I climbed high hills searching for Hiyoshi Mountain. I fought off Mongol patrols, saved terrified peasants, and cut down ruthless bandits. A golden bird led me to a lookout tower, then I rested at a hot spring before continuing my journey up the mountain.
I returned to the open trails, setting out once more to track down Hiyoshi Mountain. Finding a single peak in such a vast landscape was never going to be simple, so I began trekking up a steep hill.
I hoped the high ground would grant me a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside.
Along the way, I spotted and claimed a few Sashimono banners, but my main focus remained on the horizon. Looking out across the valley, I could not spot any mountains blanketed in blue flowers.
However, a faint patch of blue blossoms caught my eye further ahead, giving me a fresh direction to move toward.
My progress was quickly interrupted as a patrol of Mongols came into my focus. I stepped forward and challenged their leader to a standoff, striking him down the instant he drew his blade.
An eagle circled overhead while the remaining soldiers rushed in. I dodged their incoming attacks, parried their heavy strikes, and eliminated the group.
Nearby, a terrified peasant who had been captured by the patrol thanked me, mentioning that the invaders had burned her farm along the river path between Hiyoshi and Azamo.
Leaving the survivor behind, I pressed forward along the trail toward the blue blossoms. It was not long before I ran into more trouble. A small gang of bandits had murdered a peasant and was actively looting his corpse.
I drew my katana and engaged the attackers. Then I did cut them down one by one, and ended the lingering suffering of a wounded bandit on the dirt.
I searched a nearby supply box the peasant had likely been carrying, before mounting up to continue my search.
Riding further along the trail, I spotted another group of Mongols pursuing defenseless peasants. I spurred my horse forward, leaped into the fray just in time to save the fleeing locals.
I cut down the pursuers quickly, making sure the peasants escaped unharmed.
Shortly after, a golden bird appeared, fluttering through the air and started guiding me toward a tall wooden tower overlooking the region. I followed the bird up the path to the Castle Lookout site.
At the base of the tower, I spoke with a woman who noticed how fatigued Jin appeared from his relentless battles. She suggested visiting her sister at the local hot springs nearby.
Looking over the cliff edge, I spotted the steaming waters below, with Castle Kaneda resting silently in the far distance where Jin's uncle was still held captive.
I descended to the spring to rest and reflect on a warrior's burden, feeling my strength and vitality increase as the warm water washed away the tension.
I got back on my feet and continued the search for Hiyoshi Mountain. Patches of blue flowers began appearing more frequently along the mountain trail.
I faced another heavily armored Mongol patrol on my way. I landed a swift critical strike on the first guard, pushed past an annoying archer, and faced two large shield-bearers.
Fighting both shielded opponents at a same time was tough, as one constantly covered the other's openings. I broke through their heavy guard with repeated power strikes and finally brought them down.
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