Adachi's attack missed, but he wasn't discouraged. He quickly turned around and attacked Jiang Yun again, this time even faster and with a more intricate angle of his dagger. If it weren't for Jiang Yun's Four Elephant Steps, which were highly effective for evading within a small area, it would have been difficult to dodge Adachi's attacks.
Jiang Yun was now yearning for his swordsmanship. If he could wield the power of the sword, dealing with Adachi would be a piece of cake.
The essence of the sword not only brought an increase in attack power but also enhanced perception and awareness. With the sword's essence, Jiang Yun felt like he was watching Adachi's attacks in slow motion, enabling him to counter Adachi's moves effortlessly.
Even without the sword's essence, Jiang Yun believed that he could handle Adachi with some difficulty. The Four Elephant Steps allowed him to evade Adachi's attacks consecutively. Jiang Yun taunted Adachi with a mocking look.
Adachi indeed fell for it. He lunged back again without properly adjusting his stance. His dagger aimed at Jiang Yun's eyes this time, and Jiang Yun's pupils contracted. Adachi's attack, fueled by anger, exposed a fatal flaw.
Rather than retreat, Jiang Yun moved forward, taking a step to the left. A slight grin curved his lips as he unsheathed the Qingping Sword. In an imperceptible flash, the sword's light flickered and vanished.
Adachi and Jiang Yun brushed past each other. Adachi stared incredulously as Jiang Yun resheathed the Qingping Sword. He then clutched his right shoulder, the dagger slipping from his grip. A foot-long sword wound ran across his right shoulder, blood oozing out.
"Your sword is so fast," Adachi spoke for the first time, his voice hoarse.
After saying this, Adachi returned to Master Wu's side and said, "Master, let's go. I'm no match for him."
Master Wu's lips trembled with anger. He closed his folding fan and gave Adachi a furious slap, scolding, "Useless thing, what do I need you for?"
Jiang Yun continued to gaze coldly at Master Wu and said, "While I have no intention of harming you yet, you'd better leave now."
Master Wu glared at Jiang Yun in frustration, then left with Adachi and his subordinates. Before departing, he left a parting threat, "Don't think this matter is settled. A runaway monk can't escape the temple."
Jiang Yun paid no heed to Master Wu's harsh words. After he left, Jiang Yun took out a night pearl from his pocket and tossed it to Xiao Hui's family. He said, "Consider this a betrothal gift from my cousin. Don't let me catch wind of you bothering them again."
Xiao Hui's father caught the night pearl Jiang Yun threw. His eyes brightened, and he put on a fawning smile, saying, "Understood, understood. I promise we won't bother Xiao Hui again in the future. We definitely won't disturb them."
Jiang Yun didn't bother with the kind of person who would sell his daughter for money. After giving him a warning, he turned and left the place. When Jiang Yun returned to the Wen family, everyone was waiting for him.
Wen Quan was immensely grateful and didn't know what to say. He repeatedly bowed to Jiang Yun, saying, "Thank you. You're a great benefactor to both Xiao Hui and me."
Jiang Yun smiled and patted Wen Quan's shoulder, saying, "Don't mention it. After all, you're still my cousin. Helping you is only natural. Just make sure you treat Xiao Hui well. If you do that, my efforts will be worth it."
Xiao Hui had wanted to express her gratitude as well, but upon hearing Jiang Yun's words, her face turned red, and she forgot what she had wanted to say.
"Alright, alright, we're all family. Let's eat first. Here, Jiang Yun."
Despite being the head of the family, Wen He still took charge and had everyone sit down to eat. However, after sitting down, he became more relaxed, much like Wen Quan. Raising his cup, he said, "Jiang Yun, you've really helped a lot with Wen Quan's matter. Let me offer you a toast."
Jiang Yun humbly raised his cup with both hands and said, "Uncle, there's no need for that. If anyone should be toasting, it should be me as the younger one."
After a few rounds of drinks, Jiang Yun noticed that Wen Quan and Xiao Hui still seemed somewhat concerned. Knowing what was bothering them, he said, "By the way, cousin, when I returned, Xiao Hui's father had already agreed to her being engaged to you. I took the liberty of preparing a betrothal gift on your behalf."
Upon hearing this, Wen Quan's face lit up like a child's, and Xiao Hui's last bit of worry melted away. They quickly insisted on toasting Jiang Yun together, and he accepted their gestures without hesitation.
With the final matter resolved, the atmosphere at the meal became even more joyful. After everyone had their fill, Jiang Yun took his uncle, Wen He, to the study. There, he explained his intentions seriously, primarily expressing his desire for Wen Wan to live with them.
"Uncle, here's the situation. My mother and I came to Wuan City this time because we're not planning to return to Yan Country. I might end up wandering around, so I'm hoping my mother can live with you. Please take care of her. What do you think?"
After listening to Jiang Yun's words, Wen He pondered for a while before saying, "I can tell, you're no ordinary person. You must have your own pursuits. A good man aspires to greatness. I support you. As for your mother, rest assured, as long as Uncle is here, nobody will dare to mistreat her."
Jiang Yun was delighted. His mother, Wen Wan, was his only concern in this world. If she could live a stable life, he could wholeheartedly pursue his own dreams. He took out a few night pearls from his pocket and handed them to Wen He.
"Uncle, these are the only valuable things I have. Take them. Consider it my contribution to the family."
Wen He initially refused but then solemnly said, "Your mother is my own sister. It's only right for me to look after her. How could I accept your things?"
"No, Uncle, don't misunderstand. You see, I'm pursuing the path of martial arts. These material possessions mean nothing to me. It's better if you hold onto them. As long as I have a little silver on me, that's enough."
Jiang Yun's reasoning was sound. He had collected those night pearls with the intention of using them for Wen Wan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered to extract them from the Qingyang Cave. He wasn't that attached to wealth.
Seeing Jiang Yun's determination, Wen He understood that he wasn't lying. He accepted the night pearls, feeling even more grateful toward Jiang Yun. The Wen family had fallen on hard times in recent years, and these night pearls were like a timely lifeline.
With his final concerns put to rest, Jiang Yun's mood improved. He chatted with Wen He about many things and eventually asked about the recruitment of disciples by the Heavenly Sword Sect. To his surprise, it had become quite a big deal, known to almost everyone in Wuan City.
After gathering some details from his uncle, Jiang Yun decided to visit the Heavenly Sword Sect the next day. After discussing various matters with Wen He, he bid farewell and left the study. Back in his room, he thought about Lu Yao's swordsmanship. He believed that the Heavenly Sword Sect might help him break free from the constraints of his sword essence. With his mind set, he drifted into a peaceful sleep.