Martial Saint with Passives

Without turning his head, Jiang Che said calmly, ”The You Family has deep roots. Who’s to say they don’t have a few old monsters hiding in the shadows? Those rushing in now might be able to grab some things, but they’re also the most likely to run into a cornered beast fighting to the death. With your subpar skills, you wouldn’t even be able to run away. Just stay behind me quietly. Making it out of this alive is more important than anything.”

”You!” Tang Qiaoqiao was choked speechless, her cheeks puffing out in anger, yet she couldn’t refute his words.

Although she was also in the Bone Forging Realm, she was still stuck in the Early-stage and lacked real combat experience.

Compared to a combat genius like Jiang Che, who could kill experts in the Late-stage Bone Forging Realm, her skills were indeed subpar.

Though she hated to admit it, she knew her strength was far inferior to Jiang Che’s.

Jiang Che didn’t stop, leading them northward and putting more distance between them and the manor. Gradually, the sounds of battle and the estate’s silhouette behind them began to fade and shrink.

”Hey!” Tang Qiaoqiao couldn’t help but shout again. ”Even if we’re just guarding the perimeter, we don’t need to be this far away! We can barely even see the manor from here!”

Only then did Jiang Che stop and survey his surroundings.

They were on a small, earthen slope with several large rocks that could serve as cover. The view below was relatively open, making it a good spot for observation without the risk of being drawn into the fighting.

”This spot is good.” Jiang Che found a rock and sat down. ”My mission is to ensure your safety, not to help you snatch treasures. We’re staying right here. We’re not going anywhere.”

Seeing his unyielding expression, Tang Qiaoqiao stomped her foot in anger again. But there was nothing she could do, so she just crossed her arms and sat off to the side to sulk.

Liu Qing and Su Wan exchanged a helpless smile, then found their own places to sit and rest.

The four of them sat idly behind the slope for nearly two hours. The commotion from the manor seemed to have lessened, but the occasional explosive clash of True Qi indicated that the battle inside hadn’t completely stopped.

Just then, the sound of footsteps suddenly came from the small path below the slope!

Jiang Che was immediately on alert, his [All-Seeing Eye] activating automatically.

However, he didn’t sense any danger.

The newcomer’s aura indicated they practiced a Cangyun Sect Cultivation Technique.

Soon, a male disciple in Cangyun Sect robes appeared at the bottom of the slope.

The man was laden with bags of all sizes, a smile blooming on his face as he retreated in their direction.

Jiang Che stepped out to stop the man, stating he needed to conduct a routine check.

The Cangyun Sect disciple was quite a bit older than them and appeared to have the Cultivation of the Early-stage Refining Organ Realm.

When he saw the four of them, he was startled for a moment before breaking into a smile. ”I’m a senior brother from Liufeng Courtyard! We’re on the same side, same side! But what are you all doing guarding this godforsaken place? Everyone’s going crazy looting inside! The You Family’s treasury is almost empty! Elixir Pills, Weapons, Jewelry... so much stuff! If you go in now, you can still pick up some scraps!”

He then patted his bulging sacks.

Jiang Che shook his head. ”Thank you for your kind intentions, Senior Brother, but our skills are lacking. We’re better off staying on guard here.”

The senior brother gave Jiang Che a look as if he were an idiot, then shook his head. ”Fine, fine. To each their own. I’m heading off, then. Gotta go back for another run!”

With that, he cheerfully departed, carrying his haul on his back.

Tang Qiaoqiao watched his departing figure with longing eyes, then turned to glare at Jiang Che. ”See! Look how much he got! And all we can do is sit here and watch! You coward!”

Jiang Che glanced at her and said flatly, ”Better a coward than a corpse. As long as you’re alive, there’s a future.”

His words made Tang Qiaoqiao’s chest tighten. She turned her head away and ignored him.

Before long, another figure came running along the path, also appearing to have a bountiful harvest; the sack on their back was so full it dragged on the ground.

As the person drew closer, Jiang Che realized it was an acquaintance!

It was none other than his neighbor, Yan Hanpeng!

Yan Hanpeng was clearly taken aback to see Jiang Che’s group of four. A smile quickly formed on his face. ”Senior Brother... Jiang? What are you doing guarding here? Not going inside to grab some loot?”

Although he had entered the Inner Courtyard before Jiang Che, he was still at the Peak of Force Integration, while Jiang Che had long since reached the Bone Forging Realm.

He wasn’t happy about it, but according to the rules, he still had to address him as Senior Brother.

Jiang Che nodded in acknowledgment. ”We’re responsible for patrolling this area.”

Yan Hanpeng said, ”Oh,” his gaze sweeping over their empty hands as his smile deepened.

”It’s really not that dangerous inside anymore. The Courtyard Heads and Elders have basically dealt with all the powerful members of the You Family. You can really score some easy loot if you go in now! Well, I’m off then, Senior Brother Jiang. I’m going to head back and try my luck again!”

With that, he hurried away, muttering to himself,

’So what if he’s in the Bone Forging Realm? Standing guard here like a moron, he won’t get a damn thing! What an absolute idiot! It’s much better following Senior Brother Mu. At least then you get a piece of the action!’

...

「Meanwhile, deep within the You Manor.」

Lin Bihe of Yunhai Courtyard, one of the Cangyun Sect’s Four Great Celestial Pride, was leading a small team to mop up the remaining enemies.

She was dressed in black martial attire, her posture upright and imposing, and she exuded a sharp, heroic aura.

Her palms danced through the air, her Jin Qi incomparably fierce. Every strike landed precisely on a You Family guard’s vital points, sending them flying to their death.

Yun Weiwei followed closely behind her, her own longsword stained with blood.

Although they weren’t from the same courtyard, Yun Weiwei’s considerable strength had earned her a spot on Lin Bihe’s team.

As she cut down enemies, she kept an eye on her surroundings for anything of value.

Whenever she spotted precious Elixir Pills, valuable trinkets, rare ores, or anything similar, she would swiftly stuff them into the cloth sack she carried with her.

Their advance had been exceptionally smooth.

The remaining You Family members were weak, allowing Yun Weiwei to reap a huge harvest with ease.