Chapter Twenty-Six: Grasp

Ling’er had made it perfectly clear to Jiang Xiaotian: she didn’t want him getting involved in this mess. With his current strength, unless he could break through to the First Heaven, he was absolutely no match for Chen Yu. But… if anyone could master the Dragon Breath Technique, it wouldn’t be a secret art of the Dragon Clan. Moreover, judging by Chen Yu’s demeanor, it wouldn’t be long before the girl fell victim.

Jiang Xiaotian didn’t see it that way. He found it hard to believe, yet he couldn’t help but trust Ling’er. He simply couldn’t understand why all martial artists seemed to be this kind of person. The only kind-hearted martial artist he’d met was Ye Wan’er, and even she was in constant peril of losing her life.

He fell silent. Along the way, Long Bro chattered excitedly about many things, but Jiang Xiaotian took none of it in.

“Ling’er, could you help me? I think Ye Wan’er is a good girl…” Jiang Xiaotian admitted he was probably out of options.

Ling’er shook her head. “I’ve told you, right? There are human experts living where we do, stronger than me. I’m talking about him. I can feel it.”

Jiang Xiaotian’s mood sank at her words, but he didn’t press further. He could never disregard Ling’er’s safety.

Their group followed Chen Yu to a restaurant. Jiang Xiaotian had little appetite, his gaze drifting constantly to Ye Wan’er. She noticed, but this time didn’t react like a lit fuse; instead, she stared out the window, as though deliberately avoiding his glance.

“Xiaotian, have you hidden your master’s martial arts well?” Suddenly, Chen Yu broke the silence.

Jiang Xiaotian shook his head. He didn’t even know what it was and had no interest in martial arts.

Chen Yu simply smiled, assuming Jiang Xiaotian was unwilling to answer. He took the initiative to serve him some food. “From now on, you can see me as your master. You’ve seen it yourself—here, we’re not welcome. If you run into trouble, just let me know. I’ll do everything in my power to help you.”

Jiang Xiaotian responded perfunctorily, not eager to engage. His identity was fabricated, and he still couldn’t figure out the other’s motives. Now, he was mired in confusion and misunderstanding, and it left him feeling utterly helpless.

Chen Yu wasn’t offended. He continued smiling. “You know Wan’er, so I won’t introduce her. But your friend here, your uncle doesn’t know her name yet.”

He looked toward Ling’er.

“Jiang Ling’er. She’s a good friend of mine.” Jiang Xiaotian’s tone was as indifferent as ever.

“Oh? Just a friend?” Chen Yu’s eyes narrowed imperceptibly. Interesting.

This girl called Ling’er appeared even purer than the others. If he could obtain her, perhaps his breakthrough would reach new heights!

With a gentle smile, Chen Yu greeted Ling’er. But inside, his heart burned with excitement.

He cultivated a technique that relied upon this. In the past, he’d been so crazed he’d caused the deaths of more than a dozen young girls in a single year. But to stabilize his breakthrough, he hadn’t touched Ye Wan’er, who’d been by his side for years.

He was already ravenous with desire.

Ling’er’s aura was even purer than Ye Wan’er’s, drawing him in with irresistible force.

Chen Yu was confident: using Ye Wan’er might let him reach the Internal Strength stage, but with Ling’er’s body, he could secure his position there for certain!

“Ling’er, you’re truly beautiful. Since you’re a friend of my nephew, you’re a friend of mine as well. Please, eat as you wish—don’t be shy.”

Of course, Ling’er had never known what “shy” meant. With all the seafood in this coastal city, she intended to sample everything.

Jiang Xiaotian originally planned to leave after eating, but Chen Yu took it upon himself to sign him up for some so-called Martial Arts Tournament.

Long Bro, hearing those four words, became even more excited, insisting Jiang Xiaotian participate, claiming it was a golden opportunity.

In the end, since Ling’er was bored and wanted to watch, Jiang Xiaotian agreed to stay.

Long Bro played the role of housekeeper, arranging accommodations for everyone. He had few skills, but he was wealthy—very wealthy. By using his money to please martial artists, he could earn even more, a virtuous cycle.

During his obsessive fascination with martial artists, he’d learned about the so-called Martial Arts Tournament. It was essentially a show for the great families and high society. If lucky enough to be chosen, one’s future would be limitless.

Ordinary people weren’t even allowed entry. If you weren’t a martial artist, you had to be extremely wealthy, otherwise you couldn’t even find the door.

If Jiang Xiaotian could participate, Long Bro could tag along for the excitement. How could he not be thrilled?

Now that the names had been submitted, backing out was nearly impossible. Their “master and disciple” were notorious troublemakers in the coastal city, stirring up much controversy. If they registered and dared not show up, their reputations would be ruined forever.

This irritated Jiang Xiaotian greatly; Chen Yu was forcing him into a corner.

Of course, Chen Yu claimed it was for their own good—a chance for everyone to witness their strength.

In the world of martial artists, the strongest fists rule. If they could stand out, no one would dare provoke them.

But Jiang Xiaotian had no fighting spirit. His mind was restless, feeling he’d entered a chessboard, a mere pawn.

He lacked ambition. Studying the Dragon Breath Technique with Ling’er was only a means to grow stronger, to become wealthy.

Especially this time—he wanted to help Ye Wan’er, but was powerless. The feeling was truly painful.

Meanwhile, Ye Wan’er continued honing her martial arts, hoping to shine at the tournament.

She was innocent, knowing little of the world.

Previously, Ye Wan’er had been just a wealthy heiress. She practiced martial arts only to prove herself.

Thus, she couldn’t understand why everyone targeted her master, who was clearly a good man.

“All right, Wan’er, you’ve practiced long enough. Go rest.” At some point, Chen Yu had appeared behind her.

Ye Wan’er wiped her sweat and shook her head. “No, Master, I’m not tired yet.”

But Chen Yu patted her shoulder. “Wan’er, I haven’t registered you for this tournament. There can be no mistakes, so I’ll compete myself.”

Ye Wan’er was stunned, frozen in place, unsure what to say.

She’d prepared many words, wanting to participate, but in the end swallowed them all, asking quietly, “Master, are you confident?”

Chen Yu said nothing, but his smile grew.

After a while, he extended a hand. “With Wan’er’s help, your master will be absolutely certain of victory!”

Ye Wan’er stared at him blankly, not understanding his intentions.

But he had been kind to her, so whatever he asked, she would agree.

“All right, Master. What do you need me to do?”

Chen Yu’s smile deepened.

As night fell, the once chilly old neighborhood grew even quieter.

At some unknown hour, Lingzhi’s house door was stealthily opened.

Inside, two men sat, their internal energy strong—both martial artists.

They had come on orders from their family, searching for martial arts. Though martial artists despised Lingzhi’s crooked ways, to their clans, such things could fetch astronomical prices.

Lingzhi was dead, so they had no scruples. They tore through any suspicious place, quickly finding his martial arts manual.

Delighted, they were about to leave when their hairs stood on end in sudden alarm!

A sense of danger surged in their hearts.

“Gentlemen, you came to my junior’s house for a visit—why not announce yourselves?”

Chen Yu had silently appeared beside them.

“Hmph! So it’s you! What, we can’t pay a visit?” one of them said coolly. Though Chen Yu was formidable, together they could escape unharmed, so there was no need for fear.

“Ha, of course. But stealing is hardly proper,” Chen Yu replied, walking toward them.

They didn’t retreat, but stowed the martial arts manual away. “Stealing? You lot spent all afternoon here without taking it. We like it—can’t we take it?”

“Besides, you’re not entitled to it. Aren’t you afraid your nephew will find out?”

Hearing this, Chen Yu shook his head.

“If I’m not mistaken, my real nephew is already dead. And you two—will be as well!”

With that, his internal energy surged violently, stabbing straight at one man’s crown!

He had no chance to dodge—danger loomed, his body stiffened, pupils dilated, and he collapsed, life ebbing away.

The other stared in terror, crying out, “You—you’ve reached Internal Strength!”