Wu Jian gave an awkward chuckle "Ah… I know, Master. It's awkward to say it like this, but don't worry, we'll find a solution soon"
Wang Jie's expression froze—
"Eh!—"
At that moment, something inside him shattered. His heart broke into a thousand tiny pieces. His mind raced back to last conversation. Wu Jian had insisted they go in disguise… why the people at the auction were laughing on him… what harmonizing effect actually mean...
Realization struck like a bolt of lightning
'Fuck…'
His hand slowly, but firmly, landed on Wu Jian's shoulder. His head turned to the left, his face twisting into the most bizarre mix of betrayal, disbelief, and sheer helplessness.
Wu Jian blinked "Uh… Master? Are you okay?"
Wang Jie took a deep breath, forcing a smile "Ah… you see, I was actually talking about gaining physical strength for combat."
At this moment, Wang Jie wished to give him a good beating. Any normal person would have pummeled him by now. But unfortunately for Wang Jie, he was too weak to even fight a person of 4th stage.
Wu Jian, completely unaware of Wang Jie's inner turmoil, nodded thoughtfully "Master, if you also wish to learn some body-strengthening techniques, I can teach you"
Wang Jie's ears perked up "Really?"
"But the Wu Clan's techniques have a bad reputation?" Wu Jian sighed "Our techniques aren't considered great"
Wang Jie waved off his concerns "Don't worry about that Just teach me the basics"
Inside, he sighed 'With my current strength, even your so-called basic techniques are good to me'
Wu Jian smiled confidently "Master, let's check your strength first"
Wang Jie stiffened, It was painfully obvious that Wu Jian had no idea just how weak he actually was. After all, in the last five years, he had never once seen Wang Jie train or fight. In his mind, Wang Jie was still at least somewhat capable. But the reality? Even a maid from his household was probably stronger than him.
They walked to the back of the manor, arriving at an old training ground where they had once practiced as children. Unlike the well-maintained courtyard, this area was more rugged overgrown grass, patches of dirt, and scattered rocks. The dense trees surrounding them gave it a secluded, almost wild feeling. Sunlight barely filtered through the thick canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Wang Jie forced a laugh, trying to find a way out "Uh… is that really necessary? I mean, we both know I'm not in my best condition right now"
Wu Jian frowned "Master, just throw a punch at me"
Wang Jie stared at him 'A punch?'
Wu Jian shook his head "No, let's try on that tree instead"
A lone tree stood at the corner of the training area, its bark worn from years of strikes.
Wu Jian gestured toward it "Alright, Master, give it a punch"
Wang Jie hesitated 'This is a bad idea…'
Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fist, stepped forward, and threw a punch with all his might.
[THUD]
Wang Jie immediately recoiled, clutching his hand in pain but he didn't show reaction outside
Wu Jian blinked "…Huh?"
Wu Jian frowned "Master, I think you don't know how to punch properly"
Before Wang Jie could respond, Wu Jian turned to another tree and casually threw a punch.
{BOOM!}
More than half of the tree's wood blasted apart on impact, splinters flying in all directions. Wang Jie's eyes widened in shock 'That's the strength at Qi refining…'
Wu Jian turned back, patting his knuckles "Master!"
"Huh?" Wang Jie snapped out of his thoughts
Wu Jian gestured toward the tree again. "Your turn Try like that—with full force gathered in one hand"
Wang Jie gulped 'Like that? Is he insane? I'll break my hand!'
Still, he wants try maybe…. if could do a little. He clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and threw a punch with all his might.
[THUD]
"Ah—!"
Pain shot through his hand as he stumbled backward. Blood started dripping from his knuckles. Wang Jie shouted inwardly 'fuck! ahh.. fuck... thats fucking....'
Wu Jian's expression changed instantly "Master! Are you okay!?" He grabbed Wang Jie's wrist, staring at the blood "What happened?"
Wang didn't show any reaction for moment "…."
"Master....."
Then he finally utterly some words "Its nothing, its just that I am too weak.."
Wang Jie exhaled shakily, looking at his trembling hand. Then, with a helpless smile
"… even if I don't want to accept it…"
His gaze lowered, bitterness filling his voice. Wu Jian standing beside him, his expression unreadable unaware of the act Wang Jie was putting on "You know, this my true strength... it's even worse compared to my cultivation"
Wu Jian remained silent "….."
Wang Jie clenched his fists, ignoring the pain "No matter how hard I tried... I've been stuck at just 5th stage of Qi gathering for years… and my strength is not even comparable to 1st stage "
"That's kind of trash I am, you know?" with a bitter smile
The words were meant to be just that an act, a mask he wore. But as they left his lips, something inside him stirred, something deep and unsettling. A ripple in the memories that weren't truly his, yet felt so painfully familiar. It's still the same for him just like his previous life 'A loser'
At this moment, something inside him felt painfully real It doesn't matter whether he was the real Wang Jie or not because right now, This body, this pain, this bitter reality…it belongs to him now.
On the other side Wu Jian stood there, struck by his own thoughts. Once, they had been close friends training together, laughing together. But as Wu Jian's cultivation had advanced smoothly, Wang Jie had been left behind, reduced to this struggling state.
For a moment, guilt flickered across Wu Jian's face. Then—
"Master, you don't have to worry"
His voice was steady, filled with conviction "There are countless paths in this world"
He placed a firm hand on Wang Jie's shoulder "We will do whatever it takes to help you break through"
His grip tightened slightly "You will never stay weak forever"
Then, with a small smile, he added, "And till then, I am also there to protect you"
Hearing those words, Wang Jie felt something stir inside him a sense of comfort he had never experienced before. For the first time,, he didn't feel alone. Wang Jie lowered his gaze, his heart heavy
For the first time, he truly understood Wang Jie, the original owner of this body, had at least one person who never abandoned him.
In a way, perhaps he had always deserved a friend like Wu Jian.