Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

There are two Ling Shuang swords in total: one is the Heart Sword, and the other is the Demon Sword. The Heart Sword has healing abilities, while the Demon Sword has destructive power. Since Wei Zhuang already possesses the demonic Shark Tooth sword, Xu Qing obviously cannot forge another demon sword for him. The only way is to go against the grain and forge a "healing" sword to attract Wei Zhuang's attention and make him use the sword frequently.

Furthermore, since it is a Heart Sword from Xu Qingshan Village, even though it has "healing" properties, its main characteristic is "bloodlust," so it will occasionally have some side effects.

Generally speaking, when the "energy" stored in the sword is exhausted, and the sword wielder wants to use the sword to heal himself, without enough "energy," it will choose to extract the sword wielder's blood essence, transform it, and then inject it into the sword body.

It appears to be self-sufficient, forming a perpetual cycle, but in reality, there will be losses during the energy conversion process. Therefore, at that time, the sword will become a burden to the wielder.

However, Xu Qing believed that Wei Zhuang would not be able to unleash the sword to that extent.

Compared to its side effects.

Xu Qing would much rather see Wei Zhuang wield this sword and fight against the Blood-Clad Marquis.

The Blood-Clad Marquis's cultivation technique requires him to consume the blood of pure women. What would happen if he encountered a bloodthirsty sword?

……

To forge this sword, Xu Qing worked tirelessly day and night in the sword-making workshop, repeatedly refining it.

Several days passed quietly as his spirit was repeatedly exhausted and restored.

Each brief respite from the workshop is but a fleeting moment in reality. Only when the mind is utterly exhausted and requires a longer period of rest does the passage of time become apparent in reality.

Finally, this "heart sword," which embodies the collective strength of the heart, has achieved its ultimate success.

Being in an inn in Xinzheng city, one is most well-informed.

The most talked-about topic recently is the chilling "ghost soldiers robbing wages and demanding lives" case!

First, 100,000 taels of gold-rimmed military pay mysteriously disappeared in Broken Soul Valley, suspected to have been stolen by ghost soldiers who died in battle in the Zheng Kingdom years ago. Afterwards, several officials who took over the case were found dead in their homes one after another, their deaths bizarre. It was rumored that they were haunted by vengeful spirits, warning the living not to investigate the truth.

The rumors, though their origins are unknown, spread like wildfire throughout Xinzheng.

Having memories of her "past life," Xu Qing was fully aware of the intricacies of the situation and had no intention of participating in deciphering it.

That night, the city lights began to twinkle.

Xu Qing, dressed in a blue robe, strolled to the most bustling area of ​​Xinzheng City.

Ahead, the magnificent pavilions are brightly lit, and the faint sounds of silk and bamboo instruments drift in the air. This is the famous pleasure quarter of Xinzheng, Zilan Pavilion.

This place is a kingdom of night; it is bustling with activity at night. In contrast, it is quite deserted during the day, since the girls need to rest during the day.

Before even stepping inside, just glancing at it from the outside, Xu Qing was certain that it was far superior to the Zuiyue Tower in Xinling.

Chapter 51 Finding a Man at Zilan Pavilion

There's not much to say about the environment inside Zilanxuan.

It's the kind of place where you often see brothels.

Xu Qing once visited the Drunken Moon Pavilion in Xinling, which was very well managed by the Luo Wang organization. Women dressed in thin clothes moved among men reeking of alcohol, laughing and chatting, with the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filling the air. The cloying scent of cosmetics mixed with the spiciness of strong liquor, recklessly filling every inch of the space.

The Purple Orchid Pavilion is even more magnificent, a four-story building that stands proudly. Stepping inside, its spaciousness surpasses even its exterior. In addition to the wide halls that can accommodate the noise, there are also deep, winding corridors with elegant private rooms arranged on both sides, specially for guests seeking a moment of privacy and pleasure.

Xu Qing stepped inside.

His clothes were neither luxurious nor jewel-encrusted like those of a wealthy merchant; they were simply a neat blue robe, maintaining a respectable appearance without appearing shabby.

However, some people, simply by standing there, can attract all inquiring eyes. Xu Qing is one such person. He exudes an aura that is completely different from that of the slick nobles and the money-grubbing tycoons.

Zilan Pavilion, ostensibly a place of pleasure, is secretly a web of intelligence woven by Zi Nu.

The women here are all her carefully trained spies, skilled in assassination and espionage. While their martial arts skills may not be top-notch, their ability to win hearts and minds and uncover secrets is unparalleled. They are intimately familiar with the nature of men; amidst the clinking of glasses, the subtle clues in their drunken whispers and boastful remarks slip silently into their keen ears. The men involved are often completely unaware.

Beneath this web of beauty and vigilance, all who step into the Purple Orchid Pavilion are under invisible, close surveillance.

Xu Qing's arrival, with his incongruous aura, was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing ripples in the shadows of Zilan Pavilion.

So, not long after he entered, a figure gracefully descended the escalator from the second floor.

The other person seemed to have been conjured from a purple haze. Her form-fitting purple dress, like flowing night mist, outlined her slender figure breathtakingly. Three silver hairpins were inserted diagonally into her high-piled purple hair, like moonlight piercing through the twilight, blooming into a thorny rose in the dim light. The butterfly-wing-shaped pattern at the corner of her eyes bloomed bewitchingly, and under the light purple eyeshadow, her eyes were like purple pearls buried deep in the sea, with a cold light tempered in their depths. A single glance seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.

"Is this gentleman's first time visiting Zilan Pavilion?"

As the woman in purple swayed with her steps, the hem of her crimson fishtail skirt trailed gracefully over her long, slender legs encased in black stockings. Her crimson high heels clad the ground silently, yet seemed to tread upon the very heartstrings of those around her. The daringly cutouts on her back and waist revealed glimpses of her snow-white skin beneath the purple gauze, while the cloud-patterned embroidery at her waist rose and fell with her breath, like dark vines entwining a deadly allure.

She came to Xu Qing's side, and a faint fragrance of orchids wafted into Xu Qing's nose.

"How do you know?" Xu Qing looked at Zi Nu as she walked straight up to him, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

However, this saved him a lot of trouble.

“Sir, you are different from the other guests. After arriving here, your eyes were filled with curiosity. You looked around, which shows that you are quite unfamiliar with Zilan Pavilion. Only guests who are visiting for the first time would be like this.” Zi Nu said softly, stating her observation.

Xu Qing clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Young lady, your observation is remarkable; I admire you greatly."

He didn't hide anything, "That's right, this is indeed my first time at Zilanxuan."

“Although this is my first time here, I’m quite familiar with this place,” he said, explaining his purpose for coming: “I’m here to visit a friend.”

"Oh?"

Zi Nu looked at Xu Qing in surprise, "May I ask which young lady from my Zi Lan Xuan is your friend, sir?"

"If I said my friend isn't a woman, but a man, would you believe me, young lady?" Xu Qing said calmly, meeting Zi Nu's gaze.

Zi Nu was slightly taken aback.

He then said, "My Purple Orchid Pavilion only houses young ladies. If you are looking for a man, you should not come here."

"Really?" Xu Qing had a different opinion. "I don't believe it!"

"If there are only girls, then who are they?" Xu Qing's gaze swept over some male guests not far away.

Zi Nu's smile remained unchanged, but instead became even more charming: "They are all distinguished guests."

"Since you are here, sir, you are naturally an honored guest for me and the ladies as well."

She skillfully steered the conversation back on track.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing laughed heartily: "Miss, you are truly shrewd and adept at social maneuvering. No wonder you can manage Zilan Pavilion so well in this chaotic place of Xinzheng, making it famous far and wide and becoming the premier brothel in Korea."

He stopped beating around the bush and looked directly at Zi Nu, "I'm looking for Wei Zhuang."

Upon hearing this name, Zi Nu's eyes immediately showed a strange light.

Then, this unusual color was well concealed.

Her voice was soft, and a charming smile played on her lips. "Please follow me, sir."

She swayed her hips slightly, asked no more questions, and led Xu Qing to the depths of the second floor. Her steps were graceful, and the purple hem of her skirt drew an elegant arc in the dim light.

Throughout the entire ordeal, she never took the initiative to ask Xu Qing's name.

Naturally, Xu Qing did not ask Zi Nu's name.

Of course, Xu Qing knew perfectly well what was going on in his heart.

Beyond the Purple Orchid Pavilion, at the end of the long corridor.

Inside a side room.

A young man with white hair stood with his hands behind his back by the window, looking at the night outside.

From here, you can see the section of street near the entrance of Zilan Pavilion, and clearly see who has entered or left the pavilion.

The sound of the door opening came from behind me.

Two sets of footsteps, one after the other, reached the young man's ears.

The young man slowly turned around, and the first thing that caught his eye was Zi Nu's charming face. He and Zi Nu were old acquaintances. He had known Zi Nu before he left Xinzheng to study at Guigu, so there was no need to say more.

What surprised him was the man following behind Zi Nu.

"Brother Wei Zhuang, it's been many years since we last met. How have you been?"

Xu Qing greeted the white-haired youth, Wei Zhuang, with a faint smile on his face.

Wei Zhuang was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses, and a faint smile appeared on his lips, "Indeed... it's been a long time!"

Seeing the two greet her so warmly, Zi Nu's doubts vanished, and a genuine smile curved her lips. She gracefully stepped forward and beckoned with her jade-like hand: "It is a joyous occasion to reunite with an old friend. I have prepared some simple wine for you two. Would you like to sit down and comfort us after our long separation?"

In the elegant room, Xu Qing and Wei Zhuang each sat at a table, facing each other on either side of a low rosewood table.

Zi Nu lightly clapped her hands, and a moment later, a delicate hand presented her with warm, fine wine.

Xu Qing picked up the jade-white cup, took a small sip, and as the fine wine slid down his throat, his brows relaxed. "The wine at Zilan Pavilion is indeed extraordinary."

How did you know I was here?

Wei Zhuang did not touch the wine cup in front of him. He had already drunk countless times the wine in Zilan Pavilion.

At this moment, his cold, gray eyes pierced Xu Qing like icy needles. Since returning from Guigu, he had been lying in wait in Xinzheng, Han. His whereabouts were secretive, and he lived deep within the small Zilan Pavilion. Very few people knew where he was staying. This "old friend" before him, whom he had met once in Xinling but could not be called an old acquaintance, had been able to so accurately strike at his lair, which made Xu Qing wary.

Xu Qing's gaze inadvertently swept past Wei Zhuang's side.

There, two swords lay quietly.

One of them was a shark tooth.

The other sword was the one that Xu Qing had "forced" Wei Zhuang to buy back in Xinling.

Wei Zhuang was a true swordsman; even with the peerless Shark Tooth sword at his side, he never abandoned it.

"Following the sword."

Xu Qing withdrew his gaze, met Wei Zhuang's probing eyes, and gave a mysterious and unpredictable answer.

Chapter 52 A Sword Not Known for its Killing Power!

Wei Zhuang's expression remained unchanged; clearly, he was not very willing to believe Xu Qing's explanation.

Xu Qing still had a smile on her lips.

The next instant, he put down his cup and gently reached out.

The sword that Xu Qing had made, which was placed next to Wei Zhuang, suddenly flew out through the air.

With a clang of the sword, it had already fallen into Xu Qing's hands.

Zi Nu stood guard at the door, quite curious about her old friend Wei Zhuang.

Upon seeing this scene, a strange look immediately appeared in his eyes.