Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1650 - 1643: The Precious Sword Gifted to the Master

Chapter 1650: Chapter 1643: The Precious Sword Gifted to the Master

Actually, ever since Feng started using the more advanced Kedal metal blade, the value of this knife had significantly diminished. However, this knife was exquisite and carried sentimental value, which made Feng reluctant to part with it, so she simply carried both.

Now that Feng was willing to gift it away, it was clear she had made thorough mental preparations and resolved to undergo a profound transformation.

Although there were regulations at the headquarters stating that Advance Team weapons couldn’t be gifted, rules were dead, and people were alive. Weapons not being around could easily be explained in many ways—losing them, for instance.

The Kedal metal blade didn’t contain any particularly profound secrets, so giving it away was actually no problem at all.

The Kedal metal blades equipped by the Advance Team were all crafted using modern Earth technology. Even if Otherworld civilizations acquired the materials, they wouldn’t find boilers or machine tools of the same caliber as Earth’s. So, it was impossible to create weapons better—or even on par—with Earth’s.

While this porcelain-inlaid longsword wasn’t as good as Feng’s current weapon, it was perfectly adequate for Huayu Ting, as he wasn’t particularly fond of using weapons in the first place; he preferred fighting empty-handed.

To him, this knife was simply a decorative accessory he occasionally used as a weapon.

After all, this knife was undeniably beautiful, and which man could resist it? Back then, when Cheng Ziang gifted it to Feng, he agonized over the decision for a long time before coming to terms with it.

"No need. We’re just helping each other, so there’s no reason to exchange such extravagant gifts." Huayu Ting took a deep breath and eventually waved his hand to refuse.

He had made a solid point, as his assistance in helping Feng breakthrough was, in essence, an exchange: the Advance Team could teach his children magic. Fundamentally, it was a mutual transaction—neither owed the other.

But Feng didn’t seem to view things the same way. To her, Huayu Ting’s help in achieving her breakthrough was akin to receiving life-saving grace. Whatever arrangement the Advance Team had made with Huayu Ting was unknown to her; she only knew that he had tirelessly guided her practice during this period, providing immense assistance.

None of Feng’s teammates from the Advance Team objected to her actions. After all, since the gift was a personal one and didn’t threaten the team’s core interests, the team’s policy was to honor each member’s reasonable demands in principle.

"This is my personal gift, and I humbly request Master to accept it." Feng spoke as she unexpectedly kneeled on one knee.

"You, with your noble status, I truly dare not accept such a courtesy." Huayu Ting smiled wryly.

"Take it—this is merely Little Fengye’s token of gratitude." Cheng Ziang chimed in to persuade.

To Cheng Ziang, even though he felt a tinge of reluctance, a fine blade suited a hero, just as beauty complemented talent. At least for this blade, this was undoubtedly its rightful destination.

Though Huayu Ting might not qualify as a "hero," calling him an upright, virtuous man was entirely appropriate.

While he might have violated certain ethics, he fulfilled his duties as a husband and father. From this perspective, though it couldn’t quite balance his merits and faults, to the members of the Advance Team, his image was far from disgraceful.

"If that’s the case, then I will shamelessly accept this gift." Huayu Ting smiled, extended his hand to take the knife from Feng, and lifted her to her feet.

The two of them exchanged a long look as Huayu Ting’s expression gradually became grave and serious. He remarked earnestly, "Upon traveling to Shengyuan Prefecture, make sure you conceal your identity. Otherwise, even I may not be able to protect you."

"Understood!" Feng nodded resolutely.

"You all must be cautious as well. The Wen Family is no trifling rival. Be extra careful when dealing with them." Huayu Ting turned to Cheng Ziang, speaking seriously.

"Thank you for your concern, Young Lord; we will tread carefully." Cheng Ziang nodded lightly.

"To avoid further incident, I’ll arrange for someone to protect you until you leave Hua State. Please don’t misunderstand; I’m not trying to drive you out but merely fulfilling my duty. After all, within Hua State, we of the Huayu Family still hold considerable sway—enough to command respect from even the Dual Dao Nine Schools." Huayu Ting paused, narrowing his eyes as he continued.

"Young Lord is overthinking it; there’s no need for such trouble." Cheng Ziang waved his hand in mild refusal.

"I’m helping you, firstly because you’re worth befriending, and secondly because you are closely tied to my children. Even for their sake, I must find ways to support you." Huayu Ting clarified.

"In that case, we graciously accept your generosity." Cheng Ziang laughed softly while shaking his head.

"There’s no need for formality. While you’re in Hua State, you may take anything you need—food, clothing, or supplies—freely. I will take care of the aftermath here. However, if you leave Hua State, to avoid unnecessary trouble, the Nine Thousand Battalion might..." Huayu Ting hesitated.

"No need to worry, Young Lord. Your assistance thus far is more than enough; we can protect ourselves." Cheng Ziang declared, waving his hand.

"It’s better that way." Huayu Ting nodded, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere.

"By the way," Cheng Ziang mused for a moment before voicing a question, "I have a humble request. I’m unsure if Young Lord..."

"Speak freely!"

"Since Young Lord already has a family, would you be willing to show kindness to Hua State’s Demon Clan? This is a matter long cherished by the Saints." Cheng Ziang took a deep breath before asking.

"I can treat them kindly, but I cannot do much. You know as well as I, given the overarching trends of Kyushu..." Huayu Ting paused, hesitant.

"As long as Young Lord leads by example, that’s sufficient. On behalf of the Saints, I thank you, Young Lord." Cheng Ziang replied, visibly pleased.

Huayu Ting glanced at him, then at the curtains of a nearby carriage before sighing deeply. With genuine emotion, he remarked, "If the Saints, so virtuous and upright, could ascend to immortality, Kyushu might be spared much suffering."

"The world follows its own path. If the great pillars of society were to collapse, heroes and warriors will rise to rebuild them."

Speaking thus, Cheng Ziang also sighed deeply and couldn’t help but pat Huayu Ting’s shoulder. "If Young Lord treats people well, you will gain their support. To compete with the people for profit results in small gains but loses their hearts. Persist in this manner, and downfall is inevitable. Please take heed of this, Young Lord."

"I’ll remember." Huayu Ting nodded softly.

"The path to change the world lies not in might or royalty but with the people right in front of us. Here’s wishing Young Lord keeps the flame alive and prospers in martial endeavors. Farewell."

With those words, Cheng Ziang withdrew his hand and slowly retreated alongside Feng before finally turning toward the carriage. Huayu Ting seemed deep in thought, squinting his eyes as he pondered Cheng Ziang’s words for a long time.

"Such a drag..."

Hu Daoke sat beside the carriage, absentmindedly fiddling with a dagger, and couldn’t resist complaining.

"This is a farewell, you uncouth brute." Cheng Ziang shot him a glare, ready to board the carriage.

Just then, he suddenly felt a stirring in his heart, as if someone had struck it lightly. The magic in the air also rippled faintly.

"This is..."

As confusion filled him, a crisp bell sound broke the silence from behind him—a short ring that lasted less than two seconds.

Cheng Ziang immediately turned around and saw, among the line of guards stationed around the carriage, a petite soldier with bright, piercing eyes, gazing at him with a meaningful expression.

"Her..."

"Hua Jian Si!"

Cheng Ziang exclaimed, a voice resounding in his mind as though answering his question.

"Who’s speaking to me?"

Cheng Ziang froze, quickly shaking his head to dispel the chaotic thoughts before striding toward this soldier.

Standing before the diminutive soldier, he pulled her out of the lineup amidst the surprised gazes of those around. As Hua Jian Si was dragged forward, the bell she carried rang out crisply, drawing everyone’s attention to her presence.

"You will be my personal guard." Cheng Ziang looked around briefly before addressing Hua Jian Si.

"Okay!" Hua Jian Si agreed enthusiastically without hesitation.

She seemed completely unconcerned about exposing her identity. Moments after clutching her bell to silence it, most of the surrounding guards seemed to forget her existence almost immediately.

So faint was Hua Jian Si’s presence that even in an open and crowded space, people quickly disregarded her.