Drake lay on the airplane like a corpse; he regretted ever transmigrating to this world.
Fortunately, anticipating Drake's fear of transportation, a fellow sword master used his ability to temporarily alleviate Drake's discomfort. The effect was temporary; he'd need the sword master's help again later.
Thanks to the sword master, Drake could calmly reflect on his two years at Shinryuu Temple after his arrival in this world.
Two years ago, upon entering Shinryuu Temple's gates, Drake sensed it wasn't an ordinary temple. The gates seemed to block perception; he only sensed the interior after entering.
A cursory scan revealed numerous powerful auras. According to the Great Teacher, only the less-develop disciples were detectable to Drake.
The Great Teacher had intentionally released his aura to test Drake upon their first meeting, but after their conversation, he felt no danger. This meant countless others at Shinryuu Temple, with cultivation comparable to the Great Teacher's "return to simplicity" realm, were beyond Drake's perception.
Living there, Drake learned what Shinryuu Temple truly was. It was more accurately described as a martial arts school. Disciples weren't all monks; there were female disciples. However, regardless of gender, outsiders called Shinryuu Temple alumni "warrior monks."
Disciples didn't practice vegetarianism or Buddhist rituals; there were no Buddha statues. Their daily routine consisted of rigorous martial arts training and study. It wasn't exactly a school; it resembled a sect from a wuxia novel.
Disciples considered Shinryuu Temple their home, inheriting its spirit and strictly adhering to its precepts.
For some reason, despite allowing Drake to train at Shinryuu Temple, the Great Teacher never formally inducted him.
Drake learned this world's common knowledge while training in Shinryuu Temple's martial arts. This world had magic and psychic abilities, and martial arts were highly developed.
Some advanced Shinryuu Temple techniques surpassed magic, opening Drake's eyes. Drake's previous fighting style was brute force; this was his first experience with refined techniques.
Martial arts weren't just combat skills but also techniques for controlling power. Drake was surprised to find that martial arts training not only enhanced his combat abilities but also improved his control over his body and magic. This alone made the transmigration worthwhile.
His magic power grew steadily, and his martial arts skills honed under Shinryuu Temple's tutelage. Drake planned to stay until he'd accumulated enough magic for his next transmigration.
However, an unexpected event occurred. The Great Teacher found Drake and assigned him a mission.
Today, Drake boarded a plane to Japan. His visa and tickets were prepared beforehand, clearly indicating the Great Teacher knew Drake wouldn't refuse.
Drake's mission was to retrieve a defrocked monk who escaped from Shinryuu Temple's Extreme Suffering Hall. A defrocked monk was a warrior monk who violated the five precepts, which essentially meant that force must never be used against righteousness.
Violating laws was unacceptable; even boasting about one's strength was forbidden. This meant that Shinryuu Temple's warrior monks were prohibited from participating in any competitions except for Shinryuu Temple's own "Fighting God Cup."
Beyond martial arts, Shinryuu Temple emphasized martial ethics. Any warrior monk violating the precepts was imprisoned in the Extreme Suffering Hall for agonizing training until death.
The hall was impenetrable; Drake couldn't imagine escaping from its guards.
The escapee was extraordinary—one of the Four Desperados, the youngest. The Four Desperados were the four publicly known Desperados from Drake's homeland; outsiders called them Desperado-level powerhouses.
Many more Desperados existed; several senior monks at Shinryuu Temple were undoubtedly Desperado.
The youngest Desperado, Fū Shaorī, was known as the legendary beast, "Toutetsu of Shisen," a title that gained worldwide fame during the last Fighting God Cup.
This individual was unexpectedly imprisoned in the Extreme Suffering Hall and then escaped. Drake was tasked with her retrieval.
Drake knew Fū Shaorī well; he'd trained under her guidance. She was strong and assertive, occasionally impulsive, but highly principled and unlikely to violate the tenets of righteousness.
Her escape was suspicious; even as an Desperado, escaping so easily was improbable. The Great Teacher instructed Drake to retrieve, not capture her, adding to the intrigue.
Drake realized he was the most suitable person for this mission.
Persuasion was impossible; transcending fate required unwavering will. Force was inevitable; only those with Desperado-level combat strength could withstand Fū Shaorī's imposing presence.
Securing a Japanese visa for an established Desperado like the Great Teacher would be problematic; no country would allow another nation's "strategic weapon" to enter freely, especially under the current circumstances.
Drake, a young man, wouldn't face such difficulties.
Over the past two years, Drake had gained a thorough understanding of this world.
Three major forces existed: the Great Nation Alliance (centered on three major powers), the International Magic Knights Alliance (a coalition of smaller nations focused on managing sword masters), and the international terrorist organization, Rebellion.
Drake's homeland and Japan belonged to the Alliance and the League, respectively, their relationship complex.
Fū Shaorī's trip to Japan could be seen as a way to evade Shinryuu Temple's pursuit. However, the Great Teacher's information indicated that Stella wasn't seeking refuge; she was targeting someone else.
This individual, who had gone to Japan, was the reason for Fū Shaorī's journey.
"World's Strongest Swordsman!" "Most Vicious Criminal!" "One-Man Army!" "The Pinnacle of Swordsmanship!"
These were the titles bestowed upon Edelweiss.
Drake rubbed his temples; this powerhouse, even admired by the Great Teacher, was also in Japan. This mission was daunting.
Why was Fū Shaorī seeking Edelweiss? She wouldn't be so shallow as to challenge Edelweiss for the title of world's strongest.
With limited information, Drake could only investigate further upon reaching Japan.
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