Starting to Practice Swordsmanship from the Rural Area of the Second Dimension (1-323).

Summary

General Cheng encounters a ship spirit near an underground cave, urging him to clear a path for a treasure ship that cannot pass due to obstacles he created. The ship spirit reveals that a monk who helped her has been sealed away, prompting Cheng to consider assisting her. After clearing the blocks, he prepares to investigate further, but is startled by the appearance of a woman resembling Yakumo Yukari, who quickly disappears upon recognizing him. Cheng continues on his journey, reflecting on the fate of the Westward Master, who is confirmed dead near the Saigyou Ayakashi, a massive cherry blossom tree that lures beings to death. The tree's history reveals it once attracted monks seeking a peaceful death, leading to a cycle of death that ultimately drained life from the surrounding area. Now, it stands as a notorious site where any creature drawn to it meets their end, leaving the land barren despite favorable conditions.

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