Seeking Life in Death

At noon, the sun shone brightly, and the battle on the training ground finally drew to a close.

"You're very good. Given time, you may not be unable to surpass me. From today onward, you are the River-Sweeping Bandits' Third Chief."

Knowing that Jiang Chen's strength was about to run dry, Ironman Tu waved his hand and proactively ended the match. The strength Jiang Chen had displayed had exceeded his expectations; he was fully qualified to serve as the River-Sweeping Bandits' Third Chief.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen had no intention of continuing. Through their earlier exchange, he had already seen what he wanted to see.

"Ironman Tu is naturally gifted, and with that talisman art, he has forged a body of steel. He is not only impervious to blades and spears, but possesses immense strength. Most importantly, a layer of yin qi constantly coils around him, raising his defense to another level. Ordinary talisman arts likely cannot do anything to him. Though he is not a martial grandmaster, his combat power may not be inferior to one. Calling him a humanoid ferocious beast would not be an exaggeration."

Without showing it on his face, Jiang Chen exchanged pleasantries with Ironman Tu while thoughts continued to churn in his heart.

Then, led by a servant, Ironman Tu, Jiang Chen, and Zhou Quan entered a room that had long been prepared. Not only was there a table laden with lavish dishes, but beautiful women danced as well.

"This honey-glazed ham is my cook's specialty. It uses the upper cut of ham as its main ingredient, paired with lotus seeds, candied dates, and honey, then steamed three times over high heat. The meat is richly fragrant, sweet without being cloying—an absolute masterpiece. Hurry and try it."

After taking their seats, Ironman Tu pointed at a dish and eagerly recommended it.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen's gaze shifted toward the honey-glazed ham. A layer of honey sauce coated its surface, its color a gleaming red, with osmanthus blossoms scattered over it. It looked truly appetizing.

True delicacies demanded color, fragrance, and flavor in equal measure. Though he had not yet tasted it, the color and aroma of this honey-glazed ham had already stirred Jiang Chen's appetite.

Without further hesitation, Jiang Chen picked up a piece with his chopsticks.

The ham melted in his mouth. The fragrance accumulated through the passage of time burst forth in an instant, mingled with a nutty aroma. The faint sweetness of the honey sauce not only enhanced the flavor, but also dissolved the last trace of greasiness.

"First Chief, your cook's skill truly is exceptional. This is the finest honey-glazed ham I have eaten in all these years."

After savoring it carefully, Jiang Chen looked toward Ironman Tu and offered his heartfelt praise.

Hearing this and sensing Jiang Chen's sincerity, Ironman Tu froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. Since cultivating the Iron Armor Art, he had few pleasures left; fine food was one of the rare things that could still bring him joy. Seeing Jiang Chen praise it so highly, he was naturally delighted.

At the side, Zhou Quan watched the scene and could not help casting Jiang Wang a slightly surprised glance.

I nearly misjudged him. I thought he was some lofty and aloof sort, but he turns out to be deeply hidden. That bootlicking was truly right on the mark.

Zhou Quan raised his wine cup and took a sip.

With such a good beginning, the meal proceeded harmoniously. During it, the matter of Golden Sand Valley was thoroughly settled: Zhao Meng had simply been blinded by greed. The three also discussed Golden Sand Valley's future development, preparing to recruit more miners and increase production.

"Jiang Wang, after Zhao Meng's little uproar, it will be difficult to keep news of Golden Sand Valley sealed away. Some people may set their sights on it afterward. You must put more thought into it."

As the banquet ended and Jiang Chen was about to leave, Ironman Tu gave him another reminder.

Jiang Chen nodded at those words.

"First Chief, do you truly think Jiang Wang can be trusted?"

Watching Jiang Chen's departing back, Zhou Quan could not help asking.

By then, the sun had already set, and orange-red sunset clouds spread across the sky. Bathed in that glowing light, Jiang Chen's figure seemed somewhat blurred, impossible to see clearly or understand.

Hearing this, Ironman Tu shook his head.

"There is no such thing as trustworthiness or untrustworthiness. Human hearts change easily—who can truly see through them? Zhao Meng is the best example. All I know is that Jiang Wang is useful right now."

"Enough. Do not overthink it. I will continue my closed-door cultivation next. You must devote more effort to the affairs of Wooden Fish Island."

Leaving those words behind, Ironman Tu turned and departed. He walked with his back to the sunset glow, until darkness finally swallowed him.

Not long after Jiang Chen left Wooden Fish Summit, word quietly spread that, for his merit in guarding Golden Sand Valley, he had officially been promoted to Third Chief. For a time, all of Wooden Fish Island became lively.

Though Jiang Chen had already been the designated Fourth Chief before this, no one had expected him to take this step so quickly. And not as Fourth Chief, but Third Chief. This night was destined to be restless; countless young bandits were too excited to sleep, wishing they could take his place.

Who knew how many people secretly swore in their hearts that they too would train hard in martial arts like Jiang Chen, accumulate achievements, and become a new chief of the River-Sweeping Bandits. Those veteran bandits, however, were not so hot-blooded. They were already looking for connections and channels to send gifts through.

Though many had already sent gifts once before, those had been for the future Fourth Chief. Now they were for the current Third Chief. No matter what, one could never go wrong with too many gifts.

Jiang Chen paid no attention to any of this. Accompanied by the sunset glow, he returned to the small courtyard where he had lived before.

"Without people around, this place looks far more rundown."

Entering the courtyard and looking around, Jiang Chen felt something stir in his heart. Then he turned his gaze toward the peach tree in the yard.

Spring had arrived, and all things were reviving, yet this peach tree still bore not a single leaf. Only its bare branches remained, as though it had already withered to death.

"Neither truly dead nor truly alive, yet it hides a thread of vitality. It is lying dormant, gathering strength. If it can accumulate enough power before it truly dies, it may yet welcome rebirth."

Reaching out to touch the trunk, Jiang Chen saw through the peach tree's condition.

Peach trees were not inherently long-lived. The peach tree in this courtyard had already grown for fifteen years and had reached its limit. It should not have survived this year, but the little blood qi it had absorbed earlier had granted it a sliver of new vitality.

"Come to think of it, your current plight is connected to me. That finger strike of mine disrupted the course you were meant to follow."

His thoughts stirring, Jiang Chen pondered briefly before taking nine Blood-Coagulating Stones from his robes and burying them around the peach tree's roots.

"I hope they can lend you a helping hand. Tenacious life is precious, after all."

With a sigh, Jiang Chen turned and entered the house. Seeking life in death was the most difficult thing of all. Looking at the peach tree, he seemed to see his former self.

After Jiang Chen left, a gust of wind came whistling through, and the peach tree's bare branches swayed once.