110: Chapter 110 Cutting Iron Silently

Monk Kongyun was a bit troubled. "Money is easy to talk about, but dharma instruments... Master, Han Jingyang isn't lacking in dharma instruments."

Monk Delin shook his head. "No, no one is ever without a need for dharma instruments, and Han Jingyang is no exception. Didn't you say he's selective when it comes to the Consecration of dharma instruments?"

"Yes, his dharma instruments mainly come from antiques in the antique market."

"It's clear his Consecration of dharma instruments has significant limitations, whereas our dharma instruments have already been through Consecration. He'll only like them more."

"Master, his cultivation method isn't the same as ours. I still haven't figured out his background."

"Kongyun, don't let various appearances cloud your eyes. In this world, all changes return to the source; the underlying rules and logic are the same. This is even more true for cultivation. Whether it's our Buddhism, or Taoism, or a folk practitioner like Han Jingyang, the essence is the same."

"But Han Jingyang is truly special. He's just an ordinary person, yet the dharma instruments he consecrates are exceptionally powerful, with various effects comparable to the legendary dharma treasures."

"That also cannot violate the basic rules of this world. I have always believed in one thing: a myriad of appearances ultimately returns to one path. Kongyun, the greatest taboos in cultivation are being suspicious, fickle, and having an unsteady faith. You also said that Han Jingyang is an ordinary person; perhaps that is where he is inferior to you and me. Without his dharma instruments, you could defeat him with a single finger, right?"

Kongyun pressed his palms together and nodded. "Master, I understand."

Monk Delin pondered for a few seconds before adding, "Interact with him more. It's best to find a way to purchase several powerful dharma instruments from him. That Maitreya Buddha pendant you exchanged for a few days ago was quite good, but it clearly wasn't the best."

"Master, you mean..."

"Learn from his strengths to offset our weaknesses. Study them more; perhaps we can find a brighter path." Monk Delin narrowed his eyes. "I still can't forget the brilliant Buddhist light when I was on the brink of death. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed that the sky-filling Buddhist light was emitted by a most ordinary gilt bronze guanyin statue. Before I opened my eyes, I truly thought a Bodhisattva had descended to the mortal world."

Speaking to this point, his tone gradually lowered. "Kongyun, that feeling is something I will never forget in my life. That scene was so beautiful, so intoxicating, and so yearning. Unfortunately, it was ultimately an illusion..."

Monk Kongyun was a bit worried. "Master..."

Monk Delin waved his hand. "Don't worry about me. Drive me down the mountain to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up."

"Yes, Master."

"Remember what I told you. Build a good relationship with Han Jingyang, and then find a way to get more dharma instruments from him. Don't worry about the money, and don't worry about our consecrated dharma instruments. Although our dharma instruments are effective, they are ultimately not as miraculous as Han Jingyang's."

"I'll remember."

...

Jiguang Zhai.

Han Jingyang piled the seized loot on the coffee table, grinning from ear to ear. "Old Liu, we've struck it rich."

Liu Jing leaned in. "They're all good things?"

"Yeah, all good things. Although some of these items don't look like much and the styles aren't very appealing, they're all excellent bases for dharma instruments. After Consecration, they'll definitely be great."

"Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up and perform the Consecration. Boss, do you need my help?"

"No need. You head back first. Take my car."

"What about you?"

"I'm buying a new car."

"Huh?"

"At the latest, the day after tomorrow, Monk Kongyun will surely come with a large amount of cash to thank us."

"Boss, you're really something." Liu Jing pouted but was overjoyed. "Does this count as a reward? Hehe, I'm a car owner now. Boss, when are we transferring the title?"

"..."

Han Jingyang was speechless.

What's there to be so proud of about that beat-up car?

I'll give you a sports car later.

I can't afford the top-tier ones yet, but you can pick any for two or three million. Even more expensive ones aren't out of the question.

Anyway, at my current rate of making money, it's not hard to have assets over a hundred million. By then, can't I buy whatever car I want?

Well, let's keep a low profile. After all, I don't have that much money yet.

Saying those things when I don't have the money yet makes me sound like a braggart.

Liu Jing was still a bit worried. "Boss, will you be okay alone tonight?"

"Don't worry. In this shop, I am invincible."

"Really?"

"It's fine if you don't trust me, but you can't distrust Lord Guan." Han Jingyang pointed to Lord Guan in the shrine. "Your combat power was bestowed by Lord Guan."

Liu Jing finally felt at ease. "Then I'm heading back, Boss."

"Be careful on the road, and you must carry that dragon plaque with you at all times."

"I know."

"Don't just 'know' it; you must keep it in mind. You can't take it off at any time, under any circumstances—not even if I'm in danger. Because if there really is danger, you are my hope for survival. But if you take off that plaque, your meager combat power won't be enough to survive, let alone protect me so we can survive together."

"I'll remember."

After Liu Jing left, Han Jingyang began the appraisal.

The first thing he appraised was that tachi, commonly known as a Japanese Katana.

Han Jingyang checked his phone for information on Katanas and found that there were subtle differences across different periods and schools, with variations in blade body, shape, size, and weight, each with its own name.

The more he read, the more confused he became.

Forget it, I'll just treat it as a Katana.

Han Jingyang inspected the Katana once to make sure it was intact before clicking 'Appraise'.

"Name: Taisho Era Katana."

"Grade: Rank 5."

"Attribute: Sharpness +7."

"Skill: Cutting Iron Silently."

Holy crap?

Rank 5?

You're not kidding?

Han Jingyang was both shocked and delighted.

He had originally thought about selling it to some enthusiast after appraising it, since it was a Japanese item and not very appealing to him.

But with this rank, this attribute, and this skill, who would be willing to give it away?

I'll use it myself.

I must use it myself.

Wait, I don't know how to use a sword. It's perfect for Liu Jing.

But Liu Jing's style is more about broad, sweeping movements. She might not like this slender Katana?

I'll ask her tomorrow; it'll be a surprise.

Han Jingyang continued the appraisal.

The second item was a short blade, similar to a dagger.

It should be the legendary Kaiken, the small knife used by samurai for seppuku.

This small knife was similar in length to a dagger but was single-edged, looking a bit like the boning knives commonly used by local butchers.

Han Jingyang looked closely at the small knife and liked it more and more.

The design was very exquisite.

The scabbard was made of aged sharkskin, inlaid with red and green gems. The blade had clear wave-like patterns left by pattern welding, which was extremely beautiful.

Regardless of the attributes, he could keep it for self-defense.

Appraise.

"Name: Meiji Period Kaiken."

"Grade: Rank 6."

"Attribute: Concealment +5."

"Skill: Killing with a Borrowed Blade."

Han Jingyang's eyes lit up again.

These Japanese people have good stuff.

They're practically treasure-bearing boys.

Not bad, not bad.

If there's a chance in the future, I must meet more of these high-status Japanese people.

With these two weapons, one long and one short, it's worth the risk.

Not to mention the long Katana.

This small knife is a perfect tool for backstabbing.

Concealment +5 is enough to pull off a successful sneak attack in actual combat.

In real combat, a successful sneak attack means ending the fight immediately.

Not to mention it has a very aggressive skill.

Killing with a Borrowed Blade, the name alone sounds like a sinister technique.

Paired with the Concealment +5 attribute.

It's simply...

It really fits the Japanese style.