Chapter 52: Is It That Old Wu Can No Longer Wield His Blade, or Have You Young Rascals Grown Too Arrogant?

“Brother Fang, rest assured! I promise I won’t fail again!” Qiu Chuji declared earnestly in response to Fang Xu’s inquiry.

Yet, hearing Qiu Chuji’s words, Fang Xu could not help but touch the tip of his nose awkwardly.

“Brother Fang, is there something you’re unable to say?” Qiu Chuji seemed to sense Fang Xu’s unease and asked curiously.

“Ahem, well… I just wanted to know if you could… blow up the furnace one more time?” Fang Xu coughed lightly, rubbing his nose as he looked at Qiu Chuji.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chuji’s eyes widened in disbelief. He had thought Fang Xu was offering him another chance, but never expected that Fang Xu actually wanted him to cause another explosion!

Glancing at Fang Xu’s embarrassed expression, Qiu Chuji realized he had misunderstood and his own face shifted with agitation.

“Hmph! How should I know!” Qiu Chuji huffed, swung his sleeves, and headed outside, leaving Fang Xu awkwardly standing where he was.

“Really… you don’t know?” Fang Xu called after him, and Qiu Chuji nearly stumbled before turning to make a face at him.

Fang Xu found himself both amused and exasperated, but he had no intention of forcing the issue. When the time was right, he could tell Qiu Chuji—there was no hurry.

But now a different awkwardness arose: where should he rest for the night?

He had already calculated his remaining funds—not enough for even a modest inn. Night had fallen, and descending the mountain could be unsafe. Fang Xu pondered deeply.

“Young Master, what should we do now?” the guards gathered around Fang Xu to ask; they, too, were weary.

“Now you know to look for your young master? Where were you all before?” Fang Xu shot them a glare, barely restraining his temper only because he knew his life still depended on them.

“This is all because you’re such a wise and heroic young master! Our respect and admiration for you is as boundless as the river!” one of the guards, a burly man, rubbed his hands together and grinned obsequiously.

Clad in the distinctive flying fish uniform, a Spring Blossom Blade at his waist, the man’s servile smile could not quite mask the edge of lethality in his eyes. Had Fang Xu not just heard him speak, his first impression might have been of an imposing and noble warrior.

Looks really can’t be trusted, Fang Xu mused to himself.

“What’s your name?” Fang Xu asked, and the burly man looked surprised, evidently not expecting the question.

“Well… Young Master, why do you ask?” The man looked nervous while the surrounding guards struggled to suppress their laughter.

Each secretly rejoiced that they hadn’t spoken up earlier, or who knew what might have happened now.

“When the young master asks, just answer! Where are your manners?”

“That’s right! Old Wu, hurry up and tell the young master! If you don’t, we will!”

The others grinned, urging the man on.

“Curse you all! Are you showing off because I, Old Wu, can’t handle a blade anymore? Or have you all gotten too full of yourselves?” the man, called Old Wu, grumbled as he caressed the hilt of his Spring Blossom Blade.

“With respect, young master, I am called Wu the Third—third born in my family, hence the name. Those who know me just call me Old Wu.” Old Wu answered with a bow and a smile.

“I see. Well then, Wu the Third—Old Wu! I’ll leave these brothers in your care. From now on, you’re in charge of the guards. Do you have the confidence to manage them well?” Fang Xu asked after a moment’s thought.

“Uh… Young Master, you’re really putting these little rascals under my care?” Old Wu swallowed nervously, his eyes alight with excitement.

The other guards, hearing this, immediately shook their heads like rattles, so vigorously that Fang Xu began to worry their heads might fall off.

“Of course it’s true! Or do you not trust your young master?” Fang Xu shot Old Wu a look of mild displeasure. When Old Wu was sure he wasn’t joking, a smile creased his weathered face.

“Young Master! Please reconsider!”

“Yes, young master! Please, be calm—we can take care of ourselves, truly!”

“That’s right! Let me stay by your side, I guarantee nothing will happen to you!”

When Fang Xu confirmed Old Wu’s new role, the guards acted as though they’d seen a tiger, each one pleading for mercy.

Fang Xu found this rather amusing; it was clear Old Wu held considerable sway over them, or they wouldn’t be so desperate.

“What nonsense are you all spouting? If the young master puts Old Wu in charge, it’s for your own good! Or do you want to trouble the young master himself? Planning to lose your heads, are you?” Old Wu barked at them, standing in front of Fang Xu, scolding the wailing guards.

Inwardly, the guards were cursing their luck—no one had expected Fang Xu to play this hand, but they knew Old Wu was not one to joke, especially given Fang Xu’s status.

“Young master, what are your plans now?” Old Wu asked with a sycophantic smile, but Fang Xu only waved his hand, saying nothing of his intentions.

Night had already fallen, and Old Wu was concerned for Fang Xu’s safety. But since they were all within the Quanzhen Temple, should anything happen, they would be able to respond at once. With that thought, Old Wu decided there was no need to press further.