Bengtie, I'm really not a villain!

Now that things have come to this, how can we drag her mother into this as well?

Raiden Mei was definitely not jealous that her mother had taken her place.

However, given the current situation, Raiden Mei couldn't even think of a way to stop her mother.

After all, at home she was always a well-behaved girl, a gentle, obedient, and sensible young lady. The fact that she was willing to disregard her mother's orders and force herself to undergo iaido training with Jing Ye was already an extraordinary act.

Now that her mother is determined to train with Keiya, Raiden Mei can't change her mother's mind.

However, neither Raiden Mei's mother nor Raiden Mei herself, who was training hard, expected that this training session would be attended by more than one guest.

Not only did Raiden Mei's mother arrive uninvited, but also that hot, mature woman with fiery red hair.

Raiden Mei keenly caught the faint footsteps and familiar voices coming from outside the courtyard.

She was startled and paused slightly. After listening carefully, she realized it was Himeko's voice!

Why is Himeko here at this time?

Even if they came looking for her, shouldn't they have come to the vicinity of Jingye's courtyard?

Why didn't you visit her at her home, but instead came here?

Raiden Mei's gaze suddenly fell on Jing Ye, who was still diligently training his Iaijutsu. She saw a look of shock on Jing Ye's face—

Raiden Mei discovered that Keiya had noticed Himeko's arrival even before she did, which meant that his strength was indeed superior to hers.

Jingye's face showed no surprise whatsoever, as if Himeko's appearance here was entirely expected and not beyond his control.

Raiden Mei felt a chill run down her spine and suddenly realized that this was probably also part of Jing Ye's plan!

Is it not just about bringing her mother here, but also her mentor Himeko, to witness her disgraceful behavior?

Raiden Mei felt that coming to Jingye to ask questions tonight was a huge mistake. Not only did she not get any of the answers she wanted, but it would also plunge her into an abyss.

The ugly state of her mother is now being displayed before her, and the fact that her mother is trying to take her place as Jing Ye's master, proves this point.

From asking questions to training in Iaijutsu, to being caught by his mother and exposed in a humiliating way, not to mention now even Himeko has appeared here!

If it were just the appearance of her mother that Raiden Mei could barely accept...

Actually, it wasn't something her mother could accept that she witnessed her mother contacting the Iaijutsu master, but it was much more acceptable than Himeko's arrival.

After all, it's not something to be proud of to lose face in front of her mother, whom she usually pretends to be obedient and well-behaved, and in front of the mother who raised and taught her.

All of her mother's hard work, dedication, pride, and satisfaction were shattered at this moment as the door opened and she and Jingye practiced Iaijutsu.

This was something that Raiden Mei found incredibly shameful and unbearable.

However, a mother is still a mother, no matter what. Even if she makes a fool of herself, no matter how unbearable it is, a mother has a warm heart, and in the end, Raiden Mei will still return to her mother's side.

However, now her mentor Himeko has also arrived!

It's not that Himeko wasn't someone close to her, nor that her respect for her mother meant she didn't revere Himeko...

However, compared to her blood-related mother, Himeko, as her mentor, was naturally more distant.

Moreover, compared to a mother who can be both affectionate and supportive, Himeko, as Raiden Mei's mentor, is someone she "reveres" more, and therefore cannot be discussed on the same level!

Compared to being seen by Himeko, a respected but somewhat distant mentor, Raiden Mei would rather have her mother see the current scene!

However, after spending so much time together, how could Raiden Mei not know Jingye's style, how could she not know Jingye's plans?

Now that Himeko has come here, and since it is very likely part of Jingye's plan, then we will definitely not let her go so easily.

As Raiden Mei had predicted, Keiya showed no sign of letting her off the hook and continued practicing Iaijutsu.

Despite Jingye's display of incredibly powerful Iaijutsu, the sheer force of his strikes even astonished Raiden Mei, making her slightly doubt her own abilities...

Even Raiden Mei, who had been a formidable force on the battlefield, seemed like a greenhorn in front of Jingye, never knowing for the first time that Iaijutsu could be used in such a way.

However, Raiden Mei has no interest in learning such an exquisite Iaijutsu right now, since her mentor Himeko is about to arrive!

Raiden Mei could clearly hear Himeko's footsteps approaching from outside the courtyard, but Keiya still didn't let go of her mind at all!

Jingye even unleashed an even more oppressive attack, forcing her to immerse herself in Iaijutsu to parry.

Otherwise, Raiden Mei will be completely defeated by Jingye and collapse to the ground, falling into an even worse and more embarrassing situation!

However, even in such a predicament, with his mother standing there witnessing, the footsteps outside the courtyard became increasingly clear!

Himeko's footsteps, which terrified Raiden Mei, were about to arrive.

Chapter 104 Madam, you don't want this either?

After hearing Himeko's footsteps outside the courtyard, and seeing that Keiya hadn't let go of Raiden Mei at all and was even continuing to practice, Raiden Mei's mother realized Keiya's plan.

After all, just how despicable this guy was, Raiden Mei's mother realized this when she was being asked to explain the "master-disciple" relationship!

Although it's too exaggerated and outrageous to let Raiden Mei's master Himeko see this scene, if it were Keiya, this guy would definitely do it!

Just as it was already outrageous enough that she, Raiden Mei's mother, witnessed this guy's iaido slash with Raiden Mei, but Jingye still did it anyway.

Despite the unbelievable fact, Raiden Mei's well-informed mother still realized that Keiya was definitely the kind of person who would do anything as long as he had fun!

No matter how absurd or terrifying the things presented before him are, no matter how much they impact a person's worldview, outlook on life, and values, Jing Ye will absolutely do it!

"You idiot, you're not going to let Himeko-sensei see this too, are you?!"

Raiden Mei's mother realized what Jingye was thinking and questioned him in disbelief!

However, what enraged Raiden Mei and her mother was Jing Ye's slight smile and noncommittal expression!

Although he didn't give a direct answer, Jingye's reaction completely told them what the answer was!

Raiden Mei's mother had just promised Jingye, but she never expected that this despicable guy would be so greedy!

Even after she agreed to be this guy's master, it still wasn't enough!

Are they really going to call in other people so Himeko can witness Raiden Mei's disgraceful behavior?!

Raiden Mei's mother was so anxious about how popular and successful Raiden Mei was in Izumo that she could hardly breathe, and her chest trembled as she rushed through her breath!

Although Raiden Mei's mother knew that Himeko, as a highly respected teacher and the first teacher of many children in the village, was of impeccable character and morality, she would never reveal what had happened today...

But wouldn't it be better if Himeko didn't know what was happening here?!

Even though Himeko was a trusted figure appointed as a martial arts instructor to help newbies learn, it was still too much to ask her to see Raiden Mei in her current state of disgrace!

Moreover, Raiden Mei's initial education was conducted under Himeko's guidance, so it can be said that Raiden Mei's current growth is largely due to Himeko's proper instruction.

For Raiden Mei, Himeko-sensei was definitely a very important mentor, and Raiden Mei's mother naturally knew this as well!

As a result, Raiden Mei's mother also realized how devastating it would be for Raiden Mei if Himeko-sensei were to see the current scene!

Whether or not the matter between Raiden Mei and Keiya will get out is another matter, but it's probably not a concern whether Himeko can keep her mouth shut...

However, just the fact that Raiden Mei's revered mentor saw this scene was enough to deal a huge blow to Raiden Mei's reputation!

Moreover, Himeko is more than just a mentor to Raiden Mei; besides the many acts of kindness she received at the military academy, she also owes Mei a great debt of gratitude—

Himeko helped Raiden Mei build momentum in front of the people of Izumo. Raiden Mei wasn't labeled a deserter because of her absence in the previous days, largely thanks to Himeko's help.

The reason why Raiden Mei didn't appear on the battlefield a few days ago was also something Himeko made up on the spot in a moment of inspiration, helping Raiden Mei to get rid of the title of "deserter".

Isn't this a great favor for Raiden Mei?

He went from being labeled a deserter to becoming a great hero admired by everyone in Izumo.

While Raiden Mei's own exceptional strength played a part, things might have been very different without Himeko's help in building her reputation.

Now, Raiden Mei's mother probably knows that Raiden Mei's absence from the battlefield is most likely due to Keiya's meddling.

Based on her experience, Raiden Mei's mother realized that Himeko's efforts to promote Raiden Mei were actually just a well-intentioned lie.

Therefore, if Himeko were to witness Raiden Mei and Kageya practicing their Iaijutsu, she would surely understand the real reason for Raiden Mei's absence from the battlefield a few days ago.

By then, Himeko will probably be able to keep the fact that Raiden Mei has sword marks on her body a secret.

Raiden Mei became Keiya's training partner for Iaijutsu. The fact that the sword markings on her body, which were revered as a miracle by the people of Izumo, were actually Keiya's doing, could not be kept from Himeko.

Raiden Mei's mother also knew the gravity of the matter; her reputation could not be ruined.

Himeko not only had the kindness of being Raiden Mei's mentor, but also the great debt of saving her reputation.

Whether it's for Raiden Mei's sake and self-esteem, for her image in Himeko's eyes, or to protect her reputation, Himeko must not be allowed to see what's happening...

However, Jingye's mind was made up. No matter how anxious Raiden Mei and her mother were, Jingye would not let Raiden Mei go.

After all, at this moment, the sword marks on Raiden Mei's body, in addition to the gorgeous patterns, also became more beautiful as her inner collapse rose.

The numerous sword patterns on Raiden Mei's body, along with her swords, are becoming increasingly beautiful, more gorgeous than before, and even more blush-inducing.

At least when Raiden Mei and her mother saw the changes in Raiden Mei, her cheeks were rosy and as tempting as a ripe peach.

"Stop it! I promised I'd be your teacher, so stop harming Mei!"

As Himeko's footsteps drew closer outside, Raiden Mei's mother looked anxious, but found that no matter how much she tried to persuade him, Keiya showed no intention of stopping.

Raiden Mei's legs were trembling so badly she could barely stand, only managing to stay upright thanks to Keiya's forceful Iaijutsu.

This is absolutely unimaginable to outsiders. How could the Thunder Queen, who is known as a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, be so easily crushed by Jing Ye, a good-for-nothing who doesn't even dare to pick up a knife?

Raiden Mei's mother was naturally incredulous, yet this was exactly what was happening before her eyes.

Even Raiden Mei and her mother were ashamed and angry to discover that Jingye not only showed no sign of stopping, but his Iaijutsu slashes became even more ferocious!

Under the swing of the Iai Slash, Raiden Mei, who had already been weakened, was completely unable to defend herself!

Her mother's uninvited arrival and her willingness to take her place as Jingye's master had already had a huge impact on Raiden Mei's mind and body.

Raiden Mei had always been completely subservient to Jingye, and she even had to learn from his attacks.

Now, her physical and mental exhaustion makes it impossible for her to maintain her energy and spirit, making her even more of a defeated party.

Even with the foundation that Raiden Mei had built up through years of hard training, and her solid physical strength that no one could fault, she was now teetering on the brink of collapse in the face of Jing Ye.

If she were to be seen by her mentor, Himeko, at this moment, Raiden Mei and her mother could hardly imagine what the scene would be like.

If Himeko were to see her most prized disciple, whom she had personally trained, and if she were to learn that Raiden Mei, whom she trusted and praised the most, had actually been defeated by Keiya, she would probably be greatly shocked.

After all, Raiden Mei is currently the center of attention in Izumo, and is undoubtedly Himeko's proudest student.

However, her proudest student was defeated by Jing Ye, a "good-for-nothing" whom everyone had given up on.

It was precisely because she thought of this, and how much of an impact this scene would have on Himeko, that Raiden Mei felt even more ashamed and indignant.

However, Jingye showed no sign of stopping in response to the reactions of Raiden Mei and her mother, because he could clearly feel that the effects of the "Spirit Blade" stat were helping Raiden Mei's power undergo a higher level of transformation.

In order for Raiden Mei to survive the inexplicable attack, he had to do it no matter how agitated Raiden Mei and her mother were.

Just as the sword patterns on Raiden Mei's body are becoming more and more dazzling, Raiden Mei's sword is also undergoing a silent transformation.

It was only because Jingye and Raiden Mei were practicing Iaijutsu, Raiden Mei's defeat was too shocking, and Himeko's arrival was too eye-catching, that Raiden Mei and her mother did not notice.

However, compared to previous successes, this transformation has clearly been much more difficult.

Although the sword patterns on Raiden Mei's body and the blades became more dazzling in sync, the speed was noticeably slower than before.

This time, it's clearly much more difficult to break Raiden Mei's spirit than before.

After all, that sword had already been broken through once, relying on Raiden Mei's fear and shame at becoming a deserter, her many humiliations of failing her family and villagers, and her anger at being mocked and played with.

Whether considering the difficulty of breaking through the limits of the blade, or the fact that Raiden Mei has already experienced a peak of collapse once and is finding it difficult to reach another peak of collapse, this time the difficulty is much greater.

In other words, in order for the blade to break through and possess even greater power, Raiden Mei must deliver an even more humiliating and utterly devastating defeat—

This means that, compared to the previous simple words and threats, the humiliation to be used this time is even more despairing.

After all, he had already managed to make Raiden Mei break down once before with just words, so the same trick wouldn't work now that she had taken precautions.

If she continues to just talk the talk, because of the precedent, Raiden Mei will have a bottom line in her heart that "you are just talking and you don't actually dare to go that far."

Under these circumstances, Raiden Mei's mental breakdown will not reach its peak again, and the effect of the "Blade of Souls" stat will not be able to allow her blade to break through.

Only when Raiden Mei's defenses are truly breached, and something she could never have imagined or dared not even think of actually happens, will there be a chance for the effects of the "Blade Spirit" entry to take effect.

Only in this way can Raiden Mei's sword undergo another transformation.

Everything was for Raiden Mei to survive.

All of this was so that Raiden Mei could survive the inexplicable enemy attack.

Therefore, whether it's Raiden Mei's mother or her mentor Himeko, Keiya has to make use of them all.

Of course, regarding the physical and mental trauma that Raiden Mei and her mother experienced along the way, Jingye can only say "excuse me" (a Chinese idiom meaning to be impolite).