Chapter 289 - 235: Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger, Ancient Blade of the East Sea (Part 2)

Chapter 289: Chapter 235: Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger, Ancient Blade of the East Sea (Part 2)

Everyone knew Dong Zhenlei of the Martial God Temple was a Grandmaster-level figure, while Jiang Minghai was merely the head of a bodyguard agency. The idea that they could have fought each other was truly inconceivable.

But Wu Liangchen wasn’t surprised in the slightest.

From the moment he entered the room and laid eyes on Jiang Minghai, Wu Liangchen knew. This seemingly ordinary old man was, in fact, a deeply hidden Martial Arts Grandmaster.

And with that, all his previous questions were answered.

Why did Jiang Feng, with only a second-realm cultivation, possess such a broad perspective and insight?

Why had Wu Liangchen only sensed Jiang Minghai’s presence when he spoke?

Because the only one who could hide from a Grandmaster... was another Grandmaster.

Wu Liangchen didn’t ask who won or lost. Since Jiang Minghai was sitting here perfectly fine, and Dong Zhenlei was also alive and well, the outcome was most likely a draw.

Just then, Jiang Minghai continued, "Let me guess. Did that Yan Hao tell you they’ve found the way forward and asked you to cooperate with them?"

Wu Liangchen was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Yes!"

"Heh, I knew it!" A mocking expression appeared on Jiang Minghai’s face as he looked at Wu Liangchen.

"How did you answer them?"

"Of course I didn’t believe them. I refused immediately!"

"Good!" Jiang Minghai slammed his hand on the table, praising him loudly.

"As expected of the young prodigy who has been unstoppable since his debut! Your resolve alone is commendable!"

Wu Liangchen remained silent, listening quietly. He knew Jiang Minghai had more to say.

Sure enough, Jiang Minghai enthusiastically downed a cup of wine before sighing. "To be honest, Younger Brother Wu, I had Feng’er invite you here for two reasons. First, this old man wanted to see what a person who became a Grandmaster before the age of twenty looked like. And second, I wanted to give you a word of warning."

"That Dong Zhenlei and Yan Hao are no saints. Their invitation is a honey trap, filled with malicious intent. You must not be tempted by shortcuts and fall for their tricks. If you do, you’ll be throwing away your outstanding talent and bright future for nothing."

As he finished, Jiang Minghai’s expression turned solemn and extremely serious.

Wu Liangchen nodded, then raised his wine cup. "Thank you for the warning, Senior. I toast to you!"

Wu Liangchen’s toast was truly sincere.

After all, this matter had nothing to do with Jiang Minghai. Before today, the two of them had never even met. He could have just pretended he knew nothing.

Yet, he had warned him so earnestly. For that kindness alone, Wu Liangchen had to be grateful.

After finishing his cup, Jiang Minghai laughed heartily. "You’re too kind. You and Feng’er get along well, and you’re staying at my good-for-nothing son-in-law’s house. We’re practically family."

"Although this old man’s skills are lacking, I’ve lived a few more years and know how treacherous people’s hearts can be. I naturally couldn’t bear to see a prodigy like you be harmed by villains."

"Senior, you’re too modest," Wu Liangchen said. "Putting everything else aside, with just your skill at concealing your aura, who in the world would dare to underestimate you?"

After advancing to the Grandmaster realm, one’s perception would be greatly enhanced, reaching a near-divine state of awareness.

Under such circumstances, they would definitely be able to sense the presence of any other Grandmaster Martial Artist nearby.

But Wu Liangchen had been a Grandmaster for some time now, yet he had never once detected Elder Jiang.

Especially today. He had landed on the rooftop, yet he still hadn’t detected anyone in the room below his feet.

This just went to show how formidable Elder Jiang’s aura-concealing and breath-hiding techniques were.

"I’m not what I used to be. I’m getting old!" Jiang Minghai shook his head and sighed, his face filled with a desolate loneliness.

Although the look was fleeting, Wu Liangchen’s sharp senses caught it, and his heart stirred. ’It seems this Elder Jiang must have many stories he’d rather not talk about.’

Fortunately, Jiang Minghai quickly returned to normal and smiled. "Actually, these tricks of mine are quite simple. If you want to learn, I can teach you later."

"But you’re young and full of vigor right now, like a newly forged divine weapon. This is the time for you to make your mark. It’s fine to casually learn these aura-concealing techniques, but if you go too deep, it will dull your edge and be detrimental to your future."

Wu Liangchen nodded, completely convinced. "I have been taught a valuable lesson."

"But since we’ve hit it off so well today, I can’t let you leave empty-handed. Jiang Feng!"

"Father!"

"Go to the storeroom and bring me that thing I’ve treasured for many years!"

"Yes!"

Jiang Feng turned and left.

Wu Liangchen couldn’t help but be curious. He wondered what this Elder Jiang was up to.

By the time the two of them had finished their second cup of wine, Jiang Feng returned, a long box cradled in his arms.

Jiang Minghai, now in high spirits from the wine, took the long box, placed it on the table, and opened it directly.

Inside was a simple, ancient long-bladed saber. The scabbard was even a little worn.

But Jiang Minghai took it in his hands as if it were a priceless treasure. He gently stroked the scabbard and said in a low voice, "This is an ancient saber I acquired during my time in the East Sea. It was forged by a master craftsman of Great Yan who poured his entire life’s blood into it. Later, for some unknown reason, it found its way into the East Sea."

"After a long and winding journey, it has returned to our Great Yan. But I don’t use a saber, so I just tossed it in the storeroom to gather dust. I’d always meant to find a suitable owner for it, but I never expected it to sit there for so many years."

"Fortunately, today this treasured saber will finally see the light of day again. You should be its most suitable master!"

With that, Jiang Minghai handed the saber directly to Wu Liangchen.

As an expert himself, Wu Liangchen was thrilled.

After all, he’d been worrying about not having a suitable weapon recently. It was a stroke of luck to encounter this saber, so he didn’t refuse and took it directly.

The moment the saber was in his hand, Wu Liangchen was once again delighted.

It was heavy, with a satisfying heft in his palm. And as a master of the saber, Wu Liangchen instantly sensed its subtle qualities.

Specifically, the saber’s center of gravity was perfectly balanced.

He didn’t even need to draw it. Just by holding it, Wu Liangchen felt a sense of becoming one with the blade.

Excited, Wu Liangchen said, "Pardon me," and then eagerly drew the saber from its scabbard.

SHIING!

With a clear, crisp sound of metal scraping, the long saber was finally revealed in its entirety.

It was over four feet long and less than three inches at its narrowest point. But its design wasn’t strange; on the contrary, it was simple and fluid. The graceful curve near the tip was especially pleasing to the eye.

The body of the blade wasn’t bright; it was even somewhat dull. But when you stared directly at the edge, you felt a sharp sting, as if its keenness was piercing your very brow.

"A fine saber!" Wu Liangchen was unable to put it down, clicking his tongue in admiration.

"I’ve long heard that Younger Brother Wu’s saber techniques are unparalleled. Today, with a treasured blade in your hand and the wine in the pot still warm, would you be willing to let this old man broaden his horizons?" Jiang Minghai said with a smile.

"Alright!"

As soon as the word left his lips, Wu Liangchen leaped outside. With a flip of his wrist, he brought the saber down in a single slash.

This was likely the first time since becoming a Grandmaster that Wu Liangchen had so seriously performed his saber techniques.

He was no longer bound by the framework of set forms; he could now wield the blade as his heart desired.

The blade moved like a fleeting shadow and paused like frost on a windowpane. Light from the saber crisscrossed the spacious courtyard, moving too fast for the eye to follow.

At first, Jiang Feng could keep up with Wu Liangchen’s rhythm, but as the figure in the courtyard moved faster and faster, he became dizzy and mesmerized.

Even so, he kept his eyes wide open, staring intently and trying his best to memorize every possible detail.

After all, this was an incredibly rare opportunity.

Jiang Minghai, watching from the side, was thoroughly enjoying the display. He would even cry out in praise at the exciting parts before gleefully gulping down another cup of wine.

Finally, Wu Liangchen’s figure came to a sudden stop, and he returned to the room.

At the same time, it was as if a fierce wind had swept through the courtyard. The icicles hanging from the eaves shattered inch by inch, turning into ice crystals that scattered with the wind.

"A good saber, but even better saber-work! This performance alone is worth getting thoroughly drunk over!" With that, Jiang Minghai raised his cup and drained it in one go.

But Wu Liangchen didn’t raise his cup. Instead, he sheathed the saber and placed it back on the table.

"Senior, what is the favor you wish to ask of me?"