Chapter 434: Master, Aren’t You Being a Little Too Pretentious?
"Mr. Jiang, I’m the senior disciple of the Zhang Martial Arts Hall."
"I’m the second."
"And I’m the third."
The three men were between their late twenties and mid-thirties, and all were Ninth-Grade Grandmasters.
"Mr. Jiang, you previously sparred with our junior sister, Zhang Rui. Your Body Skill was exceptional, leaving us in admiration. Now, we three brothers, overestimating our own abilities, would like to ask for your guidance. Would you be willing to instruct us?" The senior disciple cupped his fists again.
"Please instruct us, Mr. Jiang," the second and third brothers said in unison.
"Insolent!"
Zhang Shangfeng slammed his hand on the table, an eyebrow raised. "Mr. Jiang’s abilities are unparalleled. You still want to spar? Are you looking to die? You ill-mannered fools, stand down!"
"Yes, sir!" The three brothers knew when to back off. They nodded and began to withdraw.
"Director Zhang, these three and I are more or less peers. A little spar won’t hurt," Jiang Xinghai said with a faint smile.
"That... wouldn’t be appropriate, would it?"
Zhang Shangfeng appeared hesitant, as if weighing something in his mind.
Worry flickered in his eyes, but it was ultimately replaced by resolve.
He then continued, "Mr. Jiang, my three disciples are exceptionally talented, and they hold themselves to the highest standards in their cultivation. However, their training style is exceedingly aggressive, and unexpected situations could arise during a match. I’m very concerned that if they were to break through to the Venerable Realm during their spar with you, they might cause you unnecessary harm."
Hearing this, Jiang Xinghai just smiled serenely and shook his head gently. "Director Zhang, there’s no need to worry. I understand your concern, but it’s fine. I trust your disciples know where to draw the line."
With that, Jiang Xinghai rose from his seat.
His steps were steady and firm, as if he had everything under control.
How could he not understand the subtext in Zhang Shangfeng’s words?
Zhang Shangfeng gave a wry smile. Although he was worried, he knew Jiang Xinghai’s decision couldn’t be changed.
"Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for giving us this opportunity to grow and train."
The three brothers cupped their fists solemnly, then strode into the courtyard.
Just as Jiang Xinghai was about to follow, Zhang Shangfeng said with another wry smile, "Mr. Jiang, I’ve been lax in my discipline. These disciples of mine don’t know their own limits. If they happen to actually hurt you, I hope you won’t hold it against them."
"Don’t worry."
Jiang Xinghai gave Zhang Shangfeng a meaningful look. "Tell my maid to have the tea ready for when I get back."
Immediately, he stepped out of the hall, with Zhang Shangfeng following right behind him.
Meanwhile, Zhang Rui brought out the freshly brewed tea. ’Hmph. You probably can’t even beat one of my three senior brothers. It’ll be good for you to learn a lesson.’
She knew that what was about to happen might not be pleasant.
Her three senior brothers, whom she considered rivals, were truly strong. When the three of them joined forces, even her father had to struggle for a long time before subduing them.
She hurried to catch up with Jiang Xinghai and Zhang Shangfeng, placing the tea set on a stone table in the courtyard.
"Mr. Jiang, are you sure about this?" Zhang Rui’s voice held a trace of incredulity.
Jiang Xinghai simply smiled calmly and nodded. "My maid, you can rest assured. I believe your senior brothers are respectable opponents."
His words were filled with confidence and conviction.
Zhang Rui’s eyes lit up.
As did Zhang Shangfeng’s.
"You three, please begin."
Even now, Jiang Xinghai was still dressed in a camouflage tank top and pants. He stood in the middle of the martial arts field with one hand behind his back.
"Mr. Jiang, you want the three of us to spar with you at the same time?" The senior disciple’s expression was one of astonishment.
The other two had the same expression.
"That’s right. It saves time."
Jiang Xinghai smiled nonchalantly. "My maid has already brewed the tea. It’s best to drink it while it’s hot."
"Jiang Xinghai, you... Master, aren’t you being a little too arrogant?" Zhang Rui sighed and shook her head.
She had thought that since Jiang Xinghai was stronger than her, he must also be deep and calculating, and act with worldly experience.
But now he was naively planning to fight one against three?
"My maid needn’t worry about her master’s safety. I don’t usually show off so easily, I just like to flaunt my skills once in a while," Jiang Xinghai responded with a touch of theatricality.
"Mr. Jiang, are you certain you want to spar with these three unruly disciples of mine at the same time?" Zhang Shangfeng took a step forward.
Jiang Xinghai spread his hands. "I think I’ve made myself clear enough, haven’t I?"
"Very well." Zhang Shangfeng nodded and said no more.
He had long been certain that Jiang Xinghai’s strength surpassed his own.
Now, it seemed that was indeed the case.
To know that his three disciples would very likely break through to the Realm of the Great Venerable during the spar, and still insist on fighting one against three... even he would find it difficult to muster such spirit and confidence.
Correspondingly, he now began to worry for the safety of his three disciples.
"Mr. Jiang, since you insist, we three have no choice but to obey!"
Zhang Shangfeng’s three disciples charged toward Jiang Xinghai simultaneously from three different directions.
Jiang Xinghai stood his ground, his expression serene.
"Breaking Void!"
He raised his hands slightly. The True Qi within him surged, instantly condensing into a golden beam of light the thickness of a chopstick.