Chapter Eight, Renowned in All Directions

Lin Qing nodded and smiled coldly: "What they most hope to see is a mutually destructive outcome!"

After enduring numerous hardships, everyone has finally awaited the day of bow-making, from the death of the master of cunning and skill over half a month ago to resisting the great army of General Ming outside Xiaowang Mountain Villa. They all know that tonight is crucial, and their hearts are filled with both excitement and tension. They long to catch a glimpse of the Heavenly Stealing Bow, which the master of cunning and skill sacrificed his life to pass down, yet they also fear that their efforts may be in vain, failing to live up to the master's heavy trust.

Generally, a common crossbow has a power of only 30 to 40 stones, with a range of up to 100 paces. A bow with a power of 100 stones is considered a strong bow, capable of reaching a distance of 300 paces. While this is manageable for martial arts experts, it is difficult for ordinary individuals to draw, requiring mechanical assistance to fully draw the bow. If this bow could possess a power of 300 to 400 stones, one arrow could potentially reach nearly 1,000 paces, which is truly unprecedented and indeed a super strong bow rarely seen throughout history

Du Si carried a large bundle with him, and when he unwrapped it, it revealed a pre-made mold. A crowd gathered to watch, and they saw that it was lined with wooden boards, on which a thick layer of oil mud was poured. The oil mud, made from an unknown material, was soft to the touch, flexible, and hardened upon exposure to air. It was likely a secret technique of the Bingjia faction.

Du Si looked at Lin Qing with concern: "In my opinion, General Ming's visit today is primarily aimed at you. He simply did not take action because he saw that we are many in number and he had no opportunity. You should be more cautious."

Rong Xiaofeng said: "Li Qingsheng, as one of the six masters of the evil sects, possesses the secret technique of Jiu Shen Ku, but the general surely would not know such a wicked skill, right"

With a deep breath, I sighed: "In the past, I had some reservations about General Ming being the number one expert in the world. However, considering the situation just now, if General Ming were to exert his full strength, even though we are six in number, we would likely still face a significant defeat."

The essence of things is akin to the heart, still reminiscing about the moment when my will was seized: "The art of discerning the strong from the weak in our school not only allows one to read a person's features but also to identify the weakest point in an enemy's martial skills for a fierce strike. Therefore, when facing the general, my first task was to seek out any flaws in his form; however, I sensed no change in the aura surrounding him, as if he were merely a shadow devoid of substance..." Thus, when facing the general, my first task was to seek out any flaws in his form; however, I sensed no change in the aura surrounding him, as if he were merely a shadow devoid of substance..."

Lin Qingdao: "He will not stop us from forging the divine bow, but I fear he does not want the divine bow to easily fall into my hands"

Du Si held a millennium-old tung wood in his left hand and grasped a small knife named "Broken Xuan Blade" in his right hand. He pointed it at the glowing red tip of the iron bar. Whether it was due to tension or the high temperature, beads of sweat the size of mung beans formed on his forehead, dripping down his cheeks, and before they could hit the ground, they transformed into a mist. Lin Qing and the others stared intently at the dazzling display on the iron bar, not daring to breathe.

Rong Xiaofeng pondered, "Since ancient times, soldiers have never despised deception. This bow is of great significance to General Ming, and perhaps he took advantage of our momentary lapse in vigilance to strike with a thunderous blow. We must remain on guard."

Xu Moyang chuckled, "This thing is incredibly tough; I fear that if an old object were to consume it, it would stretch its intestines straight." The crowd burst into laughter

Xu Moyang observed that Du Si was entirely focused on how to forge the Stealing Heaven Bow, hoping to leave behind a legendary weapon for the Bingjia faction. There are undoubtedly millions of people in the world who are devoted and obsessed, and this old man can certainly be considered among the elite.

Everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter, feeling that this old man, with his bushy beard and hair, was still so innocent and simple-hearted, retaining a childlike spirit, which was truly a rare sight; yet when Lin Qing spoke of the coveted title of the number one master in the martial world, his expression remained unchanged, indicating that his determination to challenge General Ming stemmed merely from his disdain for the latter's arrogance and overbearing nature, or perhaps it was for his own breakthrough in martial arts, as power and fame appeared to him as nothing more than fleeting illusions, treated as commonplace. And when Lin Qing spoke of the coveted title of the number one master in the martial world, his expression remained unchanged, indicating that his determination to challenge General Ming stemmed merely from his disdain for the latter's arrogance and overbearing nature, or perhaps it was for his own breakthrough in martial arts, as power and fame appeared to him as nothing more than fleeting illusions, treated as commonplace.

The dust whisk of the master of skill and clumsiness has long been disassembled. The handle of the whisk was made from a millennium-old paulownia wood from Kunlun Mountain, incredibly sturdy, making it the best material for crafting bow bodies. The strands of the whisk were made from fire-scaled silkworm silk. Du Si carefully selected several strands and bonded them together using the sap from the Locking Yu Cold Fragrance, which, although only as thick as a little finger, possessed great toughness and elasticity. The nature of the object reflects the heart of a child. Eager to test the toughness of the fire-scaled silkworm silk, he summoned decades of pure internal energy and forcefully pulled apart the remaining strands of silk with both hands, managing to stretch them only a little over a foot. However, once he released his grip, they returned to their original state, measuring precisely the same as before the stretching.

Rong Xiaofeng observed the situation and shook his head, clearly not optimistic about Lin Qing. He quickly changed the subject, saying: "The crafting of the Stealing Heaven Bow relies entirely on Old Du's skillful hands. If General Ming has any schemes, it is likely that they will primarily target Old Du."

Rong Xiaofeng watched with great interest, nodding repeatedly, while Wu Youxin was almost clapping his hands raw, continuously cheering for Yang Shuang'er with loud exclamations.

Lin Qing pondered for a moment and slowly said: "The main factions in the capital can be divided into five. The Ming General and Wei Gongzi need no further introduction; although they are rivals, both are trusted confidants of the Emperor, one holding military power and the other enjoying great prestige among the civil officials. The situation of the other three factions is more complex. One is the faction under the current Crown Prince, led by the Chief Eunuch Ge, with the Crown Prince's tutor and the head of the Shuli Gate, Ping, as strategists. The four young masters, Jian Ge, Deng Ping, and Wang Qingfeng, as well as Wang Guanyue, should all be part of this faction. Another faction is that of the Emperor's younger brother, known as the Eight Thousand Years, Prince Tai, led by the current Prime Minister Liu Yuan, with the Chief of the Ministry of Justice, Hong Xiuluo, as his deputy. Supporting this faction are notable figures such as the Pursuit King Liang Chen, the Qin Se King Shui Xiu, and the Prison King Hei Shan, among others..."

Du nodded and said: "I am facing the general from the side, yet I can still feel that immense pressure. Brother Lin, being in the midst of it, must feel it even more intensely"

Lin Qing nodded and said: "Indeed, since the general has stated that we will cease our offensive in the coming days, we shall act accordingly. Tomorrow, we will first withdraw some of the troops from the rear mountain. We will continue to stay until the seventh day of the fourth month to complete the crafting of the Stealing Sky Bow before we depart. The tunnels in the village should not be used unless absolutely necessary, to prevent the enemy from discerning our true intentions."

Yang Shuang'er wondered: "How could these two people with such different personalities come together?"

The tongue-splitting lotus flower, however, seemed extremely restless, bouncing incessantly, and once again sprang out from the mold. In a moment of desperation, Du Si, disregarding many considerations, grabbed a piece of thousand-year-old tung wood with his left hand and pressed it firmly in the center of the tongue-splitting lotus flower, securing it to the mold. Then, with his right hand, he wedged both ends of the tongue-splitting lotus flower between the iron nails.

Yang Shuang'er took a deep breath, and as the moment approached, she finally calmed down. In her heart, she silently recited the incantation of the Needle Technique for mending the heavens and embroidering the earth from her school, waiting only for Du Si's command.

Yang Shuang'er was taken aback and asked, "Who is Uncle Lin's confidante?"

Du Si looked at Lin Qing and smiled, "The Ink Splashing King ranks above you, do you have the confidence to defeat him?"

Xu Moyang observed Du Si staring blankly at the Dingding, Rong Xiaofeng surveying the surroundings, Wu Youxin displaying a face full of anticipation, Yang Shuang'er showing slight unease, while Lin Qing appeared to be deep in thought. At that moment, he changed the subject: "Is it possible that General Ming will indeed not come to stop us from forging the bow?"

Yang Shuang'er was taken aback and said, "On what basis does Uncle Lin think that the general also hopes for us to forge the Stealing Sky Bow?"

Du Sixin understood that the other party aimed to seize the bow rather than to harm him, thus this palm strike emphasized deflection rather than solid pressure. If he were to retreat in accordance with the force of the palm at this moment, he could ensure his safety. However, having just mastered his weapon, how could he willingly allow the other party to take it? Gritting his teeth, he firmly planted his feet like nails into the ground, his right hand still tightly gripping the bow, preferring to bear the full brunt of the opponent's force with his body.

A few people listened, not understanding the reason, and speculated that it was the incantation for forging divine artifacts by the Armored Soldiers. They then saw Du Si throw a pair of gloves as thin as cicada wings to Yang Shuang'er: "Are you ready?"

Unexpectedly, Du Si was so fierce and brave, willing to sacrifice his life to protect the divine bow. As soon as their palms touched, they separated instantly, the force of the palm dissipating, and he quickly turned to grasp the bow's tip. It seemed he was well aware of the dangers of Lin Qing's hidden weapons, and with a swift movement, he had already landed behind Du Si. ... His other hand, pale and ashen as if drained of blood, pressed squarely against Du Si's back.

The Stitching Heaven and Embroidering Earth technique is a unique skill of the Wushuang City, created by Yang Yunqing, the father of Yang Shuang'er, the lord of Wushuang City. It consists of a total of eighty-one forms, utilizing a pair of needles less than one foot long as weapons. Each move is designed to exploit openings and engage in close combat, specifically targeting vital points on the human body. The technique is characterized by its intricate and agile movements, with a dense array of needlework that leaves no trace. Hence, it is aptly named Stitching Heaven and Embroidering Earth.

Lin Qing observed the expressions of the crowd and laughed heartily: "Since General Ming has stated that he will not come to stop us, we need not worry about it. However, we must be cautious of the actions of those renowned from all directions." He paused for a moment and continued slowly: "Especially Beipo Mo."

Lin Qing smiled proudly and said: "I am merely challenging General Ming's martial arts in the name of a person from the Jianghu. If I were to undermine his foundation and influence, it would be far from sufficient." His expression became serious: "However, both the Crown Prince and the Tai Prince's factions would not want General Ming's power to grow. At the first opportunity, they would not allow General Ming to dominate and manipulate at will."

It is well known that the power of the mind over matter is astonishing, and upon seeing him earnestly exerting himself, everyone secretly gasped in amazement. After completing his task, he himself could not help but exclaim in wonder: "If this serves as a bowstring, if one could draw it to its full extent, the arrows shot would possess a force of at least three or four hundred stones."

Lin Qing nodded and said: "Ordinary arrows lack sufficient weight; when launched from a powerful bow, they may not withstand the tearing force of the strong wind as soon as they leave the string. At close range, this is not a problem, but once the distance increases, they will lose their accuracy."

Suddenly, Yang Shuang'er raised both hands and threw the twin needles into the air, exclaiming, "I am so exhausted." Although her voice was weary, it was also filled with great delight

Du Si murmured to himself, "The timing should be about right!"

At the same moment, Lin Qingyi launched an attack, slightly raising her sleeves, as three beams of cold light shot forth like lightning, aiming directly at the intruder's chest

Perhaps only someone like the King of Hidden Weapons, who is dedicated to martial arts, can understand General Ming's loneliness at the heights of success, where he struggles without a rival to inspire him

Everyone burst into laughter, and without the threat of the general's army at the gates, their mood seemed to lighten considerably

Lin Qing's resolute and unquestionable voice resounded clearly: "I am convinced that General Ming will certainly allow us to forge the Stealing Heaven Bow, for that is also what he anticipates."

"Brother Lin, what leads you to such a conclusion? Perhaps that day was merely General Ming's delaying tactic; who knows what other strategies he might devise."

Yang Shuang'er found joy in applying what she had learned, yet she understood the gravity of the matter, leaving no room for carelessness. She felt a bit anxious and murmured, "I have been practicing diligently these days, rest assured, Old Du."

Although General Ming spoke gently and softly from beginning to end, showing no hostility whatsoever, there was an ever-present sense of invisible pressure. As a result, even when Wu Youxin was injured and bleeding, apart from Lin Qing and Wu Youxin himself, no one else understood what had actually happened

The world's number one expert! The object is astonished: "What use is that? At most, it is just a name engraved in the first position."

On the second day, the high platform that confronted the village had already been constructed, but the general's troops indeed ceased their assault on the village

Why? Things grow naturally from the heart, nurtured by the teachings of the master. I never imagined that there were such complex matters in this world. Upon hearing about the many intricate schemes and hidden struggles, I was momentarily stunned, and at this moment, I could only ask in a daze.

Gu Qingfeng's right hand was gripping the Stealing Heaven Bow along with Du Si, while his left palm pressed against Du Si's back. He gently blew with his lips, and the black cloth covering suddenly tore into fragments, revealing a face that was extremely thin with a broad forehead and narrow cheeks: "Brother Lin, I trust you are well. I did not expect that the King of Hidden Weapons not only possesses excellent martial arts but also has such keen eyes!" The force tore the cloth, yet his speech showed no pause, as if he were casually exchanging pleasantries, seemingly exerting no effort at all. The onlookers were all martial arts experts, and upon seeing that the black cloth was light and soft, completely unresisting, they realized that he had effortlessly displayed this astonishing superior internal skill. They understood that the reputation of the Eight Directions was indeed well-deserved, each one possessing remarkable skills.

Hearing him seriously say he wanted to eat the tongue-splendid flower, everyone secretly laughed. Yang Shuang'er bluntly spat, "It's supposed to be a great tonic. Grandpa, if you really eat it, I will never pay attention to you again."

Things are dictated by the heart: "Although General Ming has a notorious reputation, I believe he is an upright person and not one who goes back on his word." His childlike nature, coupled with a lack of deep-seated hatred towards General Ming, along with being awed by General Ming's extraordinary abilities, inevitably led him to speak in his defense

Gui Shijing is one of the two renowned figures under the command of the general, ranking just below the chief steward of the general's residence, Shui Zhihan, and above Du Lai Wuyang. He trains a group of twenty-four assassins, named after the twenty-four celestial lodges of the Heavenly Palace, collectively referred to as "Stars in the Sky," who specialize in carrying out assassination missions for the general, with an almost flawless success rate.

Several people turned their heads to look, and Du Si was staring intently at the Tongshi Baoding, captivated by the eloquence of the speaker, completely oblivious to the words of those around him.

Upon hearing his words, everyone dared not speak, fearing that it would only add to Yang Shuang'er’s pressure and lead to a failure at the final hurdle

Lin Qing sighed and looked up at the sky: "I have a feeling that between General Ming and me, we are either the truest of friends or the most hostile of enemies. There is no third option."

Yang Shuang'er, as a woman, lacked physical strength, and her martial arts skills in Wushuang City were practiced rather poorly. However, her needle technique was deeply rooted in her family tradition and she had learned it authentically. At this moment, she exerted herself fully, and one could see that her elbows and shoulders hardly moved; she relied solely on the trembling of her wrists to create countless variations within a space of half a foot. If it were not for the reflection of the firelight from the Ding Shi Bao Ding, the two fine needles would have been nearly invisible in the night. One could only hear the sharp sound of the needle tips piercing through the air, which left the onlookers in awe.

Lin Qing pondered for a long time and slowly said: "As far as I know, the Flowing Spirit Technique derives from the continuous circulation of the dual energies of heaven and earth, and it aims to transform into nature, drawing upon the vital energies of the universe. Although General Ming is a person of ambiguous morality, the Flowing Spirit Technique is indeed an authentic and supreme skill of Taoism!"

It is truly unexpected. It is merely for a stolen heavenly bow, Lin Qing took a deep breath, lowered his head to look at his own hands, and sighed: "Even the usually indifferent and fame-averse Bafang Mingdong must now face a life-and-death decision!"

Xu Moyang, seasoned in battle, is also very familiar with the characteristics of bows and arrows. He recalls a saying: "Such a strong bow, if not paired with good arrows, is likely unable to fully unleash its power"

Lin Qing sighed dejectedly: "The general's essence, energy, and spirit are all focused on me, and I can only exert myself to eliminate that palpable killing intent, leaving no room for any other feelings."

Du Si, however, seemed oblivious to the pain, firmly holding onto the tongue of the lotus flower. When the force of the lotus flower's rebound weakened slightly, he raised his hand and presented it before Yang Shuang'er, shouting loudly: "Thread the needle!"

Lin Qing sighed: "The factional struggles within the capital are far beyond what outsiders can imagine. To my knowledge, those opposed to General Ming are not limited to the officially titled Prince Wei Nanyan; there are many others in the shadows who deeply resent General Ming's consolidation of power and wish to eliminate him as soon as possible"

Xu Moyang understood that Lin Qing was taking the opportunity to guide him in martial arts. The King of Hidden Weapons is one of the most skilled masters in the world, and receiving his direct instruction and personal guidance would greatly benefit his martial arts cultivation. At that moment, he focused intently and listened, gaining insights in his heart. Although he was not adept at expressing his emotions, he felt a deep sense of gratitude, which he only silently engraved in his heart, slowly nodding his head.

Upon hearing Yang Shuang'er say this, Wu Youxin pleaded, "I haven't truly eaten it yet, dear granddaughter, please do not ignore me." While scratching his head, he pondered in confusion why Yang Shuang'er was ignoring him after he had eaten the python's tongue. Could it be that she feared he would transform into a python spirit?

Yang Shuang'er expressed her strong feelings towards Po Mo Wang and opposed, saying: "Uncle Lin, why do you say this? What does the fame of the eight directions have to do with this?"

Yang Shuang'er caught a whiff of the burnt smell emanating from Du Sihou, her eyes moistened, her nose tingled, and she felt an overwhelming urge to vomit. Resolutely, she held her breath, stifled her tears, and with her needles weaving up and down, her movements were gentle and agile: delicate as if embroidering brocade, dense as if mending celestial garments, flowing like clouds and water, and intricate like a shower of falling blossoms. ... It was truly mesmerizing, leaving one dazzled and entranced ... her movements were agile: delicate as if embroidering brocade, dense as if mending celestial garments, flowing like clouds and water, and intricate like a shower of falling blossoms. ... It was truly mesmerizing, leaving one dazzled and entranced ...

The one who has arrived is none other than the renowned King of Ascending Winds, Gu Qingfeng!

Xu Moyang pondered for a moment and said, "I find that General Ming's tone was sincere, not feigned; I fear the truth may indeed be as such." As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly had an epiphany, his body trembling. With his deep-seated hatred for General Ming, how could he possibly speak in his favor? It seems that the glance from the master of subtlety had subtly altered many of his views on the world.

Lin Qing paused for a moment before gently uttering a name: "Luo Qingyou"

The object was poised to leap at any moment, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. He came from a secretive background, and with the pride of his sect, which carved the heroes of the world into the tombs of legends, he had always looked down upon the renowned figures of the Central Plains. Thus, although he had heard from Du Si about the various famous figures in the capital, he assumed that apart from the only one known for his martial prowess, the Hidden Weapon King Lin Qing, the rest were merely inflated by the praises of idle wanderers in the Jianghu. However, upon witnessing the subtle yet powerful internal energy of the Ascending Ping King Gu Jingfeng, who exhaled with a smile that seemed to split the air, he finally retracted his disdainful thoughts about the heroes of the world, feeling a genuine shock within.

Things are governed by the heart: "I only fear that General Ming will not allow us to craft the bow."

Xu Moyang retorted: "Why should the old things bolster the might of others? When people unite, their strength can break gold. In my view, the general is merely retreating in the face of difficulty; if he truly were to take action, it is uncertain whether he could withdraw unscathed."

The template emitted a "crackling" sound, and the wooden board beneath could not withstand such high heat, having already warped and deformed. However, that layer of oil mud was extremely heat-resistant, remaining unchanged. Du Si pulled away the wooden board with his left hand, discarded the "broken black blade" with his right hand, and once again picked up an iron rod from the ground, pressing the brilliantly crafted tongue into the iron nails that had been bound in the shape of a stealing sky bow.

Rong Xiaofeng asked, "Brother Lin, do you have a grudge against the Ink-splashing King?"

Once General Ming's figure disappeared outside the valley, several people finally breathed a sigh of relief

Xu Moyang looked at Wuyou Xin and asked, "Please, Elder Wu, share your feelings from that time. With your decades of skill, you surely wouldn't be unable to unleash even a single move, would you?"

The almanac states: It is beneficial to guard against bandits, it is advisable to prepare tools, and it is unfavorable to travel.

Although Lin Qing earnestly advised Yang Shuang'er to leave first, Yang Shuang'er stubbornly refused to go. Moreover, Du Si also stated that her unique needlework technique from Wushuang City was indeed necessary for crafting the bow, so they had no choice but to acquiesce to her wishes

Rong Xiaofeng smiled and said: "It must be that the prison king Heishan is afraid of being sought for revenge, which is why he keeps pestering the mechanism king Baishi every day. I guarantee that if Miss Yang can kill Heishan, Baishi will surely be very grateful to you for helping him get rid of this heavy burden."

Luo Qingyou, as the leader of the Jianjia Sect among the three great sects of the capital, is a talented woman admired by all in the world. Upon seeing Lin Qing's expression, which was both joyful and melancholic, it was evident that it must be related to romantic feelings, and thus, no one dared to inquire further.

Just as the moment arrived, Du Si let out a loud shout, using his right hand to apply a clever force, piercing the iron bar with "Breaking the Mysterious Blade." The iron bar was lifted, spinning gracefully in the air for several turns, and landed precisely in the template placed on the ground.

Rong Xiaofeng nodded in agreement, then snapped his fingers and whistled, summoning a few village soldiers to carry out his instructions for the arrangements

As the crowd approached the world-renowned treasure tripod, they all felt an overwhelming heat. They observed that the originally dark red tongue of the lotus flower was burning white at the flames, yet there were no signs of it softening, which left them feeling somewhat uneasy.

Du Si held the hand of the injured person with sincerity, channeling his energy to assist in healing, and asked with concern: "Is it not a problem?"

Du Sixin was completely absorbed in the eloquence of the precious cauldron, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. Yang Shuang'er appeared to be lost in thought, murmuring to herself, her hands and feet moving slightly. Lin Qing resolutely said: "If my guess is correct, I fear General Ming is still hoping that we can forge the divine bow soon."

Lin Qingzheng said sternly: "Po Mo's schemes are extremely deep; on the surface, he appears humble and courteous, but in reality, he has committed countless heinous acts in secret. As long as there is an opportunity, I will never let him go!"

Lin Qing laughed heartily: "General Ming holds military power, and with top-notch experts like Shui Zhihan, Gui Shiqing, and Du Laiwuyang assisting him, his reputation is far-reaching. If we are to speak of a direct confrontation with him, apart from Young Master Wei, I fear there would be no second person to be found."

The object arises from the heart, and I let out a sigh: "At that moment, although General Ming was right in front of me, in my perception, he seemed to be completely nonexistent. In other words, if I were to close my eyes, I would be unable to discern the position of General Ming!" He murmured to himself in confusion: "What kind of skill is this flowing divine art?" Yet, this question was one that no one could answer.

In recent days, Xu Moyang has met with several individuals including Du Lai Wuyang, Du Si, Wu Youxin, Rong Xiaofeng, Po Mo Wang, and Lin Qing. Among them, Wu Youxin, Po Mo Wang, and Lin Qing are among the most skilled experts in the world. He also personally witnessed the composed and unhurried demeanor of the world's number one expert, General Ming. If one were to judge solely by martial arts, the King of Hidden Weapons is not on par with General Ming, at most only slightly superior to the others. However, his calm detachment and magnanimous demeanor have deeply impressed him!

Du Sifang's hands were injured by the high temperature, which already diminished his martial arts abilities. In addition, he was hastily launching an attack with his left hand, rendering only forty percent of his skills usable. Meanwhile, the shadowy figure approached with preparation and determination, delivering a powerful palm strike that descended without any buffer, landing squarely on Du Si's left palm. Du Si felt as if the opponent's palm strength surged like a mountain, overwhelming him. Although the internal energy was not vigorous, it was erratic and unpredictable, as if a great force aimed to throw him backward.

His emotions suddenly surged, recalling the selfless acts of saving others, the unwavering promise of Du Si, the resolute assistance of Rong Xiaofeng, the fearless stance of Yang Shuang'er against power, and the dignified composure of Lin Qing... These seemingly unrelated individuals came together due to the legacy of Qiao Zhuo, standing side by side to resist General Ming, without any regrets, driven solely by a fervent obsession with justice, pouring forth nothing but their passionate and courageous hearts.

Lin Qing sighed and said: "The general is right. Following the guidance of the master of skill and craft to create the Stealing Heaven Bow undoubtedly puts immense pressure on him. Under such circumstances, his flowing divine skill has reached a new level, achieving the realm of concentrating the spirit and transforming the void"

Du Si, however, did not smile, and said solemnly: "The high temperature of the Ding of Destiny can melt any material in the world, and even the most eloquent tongue cannot escape. It is just a matter of controlling the heat; otherwise, it will be completely melted..."

Xu Moyang let out a cold snort: "General Ming is indeed a master of military strategy, and naturally understands that all's fair in war. His words cannot be taken at face value. On one hand, the lord is preparing to withdraw the troops, while on the other hand, he must also guard against a surprise attack from the general's forces"

What Xu Moyang is concerned about is whether the Stealing Heaven Bow can be successfully forged: "Since this is the case, all parties should naturally hope for the successful creation of the Stealing Heaven Bow. Even if that Ink King is affiliated with the Crown Prince's faction, why does Brother Lin still say that he might take action to stop us?"

Xu Moyang, with a sword in hand, took a few steps forward and pulled the still-dazed Yang Shuang'er behind him. In his ears, he could still hear Rong Xiaofeng's long laughter echoing: "I never expected that the renowned King Dengping, known across the eight directions, would resort to such despicable tactics, launching a sneak attack in the shadows"

Du Si, however, is confident and composed: "These trivial matters cannot pose a challenge to the inheritors of the Bingjia faction. At that time, it will depend on whether Shuang'er’s needlework of mending the heavens and embroidering the earth can weave the bowstring into the bloodline of the mosquito's tongue."

Things are silent and unspoken in the heart, Yang Shuang'er could not help but interject upon hearing Lin Qing say this: "Uncle Lin, how can you be so certain?"

For a moment, everyone anticipated the impending fierce battle, each calculating their own strategies. However, in the past few days, there had been no movement in General Ming's camp. Everyone knew that if the enemy did not take action, it would be fine, but once they did, it would surely be with the determination to achieve victory, leaving everyone feeling somewhat anxious. Yet, thinking of the imminent completion of the Stealth Bow, their hearts were inevitably filled with hope

Everyone immediately smelled a burnt odor, and Du Si's hands had already been scorched by the high temperature, with even the cuffs charred black. Xu Moyang nearly cried out but held back, knowing that this was tied to Du Si's lifelong wish and must not be allowed to fail

Since Xu Moyang met Yang Shuang'er, he found her playful and adorable, yet he never anticipated that the martial arts passed down in her family could be so exquisite. At this moment, he felt a mix of joy and melancholy, realizing the vastness of the martial world, where talented individuals emerge one after another. Even a seemingly timid young girl like her should not be underestimated. Despite being called the number one swordsman in Donggui City, when it comes to the subtleties of martial arts, he was far inferior to Yang Shuang'er, leaving him somewhat disheartened.

Lin Qing took a deep breath, her complexion returning to normal, and coldly said: "Xu Pingmian's palm, shifting flowers and connecting wood; phantom illusions, changing air in midair. Such unparalleled lightness skill in the world, who else could it be but Deng Pingwang?"

"The King of Prisons would certainly not be regarded by the King of Hidden Weapons. I have long heard that the Black Mountain is skilled in the use of torture, and has forced many loyal and righteous individuals in the capital to confess under duress. I have long wanted to meet him."

The night of the seventh day of April. Clear.

Rong Xiaofeng said slowly: "If Brother Lin can shake the position of General Ming, the number one expert in the world, we need not discuss the presence of the Xiaoyao Sect for the time being. I believe the members of the Crown Prince's faction and Prince Tai's faction would certainly welcome it greatly"

Rong Xiaofeng and Du Si furrowed their brows, contemplating the meaning of "things arise from the heart," while Xu Moyang and Yang Shuang'er appeared even more perplexed.

Although General Ming has declared that he will not take action again after the bow is completed, no one can guarantee whether he truly intends to do so; perhaps he has other strategies in mind. If King Mo Mo were to seize the bow, with his own strength and that of his subordinates, the Six Colors of Spring and Autumn, this level of power is already formidable. Furthermore, with the addition of Prison King and Mechanism King, their strength would be even more dominant.

Lin Qing smiled as she patted Xu Moyang's shoulder, expressing her approval of his fighting spirit: "I have a feeling that the general was indeed aiming to intimidate just now, with no intention of taking action."

Lin Qing's expression changed drastically; he had long been prepared for this. Once the Heavenly Stealing Bow was completed, the most likely individuals to attempt to seize it would be the Ink King and his subordinate, the Six-Colored Spring and Autumn. Given his familiarity with the Ink King's martial arts, he could take precautions in advance. However, despite all his calculations, he never anticipated that the one who would make a move to seize the bow would be someone entirely different. In an instant, this unexpected turn of events led to Du Si being restrained by a single move, while he himself was left with an empty hand.

The object murmured uneasily: "The general's appearance was extremely sudden. I had gathered all my strength, ready to defeat the enemy in one blow, yet I realized... I had never accurately determined the general's position."

The object was expanded by the heart and the large sleeves were unfurled, just as I was about to step forward. However, upon seeing Du Si captured by the approaching person, I hesitated due to the fear of unintended consequences and did not dare to act recklessly. I shouted sternly: "Who are you?"

Du Si pondered: "I had anticipated this. I originally intended to use the flames of the Ding Shi Bao Ding and the fine iron from Xiao Wang Mountain Villa to forge a few iron arrows. However, the iron arrows are too heavy, which affects the range, and moreover, they are quite inconvenient to carry"

Everyone noticed that Du Si's hands were slightly trembling. They all knew that a martial arts master like him would not be in such a state unless he was overly excited. It was evident that he was witnessing the divine weapon nearing completion, yet still had some unresolved doubts, and they could not bear to press him further.

It was only then that everyone realized that in recent days, Du Si had been pulling Yang Shuang'er aside every day to give her constant instructions, as it turned out he was personally teaching her the method of entwining the bowstring into the bloodline of the Tongue of the Lotus.

Rong Xiaofeng pondered and said, "Do you think the general's words are credible?"

Even with Lin Qing's martial arts skills, he was caught off guard. He pushed off the ground with his feet, and his body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, arriving ahead of the attack to retrieve the hidden weapon he had just launched back into his sleeve. Although he did not accidentally injure Yang Shuang'er, he was still unable to save Du Si.

Lin Qing heard Yang Shuang'er calling affectionately, and frowned slightly: "Bi Po Mo can also be considered a member of the Xiaoyao Sect, but he is quite diplomatic and has good relations with various sects. If I am not mistaken, I fear he is closer to the faction of Prince Tai."

Hearing Lin Qing's words, everyone nodded in agreement. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of deceit and intrigue in the pursuit of power, with open and covert struggles. In the capital, where factions are numerous, the situation is particularly complex. General Ming has been increasingly arrogant and conspicuous in recent years, making him a figure of great concern. As a prominent figure in the capital, Lin Qing is naturally well aware of the underlying dynamics.

Xu Moyang pondered: "What of that Ink-splashing King?"

Gu Qingfeng's expression darkened, yet his gaze still did not dare to leave Lin Qing's hand: "I am merely running errands for the Emperor, not some hero or warrior, so there is no need to speak of the rules of the martial world"

Although he did not mention himself, everyone was well aware of Wang Linqing's rebellious nature and knew that he would never join the camp of the Crown Prince and Prince Tai. Furthermore, he had mentioned that Luo Qingyou, the leader of the Jianjia Sect, was his confidante, which was also understood by all.

Du Si has carved the shape of a crescent moon on the oil mud with a small knife, and then secured it with countless iron pieces around it, resulting in a form resembling a waxing crescent moon

Xu Moyang had an epiphany as he heard Lin Qing continue in a low voice: "The way of martial arts is about the interplay of reality and illusion. A true master of martial arts strikes at the right moment, shaking the earth and astonishing the heavens. If one becomes overly concerned with the intricate variations of techniques, lacking the boldness to pierce directly through the center with a single sword, it becomes less aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, sometimes techniques can be overly complicated and changes too intricate, yet they may not be as effective as attacking a single point without involving the rest."

Du Simai furrowed his brows slightly, remaining silent as he approached the Ding Shi Bao Ding. He picked up several iron rods that had been prepared in advance and placed them over the flames of the Ding Shi Bao Ding, then took out a beautifully crafted tongue of lotus flower from his bosom and gently placed it on the iron rods

The object nodded slightly in agreement, yet still wore a look of confusion, as if there were something it could not comprehend.

Hearing these names, all of whom were formidable figures, several individuals felt a sense of unease. Yang Shuang'er, being straightforward, remarked: "So General Ming has so many adversaries; it seems his days in the capital are not easy either. No wonder he would rather lead the army to the frontier to avoid troubles"

Lin Qingsu said: "Because if I were General Ming, I would certainly want to see what kind of threat the Stealing Heaven Bow could pose to me"

Yang Shuang'er listened attentively: "What faction does the Ink-splashing King, Brother Bi, belong to?" She was most fond of the Ink-splashing King's graceful demeanor, which is why she kept asking questions.

Although it is merely a template, everyone is reminded of the ingenious calculations and exquisite craftsmanship of the Master of Skill and Craft. Lin Qing, Wu Youxin, and Yang Shuang'er have not encountered the Master of Skill and Craft, but that is forgivable. Xu Moyang, Du Si, and Rong Xiaofeng, upon seeing the object, are filled with thoughts of the person, their expressions all turning somber, with Xu Moyang's eyes reddening even more.

Yang Shuang'er lifted the double needles to pick up the fire-scaled silkworm silk that had been glued together for the bowstring, her mouth dry and her heart racing, as if facing a formidable enemy

After closing my eyes for a long time, I finally achieved a perfect state of cultivation and let out a long sigh: "I have encountered many skilled individuals, yet I have never met anyone as unfathomable as General Ming."

Rong Xiaofeng let out a cold laugh: "Unfortunately, you are not General Ming." His homeland, Gaochang, was also destroyed at the hands of General Ming, which is why he has never been able to let it go.

Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Xu Moyang quickly changed the subject: "Brother Lin, how confident are you in challenging General Ming?"

To attain a level of martial prowess where one perceives the essence of all things through the mind, one must possess an extraordinary sensitivity to the surroundings. More often than not, this awareness does not stem from the five senses in detecting an adversary, but rather from a transcendent feeling derived from the heart. It was only when he faced the general himself that he realized he could not sense the other's presence at all. This unfathomable martial skill truly astonished him

Lin Qing said in a deep voice: "As far as I can tell, this is not a technique to confuse the enemy with sound. It is simply that General Ming has no flaws whatsoever, which makes the old man hesitant to strike. When the energy was dispersed, he was taken advantage of by the general, causing his internal energy to become chaotic due to the disruption of sound. With our assistance for half an hour, he should be able to recover."

The six individuals once again arrived at the Commanding Pavilion. The World-Defining Treasure Cauldron, after several days of continuous burning, appeared outwardly as usual; however, upon approaching, one could feel a scorching wave of heat rushing towards them.

Meanwhile, a dark shadow suddenly darted out from the nearby forest, its toes flicking against the Ding of the World, causing a burst of flames to erupt in all directions, and it struck towards Du Si with a palm.

Rong Xiaofeng has ordered all the guards to quietly retreat to a safe area under the leadership of the injured Vice Master Kuji, who has partially recovered. Thus, only these six individuals remain in the vast Xiaowang Mountain Villa.

Yang Shuang'er retorted, "Uncle Lin, aren't you one now?"

Lin Qing's tone was filled with confidence: "Since the Master of Craftsmanship has spent six years of effort to develop the Stealing Sky Bow, possessing such a divine weapon will undoubtedly allow me to contend with the general."

Du Si let out a long laugh, raising both hands high, yet tears streamed down his face: "Oh, the skill and clumsiness, Du Si will never fail your trust..."

The person in the air let out a sound of "Eh", seemingly taken aback by the unexpected encounter with such a fierce hidden weapon. However, his agility was astonishing; he managed to perform a one-and-a-half turn in mid-air, with his right palm still striking towards Du Si, while his left hand pulled the stunned Yang Shuang'er beside him to face Lin Qing's hidden weapon.

Days pass smoothly on the surface, yet beneath lies a surging undercurrent of imminent danger.

Lin Qing's eyes revealed a different hue: "I have dedicated my life to martial arts, never indulging in worldly affairs. Throughout my life, I have had only one confidante, and it is she who has informed me of some of the deeds of the Ink King..."

Everyone listened to him with a serious demeanor, and he openly admitted that he could stand shoulder to shoulder with General Ming, a level of calmness and confidence that perhaps only the King of Hidden Weapons could achieve. A sense of respect arose in their hearts.

Under the scattered flickering flames, Gu Qingfeng and Du Si held aloft a crescent-shaped stolen bow, standing poised and directly facing the bright moon hanging in the eastern sky

With a loud bang, although Du Si was filled with excitement, his instinctive ability to react remained intact. He released the Heavenly Stealing Bow with his left hand and firmly exchanged a palm strike with that person.

Everyone nodded in agreement, yet in their hearts, they still could not let go. With the skills of the Dark Weapon King, the exquisite technique employed when shooting arrows could certainly compensate for the inadequacies of the arrows themselves. However, this might suffice when dealing with ordinary martial artists, but when facing a formidable opponent like General Ming, even the slightest mistake could lead to lifelong regret

Du Siyuan stared unblinkingly at the tongue-splitting lotus, while still addressing Yang Shuang'er, "When the color of the tongue-splitting lotus turns blue, it means it is beginning to soften. At that time, it must be removed from the treasure cauldron, otherwise, it will dissolve into juice. The softening time is approximately the duration of half a stick of incense. As soon as I embed the thousand-year-old tung wood into it, you must immediately employ the method of mending the heavens and embroidering the earth with the needle technique, wrapping the bowstring around it." His voice trembled slightly as he continued, "Although the tongue-splitting lotus can withstand high temperatures, it cannot be burned repeatedly. We only have one chance..."

Lin Qing smiled faintly: "If you had the chance to become the world's number one expert, would you let it pass?"

Everyone harbors this doubt in their hearts, yet it is difficult to voice it to Du Si. However, the matter arises from the heart and does not concern itself with such considerations, so one speaks out directly to inquire.

Lin Qing smiled gracefully: "The notorious King of Prisons, Heishan, has always had a terrible reputation, known for his ruthless and merciless nature. However, he has a close relationship with the Mechanism King, Baishi, and has always been inseparable from Meng. If he were to take action, it is likely that the Mechanism King would not remain idle either"

Yang Shuang'er said: "Isn't the master of skill and clumsiness subtly hinting at the change of the sun's arrow in the couplet at the Commanding General's Pavilion? Yet, what material is it made of?"

Rong Xiaofeng's thoughts are meticulous: "But who are the people of another faction?"

Du Si continued, "There is no need for you to be anxious. Those gloves are woven from the ice silk of Tubo, resistant to high temperatures, and will certainly not burn you..."

Lin Qingmian displayed a resolute demeanor: "Brother Du, please rest assured, since I have dared to issue a challenge to him, I am not afraid of any tricks he may employ. Moreover, given General Ming's reputation, if he cannot defeat me under fair circumstances, it would be a significant failure."

But he had a layer of black cloth covering his face, rendering his features completely indistinguishable, leaving only a pair of piercing eyes that were fixed intently on Lin Qing's hand without blinking.

Lin Qing decisively stated: "I feel that General Ming will not take action again, but we must be wary of the renowned figures from all directions. The Mechanism King is a person of peace and humility, devoted to the intricate changes of mechanical engineering, and may be overlooked; however, the Prison King is extremely cunning and has long harbored resentment over my ranking above him, so he is likely to wait for an opportunity to act."

It will then depend on your abilities, Old Du. The millennium-old tung wood from Kunlun Mountain is indeed a very hard material. Will it be possible to embed it as desired and craft the Heavenly Stealing Bow according to the template?

Du Si muttered: "Dunfu has no regrets, and by reversing its path, the fire often flares, and the mechanism runs wild."

Ah! Everyone was filled with a mix of fear and astonishment, not knowing what had prompted such words from the heart.

Yang Shuang'er put on the gloves, forcing herself to suppress her racing heartbeat, and bit her lip: "Alright!"

Lin Qingwei smiled slightly: "Another faction can be referred to as the Carefree Sect, which does not rely on any powerful officials or royal relatives. The situation within this faction is quite complex; some individuals are adept at navigating the winds of change, observing developments quietly, while others possess lofty aspirations and disdain political machinations. Although they have not truly formed any alliance, there has always been interaction among them. If we disregard other factors, this faction is indeed the most powerful, with figures such as Luo Qingyou, the leader of the Reed Gate, the unruly Young Master of the Qingqiu Courtyard, the audacious Young Master of Lingxiao, and the Mechanism King Bai Shi all belonging to this faction..." If we disregard other factors, this faction is indeed the most powerful, with figures such as Luo Qingyou, the leader of the Reed Gate, the unruly Young Master of the Qingqiu Courtyard, the audacious Young Master of Lingxiao, and the Mechanism King Bai Shi all belonging to this faction..."

The Tongue-Flower Fruit is a divine object, gradually curling up under the intense heat of the Ding Shi Treasure Cauldron, subtly stirring as if it were about to come to life.

Yang Shuang'er exclaimed in surprise, "Why do I not feel anything at all?"

Xu Moyang said: "Young Master Wei and General Ming are in constant opposition to each other, and this is known throughout the world. Yet, who else is there that wishes to confront General Ming?"

Looking at Du Si with a discerning heart, and then glancing at the tongue of the splendid lotus placed upon the Ding of the Fixed World, he thought to himself that this was a treasure he had sought after, feeling a sense of pride within. Yet, he still had doubts: "I originally intended to roast this python tongue to eat, thinking it would be highly nourishing, but I cannot seem to cook it thoroughly. I wonder if it can be softened under the high temperature of this Ding of the Fixed World." He continued to insist on calling it the python tongue, seemingly reminding everyone not to forget that this was his achievement.

One is oblivious to worldly affairs, the other is indifferent to everything, yet both are rare and precious

Yang Shuang'er felt a lingering fear: "I have heard my father mention that in Jiangxi, there is a city called Wangsicheng where a certain Qing Sheng possesses a sinister skill known as 'Jiu Shen Ku,' which specializes in using sound to confuse enemies and harm them with voice. Could it be that the general also practices such a wicked martial art?"

A strange sound of "chih" suddenly emerged, and the color of the eloquent tongue abruptly changed from white to blue. Both ends softened, almost falling into the Ding of the Fixed World that was supported by iron bars

Lin Qing seemed to know what Xu Moyang was thinking, gently patting his shoulder: "In the past, Gongsun Danniang's sword dance left Du Fu with the famous lines 'The spectators are as dejected as the mountain colors, the heavens and earth have long been low and high.' But do you know why there are no successors of Gongsun Danniang in the martial world?"

Xu Moyang has gained the true essence brought by the Qi of Qiaozhuo, greatly expanding his understanding: "The so-called killing intent is indeed a profound and enigmatic sensation. The higher one's martial arts skills, the more sensitive one becomes to it. A general with such martial prowess would likely sense the presence of someone harboring murderous intent as they approach within a certain range. In contrast, an ordinary person without any martial arts training may not perceive any abnormalities, even when facing a super assassin like Gui Shijing.

Lin Qingdao: "I do not know the details of the matter; the personalities and approaches of these two individuals are absolutely different. How they are able to come together is something that only the two of them truly understand."

When you face the general, do you have any strange feelings?

Du Sihai laughed heartily: "In my judgment, this bow indeed possesses an unfathomable power. As long as it is used correctly, even the renowned General Ming, known as the world's number one expert, would not dare to underestimate it"

The ghost lost its surprise and was thus referred to as the King of Assassins in the underworld, being renowned alongside the Bug Master as one of the finest assassins in the martial arts world

Lin Qingruo smiled proudly as if nothing had happened: "The bow and arrow are lifeless, yet the archer is alive. Have you not heard that when one masters martial arts, even the falling flowers and the leaves can harm a person? Moreover, if the divine bow is perfected, how can mere arrows possibly pose a challenge to me..."

Yang Shuang'er clearly has a good impression of the Ink-splashing King: "Brother Bi shouldn't take action against us, right?"

And all of this can only be described in four words: utmost sincerity and utmost emotion

Rong Xiaofeng looked at Du Si, whose old face was tightly drawn, with deep wrinkles, as if he had aged more than ten years. Feeling a pang of sympathy in his heart, he feigned a relaxed demeanor and said: "This tongue of flowers is neither gold nor wood, combining both firmness and flexibility, and measuring five feet in length, making it the best material for a bow handle."

Lin Qing smiled proudly: "Since the Prison King has been taken by Master Rong, I might as well try the Ink Splash King for the Stealing Heaven Bow."

The object speaks candidly: "I believe that Brother Lin's martial arts skills are still inferior to General Ming's by a notch. He certainly will not let go of this great opportunity to display his prowess to the world. It is just a matter of when Brother Lin will challenge him; this timing is indeed very difficult to grasp..."

The dark red bow body reflects the cascading bright moonlight, casting the frost-like, snow-like shimmering light into the depths of everyone's eyes

Lin Qing smiled without answering, and at that moment, he sensed a kindred spirit with General Ming, as if they shared a mutual admiration for heroism