Chapter 221 The Sword Embryo Having Survived Four Dynasties
The wind has stopped blowing through the bamboo forest.
A man in hemp clothing, carrying a new box, stood guard by the window, and the people inside the hut chatted freely without worry.
"The sword will be forged on the fifteenth of this month? That's the day after tomorrow, isn't it? Heh, but this young master really can't wait a moment longer..."
Wei Shaoxuan took a sip of tea, looked out the window to the west, a thoughtful expression on his face, and murmured to himself:
"What does that sword furnace look like? Is it capable of forging a peerless cauldron sword?"
"Through a thorough search of history, there are only a handful of accounts of its existence. Rumors also suggest that it involves some ethereal destiny, and is the source of disaster in every struggle for power."
"Young Master Wei..."
Liu Zian looked somewhat troubled:
"You should know a bit about that old gentleman's temperament. Before the sword was finished, he didn't like being disturbed by outsiders and had a bad temper."
"Although my deceased brother and I have spent so much time with it, every time we went to the Sword Furnace over the years, we were always on tenterhooks, carefully choosing our time."
Liu Zian showed a sigh, shook his head, and then said seriously:
"Besides, there were three rules agreed upon back then..."
Don't worry.
Wei Shaoxuan interrupted with a smile:
"I understand the three rules of the agreement. Before the sword is forged, neither I nor my godfather will disturb it."
"Once the fifteen swords are completed, an unusual phenomenon will appear in the sky. I will then go with my adoptive father to retrieve the swords."
Liu Zian smiled and nodded.
Wei Shaoxuan stared intently at him, and said leisurely with a smile:
"Besides, with my godfather right under our noses, what could possibly go wrong? Don't you agree, Patriarch Liu?"
Liu Zian smiled naturally and nodded quickly. He looked at Wei Shaoxuan, who was smiling, and then at Qiu Shenji, who was standing silently by the window.
Qiu Shenji crossed his arms and stared coldly at Liu Zian.
Liu Zian smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, which was his way of greeting him.
But a chill ran through him.
Qiu Shenji's attack just now made Liu Zian deeply feel the terrifying pressure of a high-grade Qi cultivator.
The ninth and eighth ranks are considered lower-ranking Qi cultivators.
The seventh and sixth ranks are considered mid-level Qi cultivators.
Fifth and fourth rank are considered superior Qi cultivators.
Above that, there is the Heavenly Grade, which is no longer within the scope of this discussion; it is a legendary grade that has long been lost.
Just like the first and second rank official positions in the Great Zhou and Great Gan dynasties, they were merely nominal honors, and very few officials could actually obtain them during their lifetime.
In some ancient books, those who cultivate Qi to the highest level are referred to as "Celestial Beings of the Divine Land".
If the top-tier Qi cultivators of this era are like dragons, rarely seen and numerous, then the Celestials of the Divine Continent don't even have a "head"...
That being said, although the weakest high-grade Qi cultivator is only one grade apart from the strongest mid-grade Qi cultivator, the latter cannot even break through the former's protective true qi.
Unless one uses the Ding Sword, one can directly ignore the Qi cultivator's true Qi barrier.
Just as Liu Zian was being watched by Qiu Shenji, his inner shirt was soaked with sweat, his back felt chilly, and he was lost in thought.
Wei Shaoxuan silently put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, rolled up his sleeves, and picked up the teapot of Maojian tea, a specialty of Donglin Temple, with his right hand to personally pour a cup of tea for Liu Zian:
"Then I'll trouble Patriarch Liu to take care of the sword furnace for the next two days."
Liu Zi'an lifted his bottom off the stool, his face showing an expression of flattery and surprise. He picked up the teacup that Wei Shaoxuan had poured with both hands and nodded vigorously:
“Young Master Wei, what are you saying? This is my duty and the Liu family’s duty, and I will certainly not fail your expectations.”
Wei Shaoxuan suddenly said:
"Alas, it's a pity that your elder brother passed away early and didn't live to see the sword emerge together today."
"To be honest, my father quite admires your elder brother Liu Ziwen's character and conduct. He once praised him as a wise and capable man who knows how to seize opportunities. He said that it is a waste of his talents for him to stay in Longcheng County, Jiangzhou for more than ten years. He should be employed by my Wei Prince's Mansion and serve the Emperor loyally together."
"It's such a pity that you left us so unexpectedly..."
As Wei Shaoxuan sighed, he kept a close eye on Liu Zian's expression.
Upon hearing this, Liu Zian's eyes reddened slightly. He raised his hand, then lowered it again, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately did not wipe his eyes with his sleeve.
"My deceased brother worked diligently for so many years, but because he was too upright, he was taken advantage of by that villain. How can this be allowed to end!"
The second young master of the Liu family, who was about to inherit the position of head of the family, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, raised his head, and held back the tears in his eyes. His voice was still choked with emotion.
"However, Your Highness King Wei and Young Master Wei, please rest assured that my late brother always admired King Wei's demeanor and respected the Wei family's actions. He often told us two younger brothers about it and kept King Wei's instructions in mind."
“His earnest teachings still ring in my ears. When the elder brother dies, the younger brother takes over. As for the matter of forging the sword, I, Liu Zi’an, representing the Liu family, have an inescapable duty.”
Inside and outside the dwelling, Wei Shaoxuan, Qiu Shenji, and Boss Li silently observed the young man in brocade robes who was speaking with great emotion and whose face was full of embroidery.
The three exchanged glances and remained silent for a moment.
He paused, then, with a resolute tone, gripped his sleeves and said earnestly:
"If I were to unfortunately meet with an accident and be harmed by that despicable villain, I still have my third disciple, Lin, who can still be loyal to the Wei family!"
Wei Shaoxuan raised an eyebrow slightly, ignoring the rest of the conversation, and asked curiously:
"The despicable villain who harmed your brother, as mentioned by Patriarch Liu, is..."
"Ouyang Lianghan!"
Liu Zian, with an air of righteous indignation, asserted with absolute certainty:
"If it's not this young man, then who else could it be! If Young Master Wei doesn't believe me, he can investigate. That assassin was one who received a favor from the disaster relief camp he established, and there are also details of what happened in the street that day..."
"Oh, I see."
Wei Shaoxuan nodded slightly and did not ask any further questions.
He took a sip of tea and suddenly said:
"Would you like me to avenge your brother?"
He paused for a moment, then nodded and said:
It was just a small favor.
"After we get the sword, we can use it to drink blood and consecrate it. With the unusual weather and the chaos caused by the flood, it won't be difficult to do something. It's also a good opportunity to do something along the way."
Wei Shaoxuan spoke in a casual tone.
“This…” Liu Zian hesitated, looking troubled.
"What, do you think things might go wrong if you wait too long and want to eliminate people in the next couple of days before the sword is even finished? That's not impossible, your godfather can do it for you."
"However, his reputation as a virtuous gentleman is indeed too great; even His Majesty would have to show him some leniency. But, we can arrange for him to die in the line of duty with honor..."
Liu Zian's expression turned serious, as if he had made a decision, and he shook his head, saying:
“Young Master Wei, the hatred for killing my brother is irreconcilable. There is no reason for anyone else to do it for me. Young Master Wei and Mr. Qiu need not trouble themselves to take action. Let me handle this. I have already made arrangements!”
"Hmph, this Ouyang Lianghan not only despicably murdered my beloved brother, but also used the Zheyiqu incident to exploit the Liu family. I have been feigning compliance these past few days, yet he still refuses to let me off the hook. His ugly face is utterly humiliating! Does he really think the Liu family has no men?"
Liu Zian glared hatefully, gritting his teeth:
"On the fifteenth, I will make him utterly disgraced and pay tenfold!"
This raging anger, which almost burst from his eyes, didn't seem fake.
"Patriarch Liu is quite good at being patient."
Wei Shaoxuan smiled slightly, his tone seemingly nonchalant as he said:
"Alright, Patriarch Liu, come on over."
By the window, Qiu Shenji tilted his head slightly and glanced at Wei Shaoxuan, whose expression was calm and composed.
There's nothing suspicious about it.
However, Qiu Shenji knew that even if Liu Zian did not seek revenge, Wei Shaoxuan would suddenly take action and deal with him in the process.
The reason is simple.
I don't quite like it.
That's right, I just don't like it, that's all.
Ouyang Lianghan had previously lived next door to the Su family, so he must have been quite close to the Li family, as can be seen from the last time he stood up for the Li family in front of the female official Miaozhen.
Perhaps he was a staff member recruited by the Su family.
These past two days, Qiu Shenji and Wei Shaoxuan have been frequently visiting the Su residence, but they haven't seen Li Guo'er much. She's mostly been entertained by Li Xian and Li Dalang with tea. Whether it's shyness or something else, Li Guo'er seems a bit indifferent. However, Wei Shaoxuan isn't in a hurry and occasionally tries to get information out of the Su residence's maids through casual conversation.
Although Wei Shaoxuan never found out any gossip about Ouyang Lianghan being too close to Li Guoer or Ouyang Lianghan frequently approaching Li Guoer.
Not at all.
Ouyang Lianghan and Li Guo'er seemed to have little to do with each other.
but.
Ouyang Lianghan was, after all, quite handsome, a Jinshi graduate, and considered a young talent even in Chang'an and Luoyang. Moreover, he was in a "rural place" in Jiangnan Road, and he also held the position of county magistrate. He was still unmarried, so he naturally had a lot of prestige.
Li Guo'er is stunningly beautiful, but her family has fallen on hard times, making her all the more pitiful. She is also unmarried and in the prime of her youth, the kind of time when young girls are prone to romantic feelings.
The two are a perfect match, making it hard not to associate them with a budding romance and mutual affection. In romantic novels, such a passionate encounter, even a fleeting meeting, can ignite such a budding flame.
Even if there is no evidence.
Wei Shaoxuan was still a little uncomfortable and didn't like Ouyang Rong.
In addition, not long ago, he had gotten two unlucky marriage fortune sticks from that unreliable fortune teller, so naturally he wasn't in a good mood...
However, Wei Shaoxuan would not say these things out loud. After all, he was the son of the King of Wei, a chosen one destined to become the Sword Bearer and make a name for himself in the world. He was a man who was going to do great things. How could he spend too much effort on these passersby and ants? Wouldn't that make him seem short-sighted and petty?
Therefore, when Liu Zian proposed handing Ouyang Lianghan over to him, Wei Shaoxuan did not argue at all and remained calm and composed.
Qiu Shenji saw through the profound thoughts and shrewdness of these young people. Although they were still somewhat naive, they were on the right track. This guest of the Prince of Wei's mansion showed a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
Inside the hut, it was quiet for a while.
At this moment, Liu Zian suddenly said:
"However, besides reporting to you, I also need Young Master Wei's help."
"speak."
Liu Zian lowered his voice:
"Could you ask Mr. Li for help in gathering some manpower? I'm afraid something might happen on the fifteenth."
Wei Shaoxuan glanced at Liu Zian:
"Approved."
Afterwards, Wei Shaoxuan asked Liu Zian some questions, and shortly after, the private meeting ended.
A look of joy appeared on the sickly face of the young man in brocade robes. He followed the Persian merchant out of the hut and disappeared into the bamboo forest.
After the two walked away, only Wei Shaoxuan, who was sitting by the tea table with his head down drinking tea, and Qiu Shenji, who was looking at the scenery by the window, remained in the house.
"What does Godfather think of Liu Zi'an?" Wei Shaoxuan suddenly asked.
“I have my own thoughts,” Qiu Shenji said calmly.
“It’s normal to have ulterior motives,” Wei Shaoxuan said calmly. “Perhaps his elder brother’s matter is one of them…”
He turned his head, facing west towards the west bank of Butterfly Creek, and sighed softly:
"But I don't care too much about these things, as long as he doesn't have any ulterior motives in places where he shouldn't. Otherwise, I'll just dig his heart out and see if he's really that magnanimous."
Qiu Shenji nodded: "It's good that Liu Lang knows to be careful."
"Father, this sword is finally about to be drawn. Father has been preparing for it for over a decade..."
Wei Shaoxuan lowered his head and rubbed his face, then looked up with a bright smile:
"While today's fortune slip was unlucky, placing it on this sword is quite fitting for the occasion."
"Those who harm women's needlework... Ah, those who toil in needlework are not the women in silk robes."
“Godfather, count the years. This sword has been through four dynasties since it was conceived!”
"Southern Dynasty, Sui Dynasty, Daqian Dynasty, Great Zhou Dynasty!"
"After nearly a century of ups and downs, the sword is finally nearing completion, and he has found a worthy master. Is there anything more legendary than this? Isn't this the 'myth' that all Qi cultivators love to talk about?"
Qiu Shenji gently shook his head:
"It may not be four dynasties."
What does that mean?
Wei Shaoxuan looked curious:
“I once perused the documents in the secret archives of the Prince of Wei’s mansion and learned some of the intricacies. The records say that... initially, a hundred years ago, the Southern Dynasty’s royal family and the Northern Dynasty’s Sui army were locked in a standoff, with the north and south facing each other.”
"Knowing their power was waning, the Southern Dynasty royal family sought out a new 'cauldron' from who-knows-where, and found the Mei family of Longcheng, a family of swordsmiths who had been passed down through generations in Longcheng. They poured all the resources of the Southern Kingdom into setting up a furnace on the west bank of Butterfly Creek to forge the cauldron and sword."
"Unfortunately, the Northern Sui Dynasty was even faster, having already exhausted the power of its Qi cultivators to forge a Ding Sword first. This sword was named 'Emperor Wen' at the time, and was not renamed 'Emperor Wen' by Emperor Taizong of the later Great Gan Dynasty... In the end, the Sui cavalry marched south, carrying the might of the Ding Sword... The Southern Dynasty perished."
"The then Marshal, the Mad Emperor, discovered this embryonic cauldron sword in the still-burning furnace on the west bank of Butterfly Creek."
"Later, after tasting the glory of the 'Emperor Wen', the second Emperor Sui, who was in a state of madness, ascended the throne and specially ordered the Mei family of Longcheng to keep the furnace fire burning and continue to forge tripods and swords. At that time, the North and South had just been unified, and although people longed for stability, everything was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt."
"In order to forge swords in the south, the Mad Emperor mobilized resources from all over the world and spent a lot of time and money to dig through the Grand Canal, connecting the north and the south. He then used the Grand Canal to once again draw a large amount of manpower and resources from all over the world to Butterfly Creek and put them into the bustling sword furnaces on the west bank..."
"Add to that various tyrannical regimes and natural disasters, and the outcome is self-evident. The Mad Emperor continued to forge the sword in a frenzy, gambling everything on the idea of using this cauldron sword and the 'Emperor Wen' together to completely suppress the righteous people of the world. As a result, whether it was truly fate or not, the cauldron sword was not completed in time, but heroes had already risen up, and the Great Sui also lost its destiny."
"Then, Emperor Taizong Wen of the Great Dynasty took to the battlefield to pacify the world. After establishing the country, he ordered the descendants of the Li family to cease their labor and waste of resources in forging tripods and swords after the end of the dynasty..."
"However, that sword blank, which had gone through four dynasties, went through many twists and turns, and was hidden by the descendants of the Mei family who had luckily escaped the massacre of the Mad Emperor. They went into hiding in Longcheng County, where sword shops were declining, and opened a small sword shop called Guyue."
"Finally, Liu Ziwen of the Liu family somehow learned the secrets of the Dingjian sword, cleverly took over the Guyue sword shop, destroyed the Mei family who insisted on no longer opening the furnace to forge Dingjian swords, and thus obtained a sword blank that was about to take shape."
"Moreover, this Liu Ziwen actually found a swordsmith who inherited the mantle of the Mei family and had turned against the Mei family. With this as leverage, he approached our Wei family for cooperation, mobilized a huge amount of resources, and secretly opened a furnace to forge the Ding sword under the guise of the Guyue Sword Shop..."
"More than ten years, Godfather. Even with the blood transfusion from our Wei clan, it still took more than ten years. You can imagine how crazy you were when you followed the Mad Emperor to forge the sword. You really used all the power in the world."
"Godfather, what else could this be but the legacy of four dynasties?"
Wei Shaoxuan paused, leisurely took a sip of tea, and joked:
"We are now in the Great Zhou Dynasty, a new dynasty, and we are not very familiar with the Da Gan or anything like that. We are two separate families."
Qiu Shenji shook his head again, squinted, and whispered:
"Among the ancestors of the Qiu family, there was a general who served under the emperor. He happened to be under the command of the mad emperor and rose to the rank of General of Chariots and Cavalry... Therefore, some secrets have been passed down to his descendants."
"Back then, the Mad Emperor had two sword blanks. When he opened the furnace to forge swords on the west bank of Butterfly Creek, one of them was stolen. So the sword blank that is about to be completed may not necessarily have been left by the Southern Dynasty royal family..."
"This is a mess."
Wei Shaoxuan's expression froze for a moment.
This book uses the character "随" (suí), it's not a typo. Historically, it should have originally been "随," but Emperor Wen of Sui changed it to "隋," creating a new character. Also, cough cough, I'm writing a light novel, how annoying!
(End of this chapter)
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