This answer wasn't a deliberate display of arrogance from Jiang Ce. The cultivation principles of the Xuanyuan Ninefold Jue were simply different from those of an ordinary Martial Artist and didn't conform to the same ranking system.
"Young Master Jiang, for you to reach such a formidable level of strength at your age, Miss Wang's judgment was spot on. However, you haven't reached your full potential yet. While this may not be the Capital City, as the city closest to it, East Sea City has its share of hidden masters. There is no shortage of experts."
Jiang Ce immediately understood Jiang He's meaning. "Uncle Jiang, are you saying I need to learn to conceal my strength?"
"Exactly, Young Master Jiang. You must remember the old saying: 'To possess a treasure is to court disaster.'"
Jiang Ce nodded in agreement.
I really did neglect that point. Although my current strength is considerable, I'll have to face figures on my second uncle's level in the future. To stand at the pinnacle of the pyramid, the Innate realm simply isn't enough. I'll need to reach the Grandmaster realm, or even the Mysterious Yellow! Being cautious now is always the wise choice.
"I understand, Uncle Jiang, but how do I control my Inner Strength?"
This was something Jiang Ce didn't understand, as there was no mention of it in the Xuanyuan Ninefold Jue. Since Jiang He had brought it up, perhaps he had a solution.
Sure enough, Jiang He smiled faintly. "I'll teach you a little trick. After this, no one will be able to detect your true strength."
With that, Jiang He taught Jiang Ce a technique known as the Qi-guiding Mantra.
After reciting it twice, Jiang Ce's brilliant aura indeed receded, making it difficult for others to discern his true strength.
"With this Qi-guiding Mantra, most people will be unable to perceive your strength unless their realm is far higher than yours," Jiang He explained.
This is truly useful. Jiang Ce thought, offering a slight bow. "Thank you, Uncle Jiang."
"No need for such formality, Young Master Jiang. Ah, right, East Sea City is not safe at the moment. I still need to make some arrangements. As for Miss Wang..."
"Rest assured, I'll look after her."
Reassured by Jiang Ce's promise, Jiang He departed.
Soon, only the two of them remained on the riverbank.
Wang Xinyao squatted on the gravel shore, her gaze vacant as she watched the river flow, lost in thought.
Jiang Ce sat down beside her.
Wang Xinyao murmured, "Jiang Ce, do you think my life has been a failure?"
Looking at Wang Xinyao's haggard face, Jiang Ce's heart ached. She's just a fragile girl, after all!
He wanted to comfort her but didn't know how to begin.
Suddenly, he lifted her leg, resting her calf on his knee.
Wang Xinyao was startled.
"Your feet are blistered and bleeding," Jiang Ce said with a faint smile, then began to gently massage the sole of her foot.
It was just like many years ago. Back then, Wang Xinyao was just a little girl who followed him everywhere. Her heels would get scraped and bleed, but she would never make a sound. And just like a caring big brother, Jiang Ce would always be the one to massage her feet for her.
The setting sun cast a warm glow behind them. In those days, it seemed there was nothing to worry about as long as Jiang Ce was by her side.
At this memory, Wang Xinyao's eyes reddened as tears welled up.
After massaging her foot for five or six minutes, Jiang Ce gently set her leg down, patting his hands as he stood up.
"There. I'll go look for where your shoes went."
But just then, a jeep came tearing wildly over the gravel.
The vehicle stopped, and Shen Xuanran jumped out.
"I finally found you two."
After taking only a few steps, she saw Jiang Ce and Wang Xinyao and paused in surprise.
"Well now? Disheveled clothes... a man and a woman all alone... Don't tell me you two were just fooling around in the woods?"
Wang Xinyao's pleasant mood instantly soured. The sight of Shen Xuanran was like seeing a mortal enemy, and she immediately gritted her teeth.
Hearing the accusation, she felt a hot flush of shame and anger, leaping to her feet. "What nonsense are you spouting?! Who was... who was in the woods? You have such a dirty mind!"
Shen Xuanran was unfazed, smiling sweetly. "It's perfectly normal between a man and a woman, especially with someone as charming as Jiang Ce. No need to be shy."
Wang Xinyao's face turned as red as a ripe apple. "You... you!"
Seeing the two start bickering the moment they met, Jiang Ce felt a headache coming on. Why are these two women acting like children?
With her hands on her hips, Shen Xuanran looked triumphant. She suddenly skipped over and looped her arm through Jiang Ce's. "Alright, I've lent him to you for long enough. Jiang Ce belongs to me now!"
After speaking, whether intentionally or not, she pressed herself against Jiang Ce's arm again.
Seeing this, Wang Xinyao's eyes widened.
Lent? He's my fiancé, for crying out loud! And what's with all that rubbing? So what if she's well-endowed? I'm... I'm not small either! Oh, Jiang Ce, you damn womanizer! How long has it been, and you've already attracted such a shameless vixen!
Although she was furious, Wang Xinyao refused to let Shen Xuanran win. She immediately called out in a soft, pained voice, "Jiang Ce, my leg hurts so much. Can you carry me?"
Jiang Ce was speechless.
A dark cloud seemed to form over his head. Have I attracted two beautiful women at once? Am I lucky or unlucky?
"Oh my, weren't you full of vigor at the ballroom entrance? How is it that you're suddenly too delicate to even walk?" Shen Xuanran said in a mock-pitying tone.
"What did you say?!" Wang Xinyao glared and stood up abruptly.
"See? You can stand just fine. Oh, but Jiang Ce, my back is killing me. I need someone to help me walk... and maybe give it a little rub..." Shen Xuanran purred.
Seeing the "battle" was about to erupt, Jiang Ce wiped the sweat from his brow and quickly changed the subject. "Ahem, it's getting late, and everyone must be hungry. I have a coupon for a Chinese restaurant. How about I treat you both to a meal?"
「In the restaurant.」
Wang Xinyao and Shen Xuanran flanked Jiang Ce, one on each side, sandwiching him between them in silence.
The atmosphere was exceptionally tense.
Jiang Ce didn't dare make a wrong move. After a moment's thought, he picked up a piece of food and put it in his own mouth. "Ahem, let me try this first to see if it's good," he said, adding quickly, "I won't serve you two, since I've already used these chopsticks."
I'm not that stupid. Serving either of them first would be a disaster. It's better if everyone just serves themselves.
Jiang Ce was feeling quite pleased with his cleverness when he suddenly choked on his food and began coughing violently.
Seeing this, Wang Xinyao immediately leaned over with concern and patted his back. "Are you alright?"
Coughing, Jiang Ce waved his hand and said awkwardly, "I'm fine, I'm fine, just choked a bit."
But this seemed to remind Wang Xinyao of something tragic. Her expression grew somber as she said, "Jiang Ce, don't worry. No matter what the family says, I've decided not to return to the Capital City. I'll stay by your side until the very end.
"I'll also keep searching for famous doctors for you during this time. There must be someone who can cure your illness!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Xuanran was taken aback. "What do you mean? Jiang Ce, you're sick?"
Wang Xinyao frowned. "You don't know?"
"Heh. How could a woman who's just playing games like you ever care about something so serious? Jiang Ce... has cancer.
"The doctors have given him only three months to live."