Calming the Heart

Deng Yan's family situation could only be described as ordinary. It wasn't a grand mansion, just a slightly dilapidated small courtyard. There wasn't much sign of life within, and from the outside, only the traces of martial arts practice on the ground were visible.

Jiang Che stood outside the courtyard, observing it for a moment before instructing Xu Chenghu to knock on the door.

Soon.

Deng Yan, with a long saber slung across his back, emerged from the inner room and opened the gate. Upon seeing that the visitors were Jiang Che and his entourage, a flicker of surprise crossed his usually stoic face.

"How is your injury?"

Jiang Che's demeanor now was a stark contrast to how he had been on the training grounds. Back then, he was overbearing, disregarding the people from the West City Martial Camp. Now, he seemed like an old friend.

"It's... alright."

Deng Yan subconsciously glanced at his left arm.

Jiang Che's punch had landed squarely on his forearm. If he hadn't reacted swiftly and channeled his remaining internal energy there, it would have been snapped clean in half. Even with his precautions, his tendons and bones were still injured, requiring some time to heal.

Fortunately, it was his left arm. If it had been his right, a significant portion of his strength would have been crippled.

"Aren't you going to invite me in for a sit?" Jiang Che asked with a smile.

From his previous investigations and his own interactions, Jiang Che had a pretty good grasp of Deng Yan's personality.

Solitary, taciturn, reticent, and devoted to his saber.

A complete martial arts fanatic, who barely understood normal social graces.

Otherwise, with Deng Yan's strength, if he had put in some effort to network, the West City Martial Camp would have had another deputy commander.

"Please."

Deng Yan stepped aside, bowing slightly to show his respect for Jiang Che.

He might not understand social niceties, but he respected Jiang Che's strength.

Younger than him, yet far surpassing him in power, such a person deserved his reverence. As for the officials in the county who only knew how to extort the people and stuff themselves until they were bursting, he despised them from the bottom of his heart.

Deng Yan's dwelling was even more spartan. Besides a table and a bed, the only other item in the room was a saber rack, upon which were displayed over a dozen long sabers.

The sabers were identical in style. The only differences were that they were categorized into wooden sabers, rusted sabers, broken sabers, and intact long sabers.

As soon as Jiang Che entered, he was drawn to the saber rack and couldn't help but examine it.

"Your subordinate began practicing saber techniques at the age of twelve, starting with wooden sabers. It has been ten years until today. These are the testaments of my years," Deng Yan said in a deep voice.

"You have perseverance."

Jiang Che couldn't help but nod.

Now he understood why Deng Yan's foundation was so solid.

His spar with Deng Yan had relied entirely on his cultivation and the perfected Mighty Ox Stance Technique. Deng Yan hadn't shown signs of defeat at the beginning; it was only due to severe exhaustion that he was forced to take a risk.

If Deng Yan had had sufficient stamina, it was hard to say who would have won.

"Your subordinate merely possesses perseverance, but lacks talent," Deng Yan said with a self-deprecating smile.

"That's because you've put the cart before the horse."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Your saber foundation is indeed incredibly solid, but in my opinion, your cultivation is the root of your being. If your cultivation were to advance further, reaching the Bone Forging Realm, how formidable would each of your moves become?"

This was Jiang Che's perspective.

"This..."

Deng Yan wanted to retort, but faced with Jiang Che, who had defeated him, he was left speechless.

"Of course, I'm not saying that focusing on saber techniques is bad. It's just that at the very least, both should advance together. Using your body to control techniques is the true path of martial arts cultivation. However, everyone has their own views.

Only time will tell which is right and which is wrong."

"Your subordinate will remember your teachings, sir."

Deng Yan nodded.

In the courtyard.

Deng Yan brewed a pot of wild tea and poured several cups, offering them to the group.

"My conditions are simple, please excuse me, sir."

"Hahaha, you think too highly of me. Just a few months ago, I was merely a fisherman on the Qinglin River. It was only by chance that I've reached this point today. This wild tea... it suits my taste."

Jiang Che picked up his teacup and took a sip.

It wasn't as good as Liu Zhi's Calming Tea, but this ordinary wild tea had its own unique flavor.

"Your subordinate has also long heard of your past deeds, sir, and deeply admires you."

A mere fisherman, rising to prominence in less than a month.

It could be called a model of a comeback.

At least he couldn't do that.

His family, for instance, had once been quite wealthy, but had fallen into hardship solely due to practicing martial arts. However, Deng Yan firmly believed that as long as he could advance further, all those external possessions would be within his grasp.

"Regarding you, Jiang has heard of you for a long time."

Jiang Che said with a light smile.

"Even if your subordinate has some reputation, it's probably just for being rigid and unyielding, and for loving his saber to the point of death, right?"

"What's wrong with that? Only through persistence can one succeed. If you can become invincible in Yanggu, and your saber can defeat all the experts in the vicinity, then they will only feel awe."

"You think so too, my lord?"

Deng Yan looked up, a flicker of fire in his eyes.

"Otherwise, why would I be here?"

"My lord... your insight is remarkable."

Deng Yan clasped his hands in genuine respect.

"Ah, this is not the yamen, why bother with official titles? You are quite a man of character. We can just call each other brothers." Jiang Che waved his hand, appearing completely unconcerned.

"I… I…"

A warm current surged through Deng Yan's heart.

If Jiang Che wasn't his opponent, then treating him as an equal would be a way to win him over and appease him. But his own strength was no match for Jiang Che, yet he was still given such courtesy.

This made Deng Yan feel deeply ashamed at that moment.

"I won't hide it from you. I've come this time, firstly to visit, and secondly to inform you of something."

Jiang Che seized the opportunity and continued.

"Please speak, my lord."

Deng Yan quickly replied.

"Your strength and character, Jiang recognizes them. By rights, you had a good chance of becoming deputy commander, but I snatched that opportunity from you. This matter..."

"My lord, there's no need for that. Your subordinate actually understands. Even without you, it would have been difficult for me to become deputy commander. I was just feeling indignant at the time."

Deng Yan shook his head. He knew very well that without a patron, it was hopeless to climb to a high position.

"It's good that you can see it that way. In fact, your current weakness is not having a patron, and I can be that for you."

"For me?"

"The world knows that Commander Liu and I are both confidants of Captain Zhu. And I won't be in the position of deputy commander for long. After that, I will recommend you to Captain Zhu."

Jiang Che began to paint a rosy picture, trying to fool the honest man.

But the effect was surprisingly good.

Upon hearing Jiang Che's promise, Deng Yan immediately stood up and bowed:

"I am indebted to your lordship's regard. From this day forward, your subordinate will surely serve you to the death, to repay your kindness."

"Huzi, bring the wine."

Jiang Che's expression was 'solemn'. He raised the wine bowl, then immediately took out a prepared small knife and cut his palm, letting a few drops of blood fall. He raised it high, vowing to the heavens:

"Brother Deng is indeed a man of character, and I, Jiang Che, have always been trustworthy. Today, I offer this blood into the wine as my promise to you. Within half a year, I will surely help you ascend to the position of deputy commander!"