Martial Arts Sainthood Begins with the Tiger-Taming Fist

After the shopkeeper finished speaking, he turned around and took out a red lacquered wooden box from the inner room, placed it in his palm, and said:

"This item is called the Peacock Feather, which is an advanced version of the Golden Rooster Feather. Its blade is sharper than swords and knives. Even a master of internal energy would be injured if hit by this item without any warning."

After speaking, he opened the wooden box, revealing two emerald green feather-shaped hidden weapons.

"Why don't you two touch it yourselves?"

Chen Mo and Xu Yan each picked up a peacock feather, their fingers tracing the cool blade, feeling its heavy texture.

He looked at Xu Yan, who nodded almost imperceptibly.

Then, he put the peacock feather back into the box and said without changing his expression:

"It's slightly better than the Golden Rooster Feather, so please give me a fair price."

After a moment's thought, the shopkeeper replied:

"Ten taels of silver for one peacock feather."

Chen Mo chuckled lightly, "It's not worth the price."

After saying that, he turned to leave.

"Please wait a moment, sir."

The shopkeeper stopped Chen Mo, "What price do you think it's worth?"

Chen Mo pondered for a moment and said, "Ten taels of silver and two peacock feathers."

The shopkeeper paused for a moment, then smiled wryly:

"Five taels of silver per piece? That would be a losing proposition for me. How about this, fifteen taels of silver for two pieces, and you can take the wooden box with you."

While the two were haggling, Xu Yan spoke up:

"How about we compromise? Twelve taels of silver for two coins. Shopkeeper, you can do us a favor. We'll be regular customers from now on."

After hesitating for a moment, the shopkeeper sighed helplessly and said, "Alright, we'll do as the young lady says."

After the money and goods were exchanged, Chen Mo put the wooden box away.

The two left "Wang Ji Divine Weapon".

After leaving the house, Xu Yan smiled mysteriously, "Judging from the quality of this item, six taels of silver per piece shouldn't be expensive. Hehe, you've struck gold."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo was overjoyed and asked, "How do I use this?"

"This weapon is slightly longer than ordinary concealed weapons, so it's best to place it on the outside of your legs. In an emergency, pull it out, infuse it with energy, and throw it at the enemy's vital points with as much force as possible!"

Chen Mo nodded in understanding.

Unlike sect duels, life-or-death battles in the wild are about who has the fastest swords and the most accurate hidden weapons. Using any means that disregard martial ethics is the best way to save your life.

Walk onto the bustling street.

Xu Yan was hungry again.

So I bought two skewers of candied hawthorn from a roadside vendor, one in each hand.

While munching on it, he mumbled something indistinctly:

"Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

"where?"

"You'll see when you get there; it's the most interesting place in all of Chu Prefecture!"

Chen Mo remained silent and walked for a while before Xu Yan, who was ahead of him, suddenly stopped.

Chen Mo looked up and saw a magnificent building standing tall.

At the top of the building hangs a dark gold sword with the words "Sword Forging Pavilion" engraved on its blade.

"Sword Forging Pavilion".

Chen Mo read it aloud.

The sound of blacksmithing frequently came from inside the pavilion, and occasionally a man dressed in light clothing would come in and out of the door.

"Is this where swords are forged?" he asked.

Xu Yan finished eating two skewers of candied hawthorns, wiped her sugar-stained mouth, and said, "Well, every state has a sword-making pavilion. Chu State's sword-making pavilion is the fourth largest. Many famous swords from Nine Swords Mountain come from the sword-making pavilion."

As Xu Yan recounted the story, the two entered the pavilion.

Unlike street shops, the Sword Forging Pavilion has no staff to serve customers; only sword forging masters come and go.

Several of them greeted Xu Yan.

Chen Mo asked in surprise, "Is Senior Sister a regular here?"

Xu Yan nodded and said, "My family is a family of sword forgers, and I've learned a little bit, so I often come to the Sword Forging Pavilion."

"Oh, right."

She then said, "If you are interested, you can take the exam here to become a swordsmith."

"A swordsmith? Does one need to forge swords here for so long?" Chen Mo asked, puzzled.

Xu Yan shook her head, her two ponytails swaying like rattles. "No need. I just need to complete the routine tasks every month to maintain my identity as a swordsmith."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Moreover, becoming a swordsmith has many advantages. At the very least, it allows you to build connections. In Chuzhou, swordsmiths are highly respected."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo was somewhat tempted.

While in Anyang County, he had already honed some skills in the iron furnace and blacksmith shop, which came in handy.

Furthermore, the cultivation of skills through nature is closely related to forging, and having the identity of a swordsmith naturally makes it easier for one to master the craft.

I'll think about it.

He asked eagerly, "Senior sister, how can one become a swordsmith?"

"An assessment must be taken at the Sword Forging Pavilion. Sword forgers are divided into nine ranks, with the first rank being the lowest and the ninth rank being the highest. I am currently only at the third rank."

Chen Mo paused for a moment, then said, "I want to give it a try."

Xu Yan paused for a moment, then her face quickly lit up with delight. "That's impressive! Come with me."

Before long, she led Chen Mo into a side room.

Here, a robust middle-aged man is bent over a table, carving on a sword.

"Master Li!"

Xu Yan shouted.

Without even looking up, the other person replied, "Miss Xu, you're here again. What pattern would you like me to make for you today?"

Xu Yan quickly said, "It wasn't me. I brought a friend who wants to take the swordsmith exam."

"Um?"

Master Li looked up, his gaze sweeping over Chen Mo. After a few moments, he said:

"It seems you are a martial artist. Have you ever studied sword forging? Or forged other objects?"

Chen Mo nodded. "I used to work in a blacksmith shop for a while, so I have some experience."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yan exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't realize you'd studied sword forging, Junior Brother! Why didn't you say so sooner? We're kindred spirits!"

Master Li remained calm and nodded slightly. "Alright, show me how you forge a sword from a blank iron billet to a finished product."

He put down his work and led the two to a hot, spacious room, which was actually a place for forging swords.

Master Li casually picked up a short, thick iron billet and threw it in front of Chen Mo, saying, "This will do. Give it a try."

Without hesitation, Chen Mo picked up the iron billet, threw it into the furnace, lit the fire, and started the bellows. The fire quickly grew into a roaring blaze.

Xu Yan sat to the side, arms crossed, glancing at the scene intermittently.

Meanwhile, Master Li went to attend to his own business.

Before long, the iron billet was heated to a reddish-brown color. Chen Mo took it out and placed it on the anvil to forge.

Fifteen minutes later, the short, thick iron block was forged into a long strip shape. After being hammered repeatedly three or four times, it began to take the shape of a long sword.

Then, Chen Mo put it back into the furnace, and when it was red-hot, he put it into the brine to quench it, making a sizzling sound.

Xu Yan rested her chin on her hands, watching his skillful movements, which were smooth and efficient, showing no signs of being a novice.

A look of surprise appeared on her face, and she murmured, "I didn't know that my junior brother had this skill. It seems I won't be alone anymore."

Master Li was also attracted by his familiarity with the route, so he put down his work and looked at Chen Mo.

Next, Chen Mo began to make the hilt, polish the blade, and carve patterns. Of course, there were many details to follow.

……

Another hour passed.

Chen Mo took a clean white cloth and gently wiped away the iron filings from the sword.

A gleaming sword appeared before the three of them.

"Master Li, what do you think of my junior brother's sword? What grade would you rate it?"

Xu Yan asked hurriedly.