Redemption of a Born Demon

Chapter 244 - 209: Impending Peril, Hakkō Ichiu Exposes His Whereabouts (Part 2)

"Soul Devourer Tanaka Shoukichi was originally a High Priest of Japan’s Shintoism and was granted the title of ’Great Sage National Preceptor’ by the Emperor of Japan. He was one of the masterminds behind Japan’s invasion of Donghua and committed monstrous atrocities in our country. Back when the nation was on the verge of collapse, countless patriots sacrificed themselves one after another. This surge in national destiny gave rise to numerous Saint Experts. Of those, at least a third of the documented Saint Realm practitioners died at his hands before they could even fully mature."

"But after Japan was defeated, he was never brought to trial due to his immense power. His retirement was merely symbolic. In reality, he still holds immense influence over Japan’s military, political, and business sectors. He hasn’t made a move in many years and is now old and frail. It’s uncertain how much of his strength remains."

Zhao Ping said in a low, grave voice.

"Decades ago, his strength was already approaching that of an Ancient One. With his unique Cultivation Technique, honed over these past decades, his power can only have grown stronger. The blood debt he carries is immense."

"Furthermore, this man has always been cautious. For him to step forward and make a public statement now, he must have made thorough preparations. This is not an opponent who will fight a fair duel. There’s a high probability that the remnants of Japan’s old guard will assist him."

"This time, Yi Beidou might be facing his first true Human Tribulation since entering Japan."

Wei Cheng said in a low voice.

"The first?"

Meng Qianyuan frowned.

"That’s right. This is only the beginning. Even if Yi Beidou wins, the moment he gets injured or shows any sign of fatigue, an endless stream of trouble will follow. Don’t forget, there’s a high chance the Pioneer Group’s Asia District headquarters is in Japan. Who knows how many Ancient Ones are lurking in the shadows."

Wei Cheng said.

Hearing this, Meng Qianyuan was stunned into silence, and the others also fell silent.

Online, netizens were hyping Yi Beidou up as practically invincible, but only insiders like them knew that this was actually the most dangerous moment.

After all, Yi Beidou was facing a nation that was once incredibly powerful.

As the saying goes, there’s a limit to human strength.

Within this single day, he would have to face an unknown number of major battles. The pressure was simply unimaginable.

Constant, endless, unpredictable, surrounded by powerful enemies.

Meng Qianyuan had recently broken through to the Saint Realm and was feeling a certain pride, but when he tried to put himself in Yi Beidou’s shoes, a shiver ran down his spine.

"We can’t track Yi Beidou’s exact whereabouts. Otherwise, it would be good to at least send him some Saint Realm Elixirs to replenish his Physical Ability."

Zhao Ping sighed. Yi Beidou’s situation in Japan was just too dire.

Of course, this was also related to his choice to release a video, issue a public challenge, and reveal himself in Tokyo.

If he had kept his identity hidden and simply launched surprise attacks on Japanese experts, the risk would have been much lower.

"The tribulations of Heaven, Earth, and Man... If he can survive this trip to Japan, he might reach a whole new realm."

"This is the path he chose for himself. He can only face it alone."

Wei Cheng said.

Meanwhile, as the video Tanaka Shoukichi recorded spread across the internet, it sparked widespread discussion among the Japanese People.

"Who is this old guy? He looks like he doesn’t have many days left, yet he dares to claim he’ll kill the Great Demon King?"

"No one’s taking this seriously, right? It’s probably just some old chuuni pulling a new stunt."

"Is there no one left in Japan? We actually need an old man to accept the challenge?"

"..."

Tanaka Shoukichi had been nominally retired for decades and rarely made public appearances, so the Japanese People were unaware of his true identity.

"Baka! Show some respect! This is a pivotal senior from our Japan Martial Arts Realm, the man who once dominated an era as the number one in Asia, Mr. Tanaka Shoukichi! He represents the glory and honor of Japan from that time!"

"In the Japan Martial Arts Realm, Mr. Tanaka is a god-like existence! Although he is advanced in age, a Saint Expert can lock in their Physical Ability. His strength will only be greater than before!"

"Yi Beidou has been winning all this time only because he’s been challenging Martial Artists of the new generation. The true old-guard experts who watch over Japan haven’t even made a move yet. Now this guy has gotten too arrogant and provoked Mr. Tanaka into action. He’s a dead man for sure!"

"..."

People related to the Martial Arts Realm, as well as astroturfers hired by relevant departments, flooded the internet to build hype for this battle. However, after the previous two failures, the Japanese People were clearly not buying it.

Voices of doubt rose one after another.

「Donghua, Dechang University Martial Arts Club.」

"LMAO, this old guy can’t even stand up straight, and they’re calling him the former number one expert in Asia? I think Japan is really done for this time."

After seeing the news, the students all found it rather amusing.

The Japan Martial Arts Realm had probably exhausted all its tricks.

「Elsewhere.」

Tanaka Shoukichi, naturally, paid no mind to the various opinions on the internet, but he could feel the shift in Japan’s Great Trend.

It was fluctuating, difficult to coalesce.

After all, he had been in the Hidden World for too long. The world had forgotten his former glory and prestige.

But that was not important.

The moment he truly appeared and crossed hands with Yi Beidou, the world would understand everything.

"How are the preparations on Mr. Ju’s end?"

Tanaka Shoukichi asked the middle-aged man in black beside him.

"We just received word. Mr. Ju has already entered Peace Platform Park and is about to set up an Array to break Yi Beidou’s concealment."