Chapter 27: Hidden Blades and Silent Healing
"Proceed. Everything has been arranged."
Abe Youran's voice was calm, untouched by pressure or urgency. In front of him, a man in a green cloak knelt like a disciple before a god. His eyes gleamed with fervor upon receiving a mere nod of approval from the Young Master.
"This subordinate will carry out the task at once."
He cupped his fists in respect, then slowly stepped back. Not once did he turn his back to Youran. Only after taking ten steps did he dare to exhale. In front of Abe Youran, even breathing felt like an offense.
Youran rose to his feet and gazed out at the night garden, veiled in a thin mist.
"Contact my grandfather. He's at the palace with His Majesty. Tell him Duke Dai has come to our estate—with several experts in tow. This is a sign... but not the end. Every threat holds the seed of opportunity."
A faint smile touched his lips as the night wind played with the hem of his white robe. His dark hair fluttered slightly, blending into the overcast sky.
"If Old Duke Dai pushes the Mori Family too far, all we need to do is give a gentle nudge. Let them bite at each other. And once the storm settles, the Mori will be left toothless. That's when… they'll be easy to bring to our side."
He exhaled slowly. "The Takumi Family has only one true heir. If we eliminate him, this entire game becomes simple."
He reached out and plucked a single leaf from a nearby peony tree. Spinning it between his fingers, he then flicked it. The leaf shot through the air like a silver needle and embedded itself in a distant tree trunk.
"The Liu Family... not yet."
Thunder rumbled overhead. A flash of lightning lit the garden.
"Open the gates. Greet Duke Dai with full honors."
And with a blink of light, Abe Youran's figure vanished, carried away by the wind.
MEANWHILE – TAKUMI FAMILY TRAINING GROUNDS
It wasn't a hall, nor a resting chamber. Even Jun Takumi wouldn't expect his grandson to appear here.
On the eastern side of the main training arena stood a modest building—home to Hisashi Takumi, the Third Uncle of the family. A veteran, a former general… and a man whose life had been half-consumed by the scars of war.
Hisashi sat in a wheelchair, his eyes sharp as he watched the younger guards train. Like an old eagle, his gaze held years of discipline and command. Yet behind those eyes... lingered emptiness.
Hideo knelt before him, his own gaze burning—not with pride, but with purpose.
Placing his hand on his uncle's knee, Hideo began channeling a subtle flow of energy. It wasn't magic. It was a form of meridian healing—a lost art he'd pieced together from old-world texts and new-world theories. A rare technique only someone straddling two worlds could master.
Sweat beaded his brow, but he didn't falter. He traced each meridian line, gently unlocking the knots of energy one by one.
"How is it?" Hisashi asked softly, though his fists were clenched tight. Tension crept into his otherwise stoic face.
"There's hope," Hideo answered, steady and sure.
Hisashi's eyes widened.
"Are you serious?"
"With the right ingredients and proper preparation, I'm confident I can help you walk again."
Hisashi's chest trembled. A quiet laugh escaped his lips.
"Name them. I'll find them myself if I have to."
Hideo listed them: Crimson Pomegranate Bloom, Vitality Grass, Nine-Leaf Herb, Soulroot Essence, and the Energy-Linking Lotus.
Hisashi frowned. The last two names were unfamiliar.
"Those two… the Nine-Leaf Herb and the Energy-Linking Lotus… where did you learn about them?"
Hideo pulled out a book from his robe and handed it over. Inside were illustrations of two exotic plants, glowing with a strange vitality.
He didn't explain further—and Hisashi, for some reason, didn't press him.
He stared at the images as if they were a battle map to victory.
"If we can gather everything within a week, I'll begin restoring your energy channels," Hideo said.
Hisashi met his gaze and gave a single nod.
"There's one condition," Hideo added.
"Seven days of meditation. No alcohol. No anger. No politics. No talk of war. Just focus on balancing your inner energy."
Hisashi looked like he wanted to object—but only sighed instead.
"You really are Jun Takumi's grandson... commanding like a little general. Fine. I'll follow your rules."
Hideo bowed deeply. "Thank you, Uncle. This isn't just about healing your legs—it's about restoring one of the pillars of the Takumi Family."