35: Gu Hongchen's Heart Knot

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Sheng's face turned extremely ugly.

How many two years does one have in life? He was in the most dazzling years of his life, at the critical juncture of breaking through to the Vajra Realm. If he wasted these two years...

People ranked behind him on the Human Ranking might have already broken through to the Vajra Realm.

No.

He had to find a way to get his Family to rescue him; forcing his way out was likely impossible.

The Great Chu of today, although it had become a scarred Dragon, still held its foundation. Leading experts to storm the county jail was tantamount to rebellion.

"Chu... My Lord, if there is a meritorious service, the sentence will be reduced, right?" Gongsun Sheng gritted his teeth, his face flushed red, trying his best to lower his status to avoid angering Chu Jiang.

"That is natural!"

"Our Family has quite a bit of wealth; we can provide funds to repair the county office." Gongsun Sheng didn't make it clear; he couldn't just say, "I want to bribe you, hurry and waive my punishment."

"Oh?"

Chu Jiang naturally understood Gongsun Sheng's meaning—he wanted to offer some benefits in exchange for his freedom.

"Then I will wait for your good news. The White Stone County office really does need some repairs. I am very gratified that you have this heart."

The others, naturally understanding Chu Jiang's hint, all said excitedly, "My Lord, I am also willing to make a contribution to the repair work of the county office."

"My Lord, I can too."

"..."

Chu Jiang did not speak.

He had the Meridians of all the Innate Martial Artists who had committed crimes sealed to prevent them from causing trouble in the prison.

"Take them back to the prison!"

A dozen Demon Suppression Guards, each escorting one person, headed toward the White Stone County prison.

The procession was massive, instantly attracting the attention of the commoners.

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, pointing fingers and passing judgment.

Gongsun Sheng felt he had no face left; he had never been this miserable since he was born.

Being seen in such a pathetic state by a group of lower-class commoners made his mentality explode.

He hoped his Family would come to save him soon.

"Brother Chu, you really are hiding your true strength." Mad Saber laughed loudly, his laughter echoing in the air like a great bell.

Chu Jiang's strength had opened his eyes.

After all, Gongsun Sheng was a master ranked eleventh on the Human Ranking, not just any stray cat or dog.

"Let's spar!" Mad Saber pointed towards the direction outside the city, his face showing excitement.

If he and Chu Jiang fought with full force within the city, it would damage quite a few houses, and he couldn't afford the compensation.

"Let's go!"

Chu Jiang did not refuse. He could feel the Battle Intent in Mad Saber's bones, and he happened to want to find someone to verify his skills; this Mad Saber was just right.

The second-ranked on the Human Ranking had the combat power to defeat those in the Vajra Realm.

"Interesting!"

Bewitching Heart Demoness watched the two leave, then followed them out of the city.

The three arrived outside the city gates. It was wide open here, with no buildings, so they could display their skills to their heart's content.

"Please."

Chu Jiang's Blood Sun Saber left its sheath. Although the Demon Suppression Division had issued him a Demon Suppression Blade, and the Materials were very hard, it didn't feel as smooth to use.

Mad Saber grinned, "Brother Chu, I am going to give it my all, so you better be careful."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mad Saber's Aura erupted, his presence constantly climbing, reaching a Peak state in the blink of an eye.

The long saber in his hand also began to flash with light, the blade becoming sharper, as if it could sever everything.

"Good blade!"

Chu Jiang's eyes lit up. He felt a powerful force from this blade.

Mad Saber, just by this Aura alone, was no different from someone who had just stepped into the Vajra Realm.

"Brother Chu, take this!"

Mad Saber shouted, his figure flashing like lightning as he rushed toward Chu Jiang.

The long saber in his hand slashed down fiercely, carrying a sharp Aura, seemingly wanting to split Chu Jiang in two.

Chu Jiang's eyes narrowed, and he met the attack with his Blood Sun Saber.

The two blades crossed, emitting a crisp sound.

Chu Jiang's strength was terrifyingly immense, actually causing Mad Saber's arm to go slightly numb.

"So strong!"

Mad Saber was secretly surprised, but he did not retreat; instead, it ignited his fighting spirit.

He unleashed his Tyrant Saber, engaging in a fierce exchange with Chu Jiang.

Their figures crossed in the air, saber light flashing, every collision generating huge energy fluctuations.

Bewitching Heart Demoness stood to the side, watching the two fight, a trace of shock appearing in her eyes.

She did not expect Chu Jiang to be this powerful, able to fight Mad Saber to a standstill.

Mad Saber grew more excited as he fought. He discovered he couldn't suppress Chu Jiang at all, which made him feel incomparably excited.

He used all his skills, pushing his saber technique to the limit, trying to find a flaw.

However, Chu Jiang's saber technique was equally exquisite, even more marvelous than his, with a defense that was watertight, easily neutralizing his attacks every time. This battle lasted for a long time before Mad Saber finally realized that Chu Jiang wasn't using his full strength at all and was just playing with him.

Finally, the two retreated a few steps each and stopped.

Mad Saber was panting, saying with a full face of smiles, "Brother Chu, it has been a long time since I had such a hearty battle."

"You are very strong. We will compete again next time, and I will definitely surpass you!"

Chu Jiang smiled slightly and did not refuse.

Mad Saber's strength was already very remarkable, and his saber technique had been Cultivated to the Transcendent realm.

Duelling with him could also increase his own understanding of saber techniques.

However, he had already broken through to the Vajra Realm, so he was holding back his strength; otherwise, the battle would have ended in two or three moves.

"Let's go, come to my residence and have a few drinks!"

Chu Jiang said with a smile, extending an invitation. If he had the chance to pull these two into the Demon Suppression Guard, it would be another great help; he was currently a lone commander.

"I couldn't ask for more!"

A few days later.

Dahe Prefecture, Sword King Sect.

"Father, that battle was so long ago, why can't you let it go!"

A young man in a white sword robe, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, possessing an extraordinary temperament, questioned the middle-aged man sitting in the main seat.

The two were the current Human Ranking number one, Gu Jian, and the Human Ranking number one from over a decade ago, Gu Hongchen.

"I just asked you to issue a challenge to him; is it that hard?" Gu Hongchen's face was livid, like a volcano about to erupt.

"Chu Jiang is simply not my opponent. If I issue a challenge to him, wouldn't I be bullying him?"

"Besides, he has just obtained the Blood Saber Legacy and hasn't had time to digest it. Even if I win, it would be an unworthy victory."

"If we are to fight, it must be a fair and square battle!"

"A battle at the Peak!"

"Not a one-sided crushing!"

Gu Jian's eyes were sharp, his whole person seemingly transformed into a sky-piercing Sword Qi, his Aura like a rainbow, as if to pierce the firmament.

The number one on the Human Ranking issuing a challenge to the eleventh on the Human Ranking, regardless of the outcome, would be looked down upon.

A sword does not bend.

Gu Hongchen also knew his son's character; otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved such results.

But back then, when fighting the Blood Saber, he had relied on experts outside the arena to ambush him to achieve victory, successfully defending the dignity of the Sword King Sect.

Afterward, he had successfully stepped into the Vajra Realm.

But ever since stepping into the Peak of the Vajra Realm, he had been unable to advance any further.

He had tried countless methods, consuming all kinds of Heaven And Earth Treasure. Every time he tried to Breakthrough, he would think of that battle from back then.

He had won by ambushing.

He was not as good as the Blood Saber.

This thought was like a curse, lingering in his heart, making it difficult for him to Breakthrough.