Once a hero draws his sword, another decade of suffering befalls the people. So there's no need to worry about lacking war achievements. For someone like him, with no background or status, and only starting from scratch from the commoner class, this is the most suitable path.

However, having too capable a partner might not be a bad thing, but it can't be considered entirely good either. The biggest problem is the timing... It's too fast, really too fast, leaving me no time to prepare. Fujikichiro felt helpless and anxious. If only he had another year or even just three to five months, he wouldn't be so unsettled.

At least during that time, it would be enough for them to become friends and develop some camaraderie. Then it would be much easier to let a powerful friend help lift him up.

But right now, they've only known each other for three days. What can be done with that? Even with the thickest skin, Fujikichiro couldn't claim they were good friends. They had merely gone from "unknown strangers" to "barely acquainted."

But he was unwilling to give up this opportunity. After all, this could be his closest chance to success. Such an opportunity might never come again, so he must do whatever he can while he still has the chance to speak and draw closer, hoping to increase his chances a bit.

Here it comes again...

Gu Mo didn't know about Fujikichiro's complex psychological activities, nor was he too interested. He simply sighed, feeling the Monkey's understanding was definitely off: "What do you mean special treatment? Haven't you noticed that the old... everytime he looks at me, he's glaring? He clearly finds me unsightly!"

"Ahahaha, you can't say it like that, Brother Gu Mo..." Fujikichiro laughed dryly, knowing this very well but not seeing any problem with it. "Lord Dao San might be upset because of your relationship with Miss Ah Xiu, but precisely because of your relationship with Miss Ah Xiu, he will certainly value you highly next..."

At this point, Fujikichiro stealthily took a step forward, lowering his voice as if seeking credit: "Also, last night Lord Dao San asked about you, and I spoke quite highly of you, Brother Gu Mo!"

"Spoke highly?" Gu Mo raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Yes, yes..." nodding repeatedly, the Monkey was about to continue when footsteps sounded from the end of the corridor.

A house servant approached the two, bowing respectfully and said:

"The Head of the Family requests your presence."

...

...

"You're here... have a seat."

It was still the same room as yesterday. Saito Dosan was holding a sake cup, drinking greedily in front of the Buddha statue. Upon hearing the noise, he glanced at the newcomers, then set down his sake cup and spoke.

This time, he no longer used that fierce gaze to glare at someone. His attitude had only somewhat improved, and although he wasn't glaring anymore, there was a reluctance in his tone as if he wished the young man standing before him would remain standing.

"Okay, Lord Dao San."

Gu Mo's expression didn't change, calmly sitting properly on the tatami mat. As he looked around, he didn't see the reassuring figure of the black-haired girl.

Perhaps she hasn't woken up yet? So the old man didn't call Ah Xiu, just called me over. He's likely not harboring good intentions?

This made Gu Mo a bit concerned.

Perhaps sensing the host's emotions, the "spirit" always by his side in the air quietly approached. The large fox lay back down beside him, with nine tails gently swaying, warmly encircling him, emanating a slick and warm sensation that only he could feel.

This somewhat reassured Gu Mo, similar to a student going to the teacher's office, feeling anxious alone, but relaxed when accompanied by classmates... The Guardian Spirit brought this comforting sense of always having a loyal friend nearby.

Saito Dosan raised his eyebrows, focusing on the fox-like Guardian Spirit with nine tails beside the young man, unconsciously pausing for a moment.

After a while, he withdrew his gaze, casually asking, "What were you looking for just now?"

"Looking for Ah Xiu."

Blinking, Gu Mo replied truthfully. He had just looked around naturally, wanting to see if the black-haired girl was present to determine if the old man's invitation was a trap.

"..."

"..."

The thick joints suddenly exerted force, and the sake cup in his hand creaked from the pressure. Saito Dosan, who had spent all night psychologically preparing himself, suddenly found the young man to be detestable and monstrous again.

He silently set down the cup, took a deep breath, and couldn't resist glaring fiercely at the youth before him.

"Young man, how did you get here?"

"..."

"..."

Gu Mo directly stared back at him. After a moment, he hesitantly answered, "We came by carriage, drawn by two horses, traveling for two nights... Didn't Fujikichiro tell you?"

The Monkey nearby kept his head down, remaining silent.

"That's not what I meant!" Saito Dosan's eyes twitched violently, "I mean, why did you come to this island country? Someone like you ought not to have fallen to such a state, right?"

"Someone like me...?"

Gu Mo paused. What kind of person was he? Did this mean he had a system-assigned identity in this setting that he hadn't discovered yet?

"Hmph, if you don't want to say, then so be it. Anyway, I'm not too concerned..."

Saito Dosan, having preconceived notions, waved his hand. He thought there was no need for an explanation, knowing it was likely due to political failure. For someone of such status, fleeing overseas was not uncommon.

"I ask you, what are your plans next?" Without giving the other a chance to think, the Fuma of Mino immediately posed another question.

"... What plans could I have?" Gu Mo also thought the conversation was off, barely managing a smile, deliberating on how to deceive this illogical old man.

"Don't lie to me. If you're inventing an excuse, there's no need for it..." Saito Dosan said lightly and coldly snorted, "You don't even dare to say what you want?"

Gu Mo's expression slightly hardened. This old man was truly frustrating, knowing something yet nagging about it. Does an NPC aim to lecture me?

Suppressing his expression, his tone grew somewhat cold: "All I want is to go back, nothing more, Lord Dao San. You don't need to overthink it."

"Oh? You want to go back..." Saito Dosan's eyes gleamed, "That's not easy."

For someone like him, even in the distant Celestial Empire, he likely hails from unimaginable power. Yet, even so, he failed in contests, forcing such a precious son to exile overseas.

"Not easy? I find it simple enough. I can return soon..." Gu Mo curled his lip.

"Is that so? Impressive, such ambition..." Saito Dosan nodded as he looked at the young man. He could tell this person spoke plainly yet was truly confident, undoubtedly believing he could soon rise again and reclaim everything.

Initially, he favored Oda Nobunaga from Owari, considering yielding Mino eventually since he had no worthy heir.

But now Ah Xiu had returned, bringing back a promising fiancé... even Oda Nobunaga of Owari, a fool without connections, received favorable treatment after becoming his son-in-law. Naturally, Saito Dosan wouldn't mind considering the person Ah Xiu brought back as well.

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