Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

"This..." The two women were shocked, but knowing Xu Qing's personality, they dared not say anything. They could only keep their shock in mind and quietly observe the changes in the formation.

Xu Qing could clearly sense the convergence of the天地元气 (heaven and earth energy), and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. He thought to himself, "Not bad, it seems my guess was right."

Immediately afterwards, he tried to guide the gathered spiritual energy of heaven and earth into his body. The strands of spiritual energy, like gentle streams, flowed into his body through his pores, slowly flowing along his meridians, nourishing his dantian and physical body.

Without a doubt, he succeeded.

The formation used to forge the sword can indeed be used to assist in cultivation, greatly increasing the speed of cultivation.

It should be noted that what he has set up at this moment is only the most basic small-scale Qi gathering array; in the inherited knowledge of fourth-tier swordsmiths, there are many large-scale Qi gathering arrays that can even draw on the power of the sun, moon and stars. Only in this way can one artificially create the right time and place to forge a fourth-tier heirloom sword.

"If we could find a blessed land with abundant spiritual energy, and set up a large-scale energy-gathering array..." A bold idea emerged in Xu Qing's mind.

"It seems that the condition of abundant spiritual energy must also be added when sending alchemists to find islands." Xu Qing recalled that he had previously sent alchemists to find islands in order to build his own base. If he could find an island with abundant spiritual energy and set up a large-scale energy-gathering array, he could turn it into a fairy island on earth.

The mysteries of the fourth-order realm go far beyond this.

In the days that followed, Xu Qing immersed himself in exploring the fourth-order sword-forging technique, verifying one unique ability after another. Each verification and each discovery benefited him greatly, and his understanding of sword-forging and cultivation became increasingly profound.

Until this day, the communication signal from the Net suddenly came, interrupting Xu Qing's exploration.

He had no choice but to temporarily put aside his work and, following the communication signal, head to a secluded valley to meet with Xuan Jian, an assassin from the Luo Wang organization.

Upon seeing Xuan Jian, Xu Qing's gaze immediately fell upon the "Black and White Xuan Jian" at his waist.

After becoming a fourth-tier swordsmith, his perception of swords far surpassed what he had before. Previously, he could only listen to the sword's inner voice, but now he could see through the sword's origin and spirit.

Under his "Sword Eyes," a unique spirituality flowed slowly within each of the two swords, Black and White Xuanjian. This spirituality was closely connected with Xuanjian's aura, coexisting and forming a wondrous symbiotic relationship.

"It seems that your compatibility with these two swords is even higher than I expected," Xu Qing said with a smile, his tone tinged with approval.

Xuan Jian was unaware that Xu Qing had broken through to the fourth-level swordsmith. After hearing Xu Qing's words, he replied in a deep voice, "These two swords are very useful."

These five simple words represent Xuan Jian's greatest recognition of Xu Qing.

Initially, Xu Qing reforged the Black and White Xuanjian without his consent, and he still harbored some resentment in his heart; however, during the process of using it, he gradually felt the mystery of the reforged Black and White Xuanjian. The sword body was more resilient, the sword aura was more fierce, and it was more and more in harmony with his aura, and it had long become an indispensable partner to him.

Now, he is only satisfied with these two swords.

"If you find them useful, that's fine." Xu Qing said calmly, then his tone suddenly changed, "In that case, let me give you another hand to make your connection with these two swords even stronger."

Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing made a casual gesture.

"Zheng!!"

Two clear sword sounds rang out simultaneously, and the two swords, Hei Bai Xuan Jian and Hei Bai Xuan Jian, were drawn from their sheaths on their own, transforming into two streams of light that hovered in front of Xu Qing.

Xuan Jian's eyes narrowed, and he was secretly surprised. This kind of sword-controlling technique with qi could only be performed by a master whose internal energy cultivation had reached its peak and who could project internal energy to control objects.

Although he already knew that Xu Qing was powerful, he was still shocked to see such methods in person.

However, Xuan Jian did not ask any further questions, but simply watched Xu Qing quietly, wanting to know what he was going to do next.

The answer was soon revealed.

Xu Qing raised his fingers together, like two invisible swords, and quickly pointed them at Xuan Jian.

Upon seeing this, Xuan Jian's heart alarmed. He felt that Xu Qing's two fingers were radiating a sharpness comparable to a sword, and he instinctively wanted to dodge. But then he thought that if Xu Qing wanted to attack him, he wouldn't need to go through all this trouble. So he forcibly suppressed his instinct to dodge and let Xu Qing's two fingers land on his brow.

A slight pain came over him, and Xuan Jian subconsciously frowned.

He saw Xu Qing retract his finger, and then a wisp of bright red blood seeped from between his eyebrows, floated in the air, and slowly flew towards the suspended black and white Xuanjian.

The wisp of blood swirled around the Black and White Sword, as if it were alive, slowly seeping into the blade.

A moment later, the blood completely merged into the sword. Xu Qing casually flicked his sleeve, and the black and white Xuanjian swords simultaneously rolled back and precisely inserted into the scabbard at Xuanjian's waist.

Xuan Jian raised his hand and touched his brow. He felt a warm sensation on his fingertips; it was his own blood.

He didn't pay attention to the injury, but subconsciously gripped the black and white sword at his waist.

The swords were still the same two swords, but the moment he grasped their hilts, he felt an unprecedented connection, as if the two swords were no longer cold weapons, but a part of his body, connected by blood and mind.

He could clearly feel that the compatibility between himself and Hei Bai Xuan Jian had reached a new level, becoming even more inseparable.

Xuan Jian opened his mouth, wanting to ask Xu Qing what he had done, but he swallowed the words back down.

He knew that Xu Qing's actions must involve some kind of secret technique, or perhaps it was Xu Qing's secret. If he were to ask about it, it would seem inappropriate.

Seeing Xuan Jian's hesitant expression, Xu Qing felt utterly bored. He had been waiting for Xuan Jian to ask a question so he could show off and indulge in his ego, but Xuan Jian was behaving in an unconventional way, which really dampened his spirits.

Xu Qing shook his head helplessly, then changed the subject and asked, "Speaking of which, you contacted me first, so it must be something important, right?"

Xuan Jian then came to his senses. "Oh right, I was the one who contacted him first. I almost got misled by his tactics just now."

He composed himself and said in a deep voice, "The Luo Net has noticed some unusual movements on the Qi side, and they will probably take action soon."

"Oh?" Xu Qing raised an eyebrow, looking at Xuan Jian with some surprise. "Didn't the Luo Net take notice of the Qi Kingdom a long time ago? Otherwise, you wouldn't have been sent to the Qi Kingdom, would you?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to leave Qi!" Xuan Jian said in a deep voice, outlining the future arrangements for Luo Wang.

Chapter 211 Xuan Jian's Departure, Further Understanding of the Yellow Stone Heavenly Book

"So, you got a promotion?"

Upon hearing Xuan Jian's words, Xu Qing remained unmoved, showing no concern whatsoever, and instead inquired about the reason.

Xuan Jian shook his head. "The highest rank is already the Heavenly Rank 1, which is the highest level for Luo Wang assassins. Where else can I go to advance?"

Xu Qing narrowed his eyes slightly. "So, we've been exposed?"

"The Net has discovered your problems, so you're planning to betray the Net?"

"Do you need my help?"

Faced with Xu Qing's repeated questioning, Xuan Jian shook his head once again and replied in a deep voice, "I should not have been exposed yet."

"However, it may be because the development of the Luowang in Qi State is too stable and the missions are completed too perfectly."

"This kind of perfection is extraordinary in itself..."

Flawless things are bound to be ruined; great achievements seem imperfect.

Nothing in this world is absolutely perfect.

Even within the snare, this is true.

While the Luowang branches in other countries all had their own problems, the Luowang in Qi had no problems at all. Anyone at the Luowang headquarters who wasn't stupid could tell that something was wrong here.

"I only recently realized this myself."

Sensing Xu Qing's strange gaze, Xuan Jian offered another explanation.

Upon hearing Xuan Jian's words, Xu Qing couldn't help but sigh; he had nothing to say.

I thought Xuan Jian was a very steady person, but now it seems that an assassin is ultimately just a killer. His killing skills are exceptional, but apart from killing, his other abilities are quite ordinary.

"So, we were exposed after all!"

Even though Xuan Jian said he hadn't been exposed, he did say that the Luo Wang had discovered something amiss.

This is no different from exposure.

"Does the headquarters of Luo Wang intend to summon you back for questioning?" Xu Qing asked Xuan Jian again.

Xuan Jian nodded, "That's partly the reason, but the main reason is that I've been staying in Qi for a long time."

"Although the various branches of the Net need to be guarded."

"But that was in the past. Under normal circumstances, the top-tier warriors wouldn't stay in one place for too long, nor would they let us live too comfortably..."

As he said this, a self-deprecating smile appeared on Xuan Jian's lips.

He thought of his wife, Wei Qianqian, once again.

In the past, he stayed in the State of Wei and lived a comfortable life.

I thought that would last forever.

But the appearance of the Net destroyed everything.

After experiencing so much, Xuan Jian finally came to his senses.

I understand even more the meaning of the saying, "If you're caught in a trap for a day, you'll be caught in a trap for a lifetime."

But there are some things he still wants to try.

A comprehensive and inescapable network cannot be without any gaps.

The aftermath of the previous Lao Ai Rebellion has already confirmed this, with many people successfully escaping the clutches of the rebels.

He missed that opportunity.

But there will definitely be new opportunities in the future.

Gathering his thoughts, Xuan Jian turned to Xu Qing and said, "The situation in the world has changed drastically. After I return to the headquarters of Luo Wang, I'm afraid Luo Wang will have many tasks to assign me."

"I have called you here today to tell you these things."

"Later, Luo Wang may send other assassins to Qi. Whether it's good or bad, I can't say for sure."

"But since I've chosen to cooperate with you, there are some things I need to discuss with you in detail..."

Xuan Jian explained it in great detail.

It's hard to imagine that these words of advice came from the mouth of an assassin.

But the fact that these words came from the mouth of a ruthless killer shows that at this moment, he no longer seems like a killer, but more like a person with feelings and righteousness.

……

After meeting with Xuan Jian, Xu Qing returned to the Prime Minister's residence.

In the courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence, some flowers were in full bloom, their fragrance filling the air. A maid carrying a food box walked along the pebbled path and bowed respectfully upon seeing Xu Qing.

Xu Qing nodded and went straight to the study. He still had many things to deal with. Xuan Jian's departure might have some impact, but it wasn't as big as he had imagined.

Or rather, it was Xuan Jian's arrival in Qi that surprised Xu Qing.

Before Xuan Jian, a first-class official, arrived in Qi, he had already infiltrated the Luowang stronghold in Linzi, Qi, through his own means.

Hou Sancai was the person in charge here at the time.

Even after Xuan Jian left, the Luo Wang members who came here afterward were of a higher rank than Hou San, but no matter how high they were, they could never be as high as Xuan Jian.

After talking with Xuan Jian, Xu Qing could roughly guess why Xuan Jian wanted to leave Qi.