Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Xu Qing's gaze swept over the three young faces, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight: "I do like to joke, but this time, I'm serious."

He paused, his gaze falling on the youthful spirit that had not yet faded in the eyes of the three, and slowly added, "You all have the potential to become strong."

How can you determine if someone has the qualities of a strong person?

Xu Qing had already made up her mind.

First and foremost is innate talent. Those with excellent innate talent are like pine trees planted in fertile soil, allowing their internal energy to circulate smoothly during cultivation, naturally leading to twice the result with half the effort in improving their strength. Secondly, one should look at comprehension. Even if one's innate talent is average, if one has outstanding comprehension, one can find a unique path and carve out a new world if one encounters a suitable cultivation method.

However, if both are ordinary, then one can only rely on chance. There are always rare treasures in this world that can cleanse the marrow and rejuvenate the meridians, and secret treasures that can help people break through bottlenecks. As long as one is lucky enough, even an ordinary person can transform into a master.

In Xu Qing's eyes, the three of them, including Gang, had very ordinary aptitudes.

But that's alright. With his help, even if he doesn't become a top-tier expert who can intimidate the region, he can at least be trained to be a capable fighter on his own. That's not a difficult task.

Whether they liked it or not, the three of them were forced to follow Xu Qing onto the path of cultivation in the days that followed.

They didn't know the young man's background, only that in front of him, they couldn't even muster the thought of resisting. Every time they tried to break free, they were bound by an invisible force, unable to move even their fingertips.

Although he was full of doubts about Xu Qing's purpose, and even couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Can people like us really become the number one swordsman in Yan Kingdom?", how could the boy, who had grown up listening to stories of chivalry, let go of the opportunity that was right in front of him? His desire for power had long since overwhelmed all his doubts.

What Xu Qing taught the three of them was a set of quick-learning methods that he had created himself.

This method is based on the "Twenty-Four Earthly Branches" of the Farmer School and incorporates the essence of Yin-Yang School techniques. As a top-tier combined attack technique of the time, the Twenty-Four Earthly Branches is best at defeating the strong with the weak. Even if an individual's strength is limited, as long as they cooperate well, they can unleash the power of "one plus one is far greater than two".

The three of them, Gang and his friends, had been fishing and catching shrimp together since childhood, and playing in the streets. Their tacit understanding was far beyond that of ordinary people, so this method was perfect for them.

However, combined attacks ultimately rely on cooperation; once isolated, they are unlikely to achieve significant results.

Therefore, Xu Qing also learned the cultivation method of the Yin-Yang School. The most amazing thing about this technique is that after entering the school, one can condense powerful energy in a short period of time.

Xu Qing had a deep understanding of this. He had obtained this method from Chu Nan Gong and had mastered it to a minor level during the few months he spent traveling from Chu to Han. This showed that once one entered the path, one could make rapid progress.

However, high returns are often accompanied by high risks.

During the cultivation of Yin-Yang techniques, inner demons are ever-present. A slight misstep can lead to demonic possession and the loss of all one's power.

To help the three of them settle into the sect smoothly, Xu Qing went to great lengths to forge three swords for them.

Although it can be considered a private customization, it does not actually contradict Xu Qing's original intention.

His original intention was to have his sword involved in this sword duel.

Initially, the intention was to sponsor the tournament organizers.

For example, one might use their own sword as a reward for winning.

He later discovered that the Yan state government had become too involved in the matter, so he gave up.

He then turned his attention to finding contestants, hoping they would wield his sword and defeat numerous powerful enemies to gain fame.

When they found there were no good targets, they turned their attention to those novice martial artists.

Now that these three have been chosen, the original intention was to give them swords.

For Xu Qing, the only slightly troublesome thing was that he needed to add some special characteristics to the sword.

Fortunately, it wasn't a fourth-tier sword being forged.

For now, he can still hold on.

That morning, Xu Qing placed the three swords on the bluestone table, the patterns on the scabbards gleaming faintly in the morning light.

"These three swords are named Danxin, Hanqing, and Lüren respectively."

He lightly tapped the scabbard with his fingertips, and the crimson Danxin Sword was the first to emit a soft hum, followed closely by the cyan Hanqing Sword, while the golden Lüren Sword gleamed with a warm luster. "Take a look," he said.

Tsuna and the other two came closer, their eyes lighting up instantly.

When they were young, they dreamed countless times of owning their own sword when they heard stories of chivalrous heroes. However, even an ordinary bronze sword would take months of savings, so this dream remained just a pipe dream.

Now, following Xu Qing in their cultivation, their strength is growing day by day, filling them with anticipation for the future. Little did they expect that even the sword they had been dreaming of would be within reach.

"I almost forgot to mention," Xu Qing said, a faint smile curving his lips as he looked at the three people's surprised expressions. "I am also a swordsmith."

He paused, then his tone became serious, "Each of you choose one. Remember, you must never be without your sword when you practice in the future, and you must never slack off."

What he didn't say was that all three swords contained the power of "tranquility," which could help the wielder eliminate distracting thoughts and greatly reduce the invasion of inner demons during cultivation.

If the headquarters of the Yin-Yang School in Qin knew that he could forge such a divine sword, they would probably spare no expense to invite him back and treat him as an honored guest.

Although the three were unaware of the secrets behind the sword, they already held Xu Qing in awe and obediently complied.

A-Jin immediately took a liking to the golden Lu Ren sword, holding it in his hand and stroking it repeatedly; A-Ming chose the crimson Dan Xin sword, the warmth of the scabbard making his heart race; A-Gang had no choice but to pick up the remaining Han Qing sword, but the moment his fingertips touched the scabbard, he couldn't help but smile. For them, having their own sword was already an immense stroke of luck.

Xu Qing watched this scene without any emotional fluctuation.

In his eyes, these three were nothing more than "tools" to achieve his goal. Helping them improve their strength and equipping them with swords was already more than enough. As for the mysteries of the swords, there was no need to explain too much, and he had no intention of taking them as disciples.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, but Xu Qing discovered a new problem.

Although Yin-Yang techniques can quickly improve one's skill level, skill level and actual combat are ultimately two different things.

Just like those hermits who have secluded themselves for decades to cultivate their inner strength, if they really encounter a seasoned martial artist, they may reveal their weaknesses due to lack of experience and be seized by the opponent to kill them.

He wanted to cultivate a swordsman who could become famous throughout Jicheng, not a dullard who only knew how to meditate and cultivate.

Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing's eyes, and he activated the "Yin Yang Puppet Technique" without hesitation.

He did not follow the orthodox methods of the Yin-Yang School, but instead combined illusion and puppetry to forcibly drag the three into an illusion.

In that endless nightmare, all sorts of powerful enemies appeared one after another, including ruthless bandits wielding large knives, assassins with unpredictable movements, and even strongmen with immense strength.

The three were repeatedly knocked down and died in the illusion, overwhelmed by waves of pain and fear.

An ordinary person would have already suffered a mental breakdown and gone insane under such torment.

But Tsuna and his two companions managed to hold on.

The three swords, Danxin, Hanqing, and Lüren, were forged by Xu Qing with the core qualities of "loyalty, righteousness, and trustworthiness." They are similar to the "Heavenly Wrath" and "Frostmourne" he forged in Xinzheng in the past. However, the Heavenly Wrath and Frostmourne contain negative emotions, such as greed and jealousy. They can amplify the evil thoughts in the wielder's heart. The stronger the evil thoughts, the more powerful the sword becomes. Those two swords are undoubtedly evil swords.

These three swords, however, are swords of righteousness.

While good and evil may seem to be opposing forces, in reality, it is much more difficult to unleash the power of the righteous sword than the evil sword.

After all, it's easy to do bad things and have evil thoughts, but it's not so easy to stick to the right path.

If Xu Qing hadn't known the plot and the fates of these three characters, he wouldn't have forged such a sword.

Apart from these three core elements...

The greatest function of these three swords is to help the wielder stabilize their mind and guard against the invasion of external evils through their inherent righteous energy.

Even if their minds were tormented terribly under Xu Qing's illusions.

Because of these three swords, a single thought never faded from their hearts. It was this thought that allowed them to persevere through that terrifying nightmare and gain much more combat experience.

And because these experiences came from dreams.

Therefore, it can also be called – attaining enlightenment in a dream.

"We have the weapons, the experience, and the strength." That day, Xu Qing looked at the three people whose eyes had become sharper and slowly said, "Next, it's time to go out and make a name for ourselves in the martial world."

As soon as he finished speaking, he led the three of them toward the government office. If they wanted to make a name for themselves, they had to register with the government first, then participate in sword duels, defeat the masters of Yan step by step, until they reached the top and became the number one swordsman of Yan.

Although it sounds a bit strange, that's how it is in Jicheng.

After finishing this task, Xu Qing was too lazy to worry about the follow-up matters.

He has spent a lot of energy training the three people during this period, and now he can take this opportunity to relax.

Places of entertainment exist in the capitals of every country, and Jicheng is no exception.

Furthermore, because the Yan state was close to Zhao and allied with the Hu, there were often Hu women with high noses and deep-set eyes in the city's song and dance halls.

Dressed in light gauze, their dance steps exuded exotic charm, drawing cheers from onlookers and making their business exceptionally prosperous.

Xu Qing found a famous dance hall, ordered a pot of fine wine, and quietly watched the dance on stage, finding it quite pleasant.

Despite enjoying the dance, he still felt a lingering regret. He had wanted to find a place called "Feixue Pavilion" to see if he could encounter the Snow Maiden, but after several inquiries, he discovered that there was no such place in Ji City. The Snow Maiden's whereabouts remained an unsolved mystery.

Xu Qing couldn't tell whether this was good or bad. Perhaps the Snow Maiden heeded his advice from back then and stayed away from trouble, or perhaps she encountered some accident.

That evening, Xu Qing grew tired of the noise of the dance hall and returned to the tavern he used to frequent.

Just as I ordered a pot of fruit wine, before I even took a sip, a gentle voice rang in my ear: "Mr. Xu Qing, it's true what they say, life is full of unexpected encounters."

Xu Qing was slightly taken aback. Looking up, he saw a middle-aged man in brown clothes standing by the table. He had a kind face and a refined look in his eyes. Although he was middle-aged, he could not hide the heroic spirit he had in his youth.

"Did Mr. Tian Guang come here specifically for me?" Xu Qing snapped out of his reverie, his wine glass pausing slightly, his tone flat and emotionless.

The other party was none other than Tian Guang, the chivalrous leader of the peasant family, a renowned figure in the Yan Kingdom.

Tian Guang shook his head, then sat down opposite him, picked up the wine pot and poured himself a cup: "Over the years I have traveled to various countries, but I have never forgotten that I am a Yan citizen. Whenever I have time, I will return to Ji City for a visit. I never expected to meet you here today, sir. It is a pleasant surprise."

"I thought it was the farmers who leaked my whereabouts and attracted Mr. Tian Guang here." Xu Qing gently swirled his wine glass, the liquid rippling in the glass. "If that's the case, I dare not contact the farmers again in the future."

“Sir, you are mistaken!” Upon hearing this, Tian Guang quickly waved his hand, his tone somewhat urgent. “You are a distinguished guest of our farm, and everyone in the farm hopes to provide you with assistance. If you are unwilling to contact us again, wouldn’t that mean our friendship is over? I absolutely cannot accept such a thing.”

"Hehe..." Xu Qing chuckled softly, his gaze falling on Tian Guang's sincere face. "Mr. Tian Guang is indeed eloquent and persuasive, worthy of being a great hero revered by everyone in Yan Kingdom."

He paused, recalling the appearance of A-Gang and the other two, and added, "During my time in Jicheng, I often heard people mention your name. The three boys I knew before grew up listening to stories of your chivalrous deeds. If they knew that the great hero in their hearts was actually so gentle, I don't know whether they should be happy or disappointed."

Upon hearing this, Tian Guang did not argue, but simply smiled faintly and raised his wine glass in a gesture of respect.

Xu Qing did not refuse, raised her glass and clinked it with his. The wine went down her throat, carrying a mellow aroma.

After a few drinks, Tian Guang casually asked, "Mr. Xu Qing, are you interested in the sword duel in Yan?"

Xu Qing raised his eyes, a hint of amusement flashing in them: "What? Mr. Tian Guang also disapproves of the Korean wave and wants to personally take action to seize the title of the number one swordsman of Yan?"

He paused, then said with a hint of certainty, "With your abilities, sir, accomplishing this would be a piece of cake."

“I don’t have such thoughts.” Tian Guang shook his head, rejecting Xu Qing’s conjecture.

"I only know some of what Mr. Xu Qing has been doing recently, and I am quite puzzled by it."

"Sir, you asked me earlier if I wanted to win the title of the number one swordsman in Yan. This is also the question I want to ask you. With your strength, you could easily defeat Han Liu if you were to take action. Why then do you need to train three common street urchins?"

Chapter 144 Extraordinary People, Skills Approaching the Dao!

"It's just something I enjoy!"

Xu Qing spoke calmly, giving an answer that surprised Tian Guang.

Tian Guang was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then laughed and said, "What a wonderful thing, driven by interest!"