5 Swords

Xu Xiao had already decided on the three things.

He could use one of these three favors to gain entry into that treasure trove.

Once he entered that place, Xu Xiao would be like a dragon returning to the sea; nothing would be able to stop him anymore.

Of course, Xu Xiao would not bring this matter out into the open.

After careful consideration, Xu Xiao looked at Chen Jianjun. "Senior."

"For these three things, no matter what they are, will you agree to them?"

Chen Jianjun nodded. "Naturally. I have always been a man of my word."

Xu Xiao understood.

"Then this junior will be thick-skinned and make my requests. If it is too difficult, Senior may refuse."

Xu Xiao spoke with feigned humility.

These words actually made Chen Jianjun think a little higher of Xu Xiao. A clever tactic, indeed.

It seemed that if he did not agree, he would appear to be breaking his promise. A sharp little brat.

However, Chen Jianjun did not mind. He was just a fledgling, not worth him taking any real action.

"Speak. I, Chen Jianjun, am not one to deceive a child," Chen Jianjun said calmly.

"Then this junior will not stand on ceremony."

"Senior, for the first thing, I would like you to grant each of the four of us a protective sword aura!"

Chen Jianjun was taken aback. His gaze swept over the four little ones present, and his estimation of Xu Xiao rose once more.

He had previously wondered why Dugu Bo would be so willing to use up his last bit of friendship for that letter, but now, he understood.

Their big brother truly cared for them; it was no wonder Dugu Bo acted that way.

Xu Xiao proposed such a condition partly because he was worried that Yue Guan and the others might be targeted, and having a means of protection would be beneficial.

Since they had sworn brotherhood, as the eldest, he had to look out for them, didn't he?

Yue Guan and the others were stunned, looking at Xu Xiao with expressions of deep gratitude.

Big Brother!

"Very well!"

Chen Jianjun did not refuse. This condition was reasonable and acceptable to him.

Chen Jianjun produced four small swords, infused them with a strike at his peak level, and handed them to the four of them.

"These small swords contain a full-power strike from me at level 98. They can ensure your safety."

"When you need to use them, just inject your soul power to activate them!"

Chen Jianjun explained to them.

Everyone thanked him repeatedly.

Chen Jianjun waved his hand. "There are two more conditions. Little Xu, speak."

Xu Xiao hesitated. Now that he had obtained what he wanted, he really didn't know what to ask for regarding the remaining two conditions.

This small sword was enough to protect them as they entered that treasure trove.

Suddenly, he thought of something.

He bowed to Chen Jianjun. "Senior, may I use those two conditions to exchange for a different request?"

Chen Jianjun frowned slightly, but still nodded. "Speak!"

Taking a deep breath, Xu Xiao looked at Chen Jianjun nervously. After hesitating for a long while, he finally spoke: "Senior, this junior hopes you will allow Chen Xin to join us on our journey!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Jianjun laughed softly, looking at the Xu Xiao before him in disbelief.

"You? On what grounds!"

Cold sweat broke out on the foreheads of Yue Guan and the others. They were truly afraid their big brother would offend this senior. Their big brother was certainly bold to dare propose such a condition.

Xu Xiao took a deep breath, struggling to remain calm. "I can help Chen Xin find his own path of the sword!"

Before Chen Jianjun could speak, Xu Xiao continued: "At the age of twenty, one uses the Seven Kill Sword for courage; the tool does not exceed its utility. Chen Xin should be at this stage right now."

"Senior's sword path can be called the strongest in the world, and you can provide guidance to Chen Xin, but in the end, it is not his own path."

"Only by finding his own way can he go further in the sword arts."

"Although I, Xu Xiao, am young, I have heard a thing or two about the sword path from a senior, and for Chen Xin, that is enough."

Xu Xiao spoke slowly, fearing the other party would disagree.

Chen Jianjun chuckled. Having lived for so long, how could he not see what Xu Xiao was thinking?

But he could not deny that some of what Xu Xiao said was true—that one must find their own path of the sword.

He knew his son was still walking his old path and had not yet broken free. He also worried that if Chen Xin remained immersed in his own sword path, his future would be limited by him.

"Three years. I will only give you three years."

"Three years from now, if Chen Xin has not made any progress, you know the consequences yourself!"

Chen Jianjun's words served as an agreement to Xu Xiao's request, but they also issued a mandate: within three years, Chen Xin must gain insight and show improvement.

Having lived for so long, how could Chen Jianjun fail to see through Xu Xiao's little schemes?

The other party wanted to borrow his influence, but wasn't he also gambling? He was betting that what Xu Xiao knew could revitalize his son; even if it didn't, whatever was learned would eventually prove useful.

As for himself, merely being used for his reputation—how was that not a good deal?

Moreover, Chen Jianjun had reached level 98; on that point alone, he was already profiting.

Hearing Chen Jianjun's words, Xu Xiao immediately laughed. Good, good, good. As long as Chen Xin follows me, are you afraid that you, Chen Jianjun, won't fall into the trap?

Even without becoming a guardian, Xu Xiao was not discouraged; with Chen Xin by his side, it made no difference.

This time, it was not a loss at all.

Xu Xiao understood that Chen Jianjun was aware of his intentions, but he did not care. Let him know; in the end, he would surely be the winner.

"Senior, I can agree to the three-year timeframe!"

"But I need you to prepare three swords for me: two soft swords and one heavy sword."

"A heavy sword has no edge, yet its great skill lies in its lack of artifice; the utility of a heavy sword is immense!"

Regarding Xu Xiao's proposal, Chen Jianjun had no objections and nodded in agreement.

"Three months from now, at this location, I will have Chen Xin come here himself," Chen Jianjun said.

Xu Xiao did not refuse. Three months? By then, I will have finished absorbing the immortal herb. If Chen Xin proves capable later on, it is not impossible to give him an immortal herb as well.

First Xu, second Gui, third Ju, fourth Du, fifth Jian!

Now, their team had five people; things were looking increasingly promising.

Chen Jianjun bid farewell to Xu Xiao and his group, and his departure caused Yue Guan and the others to breathe a sigh of relief.

Yue Guan and Gui Mei collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

"Big Brother, do you know? You nearly scared me to death just now."

"A Title Douluo! And you actually dared to negotiate terms with him. If it were me, I wouldn't even have been able to speak clearly."

Yue Guan breathed heavily, unable to calm down for a long time.

Dugu Bo chuckled: "Chrysanthemum, look at your lack of backbone; that's all you'll ever be."

Yue Guan snorted: "Hmph, you're no better than me. If I knew the senior, I would have certainly done better than you."

Xu Xiao interrupted their bickering: "Alright, alright, we are all on the same side."

"Facing such a powerhouse for the first time, even I felt a sense of trepidation. Chen Jianjun can be considered the strongest in the world, excluding Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Sect, Qian Daoliu of the Martial Soul Hall, and Bo Saixi of the Sea God Island."

"It is normal to have such a reaction."

Yue Guan and Dugu Bo both snorted.

"Big Brother, why did you ask for that Chen Xin fellow?"

"Isn't this just looking for trouble for yourself?"

Gui Mei leaned to the side, looking at Xu Xiao with curiosity, unable to understand Xu Xiao's request.