Chapter 007: The Precious Blade

He was unaware that the Great Dao Deity had already refined his primordial spirit three hundred years ago, thus becoming estranged from the mundane world. The Great Dao Deity's cultivation actually dates back over five hundred years. At that time, the anvil was merely two fingers thick, while Shi Hong's anvil was as thick as a grinding disc.

Shi Hong cupped his hands and said to Chen Zhi'an: "I momentarily lost my composure, please do not hold it against me. I just wish to ask, does the Great Xia have a classification system for military sabers?"

Shi Hong stood aside, unable to comprehend why the jade tablet clearly stated that one must be able to split an anvil in half with a single strike to meet the most basic standard, yet the standards of the Great Xia seemed so weak

With a flick of his hand, Shi Hong's knife clattered to the ground.

Shi Hong's calculations differ from theirs; he initially did not realize how valuable the ring-headed knife he crafted was, merely calculating it based on an ordinary military knife. The village has over forty able-bodied men, and including the older generation, there are as many as sixty who meet the military service requirements. If each person requires ten knives, that amounts to six hundred knives. At a rate of one knife every two hours, he would need a total of one thousand two hundred hours, which translates to one hundred days, or over three months, even if he did not rest at all. Naturally, he feels this is slow. At a rate of one knife every two hours, he would need a total of one thousand two hundred hours, which translates to one hundred days, or over three months, even if he did not rest at all. Naturally, he feels this is slow.

Chen Zhi'an's expression also changed: "Impudent!"

Chen Zhi'an shrank his neck in fear; this child was incredibly bold, not realizing that this was the infamous Fu Kantou. Grabbing his little braid would result in a gash as large as a sea bowl.

Master Xiu, however, is confident and composed: "Come again!"

A half of a gleaming blade flew out. Xu Shou was taken aback, tossed the half blade in his hand, and exclaimed excitedly: "A precious sword, it is indeed a precious sword! Lord Chen, we have produced a precious sword in Changhai County!"

However, Scholar Zhang still tightly clutched the sleeve of Shi Hong's father like a woman, saying: "In-law, in-law, Ah Hong is indeed a remarkable person"

The bailiffs rummaged through the boxes and cabinets, retrieving all the ceremonial swords from the county office, gathering a total of seventy-five blades. By the time Shi Hong's sword severed the twentieth blade, everyone had already begun to count together.

That person cast a cold glance at Zhou the blacksmith, causing Zhou to shiver as if he had fallen into an ice pit. He timidly took a step back, lowered his head, and no longer dared to look at that person.

Seventy-five ... ... '' The crowd then realized that there was no longer a dagger, yet Shi Hong's dull gray ring-handled knife remained intact and undamaged

Hahaha

He tapped the back of the knife with his hand, and after a moment of appraisal, reported to Chen Zhi'an: "My lord, the quality is superior to that of the standard military knives of our Great Xia."

Although Xiu Yunzong protected Fu Bohu along the way, he had always held a disdain for scholars and often made things difficult for Fu Bohu. However, Fu Bohu was a renowned figure of his time, and on several occasions, he left Xiu Yunzong speechless without leaving a trace, which made Xiu Yunzong realize the prowess of this scholar. Therefore, upon arriving in Changhai County, he behaved more obediently and did not frequently clash with Fu Bohu. In Chen Zhi'an's view, Xiu Yunzong was merely Fu Bohu's attendant, but in reality, Xiu Yunzong did not acknowledge Fu Bohu's authority. Otherwise, he would not have ignored Fu Bohu entirely upon seeing Shi Hong's ring-headed saber and taken the initiative to walk out from behind the screen.

Shi Hong smiled generously: "I always thought the sword I forged was subpar, and I was quite disheartened for a long time. I didn't expect you to like it so much. It's alright, you can keep it. I'll go back and forge a few more."

A regular military sword that is broken ten times is considered a good sword. Donating one good sword can offset the value of ten regular military swords. A regular military sword that is broken one hundred times is considered a precious sword. Donating one precious sword can offset the value of one hundred regular military swords

Lord Xiu was extremely agitated, shouting: "Quick, bring a knife, quick, bring a knife!" Xu Shou helplessly replied: "Lord Xiu, there are none left; you have cut them all off."

Ever since Zhou Tiejian's knife was bitten, leaving a row of teeth marks, he has remained in a state of shock. When he saw Shi Hong's knife sever a military saber, his jaw dropped to his chest, and this state has persisted until now, leaving him utterly dazed

What a fine knife, indeed a fine knife

Although the Xiuyun Sect accompanied him, in reality, it is a fifth-rank imperial guard, which is not at all inferior in rank to Fu Bohu.

Xu Shou was also stirred by the intense emotions provoked by Master Xiu. He shouted loudly, "I am coming!" and leaped into the air, seizing the blade. Like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, he lunged towards Master Xiu with arms wide open, exclaiming, "Behold the blade!"

In fact, whether secular forging methods can meet the standards of the Great Dao Divine Monarch remains an unknown.

Lord Xiu eagerly looked at Chen Zhi'an. The county magistrate was also somewhat entranced, wanting to know the limits of this unremarkable knife. He waved his hand and said, "Bring all the knives nearby."

Amidst a burst of laughter from the crowd, Shi Hong's father quickly stepped forward to help Zhang Xiucai up, while Shi Hong hurried to assist as well

Lord Xiu exhaled deeply, gently caressing the blade with both hands, as if he were stroking the skin of his most beloved girl

Zhou the blacksmith immediately felt indignant: "A good knife? Can such a dull and lifeless item be called a good knife? Do you even know how to assess a knife?"

Zhou Tiejian's face was ashen, while Shi Hong's knife was promoted to a treasured blade, yet it was still stepping on the corpse of the ring-headed knife he had forged. He no longer had any face to stay here, and without saying a word, he left in a dejected manner

Lord Xiu raised the dull, gray ring-handled knife high with both hands

Ping! Second handle

Shi Hong's expression remained unchanged, but a voice came from behind the screen: "Oh—"

He suddenly saw the knife of Zhou the blacksmith. After he bit the knife, leaving a row of teeth marks on it, Xu Shou returned it to Zhou the blacksmith, but he kept holding it in his hand

Moreover, the Xiu Yun Sect originates from the General's Mansion of the Shockwave, which is associated with the Great Xia military. It was a close aide of the old General Shockwave, Wen Jizheng, during his years of campaigning in the south and north.

Ping! The third handle...

Fu Bohu laughed heartily, feeling a great sense of joy in his heart

Scholar Zhang, filled with excitement, contemplated doing three somersaults on the spot. However, considering his identity as a scholar and the atmosphere of the occasion, he wisely restrained his impulse. Thus, the question of whether his frail physique could indeed perform three somersaults—an act that would both embarrass and undermine his dignity—was naturally sidestepped.

The last minor official on Chen Zhi'an's right side stood up. This time, the military service was personally recruited by each battalion, but the county also sent someone to assist, and this Xu Shou was the minor official in charge of recruitment for the county.

Xiu Yunzong gazed at Shi Hong amidst a sea of small asteroids, but suddenly, with a thud, he knelt before Fu Bo Hu, bowing his head with a resounding thump: "Thank you, my lord, for bestowing the sword! However, I have three brothers with whom I share my life. If my lord could grant each of them a treasured sword, the four of us would follow your lead, pledging our lives and loyalty to serve you until death!"

However, Fu Bohu, who has been navigating the officialdom, immediately clasped his hands and laughed, saying: "Ah, it is Brother Zhang, long time no see, long time no see..." His eyes darted around like a *picture* book, clearly having no recollection of who this "Brother Zhang" was.

Shi Hongyi cupped his hands in salute, just about to respond, when a hearty and unrestrained laugh echoed from behind the screen

A single strike was aimed at Master Xiu.

Hahaha! Amidst the laughter, a person strides forward: "Young friend, do you still remember the old friend who danced drunkenly in the grass back in the day?"

Chen Zhi'an's expression was somewhat unpleasant. These useless subordinates, what day is it today? The person behind is watching; can it be compared to usual? Drawing a knife so easily has completely ruined the impression.

The soap makers rushed out in a flurry, and soon, kitchen knives, hatchets, paper cutters, and so on were all brought over. Even the knives from the homes of wealthy families living near the county office were gathered.

Lord Xiu, standing nearby, noticed Scholar Zhang's furtive glances and displayed considerable impatience. With a glare, he suddenly shook the dark, ring-handled knife in his hand, producing a resonant hum. Scholar Zhang felt a chill rush past the back of his neck, startling him so much that he fell to the ground with a thud.

Xiu was so excited that his eyes sparkled, his face glistening with sweat. It is estimated that even if he were to unexpectedly encounter the Emperor's consort bathing in his lifetime, he would not display such an expression.

Zhang Xiucai was startled and quickly grabbed him: "Ah Hong, stop messing around. The adults have all said that this knife is fine. I know you feel wronged, but rest assured, everyone remembers your good deeds..."

Thirty-seven

Xu Shou gazed at the dull, grayish knife in Lord Xiu's hand, and it certainly did not appear to be a good knife. However, since Lord Xiu claimed it was a good knife, it must be correct. He mustered his courage and said: "A fine knife must indeed be a fine knife." A treasured blade? That was impossible; the entire Great Xia produced only a few treasured blades each year.

Shi Hong was taken aback: "Is it really that simple..."

Chen Zhi'an laughed and said: "Good, you are willing to donate knives to assist our Great Xia in resisting the barbarians, which is commendable! Xu Shou, show them what you have."

Ah—" Chen Zhi'an exclaimed in surprise, but Lord Xiu had already taken out the knife and casually tossed it back to Xu Shou, on which a neat row of bite marks had been left!

Chen Zhi'an felt a surge of anger within, yet he could not express it openly. As a result, Shi Hong, who had rashly rushed out, also felt resentment: originally, it was a splendid matter. The people under my governance are all concerned about the state and have fought valiantly for our Great Xia. I could have rewarded them, given them some money and goods, sent them away happily, and left a good impression in front of the officials. Yet this young man has ruined everything!

Shi Hong's father did not expect that his son actually knew a high-ranking official. After a moment of astonishment, he recalled a series of recent events involving his son, shrugged his shoulders, and accepted it with composure, having grown accustomed to it.

Ping

Two hours! Fu Bohu and the others from Xiuyun Sect were left dumbfounded, while Shi Hong, feeling helpless, spread his hands and said: "If I go any faster, I won't be able to ensure the quality."

Shi Hong's father chuckled warmly, recalling the words he had said when they went hunting up the mountain: "I told you, nothing will go wrong."

Lord Xiu picked up the knife, gave it a gentle shake in his hand, and with a humming sound, the blade trembled like silk. "A fine knife, indeed a fine knife! I never expected that such a small place as Changhai County could harbor talents capable of forging such an excellent blade"

Zhou the blacksmith laughed heartily beside him: "Kid, no wonder you all had to pay me, is this the sword you forged? Hahaha..."

When Fu Bohu saw Shi Hong, he felt quite emotional and stepped forward to pat his shoulders with both hands, saying, "I never expected that after three years of not seeing you, you have truly put your theory into practice." Shi Hong was taken aback for a moment, realizing that Fu Bohu was referring to the discussion about "Qi" and "Dao." He chose not to point it out, but instead looked at the official robes worn by Fu Bohu and joked, "You said we would meet again in no time, but after three years, it turns out you went off to become an official."

Lord Xiu, however, completely disregarded Xu Shou's astonishment, merely caressing the dull gray hilt of the stone-hued saber in his hand, his expression one of rapture

Lord Xiu held a knife in one hand and smiled at Lord Xu Shou, saying, "Lord Xu, would you mind helping me with a favor?" Lord Xu reacted for a moment before understanding, quickly nodding his head and drawing out a knife. Lord Xiu gave a reminder, and as the two knives crossed, with a "ping" sound, the military knife in Lord Xu's hand was cleanly severed.

Ping!

Scholar Zhang looked at Fu Bohu helplessly, raising his eyebrows and clasping his hands as he said: "Brother Fu, do you not remember me, Zhang? When you came to Changhai to give a lecture, we had a delightful conversation and addressed each other as brothers. Could it be that you truly do not remember?"

Xu Shou stepped forward and extended his hand: "Where is the knife? Bring it here for me to take a look."

A total of thirty-four pieces were gathered

Good! Chen Zhi'an clapped his hands and said: "Zhang Quanan, when you return, make sure to prepare well. If all the people of our Great Xia were as concerned for the nation as you are, the defeat of the barbarian invaders would be just around the corner, hahahaha"

Lord Xiu let out a cold laugh: "Do you think this knife is good?" Xu Shou nodded slightly: "Naturally"

Ping!

Zhou the blacksmith quickly took off the ring-headed knife from his back, tore away the cloth strip on the outside, and the gleaming blade shone brightly. The people present could not help but nod in admiration: "What a fine knife!"

This action, however, violated a major taboo. The guards on both sides swiftly drew their knives: "Impudent!" With a clang, several gleaming waist knives were pressed against Shi Hong's neck

Chen Zhi'an looked at Xu Shou, who replied, "Of course there is."

Everyone was left speechless. Although Lord Xiu had repeatedly stated that Shi Hong's sword was an excellent weapon, seeing it in action—truly severing a military sword—made everyone genuinely believe that Lord Xiu's words were not false.

Upon this lift of the head, a soft exclamation came from behind the screen. Shi Hong could not help but take another glance, only to vaguely see that there seemed to be a few people behind, yet he could not discern who they were. When Zhang Xiucai was studying at the private school in the county, the teacher had once boasted about these taboos in officialdom. He too did not dare to look more closely and respectfully conveyed the matter.

Just a moment ago, he resented Shi Hong, but now Shi Hong has become his lifeline, prompting Chen Zhi'an to immediately become attentive and courteous

The gentleman Xiu beside them was instead making faces at Fu Bohu. Fu Bohu chuckled and asked Shi Hong, "Young brother Shi, could you part with this treasured sword? My brother from the Xiu Yun Sect is quite enamored with it, haha. Rest assured, I will take care of the military service matters in the village."

Xu Shou took the letter with a mix of belief and skepticism: "You can wield a knife too?" As the cloth was lifted, the dull gray blade was revealed, and Xu Shou's expression changed: "Ignorant child, how dare you mock this official!"

However, even if the Great Dao Deity considers it to be a standard that cannot be lowered any further, in the secular world, it remains a standard that commands deep respect and admiration.

Ah!

Zhou the blacksmith snorted coldly beside him: "Hmph, I never expected that this flashy item of mine could actually pass the inspection. Little Stone, I really have to thank you for sending me so many hides for free, haha!"

Everyone held their breath and stared: Ping!

Xu Shou was astonished; he had always considered himself brave and strong, yet he never expected that such divine skills existed in the world. Holding the knife in both hands, he was dumbfounded, glancing at Lord Xiu and then at the knife in his hands, unsure of what to say.

Immediately, someone strode out from behind the screen, not even glancing at the crowd, but fixated solely on the knife on the ground

Scholar Zhang was pacing back and forth nearby, occasionally making a deliberate appearance in front of Fu Bohu, hoping that Fu Bohu would remember him as an old acquaintance. Unfortunately, Fu Bohu had long since forgotten him.

"Master Xiu..." Chen Zhi'an finally could not help but ask, "Where is this knife from?"

Ping!

"Good!" Chen Zhi'an praised, "What is your name? You have forged a precious sword for the court, and I will certainly reward you handsomely!" Chen Zhi'an felt a surge of joy in his heart: this could be considered an achievement in governance.

Shi Hong stood aside, unable to comprehend why the jade tablet clearly stated that one must be able to split an anvil in half with a single strike to meet the most basic standard, yet the standards of the Great Xia seemed so weak

Thirty-eight

Shi Hong found it amusing but chose not to expose it

Scholar Zhang trembled and knelt down: "Your Excellency, please show mercy. He is young and does not understand. Your Excellency, please show mercy..."

After the sound faded for quite a while, the scholar finally opened his eyes and said: "Sir Xu, do you think this knife is a good knife or a treasured knife"

Xiu Yunzong quickly waved his hand: "No, no, it is already very fast, astonishingly fast..."

Although Chen Zhi'an was reluctant, since the other party had already spoken, how could he refuse? He waved his hand, and the attendants promptly unsheathed the sabers from their waists and presented them.

Shihong's father was also stunned: How is that possible? Could it be that Ahong was wrong? He suddenly turned his face to look at Shihong. Shihong was also taken aback.

He tapped his finger on the blade, and with a sound like a dragon's roar, it reverberated three times, the sound lingering endlessly. Lord Xiu, with his eyes closed, swayed his head as he listened to the sound of the blade, much like the talented scholars in the capital who, enchanted by the most renowned courtesan's琴声, were captivated by her music.

How could Chen Zhi'an still be out of touch? Hurry up and step forward: "Little brother, rest assured, everything is under my control, Chen Zhi'an. There is no need for Lord Fu to worry."

Even for a family of weapon makers that offers tribute swords every year, the success rate of a top master forging a treasured sword is still alarmingly low, depending on various factors such as materials and heat treatment. It takes at least six months to create a treasured sword, yet Shi Hong only requires two hours, and he still feels that is slow

Lord Xiu nodded slightly: "Very good, very good"

Shi Hongshun smoothly removed the ring-headed knife from his back: "In this case, please examine the knife, my lord"

Chen Zhi'an's lips moved as he was about to call out to him, but the man gently raised a hand to stop him

He watched as Shi Hong and Fu Bo Hu joyfully reunited and engaged in lively conversation, yet thoughts began to stir within him.

Having severed ten military sabers, the official laughed heartily: "Hahaha, indeed, it cuts through iron like mud!" He suddenly turned to Chen Zhi'an, his eyes ablaze with excitement: "Lord Chen, are there any more sabers in the county office?"

Shi Hong sneered: "We really shouldn't have wasted our money hiring you. I never expected, never expected that the standards of the Great Xia's military knives were so low, hahahaha..."

Moreover, the standards of the Great Dao Deity are merely those that the Great Dao Deity has "conjectured". In other words, an ancient monster in the cultivation world has lowered, lowered, and further lowered his own standards for artifact refinement, ultimately arriving at such a standard

Zhang Xiucai was so excited; this is indeed the idol of scholars around the world. Initially, it was just a brief encounter, yet Zhang Xiucai boasted about it in the village for several years.

Lord Xiu handed him two strings of cash, then snatched the knife and threw it towards Xu Shou.

Zhou the Blacksmith was furious: "Simple? Go and inquire, in the entire Changhai County, how many blacksmiths can forge military swords of such quality. I started learning at the age of eight, and after years of accumulated experience, I have only reached this level. Do you dare to say it is that simple? If it were truly that simple, why don't you forge it yourselves? Why spend money to hire me? Hmph!"

Lord Xiu no longer cared about anything else and immediately rushed forward: "How much is your knife? I will buy it."

"Sir," Shi Hongzhao asked Xu Shou, "Does our Great Xia have any standards for military sabers?" Xu Shou replied, "Of course there are; a military saber must be able to sever a finger's worth of iron." Xu Shou's expression darkened: "Do you doubt my judgment?"

How could it be gone, how could it be gone

Xiu Yunzong glared, "You can forge this knife very quickly?" Shi Hong calculated for a moment and replied honestly, "At least two hours are needed."

He suddenly stepped forward: "My lord..."

Chen Zhi'an shuddered inwardly: This Lord Xiu has become addicted to playing. These ceremonial swords did not just fall from the sky; doesn't the county office require money for these items!

Lord Xiu smiled slightly: "Everyone's sabers also meet the military standard, but how about..."

For a warrior, a divine weapon is indeed the most coveted possession

Fu Bohu felt a moment of embarrassment; social engagements like giving lectures in Changhaixian were something he had almost every day back then. Having met so many people, how could he possibly remember someone named Zhang Quanan?

The county magistrate has spoken, and the bailiffs rushed out in a flurry, soon returning with a number of ceremonial swords in their arms. Now everyone is intrigued and eager to see what level of excellence Shi Hong's sword can achieve

"Hehe, of course there is," Chen Zhi'an said helplessly

With a glance at the crowd, Master Xiu suddenly shouted, "Watch closely!" He forcefully shoved the knife belonging to Zhou the Blacksmith into his mouth. The crowd was taken aback, and before they could even let out a gasp, there was a crunching sound as Master Xiu bit down.

Shi Hong saw the person and was unexpectedly delighted: "Fu Bo Hu!"

The knife wielded by Shi Hong is nothing short of a machine of destruction, slicing through various blades with a crisp "crack" sound, as everyone counts together: "Ninety-five, ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine"

Exactly ten handles

As Lord Xiu casually reached out, Xu Shou felt a blur before his eyes and could not clearly see what action the other person had taken. The knife of Zhou the blacksmith, which had been held in his hand for appreciation, was now in Lord Xiu's possession.

Thirty-six

Xu Shouchi brandished the knife in his hand a couple of times, and it seems he indeed possesses some skill

As Xu Shou's voice fell, a look of delight immediately spread across Zhou Tiejian's face. While he bent down to express his gratitude to Chen Zhi'an, his eyes slyly glanced at Shi Hong, a hint of a smug smile playing at the corners of his mouth

Lord Xiu, remember to scratch your ears and scratch your cheeks; this feeling is akin to a very, very captivating story. Just when the mystery is about to be unveiled, it suddenly disappears

Xu Shou, draw your sword

This person, Chen Zhi'an, is certainly known; he is an important attendant beside that official, exuding an extraordinary presence, clearly a master in his own right. It is likely that the Emperor has dispatched him for the close protection of that official

Zhou the blacksmith could not help but understand what the other party intended to do. A wave of bitterness surged in his heart, yet he dared not refuse: "This, my lord..."

With a wave of his hand, a servant brought over an iron rod the thickness of a finger. The servant held the iron rod while Xu Shou raised Zhou the blacksmith's ring-headed knife, and with a fierce strike, the iron rod broke with a resounding crack