Chapter 36. I want to see how far the young master can go.

The shape of the box was elongated.

Since the person in front was the head of the Iron Gold Society, it wasn't hard to guess what was inside just by its appearance.

'But three swords is a bit excessive.'

Having seen him wield sword techniques, the sword was certainly a given. However, it was said that even in the Ximen family, only the head and a few top leaders received up to five swords, so it was hard not to be puzzled by the fact that there were three.

As if reading the perplexity in his expression, the head of the Iron Gold Society laughed heartily.

"Swords vary in length and form according to the principles of the sword techniques each person wields, just as Huashan and Qingcheng have different preferences. So, I prepared three swords, hoping you would choose the one that suits you best."

While understanding immediately, Hou Gong felt a strange sensation.

'Is this how connections are formed?'

In the past, the head of the Iron Gold Society had sent a letter to the alliance, expressing a desire to present a sword, but at the time, Hou Gong had simply laughed it off. Yet, they ended up meeting like this.

At the head of the Iron Gold Society's nod, Dan Jiangwu opened the left box and handed over a long sword.

Hou Gong took it and examined it closely.

The scabbard was both luxurious and elegant. When he drew the sword, a sharp, blue blade gleamed. The edge was indescribably sharp.

Ting.

When he flicked it with his finger, a clear, prolonged sound rang out.

The pitch was high, and the vibration was steady.

The uniformity of the forging was of the highest quality.

It surpassed the level of the swords that the Huashan Sect had obtained from the Iron Gold Society at great expense.

He nodded involuntarily.

"What do you think? As the curator of the Tianhua Library, you must have a keen eye for antiques and old items."

The head of the Iron Gold Society asked.

Dan Jiangwu, sitting beside him, looked at his father with a slightly surprised expression.

'Father wants an evaluation?'

From what he had seen, his father had an immense pride in his forging skills and considered it beneath him to have his finished products evaluated.

To put it mildly, it was something like 'be grateful if I give it to you.' Yet today, he seemed anxious, as if he were nervous.

Even if the capabilities and discernment of the Tianhua Library were exceptional, this was an unusual sight.

"The uniformity of the entire sword's forging is remarkable. There is not a single flaw. The weight distribution, divided into four parts, is excellent. The hilt is heavy, and the weight decreases to 70% and 50% as it moves up, and by the tip, it has a moderate weight, making it a sword that anyone would desire."

"Hehe, you flatter me. You're gilding the lily, young man."

Despite this, the head of the Iron Gold Society laughed heartily, seeming pleased.

Then, the second sword from the second box was handed over.

The second sword was similar in length to the first, but its blade had a silver hue.

Hou Gong nodded.

The sword was thin and highly elastic.

When he applied a slight force, the elasticity increased.

"What do you think?"

The head of the Iron Gold Society asked, leaning forward.

Dan Jiangwu furrowed his brow again at his father's anxious appearance.

"Combining softness and hardness is not easy, but to achieve such harmony is truly remarkable. The property of the sword, where the elasticity changes rapidly when infused with qi, is also impressive. As a flexible sword, it is suitable for various techniques and would enhance the brilliance of those who wield elaborate sword styles, making it a sword that anyone would covet."

"Hehe... Is that so?"

The head of the Iron Gold Society laughed, stroking his chin, looking embarrassed.

Dan Jiangwu's eyes widened. His father looked both pleased and embarrassed. Of course, it was also astonishing that the young master of the Tianhua Library could discern the true nature of the sword with just a glance.

"I'm getting more and more excited."

At the head of the Iron Gold Society's words, Hou Gong took the third sword.

'Hmm?'

The scabbard and hilt were old.

There were clear signs that it had been carried by someone for a long time.

But could it really be a gift from the head of the Iron Gold Society?

As doubts arose, he activated a technique.

The Purple Spirit Eye.

It could project invisibility and concealment and magnify ordinary objects as if looking at them under a microscope.

Then,

'Oh, this is amazing.'

He almost missed it.

It took Hou Gong a while to realize.

The wear and tear were artificially created.

Each mark was carefully engraved to give a natural appearance of use.

"You have a good eye, Head."

"Hehe, impressive. To notice that."

"I almost missed it."

He drew the sword.

Instead of a sharp aura, a heavy one flowed.

There were scratches and dents all over. Upon closer inspection, each one was meticulously engraved.

The blade was not sharp at all.

It was blunt enough that anyone who saw it would suggest sharpening it.

The surface of the blade was flat. When he tilted it and looked at it from an angle, uneven patterns appeared. When he flicked the sword, a low, heavy sound resonated.

The head of the Iron Gold Society's eyes sparkled, eager to hear his thoughts.

Hou Gong sheathed the sword and spoke.

"It's a stylish and appealing sword."

"Hmm?"

The head of the Iron Gold Society tilted his head.

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

The calm response brought a hint of disappointment to the head of the Iron Gold Society's face.

But he quickly shook it off and spoke.

"Which one do you want from these?"

"All three are more than I deserve, but if it's alright, I would like the first sword."

"The first sword?"

The head of the Iron Gold Society exclaimed in surprise.

He was disappointed and puzzled, sighing deeply.

'Was I mistaken...?'

On the night when the head of the Ximen family and the Black Flame Extermination Team went berserk.

The young master of the Tianhua Library he saw was a master of the sword.

It was the same as when he saw Huashan Sect's elder Neng Liang.

There was a presence in the young master that came from a lifetime of understanding the sword. Not admiring the sword from a distance or looking down on it, but becoming one with it the moment it was wielded.

When Neng Liang marveled at his own sword, it brought him joy, and the young master's words did the same, yet he was disappointed that he didn't recognize the third sword, wondering if he had overestimated him.

'But when he picked up the sword, he emitted a presence as if he had become one with it...'

"May I ask for the reason?"

"All the swords are excellent."

"But there must be a reason you chose the first one."

"The first one is more suitable for me than the second."

"What about the third one?"

Hou Gong smiled.

"That sword is a masterpiece you spent your life creating, isn't it?"

"Er...?"

"If I chose the third sword just because of a favor, it wouldn't be right. It should be kept as a treasure or given to the person you had in mind."

The head of the Iron Gold Society's eyes widened in surprise.

Dan Jiangwu, who knew the situation, felt the same way.

"Young master, I believed you would recognize it. Could you explain it to me in detail? I beg you."

"Hmm..."

Hou Gong sighed.

Judging by his expression, the head of the Iron Gold Society was almost on the verge of tears.

Scholars were said to be willing to give their lives for those who understood them. The desire to have his value recognized was evident in the head of the Iron Gold Society's eyes, so Hou Gong slowly spoke.

***

On the way back.

In the carriage, Dan Jiangwu spoke cautiously.

"Father, won't you regret it?"

Dan Jiangwu knew the significance of the third sword to his father. It was not an exaggeration to say it was his father's entire life, and the owner of the sword was decided from the moment it was forged.

"What about you?"

"Me?"

Not understanding the meaning, Dan Jiangwu asked.

The head of the Iron Gold Society, Dan Yanqing, chuckled.

"If you were seeing the sword for the first time, could you speak like the young master of the Tianhua Library?"

"No, I couldn't."

Dan Jiangwu admitted frankly.

The young master of the Tianhua Library described each detail as if he had forged the sword himself, which was a shock to Dan Jiangwu.

According to the young master,

- I appreciate the simplicity of this sword. It is the epitome of elegance. However, its true value will be revealed when infused with internal energy. You forged it to unleash its full potential only when wielded by someone who can handle sword qi.

When infused with qi, the blade becomes sharp enough to cut anything, and the blade's structure, with varying degrees of refinement, accelerates the flow of qi. The uneven layers are not random but indicate the addition of mithril in certain areas.

Mithril is a rare and expensive mineral, so you didn't use it sparingly. If the sword were made entirely of mithril, it would be heavy and lack elasticity, which is an important factor in handling the sword's various techniques.

You arranged the mithril like an array, balancing strength and elasticity, and refined it to enhance the power when manifesting sword qi. It is truly remarkable.

When Dan Jiangwu heard this, his mouth dropped open in astonishment.

It would be difficult to describe the essence of the sword so fluidly, even if he had watched the entire forging process. The fact that he could discern the sword's essence just by looking at it sent shivers down his spine.

"Swords have their own masters. I made this sword for Hou Gong, who was known as the greatest swordsman in the world, but he unexpectedly passed away."

Sadness tinged the head of the Iron Gold Society's voice.

"To be honest, I was always afraid. What if Hou Gong's three swords were so impressive that I wouldn't be recognized? What if I heard that they were nothing special? What if I couldn't even present them and returned in disappointment? I was scared."

"..."

"Ultimately, the young master of the Tianhua Library became the owner of the sword, but I feel good about it. He is a savior of life and a connoisseur of swords. Although he is still at the beginning, he might reach the pinnacle someday."

"Is he that good?"

Dan Jiangwu was impressed by his true nature, but his father's words seemed to be comparing him to the greatest swordsman in the world.

"You said it yourself. At the Ximen family's banquet, when the young master's hands passed over you, you felt as if you were in paradise and wings sprouted on your back."

"Yes, his understanding of meridians was truly beyond comprehension."

"Hehe, can you imagine the reaction of the Ximen family's head? The one who can make wings sprout can also break them. I am happy that something enjoyable has happened."

"..."

"I look forward to seeing how far the young master of the Tianhua Library can go. I am excited to see how my sword will be wielded by him. Of course, he might be so engrossed in his studies that he never picks up a sword... Hehe, then I would be disappointed."

**

The head of the Qingyue Sect also longed to visit the Tianhua Library.

The formations of the Tianhua Library were still astonishing to think about, and the more he learned about the young master, the more impressive he seemed. He felt the need to strengthen their relationship.

Having heard that other families had already visited the Tianhua Library, he couldn't stay idle.

He called his beloved daughter.

"Jiaoren, let's go to the Tianhua Library together."

"Father, what for?"

"Just to go. We can create a reason."

"But to go empty-handed..."

"The gift is already prepared."

Ban Jiaoren was delighted.

"Really? What is it?"

"You."

"..."

"I need to connect you with the young master..."

Bang.

The door slammed shut, and his daughter disappeared from sight