Chapter 25

"Very well, each of you must keep the secret manuals you have chosen. In one year, you must return your respective manuals. This must not be neglected. ……www..com……"

Surveying the disciples, all of whom wore expressions of joy, Hall Master Li spoke in a solemn voice.

"Yes, we will certainly follow the Hall Master's orders."

"Hmm, if there are any difficult parts in the manuals, you may seek advice from the elders in the Elite Hall. You must not fight or harm each other. Now, you may return to your respective quarters."

Returning to his room, Qin Fengming could hardly wait to take out the *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms* and began to study it carefully.

The *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms* is a secret manual that provides a detailed introduction to the principles and production processes of various types of mechanical concealed weapons. It even offers detailed descriptions of several concealed weapons that have long disappeared from the martial world.

If such a secret manual were to be leaked, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir in the martial world of the Great Liang Kingdom.

Qin Fengming's intention in studying this secret manual was well-founded. He believed that despite his small size and limited strength, even the most exquisite sword techniques had their limits. However, he had personally experienced the power of concealed weapons when he killed Yuan Kejian and others.

It was a simple and highly effective means to turn the tide in his favor.

Unconsciously, Qin Fengming studied the *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms* from noon until evening, even forgetting to have lunch.

When the sky grew dark and he had to put down the *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms*, Qin Fengming realized it was already late in the evening, and his stomach was growling. He then walked out of the courtyard and headed towards the dining hall behind the main hall.

In the evening, he lit a pine oil lamp and, under its flickering light, continued to study the *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms* until very late at night, finally managing to read through the entire manual.

After careful consideration and comparison, he ultimately chose a concealed weapon called "Cold Star" as his first choice.

The "Cold Star" is a concealed weapon shaped like a woman's makeup box, only the size of a palm. It has five small holes on the front, and inside are five Heart-Seeking Nails, which can be coated with deadly poison, causing instant death upon contact.

Manufacturing this concealed weapon is extremely difficult. Its core part requires Purple Gold Iron, which ordinary steel cannot match in terms of effectiveness. The box can be made of ordinary refined iron, but the Heart-Seeking Nails require the much rarer Black Essence Steel. Moreover, the production of each component of this concealed weapon requires a highly skilled blacksmith.

At this point, Qin Fengming did not have the financial means to find such precious materials. Even if he had the materials, it would be difficult to find a suitable blacksmith to complete the task.

Therefore, over the next few days, Qin Fengming found paper and ink and, following the diagrams of the "Cold Star" in the *Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms*, drew detailed blueprints of all the components. After carefully checking and finding no flaws, he kept them close to his body.

Although he could not manufacture it at the moment, he believed he would have the opportunity to complete it in the future.

A month later, while Qin Fengming was meditating and practicing his internal skills in his room, a senior brother suddenly came to his courtyard, informing him that the Hall Master had summoned him.

Without delay, Qin Fengming quickly went to the Elite Hall, where he saw that, apart from the Hall Master, only a robust middle-aged man in a yellow robe was seated beside him.

"Fengming, this is Elder Wu. He has come to take you to see Master Sima. Now, go back and pack your belongings, and follow Elder Wu."

Seeing Qin Fengming enter the hall, Hall Master Li's face lit up with joy. Without waiting for Qin Fengming to bow, he spoke first, his face full of encouragement and delight.

Hearing the Hall Master's words, Qin Fengming was puzzled but did not have time to think much. After bowing, he returned to his quarters and packed his belongings. He then slung his sword over his back and followed Elder Wu down Moon Peak.

At this moment, Qin Fengming had a thought: "Could it be that the Master has agreed to let me join the Dark Night Hall?"

Caihua Peak, the residence of the Master in Luoxia Valley, got its name because after the rain, one could see colorful clouds floating around the peak, hence the name.

The valley to the west of Caihua Peak is very deep, and the colorful clouds seem to fall into the valley, hence the name Luoxia Valley, which is also the base of the Luoxia Valley sect.

As they traveled, Elder Wu pointed out various locations and introduced them to Qin Fengming in detail.

After traveling for some distance, they arrived at a large valley with many houses. Qin Fengming scanned the area and was immediately puzzled. He discovered that there were no fewer than a thousand courtyards and houses in the valley, with people of all ages coming and going, like a large town.

Observing the people entering and exiting, he noticed that regardless of age or gender, they all moved lightly and silently. With Qin Fengming's knowledge, he knew that these seemingly ordinary villagers were undoubtedly martial artists.

Seeing Qin Fengming's surprised expression, Elder Wu smiled faintly and said, "Hehe, the people living here are all family members of the disciples of Luoxia Valley. After hundreds of years of reproduction, there are now thousands of people. This is just one of several gathering places."

Hearing Elder Wu's words, Qin Fengming was greatly moved, realizing that he had only scratched the surface of Luoxia Valley.

In fact, Luoxia Valley had existed for far more than a few hundred years, but the disciples were only told this. The exact number of years since its founding was unknown.

An hour later, the two arrived at the top of Caihua Peak. In front of them was a large estate covering several acres, surrounded by a high wall made of square stones. Inside were rows of wooden houses with carved beams and painted rafters, and eight people stood guard at the entrance.

Seeing Elder Wu arrive, they all bowed. Elder Wu, who seemed to be familiar with the guards, nodded slightly and led Qin Fengming into the estate.

They continued to the third courtyard, encountering many disciples in Luoxia Valley attire along the way, but none of them stopped Qin Fengming and Elder Wu.

Finally, they stopped in front of a house in the center.

"Report to the Master, the income for the past three months has increased slightly."

"Yingzhou City has sent 38,000 taels of silver and three carts of cloth."

"Luyu City has sent 25,800 taels of silver and two carts of various herbs."

"Songyue City has sent 31,000 taels of silver and three carts of various weapons."

...

"Summarizing the income from all regions, the total income for the past three months is 278,000 taels of silver. A total of 173,653 crystals have been submitted."

"During these three months, six disciples have been lost, and seventeen have been injured. However, the Small Earth Mountain bandits, who have always been hostile to us, have been eliminated."

Just as they stood outside the door, voices from inside the room could be heard.

As the voices faded, a calm voice slowly said, "I see. The compensation for the deceased disciples must be sent promptly. If any disciple's family is in difficulty, provide more assistance. The injured disciples must be treated properly. You may leave now."

A moment later, the room fell silent. Just as Elder Wu was about to knock on the door, a voice came from inside: "Is it Junior Brother Wu? You and Qin Fengming can come in."

In the center of the room, a man sat in a large wooden chair. Qin Fengming looked closely and recognized him as Master Sima, whom he had seen on the high platform during the competition.

Without waiting for Elder Wu to introduce him, Qin Fengming hurried forward, bowed, and said, "Disciple Qin Fengming, I pay my respects to the Master."