Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Xu Qing's swordsmanship was indeed exquisite, but he was not well-known.

The fact that the Xuanpu Sword could fetch such a high price in the State of Chu was partly due to its extraordinary abilities, but Song Yu's "Ode to the Sword" also played a crucial role.

However, can there be a Song Yu everywhere in the world?

The miraculous effects of "The Sword Ode" can only be used once in the end.

If this were repeated, not only would Song Yu's reputation be damaged, but it would also arouse suspicion among the world, who would think that Song Yu must have received money, even though Song Yu did indeed receive a fee for his writing.

Feng Hu Zi's sword manual is different; it is an unshakeable and authoritative certification.

If one can be listed in the genealogy, it means one has received the endorsement of the Feng Hu Zi family.

When the time comes, he can definitely sell the sword for a high price.

"It seems I'll have to wait a while before selling the two swords I have left." Situ Wanli made a quick decision.

"With Huang Xie dead, the Xuanpu Sword has probably fallen into Li Yuan's hands. Of the five swords mentioned in Song Yu's 'Sword Ode,' three have already fallen into his possession. The remaining two swords are not suitable for sale in Chu. If they were to appear in the world now, it would inevitably give Li Yuan some ideas, thus affecting your Qianlong Hall..." Xu Qing chimed in, helping Situ Wanli analyze the pros and cons.

“That is indeed the case.” Situ Wanli wholeheartedly agreed.

Xu Qing's words completely dispelled his last bit of hesitation.

These two swords must leave the State of Chu.

He had made up his mind to take them to another country and find a discerning buyer.

Having made up his mind, Situ Wanli's thoughts began to stir again, and he turned his gaze intently to Xu Qing: "Brother, those four new swords from before..."

"Two of them can be given to you." Xu Qing understood his meaning and calmly agreed.

Situ Wanli's eyes gleamed, and he patted his chest, guaranteeing, "Don't worry, brother! I'll make sure their value skyrockets!"

Why not give him all four swords? Obviously, it's because Brother Xu was unwilling to sell two of them.

Despite his regrets, he dared not force the issue.

"There is one more thing." With a flick of his wrist, Xu Qing brought a roll of plain silk into his palm. "This is the second part of Song Yu's 'Sword Ode.' Keep it hidden for now and do not release it. If it appears in the world now, it will only bring trouble to Song Yu."

Situ Wanli solemnly accepted the cloth: "I understand."

Although it is unknown how Xu Qing persuaded that famous writer of fu poetry, the fact that a piece of "Ode to the Sword" helped them reap huge profits meant that Song Yu was already a "friend" worth protecting in his heart.

Situ Wanli prided himself on loyalty and would never betray a friend.

After completing the handover of the second part of "Sword Ode" and other unfinished matters, Xu Qing took the opportunity to take out the Owl and Tortoise swords and the Release Boat sword, and handed them over to Situ Wanli for sale.

He didn't ask many questions about the specifics of how to operate the market.

Having immersed himself in the business world for many years, Situ Wanli has developed his own methods.

However, this swift and decisive action, which seemed like a final farewell, aroused suspicion in Situ Wanli's mind.

"Brother, is there something important on your mind?" he asked tentatively, his gaze sweeping over Xu Qing's face.

"How do you know?" Xu Qing's lips curled up slightly.

“Intuition,” Situ Wanli said in a low voice, “You seem to want to settle everything at once.”

“Nothing important, but…” Xu Qing looked at the vast sky outside the courtyard, his tone resolute, “I intend to leave Shouchun and travel around. I will settle the details with you before I leave.”

"You're leaving?" Situ Wanli exclaimed in surprise, this was completely unexpected.

From Xinzheng in South Korea to Nanyang, and then to Chenying and Shouchun, the two traveled together and cooperated seamlessly.

He had already drawn up a blueprint for the future: Xu Qing would forge the swords, and he would manage the sales channels, running this highly profitable business for ten or twenty years.

The world is full of heroes, and the demand for sharp swords is always too high.

He never imagined that Xu Qing would take the initiative to withdraw.

"Brother, think it over!" Situ Wanli urged urgently. "The world is in turmoil these days, and danger lurks everywhere. You're traveling alone; what if you encounter something unforeseen..."

"Following you, brother, I can't guarantee anything else, but if anything goes wrong, I'll definitely arrange an escape route to ensure our safety..."

He spoke rapidly, as if he wanted to keep Xu Qing tied up in the workshop.

He could forge swords, enjoy tea, relax, and even find beautiful women if he desired.

Why go to that treacherous world and invite trouble upon yourself?

"I appreciate your kindness, brother." Xu Qing's tone was gentle, but it revealed a firm determination. "However, the road ahead is fraught with danger. Without experiencing the mountains and rivers firsthand, one cannot truly understand the situation. This journey is imperative."

Situ Wanli frowned, suddenly remembering the opportunity that led to Xu Qing's transformation.

It was after meeting Feng Hu Zi.

It must have been that old man who said something!

“Brother, while Senior Feng Hu Zi is indeed highly respected, not everything he says is necessarily true…” Situ Wanli tried to salvage the situation.

“What you say, senior, is not necessarily always right.” Xu Qing interrupted him, his tone firm. He had never believed in fatalism. “But the thought of leaving comes from my heart.”

Situ Wanli opened his mouth, a thousand words stuck in his throat, and finally turned into a heavy sigh.

He knew he couldn't persuade them anymore.

More importantly, he dared not fall out with Xu Qing.

This swordsmith possesses astonishing skills that are enough to shake up the world's famous swords. In other words, as long as he has these skills, Xu Qing can be a guest of honor wherever he goes, while he himself will have to rely on Xu Qing.

……

After seeing off the worried Situ Wanli, Xu Qing returned to the quiet workshop.

Feng Hu Zi's words still echoed in his ears, making him understand some things.

The realm of a fourth-tier swordsmith is vastly different from that of a third-tier swordsmith.

Climbing from the second to the third tier can be achieved either by accumulating experience or by forcibly breaking through with the power of extraordinary materials.

However, it is absolutely impossible for someone with only a third-tier physique to forge a fourth-tier legendary sword by working in isolation.

At first, Xu Qing was also arrogant.

However, the failure of the Xuan Shu Sword caused him to ponder for a long time.

That sword, in terms of skill alone, had reached its pinnacle.

It also incorporates the characteristics of the fourth order.

However, in the system evaluation, it was only a third-tier sword.

Why?

Xu Qing didn't understand at first.

But Feng Hu Zi's words made him understand.

The missing thing is called—"Spirit"!

The insurmountable barrier between a third-tier renowned sword and a fourth-tier legendary sword lies in this "spirit".

What is a famous sword? A sword that is renowned throughout the world is a famous sword.

The legendary sword, having weathered thousands of years of vicissitudes, has become increasingly renowned. Passing through the hands of its masters, it has accumulated a unique spirituality over the long course of time.

This doesn't mean that there's a sword spirit within the sword like the Reverse Scale, meaning the sword can move around like a living person. To this day, Xu Qing still doesn't fully understand what the Reverse Scale sword is all about. He'll study it some more when he has time later.

The spirit of a legendary sword is a special quality.

Feng Hu Zi's few words made Xu Qing realize that his sword lacked this quality.

The comfort of Qianlong Hall may have become a cage for progress.

If Xu Qing continues to work in isolation, he may still be able to forge swords that are more powerful than those with spiritual powers.

But Xu Qing's pursuit of that spiritual essence was not for forging a more powerful sword.

Instead, he wanted to improve his level as a swordsmith.

If all you want is power, just stack up the numbers like crazy, and that's enough.

Some ancient divine swords are not necessarily more powerful than Xu Qing's sword. Even if they possess great spirituality, they can still be destroyed by raging fire.

However, there is one more thing to do before leaving Shouchun City.

Forge a sword for Situ Wanli.

This sword doesn't require painstaking effort; it can be made casually.

After all, this guy wasn't good with a sword.

Soon, Xu Qing forged a sword.

Xu Qing found Situ Wanli.

"Brother, this is the sword I made for you. I have fulfilled my promise."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qing slightly lowered his wrist, and a thick-bladed heavy sword with an ancient appearance and solid weight was placed horizontally in front of Situ Wanli.

"Look carefully." Xu Qing's fingertips brushed across the broad spine of the sword, stopping at a very subtle groove behind the guard, and gently pulled.

Clang!

A clear, melodious dragon's roar suddenly arose, and from beneath the heavy, heavy sword's outer shell, a nimble, gleaming longsword emerged as if from a cicada's molt. The blade was as thin as an autumn cicada's wing, its cold light dazzling.

Situ Wanli's eyes widened, but he didn't even have time to exclaim in surprise.

But then Xu Qing flipped his wrist again, grabbed the end of the light sword, and pulled it out again.

"laugh!"

A thinner, more supple silver snake quietly emerged from the end of the sword hilt.

It was only a foot or so long and as thin as silk, yet its twisting and coiling exuded a chilling aura; it was clearly a unique weapon that combined the toughness of a soft sword with the poison of a short sword.

"The heavy sword conceals the light blade, and the light blade wraps the unexpected edge; the three swords are one." Xu Qing flicked his wrist, and the soft silver snake snake swayed accordingly, reflecting a strange and cold light. "As for its wonderful uses... heh, you'll have to experience it for yourself, brother."

Although it was made casually, this sword is still extremely ingenious.

As for the name, it was chosen to be consistent with the swords of the Farmer's Clan.

Xu Qing quickly informed Situ Wanli as well.

"His name is Qiufen!"

A name, in fact, has no meaning.