Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Han Tieshan's corpse transformed into a wisp of light blue cigarette smoke, which rose and entered Shen Chu's body!

As the cigarette smoke entered the body,

Shen Chu felt a warm current flowing through her limbs and bones, eventually converging in her dantian, and then suddenly spreading throughout her entire body.

Then, a series of slight popping sounds came from his bones.

The martial artist's energy within his body suddenly surged, as if breaking through an invisible barrier!

He looked down at his palm, clenched his fist, and felt the more solid power than before. Then he opened the panel:

[Minor Mastery of Crushing Stone Fist (1/100)]

The breakthrough in cultivation technique will come naturally!

Unfortunately, the skill [Fragrance of All Beings] seems to be only usable for critical breakthroughs.

If killing a demon or monster or someone who practices demonic or evil arts could increase one's strength, that would be great!

Shen Chu glanced longingly at the spot where Han Tieshan's body had just been lying.

It was already completely empty.

This skill is truly excellent; it saves me the trouble of disposing of the body myself.

Shen Chu chuckled softly and headed towards the Li residence.

......

Meanwhile, inside the Li residence.

The candlelight flickered in Master Li's bedroom, and the curtains hung low.

The candlelight flickered on the bed, and the two people inside the tent were talking in hushed tones, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

One of them was naturally Master Li.

The other person was Liu, the second wife of Master Li.

If Shen Chu were present, he would definitely recognize that this Liu was the woman in the white dress who had recruited him into the manor as a swordsmith.

However, after only a short while, Master Li stopped talking, leaning back on the couch with a look of exhaustion on his face.

The person beside him, who was engrossed in his work, was startled when he suddenly stopped. He then nudged Master Li's arm in annoyance, asking, "Master, why did you stop?"

Master Li coughed twice and said awkwardly, "Today... I've handled too many matters today and am a bit tired. Let's talk another day."

Liu pouted, her tone clearly showing dissatisfaction: "Another day, another day, you always say that."

"If you're really tired, I'll go to the newly opened pharmacy in town tomorrow and get you some medicine. It's a cure for things where you're willing but unable to do them. Several of the women I know have all asked their husbands for that medicine!"

Master Li's face immediately flushed red, and he quickly waved his hand, "No need, no need, I'm in good health, I'm just a little tired today..."

"Whether you're tired or not, you know it in your heart." Liu rolled her eyes, but didn't pursue the topic any further. Instead, she changed her tone and snuggled sweetly into Master Li's arms.

"Sir, since you're tired, let's get down to business."

Master Li was eager to change the subject, and quickly seized the opportunity: "Alright, alright, let's get down to business. What do you want to talk about?"

Liu drew circles on Master Li's chest with her finger and asked casually, "Now that Steward Li is gone, someone has to be in charge of the forging compound, right? Have you decided who to nominate as steward?"

At this point, Master Li frowned and sighed:

"This matter... is really difficult to handle. Among the old men in the forging compound, there aren't many who can take on important responsibilities. Sun Ping has just been promoted to a low-grade weapon forger, but he's focused solely on forging and isn't cut out to manage things. The others have the qualifications, but their abilities are mediocre. If we promote them rashly, I'm afraid they won't be able to keep things in order."

"The other three blacksmiths are only in a cooperative relationship with my Li family. Besides the affairs of the Li family, they have other things to do and are unwilling to be tied down by such mundane matters..."

Liu's eyes darted around, and she suddenly smiled and said, "Master, I do have someone in mind, but I don't know if I should say it."

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Madam Liu snuggled closer to Master Li and said sweetly, "I have a distant cousin named Zhao Dezhu. He's always worked under the Second Young Master, and he's quite diligent and clever. The forging compound is short of a manager; why don't we give him a try?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Li's expression became somewhat troubled:

"Well... I've heard of Dezhu; he's quite reliable. But as you know, Chengwen has put a lot of effort into the forging workshop lately and has gotten along well with the masters there. As soon as Steward Li left, I put Jiwu's man in as the head steward, and I'm afraid Chengwen might have some reservations about that."

Madam Liu smiled dismissively, her slender hand gently stroking Master Li's chest:

"Master, what's so difficult about this? Listen to me, let Dezhu go work at the knife-forging workshop first, as a trial period. Then, find an excuse to take Chengwen out on a few business trips."

"These are turbulent times, and business is tough. Chengwen is the eldest son, so it's only right that he shares the burden of the family. He's going out with you to broaden his horizons and gain experience, so he won't have time to worry about things at the forging compound. By the time he returns, Dezhu will have already established himself. What can he say then?"

After listening, Master Li pondered for a moment, feeling that while the idea had some merit, it was still not quite appropriate.

Just as he was about to speak, Liu shook his arm, smiling as she looked at him.

"Sir, please just say yes!"

Although she pleaded softly, her actions were quite forceful, causing Master Li to gasp in surprise.

In a moment of impulsiveness, he blurted out, "Okay, okay! We'll do as you say!"

After being coaxed and pleaded with by Madam Liu, Master Li finally relented and had no choice but to agree to her request.

Having settled the matter, Master Li relaxed and lay down on the couch.

Liu naturally understood what this rascal meant. After giving him a disapproving look, she accompanied Master Li to rest.

After finishing his conversation, Mr. Li looked satisfied, with a slight smile on his face. Before long, his eyelids began to droop, his breathing became heavy, and he actually fell asleep, even snoring softly.

Liu lay down beside him and waited a moment. Seeing that Master Li was completely asleep, she gently nudged his shoulder and tentatively called out twice, "Master? Master?"

The only response she received was her even snoring.

Liu slowly sat up, her charming and docile expression vanishing instantly, replaced by impatience.

She glanced down at herself, then at the soundly sleeping Mr. Li beside her, and muttered under her breath, "Old man, you fall asleep so quickly, I haven't even finished speaking yet!"

She quickly put on her coat, tiptoed out of bed, and slipped into the night.

Under the hazy moonlight, the servants in the mansion had already retired for the night. Liu walked along the path and arrived at a side room in the west courtyard where the lights were still on.

She didn't knock; she just pushed the door open and came in.

Inside the room, Li Jiwu was sitting at his desk, flipping through an account book. When he saw Liu's late-night visit, he was taken aback at first, then put down the account book, stood up, and said with a smile, "Aunt Liu, is there something important that you've come so late at night?"