Zhang Jiliang carefully peeled back the oiled paper, revealing a small wooden box. The paper, clearly, was meant to protect it from moisture.
The box was locked. Ye Tian pinched the lock with his hand, and it snapped. He then opened the box.
Inside, two bundles were wrapped in silk. Ye Tian opened them with care. One contained a handwritten book, complete with text and illustrations, exquisitely detailed. The calligraphy was elegant and beautiful, and the illustrations were lifelike.
The other bundle held a small golden seal, carved with a dragon and a tiger that appeared incredibly vivid. Below the seal, an arcane symbol was etched, which he couldn't decipher at the moment.
Zhang Jiliang remarked curiously, "A book and a seal? I thought it would be something more valuable."
Ye Tian replied, "This book is likely a sword manual."
Zhang Jiliang showed no interest. "I'd rather have a gold bar."
Ye Tian ignored him, telling him to put the box away and load it onto the car along with the sword case.
Clearing out the old mansion would take at least a month or two, but Ye Tian wasn't in a hurry. He delegated the task to the head steward, Jin Duoduo.
As noon approached, Lu Chuanxin called. He said with a laugh, "Little brother, you're in the provincial capital and you didn't even notify me."
Ye Tian asked in surprise, "How did you know I was in the provincial capital?"
Lu Chuanxin chuckled, "One of my employees saw your car. When I heard that, I knew you were here."
Ye Tian explained, "I arrived yesterday to handle some minor matters. Since my stay was short, I didn't plan to inform you all."
"That won't do," Lu Chuanxin immediately stated. "I'll invite a few friends over for lunch. We can have a few drinks."
Ye Tian knew Lu Chuanxin had an ulterior motive. "Old Lu, just say what you need to say. Don't beat around the bush."
Lu Chuanxin smiled. "You see right through me. I'm meeting someone at noon, the 'Soldier King' of the Southwest region. I'd like you to meet him."
Ye Tian found it strange. "Why would a big boss like you want to meet a Soldier King?"
Lu Chuanxin continued, "An old comrade recommended him to me and asked me to help him find a job. I happen to need a bodyguard, so I was hoping you could assess him for me."
Ye Tian laughed. "You're dragging me into picking a bodyguard?"
Lu Chuanxin laughed heartily. "He's not just a Soldier King, he's also a cultivator. I heard his cultivation is very high. However, he sustained a hidden injury after going to a terrifying place, otherwise, he wouldn't have retired."
Ye Tian's interest was piqued. "And then?"
Lu Chuanxin added, "This person brought something out of that terrifying place and wants to sell it to me."
Ye Tian asked, "Sell it to you? What is it?"
Lu Chuanxin replied, "I'm not sure, which is why I wanted you to take a look."
Ye Tian said, "Alright, I'll head over now."
With that, Ye Tian called Zhang Jiliang and they went to the meeting. As they left, he informed Jin Duoduo that he would be back in the afternoon.
Ye Tian's car drove directly into Lu Chuanxin's residence. As soon as he got out, Lu Chuanxin came to greet him, smiling. "Little brother, thank you for making the trip."
Ye Tian replied, "I'm curious to see what this item is."
Lu Chuanxin said, "The person has already arrived. He's in the living room."
Zhang Jiliang went to park the car, while Ye Tian and Lu Chuanxin proceeded to the living room. Upon entering, Ye Tian immediately noticed a man in his thirties. Though seated, his back was as straight as a javelin. His left hand rested on his knee, and his right hand was placed by his right thigh – a posture that allowed for instant reaction.
As Ye Tian entered, the man shot to his feet, his eyes fixed on Ye Tian with extreme vigilance, as if Ye Tian were a formidable ancient beast.
Ye Tian said calmly, "No need to be nervous. I'm a friend of Boss Lu."
Lu Chuanxin smiled. "Shi Hu, this is my brother Ye. Get acquainted."
Ye Tian walked towards Shi Hu. The latter took a step back, then nodded. "Hello. I didn't expect Boss Lu to have a friend as skilled as you."
Ye Tian replied, "Likewise. Before you were injured, you were also a congenital martial king."
Shi Hu was taken aback. "You can tell I'm injured?"
Ye Tian stated calmly, "Not only can I tell, but I can also heal your injury."