Translator: AnubisTL
The surroundings of the martial arts platform were eerily silent, with only the sound of raindrops pattering down.
With a single slash, even the opponent's weapon was severed. Such power was truly awe-inspiring.
After a long while, someone in the crowd finally reacted and shouted, "Quick, carry him down and get him medical attention!"
On the martial arts platform, the crimson bloodstains were quickly washed away by the heavy rain, as if nothing had just happened.
Yet, the image of that blade light piercing through the rain remained vividly etched in everyone's minds, a blade light that sent shivers down their spines.
Inside the rain pavilion, Qian Hong remained standing, her eyes narrowed as she intently watched Zhao Yuan, who had just sheathed the Silent Blade once more.
"That blade is extraordinary."
As a master of Inner Strength and a veteran of the Wu Li Army, her experience was vast, and she immediately recognized the unusual nature of the blade in Zhao Yuan's hand.
Guo Zhentong, who was known for his love of alcohol, nodded slightly at this moment and said, "Indeed, it's extraordinary. Both are External Strength Martial Artists, and the gap between them isn't significant. But to sever a weapon with a single strike—that's definitely not just about personal strength."
The elegant man in white robes had a flickering gaze as he murmured softly, "A magical weapon, a blade that has never been seen before, not even a whisper of its name."
"Perhaps it's a newly forged magical weapon? Just recently crafted, so it hasn't gained any fame yet," Qian Hong speculated, her eyes shining with increasing intensity.
However, Guo Zhentong, standing beside her, began picking his nose without a care and said with a smirk, "There are probably fewer than five people in the world capable of forging such a weapon. The old ones are either too old, dead, traveling far away, or even one who has defected to Liang Country."
"Those old masters are as elusive as dragons; even if you could find them, they've mostly stopped working."
At this point, Qian Hong could no longer maintain her composure. She was desperate to know who had forged this blade.
Could it be that there was another blacksmith in the world capable of crafting magical weapons?
Thinking this, her breathing gradually became more rapid. She was now urgently seeking a craftsman with such skill.
The pile of Ink Gold she had obtained from the borderlands still lay in the warehouse like a heap of stubborn stones, not yet forged into the weapon she desired.
The reason was just as Guo Zhentong had said—the renowned craftsmen had all disappeared. Some were too old, some had died, some had traveled far away, and the most infuriating one had defected to an enemy country.
Even with the Qian family's vast connections, they had managed to track down one of these master craftsmen, but he was indeed too old to lift a hammer.
Thus, this matter had become a lingering knot in Qian Hong's heart. Since childhood, she had revered the Martial Path and possessed a talent far beyond the reach of ordinary people. It was only natural that she desired a magical weapon of her own.
People grow old; no matter how strong, they cannot withstand the passage of time. A hundred years later, dust returns to dust, and all fame will vanish.
But weapons do not age. She longed for her sword to continue circulating in the martial world even after she had grown old and passed away.
For example, in today's martial world, few remember the names of the peerless masters from centuries ago, but magical weapons are different.
Take the now widely known Demon Blade Red Lotus and the Black Tortoise Spear, for example. Even to this day, the names of their original owners are still sung and celebrated in the martial world.
"I need to ask him for clarification!"
At this point, Qian Hong had no intention of continuing to watch this farcical martial contest. The most important matter at hand was to clarify the origin of Zhao Yuan's blade.
As she left, the elegant man in white and Guo Zhentong also couldn't sit still.
If they could seize this opportunity to befriend a renowned craftsman of the era, the value would be absolutely immeasurable.
In a matter of moments, the usually taciturn Zhao Yuan was summoned for talks by several commanders.
Within Maple Guard, in a secluded room with excellent soundproofing.
Zhao Yuan stood before three commanders, silent and waiting.
The three commanders also held their ground, not speaking first. The four of them in the room just stared at each other, the atmosphere becoming increasingly strange.
Finally, Qian Hong couldn't hold back any longer. She coughed and spoke up, "What is the name of your blade?"
"Silent Blade," Zhao Yuan replied succinctly, sparing no extra words. "A good name!" The man in white's eyes lit up, clearly sensing the profound meaning behind the name.
Qian Hong and Guo Zhentong also silently repeated the name 'Silent Blade' in their hearts, then urgently asked, "Which master crafted this blade of yours?"
"Master Li, in the city!" Zhao Yuan answered honestly.
At the mention of Master Li, the three Inner Strength commanders' breathing became rapid.
Among the known living master craftsmen, none bore the surname Li, and he was in the city?
How could they not know about a blacksmith in the city capable of forging divine weapons? "Where is this Master Li? We'd like to meet him. Can you lead the way?"
"Usually, masters like this have their own taboos. Zhao Yuan, could you detail how you met Master Li?"
"Exactly, we must not violate any taboos. If he's a master who hides in plain sight, he surely wouldn't like to be disturbed."
The three commanders voiced their opinions, and only then did Zhao Yuan belatedly realize that the Silent Blade forged by Master Li was far better than he had imagined.
After a moment of thought, he finally recounted the entire story honestly.
The story began at Small Jade Ridge, where he and his brother Zhong Hui went up the mountain. Unfortunately, Zhong Hui died, asking him to return the blade to Blacksmith Li in the city.
When he mentioned that forging this blade only cost fifty taels, the expressions of the three commanders present froze.
For a long time, the room was enveloped in a solemn silence.
"Fifty taels, really..." Qian Hong was at a loss for words, her heart a mix of complex emotions.
She had spent countless efforts and offered unimaginable prices to find a capable master craftsman.
Yet, this Zhao Yuan before her had only spent fifty taels... It's truly disheartening to compare oneself to others!
The elegant man in white robes shook his head and said, "It's not quite like that. The integrity and commitment shown by Zhao Yuan and his brother Zhong Hui likely moved the mysterious Master Li, prompting him to consider crafting a renowned blade for Zhao Yuan."
"Indeed, judging from Zhao Yuan's words, it seems Master Li is not one who values wealth," Guo Zhentong nodded in agreement.
"Let's go. Take me to meet this Master Li now," Qian Hong said with a serious expression.
"We mustn't be so rash. This visit should be as discreet as possible. Master Li likely values tranquility, so it's best to keep this matter confidential!" Guo Zhentong quickly interjected.
"That's true. Masters of such caliber often have eccentric temperaments. It would be unwise to inadvertently offend him," another added.
Including Qian Hong, none of the commanders asked about Master Li's age or appearance. In their minds, such a master was undoubtedly a grumpy old man with various taboos.
However, Zhao Yuan was also a man of few words. He spoke only when necessary, and since the commanders didn't ask, he naturally didn't offer any additional information.
As he listened to the commanders' speculations, Zhao Yuan's mind drifted back to his previous interactions with Li Qing.
Hmm... Master Li didn't seem to have so many taboos or eccentric temperaments. He seemed like a decent person!
With this thought, the three commanders finalized their plan.
"Alright, let's first watch the martial arts competition as usual, then conceal our tracks to pay a visit to Master Li. We'll have Zhao Yuan announce our names beforehand."
"That sounds like a good plan!"
(End of the Chapter)
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