Chapter 355: Xiao Bing and Iza Kawatani

Xiao Bing merely cast a glance inside. But just as he was about to leave, the door suddenly opened.

An old man was standing there.

His face was creased with wrinkles. His hair, eyebrows and beard were all snow-white. His eyes seemed percipient, as if he had been through many vicissitudes of life. Xiao Bing deemed this man to be over 100 years old.

Though he seemed only about 1.6 meters tall, he stood very straight. He looked radiant and imposing. From this aspect, Xiao Bing thought this man was 70 or 80 years old, at most. He even believed that he could be physically stronger than most of the middle-aged men.

The old man was clad in a grey gown. A picture of the sun and moon was drawn on each side of his gown. An ancient purple sword hung at his waist.

The moment this old man appeared, Xiao Bing’s attention was drawn to him. He felt an aura of sacredness, which was something he had felt in the churches in Europe. But the aura of sacredness from this man was stronger and purer.

Xiao Bing raised his head and caught the old man’s eyes. Xiao Bing’s heart thumped furiously. Though this man’s eyes seemed aloof, it was very arresting. Try as Xiao Bing might, his mind went blank for a moment. It had never happened to Xiao Bing, ever since he came to this path.

“What is your name, young man?” His voice was aloof, but very penetrating.

Xiao Bing came to himself and bowed hurriedly, “I just came from outside. I’m Aoki Ichiro, a warrior whose duty is to keep Princess Nami safe.”

“Princess Nami?” A flicker of light flashed in his eyes. “She chose the right one this time.” A faint smile flitted over his lips.

Xiao Bing was surprised. He pondered for a moment and realized that ever since this old man appeared, he had not shown any abnormality. Though this old man might even be stronger than him, Xiao Bing believed that this man might not be able to see through him. So Xiao Bing feigned fear, “You must be Mr. Iza, Princess Nami’s grandfather. Your presence is indeed an honor for me.”

“I’ve been watching you. You’re a diamond in the rough. You will step into the Innate Realm sooner or later. You also have a strong mentality. If you have a good teacher, your achievement may be greater than that of my student’s.”

Xiao Bing knew the student this old man mentioned was Feng XIII, the foe he hated with all his guts. Though he did not care much about Iza Kawatani’s words, he pretended to be flattered. He felt lucky that he had so many experiences in carrying out a mission, which helped him to act naturally in front of this old man.

Iza Kawatani smiled like an amiable old man, “Young man, you should leave now. You can take a walk in Kokyo, but don’t step into those forbidden places.”

“Okay, Mr. Iza.” Xiao Bing wheeled around and left. He tried to be as calm as possible, but he stayed vigilant, and was a bit nervous still.

After Xiao Bing had taken only five steps, Iza Kawatani suddenly spoke, “Wait.”

Xiao Bing paused and his body straightened. “You’re Aoki Ichiro, right? Can you tell how old I am?”

Xiao Bing decided to be honest, “Though your hair is white, you don’t look very old. I suppose you are 60 or 70 years old.

“Alas.” Iza Kawatani sighed, “I’m about to have my 100th birthday this year. Sometimes having a long life is not as good as it seems. I’m just living the same day, over and over again…”

Iza Kawatani’s voice faded. At the same time, Xiao Bing heard the door closing. Then he left without any hesitation.

Xiao Bing was actually startled by Iza Kawatani’s appearance. It was because no man could break the limit of their genes, no matter how strong they were. For a man of 60, his body was supposed to get weaker and weaker. A man at the level of Void-breaking may have another extra ten years. But his body would still get weaker every day. But this Iza Kawatani still looked vigorous and energetic. It was something hard for Xiao Bing to imagine.

In the history of the Cathaysian State, Xiao Bing was one of the few legendary masters who would still be powerful, even if they were over 100. Master Dharma, the founder of Shaolin Temple, and Zhang Sanfeng, founder of Wudang Section, were the two most renowned characters, in the martial history of the Cathaysian State. Though this Iza Kawatani could not be compared to them, he was the only one who appeared so energetic at such an old age, except for those two.

Iza Kawatani indeed deserved the title “Martial God”. Even Xiao Bing was not sure if he could beat this old man. Xiao Bing’s heart sank. It seemed that he needed to be very careful this time.

Xiao Bing dared not stroll about for too long. He returned to the hall when he thought the time was right, lest he should arouse suspicion.

Xiao Bing found Fukuda Ogawa sitting on a chair and staring blankly, after he returned to the living room. He stood up when he noticed Xiao Bing. He made a deep bow to Xiao Bing and said with a stern face, “Mr. Aoki, thanks for your suggestion. I think I know what to do in the future.”

Xiao Bing grinned, “It’s good that you were able to think it through. You don’t have to envy me, because I probably will be gone soon.”

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Fukuda Ogawa said in surprise, “Mr. Aoki, do you still think that I’m being petty? If that’s the case, I will apologize to you.”

Xiao Bing shook his head and smiled, “I did not say that I’m about to leave. I don’t plan to stay by her side forever. But you seem to enjoy being with her. That’s why I made the decision. After I leave, if the princess does things improperly again, I wish that Mr. Fukuda will tell her. Whether she decides to listen or not, we should do our best to advise her.”

Fukuda Ogawa answered sternly, “I promise you that I will serve her well.”

Xiao Bing nodded.

Then they heard footsteps. Soon they saw the maiden they met before. She bowed and said respectfully, “My lords, his highness has prepared a feast for the princess, and you are both invited.”

“Let’s go now.”

When they arrived, they found the princess talking blithely to the emperor. “You guys are finally here. You shall join me for dinner.”

“Okay, ” Xiao Bing said with a smile.

The emperor was surprised as he glanced at Xiao Bing and Fukuda Ogawa. It was because the jealousy in Fukuda Ogawa’s eyes was gone.

How can a person change his mind in such a short time? The emperor cast Xiao Bing another glance. His intuition told him that it must have something to do with this man.

It seemed that this Aoki Ichiro did deserve his granddaughter’s relentless praise.

Then a servant came and said reverently, “Your highnesses, the feast is ready”

The emperor said, “Let’s go together.”

Then they sauntered into the dining hall, where dozens of maidens stood respectfully. There was a round table in the center. At least 20 courses were served. Xiao Bing cast a glance at the food and found them rich in variety.

Princess Nami and the emperor sat down, while others stood behind them.

Princess Nami pointed at the seat near her and looked at Xiao Bing, smilingly, “Come and have a seat. I’ve just talked to my grandpa. You already have his consent.

“Well…”

Xiao Bing wanted to keep a low profile, but the princess always drew unnecessary attention to him. This made it hard for others not to look at him.

Princess Nami smiled, “Fukuda, you may sit and eat, too.”

Xiao Bing then felt relieved.

Fukuda said in all haste, “Your highnesses, how is a low-born supposed to join you for dinner?”

The emperor grinned, “You are both powerful martial artists and wiling to stay by the princess’s side to protect her. For that, we will always share our table with you. Don’t be so courteous. Come and take a seat.”

Courtesy was one thing that Xiao Bing barely had. He agreed with the emperor, “The emperor is right. Let’s not be so polite. Come and have a seat here.”

“Well… Okay.” Fukuda seemed a little restrained. But since Xiao Bing had said that, he had to agree to it, no matter how inappropriate he thought it was.

After they all sat down, a maid walked in and said, “Your Highness, Mr. Iza said that he will not join you for dinner tonight. He said he’s having a rest.”

“I see.” The emperor did not seem angry. He nodded and said, “Then don’t ask him to come. Nami, when dinner is over, you can pay a visit to your grandpa, alone.”

“I know.”

“Alright, let the feast begin.”

It was not until the emperor had taken the first bite that the others began using their chopsticks. Xiao Bing realized that there was awe in the emperor’s eyes when the maid mentioned Iza Kawatani’s name.

Indeed, that Iza Kawatani was not merely an old man, since his name could affect the emperor so easily.