After returning home, Chongzong began preparing for infiltrating Yasaka Shrine.

Based on his observations during the day, Chongzong had already confirmed that, at least on the surface, Yasaka Shrine didn't have any notable security measures that needed extra precautions.

After all, it was just a shrine, and if it were heavily guarded, it would only attract more attention.

But considering Bai Yaxin's character and consistent approach to things, Chongzong believed that there must be hidden "mechanisms" in Yasaka Shrine that were unknown to the public.

These "mechanisms" could be advanced technological devices or hidden guards lurking in the shadows.

Therefore, Chongzong couldn't go empty-handed and planned to bring as much equipment as possible without compromising his operations.

First and foremost, he urgently needed a weapon to protect himself.

The Nine-Section Whip was gone due to Ito Shinran's connection.

Finding any random melee weapon like a knife or sword would work, even if it was just a kitchen knife from the Uesugi family's kitchen, Chongzong could manage with it.

However, would such preparations be adequate for infiltrating a place where Bai Yaxin's criminal evidence was hidden?

Not to mention facing three guards of this caliber, even just one would be unbeatable.

So, where could he acquire the necessary equipment?

Before considering where to get the equipment, the first thing to think about was what kind of equipment he needed.

Otherwise, it would be like shopping aimlessly and wasting time.

Well, here came the different thinking patterns between men and women.

Chongzong pondered his goals, the scenarios he would face, and the possible difficulties, and drew some conclusions.

Considering that he was alone and the mission involved infiltration, the required weapon characteristics were:

It had to be suitable for close combat, and preferably long-range as well.

It had to be silent, without producing any noise.

It had to be lightweight and portable.

Among the options that met these criteria and immediately came to Chongzong's mind was a dagger paired with a suppressed handgun.

The dagger was simple, but the handgun seemed unrealistic.

Chongzong fell into contemplation.

Opportunities only come once.

Once the intrusion was discovered, it would be unknown how long it would take to wait for such a good opportunity again.

Meanwhile, in the Manranyama household, Manranyama Souren was having a conversation with Ito Shinran.

Since Manranyama Souren had separated from the Manranyama family, Ito Shinran, along with their daughter, Ito Yuno, had officially left the Manranyama family as well and joined under Manranyama Souren's banner.

The already small apartment seemed cramped under Ito Shinran's tall stature.

Manranyama Souren: "So, Mr. Shinran, what interesting things did you see at Yasaka Shrine?"

Manranyama Souren knelt gracefully on the tatami mats, exuding an air of composure.

Ito Shinran: "I saw Bai Yaxin and a group of people entering Yasaka Shrine, and I also noticed Uesugi Shounen following them."

Manranyama Souren: "...Oh?"

Although barely perceptible, Manranyama Souren sat up straighter.

It is obvious that she has become interested in this matter.

Manranyama Canglian: "What happened next?"

Ito Shinran: "They would both appear at Yasaka Shrine at the same time. It should be just a coincidence. The evidence is that Sugi boy left shortly afterward and didn't meet Bai Yaxin and his group."

After hearing Ito Shinran's words, Manranyama Canglian pondered while twirling her hair with her fingers.

Manranyama Canglian: "Who did Bai Yaxin bring with him?"

Ito Shinran: "Atlas Brown Bear, Silver Mantis, and one other person I don't know."

Manranyama Canglian: "Oh? There's someone that even Mr. Shinran doesn't know."

Ito Shinran: "You're familiar with Bai Yaxin's style, Miss Manranyama. No one can know his true intentions."

Upon hearing this, Manranyama Canglian and Ito Shinran exchanged a smile.

After a moment of silence, Manranyama Canglian leaned closer to Ito Shinran and whispered softly,

"Hey, Mr. Shinran, I have an idea. In Chinese idioms, it's called 'Using another person's knife to kill someone.' "