Chapter Forty-Four: Buying a Sword

After the feast of wine and meat, Liu Zhen spoke to the group, “Sanshi, Taiyi, the dining hall is rarely used and stands empty most days. Since you wish to study the Liu family’s martial arts, you must do as the other disciples do: take your meals and rest in the Western Courtyard, and practice your skills on the training grounds.”

Liu Mu turned to Liu Zhen and asked, “Zhen’er, have you explained the rules of Liu Fortress to them? Don’t let them cause trouble and leave you to discipline them.”

Liu Zhen nodded. “At Liu Fortress, just inside the gate is the training ground. Above it is the reception hall, as you know. The Western Courtyard is for the disciples to rest and eat. From now on, you’ll live there, just as Lingshuang and Nian’er do. The Liu family’s younger generation resides in the Eastern Courtyard—should you face any difficulties while I’m away from Lingzhou, you may seek help there. But most importantly, the Northern Courtyard is the elders’ quarters, where our family’s most treasured manuals are kept. No one else may enter. Is that clear?”

Sanshi and Taiyi rose and bowed, “Understood.”

Liu Zhen nodded, then turned to Liu Lingshuang, “Shuang’er, later, show your friends around Lingzhou City. I must go out of the city on some business.”

“I know, Father. You’re leaving again—please take care.”

Liu Mu said, “Zhen’er, I’ll go with you.”

“Second Uncle, there’s no need. The Fortress needs someone in charge. I must trouble you with the many affairs of the Liu family, and the disciples of the Liu Army still need your guidance.”

“Yes, yes, you’re as nagging as your father. You may rest easy about the Fortress.”

With that, Liu Zhen bowed to Liu Mu and left the dining hall, selecting four Liu family disciples to accompany him out of the city. Liu Mu, too, had much to handle; after a few brief words to the four, he departed as well.

The four of them stepped out of the dining hall. Liu Lingshuang made faces at Li Taiyi with a laugh, “I thought you were my junior, but you turned out to be my martial uncle! Hahaha.”

Li Taiyi scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. Ye Sanshi then said, “The weather’s fine today—let’s go explore. We were in such a rush when we arrived, we haven’t properly seen Lingzhou City.”

Lingshuang led them out of Liu Fortress and onto the streets, where they finally understood why this was called the greatest city under heaven.

In their haste upon arrival, Sanshi and Taiyi had only glimpsed a fragment of it, but now, with time to wander, they found themselves awestruck by its prosperity and beauty, far surpassing Qingyang City and even the capital.

Taiyi exclaimed, “Lingzhou truly is a land of abundance—well governed, with contented people and rich resources. It’s much better than the lands of Qingjianxi. But how did a demon plague ever take root here? What a pity.”

Ye Sanshi clapped Taiyi on the shoulder with a laugh, “Taiyi, what’s done is done—we can’t change it by worrying. Since Lingzhou is so prosperous, I intend to enjoy myself.”

Lingshuang teased, “Now you’re not even interested in food anymore, wild boy—how will you enjoy yourself?”

Ye Sanshi blushed and scratched his head, lowering his gaze with a smile, “It’s not just food—I’ve never seen all these new things before, living up in the mountains. I want to learn and see what I can, maybe bring something back for Uncle Shu to see. You all go wander as you please, I’ll look around on my own. I understand how money and trade work now.”

Nian’er covered her mouth with a gentle laugh, “Young Master Ye, I’m curious about these things too. Why don’t we go together?”

“Haha! Of course!”

Before they could set off, Liu Lingshuang darted between them, “As the young lady of the house, I must go too! I’m an expert on all these novelties and can explain them to you.”

Taiyi chimed in, “Then I should go as well—I can’t be left behind.”

Ye Sanshi scratched his head again, grinning foolishly, “I thought you wouldn’t want to come with me, that’s why I said that. Who knew you all like these strange curiosities?”

Taiyi slung an arm around Sanshi’s shoulders, laughing, “Sanshi, I don’t know if you like these oddities, but those two certainly enjoy being with you.”

Lingshuang and Nian’er both blushed and turned away, saying, “Taiyi, you’re always making things up—we’re ignoring you!” They hurried ahead, giggling as they went.

Ye Sanshi scratched his head and asked Taiyi, “What’s wrong with them? Did they get angry all of a sudden?”

“That’s not anger—it’s shyness!”

“What’s there to be shy about? Just because they like me? Well, I like Lingshuang, Nian’er, and you too—is that so hard to say?”

“Sanshi, you’re quick to learn worldly matters, but affairs of the heart still elude you! Never mind, let’s catch up before they get too far.”

“Oh, alright, I’ll learn as I go.”

The four of them soon arrived at a shop specializing in unusual weapons, its name both striking and peculiar: “Killer Iron.”

Taiyi entered, laughing, “I’ve heard of blacksmiths, but never a shop called ‘Killer Iron.’ Why the name?”

Lingshuang replied, “This shop’s been here for over ten years. Their weapons are the strangest and most powerful you’ll find. Maybe the bold name attracts more customers.”

The shopkeeper, seeing Lingshuang enter, hurried to greet her, “Young Lady Liu, welcome!”

“Yes, I’ve brought my friends to see your weapons. Show us your newest wares.”

“At once! I have quite a few new items in the back, please wait a moment.” With that, the shopkeeper slipped through a side door.

Taiyi picked up a sword from the table, examining it closely. “This is well made—sharp enough to cut through iron as if it were mud, and light enough to sever a hair. It must be the work of a true master. I’ll take it.”

“Taiyi, take whatever you like. All your expenses in Lingzhou City are covered by Liu Fortress.”

Taiyi grinned, “Then I won’t be shy, Lingshuang!”

There weren’t many swords on the table, and aside from the one he’d chosen, Taiyi found nothing else to his liking. Lingshuang waved a hand before his eyes, “Hey, Taiyi, why are you only looking at swords? Aren’t these hidden weapons and mystical arms useful?”

“Haha, I’ve trained with the sword for over a decade—wouldn’t it be a shame not to use it?”

Ye Sanshi had his eye on a magical artifact—a bracelet. He held it up, examining it closely. “This is beautiful, Lingshuang. May I have it?”

Before Lingshuang could reply, the shopkeeper returned with the new items. Seeing Sanshi’s interest in the bracelet, he said eagerly, “Hero, that’s the ‘Jade Vessel Bracelet.’ It can hold two different objects within. Would you like it?”

Lingshuang frowned, “Shopkeeper, I’ve been buying from you for years—how could you try to trick my friend? Is this truly the ‘Jade Vessel Bracelet’?”

The shopkeeper, worried about offending her, stammered, “Young Lady Liu, I’m not lying. It is called the ‘Jade Vessel Bracelet,’ but it’s only a replica. It’s not as powerful as the real thing, so it’s cheaper. The true Jade Vessel Bracelet is on the Immortal Isle. I thought you knew—I meant no deception.”

“Since you’re honest, I’ll let it slide. Sanshi, put the bracelet back. We can’t take imitations.”

Though Sanshi was reluctant, he obeyed. The shopkeeper, noticing the sword in Taiyi’s hand, quickly said, “Sir, how could you settle for an ordinary sword when your companion carries a divine blade? Such a sword is unworthy of you—it diminishes your stature!”

As he spoke, he pulled a long box from beneath the counter and opened it. Inside, something shimmered with golden light.

The shopkeeper carefully lifted it out—a sword, its blade sharp and pale gold, its hilt black with a subtle red sheen. At a glance, it was a peerless weapon.

Lingshuang leaned in, studying it closely. “Shopkeeper, don’t try to fool us with another imitation.”

He shook his head vigorously, “Not at all! Please, sir, you know swords—see if it suits you.”

Taiyi took the sword, brandished it a few times, and found it perfectly balanced. “Shopkeeper, from the moment I saw this sword, I knew it was extraordinary. It feels right in my hand. Does it have a name?”

“No, sir. If you like, you may name it yourself—it will feel more personal that way.”

Taiyi turned to Sanshi, “Among us, you’re the best at naming things. Why don’t you name my sword?”

Ye Sanshi stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Since it’s forged here at Killer Iron, let’s take the word ‘Killer.’ The blade is sharp enough to cut through any wall or armor—let’s add ‘Wall.’ We’ll call it ‘Killer of Walls.’ What do you think?”

“Killer of Walls—excellent!” Taiyi was delighted, feeling fortunate to have acquired such a fine sword.

But then he hesitated, knowing this sword must be expensive. He didn’t want Lingshuang to bear the cost alone. “I truly love this sword. Let me pay for it myself, Lingshuang—so it will truly recognize me as its master. What do you think?”

The shopkeeper smiled, “Sir, who said the sword is for sale?”

“What? We’ve already named it, and now you won’t sell? That’s no way to do business.”

“Please don’t be upset, sir. I meant to say the sword is a gift.”

“A gift? We are neither kin nor close friends—why give it to me?”

The shopkeeper smiled and said, “People say all merchants are cunning, and I’m no exception, but even a cunning man has his code of honor. I’ve heard of Young Lady Liu’s heroic deeds. I also know the two of you faced danger in Jianzhou, and must have encountered the Ironclad Army—escaping only after felling many. I’ve heard their armor is impenetrable by normal weapons. I offer you this sword in hopes it may aid heroes such as yourselves. That is enough for my peace of mind.”

Lingshuang waved her hand with a laugh, “I never imagined you could be so chivalrous, after all these years! Since you’re being so generous, perhaps we can skip paying for all the other things we picked out as well?”

The shopkeeper hesitated, “Well…”

Lingshuang continued, “Thank you, shopkeeper!” With that, she headed for the door.

The shopkeeper, who had seemed flustered before, now watched them leave with a satisfied smile, his reluctance gone, replaced with joy.

As they walked out, Lingshuang suddenly turned and shouted, “Shopkeeper, I was only teasing! I know you love money too much—cutting off your profits would be the death of you. Bring the bill to Liu Fortress when you have time—someone will settle it, and you might even get a tip! Hahaha!”

The shopkeeper leaned back in his chair, smiling and muttering to himself, “What delightful children.”