“Senior Dong Jian’s swordsmanship is indeed formidable,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“I can feel you were holding back,” Dong Jian replied.
“We were only sparring swordsmanship, after all. There was no need to employ other techniques,” Lin Yun explained, still smiling.
If Lin Yun unleashed all his methods and Dong Jian fought without restraint, Lin Yun was confident he would win without difficulty.
But in pure swordsmanship alone, he was completely outmatched by Dong Jian.
Lin Yun would have to rely on advantages in other areas to compensate for his inferiority in swordplay.
Though he was competitive by nature, Lin Yun also understood that sometimes it was best to stop at the right moment. The jianghu was not only about fighting and killing; it was also about human relationships and worldly wisdom.
“Your swordsmanship has progressed rapidly. To be honest, I would quite like to have a no-holds-barred spar with you,” Dong Jian said.
“Next time, Senior,” Lin Yun answered with a wide grin.
“Very well. Whenever you wish, come find me again at my place. I can continue guiding you in swordsmanship,” Dong Jian said, a smile spreading across his face.
After this encounter, his appreciation for Lin Yun had deepened even further.
Now it extended far beyond mere swordsmanship.
The two sheathed their weapons and walked back toward the pavilion.
Inside the pavilion.
“What a pity. The spar ended with just a light touch and neither truly displayed their full strength,” the pavilion master sighed.
He had been looking forward to seeing Lin Yun fight all-out.
He could clearly tell that Lin Yun and Dong Jian had only tested swordsmanship and kept everything else in reserve. He had not witnessed Lin Yun’s true power at all.
On the way back to the pavilion.
“You were brought here by the pavilion master, so there must be something you need, right?” Dong Jian asked as they walked.
“Indeed. I want to hire Master Hongyuan to help me set up a grand formation,” Lin Yun replied.
He then explained everything: how he wanted the beastman corpse, and how the beastman expert required someone to travel to the beastman tribe and construct a great array in exchange.
“This is a difficult matter,” Dong Jian sighed after hearing the story.
“Yes. I troubled the pavilion master for help, and he has already taken me to meet several formation masters, but all visits ended without success. Master Hongyuan is the very last one the pavilion master can introduce me to,” Lin Yun said with a helpless, bitter smile.
“Is that beastman corpse truly so important to you?” Dong Jian asked.
“It is. Extremely important,” Lin Yun nodded.
He needed that corpse to continue opening his divine veins. Its importance went without saying.
“Very well. In a moment I will put in a word for you with old brother Hongyuan. We have been close friends for many years; we are the best of friends!” Dong Jian declared.
“Then thank you very much, Senior Dong Jian,” Lin Yun said quickly, clasping his fists in gratitude.
“I hold you in high regard. Very few people ever catch my eye, but those who do, I help without expecting anything in return. Moreover, you are on good terms with Manor Lord Wu, and he and I are also the closest of friends,” Dong Jian said.
Lin Yun knew full well that Dong Jian was a man of deep feeling and loyalty.
Dong Jian continued, “Among all the formation masters, old brother Hongyuan is one of the bolder and more straightforward ones. Of course, even with me speaking on your behalf, I cannot guarantee he will agree.”
“No matter whether Master Hongyuan accepts or not, I am already deeply grateful for your help, Senior,” Lin Yun said, once again cupping his fists toward Dong Jian.
“By the way, why have you suddenly concealed your identity? Have you run into some trouble?” Dong Jian asked.
“Yes, I have encountered a few difficulties, so I had no choice,” Lin Yun replied with a wry smile.
“If there is anything I can help with, just say the word,” Dong Jian offered.
As they spoke, the two returned to the pavilion.
“Brother Dong Jian, your friend’s swordsmanship is quite impressive,” Hongyuan remarked.
“Indeed, his talent is exceptional,” Dong Jian said with a smile.
“To earn praise from Dong Jian is no small feat. This fellow really is extraordinary,” Hongyuan said, turning to Lin Yun with a grin.
Dong Jian spoke again, “Hongyuan, I have already asked why he came. He has a matter he hopes you can help with. Of course, he is not asking for free assistance; he will pay proper remuneration.”
“Brother Dong Jian, since he is your friend, he need only ask. As long as it is something I can do, there is no reason for me to refuse,” Hongyuan replied, sounding very forthright.
