"This matter is no simple task, perhaps even more difficult than unifying this country... However, since you are confident, go ahead and show me your capabilities! If you truly possess such ability, then I won't be stingy, and will certainly do my utmost to lend you a hand!"

After a brief contemplation, Saito Dosan quickly seemed to make up his mind. His eyes suddenly widened, bursting with energy, and he spoke in a low yet powerful voice.

He has always been a broad-minded and carefree person, so such decisive action is not difficult to understand. The main reason is that in recent years, as he grows older, he feels increasingly powerless, and has already been pondering this issue. He has indeed assessed another son-in-law and already made a decision.

—If it weren't for this young man before him, this Viper was prepared to give up the entire Mino in a short while.

So, this decision is not something made on a whim or hastily decided on a spur of the moment. It is something Saito Dosan has considered thoroughly for several years before making up his mind, and had already intended to put into practice a bit later.

Even without Gu Mo, he would have done the same. However, since Gu Mo happened to appear at this pivotal moment, and all conditions seemed to fit, Saito Dosan included Gu Mo as one of the alternative outcomes in this matter he was already considering.

Thus, it isn't Saito Dosan's rashness or impulsiveness leading to a reckless decision. If that were the case, he wouldn't have achieved his present success. Rather, it's someone's good fortune to catch the last train —

Even if he hadn't caught it, it was bound to depart anyway.

"Hmm? Wait, old... old man, I think we need to clarify something. I don't need your help with this matter..."

Gu Mo felt a bit confused. What was being discussed? Why did he not understand a word of what this stubborn old man was saying? He furrowed his brows and pondered, thinking something went wrong in one of the steps, making communication not quite smooth and leading to a small misunderstanding.

Does it have to be said so seriously? He just wants to return; is such a small matter worthy of the other party going all out to help, merely to lend "an arm of support"? What's all this talk about "more difficult than unifying the nation," where is that coming from?

"Hmph! I actually do not wish to help you either, but it's only because of Ah Xiu!"

With a cold snort, Saito Dosan skillfully widened his eyes. This brat was really infuriating, truly thought he was helping him? If not for Ah Xiu, he wouldn't bother with such matters!

He waved his hand forcefully, showing a very disdainful look: "Let it be like this... hmph, empty words mean nothing, show me some results first! Tomorrow, head to Lushan City, let me see what skills you have, and if you can't even manage a small city, don't speak such grand words, it's laughable!"

As if recalling something, he looked towards the small, silent man who hadn't spoken a word since entering and added: "If you lack capable people, take the Monkey with you, he's a very clever person."

"Hey, I say, I'm not..." Gu Mo furrowed his brow, attempting to say something, but caught a glimpse of Fujikichiro frantically signaling him with his eyes, filled not with indication, but with hope and entreaty.

He fell silent for a moment, quickly weighing in his mind the implications of this development, and ultimately nodded slowly: "I'll give it a try."

"Alright, let it be like this, I'm weary..."

Saito Dosan waved his hand once more, speaking impatiently, clearly intending to dismiss them.

His rational and emotional sides were in significant conflict at this moment. Rationality led him to make this choice, thinking that since they're all family, if this young man isn't inferior to Owari Oda, it would do no harm to choose him, as a recompense for the hardships Ah Xiu endured over the years.

But precisely because of this, emotionally, every time he thought about it, that Ah Xiu had just returned to his side not long ago, only to be taken away by this young man so soon, he felt deeply saddened and couldn't suppress his anger, feeling enraged whenever he looked at Gu Mo, the more he thought about it, the more he couldn't help but feel infuriated.

"... Lord Dao San, then we shall take our leave."

Fujikichiro exerted great effort to suppress his excitement, dragging Gu Mo who still wanted to say something while hurriedly bidding farewell to the Viper.

Opportunity, the opportunity has finally arrived! I, Fujikichiro, have finally endured to this day, awaiting the day to rise! However, Brother Gu Mo doesn't seem very willing, it's crucial to hold onto him and prevent him from doing something irrational at this moment!

Clearly such a great opportunity, not even daring to dream of it, a fortune my ancestors couldn't amass through eight generations of virtue, and yet someone hesitates to accept even when handed to them? Fujikichiro really couldn't understand, perhaps it's like "parched to death in drought, drowned in flood."

Watching the door close and the room returning to its dim luminosity, Saito Dosan fell silent once more.

Even though he made his decision, he only said he would fully support the other party without specifying the kind of help. The old man was still mindful in this aspect, even though he had long decided to "yield the nation," he would not announce it until the very last moment.

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