Chapter Seven, An Unexpected Encounter at the Military Study

I danced a little more casually, barely managing to keep it going

Zong Shou did not respond, but directly walked to the counter. He took out two sheets of yellow paper and began to draw.

In this era, apart from the few individuals who stand above all beings, even those transcendent powerhouses who remain aloof from the world, he is confident that he can handle them with ease. What virtue or capability does this person possess that warrants his fear?

Zong Shou, however, was completely unconcerned. He first cast a cursory glance around. The weapons here were all exquisite products forged through countless hammerings, relatively high-end, and difficult for ordinary warriors to acquire

Zongshou remembered that this major merchant specializing in weapons became quite famous in later generations. They almost monopolized the arms trade in the Cloud Realm, accounting for nearly 20% of the armor transactions, and even expanded into other worlds, including those in the Spirit Realm.

Zong Shoushen instinctively shrank back. Unconsciously, he felt a sense of fear towards this man, accompanied by a subtle undercurrent of hatred. In the next moment, his gaze slightly hardened, realizing that it was merely the residual instincts of this body.

In his view, these two individuals were like swords concealed within fabric, their sharpness difficult to conceal, posing an immense danger

At the same time, a laugh was heard beside Zong Shou's ear: "Indeed, where in life do we not meet again? Unexpectedly, in such a remote place as Gulingji, I can encounter my cousin. Isn't Shou Di studying the art of spiritual techniques at Linhai Academy? How did he end up here?"

The shopkeeper's eyes immediately brightened: "The third-tier Fire Tiger Beast Crystal can be exchanged for one hundred thousand taels of silver. Please wait a moment, my lord. Three hundred talismans and four hundred talisman needles can be retrieved in just half a cup of tea."

The shopkeeper's forehead was lined with countless deep wrinkles. After a moment of contemplation, he bitterly smiled and said: "Although these items drawn by the young master are small, they are extremely exquisite, especially these patterns. They should be for the talisman soldiers, right? Our branch can create them, but we have too few hands. To ensure that these runes are flawless, it would take at least ten days."

However, a third-grade Fire Tiger Beast Crystal is worth one hundred thousand taels of silver, what kind of joke is this

The young man was very cooperative; after glancing at Zong Shou, he smiled and said, "After staying in the academy for three years, you no longer recognize me. When we were young, you often called me Brother Yu, do you remember?"

Baobing Studio

Yet, feeling no disappointment, he turned to the shopkeeper beside him and asked, "Is it possible to customize weapons here?"

Zong Shou feigned ignorance, but Chu Xue let out a cold snort, her killing intent even more intense: "Hypocrite, among the young master's several brothers, you Zong Yu are the most fond of pretense! In the past few days, the people I killed with Uncle Yin were all sent by you, right? Plotting to assassinate the heir, the crime deserves extermination of the clan! One day, the monarch will surely eradicate all of you treacherous traitors!"

The first snow beside me gazed curiously, yet could not discern the reason behind it. Finally, it remarked: "Young master, your painting is truly excellent, much better than before. Does the Coastal Academy also teach painting skills?"

Zong Shou did not respond, silently channeling the airflow from his Qi Sea into the body of the Songwen Wind Sword in his hand. Just as the runes were about to be activated, Su Chuxue suddenly turned around, her upper body slightly bent forward, her eyes glinting with killing intent as she warily looked towards the entrance.

After speaking, he waved his sleeve and departed. Inside the Hundred Weapons Studio, the initial expression of the Snow God was pale, while Zong Shou appeared to be deep in thought

Among several swords, this one is not particularly outstanding. However, it can increase speed and is also effective for self-defense. It is extremely lightweight, requiring minimal energy expenditure, which is precisely what he needs

The middle-aged shopkeeper smiled upon hearing this: "As long as the requirements are not too high, any type of weapon can be customized at my branch of Baobing Studio! Young master, do you have any weapon blueprints? Or you may describe it as well"

The expression on Chuxue's face instantly turned pale, her figure swayed slightly, and she coldly snorted, "What nonsense are you talking about? Only a fool would believe that"

A common blacksmith, of course, cannot. However, as far as I know, each branch of your Baobing Studio has a spirit blacksmith stationed there? I want these items within half an hour

Looking at Zong Shou, Zong Yu let out a cold laugh: "I have come here solely to inform you, brother. After all, we are brothers. If you are willing to relinquish the position of heir, I, Zong Yu, can spare your life. Otherwise, do not blame your brother Yu for being ruthless and heartless. This is no longer the time of our childhood; simply begging for mercy will not save you this time"

Zong Yu was completely unconcerned, instead bursting into laughter: "What a complete extermination! It has been a long time since we last met, Xue'er, you are still so adorable. I, Zong Yu, truly feel a bit reluctant to kill you. Hehe, if this were a few months ago, how could I, Zong Yu, have dared to entertain any thoughts of betrayal? But now that my uncle has been confirmed dead, even if I, Zong Yu, take the life of my younger brother, what can others do to me?"

In a moment, a flying knife shaped like a willow leaf and a long needle were drawn on the paper. The shapes were ordinary, with nothing particularly unusual about them. However, they were adorned with some lines and inscriptions of unclear meaning, which added a certain aesthetic appeal.

The shopkeeper here appeared to be around thirty years old. Just as in Zong Shou's impression of the managers of Baobingzhai in various places, he wore a broad smile, exuding a demeanor that was gentle, respectful, and humble, yet also carried a hint of the shrewdness typical of a businessman. With just one glance, he could tell that the attire of the two was extraordinary, indicating they were not from an ordinary wealthy family, and he personally stepped forward to greet them

Su Chuxue, with her delicate brows slightly furrowed, hesitated and said: "Young Master, these talisman swords are difficult to wield without true energy and spiritual intent; it would be better to use ordinary weapons instead"

Zong Shou coldly smiled and turned to look at Chuxue. He was, after all, completely broke and could only seek help from his maid.

Standing in front of the weapon rack, Zong Shou hesitated for a long time before finally taking a gleaming Songwen Wind Sword in hand

He swept past directly, casting his gaze behind him. Behind this man, there were two robust figures, following closely in step. Their expressions were silent, their breaths still, resembling the shadows of youth.

Then his gaze turned to the corner where various projection devices were placed. After scanning the area, he secretly shook his head. Those spiritual weapons were indeed not yet widespread in this era

Renowned for its high prices and exquisite quality, this treasure armory is the first choice for all advanced martial artists in search of weapons

Since one can afford to ride the cloud-turning carriage with sixteen cloud-stepping steeds, it is reasonable to assume that this amount of silver should be easily obtainable

One's own family background is likely not only extremely prestigious but also possesses considerable martial prowess

The latter did not disappoint him either, as he casually took out a silk pouch. Inside, more than three hundred colorful crystals swayed, producing a pleasant tinkling sound. He then took out two fiery red crystals and placed them on the counter

Zong Yu smiled lightly, seemingly too lazy to argue with Chu Xue, and continued to speak to himself: "Currently, the position of the Demon King is vacant, with treacherous individuals within and powerful enemies lurking outside. Is it really necessary to let this useless person ascend to the throne?"

At this moment, he also had the intention to seek some suitable self-defense tools in this peculiar gathering. After a brief hesitation, he strode in decisively

At the entrance of the shop, a graceful young man is stepping inside with a light laugh. He is equally handsome, and his eloquence and demeanor make one feel as if they are basking in a spring breeze

Zong Shou smiled upon hearing this, dropped the wolf hair brush in his hand, and his expression turned cold: "The blade should be two inches long and as thin as a cicada's wing. It must be forged from high-quality steel, mixed with three grams of blood copper. I want three hundred of these blades! The needles must be made from the same materials. They should come in four specifications: two inches, one inch, three-tenths of an inch, one inch, and half an inch, with one hundred of each. How much time will it take to forge these?"

However, this sword does not need to be custom-made, as the Hundred Weapons Workshop has several symbolic swords, which are regarded as the treasures of the shop, displayed prominently at the front, and all of them are meticulously forged

These flying knives and needles have all been ordered, but he still lacks a sword by his side. Although the accompanying steel sword is sharp, it still falls short in some aspects

Whether it is the young man or the two servants behind him, they all possess remarkable martial skills, not inferior in the slightest to Chuxue

After a moment, there seemed to be an understanding. At this time, the spiritual energy was thin, and such beast crystals were likely very rare. Things are valued for their scarcity, and naturally, they are worth more than in later generations

Zong Shou had long anticipated this; it would only take ten days, perhaps even far exceeding his expectations. However, he no longer had the luxury of time to wait.

The shopkeeper was taken aback and glanced at Zong Shou, then slightly nodded and said: "Indeed, we have three here in the shop. However, the cost for the spirit blacksmith to forge these weapons is quite substantial. For 300 willow leaf talismans and 400 fine steel talismans, the materials and labor alone would require a total of 7,000 taels of pure silver. If a talisman master were to forge them, it would cost at least 150,000 silver ingots"

After speaking, he turned and left. Zong Shou was taken aback; such crystals, he also possessed a few, all of which were second or third tier beast crystals, hidden in the pouch he carried with him.

He does not recognize any of these three individuals. The one referred to as his cousin only brings a few fragmented memories to his mind. He can only turn around, appearing completely bewildered.