Chapter 419: To Forge a Sword, Find Xuanwu

Chapter 419: For Sword Forging, Seek the Black Tortoise

The Vermilion Bird had kicked the Black Tortoise away, yet still couldn’t resist slipping back to see the man.

While Tang Wanzhuang still needed to host the banquet, when else would she get to chat with her little man?

How laughable—she spoke so loftily of avoiding all social engagements, yet here she was as the host, still having to play the game of pleasantries. Ah, people…

So it was better to be of the demonic sect, free and easy. Who cared what others said about their rudeness? Did they deserve such face?

The Vermilion Bird, feeling utterly refreshed, went to Zhao Changhe’s room. Peeking in from outside, she saw him miserably applying the Revitalization Art to himself.

Truly pitiful—even his bandages had been wrapped by Cui Wenjing…

No, what was pitiful about that? Even that came with a father-in-law’s care.

The Vermilion Bird appeared expressionless in the room. Zhao Changhe stopped his cultivation, equally deadpan: “Done fighting, Venerable One?”

The Vermilion Bird tossed a medicine bottle over: “Ever since you shared the Revitalization Art with Venerable Black Tortoise, the Holy Sect’s medicine has improved. This is a newly developed wound salve. Barring accidents, its effects should surpass all others in the world.”

Zhao Changhe caught the bottle, somewhat surprised: “Venerable One, you’re rather concerned about me, huh?”

The Vermilion Bird said coldly, “Though this battle was more for your own ends, it did hold some meaning for us… I gained a trace of White Lotus Fire Intent, quite different from what I’ve known before—not a wasted trip. This medicine is partly your merit, consider it a reward. Also, there are matters requiring your mediation.”

Zhao Changhe said, “Since I sent Qing’er to invite the Venerable Ones, I naturally intended for you to benefit. Otherwise, she’d face trouble… Well, if you have any other requests, just speak.”

The Vermilion Bird twitched her mouth: “First request: keep that ‘Qing’er’ of yours buried in your gut. If I hear it again, I’ll beat you to death!”

Zhao Changhe sighed, “Don’t be like that, Venerable One. You’ve already agreed, so why mind how we call each other as a couple? You sound like a doting old mother who’s married off her daughter but can’t bear to let go.”

Vermilion Bird: “…”

“Hee!” San Niang’s laughter came from outside the door; she was nearly in hysterics.

Every frame of the Vermilion Bird putting on airs face-to-face with Zhao Changhe made her want to roll on the floor.

This matchmaking was the best thing she’d ever done—hilarious beyond belief, making up for all the times she’d been so fierce!

The Vermilion Bird clenched her fists but dared not vent at her only confidante. Feigning ignorance, she continued with a stern face: “Second request: Tang Wanzhuang has imprisoned that ancient remnant soul. We won’t fight for ownership, but there are many ancient secrets to be gleaned from that thing. We must not be excluded from questioning it.”

Zhao Changhe said, “We all contributed, so we all have a share.”

The Vermilion Bird said coldly, “Are you sure Tang Wanzhuang will listen to you? If she shuts us out, will you take responsibility?”

Zhao Changhe felt he’d encountered something similar before… also with Tang Wanzhuang…

Oh, Sisi, right… Speaking of which, this matter involved Gu arts, but it seemed the other side hadn’t fully exploited their sorcery’s wonders—he wondered if there was something else at play…

Come to think of it, back then Sisi had feared Tang Wanzhuang would cut her out of the Sword Emperor’s tomb affair. Yet even after Sisi’s scheming and mischief, Tang Wanzhuang had forgiven her and even traded the tomb’s gains with the Ancient Spirit Tribe…

Lost in thought, he answered instinctively: “Chief Tang wouldn’t do that. She’s more magnanimous and broad-minded than anyone.”

The Vermilion Bird’s knuckles cracked audibly.

She was out drinking, he was worrying about your wound, and now you’re singing her praises to me!

What galled her was that she couldn’t even be jealous—she had no grounds for it. So she only sneered, “Bewitched by beauty, that’s all it is. I’ll just wait and see how Tang Wanzhuang slaps your face.”

But as the words left her mouth, she realized she should have turned and left with a flourish, not lingered here.

This identity was too stifling—what use was it!

The Vermilion Bird wanted to spin around and go, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot. After a long pause, she changed the subject: “Wing Fire Serpent reported to me about that token of yours… You said there’s an unfinished sword blank, yes?”

“Does the Venerable One want it?”

“No. Karma lies with whoever holds it; forcing it gains nothing.”

“Hee…” San Niang laughed again.

Anyone else who got the Night Emperor’s sword blank—would they say forcing it gains nothing? They’d have killed for it long ago, and the victim’s grave grass would be three feet high.

The Vermilion Bird still pretended not to hear, saying flatly, “I ask because I want to know if you intend to finish forging that sword blank. If so, what needs to be done?”

Zhao Changhe said, “I consulted a professional. I think the only material I lack is a portion of Night Drift Sand, but that’s not the key. The real issue is my insufficient grasp of the myriad stars’ intent.”

The Vermilion Bird stared at him for a long moment: “I asked: do you intend to?”

Zhao Changhe said, “Yes.”

The Vermilion Bird let out a slight breath: “To seek the myriad stars’ intent, perhaps I should let you study the Holy Sect’s scriptures, since you’re already a Room Fire Pig and have some standing… But after thinking it over, I still deem it unwise.”

Zhao Changhe asked in surprise, “Why?”

“You’ve never touched the Four Symbols method, yet your intent leans toward the starry vault… I believe you should walk your own path. Only when you hit a dead end should you look at the Four Symbols method—it might then offer inspiration. If you look too early, it could form preconceptions and hinder your own way.”

Zhao Changhe was visibly moved: “Venerable One, you…”

The Vermilion Bird folded her arms: “How does my magnanimity compare to Tang Wanzhuang’s?”

Zhao Changhe said earnestly, “It truly astonishes me—a true master’s bearing.”

The Vermilion Bird was secretly pleased, but her face remained calm: “As long as you remain our Room Fire Pig, we naturally look out for our own… It just depends on how much you identify with that identity.”

Zhao Changhe didn’t answer. From Huangfu Qing to the Vermilion Bird, they always worried about his low identification with the Room Fire Pig role—understandable, since he truly had no faith, and couldn’t give any promises on that front.

The Vermilion Bird added, “Do you know the art of sword forging? Forging a divine sword like this isn’t like a common blacksmith’s method—there are other secrets.”

Zhao Changhe thought to himself that he really didn’t know; the Black Tortoise’s records hadn’t passed down a complete forging method: “Where should I seek it? As far as I know in this world, only Old Xia knows…”

The Vermilion Bird smiled faintly: “Our Holy Sect’s Venerable Black Tortoise once received the complete inheritance of the ancient Black Tortoise, which includes a sword-forging chapter left by that beast. You should get close to her and seek her guidance properly.”

San Niang: “?”

Zhao Changhe was overjoyed. This was precisely the Black Tortoise’s domain—the forging method it passed down was the standard answer, none more fitting. Hmm… no wonder she was “fierce”—a blacksmith?

The Vermilion Bird’s mood suddenly lifted. She turned leisurely to take her leave: “Our Holy Sect knows everything. As long as you’re loyal, you’ll benefit…”

She finally left the room, satisfied. Rounding the corner, she grabbed San Niang: “Still hee-heeing?”

San Niang grabbed her collar in return: “You want him to come to me for guidance? I don’t have time!”

“Time to do something for the Holy Sect, my Venerable Black Tortoise~” The Vermilion Bird smiled as she pried off San Niang’s hand. “Even your troubles beyond the Great Wall can be set aside for now… The situation has changed. Everyone’s next battlefield is in the Central Plains.”

San Niang’s eyes rolled slyly: “I teach him sword forging, day and night together—you’re not jealous? What if your little man takes a fancy to me?”

“You?” The Vermilion Bird looked her up and down, then sniffed disdainfully: “He’s not blind.”

San Niang erupted: “Huangfu Qing, you…”

“Shh!” The Vermilion Bird grabbed her and flew off. “Let that slip again, and I’ll tear you apart!”

“Qing’er, heehee~”

“Get lost!” The Vermilion Bird ground her teeth. “You’re familiar with Ying Wu—keep an eye out for what Night Drift Sand really is…”

“Oh, what a fine helpmeet, using every resource to forge your man’s sword…”

“Is that forging my man’s sword? It’s the Night Emperor’s sword, a grand undertaking for the sect! Black Tortoise, have you no sense of sect duty?”

“So you see, wanting to watch you get all moany under a man really isn’t my fault.”

“…You’re doing this just for that?” The Vermilion Bird’s voice rose.

The two Venerable Ones once again came to blows, fading into the distance.

Back in his room, Zhao Changhe was too weary from his injuries to notice San Niang eavesdropping. Even the back-and-forth with the Vermilion Bird had left him exhausted.

He opened the medicine the Vermilion Bird had given him, dabbed a bit on the wound on his chest, and found she hadn’t boasted—the salve was far better than any he’d used before, especially when paired with the Revitalization Art. Looking inward, he could even sense the flesh and blood regenerating, so clearly it was remarkable.

Thinking about it, no wonder Vermilion Bird's attitude toward him had improved so much compared to before... The Four Symbols Sect's current development was largely due to his own contributions...

Still a bit cowardly—he should have asked her about Chi Chi's recent situation just now. It had been a long time since he'd heard any news of Chi Chi, and he wondered what she was doing now. But they had just been talking about Huangfu Qing, and if he suddenly turned around to ask about Chi Chi, he was really afraid Vermilion Bird would lose her temper.

The Four Symbols Sect wasn't a brothel.

He sighed.

A cool comfort came from his wound. Zhao Changhe closed his eyes and fell asleep without realizing it.

In a daze, he seemed to see the Blind Woman appear before him. Though her eyes were gently closed, he always felt she was staring straight at him.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? Is there a flower on my face? Oh, 'First Among Flowers'—did you write that?"

The Blind Woman pursed her lips and said after a long while, "Look at you, so ignorant and fearless, still fussing over such trivial things. It makes one want to slap you across the face..."

"What did I do now?"

"Since the beginning of this era, no ancient soul has ever manifested in the mortal world, let alone been defeated by your wild punches... Do you know how many waves that one stone of yours has stirred up?"

Zhao Changhe fell silent, then suddenly smiled. "So what? It wasn't me who let him out. What's meant to come will always come. Tell me what changes there will be, and also explain why they didn't come out before—what restrictions were there? I'm listening."