“Exactly!” Zhou Zhenghao nodded.
“Then you’re coming with me!” Jiang Tian said without hesitation.
Truth be told, Jiang Tian had no interest in the power struggles of Linzhou’s gangs. To him, it was like watching ants fighting over a few grains of rice.
However, the cases involving Liu Wangfeng and Wu Zhaohui were still under police investigation. A trip to Myanmar would not only help him lay low but also give him a chance to search for rare treasures. Two birds with one stone.
“Of course! With Grandmaster Jiang’s skills, you’ll surely sweep through everything and defeat that master!” Zhou Zhenghao was thrilled, his face lighting up with excitement.
…
Three days later, in Yunnan Province, a luxurious imported Mercedes SUV sped along the highway leading to Snakehead Town.
The driver was a glamorous woman in a red dress, her makeup flawless.
In the back seat, a tall, well-dressed man and a handsome but plainly dressed young man chatted casually.
This was Jiang Tian’s group.
The artifact exchange gathering was still a few days away, so Jiang Tian wasn’t in a hurry. They took their time traveling south, stopping at scenic spots along the way. It took them three days to reach Yunnan Province.
As they journeyed through the lush green mountains and clear waters, the lingering gloom from Jiang Tian’s “divorce” with Zhao Xueqing gradually dissipated.
The glamorous woman driving was none other than Sister Dongdong.
Jiang Tian found it somewhat amusing.
Sister Dongdong had practically begged to come along, acting like a fan meeting her idol.
“This trip isn’t a joke. There’s going to be fighting, maybe even bloodshed!” Zhou Zhenghao had warned her beforehand.
“Haha, what’s there to be afraid of? Grandmaster Jiang’s skills are unmatched. Watching him fight is better than any Hollywood blockbuster!” Sister Dongdong had brushed off the warning, her face filled with excitement.
Jiang Tian could only shake his head and laugh.
However, having Sister Dongdong along made the trip much smoother.
Jiang Tian was not one to bother with mundane details, and Zhou Zhenghao was used to delegating tasks. Sister Dongdong, with her background in entertainment and management, was a natural at handling logistics—booking hotels, restaurants, selecting tourist spots, and arranging tickets. Her efficiency made the journey hassle-free for Jiang Tian.
As the SUV left the highway, the road became rough and uneven. Towering mountains and cliffs surrounded them, with ancient trees and thick vines as thick as a child’s arm. It felt like entering a primal world.
Sister Dongdong’s driving skills were impressive. She occasionally sent the SUV airborne as they raced toward Snakehead Ridge.
By the time they arrived at Snakehead Ridge, it was already evening.
This border town, under the jurisdiction of the Myanmar government, was located at the intersection of Myanmar, Vietnam, and China. It had a population of a few thousand.
The town was a mess—ramshackle buildings, rampant crime, gambling dens everywhere, and drugs flowing freely.
Jiang Tian even saw a few shirtless children, no older than seven or eight, running around with rifles slung over their shoulders.
The SUV stopped in front of a grand estate that stood out amidst the surrounding squalor.
The estate was surrounded by red walls and green tiles, with intricate carvings and a nine-dragon screen wall, exuding an ancient charm.
“Grandmaster Jiang, this is Long Wu’s villa…” Zhou Zhenghao got out of the car and bowed slightly, guiding Jiang Tian inside.
“Brother Hao, you’re here!”
A middle-aged man in a silk shirt stepped forward, his hands clasped in greeting, a warm smile on his face.
He was in his thirties, with neatly combed hair and gold-rimmed glasses. He had an air of sophistication and sharp intelligence.
“This is Long Wu’s eldest son, Long Gaitian, the general manager of Longwei Group. You can call him Young Master Long!” Zhou Zhenghao explained with a smile. “Young Master Long, this is the renowned Grandmaster Jiang from Linzhou. He’s incredibly powerful and even has connections with the Tang family. He’s here to help!”
“Grandmaster Jiang, welcome! You must be tired from the journey.”
Young Master Long shook Jiang Tian’s hand, but a faint trace of disdain flickered in his eyes.
Jiang Tian’s plain, slightly dirty shirt and worn-out shoes made him look like an ordinary laborer.
Moreover, his pale complexion and frail appearance gave no hint of the imposing aura or killing intent that Young Master Long associated with true masters. Where was the air of a grandmaster?
“Another charlatan, I suppose…” Young Master Long sighed inwardly.
As the CEO of Longwei Group and Long Wu’s favorite son, Long Gaitian controlled all the legitimate businesses of the Longwei Society, with access to billions in funds. He was a prominent figure in Linzhou, far more influential than Zhou Zhenghao. He could even speak directly to city officials. How could he possibly take someone like Jiang Tian seriously?
His polite welcome was merely a courtesy to Zhou Zhenghao. In reality, he didn’t think much of Jiang Tian.
“My father has some connections with the Myanmar government. These guards were sent by the military,” Young Master Long said proudly, pointing to a dozen armed soldiers patrolling the courtyard.
“With a dozen machine guns, if that enemy dares to show up, he won’t leave alive!”
“Wow, I had no idea Long Wu had such influence here!” Zhou Zhenghao exclaimed in admiration.
Jiang Tian nodded slightly, but inwardly, he scoffed.
They had been driven to this point by their enemy, yet they still put on such a show of strength.
Besides, if the enemy was a martial arts master, even if they were only at the Internal Force level, their agility would make these guns as useful as sticks. And if they were at the Transformation Realm, they could withstand small-caliber firearms.
However, Jiang Tian knew better than to speak too candidly. He kept his thoughts to himself.
“That’s not all. My father has also invited a martial arts master to help us eliminate the enemy!” Young Master Long said with pride.
“Who is it, Young Master Long?” Zhou Zhenghao asked, his curiosity piqued.
“You’ll find out soon enough!”
Young Master Long smiled mysteriously. “First, let me show you the treasures and artifacts!”
The estate was vast and beautifully landscaped, with three ancient-style villas, rock gardens, pavilions, and winding corridors, resembling an imperial palace.
They entered a heavily guarded exhibition hall. Young Master Long gestured to the treasures on display and said, “These are all the rare items my father has collected recently. You won’t find these easily elsewhere.”
“This is a sword forged by the master swordsman Zeng Congzi. It can cut through iron like mud and slice hair with a breeze. Three tomb raiders died to retrieve it!”
“This is a Han Dynasty jade pendant inscribed with talismans. It can nourish the blood and greatly benefit the body.”
“This is a golden silk armor. Once worn, it’s impervious to blades and bullets, far superior to bulletproof vests!”
“This is…”
Young Master Long continued to introduce each item with pride, detailing their origins and significance. Each treasure had a remarkable backstory.
“Since you’re here, Grandmaster Jiang, you may choose one of these artifacts as your reward.”
“Ah…” Jiang Tian, however, looked unimpressed and shook his head in disappointment.
These items were far from being true artifact . They couldn’t even compare to the bracelet he had given Zhao Xueqing.
“Grandmaster Jiang, are you not satisfied with these artifacts?” Young Master Long asked, surprised.
He had expected Jiang Tian to be awestruck, but instead, the young man seemed disappointed.
“These aren’t artifacts. They’re just ordinary antiques,” Jiang Tian said with a wry smile.
It seemed he had set his expectations too high.
Earth’s spiritual energy had long been depleted, and cultivation resources were extremely scarce. How could there be so many artifacts?
Young Master Long felt a twinge of displeasure. These treasures had been painstakingly collected by his father, yet this nobody had dismissed them outright.
However, being a shrewd man, he didn’t let his dissatisfaction show. Instead, he forced a smile and said, “Grandmaster Jiang, there’s one more treasure, the pièce de résistance. Please, follow me.”
He led them to a safe, entered the code, and carefully took out an exquisite brocade box, placing it on the table.
“This is a Buddhist relic, said to be left behind by the high monk Chengguan of the Pure Land School after his passing. It’s truly miraculous!”
Young Master Long’s expression turned solemn as he gently opened the sandalwood box.
“How extraordinary!”
As the box opened, Sister Dongdong felt a tremor in her heart, her eyes glazing over.
She saw the yellowish jade-like relic emit a soft golden light, and she thought she heard sacred chants in her ears.
Her mind felt as if it had been enlightened, and she swayed unsteadily, overcome with the urge to kneel and worship.
“Yes, the power of Buddhism. Sometimes, I even see Buddha’s light and images…”
Young Master Long’s eyes also became entranced. With great effort, he tore his gaze away from the relic and looked at Jiang Tian with pride. “Brother Jiang, what do you think of this relic? Impressed, aren’t you?”
“It’s a decent item, but it’s far from being a true artifact,” Jiang Tian said calmly, shaking his head.
Hearing this, Young Master Long nearly jumped in anger. “Brother Jiang, you’re being ignorant. In Buddhism, relics are formed through the cultivation of precepts, meditation, and wisdom, combined with the monk’s great vows. They contain the monk’s lifelong cultivation, are impervious to high temperatures and pressure, and can even grow or shrink. They’re truly miraculous!”
He continued passionately, “Worshipping them can compensate for any deficiencies in one’s innate destiny, bringing blessings of health, fortune, wisdom, and wealth, and warding off all calamities. This relic is extremely rare and precious, a sacred object! Don’t speak nonsense!”
“Haha, in my opinion, so-called Buddhist relics are just the remains of old monks’ kidney or bladder stones. Who knows if they’re kidney stones or urinary stones…”
Jiang Tian smirked. “As for the ‘miracles’ you speak of, they’re just remnants of the monk’s spiritual energy. It might calm your mind, but expecting it to ward off calamities or bring blessings is like trying to catch fish by climbing a tree.”
What Jiang Tian referred to as spiritual energy was essentially the power of thought.
These devotees were incredibly pious, bowing and worshipping the eminent monks daily, praying to the Buddha, and generating an immense force of devotion—also known as the power of faith, the strength of virtuous aspirations, and accumulated merit..
This energy was absorbed by the monks, forming their profound spiritual power. While it might seem miraculous to ordinary people, to Jiang Tian, it was insignificant.
“Kidney stones? You… you’re spouting nonsense!” Young Master Long pointed at Jiang Tian, his face red with anger.
“Now, let’s see if it’s still miraculous.” Jiang Tian placed his hand over the relic and gently wiped it.
