Chapter 3: See It Through to the End (1 / 1)
At the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest.
Jiang Li still walked at the front, clearing the way.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng followed behind him.
After witnessing Jiang Li's strength firsthand, Ning Tian had already made up her mind—she must bring him back to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Since he refused to join, she would simply keep hiring him to serve her.
That was the solution she came up with. After all, money was the one thing she never lacked.
The three of them traveled through the Star Dou Forest.
Although they encountered soul beasts along the way, Jiang Li casually killed them all.
Before long, they successfully exited the forest.
The moment they stepped out, the tension that had been weighing on Ning Tian and Wu Feng finally eased.
Facing the breeze, Jiang Li stretched lazily.
Then he turned back with a smile.
"Boss, are we heading straight to Shrek Academy next?"
"Mm, that's right," Ning Tian nodded.
After receiving her answer, Jiang Li didn't ask further and continued walking ahead.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng followed without hesitation.
Along the way, Wu Feng's gaze remained fixed on Jiang Li.
Ning Tian noticed and felt a bit curious.
So she quietly asked, "Feng, why do you keep staring at Jiang Li?"
Caught off guard, Wu Feng jumped slightly.
After regaining her composure, she quickly explained,
"Young Mistress, I don't mean anything by it. I'm just curious—he clearly has no soul power, so why is he so strong?"
"To be honest, I'm curious too," Ning Tian nodded in agreement.
Their quiet conversation didn't escape Jiang Li's ears.
He felt helpless and didn't want to get involved.
But in the next moment, Wu Feng suddenly rushed to his side.
"Jiang Li, can you teach me close-combat techniques?"
Jiang Li glanced at her in surprise.
"I don't even have soul power. How could I teach you?"
Wu Feng froze, unsure how to respond.
But then Jiang Li suddenly changed his tone.
"Besides, Ning's commission is only for escorting. I don't do anything outside the scope of a commission."
Wu Feng's eyes lit up instantly.
"So you're saying if I make a commission, you'll agree?"
Jiang Li sucked in a breath.
"When did this little fire dragon get so smart?"
At that moment, Ning Tian stepped forward.
"Jiang Li, do you only accept one commission at a time?"
Jiang Li shook his head.
"Not necessarily. If multiple commissions are along the same route, I'll take them all."
Hearing this, Ning Tian's eyes lit up.
"Then I'd like to commission you to teach Wu Feng close-combat techniques on the way to Shrek Academy."
Jiang Li smiled.
"As expected of someone from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—very clever."
Ning Tian smiled and continued,
"The reward will still be thirty thousand gold soul coins. How about it?"
"Of course. Who would ever嫌 money?" Jiang Li grinned like a profiteer.
With that, the commission was settled.
Not long after, Jiang Li turned to Wu Feng, who was still stunned.
A playful smile appeared on his lips.
"Since it's the boss's commission, you'd better give it your full attention from now on."
Wu Feng snapped back, her eyes blazing.
"I'm ready!"
Jiang Li didn't waste words.
"In close combat, perception and reaction come first. Use your best move and attack me."
Wu Feng nodded, took a deep breath, and activated her soul power.
In the next moment, she lunged forward like a leopard, her right fist carrying a faint surge of soul power straight toward Jiang Li's face.
Fast and explosive—an ordinary person wouldn't even have time to react.
But Jiang Li merely shifted slightly, easily dodging the punch.
At the same time, his right hand shot out like lightning, his fingertip lightly tapping Wu Feng's wrist.
Wu Feng felt a gentle yet irresistible force.
Her punch instantly lost strength, and she stumbled forward before barely regaining her balance.
"Too slow. Too stiff."
Jiang Li's voice was calm, but precise.
"You rely too much on soul power for speed and strength, ignoring coordination. You focus only on breaking through, but forget to defend your own openings."
Wu Feng flushed slightly and attacked again.
This time, she changed tactics—sweeping with her left leg, guarding with her left hand, and striking Jiang Li's ribs with her right.
Her movements were much more fluid.
But Jiang Li remained composed.
His steps were light, as if walking on clouds.
Every time, he avoided her attacks by the narrowest margin.
Occasionally, he countered—tapping her joints or redirecting her force—always keeping her attacks just short.
Ning Tian watched with interest from behind.
She noticed that Jiang Li's movements seemed casual, yet carried an indescribable rhythm.
Every dodge, every move, perfectly exploited Wu Feng's openings—as if he could predict her next action.
Half an hour passed.
Wu Feng was already panting, sweat covering her forehead and soaking her clothes.
She stopped, breathing heavily—but her eyes burned with excitement.
"Again! I refuse to believe I can't hit you!"
Jiang Li stopped and waited for her to catch her breath.
"Why rush? Fighting isn't brute force."
"Besides, your earlier attacks were full of flaws. For example, during your third sweep, your core didn't engage, so your power was lacking."
"During your fifth punch, your shoulder lifted too high, exposing your ribs."
As he spoke, he demonstrated her previous movements, pointing out each flaw clearly and precisely.
Wu Feng nodded repeatedly.
Before, she only knew her attacks were easily neutralized, but not why.
With Jiang Li's guidance, everything suddenly made sense.
Ning Tian stepped forward and handed her a water flask.
"Feng, take a break. Progress comes step by step."
Then she turned to Jiang Li and handed him another flask.
"Jiang Li, your teaching method is the best I've seen."
"Real combat is the best teacher," Jiang Li said, taking a sip.
"Indeed," Ning Tian nodded, her gaze resting on his calm profile.
"But if I hadn't seen it myself, I'd never believe someone without soul power could reach such a level."
Jiang Li wiped his lips and smiled faintly.
"It's just practice makes perfect. If Wu Feng had the same experiences as me, she could reach this level too."
…