My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion

The long sword fell to the ground. Chen Yi paused for a moment and then stared at Wu Qingyan for quite a while.

Wu Qingyan stepped back one or two steps, nearly stumbling out the door.

Min Ning saw this scene and felt a bit puzzled, couldn't help but ask:

"Why are you admitting defeat so easily?"

Having traveled with Chen Yi so many times, it was the first time someone had admitted defeat right to his face.

To be honest, Min Ning never missed the chance to watch Chen Yi fight others. Observing these duels not only helped deepen her martial arts comprehension, but might even spark sudden inspiration.

Upon hearing this, Wu Qingyan replied straightforwardly without hesitation:

"My master taught me that when walking the Jianghu, the most important thing is to fight when you can win and avoid fighting when you can't. Now I can't beat this gentleman; if I don't admit defeat, should I admit death instead?"

These words spilled out effortlessly, and the ever-direct Min Ning's almond-shaped eyes widened slightly, feeling as if her horizons had been broadened.

Meanwhile, Cui Heng, who was lying on the ground in a daze, vaguely heard those words. His throat surged with blood as he pointed at Wu Qingyan and stammered:

"Wu… Brother Wu, you—you…"

Chen Yi glanced over nonchalantly and said:

"Your brother is calling you."

As his words echoed, Wu Qingyan's palms began sweating. He slightly raised his sword, then... stepped back again.

He promptly declared, "When walking the Jianghu, the principle is one of righteousness. He is my sworn brother, so logically, I should seek revenge. Yet he must've been at fault first, and besides, the senior here hails from an official family, skilled in martial arts. Given both points, I hereby sever our brotherhood and act in the name of justice to punish him."

Cui Heng, who had suffered severe injuries, saw this unfold and became furious, his blood boiling as he exclaimed:

"I regret ever forming—sworn brotherhood with you!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Qingyan's complexion turned subtly pale. He then looked up at the man before him, who responded lazily:

"Oh?"

Without further delay, Wu Qingyan turned back, looked at the group of sect disciples, and said:

"We all know what kind of person Brother Cui is. Even the deputy manor master has mentioned his arrogance. Sooner or later, it would lead to trouble. Now that something has indeed happened, we can't blame anyone else. After this, make sure to explain to the deputy manor master clearly what happened here today."

Wu Qingyan's words left the group of disciples stunned, exchanging glances with each other. However, the quicker ones immediately understood and responded in unison.

The smithing manor disciples repeatedly nodded and finally stepped back several paces, while Chu Hunan, lying on the ground, couldn't help but show a hint of joy.

In a desperate situation, he had unexpectedly managed to survive.

However, when his gaze shifted, he saw Chen Yi slightly raise his hand and, along with the other two, make way for a path.

"We have no connection to this man. Please handle the matter within your manor yourselves."

As those unemotional words landed, Chu Hunan's expression gradually turned pale.

After hearing this, Wu Qingyan cupped his fists and said:

"Very well. This man attacked and killed a fellow junior disciple and then privately hid the Sword Manual. Now we are taking him back to be dealt with according to protocol. Senior, you needn't worry; we will report this to the Stop-Gore Division afterwards and handle it per the rules."

Chu Hunan shouted in panic:

"Senior, Senior, don't go!"

Nevertheless, Chen Yi and his companions were unwilling to get entangled in Jianghu affairs any further.

The three untied the reins of their horses from the pillar. Min Ning glanced back; though she had some sense of chivalry, she could see how Chu Hunan had tried to shift blame earlier. Each side had its own story, making it difficult to determine who was in the right—whether it was the pursued Chu Hunan or the smithing manor that was after him.

Moreover, the smithing manor was a renowned sect in Jianghu.

Though Min Ning had yet to officially venture into the Jianghu herself, she'd seen plenty of disputes in the Capital City. Coupled with her elder sister's various suggestions, as someone once in charge of intelligence for Wuyong Building, Min Ming knew far more about Jianghu oddities than Min Ning.

After this minor interlude, the trio left the rundown earth temple.

Since the horses hadn't rested enough—in no more than one or two incense sticks' time—the three chose to walk while leading their horses instead of riding.

Chen Yi turned to glance at Min Ning:

"I thought you'd ask."

"Hmm, ask about what?"

"Ask why I just left like that," Chen Yi replied.

Min Ning raised an eyebrow, turned away, and said:

"I trust you, at least a little."

Chen Yi chuckled. If Li Wenhu weren't here, he might have already wrapped his arms around her waist.

The decision to simply leave was based on various factors—not only to avoid unnecessary trouble but also because the smithing manor was known to follow the rules in the Capital region. Furthermore, Wu Qingyan's name sounded somewhat similar to that of Director Wu Qingsheng—there was a one-character difference.

For all these reasons, Chen Yi decided not to meddle further.

Chen Yi thought for a moment and smiled at Min Ning:

"If you can avoid meddling, then don't. Except for when you really can't stand it."

"I don't need you to teach me." Min Ning didn't look at him.

Chen Yi chuckled, shook his head, and said:

"Well, just remember it."

Li Wenhu walked ahead leading the horse, his gaze fixed straight ahead, suddenly saying:

"Good temperament, suitable for learning the spear. I wasn't wrong about you."

Chen Yi mused for a moment and replied:

"Who asked for your opinion?"

The old man carrying the spear snorted coldly and said:

"I asked and answered myself. What, can't I?"

"..."

Faced with this eccentric old man, Chen Yi was speechless for a moment, then uttered one word:

"Fine."

Li Wenhu led the horse down a slope, glanced sideways at Chen Yi, and asked:

"Boy, are you really not interested in learning?"

Chen Yi, hearing him bring up the topic again, curiously replied:

"Didn't you say my aptitude wasn't suitable?"

"But your temperament is good. Besides, spearplay doesn't care about aptitude—it only gets sharper with age." Li Wenhu responded, paused briefly, and continued: "Boy, you must already be at fifth-grade rank to qualify as Assistant Minister. But my desire to teach you spearplay isn't about recruiting a fifth-grade disciple to boost my status."