Wan Nan and Tie Yuan are both experts, even if they can't gauge Gao Xuan's depth, they know this person's martial arts are extremely advanced, already bearing the demeanor of a grandmaster.

Even the proud Tie Yuan put aside his ego. Wan Nan, being a businessman, was naturally skilled in social interactions.

Gao Xuan has lived two lifetimes, experiencing trials across the worlds, and his wisdom, insight, and experience far surpass those of Tie Yuan and Wan Nan.

With a top-down approach, the two sides naturally chatted happily and congenially.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere at the table became even more intimate.

After offering Gao Xuan a drink, Tie Yuan said, "Brother, we hit it off at first sight, so I'll get straight to the point. The matter with Flying Tiger is a bit tricky...

"Flying Tiger is a disciple of Chen Siping. Initially, for the position of true disciple, a senior brother used a beauty trap to entrap Flying Tiger, leaving him disgraced. In a fit of rage, Flying Tiger severely injured his senior brother and fled with his Zhongshan Spear.

"Chen Siping actually valued Flying Tiger a lot, and although he was furious about this, he couldn't quite bring himself to kill this favored disciple..."

Tie Yuan gave a brief overview of Flying Tiger's situation, and he concluded, "Brother, the Zhongshan Spear is in your hands, right?"

Gao Xuan nodded, "Yes, the Zhongshan Spear is a good spear."

"But the Zhongshan Spear is ominous. Every owner throughout the ages died at the hands of enemies, without a single peaceful end. The Zhongshan Spear placed in the Ancestral Hall is just for show."

Tie Yuan coughed slightly in embarrassment and said, "Brother, why not give me the Zhongshan Spear? I'll take care of talking to Chen Siping."

He knew that asking Gao Xuan directly for the spear wasn't quite right. Although the Zhongshan Spear belonged to their Mountain Character Sect, Gao Xuan got it from Flying Tiger's hands.

However, he wasn't deceiving Gao Xuan; letting Chen Siping know about this would indeed cause a big headache.

Chen Siping is a martial arts grandmaster, holding the East Mountain Spear among the Five Mountains Spears. Among the Five Mountains, East Mountain ranks first.

Chen Siping's spear technique and martial arts stand out even in Mingjing, where experts are as numerous as clouds.

Although Gao Xuan's martial arts are strong, compared to Chen Siping, it's far inferior.

Besides, the Mountain Character Sect couldn't let the Zhongshan Spear fall into someone else's hands.

"Since the Zhongshan Spear belongs to the Mountain Character Sect, I might as well return it to you guys."

Gao Xuan didn't mind much; while the Zhongshan Spear was excellent, it was long and heavy, inconvenient to carry. He wasn't too attached to it.

The key is that since the Zhongshan Spear indeed belongs to the Mountain Character Sect, keeping it would gain nothing but enmity with the sect, which is unnecessary.

Gao Xuan always handled matters with an assassin's mindset: calm, cautious, pragmatic, precise, decisive.

The most valuable thing on Flying Tiger was actually the Thunder Pearl. If they wanted him to hand over the Thunder Pearl, then there would really be no way to talk.

Tie Yuan was also very surprised, Gao Xuan's grace was extraordinary, not like someone who fears matters. Did he agree to return the spear so readily?

After the surprise, he was deeply moved, "Brother, you're truly honorable, I don't know what to say..."

Tie Yuan raised his glass, "I toast to you, brother."

Gao Xuan smiled and raised his glass.

The three of them were already getting along well, and with Gao Xuan being so generous and open, the atmosphere improved even more.

Tie Yuan, slightly tipsy, almost proposed that the three of them become sworn brothers. Fortunately, he still had some sense; becoming sworn brothers on the first meeting would be too hasty.

He wasn't entirely sure about Gao Xuan yet; he still needed to observe this man's character slowly.

The three drank heartily until the third watch. As it was too late and the city gates were already closed, Wan Nan booked a top room for Gao Xuan and Ye Jinxiu.

Jinsheng Tower is Mingjing's top-notch inn, renowned for its luxurious accommodations.

Tie Yuan felt quite embarrassed having received such a big favor from Gao Xuan. He and Wan Nan saw Gao Xuan and Ye Jinxiu to their room before leaving.

Upon leaving Jinsheng Tower, Wan Nan and Tie Yuan got into the carriage.

In the enclosed carriage, Tie Yuan sighed, "This Brother Gao is truly a remarkable person."

Although the Zhongshan Spear had no mystical features, it was a top-grade weapon. Any martial artist who got their hands on it would never want to let it go.

Yet Gao Xuan agreed so casually, seemingly without a care. Not to mention he never even brought up compensation. Such uninhibited grace truly impressed Tie Yuan.

Wan Nan also nodded, "He indeed has the bearing of a grandmaster."

Tie Yuan suddenly asked with a serious face, "Do you also think he's a grandmaster?"

"His internal qi blood power is deep and concealed, difficult to measure. But the grace he shows is extraordinary."

Wan Nan thought for a moment and shook his head, "But it's hard to say. He's too young. How could he achieve grandmaster status at such a young age?"

He emphasized again, "At the very least, he's at the peak of an innate martial artist. And being so young, his future is limitless."

Wan Nan had a businessman's mindset. In business, making friends is key, not creating enemies everywhere. Thus, businessmen are smooth operators.

Since Gao Xuan had such potential and there was no conflict of interest with Wan Nan, of course, he would try his best to make friends.

Tie Yuan understood Wan Nan's implication, though he wasn't as utilitarian. He simply felt Gao Xuan's grace was extraordinary, with a strong character charm that could win people over. He liked making friends with Gao Xuan.

He said, "I can't just take the Zhongshan Spear for free. I need to clarify things with Master Chen. Besides, I need to return a gift to Gao Xuan."

Tie Yuan knew Wan Nan was knowledgeable about such matters, so he asked, "What kind of gift would be appropriate?"

"Gao Xuan mentioned he practices the Thirteen Grand Protectors' Cross Training Method."

Wan Nan suggested, "Why don't you find a related secret technique book as a gift?"

Given Tie Yuan's capabilities, collecting such level secret techniques wouldn't be difficult. As a gift, it is also very valuable—a great idea with little cost.

Tie Yuan nodded in approval, "Brother Wan, that's a great idea. I will ask around."

The next day, Gao Xuan sent someone to deliver the Zhongshan Spear to Wan Nan, asking him to hand it over to Tie Yuan.