Chapter 1022: The Petty Mans Triumph

As he spoke, Gu Shenghong looked at Wei Donghai with eager anticipation.

For a seasoned Sword Saint like him, this sword undoubtedly held immense allure.

"Alright then."

After what felt like an eternity of waiting under Gu Shenghong's gaze, Wei Donghai finally hesitated and uttered those words.

Only then did he reluctantly hand over the longsword, cradling it with great reluctance.

"Thank you."

Gu Shenghong bowed gratefully to Wei Donghai, his excited gaze fixed on the sword before him.

Though it appeared plain and unadorned, he could distinctly sense a rich Dao essence swirling within.

Seemingly unassuming, yet as a Sword Saint, he could discern the sword's pride.

Its previous owner must have been no ordinary figure!

Gu Shenghong thought to himself.

At the same time, his hand reached out toward the sword.

"Hum!"

The moment he made contact, the sword seemed to emit a cicada-like hum in Gu Shenghong's ears, and his expression grew even more excited.

Such a peerless sword was truly one of a kind.

His awe deepened, his expression grew more solemn, and he yearned to grasp it firmly.

But in the blink of an eye.

Just as his fingertips barely touched it, Wei Donghai swiftly snatched the sword back, clutching it tightly in his arms.

"That's enough."

Wei Donghai said.

"Ah, this..."

The speed at which he retracted the sword left Gu Shenghong momentarily stunned, his face darkening as he stared at Wei Donghai.

Awkwardly, he coughed and said, "Ahem, brother, I just barely touched it. Could you let me feel it again?"

Under normal circumstances, one might have agreed.

But to his surprise, Wei Donghai tucked the sword under his arm and shouted, "No!"

He held the sword as if it were some priceless treasure, guarding it jealously, his demeanor stingy and petty.

Those two short words left the Saints dumbfounded.

It wasn't just Gu Shenghong who coveted the sword; those standing nearby were equally enticed.

They too had hoped to take turns experiencing it.

But this old man...

Was he putting on airs now?

This refusal wasn't just directed at Gu Shenghong; it was a rejection of them all.

At least Gu Shenghong had managed to touch it briefly.

But since they were all coveting the sword, they had no choice but to continue flattering Wei Donghai, showering him with praise.

"Brother, just let Old Gu feel it one more time."

"After that, let the rest of us have a turn too."

"That's right, brother. You're always so generous. At a crucial moment like this, surely you won't be stingy."

As they spoke, a chorus of expectant gazes turned toward Wei Donghai.

"Hmph, no."

Wei Donghai raised an eyebrow, tucking the sword even tighter under his arm, his proud demeanor almost reaching the heavens.

He knew full well that these old fellows were a crafty bunch.

There was no guarantee they wouldn't make off with it the moment they laid eyes on it.

Faced with another refusal, the group, who had just been lavishing him with praise, immediately changed their tune and began to scold him.

"Brother Wei, this isn't right. We're only asking to borrow your sword. Why be so stingy?"

"Exactly! We've been friends for years. We just want to take a look. You're being too petty!"

"Looking at it won't hurt. We're all comrades who've been through life and death together. Do you really think we'd covet your sword?"

"Don't you trust us? Don't you even trust Brother Luo?"

"Look, we've always taken care of you. For you to be so stingy now truly breaks our hearts!"

They all began to lecture him.

At the same time, they kept an eye on Wei Donghai's expression.

But Wei Donghai remained unmoved, continuing to turn his head away with a proud air, refusing to respond.

Seeing that their tough approach wasn't working, the Saints switched back to a softer tactic.

They began showering him with all sorts of nauseating flattery.

Even the usually stoic Gu Shenghong couldn't help but join in, awkwardly adding a few lines of praise to the mix.

After what felt like an eternity of relentless coaxing.

Wei Donghai, now somewhat intoxicated by the flattery, finally began to relent.

Hesitantly, he said, "Alright then, just a little touch?"