Chapter 148 The Spirit of the Weapon: I Forged Xuanyuan with My Flesh and Blood

Yes, Mu You felt a chill run down his spine. That swordsman named Xiao Ma wielded the Xuan Tie sword like a dragon weaving through water. The sword had passed right in front of him several times. If he wanted to, it wouldn't be impossible for him to stab him directly... Mu You gasped and felt a lingering fear. "Ma Yi, Ma Yi, look at your good grandson. He really does have some of your style from back then."

"You, Mayi!" Mu You swept the memorials off the table, scattering them all over the floor. "I even kept my promise to you and let your family go to Lingnan... You actually manipulated me like this, with counterfeit copper coins... The Ma family still has them hidden away? Twenty years later, Mayi, what are you planning to do now?"

Outside the Imperial Study, Chang Lu's frail body trembled upon hearing the noise. He vaguely heard Mu You's fury. The country was peaceful and prosperous, and no one had touched the Emperor's beloved old sword. Why was he angry again? Serving the Emperor was like serving a tiger; it was best to be careful.

"You good grandson." Mu You gripped the wolf-hair brush and slammed it to the ground. "You can even spread counterfeit copper coins through others, and it was Ajiu who did it. Iris, iris, the reeds grow endlessly, and wildfire cannot burn them all. Aren't you afraid that I will uproot them and wipe out the Ma family from the ground?"

Cui Jin glanced at Mu You's expression, "What should we do next?"

"The Imperial Advisor asked me?" Mu You asked meaningfully.

Cui Jin stood firm as a rock. "Arresting Ma Lin immediately... might alert him. I don't know if Ma Lin still has any counterfeit coins he hasn't distributed, or if he has any accomplices. And... what about Xingguo Ward? How should we deal with that?"

"What does the Imperial Preceptor think?" Mu You's eyes pierced through Cui Jin's body. "I personally went to Cangshan to seek the Dao, and I believe I have already found it."

Cui Jin opened his dark robe sleeves and said, "Everything is under the Emperor's control. The Emperor has obtained everything he desires. The time has come for Xingguo Fang to come to an end."

"Isn't it...too fast?" Mu You examined Cui Jin's single eye, which was deep and unfathomable. "Xingguo Ward has been back in Rongdu for less than half a year...to end it here like this might make the people think that the aftermath of the Blood Crossbow Case has started again, which could cause unrest among the people."

Cui Jin's single eye was as deep as the sea, and everyone's fate seemed to be a small boat in this deep sea, which would be swallowed up by the turbulent waves in his eyes in an instant. When his single eye closed, it was as if nothing had happened. "It is an indisputable fact that Xingguo Ward is involved in human smuggling and harboring criminals wanted by the court. Based on this alone, Xingguo Ward cannot escape responsibility."

Mu You remained calm. "Xingguo Fang swore never to leave the island, but the oath didn't say that anyone couldn't come to the island. Mayi is a death row inmate, but Ma Lin isn't. What the Grand Preceptor said seems... somewhat far-fetched."

Cui Jin chuckled softly, "Think about A-Jiu, can Xingguo Ward still be kept?" Seeing Mu You remain silent for a long time, seemingly conflicted, Cui Jin continued in a low voice, "Think about A-Jiu, it's also for A-Jiu's sake. If the Emperor wants to keep A-Jiu, he can't be so soft-hearted as to release Ma Yanyu and his wife back then, leaving behind uncontrollable troubles for himself. Not only Xingguo Ward in Rongdu, but also the remaining people on Canglang Island cannot be kept."

At this moment, Mu You was glad that he had traveled all the way to Cangshan to bring back Cui Jin. With just a few words, Cui Jin had already understood what the emperor was thinking. He decisively said what he had been unable to say, and he would take care of the rest for him.

"Does the Imperial Advisor know what to do?" Mu You tapped the table lightly with his knuckles, then suddenly stopped. "A-Jiu's matter is not yet time. We cannot punish Xingguo Ward because of the blood crossbow case. Xingguo Ward's demise requires another reason..."

—"Meteor Sword".

"Meteor Sword?" Mu You asked, puzzled. "I don't understand."

Cui Jin's eyes revealed a strange look. "His Majesty is very fond of the Meteor Sword and has played with it countless times. When His Majesty examined the sword, did he feel that it was unusual?"

“That’s the Meteor Sword, so it’s naturally extraordinary.” Mu You was clearly unaware of what Cui Jin was referring to.

Cui Jin said, "When I went to Canglang Island to retrieve the sword, I was fortunate enough to witness the splendor of the Meteor Sword. This sword is unparalleled throughout history, breathtaking at first glance. The entire sword is perfectly integrated as if it were made by nature. The most amazing thing is that the blood shadow on the blade trails behind, which cannot be caught by the eye. If the sword is stained with blood, the blood will not fall off, but will condense and seep into the blood shadow in the blade. It is truly bizarre."

“An ancient divine artifact cannot be viewed through the lens of common sense.” Mu You was somewhat displeased that Cui Jin had described his beloved Meteor Sword as some kind of evil object.

Cui Jin sensed the dissatisfaction in Mu You's words, but remained calm and said, "Xingguo Warehouse has been in the capital for several months now, and the Emperor has even visited the ward. Besides the Heavenly Furnace, what else does Xingguo Warehouse have to offer?"

Mu You closed his eyes and pondered. Pei Yuan was arrogant in appearance but cowardly in heart. There were not many blacksmiths left in Xingguo Workshop. Apart from a few young swordsmen, there was only that girl named Guan Ye.

"Does Your Majesty really believe that a single celestial furnace can melt meteorites?" Cui Jin asked in a low voice.

Yes. Mu You fell into deep thought. Decades ago, the meteorite passed through various furnaces in the five major workshops, but none of them could melt even a fraction of it, until Tianhu Workshop produced white flames... She told Mu You that the white flames had been created, and the meteorite's melting was just around the corner.

"The white fireworks have been lit at Tianhu Workshop."

"White...fireworks? Can white fireworks really be produced in the world?"

"You don't believe me?" She looked at Mu You with annoyance. "I should have brought you here yesterday. The fireworks looked like thousands of pear blossoms. Can you believe that Guan Xiaotian said that?"

"Hahahaha." Mu You laughed loudly, "Guan Xiaotian, a mere warrior, could actually come up with such a term? It seems he's truly astonished. White fireworks, I can't wait to see them. It's a pity I'll be leading my troops to quell the rebellion soon. Wait for my return."

"The rebels of Xiguan are nothing to fear. I believe you can slaughter everyone. When you return in triumph, I will welcome you with the most dazzling white fireworks."

"It's a deal." Mu You struck out with his palm, and she responded with a heavy blow, making Mu You's palm go numb. The two looked at each other and laughed.

"By the way, how did you create white fireworks?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"I'll wait for your triumphant return, and for our reunion." She withdrew her hand and gave Mu You a smile as bright as the morning sun. "Then I'll tell you the secret of the white fireworks."

Mu You never got to discover the secret of the white fireworks. Time flies, and she has experienced many vicissitudes, but her sly smile still lingers in Mu You's mind. Her beautiful image is frozen in the last scene. Decades have passed, yet she remains young, unrestrained, bright, and dazzling.

—Does Your Majesty really believe that a single celestial furnace can melt meteorites?

These words... were not only Cui Jin's question, but also sounded exactly like her tone—a heavenly furnace can produce white flames and melt meteorites.

Lu Chaoge of Tianhu Workshop is exceptionally talented and unparalleled in the world. How could her hidden skills be compared to the inanimate objects of the Heavenly Furnace? The Heavenly Furnace simply cannot melt meteorites.

"If it's not the Heavenly Furnace, then why did the meteorite melt?" Mu You awoke from his reverie.

Cui Jin closed his single eye. "I've heard of an ancient method: I forged Xuanyuan with my own flesh and blood, yet the spirit lock within the weapon could not be fully formed. In ancient times, when iron essence could not be melted, the blacksmith would sacrifice a living person, praying to the blacksmithing god for protection to forge a divine weapon. This method is inhumane. As early as the founding of the Great Jin Dynasty, an order was issued to prohibit the sacrifice of living people in the furnace, and those who violated the order would be severely punished, paying with their lives. The Meteor Sword conceals a strange blood shadow, and I believe... Xingguo Workshop..."

"Xingguo Ward uses living people as sacrifices in the furnace?" Mu You was shocked and fearful. His Meteor Sword, which he carried with him every day and loved dearly... could it have been melted with the flesh and blood of living people? "The Grand Preceptor's words are without evidence. A blood shadow is probably not convincing."

Cui Jin anticipated that Mu You wouldn't believe him easily, and waved his robe, saying, "Human sacrifice is a serious matter. I can assure you that everyone on Canglang Island knows about it. Not reporting such information is a serious crime, and none of them can escape punishment."

Mu You remembered asking Ajiu how Xingguo Workshop forged the Meteor Sword. Ajiu… Mu You recalled the scene: Ajiu took the Meteor Sword, but hesitated to draw it. Ajiu said, “The Pei family’s secret techniques are difficult to fathom…”

Looking back now, it seems that A-Jiu also harbored some fear of the Meteor Sword... Could it really be as Cui Jin said...?

“If the people don’t report it, the officials won’t investigate. The entire Xingguo Ward on Canglang Island is united as one; they are all living beings.” Mu You’s eyes revealed a horrified look. “You insist that the Meteor Sword melted the flesh and blood of living people, but do you have any real evidence? And will anyone stand up to testify against Xingguo Ward? I’m afraid the Grand Preceptor won’t be able to get a single confession.”

"Just because no one has betrayed us today doesn't mean no one will ever turn against us," Cui Jin said confidently. "Emperor Ajiu must also know the truth. Pei Yuan believes that everyone on the island is related by marriage, and to protect their close friends and relatives, no one will reveal the secret of Xingguo Ward. Little do they know, even the most impregnable fortress has its cracks. If Your Majesty gives me some more time, I will definitely handle the Xingguo Ward matter cleanly and without giving anyone a reason to criticize us. At that time, Your Majesty will still be a wise and benevolent ruler for all time, and the Great Jin Kingdom will stand tall and dominate the world."

Mu You was very satisfied with Cui Jin's words. "When that time comes, the inner workshop can take over the Pei family's Heavenly Furnace. The fire of the Heavenly Furnace can burn even brighter, illuminating the entire night sky of Rongdu." Mu You paused for a moment. "If that female blacksmith named Guan Ye is willing to testify against Pei Yuan, we can spare her life. It would be good to keep her to control the Heavenly Furnace."

"They cannot be kept alive." Cui Jin said decisively, his voice suddenly rising. "Except for Ajiu, none of them can be kept alive. The twenty blacksmiths sent to Xingguo Workshop have already learned a lot of Guan Ye's techniques. Their swordsmanship is unparalleled and their skills are no less than Guan Ye's. The inner workshop is undergoing a complete transformation and is already capable of handling the Emperor's rewards. What is the point of Xingguo Workshop? Guan Ye must die."

Mu You raised a slight brow. Cui Jin, usually so composed, seemed like a completely different person when Guan Ye was mentioned. Sensing something, Cui Jin suppressed his anger and said, "Your Majesty is worried that you are too kind-hearted. Casting techniques can bring prosperity to the country, but they can also bring ruin. Have you forgotten the annihilation of the Bent Crossbow Battalion at Eagle Ridge? Do not let your kindness towards one person leave a legacy of trouble for yourself, for the Jin Kingdom, and for A Jiu."

"I understand." Mu You coughed and turned his back. "Last time, when the sword was presented before the Emperor, Wushuang from the Inner Palace said that she possessed the skills and could replace the existing weapons of the Great Jin in a short time. Guan Ye from Xingguo Palace also said that her method was feasible. What does the Grand Preceptor think?"

“Young people are ignorant and arrogant. If they say it’s okay, let them try,” Cui Jin said. “The Emperor and the Crown Prince have always felt that the military equipment is inadequate. They are taking this opportunity to replace the old equipment with new ones. I think it’s worth a try.”

Mu You paused for a moment, then said, “Wushuang has a secret technique to aid combustion, so let her and the inner workshop do the sword forging. As for Xingguo Workshop… let’s use the Heavenly Furnace to smelt copper.”

—Refining brass? Cui Jin's brow twitched slightly, but his expression remained completely unchanged.

Mu You stared intently at Cui Jin's expression, as if trying to discern something from his single eye. "Isn't the Grand Preceptor curious? Why use the Heavenly Furnace to smelt copper and iron instead of forging swords? Isn't that a waste of its talent?"

Cui Jin said calmly, "No matter how big or small the affairs of the state are, no matter how the division of labor is justified, and no one in any district has any objection. Everyone in the world is the emperor's subject. As long as it is the emperor's decree, no one will say a word against it."

Mu You was very satisfied with this answer and continued, "There are more than 100,000 troops stationed at the border. The distance is too far to retrieve their weapons in a short time. Thirty miles outside the city, at the Immortal Cave, is the Mu family's imperial mausoleum, guarded by more than a thousand people. Let's collect their weapons first and have them melted down by Xingguo Warehouse."

Cui Jin raised his single eye, about to accept the imperial decree, when Mu You, with deep, dark eyes, said again, "Everything is entrusted to you. As the Grand Preceptor just told me, we must not rush things. I do not want Ajiu to become estranged from me."

"—Cui Jin obeys the order."

The door opened, and seeing Cui Jin emerge, Chang Lu hurriedly went to greet him. He peeked into the study and saw it was in a mess. He inwardly cried out, "Grand Preceptor, Grand Preceptor?" Chang Lu jogged a few steps to catch up. "May I ask, Grand Preceptor, what happened to His Majesty? Has something occurred?"

"Nothing happened." Cui Jin continued walking.

Nothing happened? Chang Lu didn't believe him for a second. There was such a commotion in the Imperial Study that even the palace servants could hear the clanging from several feet away. If he wasn't going to say anything, then why was he lying to him that "nothing happened"? Chang Lu turned his head and peeked at Mu You in the study again. Seeing that he seemed to have calmed down, Chang Lu sighed softly and gestured for the palace servants to slowly go back in to serve him.

In the imperial study, Mu You stood with his hands behind his back, gazing intently at the Meteor Sword hanging on the wall—"I forged Xuanyuan with my flesh and blood, yet the spirit within the weapon cannot find its end." Was there truly a sword spirit trapped within the Meteor Blade? Mu You reached for the sword, his fingertips touching it before quickly withdrawing. Flesh and blood Meteor… If Xingguo Ware truly used living people as sacrifices in the furnace… then who would be used to sacrifice the Meteor Sword? Male or female? Old or young? Who would be the one fused with the Meteor Stone…

They all knew... each of them was an insider... Mu You felt a chill run down his spine. He turned around and saw the study door half-open. He glared at Chang Lu, who was terrified by the look. He stumbled and slammed the door shut. The door was closed, but the chill emanating from Mu You lingered. Staring at the Meteor Sword hanging high, he felt increasingly frozen and icy.