Chapter 8: The Extraordinary Tale of Sword Casting (1)

As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of white light appeared, swift as lightning. He dropped to the ground, and the long knife in his hand gleamed with a sharp edge. The sound of horses neighing in distress was heard, and three fine steeds fell to the ground in an instant. Startled, Zhu Zien and the other two dismounted, wielding their short spears, and surrounded Xuanyuanzi from all sides.

At the moment the blade was drawn, Zhu Zien, Li Jun, and Xie Ming began to move, their three figures stepping in different rhythms, creating a peculiar cadence as they thrust their spears, unexpectedly countering Xuanyuanzi's lethal strike.

"Master, I pay my respects to you here." Ji Kongshou bowed deeply with utmost respect

He had not even seen the figures of those people, yet he could discern their martial arts skills merely from the sound of their footsteps. This left Ji Kongshou greatly astonished. He suddenly realized that the seemingly unremarkable old man before him was, in fact, a master concealing his true abilities

Ji Kongshou was taken aback, and when he leaned out to take a look, he saw a blaze in the air outside the alley, illuminating the entire market as bright as day. It was evident that the members of the Huajian Sect had discovered Ji Kongshou's scheme to switch the items and were searching for him in a grand manner

Xuanyuanzi, however, appeared oblivious, merely gazing intently at Jikong's hand, and after a long while, finally spoke: "Where is Ding Heng?"

Ji Kongshou and Han Xin suddenly felt a bright spark in front of them, as if in gloomy weather, they had suddenly seen the brilliant sun breaking through the clouds, giving a dazzling feeling. Both of them involuntarily felt a chill in their hearts and stepped back two more steps against their will

Zhu Zien exchanged glances with Li Jun and Xie Ming, and they suddenly felt that today's matter was quite tricky. Although they had an absolute advantage in numbers, Xuanyuanzi was a formidable opponent who should not be underestimated by anyone

The old man smiled and said: "The Huajian Sect ranks among the Seven Factions. Aside from its leader, Mo Gan, and a few capable managers, the rest are merely filling the ranks, merely to bolster their numbers. You two need not be afraid. Instead, I have a question I would like to ask you, and I hope you can answer it truthfully"

To understand, as a person in the martial world, one lives each day on the edge of a knife, even though there may be moments of boundless glory. However, upon waking, one remains unaware of the dangers that tomorrow may bring. Therefore, for those who navigate this path, their greatest dream is to one day possess a divine weapon, not only for self-defense but also for vanquishing enemies

After the overwhelming feeling of fear subsided slightly, the two of them focused their gaze and saw that the seemingly unremarkable, entirely black long knife that the old man had been holding had now transformed, shining brilliantly and emanating a chilling aura

"Where is our good luck?" Zhu Zien could not contain his curiosity and asked

But feel free to ask. Ji Kongshou was taken aback for a moment and quickly said

"Can you recognize what this sword is made of?" Xuan Yuanzi seemed unconcerned about Zhu Zien's grip on the spear, instead asking leisurely.

Ji Kongshou suddenly realized that he had made a significant oversight, leaving a major flaw. Without hesitation, he turned around and ran back to the weapon shop.

"Alright! As long as you can pay thirty-eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-two taels in cash, I will leave immediately," Xuanyuanzi said seriously, extending his hand.

This strike was astonishingly swift; by the time Xie Ming swung his spear to block, the blade had already glided past the cold spear shaft, creating a dazzling shower of sparks that rushed directly towards his face

The blood mist rose, suddenly taking on a crimson hue, ascending into the air and gradually becoming intangible. However, on the snow-white, gleaming blade, two drops of blood, resembling teardrops, appeared conspicuously, impossible to wipe away, evoking a sense of tragic beauty and desolation at first glance

Ji Kongshou saw the look of pride on his face, which was precisely the expression one should have when a blacksmith has completed a remarkable piece. Unable to resist, he genuinely praised, "This knife is indeed an excellent knife. I believe that even if it were crafted by the three most renowned blacksmiths of our time, it would be no different."

As he finished speaking, he had already stood a yard away from the horse, his feet positioned firmly and evenly, exuding an air of composure as solid as a mountain, with a knife in hand, the murderous intent spilling into the air.

Under the strike of Xuanyuanzi, the demeanor of a master was fully displayed. Although he was at the center surrounded by three enemies, he remained calm and unafraid

Xuan Yuanzi's eyes glinted coldly as he said: "Fortunately, you can test the blade on it!"

Ji Kongshou lowered his head without saying a word, his expression seemed to convey everything

Zhu Zien, Li Jun, and Xie Ming, the three major figures of the Huajian School, have all come to my humble establishment. Are they here to support the business of my small shop, or to undermine it?" Xuanyuanzi snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over them, and he called out the names of the three individuals with ease, clearly well aware of their backgrounds.

He turned his eyes and first glanced at the neatly arranged weapons on the shelves in the shop, then his gaze lingered on the treasured sword in the old man's hand. He thought to himself: "One does not know until one compares; the difference is startling. If I were to compare the weapons in the shop with this sword, they would simply be a pile of useless junk. If I had it, I could ensure my life was safe for the time being"

Zhu Zien, Li Jun, and Xie Ming are indeed among the most skilled practitioners of the Huajian School, and they are considered prominent figures in the martial world. However, from the tone of Xuanyuanzi, it seems that he does not regard them highly, which inevitably causes them to feel alarmed and to be on guard.

The blade unfurled a stunning phantom scar, slicing through the void, its cold light chilling, yet it bore not a trace of blood; this is precisely the hallmark of the unparalleled treasure blade—blood leaves no mark

In a state of helplessness, Ji Kongshou had no choice but to enter the shop with Han Xin. He casually picked up a knife, and before he could examine it closely, he heard a commotion of voices and footsteps approaching from a distance.

You are mistaken; it is not I who wish to oppose your faction, but rather it is you who wish to oppose me. I am here, diligently performing to make a living, yet you seek to disrupt my business. The fault does not lie with me.

Zhu Zien gritted his teeth and said: "If you are indeed calculating with us over business matters, name your price, and I will purchase all the weapons here. In that case, you should not make things difficult for us, right?"

Xuanyuanzi missed his strike and immediately retreated, not moving forward but rather stepping back directly. This was because he discerned that among the three, Xie Ming possessed the weakest strength. At this moment, it was the precise time after the three had shifted their positions, allowing Xie Ming to enter the space behind him. Therefore, Xie Ming became the first target Xuanyuanzi intended to attack

The old man witnessed every movement of Ji Kongshou as he ran, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes, as if he could hardly believe what he was seeing. When Ji Kongshou ran up to him, he looked at Ji Kongshou again and said: "These people are merely minor characters from the Huajian Sect, why must you fear them?"

What a fine blade!" Ji Kongshou and Han Xin exclaimed almost in unison. Having grown up in the bustling streets, neither of them was a timid person, yet in the face of this freshly forged long knife, they felt an invisible and suffocating pressure.

May I ask, esteemed elder, are you truly Fan Shan Xuanyuanzi? Zhu Zien could not help but ask again

He has been in the martial world for several decades, and throughout his life, he has taken great pleasure in fierce battles. Today, with the parting knife in hand, he feels an even greater surge of heroism. Without any hesitation, he lets out a loud shout, and the knife is already in motion.

Xuanyuanzi, with a single stroke, forced his opponent to be empty-handed. Naturally, he would not miss this opportunity. With a twist of the blade, like a lingering ghost, he pursued and struck towards Xie Ming's waist.

The farewell knife appeared where it was supposed to, its blade flicking back like a flash of lightning, aiming for Xie Ming's throat.

With the rhythm of the horse's neighing, the alley was already illuminated by flames, and dozens of men armed with knives and clubs stood densely around, forming a siege around this alley

It turns out that Xuan Yuanzi spoke so much only to disturb the enemy's mind, and then seized the opportunity to strike with a single blow, already severing the opponent's horse at the knees. One could see the wounded horse weeping, lamenting endlessly, with blood and flesh in a ghastly state, the scene and emotions both tragic and eerie

Therefore, any outstanding blacksmith will earn the respect of people in the martial world, and Xuanyuanzi is undoubtedly one of the best among them. It is no wonder that someone of such renown would choose to live in seclusion in this weapon shop of Fengwuji, which explains the slight disbelief in Zhu Zien's heart

At that moment, the horses neighed and whinnied, their hooves pounding swiftly. Three men on horseback charged into the alley like a whirlwind. The rider in the lead pulled on the reins, and the spirited steed let out a long neigh before coming to a halt, its front hooves firmly planted on the ground, leisurely stopping in front of the weapons shop, arranged in a straight line.

"Master, could we take shelter here for a while?" Ji Kongshou said with a look of anxiety on his face

Oh no..." He cried out in despair, and as soon as his hand touched Xuanyuanzi's shoulder, he felt a tremendous force rebound, nearly sending him tumbling head over heels.

Zhu Zien was greatly astonished upon hearing this; had he not heard it with his own ears, he would never have believed that the thin, hunchbacked old man before him was actually one of the three renowned metal casters in the world

Xuanyuanzi's face turned pale, almost devoid of color, and his hand holding the knife showed a slight tremor, indicating that his heart was not at peace, immersed in sorrow

He did not originally want to ask, because he understood Ding Heng. If Ding Heng had not encountered any trouble, he would not have allowed Ji Kongshou to leave Huaiyin at all. However, he was unwilling to accept such a cruel reality, thus he felt a sense of reluctance and hoped to hear a result that was completely different from his own premonition.

"In that case, does it mean that you, senior, must oppose my Huajian Sect?" Zhu Zien said

The old man still had a gleam in his eyes, completely focused on the long knife in his hand, oblivious to the praises from Ji and Han. After taking a deep breath, he suddenly moved his right arm, and the flash of the knife had already cut a gash on his own left index finger.

The old man laughed heartily, his gaze returning to the treasured sword, and said: "Although the sword is indeed a fine weapon, it may not necessarily be the sharpest in the world. In fact, the type of divine weapon is not what matters; what is important is the person wielding it. In the hands of a master, even the falling petals can injure, while in the hands of a mediocre person, a divine blade is merely a tool for chopping vegetables or slaughtering dogs"

Han Xin exclaimed: "Oh no, we were so focused on buying swords that we forgot we are in a perilous situation"

"So it turns out that the senior is mocking me." Zhu Zien's expression darkened, and his large hand had already fallen on the short spear at his waist

Xuanyuanzi said: "Is this statement true?"

I do not dare to presume, I have come here, and it is unrelated to you, senior. I am only here for those two young men in your shop. If I have caused any offense, I hope you will forgive me. Zhu Zien sensed that his opponent was no ordinary person, and with the thought that it is better to avoid trouble than to invite it, he followed the customs of the martial world and clasped his fists in greeting.

Upon considering this, he exchanged a glance with Han Xin, filled with a strong determination that he would not rest until he obtained this sword

Upon hearing these words, Ji Kongshou was both surprised and delighted. He was surprised because he had never heard Ding Heng mention the person Xuan Yuanzi; he was delighted because Xuan Yuanzi was not only a friend of Ding Heng but also knew his name. At this moment, with a great enemy approaching, it was likely that he would not stand idly by, and perhaps he could escape this calamity.

Xuan Yuanzi chuckled and said, "You are elevating yourself too much." He slightly raised the treasured sword in his hand, the blade reflecting the firelight, which perfectly cast a glow on Zhu Zien's face

"Indeed." Zhu Zien replied readily

Good job! Han Xin stuck out his tongue and made a funny face, sincerely praising. The earlier appearance of panic, like a lost dog, had completely vanished, for he knew in his heart that with Xuanyuanzi as his protective umbrella, it was impossible for him not to feel safe.

The old man seemed to have only just realized that there were two more people beside him at this moment. He shifted his gaze away from the treasured sword, took a brief look at the two individuals, smiled slightly, and said: "Are you two speaking to me?"

Yes, we are outsiders. We happened to pass through your esteemed place this time and are in need of one or two suitable weapons for self-defense. I wonder if the master would be willing to part with the treasured blade in his hand? Ji Kongshou noticed that his expression had softened, indicating there might be room for negotiation, and quickly clarified their intentions

Ji Kongshou drew his knife and ran away. After just a few steps, he heard voices approaching from outside the alley, and the bright flames illuminated the scene. The pursuers had actually blocked the alley entrance.

He tightened his grip on the parting knife and slowly walked out of the shop. After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back and said: "The reason I can recognize you is not because we have met before, but because there is a shadow of the Void Step in your movements. A year ago, Ding Heng mentioned you when he was here, and I believe that with Ding Heng's extensive experience in discerning people, he would not mistake anyone. Therefore, if I die, you will be the master of the parting knife"

"Oh, do you want this knife?" The old man shook his head and replied, not answering the question: "From your perspective, how well do you think this long knife of mine is forged?"

Heroes build great enterprises, their treasured blades thirst for blood. With every ten steps, one is slain, life is as fleeting as parting. Parting, parting, let us call it the Parting Blade! The old man gently caressed the bloodstains on the blade, speaking in a leisurely manner

Upon hearing the verses casually recited by the old man, Ji Kongshou felt a surge of emotions, as if all his previous fears had vanished. A sudden sense of ambition arose within him, leading him to believe that in this lifetime, one should strive to accomplish something grand and remarkable. Not only for the sake of the common people or the world at large, but even for Ding Heng and for himself, he should work hard and fight valiantly, so as not to have lived in vain in this world.

"Have you heard of the Huajian School, Master?" Ji Kongshou seemed to have calmed down considerably; although the footsteps were getting closer and closer, his expression had returned to normal.

The old man shook his head and said, "It is not that I am unwilling to part with it; rather, this treasured blade has another owner. I have spent three years of my effort forging this sword, waiting for the day when I can personally present it to its rightful master"

"Are you not Ji Kongshou from Huaiyin?" The old man’s eyes flashed with intensity, piercing directly into Ji Kongshou's face, his expression extremely grave

The old man's face immediately revealed a gentle smile as he slowly said: "It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Xuanyuanzi, a friend of Ding Heng"

Zhu Zien, fully aware that acting rashly would yield no certainty, could only respond casually: "I would like to seek your guidance."

Even in the face of emptiness, there remains a sense of reluctance. He said: "Why is it that the master refuses to part with the treasured sword in his hand?"

Are there still a few Xuanyuanzi in this world? Xuanyuanzi retorted coldly.

May I ask all beings, who does not desire wealth and nobility? Who does not wish to hold power over the world? Ji Kongshou is no exception.

This sword is forged from a piece of mysterious iron. To understand this mysterious iron, one must know that it is produced in the depths of the East China Sea, and it is exceedingly difficult for the world to even catch a glimpse of it, let alone possess it. I have spent three years, pouring my heart and soul into it, meticulously forging it, and only today have I succeeded in crafting this sword. After much contemplation, it seems that you three are indeed fortunate! Xuanyuanzi looked on with envy, expressing his admiration, leaving Zhu Zien utterly bewildered, as if lost in a fog.

"Here, look, there are two sets of changed dresses here." Someone shouted loudly, and then the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the alley, striking the cobblestones like a sudden downpour

In shock, Xie Ming had no choice but to abandon his spear; otherwise, he would have been unable to save his five fingers. At the same time, his body forcefully shifted to the left, moving swiftly for seven steps.

At that moment, all three felt a sense of awe, as if they could sense the pressure emanating from Xuanyuanzi. The appearance of Xuanyuanzi was clearly beyond their expectations, and they never anticipated encountering a master like him at the Fengwu Gathering.

However, the reality is not as one might imagine. Just as Xuanyuanzi's blade forcefully cut into a foot's distance from Xie Ming's waist, Zhu Zien's footwork was already in place, perfectly extending his spear to block this fierce strike

Xuan Yuanzi let out a cold snort: "Who says they have nothing to do with me? As long as they are in my shop, they are the ones who provide for me, Xuan Yuanzi. As long as they do not step out of my door, I will never allow anyone to harm them"

His words already carried a sense of disdain, as if he did not regard Ji and Han at all. Ji and Han Xin, both intelligent individuals, could certainly discern the implications behind his words. Disappointment immediately appeared on their faces.

Han Xin did not expect that there would actually be a glimmer of hope in the situation, and he was so overjoyed that he momentarily lost himself, reaching out to pat Xuanyuanzi on the shoulder

The old man observed this with a heavy heart and said with a faint smile: "If the two of you truly wish to have a sword, you may choose any item from this shop. I can assure you that even the most inferior weapons in this shop are likely to surpass those found in an ordinary weapon store."

"Yes, I am Ji Kongshou." Facing the old man's aggressive gaze, Ji Kongshou responded decisively, despite being unaware of the impending fortune or misfortune.

Ji Kongshou clearly did not understand why the old man would ask such a question, nor did he grasp the true intention behind it. What puzzled him was that he was merely a small rogue wandering the streets, so how could this old man possibly know his name

Blood, like dew, solidified and slowly oozed out. The old man seemed to feel no pain at all, his eyes radiating a kind of fervent and obsessive expression as he carefully dripped the blood droplets onto the blade.

Such rapid movements and speed made it difficult for Xie Ming to react appropriately in an instant. Beneath his pale complexion, there was no trace of blood, and his eyes suddenly filled with fear