The Kyoto Martial Arts Academy, as the sole martial arts institution in the Land of Shinobi, enjoys significant prestige and considerable power within the martial arts circles and the entire nation. This power extends to the autonomous operation of various businesses.
Among all the enterprises managed by the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy, the most renowned is the Shinobi Hotel. Nearly every martial artist who visits the Land of Shinobi makes it a point to stay here.
The hotel is situated directly opposite the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy, constructed along the coastline. It comprises rows of traditional wooden houses characteristic of the Land of Shinobi, fronted by lush flower gardens, creating an exceptional environment.
The entire delegation from the Donghai Martial Arts Academy is accommodated at the Shinobi Hotel.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Tokyo time, after everyone completed their check-in procedures, the students retired to their respective rooms for a brief rest.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wuming, Li Xiaoman, Yan Xin, and four other instructors gathered in Xia Xueqin’s room for a small meeting.
" On our way to the hotel, someone from the Land of Shinobi side has already released details of the airport reception on the Shenwang (Divine Network), creating negative public opinion against us!" stated Ren Yun, one of the instructors, after everyone was seated. Like Dongfang Xiao Yao, he enjoyed browsing Shenwang forums in his free time.
"Are they trying to build momentum?" another instructor, Gao Ye, furrowed his brow.
"I believe the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy proactively informing us of the names of the three students participating in the martial arts combat sparring is not merely about building momentum. There is an ulterior motive we are not privy to!" Yan Xin also voiced his opinion, adhering to his earlier assessment.
"I concur with Teacher Yan’s judgment," Jiang Wuming added his perspective. Li Xiaoman, however, remained silent. Although she, like Li Lianyi, hailed from the Li family and were sisters, their personalities differed significantly. Li Xiaoman was simple-minded and favored a life of freedom, whereas Li Lianyi was meticulous and exceptionally astute.
"I just spoke with President Ren. President Ren informed us that regardless of the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy’s intentions, we should not be concerned—we must not be swayed by external factors and should field our strongest lineup to win the martial arts combat sparring," Xia Xueqin conveyed Ren Xiaoyao's instructions, having not participated in the discussion or expressed her stance. "I called you here because I want to discuss with you which student we should send to participate in the martial arts combat sparring."
Hearing Xia Xueqin’s words, Jiang Wuming and the others ceased their discussions about the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy’s machinations and began contemplating the roster for the martial arts combat sparring.
"For the Seven-Star Warrior level, I’ve decided to have Xia Dong compete. With her strength, it’s not just within the Land of Shinobi, but even globally, there are few individuals at the same realm who can defeat her." Seeing everyone’s silence, Xia Xueqin announced one of her decisions.
"Xia Dong will certainly be fine," Yan Xin was the first to voice his agreement, knowing Xia Dong’s capabilities.
"For the Eight-Star Warrior level, let Xiao Han compete." Jiang Wuming pondered for a moment. "These past few days, I've conducted targeted combat training with him. He can defeat that Eight-Star Warrior from the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy, Tang Ze Bowen."
"Although Teacher Wuming is only a Nine-Star Warrior, his combat experience is the richest among all of us. Since he believes Xiao Han is capable, then it is acceptable," Ren Yun supported Jiang Wuming’s proposal.
"There is only one Nine-Star Warrior present, Huangfu Weixia, so she must compete," Yan Xin added.
"Then it is settled," Xia Xueqin declared, seeing no objections from Jiang Wuming and the others.
"Dean Xia, should we propose to the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy that the Shinobi Hotel be closed to the public during the martial arts exchange activities, solely for our personnel to reside in?" After the participants for the martial arts combat sparring were decided, Li Xiaoman hesitated before speaking for the first time. She had remained silent during the previous discussion and put forth a new suggestion.
"Teacher Li, are you concerned that having outsiders stay might affect us?" Ren Yun looked at Li Xiaoman with some confusion.
"No," Li Xiaoman shook her head, then cast a subtle glance at Jiang Wuming. "It's for our safety. If the hotel is open to the public, there will be a mixed crowd..."
"Rest assured, Teacher Li, there is absolutely no person or force in this world that dares to openly attack the teachers and students of the Donghai Martial Arts Academy!" Yan Xin interrupted Li Xiaoman’s words, his tone brimming with confidence. That confidence stemmed from the might of the Dragon Country martial arts community and the Donghai Martial Arts Academy!
Hearing Yan Xin’s words, Li Xiaoman glanced at Xia Xueqin. Seeing that the latter made no comment, she sighed inwardly and said no more. On her way to the hotel, she had contacted Li Lianyi via Longxin and discussed Jiang Wuming. She learned about the events surrounding Jiang Zhan in the past and knew that Jiang Wuming was currently facing very powerful and formidable enemies, including the Roman family, which wielded supreme authority in the War God Hall! Her proposal was entirely for Jiang Wuming’s well-being.
"Wuming, what do you think?" Just as Li Xiaoman sighed inwardly, Xia Xueqin’s gaze turned to Jiang Wuming.
"Aunt Xia, it’s not necessary," Jiang Wuming shook his head slightly, simultaneously offering Li Xiaoman a gentle smile. He had guessed Li Xiaoman's intentions but did not disclose his upcoming plan to Li Xiaoman or even Xia Xueqin!
Hearing Jiang Wuming's response and seeing his relaxed smile, Li Xiaoman was slightly taken aback. At the same time, Jiang Wuming's pupils suddenly constricted! This was because he had discovered an extremely well-hidden listening device in Xia Xueqin’s room!
...
Ten minutes later.
In a private office at the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy, Akita Eiko and Sato Taro sat opposite each other. They were the only two people in the room. Akita Eiko was not only a teacher at the Kyoto Martial Arts Academy but also the daughter of the academy’s dean, Akita Shingen, granting her a distinguished status and a private office within the academy.
"I have just received a report confirming the list of three students arranged by the Donghai Martial Arts Academy for the martial arts combat sparring: Xia Dong, Xiao Han, and Huangfu Weixia," Akita Eiko stated expressionlessly in the office. "Xia Dong is Xia Xueqin’s daughter, personally trained by Xia Xueqin since childhood, and her swordsmanship is formidable. It is highly unlikely for anyone in the Seven-Star Warrior realm to defeat her. This means we are destined to lose the Seven-Star Warrior level sparring. For the Eight-Star Warrior level, that Xiao Han has recently undergone targeted combat training by that brat Jiang Wuming. Jiang Wuming is confident that Xiao Han can defeat Tang Ze Bowen. In that case, we also lack certainty."
"Aunt Akita Eiko, if that is the case, then I will proceed according to the plan," Sato Taro sneered.
"Indeed." Akita Eiko nodded slightly and added, "These two matters not only determine whether our Kyoto Martial Arts Academy can win the martial arts combat sparring and salvage the honor of the Land of Shinobi’s martial arts community, but they are also related to the plan to eliminate that brat Jiang Wuming. Absolutely no mistakes can be made!"
"Rest assured, Teacher Akita Eiko, I will complete the mission flawlessly!" Sato Taro smiled slightly, his smile sending a chill down one’s spine. "I can hardly wait to witness the scene of that scoundrel Jiang Wuming meeting his gruesome end—yes, that scene will surely be beautiful!"
...