C21 Master Huo Xuan!

"How can I assist you?"

Yang Ming nodded and inquired.

"Our adversary is formidable. By my estimation, he's likely reached the status of a special Journeyman Ninja. He's not quite a Journeyman, but he's significantly stronger than the average Junior Ninja, particularly because he's mastered two exceptionally powerful Water Escape techniques. I'm hoping Mr. Gekka can engage him at close quarters to keep him occupied, while Master Huo Xuan employs his Fire Escape to eliminate him in a single strike!"

Chu Koichi looked toward Yang Ming.

"Master Huo Xuan?"

Upon hearing the name, Yang Ming paused, surprised. Was there another expert?

"Indeed. He's a Fire Escape virtuoso from our village. Though also ranked as a Junior Ninja, his mastery of Fire Escape is unparalleled. Mr. Gekka, with your Body Technique to restrain him, and Master Huo Xuan's Fire Escape as support, we can take him down in one decisive move!"

Chu Koichi explained.

Just then, a ruckus erupted from outside the door, and a middle-aged man clad in fiery red entered.

His attire was a vibrant red, and he radiated a potent fire attribute aura, a clear sign of his advanced Fire Escape cultivation, naturally exuding from his being.

This was none other than Master Huo Xuan!

Seeing Master Huo Xuan arrive, Chu Koichi, ignoring his own wounds, promptly rose from his bed to greet him with great respect.

"Master Huo Xuan, welcome. Please, have a seat!"

His enthusiasm was boundless, and he promptly had tea served.

His demeanor with Yang Ming was a stark contrast to before.

He then introduced Yang Ming.

"This is Mr. Gekka, a master of Body Technique. He will engage Mizunoki, providing you with the perfect opening to unleash your Fire Escape and shatter his Water Escape, defeating him swiftly!"

"This is the Body Technique expert you've brought in? He looks no older than five. What a farce!"

Master Huo Xuan's scorn was palpable as he glanced at Yang Ming, shaking his head with a dismissive sneer, not bothering to hide his contempt.

"Chu Koichi, with me on your side, what need is there for a Body Technique expert? You're underestimating me. If our adversary is a Ninja, even a Journeyman Ninja, I'm confident in my ability to prevail. I require no assistance, especially not from a child. Are you making a joke?"

"Ah, Master Huo Xuan, I merely wanted to ensure we were thoroughly prepared. Besides, Mr. Gekka's Body Technique is formidable. He once..."

Chu Koichi began to explain in haste.

"You've barely graduated and haven't set foot on a real battlefield, which is why you fail to grasp the reality of the situation!"

Master Huo Xuan interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"In a clash with a Ninja, a Body Technique expert must defeat their opponent in an instant; otherwise, they stand no chance against the might of Ninja Techniques. While a Body Technique expert might reign supreme at the Junior Ninja level, the moment they advance beyond that, the disparity becomes stark."

"Body Technique, no matter how advanced, is limited to physical strikes, while Ninja Techniques grow with one's power. Be it the Body Replacement Technique or the Clone Technique, they can deceive and bewilder. For a Body Technique Master to close in on such an opponent is nearly impossible. You're inviting defeat by calling one to face an opponent of this caliber."

Chu Koichi paused, reflecting on these words, unable to offer any counterargument.

At the Junior Ninja level, where everyone's seal-forming speed is slow, a Body Technique Master could dominate unchallenged.

But at the Journeyman Ninja level, with increased strength and faster seal-forming, a Body Technique Master is almost entirely overwhelmed. The advantage of speed no longer exists, and the inability to form seals is no longer an issue.

Once a Ninja Technique is unleashed, its formidable power is enough to overwhelm any Body Technique Master.

"Given this, we'll have to depend on you, Master Huo Xuan. Rest assured, we will ensure your efforts are well rewarded."

Chu Koichi was immensely pleased. With Master Huo Xuan's insights, he had completely pushed aside any thoughts of Yang Ming.

"Mm-hmm."

Upon hearing the response, Master Huo Xuan nodded with satisfaction.