Chapter 824: The Shinkan-dan
The Yinglong Warship soon arrived over Hikone Castle. In recent years, aside from establishing Daoist temples in every major feudal city, the Daoist Order had also excavated artificial lakes to serve as landing zones for flying ships. When not in use, they could function as reservoirs or scenic spots, so they were never a waste.
Half of Omi Province was occupied by Lake Biwa, the largest lake in the entire Fenglin. Thanks to this, there was no need to dig an artificial lake. The Yinglong Warship could land directly in Lake Biwa.
Given the Yinglong Warship’s enormous size, it was impossible for its arrival to go unnoticed. The moment it appeared on the horizon, the samurai on the watchtower had already reported it to Toyotomi Hidemochi and Yagyu Sosei.
Yagyu Sosei personally escorted Toyotomi Hidemochi to the outskirts of the city. Accompanying them were his personal guards, retainers who had served the family for generations and possessed considerably high cultivation levels. Their leader was a Heavenly Being. Toyotomi Hidemochi himself was no ordinary noble either, with a Guizhen-stage cultivation. As a member of the Three Noble Houses, he lacked neither resources nor instruction, especially with Yagyu Sosei as his swordmaster. For someone his age, such cultivation was indeed impressive.
As the Yinglong Warship lowered its ramp, the newly formed five-person escort team disembarked one after another. Influenced by Central Plains culture, Toyotomi Hidemochi spoke fluent Central Plains court dialect. One could hardly tell he was from Fenglin at all.
After brief pleasantries and introductions, Li Tiangang said, “Time is of the essence, so we won’t enter the city. Lord Toyotomi Hidemochi, please board the vessel.”
Toyotomi Hidemochi glanced up at the Yinglong Warship, which was as towering as the main keep of his castle. He let out a soft sigh before ascending the ramp.
Yagyu Sosei remained in place, watching as Toyotomi Hidemochi boarded the Yinglong Warship. He then turned to Li Tiangang and said, “I must remain here to defend Hikone Castle and cannot accompany Lord Toyotomi Hidemochi to the capital. I entrust his safety to you all.”
Li Tiangang replied, “Lord Toyotomi Hidemochi’s safety is critical to the stability of Fenglin. Both the army camp and Daoist Mansion take this matter very seriously. Sage Qingwei personally arranged this escort, so we will not be careless. Rest assured, Sekishusai.”
Yagyu Sosei said no more.
Li Tiangang was the last to ascend the ramp.
Spirit Guard Ding Wei, who was in charge of directing the Spirit Guards, gave the order to take off. The colossal Yinglong Warship rose from the lake’s surface, carrying dense moisture that condensed into clouds and mist, wrapping around its form.