Chapter 008: Five Steps and Ten Slices, Transforming Treasures into Dragons

However, with an extra measure of confidence and several times more time, the quality of this ring-headed knife surpasses that of the one Shi Hong took to the county by half.

However, upon recalling that Fu Bohu had killed seven people and that Fu Kantou's reputation was formidable, Chen Zhi'an shuddered, and without further thought, he clasped his hands in salute and said: "I hope that Brother Shi will speak highly of me in front of Lord Fu..."

When ... ... '' Xiu Yunzong pressed his finger against the blade, a distant golden ringing sound echoed, and he nodded in approval: `` A good blade! '' After saying this, he set the knife aside. Shi Hong found it somewhat strange; it was not an exaggeration to say that Xiu Yunzong was obsessed with knives. Every time Shi Hong forged a new blade, he would hold it in his hands and examine it endlessly, wishing he could even sleep while holding it and playing with it.

He quietly entered the valley and saw Xiu Yun Zong standing on a massive rock, holding the gray-black ring-headed knife, focused and calm. Shi Hong felt a strange sensation; looking at Xiu Yun Zong standing on the stone, it seemed as if he was no longer Xiu Yun Zong, but rather an eagle standing on a cliff, proudly surveying its own territory.

Scholar Zhang hurried to see off County Magistrate Chen, while Shi Hong's father did not inquire about Shi Hong's matters, merely greeting him before returning.

Chen Zhi'an was drenched in cold sweat, yet he felt grateful to Shi Hong. Before leaving, he insisted on leaving behind some silver, which was all he had prepared for this trip, as he had brought very little money with him.

Call

... ...

Fu Bohu laughed heartily and waved his hand gracefully as he departed: "Ah Hong, this is goodbye for now, but I hope we can see each other again soon"

Today's reaction was unexpected for Shi Hong

Fu Bohu was taken aback for a moment, pointing at the two men: "Which one is the father of Shi Xiaodi?" Shi Hong's face flushed: "Both are." Fu Bohu was momentarily confused before realizing: "Oh, I didn't expect that after three years, Shi Xiaodi has already gotten married." He sighed, filled with regret: "I do have a daughter, clever and intelligent, and she is quite pleasant in appearance. I had intended to arrange a marriage with Shi Xiaodi, but unexpectedly..."

Due to the sword forging, Shi Hong had not absorbed the moonlight for several nights. With the military service coming to a temporary conclusion, he finally had time to ascend to the heights in the evening, where he could inhale and exhale the moonlight atop that mountain peak

Upon entering the room, the person turned around to close the door, removed his hat, and smiled at Shi Hong, saying, "Do you still remember Chen?"

After a full two hours, his soul finally returned from the mountain peak. Before he even entered the valley, Shi Hong sensed that there were people moving within the valley, and from their aura, they appeared to be from the Xiu Yun Sect

After Shi Hong clarified the situation, he would not be so rushed to forge the ring-headed knife. The saying "slow work yields fine products" still holds true, so Shi Hong only forged one on the first day

Shi Hong smiled and agreed to help him forge another one, and the Xiu Yun Sect naturally expressed their gratitude once again

Being spied upon while practicing swordsmanship is typically a grave taboo for martial artists, yet the Xu Yun Sect responded to Shi Hong with a hearty laugh: "What do my skills amount to?" He sat back down, took his horn-shaped wine flask from his waist, and took a swig of strong liquor, his gaze becoming somewhat hazy as if lost in thought: "Hmm, that was during my fourth campaign with General Wen to the Western Frontier. What was the name of that valley? Ah, yes, the Misty Cloud Valley. General Wen's strategies were unparalleled, trapping the fiercest general of the Ghost Rong, He Hanjie, along with his most prized eight thousand Iron Pagodas."

In the eyes of ordinary people, good officials and bad officials are often judged by their integrity; once they reach out for money, they are undoubtedly considered bad officials. However, Shi Hong does not share this view, believing that the saying "to be an official for the sake of sustenance" holds some truth. Being an official is also a profession, and one must support their family. The standard for good and bad officials should be based on whether they serve the people.

Amidst the festive atmosphere, only Scholar Zhang wore a sorrowful expression as he helplessly walked back home. Everyone else was in high spirits, and no one paid him any attention.

Fu Bohu did not expect that a few treasured swords would compel the Xiu Yun Sect to willingly pledge their loyalty, which turned out to be yet another unexpected delight

Shi Hong was taken aback and quickly helped Xiu Yun up: "Brother Xiu, why must you say such things? Since I am a citizen of the Great Xia, it is only natural for me to share in its concerns. You need not mention these matters; I, Shi Hong, will certainly do my utmost."

Shi Hong felt a bit dejected: "Brother Fu is leaving already?"

Twenty taels of silver, which County Magistrate Chen had just left behind, was said to be a small token of gratitude, not meant to be taken as a formal gift. He also assured Ah Hong that from now on, matters concerning Yuexia Village would be his responsibility, that is, Chen Zhi'an's responsibility

Shi Hong was taken aback, not expecting that County Magistrate Chen would lower himself to such a degree, coming to seek help from a mere adolescent like him. He quickly nodded and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I will do my utmost. However, whether Lord Gu is willing to show some consideration..."

Swish swish swish ... ...

Fu Bohu found it difficult to understand how the Xiuyun Sect would ally with him for the sake of a few treasured swords. In fact, it was akin to the fervent obsession that scholars have for the authentic works of their predecessors; for a martial artist, a treasured sword is undoubtedly the most coveted possession.

Xiu Yunzong immediately put on a smiling face, nodding and bowing: "Please, esteemed elder!"

He was unaware that the daily and nightly forging of the sword over these days was also a form of tempering for his soul. Previously, Shi Hong had absorbed too much moonlight within his soul; however, that simultaneous absorption and tempering could not compare to the refinement of the soul during the sword-forging process. Thus, unbeknownst to him, Shi Hong's soul had experienced a slight enhancement. Yet, all of this was something Shi Hong was completely oblivious to.

Shi Hong was filled with excitement; the person mentioned by the Xiu Yun Sect bore a striking resemblance to the methods of the Great Dao Divine Monarch. Could it be that there truly exists a group of individuals in this world who transcend the entire realm?

Chen Zhi'an then said: "Brother Shi, you should know something about the county's affairs, right? The year before last, when the Shuangyue River breached its dam, I, Chen, prevented the gentry from contributing money and effort to rebuild the levee. The year before last, I also donated one hundred taels of silver for the renovation of the county school. Last year, when the bridge in Xianghe Village was damaged, I single-handedly donated fifty taels to repair the stone bridge. During my tenure over these years, I have made some contributions to the people of Changhai, haven't I?"

He paused for a moment; after all, as the official in charge of a county, it was somewhat embarrassing to ask a child who was several decades younger than himself.

Under the mercury-like moonlight, the Xiu Yun Sect moved with the agility of a cat, the swiftness of a leopard, and the might of a tiger. A set of sword techniques unfolded like a surging river, a long rainbow rushing towards the moon, with strands of silver light entwining around the gray-black long knife, soaring up and down. On the ground, only a flowing mass of silver light could be seen.

Fu Bohu felt a slight disappointment: "Ah Hong, you are the only person I value after the younger generation. If you could come to the capital, the two of us could fight side by side, and we would surely be able to govern the realm of Great Xia, ensuring that the people live in peace and happiness, and that the world enjoys an unprecedented era of prosperity and tranquility." Shi Hong smiled without speaking, and Fu Bohu shook his head: "You stubborn boy. Well, I shall take my leave. If you change your mind, go find Chen Zhi An; he knows how to reach me."

Fu Bohu smiled mysteriously: "Master Chen, please do not be anxious. The banquet can be discussed later..."

... ...

County magistrate Chen's minor corruption involved taking money from the gentry, and did not result in the exploitation of the common people. For Shi Hong, this was acceptable. It is far better than those upright officials who, despite their integrity, impose harsh laws that leave the populace in distress.

Early the next morning, Fu Bohu was shouting outside the door: "Ah Hong, are you up yet?"

Fu Bohu was in high spirits and waved his hand, saying, "Let’s go to your next month village." He jokingly remarked to Xiu Yunzong, "I see that Brother Xiu is so anxious about the forging of the treasured sword that he must be losing sleep and appetite, hahaha"

Chen Zhi'an naturally did not understand Fu Bohu's intentions: through this tour of the world, Fu Bohu laid the foundation for his future. The current county magistrates and governors will, in several years, become the backbone of the Daxia officialdom, and Fu Bohu is seizing this opportunity to network across the realm. Meanwhile, officials like Chen Zhi'an, who have minor flaws yet possess some abilities, are firmly bound to Fu Bohu's chariot.

Indeed, the Sect of Cloud Repair sighed and said: "Brother Shi, you have already forged the four treasured swords, and I must take my leave. It is rather shameless of me to have asked for these four swords, and I should not impose any further requests. However, as an old brother, there are still a few words I cannot help but say"

Chen Zhi'an, with a bashful expression, chuckled twice and said: "Hehe, young friend, I have come this time with a request. I hope, considering our shared hometown, you can lend a hand to me, Chen."

Scholar Zhang perked up his ears, and his gaze towards Fu Bohu was already laced with a hint of murderous intent. Clearly, the identity of a scholar could not conceal Zhang's hostility: daring to compete with me for a son-in-law

Shi Hong's father asked, "In-law, what has happened?" Zhang the scholar remained silent, pulling out two shiny silver ingots from his sleeve and placing them on the table with a thud

If the last words of the Xiuyun Sect were to be realized, Shi Hong would likely become an outstanding master of swords and blades, leading his fellow villagers to transform Yuexia Village into the most renowned weapons capital of the Great Xia, providing countless fine swords to the Great Xia army each year

Xiu Yunzong fell silent for a moment and said: "Brother Shi has exhausted himself for the sake of the villagers' escape from military service, which is truly admirable. But has Brother Shi ever been to the battlefield in the Western Frontier?"

... ...

Xiu Yunzong did not understand, and Shi Hong, with a flushed face, said: "The day before yesterday, I inadvertently saw my elder brother practicing with the sword, and it was truly beyond the capability of ordinary people to contend with"

As Shi Hong was tidying up and preparing to sleep, his father's voice suddenly rang out from outside: "Ah Hong." Shi Hong was puzzled; he lived alone in this valley, and his parents were quite at ease, rarely coming over at night.

Shi Hong opened the door, and Fu Bo Hu stood outside with his hands clasped behind his back. Behind him, the attendants had already shouldered their burdens. The disciples of Xiu Yun Sect carried four ring-handled sabers on their backs, resembling a peacock spreading its tail, and were also smiling at him.

Xiu Yunzong raised his head to gaze towards the west, a hint of pain evident in his eyes: "The Ghost Rong have grown powerful; for the past two hundred years, they have been a grave threat to our Great Xia. I have followed General Wen on five western campaigns, and countless good brothers have been buried in the western frontier. One moment we were toasting together, and the next, they were spilling blood on the battlefield amidst the enemy's assault. Brother Shi, no one wishes to go to war, but the Ghost Rong are ferocious, and Great Xia has no choice but to fight to the death. I do not mean to say that you are wrong for desperately protecting your neighbors, but for those of us who have been on the battlefield, we understand all too well how much a good weapon can aid a soldier. I have never asked anyone for anything in my life, but today I kneel and implore you, Brother Shi, to forge more fine blades. If every man of Great Xia possesses a brother's treasured sword, what fear do we have of the Ghost Rong's million ghost soldiers! Let us rid ourselves of the Ghost Rong as soon as possible, so that countless villages in Great Xia will no longer suffer like Yuexia Village does under the burden of military service!"

Xiu Yunzong spoke, then with a thud, knelt down and bowed three times with great reverence

Upon seeing the Xiu Yun Sect, I immediately became enamored and could not let go, contemplating giving the sword I had previously to my brother while keeping this one for myself

Shi Hong felt a sense of exhilaration as he looked into the sky, never imagining that such divine skills existed in the mortal realm. If he were not currently in a soul state, he would have likely been unable to resist approaching the Xiu Yun Sect for a good conversation.

Fu Bohu is a rising star in the political arena of the Great Xia, surrounded by knowledgeable and insightful individuals, as he had already gained fame before entering politics. What he lacks are formidable warriors like those from the Xiuyun Sect. Currently, he is at the forefront of the political scene in Great Xia, and what he needs is precisely such skilled individuals for protection

He waved his hand, leaving Chen Zhi'an in a state of confusion, and took Shi Hong's hand to go out together. Shi Hong's father and Scholar Zhang followed closely behind. Xiu Yunzong immediately glared fiercely, exuding a chilling killing intent, clearly not allowing anyone to approach Shi Hong and Fu Bohu, as these two were closely related to his brother's treasured sword, which must be protected with utmost priority

This is natural; as long as the younger brother does his best, Chen will be immensely grateful. Chen Zhi'an let out a long sigh of relief. In his view, Fu Bohu owed Shi Hong a tremendous favor, and as long as Shi Hong spoke up, this matter would be settled.

Shi Hong shook his head in confusion

Shi Hong smiled gently and remarked, "Is this the difference between the fifth and seventh ranks?"

Xiu Yunzong was indeed open and forthright, and with a cupped fist he said, "What you say is true, my lord. If I were to wait in the county, it would surely drive me, Xiu, to despair."

Xiu Yunzong and the others quickly caught up, and Xiu Yunzong cupped his fists in salute to Shi Hong, saying: "Brother Shi, we will be waiting for you in the capital"

"Hehe, I have delayed here for six days. The emperor's command is upon my shoulders, and I cannot afford to be negligent any longer." He stepped forward, patted Shi Hong on the shoulder, and the two walked together to the mouth of the valley, where the view suddenly opened up, revealing majestic peaks and lush greenery stretching endlessly.

Xiu Yunzong patted Shi Hong on the shoulder, shook his head, and could no longer say anything, before turning and leaving

Xiu Yun Sect executed a finishing move, five steps and ten strikes, completing a set of knife techniques.

It is actually County Magistrate Chen Zhi'an

Victory is within our grasp, yet unexpectedly, someone descended from the heavens, stepping through the clouds. This person, clad in a leather cloak, carried a long knife sheathed in fur, appearing rather unremarkable.

Shi Hong was taken aback, while Fu Bohu laughed heartily: "What’s so strange about it? That day at the county office, when Chen Zhi'an's eyes moved, I knew he would definitely come to seek you out. I never intended to do anything to him. Killing seven people was merely to shake the mountain and scare the tiger, to give a warning to all corrupt officials. If we really killed all the corrupt officials, there would hardly be any officials left in this world"

He could even feel the vital energy and blood of the Xiuyun Sect surging continuously. When this surge reached a certain point, Xiuyun Sect suddenly let out a deep roar, and a circular wave of energy burst out five meters from his body. With an action that was as simple as it could be, he swiftly drew the ring-headed knife from behind him at an astonishing speed. He leaped down from the giant rock and, facing the moonlight, struck with the knife. He used an action that was as simple as it could be, swiftly drawing the ring-headed knife from behind him at an astonishing speed. He leaped down from the giant rock and, facing the moonlight, struck with the knife.

To speak candidly, Brother Shi, the matter concerning Lord Fu's visit this time is related to my life and livelihood. Although I, Chen, have engaged in some minor corruption in Changhai, I have certainly not committed any acts of oppressing the common people or causing harm to the local community. The silver I have received is merely a token of respect from the gentry. In terms of governance, I dare to boast that I have been diligent and conscientious, never neglecting my duties

Fu Bohu did not expect that Shi Hong was his deputy. The moment they met, it alleviated a concern he had. He patted Shi Hong's shoulder firmly and said, "Shi, my young brother, is everything alright? Does my old face still hold some weight?"

Upon opening the door, several people stood outside. In addition to his father, there was also his prospective father-in-law, Scholar Zhang. The person at the back was dressed in a coarse short garment and wore a bamboo hat.

As for how many factors of political speculation are involved, it is indeed chaotic and complex, making it difficult to articulate clearly. However, at the very least, these four treasured swords are undoubtedly an opportunity; without these four treasured swords, everything would be mere talk.

... ...

Shi Hong was taken aback: When did my soul become so sensitive? I can sense who it is even from across a valley.

Shi Hong was taken aback and quickly clasped his hands together, saying, "Lord Chen, what brings you here?"

The man drew a long black knife and tossed it into the air. With a dragon's roar, the black knife transformed into a magnificent dragon soaring in the sky. Following the direction of the man's finger, the black dragon charged down, shattering our shield formation made of giant shields, each as tall as a person, a formation that even the eight thousand iron pagodas of He Hanjie could not break through, instantly reducing it to fragments.

He repeatedly cupped his hands in salute, expressing his gratitude with every word, and departed while donning his bamboo hat

Divine blades and divine skills, who among the youth does not harbor such dreams of roaming the world? Until the figure of the Xiu Yun Sect disappeared, Shi Hong remained dazedly standing in place

After seeing off Fu Bohu and the others, Shi Hong decided to return home for a visit. Just as he stepped through the door, Zhang Xiucai followed him in, wearing a worried expression.

Fu Bohu seems to rise with great ambition: "Ah Hong, I do not oppose your theory. However, if you were to spend your entire life merely as a blacksmith, it would truly be a disservice to your talents. Governing a nation and ensuring its stability involves much more than just military affairs. With your exceptional abilities, why do you only focus on this narrow path?"

Xiu Yunzong nodded with a smile and clasped his fist, saying, "In that case, I thank you, Xiu."

Scholar Zhang felt anxious and apprehensive along the way, plagued by the fear of gain and loss: the other party was a renowned talent in the world, while his own family background was incomparable. If Fu Bohu truly intended to marry off his daughter, even if it were a secondary marriage, she would undoubtedly be the primary wife. There was even a possibility that he would directly have Ahong divorce his daughter Ying'er. What should he do about this situation

Shi Hong did not understand why this county magistrate suddenly came before him to flaunt his achievements, so he could only nod and reply: "Indeed, indeed"

If it had been before yesterday when Xiu Yunzong told Shi Hong the story of transforming the knife into a dragon, Shi Hong might have been filled with passion and perhaps would have abandoned everything in Yuexia Village to follow Fu Bohu. However, now, Shi Hong smiled faintly and said, "I appreciate Brother Fu's good intentions, but let me think it over a bit more."

The wonder of life lies in the fact that a seemingly insignificant detail, which you may overlook, can lead to a significant change in the trajectory of your life

Before leaving, Fu Bohu went to Scholar Zhang's house and called out County Magistrate Chen, who had stayed there last night. He admonished him with both kindness and severity, giving him a thorough warning. Moreover, he subtly hinted that this was done out of consideration for Shi Hong; otherwise, Chen would certainly face dire consequences.

The Xiu Yun Sect openly took the lead in making several brothers its masters, which indeed demonstrates the deep bond of life and death he shares with these brothers. He did not hesitate to ally himself with Fu Bo Hu, solely to seek a weapon for his brothers, but he could also become the master of his brothers, collectively seeking refuge with Fu Bo Hu.

Shi Honglian said with hesitation: "Please feel free to command me with any matters, my lord."

Chen Zhi'an glanced at Scholar Zhang and Shi Hong's father, who stood silently without moving. It was Scholar Zhang who reacted first, quickly pulling Shi Hong's father out.

With Fu Bohu watching over him, and possessing a unique skill, Shi Hong has lived a carefree life.

... ...

With each step he took, he unleashed two strikes, and the angles became increasingly bizarre, reaching a level that was simply unfathomable. By the fifth step, his momentum was unstoppable and surged forward. As he stepped down, the ground suddenly trembled, and two dark blades of light, entwined with silver threads, were swung out from the most inconceivable angles. With two hissing sounds, the silver threads coalesced into two beams of blade light, extending a full meter beyond the blade itself

Suddenly, with a loud shout from the Xiuyun Sect, the long ribbon binding his hair snapped with a crack, and his aura surged once more. His disheveled hair flew wildly as the form of his blade shifted abruptly, unleashing a fierce killing intent from the sword. He stepped forward forcefully, wielding two blades from different angles with a reverse grip. With his second step, a deep footprint was left on the ground, followed immediately by two more strikes.

Chen Zhi'an was anxious: "Lord Fu, our banquet has not yet concluded..." The key point is that Fu Bohu's evaluation of him has not yet been voiced. Xiu Yun Sect is restless, so is Chen Zhi'an not restless as well

Shi Hongyi smiled and said, "What is this about? No problem."

Shi Hong was deeply moved; he still did not know what power could bring him. However, that night, the Great Divine Monarch set up the Ten Guardians of the Azure Dragon Formation, and the elegant techniques of the celestial beings left an indelible impression on him, firmly etched in his mind. Such childhood aspirations often accompany a person throughout their life. Shi Hong is experiencing this now.

Scholar Zhang contemplated countless methods along the way, even entertaining the thought of forcing his daughter to consummate her relationship with Shi Hong. However, after considering that his daughter was only eight years old, he ultimately dismissed this beastly notion.

Shi Hong nodded slightly and said, "Brother Xiu, there is no need to be polite; feel free to speak your mind."

The warrior felt exhilarated and was about to leave. However, Shi Hong could not help but voice his thoughts about the swordsmanship he had witnessed that day, asking, "Brother Xiu, in your opinion, what kind of sword can be considered a divine sword? What kind of swordsmanship can be deemed invincible in the world?"

Xiu Yunzong reflected: "Since then, I have come to understand what a true divine blade is and what true divine skills are. My fervent ambitions have since waned. After the fifth Western Expedition, General Wen retired, and I accepted his arrangement, entering the imperial city and honestly serving as a palace guard."

Until a thunderous cheer erupted, the sorrowful scholar Zhang finally came to his senses. Upon looking around, he realized they had already arrived at the village. The villagers, who had long endured the troubles caused by the blacksmith Zhou, could hardly contain their joy upon hearing the news of the events that had transpired.

Our troops were thrown into disarray, while that person in the sky wielded the Black Dragon, effortlessly breaking through our formations and leading He Hanjie’s forces away with ease

Shi Hong quickly said, "That is my father"