Chapter 146: Chapter 146 - Another Eight-Sided Han Sword, Is It Enough?

Translator: Atlas StudiosEditor: Atlas Studios

Within the imperial study of the imperial palace of the Great Xia.

“Imperial Brother, do you really believe that the nameless expert accepted a disciple on behalf of his master and became Zhou Shu’s senior brother?” Yin Changhao asked Emperor Yuan Feng.

“Does it matter?” Emperor Yuan Feng said.

Yin Changhao frowned slightly.

Emperor Yuan Feng shook his head. “What Zhou Shu said isn’t important. What is important is that the Great Destroyer Sword is indeed in his hands.

“Moreover, the Great Destroyer Sword did cut off Xiao Shunzhi’s arm.

“No matter how Zhou Shu obtained the Great Destroyer Sword, what he said is the truth. Even if it isn’t, we still want it to be.

“The nameless expert who was able to defeat Xiao Shunzhi is the senior brother of my Great Xia’s You Marquis. Do you understand?”

Yin Changhao frowned. He couldn’t understand all this nonsense and couldn’t be bothered to think about it. He only cared about who Nameless was and whether his cultivation had advanced beyond the first rank!

“Alright, go do what you need to do. I have something to discuss with the ministers. I don’t think you are interested in listening,” Emperor Yuanfeng said.

Yin Changhao pursed his lips. It was another group of people scheming. Who wanted to listen to them?

Not long after Yin Changhao left, Emperor Yuan Feng’s imperial study was full of people.

These people were all important officials of Great Xia. At the very least, they were ministers. Other than them, there were also a few Grand Craftsmen.

A Grand Craftsman stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, I think it’s inappropriate.”

“Since Zhou Shu has already been conferred the title of marquis, it’s no longer appropriate for him to be a workshop superintendent. Not to mention our Great Xia, even in this world, how can there be a second-rank workshop superintendent?”

“What do you suggest then?” Emperor Yuan Feng’s expression didn’t change. “His talent is forging. If we let him leave the Forging Division, wouldn’t it be a waste of his talent?”

“Your Majesty, please forgive me for being blunt,” the Grand Craftsman said in a deep voice. “Marquis Zhou specializes in forging standard sabers. I believe that the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber is already the peak of standard sabers. Even Marquis Zhou can’t surpass it…”

Before the Grand Craftsman finished his sentence, everyone understood what he meant.

‘The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber was already the pinnacle of standard sabers. Zhou Shu was only good at forging standard sabers. In other words, developing the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber was already the peak of his life.

If that was the case, did it matter if he wasn’t in the Forging Division?

As for becoming a Forging Master, that was another problem.

Zhou Shu’s current status was already above that of most Grand Craftsmen. Under these circumstances, how could he lower himself to acknowledge a Grand Craftsman as his master?

If he didn’t have any forging inheritance, how could he advance to become a Forging Master?

In some ways, his path to becoming a Forging Master was broken, unless the imperial family was willing to give him a legacy.

These people still didn’t know that the imperial family’s Emperor Xuan Jade Book had already been given to Zhou Shu. A forging inheritance wasn’t a problem.

In fact, when the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber was ranked first in the Standard Armament Manual, Yin Wuyou had already helped him obtain the inheritance. But something had happened before she could give it to him.

“Even though there aren’t second-rank superintendents in ordinary workshops, there are still second-rank Grand Craftsmen in the first thirty-six workshops of the Forging Division.” Emperor Yuan Feng shook his head.

“Your Majesty, Marquis Zhou is only a Forging Apprentice. If he enters the first thirty-six workshops, he would only be able to assist the Forging Masters. This is even more against the rules.” The Grand Craftsmen spoke at the same time.

What a joke. The first 36 workshops were all private property of the various Grand Craftsmen. If Zhou Shu was allowed to enter, who would be superior?

Which Grand Craftsmen could handle a second-rank marquis?

“Since it’s not appropriate for him to go to the first thirty-six workshops, I’ll grant his workshop a name and let him start on a new path,” Emperor Yuan Feng said calmly.

“This—’ A Grand Craftsman hesitated for a moment. “Your Majesty, Marquis Zhou is still not a Forging Master…”

“So what? Which one of you can forge the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber?” Emperor Yuan Feng said.

‘The Grand Craftsman opened his mouth. Every profession had its own specialties. Although he was a Grand Craftsman, he was unable to develop a weapon like the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber.

Ranked weapons were very different from standard weapons.

“Your Majesty, a Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber can’t support a named workshop,” another Grand Craftsman said.

“If one Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber isn’t enough, what about this?” Emperor Yuan Feng said calmly. He signaled Eunuch Zhao to pass the drawings in front of him to the Grand Craftsmen.

‘The drawings passed to the hands of a few Grand Craftsmen. With just a glance, their expressions changed. “Your Majesty, this is—”

“This is the standard longsword that Zhou Shu has just developed. It’s called the Eight-Sided Han Sword. Its power is not inferior to the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber’s!

“You said he’s only good at forging sabers. Now what?

“If a Great Xia Dragon Sparrow can’t hold up a named workshop, then what about this Eight-Sided Han Sword?”

Seeing the stunned faces of the officials, Emperor Yuan Feng felt a burst of joy. This Zhou brat isn’t completely useless after all.

Achoo—Zhou Shu rubbed his nose and looked at the Great Destroyer Sword in front of him. He was somewhat worried.

He felt like he had been caught in his own trap.

Was the Great Destroyer Sword about to be destroyed in his hands?

If it remained in his hands, when would it have the chance to complete any kills?

Without completing kills, how could it upgrade?

‘Without completing kills, when would he be able to unlock the next weapon?

If he had known earlier, he would have just thrown away the Great Destroyer Sword. After all, it was already famous. If things went wrong, it might cause others to fight to the death for it. If that happened, how many kills could it complete?

However, he could only think about it now.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Forget it. I should continue forging standard weapons.

Zhou Shu shook his head and sighed. After the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber killed enemies, the Legendary Armament Canon rewarded a few standard weapons. All things aside, this Eight-Sided Han Sword is a good item.

Zhou Shu didn’t know what to do about the lack of ranked weapons. It was not a bad idea to forge standard weapons, and the benefits from the Legendary Armament Canon didn’t seem to have anything to do with standard weapons and ranked weapons. The Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique and the

Golden Bell Shield Technique weren’t any weaker than the Astounding Heavenly Eighteen Swords Technique.

This Eight-Sided Han Sword might even be able to give back a peerless divine technique.

As Zhou Shu was thinking, the steward suddenly came to report. “Marquis, there’s a lady outside requesting an audience.”

As soon as the news of him being conferred the title of marquis spread, Mi Zhifu immediately sent dozens of servants over. This time, they were delivered together with the title deed. In other words, these people would completely become people of the marquis’s residence in the future.

Zhou Shu couldn’t decline, so he could only accept it temporarily. It wouldn’t be too late to talk about this after Mi Ziwen returned victorious.

“Lady?” Zhou Shu thought for a moment. Ever since he had come to this world, he had spent most of his time in the Forging Division’s workshops. The only time he had gone on a long journey, he had not come into contact with many people.

He didn’t seem to know any lady.

“Who is it?” Zhou Shu asked curiously.

“I don’t know.” The steward shook his head. “The lady didn’t say who she was. She only said that she was an old acquaintance of yours and had something important to see you about. Furthermore, she can only tell you in person.”

“Where is she now?” Zhou Shu asked curiously.

“She’s waiting in the front hall,” the steward said.

Zhou Shu nodded. “Take good care of her first. I’ll come after changing my clothes.”

The short clothes he was wearing were suitable for forging but obviously not suitable for meeting guests.

The steward answered and went to receive the guest.

Zhou Shu changed his clothes and went to the front hall.

The moment he entered, he saw a familiar young woman sitting here gracefully.

‘The woman was wearing a red dress that made her skin look like snow. Her long hair hung down naturally, and her side profile was almost flawless.

Zhou Shu felt that this face was somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he had seen it before.

“Miss,” Zhou Shu said.

‘When the woman heard the voice, she suddenly turned her head. Seeing Zhou Shu, she stood up and faced Zhou Shu. “Greetings, Marquis. Hongxiu greets you.”

“So it’s Miss Hongxiu!” Zhou Shu finally remembered who this woman was.

The star of the Education Bureau’s Lichun Courtyard, Miss Hongxiu, who had once testified for him.

A memory flashed through Zhou Shu’s mind.

Yang Hong had once told him that Hongxiu’s surname was Liang. Her grandfather, Liang Delong, was once a Forging Master. Later on, he was wanted by the Imperial Court because he had participated in a case of treason.

Afterward, Liang Delong was killed by Zhu Chuanfeng. Zhu Chuanfeng relied on the benefits he obtained from him to counterattack and even killed Liang Delong’s son while he was down.

Zhu Chuanfeng was the one who had caused Hongxiu to end up in the Education Bureau.

‘When he thought of this, Zhou Shu looked at Hongxiu with pity.

Hongxiu noticed Zhou Shu’s gaze. She had seen too many men’s gazes in the Education Bureau. But for some reason, the pity in Zhou Shu’s eyes made her heart ache.

So he’s just pitying me.

That’s right. He’s now a marquis. Im nobody.

Hongxiu pursed her lips tightly. A sense of stubbornness rose in her heart. I, Liang Hongxiu, will not humiliate myself!

“Miss Hongxiu, why are you looking for me?” Zhou Shu asked.

He had no intention of looking down on Hongxiu, but he pitied her plight. If not for Zhu Chuanfeng, she would have been a girl from an ordinary family

“Lam here to bid farewell to you, Marquis,” Hongxiu said, her expression not revealing any fluctuations in her heart.

“Farewell?” Zhou Shu didn’t understand.

“Perhaps I was overthinking, but I thought that since you gave me a poem back then, I should have come to tell you, Marquis,” Hongxiu said. “I have already redeemed myself. I am now free.”

“That’s a good thing. Congratulations, Miss Hongxiu.” Zhou Shu clapped his hands and laughed.

‘When Hongxiu saw Zhou Shu’s expression, her heart ached for no reason.

“Thank you, Marquis.” She bit her lip.

Zhou Shu noticed Hongxiu’s expression and said, “Miss Hongxiu, you want to bid farewell to me? Are you planning to return to your hometown?”

Hongxiu shook her head. “Hongxiu no longer has a home.”

She paused for a moment. Seeing Zhou Shu’s listening expression, she endured the bitterness in her heart and continued, “I heard that the eldest daughter of the Lu family of Qingzhou has been conferred the title of commander of the Demon Executing Army. She is currently recruiting subordinates and

only accepts women. Although I am not talented, I learned some sword techniques, so I plan to give it a try.”

Zhou Shu looked at Hongxiu in surprise. The eldest daughter of the Lu family? He vaguely felt that the name was somewhat familiar.

“Miss Hongxiu, you want to join the Demon Executing Army?” Zhou Shu said. According to what he knew, anyone who joined the Demon Executing Army had to be a ranked martial artist.

“That depends on whether I can do it or not,” Hongxiu said, “If I can cultivate and enter the ranks under Miss Lu, I can join the Demon Executing Army. If I can’t, I might return. When the time comes, I might even have to come back to ask you, Marquis, for help.”

“No problem. If that happens, I’ll introduce you to a job.” Zhou Shu said with a smile.

It seems like Miss Lu wants to groom a group of subordinates herself?

Hongxiu was previously in the Education Bureau. The source of her news is definitely more reliable than mine. Since she said so, it must be true.

Zhou Shu also remembered who Miss Lu was. She should be the number one Martial Dao genius of Great Xia, Lu Wenshuang.

But now, he had to change her title.

The grand minister was now the number one genius martial artist. Lu Wenshuang was only a third-rank martial artist.

“Marquis, you have given me a poem. I don’t have anything, so I don’t think this will interest you.”

Hongxiu suddenly said. “Before leaving, I have something to give to you. I hope you won’t decline.”

Hongxiu took out a tightly wrapped cloth from her bosom.

“This is?” Zhou Shu wanted to decline. Back then, he had only recited a poem. He really didn’t expect Hongxiu to remember it still.

“Miss Hongxiu, you don’t have to be so polite. You are about to go on a long journey, so it’s better for you to keep these by your side. As the saying goes, one should practice thrift at home but be amply provided while traveling. I don’t lack money either…”

“This is not a valuable item.” Hongxiu shook her head. “My ancestor was once a Forging Master. He was as unique as you, Marquis.”

Hongxiu’s expression was somewhat proud. “Back then, my ancestor was only one step away from becoming a Grand Craftsman. The Liang family’s forging skills were also renowned in the world.”

As she spoke, her expression dimmed. “It’s a pity that I’m the only one left in the Liang family. I don’t know anything about forging, Rather than letting the family techniques disappear from the world, it’s better to give them to someone who will find them useful. I think my grandfather wouldn’t blame

me.”

“Marquis, this is my family’s forging techniques. The reason I’m giving it to you today is firstly to repay you for giving me the poem, and secondly, I don’t want my family’s forging techniques to be buried.”

“No!” Zhou Shu shook his head. “This is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

Zhou Shu was no longer an ignorant person. He knew very well how precious these forging techniques were.

“Marquis, do you look down on me?” Hongxiu’s expression turned cold. “Do you find my things filthy?”

“Miss Hongxiu, you…” Zhou Shu smiled bitterly. “Why would I look down on you? It’s too precious…”

“Marquis, I have no other friends.” Hongxiu had a pleading look in her eyes. “I might not return after this trip to Qingzhou. These forging techniques are my biggest and only concern. On account that I once served you for a night, can you help me?”

Zhou Shu sighed. I didn’t do anything that night.

This isn’t me helping you either. You’re the one giving me a great gift.

“Miss Hongxiu, don’t cry. I’ll accept it, alright?” When Zhou Shu saw that Hongxiu was about to cry, he smiled bitterly. “However, since we are friends, I’ll give you a gift. Take it as my farewell gift.. If you treat me as a friend, don’t reject me!”