I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God

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

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

"Alright then."

After what felt like an eternity under Gu Shenghong's expectant gaze, Wei Donghai finally responded hesitantly.

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

"Thank you."

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

Though unadorned and plain in appearance, he could distinctly sense the surging Dao essence within it.

Deceptively modest, yet as a Sword Saint, he recognized the pride embedded in this blade.

Gu Shenghong mused to himself, his hand reaching toward the sword.

"Hum!"

The moment his fingers made contact, the sword emitted a faint, cicada-like hum in his ears, intensifying his excitement.

Such a peerless treasure was truly one of a kind.

His awe grew, his expression turning solemn as he yearned to grasp it firmly.

But in the blink of an eye—

Before his fingertips could even properly touch it, Wei Donghai snatched the sword back with lightning speed, clutching it protectively against his chest.

"That's enough," Wei Donghai declared.

"Wha—?!"

The abruptness of the retrieval left Gu Shenghong momentarily stunned, his face darkening as he glared at Wei Donghai.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, he pleaded, "Ahem... Brother Wei, I barely even touched it. Could you... let me feel it just once more?"

Under normal circumstances, one might have agreed.

Yet Wei Donghai promptly tucked the sword under his arm, shouting, "No!"

He held it as if it were some priceless relic, his miserly demeanor making it clear he feared someone might snatch it away.

Those two short words left the surrounding Saints rooted in disbelief.

The sword wasn't just coveted by Gu Shenghong—the others nearby were equally entranced, each hoping for a chance to experience its power.

But this old man...

Was he putting on airs now?

This refusal wasn't just directed at Gu Shenghong—it shut them all out.

At least Gu Shenghong had gotten a fleeting touch.

Still, their desire for the sword outweighed their frustration, so they plastered on ingratiating smiles, launching into a chorus of flattery aimed at Wei Donghai.

"Brother Wei, just let Elder Gu feel it one more time!"

"And once he's done, let us older brothers have a turn too!"

"Exactly, Brother Wei! You've always been so generous—surely you won't be stingy now?"

Their hopeful gazes bore into Wei Donghai.

"Hmph. No."

Wei Donghai raised his chin haughtily, tightening his grip under his arm, his smugness practically reaching the heavens.

He knew these old foxes too well—if they got their hands on it, who knew if he'd ever see it again?

Faced with another rejection, the group swiftly abandoned their sweet talk, their tones shifting to reprimands.

"Brother Wei, this is hardly fair! We merely wish to examine the sword—why be so petty?"

"Indeed! After years of camaraderie, a simple look shouldn't be too much to ask!"

"Just a glance does no harm. Are we not brothers who've faced life and death together? Do you truly think we'd covet your treasure?"

"If you distrust us, can you not at least trust Brother Luo?"

"Look how much we've always looked out for you! To act so stingy now—it wounds us deeply!"

They lectured him in unison, watching his reaction closely.

But Wei Donghai remained unmoved, tilting his head away with an air of defiance, refusing to even acknowledge them.

Seeing that harsh tactics failed, the Saints switched back to soft persuasion.

Even the typically stoic Gu Shenghong, swept up in the moment, awkwardly chimed in with a few clumsy compliments of his own.

After what felt like an eternity of relentless coaxing—

Wei Donghai, now thoroughly intoxicated by their flattery, finally began to relent.

Hesitantly, he muttered, "Fine... Just for a moment?"