Chapter Thirty-Two: Let Me Tell You Why! (Sixth Update)

Magical artifact?

Xia Ning's heart leapt wildly, her eyes filled with endless astonishment.

Born into a prominent family, though still young and worlds apart from the business queen she would become in a decade, Xia Ning had spent years at Xia Hou's side, absorbing knowledge and experience that far surpassed her peers.

As the saying goes, the higher you stand, the wider your perspective.

Xia Ning had heard a little about magical artifacts.

There are two types: the first is the feng shui artifact, meant to secure the home, ward off evil, and gather fortune.

For example, in 1999, during the second anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, an international auction house presented a feng shui artifact called "Fortune Year After Year," said to regulate feng shui and vanquish spirits. It was hailed as the first treasure of its kind since the Republic era, causing a sensation in Hong Kong.

After heated bidding, a tycoon surnamed Li purchased it for 120 million Hong Kong dollars.

Since then, more feng shui artifacts appeared, each often costing tens of millions, sometimes even hundreds.

The second type is the wearable artifact, believed to alter one's magnetic field, attract good fortune, and ward off disaster. Those who wear them enjoy longevity and immunity to illness. Over time, they feel refreshed, and their physical condition becomes extraordinary.

But wearable artifacts are extremely rare. Xia Ning had only heard of them, never seen one. Only the very elite of China, after exhausting vast wealth and connections, could hope to acquire such a treasure.

Now, hearing Jiang Yu say that the string of jade beads was a wearable artifact, how could Xia Ning remain unmoved?

"This... it's too precious. I can't accept it."

Though her gaze burned with longing and she was reluctant to part, Xia Ning took the bracelet off, intending to return it to Jiang Yu.

As for its authenticity, no one would doubt the word of a true master.

Xia Ning's heart raced as she stared blankly at the jade beads in her hand.

Jiang Yu smiled lightly. "Since I've given it to you, just keep it."

It was a whim, a simple trinket made on a sudden impulse. Jiang Yu didn't give it a second thought.

In his eyes, only those ancient, primordial swords forged by true masters were real magical artifacts. With a single thought, one could take the head of an enemy a thousand miles away.

Riding the wind, commanding the sword—such were real magical artifacts!

Xia Ning was overjoyed, carefully storing away the string of jade beads. Compared to all the gifts she received tonight, none matched the value of Jiang Yu's offering.

This was true generosity.

"Actually, even if these beads were just a cheap trinket from a street stall, I would still like them very much."

Xia Ning stole a glance at Jiang Yu, then quickly lowered her head.

Jiang Yu noticed the subtle expressions on her face and chuckled. "Since you call me brother, it's only right I give you an artifact as a token of my regard."

He knew that even this casually crafted item was a hundred times more powerful than the so-called wearable artifacts.

Ordinary wearable artifacts might soothe the mind and nourish the body at best.

This string of jade beads, in truth, could shield its wearer from six fatal blows. In other words, if faced with a gunman, Xia Ning would have six chances to survive.

For ordinary people, this was priceless.

Jiang Yu said no more, leaving Xia Ning to discover the bracelet's wonders for herself.

"My purpose here is fulfilled. It's time I take my leave."

With those words, Jiang Yu turned and departed.

He was unaware that Xia Shenghui, collapsed on the floor, watched him with venomous eyes.

Coming out of her euphoria, Xia Ning searched for Jiang Yu, only to find he had already vanished inside the Silvi Hotel.

...

Upon exiting the hotel, Jiang Yu suddenly stopped.

A seductive figure blocked his path, standing so close he could smell the fragrance she wore.

Lifting his gaze, he saw Jiang Ziyue alone, barring his way.

Her fair, shapely legs drew many glances.

"You're still here?"

Jiang Yu spoke calmly.

Jiang Ziyue pressed her lips together, her eyes complicated; after leaving, she had inexplicably stayed behind, wanting to ask some questions face to face.

She hesitated, then finally set aside her pride and spoke softly. "Jiang Yu, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have joined the others in criticizing your manners."

Jiang Yu laughed. "The proud Jiang Ziyue, apologizing to someone? As far as I recall, this is your first time bowing your head to me."

Jiang Ziyue's expression shifted, but she raised her chin and looked him directly in the eyes. "Jiang Yu, are you hiding something from me?"

Jiang Yu's smile deepened. "Like what?"

Jiang Ziyue asked, "Like your relationship with Xia Ning. Your arrogance earlier—was it all because you're her friend? We all underestimated you. While we struggled to find ways to get close to Xia Ning, you were already at her side as a friend."

"Xia Ning and Xia Qinghan are both daughters of fortune. Their inner circle is minuscule; any friend must be exceptionally talented or an elite of the business world. People like us don't even catch their eye. To be her friend means you must have something extraordinary."

Jiang Yu shook his head, amused at his sister's interrogation at the hotel entrance.

"Jiang Yu, I want to know why."

Jiang Ziyue looked at him intently.

Jiang Yu smiled. "Maybe our personalities match and we get along. Making friends is just a matter of following your heart. If you click, that's all it takes. What other reason could there be?"

Jiang Ziyue raised her voice. "Can you be serious for once?"

Jiang Yu dropped his smile and spoke loudly. "Fine, I'll tell you why."

Jiang Ziyue held her breath.

Jiang Yu thought for a moment, then announced, "Because I'm a master of formations, a skilled alchemist, and a true expert of this era! The Xia family welcomes me as their honored guest, eager to forge ties with me."

"I'm as mighty as a celestial dragon, my status beyond compare."

"Li Hao of Cloud City is my disciple."

"Gu Feifei, the most popular actress, has pursued me for years, and I remain indifferent."

"Ma Tianzong, the richest man in Jiangbei, respectfully calls me teacher."

"Lin Wangtian, the national UFC champion, venerates me as if I were a god."

"General Liu Banang of the military, master of the Dragon Soar team's deadly Skyfire Meteor technique, learned it from me."

"In Blue Sea and Cloud Sky, I defeated the Wolfhead, slew Zhang Zeshui, coming and going as I pleased. The leaders of Jiangbei bow to me, declaring me their king!"

"Is that enough?"

Jiang Yu's smile was ambiguous.

Jiang Ziyue's face turned icy; she hurriedly covered his mouth. "You maniac! If you won't answer, then don't. Why make up such nonsense?"

Jiang Yu's smile remained wordless.

He spread his hands helplessly. "See? Even when I tell you, you don't believe it."

Jiang Ziyue was both angry and amused. "I believe nothing! You're full of tall tales; I wonder who taught you to be like this."

"Jiang Yu, jokes aside, I won't argue with you. But let me remind you: you're no longer a child. You should know that illness comes from careless words, and disaster from reckless speech. I hope you won't say such things again."

With that, Jiang Ziyue took a deep breath.

Her beautiful eyes dropped, and her voice softened. "In a few days, Xia Qinghan will host a martial arts gathering. I want to take you to broaden your horizons. There's much in this world you don't understand."

"Academic achievement isn't everything. Only real strength is the foundation of true pride."

Jiang Yu refused without hesitation. "I'm not going."

Jiang Ziyue stamped her foot angrily, her expression that of someone disappointed in an incorrigible child. "Jiang Yu, are you really going to turn down this opportunity I worked so hard for?"

Seeing Jiang Ziyue's frustration, Jiang Yu thought for a moment and smiled helplessly. "Fine, I'll go have a look when the time comes."

"By the way, I've already signed you up. Xia Qinghan will establish a Taekwondo club, recruiting disciples to cultivate the Xia family's backbone. If you join the club, it could be a steady job for your future."

"This is an opportunity for you. Don't miss it."

Jiang Yu laughed. "I think you just idolize people like Li Hao who live on the edge, and you're projecting your preferences onto me."

Jiang Ziyue sighed. "Men should strive, fight on the battlefield, and die wrapped in horsehide—only then are they true heroes. Ever since you were diagnosed with atrophy, you've lost your masculine spirit. Signing you up is my way of helping you regain confidence."

"After graduation, I'll be studying overseas. Jiang Shaoqi will be entering the military for training. The Jiang and Zheng families have invested a lot in him. Now, Jiang family has only you left without accomplishment."

Jiang Ziyue turned away.

"Jiang Yu, when I return from my studies, I hope to see a different you."