"So, I simply gave up my talent for jujutsu and focused solely on learning swordsmanship. At first, I knew nothing, just simply using the most basic reinforcement jujutsu to strengthen my blade.
"But that alone wasn't enough, because the Innate Techniques of Cursed Spirits and Curse Users were too peculiar; simple blades couldn't reach them. So, I searched everywhere for a universal Cursed Technique that could break through these obstacles, and I actually found one.
"—Mihiraga Tsuguri, a special Cursed Technique that can neutralize any Domain. But my talent for jujutsu was too poor, far too poor; I couldn't learn it.
"In fact, even if I learned it, it wouldn't be very useful, because Mihiraga Tsuguri is purely a defensive Cursed Technique. What I needed was a Cursed Technique that integrated offense and defense, and Mihiraga Tsuguri simply couldn't satisfy me.
"So, I merely figured out its principle and then abandoned it without hesitation.
"If you've studied barrier techniques, you should have heard a saying: 'A barrier is the boundary of imagination.'"
Mahito thought rapidly and immediately understood what the old man had just done. He couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "The 'domain' in 'Simple Domain' is not the same as the domain in Domain Expansion! These two are different!"
"It's an extension of will from within!"
"A barrier is an extension of imagination. You discarded the techniques of barrier techniques and simply used the principles of barrier techniques to construct this special domain—a domain of will! Because swordsmen believe that as long as they are within the range of their Iaido, any attack will be cut down by the Iaido before it can hit them, whether it is tangible or intangible.
"Believing deeply that one can cut down anything, while imagining oneself unaffected by all phenomena—that's why 'Simple Domain' can be formed!"
"Automatic counterattack Iaido sounds wonderful, and in terms of power and speed, it is indeed superior to your Iaido. But ultimately, automatic counterattack Iaido is just a special technique, while your Iaido is an extension of a swordsman's will!"
Damn it, isn't this what they call "mind over matter"? The intent is too profound!
Mahito now completely understood, and he also understood why the old man could use a pencil tip to cut his neck just now. Because at that moment, the old man skillfully used Simple Domain. The pencil was like the old man's sword, his cuff like a scabbard, and at that instant, the old man used Iaido within the Simple Domain!
The old man couldn't help but praise, "Impressive. You've grasped the core of 'Simple Domain' after hearing just a few words from me. If you are willing to cultivate under me for ten years, you will surely elevate Simple Domain to a higher level, making it your own unique Domain Expansion."
Mahito exhaled. "Now that I know this, killing you has become simple."
"As long as I'm not within your reach, I can easily kill you by using long-range methods to deplete your energy."
"Your age has indeed held you back. You cannot move and cannot actively attack, becoming a living target. No wonder Kenjaku said you can only be a Grade 2 Jujutsu Sorcerer."
No wonder in the original work, the old man was killed by a Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer without even a single fight scene. His weakness was too obvious; as long as one maintained a certain distance, killing him would be as easy as flipping a hand.
The old man said calmly, "That's right. Someone like me is probably not worth your recruitment. Of course, if you ask me to order my disciples not to oppose you, I can't do that either. Even if you kill me, I can't. This old man is just a withered bone in a tomb; I don't have that much power."
Mahito knew this was the old man's silent refusal. The old man thought Kenjaku was there to recruit him, so he revealed all his trump cards and what he could do, hoping Kenjaku would give up on him and leave.
In fact, in the original work, Kenjaku never contacted him. Presumably, Kenjaku also knew the old man's specific situation, so he didn't bother looking for him.
Furthermore, Mahito also knew that what the old man said was untrue; he must still be hiding some essential knowledge. He definitely hadn't opened up to Mahito. This was easy to judge, as Simple Domain was, after all, his foundation. He wouldn't reveal all its secrets before he died.
Mahito was not surprised by this and indeed didn't mind.
Kenjaku shrugged. "That's how it is. Mahito, do you want to continue talking?"
Of course, he wanted to continue!
For Mahito, learning Simple Domain would be good, but not learning it was fine too. Look, Ryomen Sukuna and Gojo Satoru don't know Simple Domain—did it affect them becoming the strongest in the world? What Mahito wanted was not Simple Domain at all.
"I'm not here to learn 'Simple Domain.'" Mahito looked directly into the old man's eyes. "I'm here to learn swordsmanship."
The old man said in surprise, "Not for Simple Domain, but purely to learn swordsmanship? Are you serious?"
Of course, it was serious. Mahito's future would inevitably involve Domain Expansion; Mahito had no doubt about this. Compared to his own unique Domain Expansion, Simple Domain would seem lackluster. If that's the case, why pursue Simple Domain?
On the contrary, this old man was the best jujutsu sorcerer sword grandmaster in the world. To integrate his own combat system, the old man was indispensable.
Of course, he couldn't say it so directly.
"I possess an unparalleled sword, so to allow this unparalleled sword to unleash its full potential, I have come to learn swordsmanship." Mahito smiled. "I believe if it's you, you will understand what I mean."
The old man was first stunned, then a smile appeared, and finally, he burst into loud laughter. Despite his frail body, he laughed heartily and said, "I understand, of course, I understand!"
"New Shadow Style, founder, Ashiya Magon."
"Willing to serve the King of Curses!"
The next day, Ashiya Magon, having shed his frail body through Idle Transfiguration, was overcome with rage, his blood pressure soaring, his anger burning, and he roared furiously:
"Quack! You're looking down on me, aren't you!? You came to me without even a basic foundation in swordsmanship?! Start over from shizentai, you brute!"
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