Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

"Logically speaking, I am an outsider and have no right to speak on such an occasion." Xu Qing faced the gazes of the crowd, his expression calm and composed, and said, "I have some questions. According to what you all said, the so-called Dragon Slaying Plan is to send a master, disguised as an envoy of the Yan State, to infiltrate the Xianyang Palace and assassinate Ying Zheng with a sharp weapon."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall: "Whether this plan is ingenious or not is another matter, but in essence, isn't it just a cliché assassination?"

"If it's an assassination, why must it be done by someone from the Mohist school?" Xu Qing's voice remained calm, but his gaze inadvertently swept over the six-fingered black-clad swordsman's crippled legs. "Is he truly a Mohist master, superior to those from other sects?"

Six-Fingered Black Knight felt Xu Qing's gaze and thought to himself: "Speak if you want to, why are you looking at me?"

But he had to admit that every word Xu Qing said was true.

The Mohist school was not known for its martial arts, and its masters were not considered top-tier.

As the leader of the Mohist school, he was considered the strongest in the sect, but he still found it difficult to face Donghuang Taiyi.

The Yin-Yang School was not the strongest sect in the world; within the Qin state, the Daoist School was subtly superior.

The others followed Xu Qing's gaze and realized what was happening.

Even their leader, the Six-Fingered Black Knight, was crippled in both legs during the Qin state's siege.

Jing Ke's strength was decent within the Mohist school, but in the grand scheme of things, it was only average.

Given the size of the Yan state, is it really possible that they cannot find a stronger expert?

Some might say that assassinating the Qin emperor concerned the lives of all people, and the Mohists were duty-bound to do so.

The problem now is that the assassination attempt on Qin may not be the right thing to do, as Six-Fingered Black Knight has already pointed out its drawbacks. Since the Mohist masters are not irreplaceable, they can be replaced by more powerful individuals. Moreover, the Mohist school has already contributed; the assassination weapon was forged by them, and Madam Xu even sacrificed her life for it.

“Yes, why must Brother Jing do this?” Gao Jianli immediately echoed as soon as Xu Qing finished speaking.

Although Gao Jianli joined the Mohist school much earlier than Jing Ke because of Xu Qing, some people's destinies are ultimately unbreakable.

After Jing Ke joined the Mohist school, the two quickly became close friends, often drinking together and exchanging martial arts techniques.

The fate of Jing Ke in his assassination attempt on the King of Qin was uncertain, and regardless of success or failure, his end was destined to be tragic.

Previously, Jing Ke stepped forward with a sense of righteousness, which Gao Jianli could not say much about. Moreover, the acting leader Yan Dan strongly advocated for him, and the other commanders also agreed, including some with more seniority. Even if he opposed it, it would be of no use.

But things are different now. The true leader has returned and clearly expressed his opposition, so he can finally speak freely.

"Even though assassinating the King of Qin is a noble act to save the people, Brother Jing is not irreplaceable!" Gao Jianli gripped his twin swords tightly, his voice resounding. "With the strength of the Yan state, we are certainly not lacking in more powerful experts!"

Although the Yan state was not as powerful as the Qin state, the difference was at the military level.

In the world of martial arts, the lands of Yan and Zhao are more likely to breed strongmen. Qin law is strict, and fighting within its borders can lead to legal trouble. Yan and Zhao border the lands of Hu, and the people are known for their fierce nature. Feuds and killings are common in the martial arts world, and the government often turns a blind eye.

Back then, Yan Dan wanted to restore order to the martial arts world of Yan Kingdom and supported masters like Han Liu for this purpose. However, he was defeated by Da Tiechui, who was supported by Xu Qing. Later, Yan Dan became a corpse demon and developed an obsession with resurrection. He lost interest in the affairs of the martial arts world and the order of the martial arts world in Yan Kingdom returned to chaos. In this environment, people in the martial arts world had more experience in fighting and their strength was easier to improve.

In the central hall, everyone had mixed feelings. Xu Qing's questioning and Gao Jianli's agreement were like a key, unlocking the long-hidden doubts in everyone's hearts.

Master Xu let out a low sigh, his eyes filled with sorrow. His mother had exhausted her life to forge that weapon to assassinate the Qin emperor, and it would be a great loss if this sacrifice was for a gamble that was destined to fail.

He looked up at the Six-Fingered Black Knight and said in a deep voice, "Master, although I have lost my mother, I understand the safety of the Mohist school that you mentioned. If this trip can persuade Jing Ke to return, I am willing to go to Ji City with him."

Dao Zhi stepped forward, his figure as upright as a pine tree: "Master, I have the fastest lightness skill, and I can deal with any unexpected events on the way. I'll go too!"

“And me.” Gao Jianli’s eyes were full of determination. “Brother Jing is my close friend, and I must persuade him personally.”

Seeing this, the other commanders also volunteered.

Although people's hearts may waver and be complicated, as long as there is a clear direction and reliable guidance, the cohesion inherent in the Mohists will be fully unleashed.

Looking at the united crowd before him, the Six-Fingered Black Knight, though his crippled legs made it difficult for him to move, had a long-lost burning light in his eyes.

He nodded slowly, his voice booming like a bell: "Good! Master Ban will remain in the Mechanical City to strengthen its defenses and guard against any unforeseen events; the rest of you commanders, follow me immediately and be sure to reach Ji City within three days!"

"As the Grand Master commands!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices resounding throughout the hall, filled with resolute determination.

……

Meanwhile, in a side courtyard of the Crown Prince's residence in Jicheng, candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows inside.

Jing Ke, dressed in black, sat cross-legged on the couch, tightly clutching a long sword in his arms. The sword was long and narrow, and the scabbard was simple and unadorned, yet it exuded a chilling and fierce aura. It was the Broken Rainbow Sword, which Old Madam Xu had painstakingly forged.

He gently traced the patterns on the scabbard with his fingertips, but his gaze drifted to the night sky outside the window, his eyes filled with a mixture of reminiscence and piercing ferocity.

“The Grand Master…” he murmured softly, his voice hoarse and dry.

In his heart, the Six-Fingered Black Knight was not only the leader of the Mohist School, but also his savior. When Lord Xinling died, he and his junior sister wandered around and had nowhere to go. It was the Six-Fingered Black Knight who took them in, brought them into the Mohist School's Mechanical City, and gave them a place to settle down and make a living.

Upon learning that Six-Fingered Black Knight had been besieged by the Yin-Yang School in Qin and was in a state of uncertainty, possibly even dead, he was devastated, and his hatred for Qin intensified.

As his thoughts wandered, the flames of war outside Puyang City seemed to reignite before his eyes once more.

That year, the Qin army captured Puyang. His master, Gongsun Yu, led his disciples to fight to the death to protect the people. In the end, he died from exhaustion, his blood staining the city red and his cries of agony shaking the heavens and the earth. It was a nightmare that he could never forget.

"Master, what I seek today is both for the sake of the people and to avenge you!" Jing Ke gripped the Broken Rainbow Sword tightly, his resolve growing ever stronger.

He recalled the moments he had spent with his master in the past, and also remembered his lively and clever junior sister, Gongsun Liji.

Li Ji is the granddaughter of her master. She is intelligent and beautiful. The two grew up together and have a deep friendship. After the fall of Puyang City, they were hunted down by the Luo Wang. Fortunately, Xu Qing saved them. Later, they went to the State of Wei together and stayed under the tutelage of Lord Xinling for a while. However, Lord Xinling died unexpectedly, and he lost his "home" once again.

Afterwards, they joined the Mohist school together. Li Ji stayed in the Mechanical City for several years, but her restless nature made her unable to bear the peaceful life. She insisted on traveling and wanted to see the suffering of the common people with her own eyes.

But who would have thought that the last news that came was that she had disappeared in the State of Zhao.

When the Qin state destroyed the Zhao state, the flames of war swept across the entire territory of Zhao, and countless people were displaced and died tragically.

Jing Ke had asked Mohist disciples to search for news of Li Ji everywhere, but there was still no news. He preferred to believe that Li Ji was living in anonymity and in peace rather than admit that she had met with misfortune. But deep down, he had already concluded that his junior sister's disappearance must be related to the Qin state.

“Li Ji…” A fleeting tenderness flashed in Jing Ke’s eyes, which was then replaced by a deeper hatred. “Don’t worry, your senior brother will definitely kill Ying Zheng, for you, for our master, and for all those who died under the iron hooves of the Qin soldiers!”

In the next instant, the Broken Rainbow Sword was suddenly drawn!

On the slender blade, there is a winding crimson line, resembling a hideous wound.

As if sensing the surging killing intent of the swordsman, the crimson patterns immediately burst forth with dazzling light, and a chilling aura spread outwards. The candlelight in the room was instantly extinguished by this force, leaving only a chilling atmosphere.

In another room not far away, Yan Dan sensed the incomparably fierce sword aura. A hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and he muttered in a low voice, "What a vicious sword!"

……

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

There was only one day left before Jing Ke set off for Qin.

Yan Dan sent a messenger to the Mechanical City, keeping the timing very tight.

If nothing unexpected happens during the delivery of the letter, the Mohists will receive it and hurry on their way, perhaps even seeing Jing Ke one last time. Otherwise, if they are a little slow, they will not have time to bid farewell to Jing Ke.

The reason he didn't give the Mohists too much time was that he was worried that Jing Ke would change his mind after seeing them.

The assassination plot against the Qin emperor has been so meticulously prepared; it cannot afford to fail at this final step.

However, human calculations are ultimately no match for divine intervention.

He overlooked the existence of Xu Qing as a variable, because many things changed because of Xu Qing.

On this day, the cold wind was blowing.

Xu Qing, along with the Mo family members, quietly arrived outside Ji City.

Chapter 257 A shocking stab reveals Yan Dan's true colors!

Inside the Crown Prince's residence.

With only one day left before his assassination attempt on the King of Qin, Jing Ke's mood grew increasingly heavy, but the more so, the more determined he became to uphold his beliefs.

He was cultivating his killing intent, hiding it in his heart and in his sword.

Only when they see Ying Zheng will it be time to prepare for action.

In another room, Yan Dan showed no signs of nervousness about the impending assassination attempt on the King of Qin.

For him now, whether he succeeds or fails in his assassination attempt on the Qin emperor is not important.

Because this is something that is destined to fail.

The same question remains: all he cares about is resurrection.

Suddenly, a servant came to report.

"Your Highness, someone has delivered a visiting card..."

Yan Dan took the visiting card, opened it, glanced at it, and a sneer appeared on her lips. "They really arrived quickly!"

He only gave the Mo family three days to travel. Logically speaking, three days is quite a rushed time to travel from the Mechanical City to Ji City.

Unexpectedly, the Mo family arrived even faster, in just two days.

However, he didn't say anything. Since the Mo family had arrived, he naturally wanted to welcome them.

So he sent someone outside to welcome those people into the reception room.

He then went to Jing Ke's place to inform him.

"Brother Jing, the Mohists have arrived!"

Hearing Yan Dan's words, Jing Ke was quite moved. He immediately put the Broken Rainbow Sword on his back and followed Yan Dan to the reception room.

Before long, the group was led to the reception room by servants from Yan Dan's residence.

As the hosts of this place, Yan Dan and Jing Ke were already waiting here.

Looking at the crowd that had arrived, Yan Dan put on a fake smile, "Master Xu, Jianli, Xiao Zhi, you've all come!"

Upon seeing the three people who walked in first, Yan Dan immediately greeted them.

He then asked, "Where is Master Ban?"

Why didn't he come?

Master Ban was the chief master of the Mohist school of mechanical engineering. After the Six-Fingered Black Knight's incident, he was also the most senior and highest-ranking person in the entire Mohist school. Logically speaking, he should have come to this farewell occasion.

Of course, it doesn't matter if they don't come.

Yan Dan was just asking a routine question.

However, at that moment, a cold voice rang out, "Master Ban needs to be stationed in the Mechanical City to oversee various affairs, so he did not come here, but I have!"

Upon hearing this sound, Yan Dan and Jing Ke both looked towards the doorway.

Jing Ke, in particular, trembled slightly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Immediately, he saw a tall Mo family disciple walk in.

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