Chapter 499

"If you win the sword-testing, and the opponent feels humiliated to lose to a woman, leading him to fly into a rage and attack you, how will you respond?"

Jiang Zhi tilted her head slightly upward and said proudly: "Uncle Gu, I've already considered this, but have you forgotten about the North Star Grand Competition?"

"Now that Sima Nan has died at the hands of the Clan Lord, our Jiang family's name will resound throughout Da Qin!"

"When these deeds spread far and wide, sung across the thirty-six prefectures, who will dare lightly offend our Jiang family?"

"Cangwu Jiang Family—these four characters are my greatest lifeline out there!"

Hearing Jiang Zhi's insight, Gu Xingjian let out a silent laugh:

"I was too anxious and forgot this entirely..."

As a Jiang family retainer, he naturally knew how fiercely protective and brutal the Clan Lord could be!

To this day, nearly every hostile force that provoked the Jiang family has suffered varying degrees of annihilation!

Once these events become known,

the many forces across the thirty-six prefectures will avoid them like venomous snakes and scorpions, staring in awe and fleeing in terror!

Who would dare offend the Jiang family, now at the height of its power, over some petty matter involving younglings?!

Thinking of this, Gu Xingjian rose to his feet again:

"Enough, enough. If your parents have no objections to you leaving the mountain, then go out and forge your own path."

"But while traveling, be exceedingly cautious. If you encounter danger beyond your ability to handle, don't feel embarrassed or think you're troubling the clan—just use the Cangwu Token to notify us."

"Given the temperaments of those few, they won't tolerate their own clan members being bullied out there..."

Jiang Zhi replied: "I understand. If I truly face such danger, I will prioritize my safety and never take unnecessary risks..."

Gu Xingjian nodded.

Then he remembered something, his expression turning peculiar as he hesitated:

"When... when you go out there, be careful of men. Don't believe their sweet talk, and don't let them..."

Before Gu Xingjian could finish,

Jiang Zhi couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Uncle Gu, don't you know my nature yet?"

"If anyone dares to lay hands on me..."

"I'll cut off his hand!"

Jiang Zhi drew her longsword, holding it horizontally across her chest, her entire body erupting with overwhelming might!

Seeing this, Gu Xingjian involuntarily swallowed hard.

He was no longer worried about Jiang Zhi.

Instead, he worried about those bold, lecherous fools.

If they so much as flirted with her, they'd face an unbearable price.

Thinking of this, Gu Xingjian sighed.

He finally felt completely at ease with the girl before him, with no further concerns!

He looked toward the distant horizon and suddenly smiled lightly: "I wonder what realm you'll reach by the time you return—it's truly something to look forward to..."

Jiang Zhi sheathed her sword and bowed respectfully: "No matter what achievements I attain in the future, I will never forget your teachings, Uncle Gu!"

"This journey, I won't just test my sword across the world—I'll also gather the world's famed sword manuals for you, to bring you great joy!"

In her life, she was clear on debts and grudges.

Before she had transformed herself,

Uncle Gu never looked down on her for her stupidity—he patiently taught her instead.

And because of that, the Clan Lord noticed her, granting her the life-changing opportunity!

With such great kindness shown to her,

the Clan Lord was the most respected elder in her heart.

And Gu Xingjian was the most revered teacher in her heart!

Hearing this, Gu Xingjian was deeply moved, then wore a look of profound satisfaction: "Good! Good! Good! I have no regrets in this life!"

To have a disciple like this is truly the greatest fortune in life.

And teaching Jiang Zhi was the wisest choice he had ever made!

Seeing this, Jiang Zhi couldn't help but laugh along.

Then she gazed toward the distance, her eyes brimming with sword intent.

"The future... I truly look forward to it..."

Not long after,

Headquarters of the Demon Heaven Sect.

After Qin Xue and Jiang Chungang finished their discussion, she immediately carried Jiang Chungang out of the room.

At that moment, the guards stationed at the door noticed nothing unusual.

Qin Xue did not pause for a moment, quickly reaching a secluded corner.

She gazed at her surroundings, clenched her Yaguan, silently resolved, and prepared to find an opportunity to escape today!