Crossover anime, and you call this a slice-of-life story?

Baron roared, unleashing his battle aura. The tower shield glowed with an earthy yellow light, forcefully blocking the mountain demon leader's enraged swing of the spiked club!

"clang--!"

A deafening clang of metal clashing rang out!

The immense force sent Baron sliding several meters backward, his hands split open and bleeding profusely, but he held on! This was the duty of a shield warrior!

"Healing spell!" Lina promptly cast a healing spell on Baron, stabilizing his injuries.

Hachiman seized the opportunity, unleashing a burst of energy that instantly increased his speed. He circled around to the side and rear of the mandrill leader, making a graceful turn. His katana, like the sharpest blade, slashed fiercely at the mandrill's lumbar spine!

"puff!"

The mandrill leader, in pain, let out a roar and swung his claw at Hachiman.

Hachiman was prepared and retreated swiftly, narrowly avoiding the danger.

The battle reached a brief stalemate.

The mandrill leader was tough and strong, but he was no match for the coordinated attacks of the five, especially the strongest of them all, Hachiman.

It was unable to subdue its opponent for the time being, and instead suffered many wounds, which, though not deep, only fueled its ferocity.

Its eyes turned completely blood red, and it went into a berserk state!

His muscles swelled again, and his aura suddenly increased, almost touching the threshold of the third level!

"Oh no! It's gone berserk!" Baron's expression changed drastically.

Hachiman and the others also had solemn expressions. Although the three of them could barely handle a third-tier strength, they would definitely suffer serious injuries.

Just as the mandrill leader was about to launch an even more ferocious attack, John, who had been watching from the sidelines as if he were just watching a show, finally made his move.

This is the perfect opportunity to pretend to fool these three kids.

He sighed softly, as if regretting something, then slowly raised his calloused right hand and made a light, elusive press towards the charging mandrill leader.

The moment his palm pressed down, the mountain demon leader, who had just displayed his ferocity and aggressive aura, suddenly stiffened, as if an invisible mountain had pressed down on him!

"Crack...knock..."

The sickening cracking of bones rang out in rapid succession!

The mandrill leader didn't even have time to let out a wail before his body collapsed to the ground like a crushed tomato, his flesh and bones mangled and shattered, he was beyond dead!

Silence fell over the surroundings!

All that remained was the whistling of the wind blowing through the valley and the shocked gasps of Baron and Lina.

The three of them, including Hachiman, didn't seem to notice anything unusual; they had already realized that the old man was no ordinary person.

Although he was surprised by the old man's strength, he didn't react as dramatically as Baron and the other two.

On the other hand, Baron and his companion had no idea that this seemingly insignificant old man was actually so powerful.

one move!

With just a single, seemingly effortless press from a distance, he instantly killed a mandrill leader who was nearly at the third tier and in a berserk state, turning him into a bloody pulp!

What terrifying power this is!

A Saint-level expert! Absolutely a Saint-level powerhouse!

Baron and Lina's legs went weak, and they almost knelt down, their eyes filled with unparalleled awe and fear as they looked at John.

John clapped his hands, as if brushing away non-existent dust, and his gaze swept over the two shocked people before finally landing on Hachiman, Kaito Kuroba, and Ayato Kirishima. He was a little stunned to see that the three of them had normal expressions.

Don't these little guys realize how awesome they are?

Or is it that they simply look down on Saint-level experts?

No way! Saint Realm experts aren't as common as cabbages; they're considered top-tier experts among humans!

As he pondered this, a warm smile still appeared on his face.

Perhaps these three little guys will be shocked after I reveal my identity.

"Alright, little ones, warm-up is over."

John's voice was no longer hoarse and languid, but carried a calm and powerful air of someone who had long held a high position. "Let me reintroduce myself. I am John Cangyan, from the Southern Lionheart Empire, and I am one of the Empire's Sword Saints."

Lionheart Empire! Sword Saint!

Baron and Lina were completely stunned!

For those living on the frontier, the Lionheart Empire was a legendary, vast human empire.

And the Sword Saint is an unattainable being, like a god! They've actually been traveling with a Sword Saint for so long?!

John looked at Hachiman and his two companions, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration: "You three little guys are quite good. Your talent, temperament, and adaptability are all top-notch. Especially the unique power you possess, which is unheard of. It's a waste to keep you in this remote border town."

He paused, his tone becoming solemn and alluring: "Come back to the Lionheart Empire with me. With your talents, the Empire will spare no effort to nurture you. Power, status, wealth, greater strength... everything you desire, the Empire can provide. There, you can truly shine, become powerful figures revered by all, and even... succeed me as the new Guardians in the future, it's not impossible."

Having witnessed a true Saint-level expert in person, who even personally recruited three companions, Baron and Lina were speechless with envy.

However, after a brief moment of surprise, Hikigaya, Kaito Kuroba, and Ayato Kirishima quickly calmed down.

Although the old man spoke very impressively, the empire's sword saint sounded like some kind of extraordinary figure.

but……

Can this so-called Sword Saint really defeat Miss Thor?

Without any hesitation, Hachiman said, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior John. However, we were brought here by a senior to gain experience, so we cannot return with you. Please forgive us."

He phrased it tactfully, but his refusal was obvious.

What a joke! They were brought here by Senior Shangguan for training, how could they possibly run away with someone else halfway?

Besides, they come from another world, how could they possibly stay here for long?

Chapter 288 Heading to the Northern Glacier

A hint of surprise flashed in John's eyes. He hadn't expected the three little ones to refuse so decisively, without even a moment's hesitation or struggle.

You must know, he is the Sword Saint of the Lionheart Empire, a Saint-level expert!

Many people dream of receiving his guidance or even just a promise, but these three seemed to be simply refusing the invitation of an ordinary old man.

'senior?'

John astutely grasped the key words in Hachiman's words.

"To be able to cultivate disciples like you, this senior must be no ordinary person. May I ask which reclusive master on the continent you are?"

He tried to find out the details and see which force had gotten there first.

Hachiman shook his head, his tone calm yet undeniably firm: "I'm sorry, John-senpai, we cannot say more about that senior."

Kaito Kuroba added with a grin, "Yes, sir, we appreciate your kindness, but we really do have our own plans and missions."

Although Kirishima Ayato didn't speak, his unchanging gaze clearly showed his attitude.

Although Senior Shangguan didn't specifically require them not to reveal anything, they wouldn't be foolish enough to tell him their identities as visitors from another world.

Although the old man looked kind and righteous, you can't judge a book by its cover, and they didn't want to gamble on someone's good intentions.

Even if they have a trump card that can overturn the table at any time.

John looked at the three men, and instead of being angry, he became even more curious about the mysterious "senior" and admired these three determined and unassuming young men even more.

Such a talented and promising individual, if introduced to the empire, would surely achieve great things in time!

How could John Cangyan easily give up on someone he has set his sights on?

"Hahaha!" John suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter full of nonchalance. "Good! Neither humble nor arrogant, with unwavering resolve, you're a fine prospect! Since you're unwilling for now, I won't force you. Forced melons are never sweet, I understand that principle."

He changed the subject, a warm smile spreading across his face: "However, meeting is fate. I happen to be heading to the Northern Glacier to find a medicinal herb called 'Ice Heart Orchid,' which grows in extremely cold places. Since I have nothing else to do, how about I take you with me to see a wider world? The Northern Glacier is a harsh environment, teeming with magical beasts, but it's also full of opportunities and rare resources—a perfect place for training! With me here, you don't need to worry about safety. Aside from that old bastard, the Frost Giant King Braug, whom I don't want to provoke for the time being, I'll ensure your safety!"

While it might sound a bit like bragging, aside from the Frost Giant King, a god-level powerhouse, the Frost Giant race does have several elders at the legendary level.

He was only at the peak of the Saint Realm, and he would only face certain death if he faced a legendary expert.

But it's alright, he wouldn't be foolish enough to lead everyone to raid the Frost Giants' lair, so it's not a big problem.

Even if they encountered other Saint-level experts, he was confident enough to protect them from harm.

The title of Azure Flame Sword Saint is well-deserved!

John then looked intently at Hachiman and the other two: "Consider this an opportunity for me to establish a good relationship with you, to broaden your horizons, and to let you personally experience the true strength of a Saint-level expert!"

John's idea was simple: since direct recruitment didn't work, he would adopt a "appeasement" policy.

Take them to see real danger and magnificence, show them the power and reliability of the Holy Realm's strongmen, and entice them with real experiences and resources.

Young people always yearn for a wider world and greater power; he didn't believe these three little guys wouldn't be tempted!

Unless the senior they're talking about is much stronger than this old guy, but that's unlikely.

He had heard of almost all the legendary powerhouses among the human race, and since the little ones were unwilling to mention that senior's name, they were probably not as strong as him, or at most just on par with him.

However, he would accept it if the other party was truly stronger than him; perhaps there were several legendary experts hidden in some corner of this continent whom he had never heard of.

He'd definitely give it a try if he encountered a few geniuses.

As for the senior they mentioned being a god-level or higher powerhouse?

Absolutely impossible!

There are only two god-level powerhouses among the human race, and both of them have submitted to the divine realm.

Although he found the act of those two god-level powerhouses submitting to the divine realm somewhat distasteful, he knew that with the human race's weak strength among the many races, not submitting meant certain death!

Baron and Lina were already trembling with excitement upon hearing that they could follow a sword saint on a training trip to the legendary northern glacier. This was an incredible opportunity for them! Both of them looked at Hachiman and his companions with expectant eyes.

They knew that their opportunity was entirely due to the three of them.

Even if they didn't understand why the three would refuse the human empire's swordsman's offer, they clearly knew that this was not something the two little Karami could interfere with.

Being able to follow behind a few big shots and get a piece of their thunder is already an incredible opportunity.

Hikigaya exchanged a glance with Kaito Kuroba and Ayato Kirishima.

The Northern Glacier... it does sound like a great training ground, and with this Saint-level expert protecting them, the safety is high. They'll also get to see one of the world's top regions. As for John's intention to poach them, they're well aware of it, but as long as they remain steadfast, there's nothing he can do.

"Since you have extended such a kind invitation, senior, we will gladly accept." Hachiman finally nodded in agreement.

He also wanted to see just how strong this Saint-level expert from another world really was, and what the northern glaciers looked like.

"Great! That's a good idea!" John nodded in satisfaction. "Without further ado, let's get going!"

After saying that, he once again unleashed a vast power of the Holy Domain, and an invisible force field enveloped the five people.

The next moment, the six people soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of light, and flew towards the northern horizon at an even faster speed than when they arrived!

During the flight, John intentionally or unintentionally displayed the abilities of a Saint-level powerhouse.

He manipulated the airflow, making the flight incredibly smooth. He could even explain the landscape passing below to everyone while flying at high speed, pointing out which areas were dangerous and which might contain rare resources.

Baron and Lina were amazed by this effortless control, and even Hachiman and the other two nodded in approval. The power of a Saint-level expert was indeed exquisite.

As we continue north, the temperature begins to drop significantly, and the green below is gradually replaced by tundra and the snow line.

Half a day later, a vast world, boundless and covered with snow and millennia-old ice, finally appeared before everyone's eyes.

We've arrived at the northern glacier!

Chapter 289 The Return Journey, Crisis?

As soon as you step into the glacier area, a bone-chilling cold hits you, as if even the air itself is about to freeze.

Looking out, the world is a vast expanse of white, with massive ice sheets stretching endlessly like a frozen white ocean, and towering icebergs piercing the sky like sharp swords, reflecting a blinding light under the pale sunlight.

"This is the outer edge of the northern glacier."

John's voice rang out, still looking relaxed, as if the harsh cold had no effect on him.

"Stay close to me. The glacier may seem calm, but it's actually fraught with danger. Hidden crevasses, avalanches that could happen at any moment, and ice-type magical beasts adapted to the extreme environment are not to be trifled with."

He led everyone to land on the edge of a huge glacial canyon.

The snow crunched underfoot, and the biting wind felt like knives cutting into my face.

"It's so...so cold..."