A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch

Chapter 392 - 241: Young Master, Jade Silkworm Armor (Part 2)

Housekeeper Gui immediately bowed deeply, excitedly bending over in a salute.

This Master Bai Qi of Black River County, despite his young age and recent venture into Yihai, had managed to quickly build his reputation, thanks to the overnight collapse of the Antique Shop Lu Family and the favor shown by two Daoist Officials.

He was already rising swiftly in fame.

This was evident from the messages on those gilded letters.

No longer being referred to as "Ninghai Zen Disciple," he was now addressed as "Bai Qilang."

When had those influential elders in the trade ever shown such respect to a younger generation?

Unprecedented indeed!

"Brother Jingfeng and I hit it off instantly; there’s no need for such formalities.

My brother Ah Di will be practicing at the Yuanyang Temple Daoist School in the County City, and I hope he can take care of him."

Bai Qi slowly savored his breakfast, and on a whim, decided to visit Hongming Hall.

He hadn’t done any blacksmithing for a while and felt an itch in his hands, intending to also inspect the Weapon Craftsman Guild that Master Li took pride in.

"Yesterday at the Daoist Official’s Office, I sensed the presence of a divine weapon while forging... I wonder when I will own such a weapon."

Bai Qi did not bring Housekeeper Gui along and left Nine Palaces Platform alone.

After walking past three or four streets, he saw a bustling blacksmith’s shop.

The bellows were pulled, the anvil resounded, and the clangs and bangs were constant.

Several bare-chested workers moved back and forth, hauling baskets of iron materials.

A sign hung high outside, with three large characters in silver hooks and tails —

Hong, Ming, Hao!

"The constant flow of carriages and horses shows how thriving the business is."

Bai Qi retracted his gaze, stepping across the threshold. The young attendant with a headcloth saw the guest and quickly welcomed him:

"What is the young master looking to buy? We have all eighteen kinds of weapons here, known especially for our swords and spears!"

Bai Qi, with his hands behind his back, dressed in exquisite and neat martial attire, along with a straight posture and extraordinary demeanor, naturally wasn’t taken lightly by the attendant.

"Just browsing."

Hearing Bai Qi’s reply, the enthusiastic smile on the attendant’s face did not diminish as he eagerly introduced:

"Does the young master practice martial arts? If you specialize in palm techniques, you might want to try our Hongming Hall’s signature Wind-listening Saber. If you excel in boxing, we also have Black Snake Spears of different weights, fifty pounds or one hundred pounds, to see which suits your hand."

Bai Qi was led to a slightly quieter spacious front courtyard, where a maid quickly served tea.

"Do you have any swords here? Preferably forged more than a hundred times."

He casually asked.

"We do have swords, but mostly heroes from the Green Forest Dao and friends from Jianghu use sabers. The good swordsmen go to the Prefecture City, seeking to join the Upper Sect."

The attendant replied with a cheerful smile.

Usually, the guests who visited Hongming Hall to seek a fine sword were mostly young heirs from influential families, looking to show off their status by seeming capable, rather than weak-handed.

"Could I have a look at a couple of them to see their quality?"

Bai Qi asked.

"Sure thing!"

The attendant readily agreed.

Then he shouted to a worker passing by the door:

"Third Brother Wang, this gentleman wants to see our fine swords at Hongming Hall! Bring up the few made by Master Gongyang!"

The man called "Third Brother Wang" smiled and said:

"The swords made by Uncle Gongyang are quite expensive..."

The attendant cleared his throat, saying:

"The young master here is impressive in demeanor; if he likes them, he surely can afford them.

Third Brother Wang, go fetch them quickly; don’t keep the young master waiting."

Wow, what a professional routine of salesmanship!

Bai Qi chuckled inwardly, amused that Hongming Hall employed such a clumsy sales trick.

He sipped tea without a word, and soon Third Brother Wang appeared, carrying three long wooden cases.

The man carefully opened the sword chest, instantly releasing a cold, piercing light.

It was as chilling as snow, penetrating the skin!

If it weren’t for the attendant advising Bai Qi to stand back before opening it, an ordinary person leaning in would have their face split open once the chest was opened.

"These are indeed fine swords!"

Bai Qi’s eyes focused, and with his forging skills, he immediately noted the extraordinary materials of the three treasured swords.

The core was made of extremely tough soft jade spring steel, which could be both hard and soft, and incorporated refined cold iron to ensure sharpness.

The surface had dense, ice-cracked patterns, layered intricately, rippling like waves of blue light, endlessly.

"The master who forged these three treasures is skilled in controlling fire and wielding a hammer, experienced and proficient, not much different from the two Kiln Heads."

Bai Qi’s sharp eyes observed that the three swords lying quietly in the case did not stir his mind intensely.

They were far inferior to the divine weapon in the Daoist Official’s Office.

After a brief glance, Bai Qi did not personally test the swords. He had the attendant close the sword chest and asked:

"I heard Master Li is famous for his hammering in the Celestial Water Prefecture. Does Hongming Hall have any top-quality war hammers?"

After examining the swords, now he wanted to see hammers?

Are you scouting the place?

If Bai Qi weren’t dressed in fine silk attire, appearing spirited and heroic, far from ordinary, the attendant would have turned hostile and driven him away.

"Young master, these war hammers require a lot of materials and are heavy; most people can’t even lift them, let alone wield them.

And the owner of Hongming Hall, the famed Master Li, stopped after forging the eight great hammers of gold, silver, copper, and iron."

Bai Qi smiled, not continuing to tease the attendant. He was just about to reveal his identity when he heard a stylish voice from outside the door:

"Ah Xing, step back, I will personally serve this gentleman."

This lady, she’s quite impressive!

With his acute hearing, Bai Qi suddenly felt tingles, his eyes flashing as he saw the visitor, a young lady in cyan clothes.