside and took off her twelve layers of clothing one by one, folding them in a clean corner.

Before long, Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had been wrapped in layers of luxurious clothing, was left with only a relatively thin, pure white shirt.

Her chest heaved as she took several deep breaths with a sense of relief, then bent down and took something out of the pile of clothes.

Under Uesugi Tetsu's gaze, the girl produced one unknown booklet after another in her hands.

Then Imagawa Yoshimoto walked up to him with the stack of books in his arms and slammed them onto the wooden floor.

She raised her chin.

"Here you go, the breathing technique you requested, and the rest are all here."

Startled, Uesugi Tetsu counted the number of booklets in front of him.
Full...

There are nine books.

　I'm about to return to the real world, and there are many plot points to consider.
　　So today's total is 6k!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)