Third Young Master Ji had thought Jiang Chen was giving him a single treasure, and had been wondering what kind of treasure it might be. He had never expected that there would be so many treasures here for him to choose from.
For a moment, Third Young Master Ji was somewhat at a loss.
Jiang Chen chuckled and pointed at a long whip among the items. "This long whip is of extremely high grade, and it suits your True Dragon bloodline well. Why not give it a try?"
"There's also this pair of battle gauntlets — also of fine quality, perfect for close-quarters combat."
Third Young Master Ji grinned. "The whip for ranged attacks, the gauntlets for melee — that's a real dilemma to choose between."
Jiang Chen waved his hand. "Take them both."
At his current level, Jiang Chen had no idea how many treasures of this caliber he possessed, so he naturally didn't mind giving a few more to Third Young Master Ji. After all, the Ji family's young master was one of the staunchest loyalists of the Peacock Sacred Mountain's lineage.
Third Young Master Ji's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"What, you don't want them? Then I'll just put them away."
Third Young Master Ji hastily called out, "Of course I want them! These two weapons were practically tailor-made for me." Back in the human domain, no matter how much Third Young Master Ji had craved such things, weapons of this caliber would never have come into his hands. This was precisely the area where he had been most lacking.
If these two Heavenly Position weapons fell into his possession, Third Young Master Ji felt it would be like adding wings to a tiger.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly and nodded for him to take the two treasures. Seeing Jiang Chen's approval, Third Young Master Ji was overjoyed. He didn't stand on ceremony and collected both weapons without hesitation.
"Brother Ji, the reason I called you here, taking these two weapons is actually secondary. There is a more important matter — are you aware?"
When Third Young Master Ji heard the gravity in Jiang Chen's tone, his expression sobered at once. He said seriously, "What matter?"
"It concerns Coiling Dragon Great Emperor's injuries." Jiang Chen's face was full of solemnity, which made Third Young Master Ji drop his carefree demeanor as well.
His expression grew somewhat heavy. "Chen Shao... you don't mind if I address you like that, do you?"
Jiang Chen waved his hand. "When we're alone, you can call me whatever you like."
The title "Young Master" was meant to emphasize Jiang Chen's authority — it was something used in front of outsiders, out of necessity. Jiang Chen actually preferred their relationship not to be so stiff.
But with his current standing, even if he was willing to be on brotherly terms with the likes of Third Young Master Ji, he doubted they would dare be that presumptuous.
"Brother Ji, exactly where was Coiling Dragon Great Emperor attacked? And was he alone at the time, or did he have others with him?"
Seeing the earnestness in Jiang Chen's voice, Third Young Master Ji pondered for a moment before answering carefully. "At that time, the Great Emperor had brought three elders from the family with him. Two of them died in battle on the spot, covering his escape. There was another elder accompanying him who carried the Great Emperor back on his shoulders. After they returned, that elder presented himself with thorns on his back and begged the family to grant him death."
"What do you mean?"
"He said he had failed to protect the Great Emperor and that his crime was unforgivable." Third Young Master Ji sighed.
"So what happened in the end?" Jiang Chen pressed.
"He had escorted Coiling Dragon Great Emperor back, but his own body was covered in wounds. Besides, the ambush happened so suddenly that no one could have foreseen it. The family couldn't very well punish him for that." Third Young Master Ji sighed again.
"Where is he now? Did I see him when I went just now?" Jiang Chen asked curiously.
"He's still recovering from his injuries. The family granted him three years to recuperate. He can return whenever he's ready — it's up to him."
Jiang Chen nodded. "He risked his life to escort Coiling Dragon Great Emperor back — that makes him a man of merit. His self-flagellation over it is a bit much, wouldn't you say?"