Since the gathering at Mount Hua, Lu Yun had not seen this Kunlun Sect Master for half a year. Suddenly meeting him now, he saw that Zhuo Lingzhao had grown thin, his face showing considerable haggardness, no longer possessing his former cold and arrogant demeanor. It seemed that after his defeat to Ning Bufan, he had indeed suffered greatly.

Most of the guests had also attended Ning Bufan’s retirement gathering and hadn’t expected to see Zhuo Lingzhao here. They couldn’t help but cry out in surprise.

Ouyang Nan naturally recognized this generation’s sword master. Suddenly seeing this person arrive, he wasn’t panicked but merely bowed in greeting and asked: “I heard that Master Zhuo’s sword was destroyed at Mount Hua. Could it be that you’ve also come seeking a sword today?”

Zhuo Lingzhao closed his eyes and nodded: “Master Ouyang’s foresight is divine. If not for this, why would I have gone through such hardships to find this Leize Xingtian Hammer?” Hearing these words, everyone was greatly shocked. Ouyang Nan also made an “ah” sound and said tremblingly: “So this Divine Hammer was sent by you! Our two families have never been acquainted – why… why would you treat me so well?”

Zhuo Lingzhao said indifferently: “Master Ouyang is the dynasty’s number one iron-forging master and possesses the wonderously mysterious Hongwu Heavenly Furnace. If this Leize Xingtian Hammer doesn’t belong to you, who in the world should have it?”

Hearing the other’s flattery, Ouyang Nan knew he must have some purpose. He immediately gave a dry laugh: “Seeing how much effort you’ve put in, you must want to forge a truly fine sword!”

Zhuo Lingzhao looked proudly toward the sky and nodded: “Precisely.”

Hearing this, everyone’s faces changed color, all feeling fear in their hearts.

Zhuo Lingzhao was naturally competitive. Since his defeat to Ning Bufan, not a day passed without him pondering the flaws in his swordsmanship. That day, he had used the move “Thousand Rays of Dawn Light,” repeatedly wielding invisible sword energy, yet couldn’t defeat Ning Bufan and finally suffered a crushing defeat under the opponent’s “Benevolent Sword’s Resonant Sound.” Zhuo Lingzhao thought it over and felt his internal energy wasn’t inferior to his opponent’s, nor was his swordsmanship necessarily weaker. The greatest problem was the regret of not achieving unity between man and sword.

That Ning Bufan claimed “I am the sword, the sword is me.” Even with ordinary martial arts, he naturally had ways to win using common weapons. But Zhuo Lingzhao claimed “Divine sword like me, I am the sword god,” yet couldn’t achieve this without truly divine weapons to match. Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts were extraordinarily domineering. That day, at the final crucial moment, he poured all his power into his sword, but this actually shattered his long sword to powder, exposing his martial arts’ flaws and leading to his crushing defeat.

Zhuo Lingzhao knew his internal energy could shake the world, but if his weapon couldn’t withstand such powerful internal force, everything was in vain. It was for this reason that he sought out Ouyang Nan to forge him a truly suitable weapon to remedy the flaw of not achieving unity between man and sword.

Zhuo Lingzhao fixed his gaze on Ouyang Nan and said: “Old master, I wonder if you can agree to this presumptuous request?”

In the past, Zhuo Lingzhao always referred to himself as “this seat” – when had he ever used the humble term “I”? Hearing him speak so humbly, Ouyang Nan felt even more worried. This person had a notorious reputation. If he refused, how could his disciples still travel the martial world? They’d probably be chopped to pieces by Kunlun masters the moment they left Changzhou. He pondered for a while and sighed: “Master Zhuo shows such sincerity and has sent such a precious gift. Both emotionally and logically, this old man should forge a fine sword for the Master. Please don’t worry, Master.”

Ouyang Nan ordered people to bring out iron sand and immediately prepared to forge the sword. Lu Yun watched anxiously, thinking: “This Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts are already so formidable. If he gets divine weapons, who in the world can control him?”

Though Lu Yun wanted to speak out to stop this, sword forging was purely a matter between the Ouyang family and Kunlun Mountain. Though he was a prefect, he didn’t necessarily have sufficient reason to interfere. Moreover, Yang Suguan hadn’t arrived yet. If he revealed himself and fought, relying only on himself and dozens of officers, they really weren’t a match for them. Furthermore, with Gu Qianxi beside him, he’d have to divide his attention to protect her.

Lu Yun felt worried and looked toward the Azure Robe scholar to see what he would indicate, but saw this sect master still saying nothing, apparently waiting and watching. Lu Yun secretly calculated, knowing he couldn’t act rashly, and sighed inwardly: “From the Azure Robe Sect Master’s intentions, he won’t intervene today. I’d better wait until I can mobilize troops before thinking of ways to capture these criminals!”

While thinking, Ouyang Nan had already taken out iron sand and was about to pour it into the furnace when Zhuo Lingzhao stepped forward and said indifferently: “Master Ouyang, don’t trouble yourself. I’ve already prepared my own iron materials.”

Ouyang Nan made an “oh” sound and was about to ask when Zhuo Lingzhao waved his hand. Immediately, a violent shout came from behind, followed by heavy breathing sounds. Hearing this rough, low breathing like laborers arriving, everyone in the field was startled and couldn’t help but turn to look.

The grinding sound of cart wheels echoed as a large cart slowly approached from the distance, carrying a huge round stone that looked extremely heavy. The people pushing the cart numbered four – Jin Lingshuang, Tu Lingxin, Qian Lingyi, and Mau Lingshan, all Kunlun experts. These four had large drops of sweat on their faces, and watching them push the cart with gritted teeth and strained shouts, they seemed to be exerting tremendous effort. Everyone was shocked, thinking: “These four have high martial arts skills and can each bear a thousand jin. How can they not push this cart? Could this giant stone really be extraordinarily heavy?”

Looking carefully at the cart wheels, everyone saw they were cast from refined steel but now showed signs of deformation. The wheel tracks on the ground were deeply embedded, and wherever they passed, whether stone slabs or sandy ground, they were pressed into deep grooves more than an inch wide. From this observation, this giant stone was indeed extremely heavy.

When the cart approached, the Xingtian Hammer mysteriously vibrated, emitting blue light, then slid forward. Everyone’s weapons clanged in response, and even Gu Qianxi and Yan Ting’s jewelry jingled. Lu Yun was naturally intelligent and immediately understood this phenomenon, quickly calling out: “Everyone be careful! This giant stone has magnetic force!” Hearing this, everyone hurriedly grasped their weapons, fearing they might fly out and accidentally injure others.

Ordinary weapons could still be held, but the Xingtian Hammer’s response was extremely strong, as if it had come alive, instantly rushing toward the large stone. “Iron Lion” Gong Zhi saw the situation was bad and quickly grabbed the hammer’s tail, but the magnetic force was too great and dragged him along. Several disciples from the Iron Forging Manor jumped over and all pressed down on the “Xingtian Hammer,” hoping to stop the hammer’s movement.

At this time, the magnetic force grew stronger and stronger. Six disciples used all their power to pull the Divine Hammer but couldn’t stop its forward momentum. They saw tracks slowly being dragged across the ground, and Gong Zhi’s tiger’s mouth had already cracked and bled. Ouyang Nan understood and quickly shouted: “Everyone don’t struggle! These two things – one governs yin, one governs yang – they should naturally combine! Quickly let go!”

Hearing this, everyone immediately released their hands. The Divine Hammer flew toward the large stone with a “clang,” its momentum extremely fierce. The Kunlun experts, seeing the Divine Hammer coming at them, were also greatly shocked and immediately moved aside.

The Divine Hammer struck the giant stone and seemed to be trying to drill inside, but the giant stone was extremely hard and remained unmoved. Everyone on the sidelines was dumbfounded. Seeing this strange phenomenon, Ouyang Nan was also greatly amazed. He made a “hey” sound and asked Zhuo Lingzhao: “Could this be ‘Meishan Iron Essence’?”

Zhuo Lingzhao nodded: “Master Ouyang’s knowledge is indeed profound. This is precisely iron essence. Without my sword god ancient texts, I wouldn’t have found it either.” Ouyang Nan laughed heartily: “No wonder you had to find the ‘Leize Xingtian Hammer.’ Otherwise, with this stone shell so hard, how could one extract the essence inside?” Though the two conversed thus, the onlooking crowd couldn’t understand a single word and all looked blank.

While speaking, red clouds gathered densely in the sky with lightning flickering faintly, as if heavenly thunder was about to fall. Ouyang Nan raised his eyebrows: “Everyone step back a bit. When yin and yang meet and positive and negative combine, the ‘Xingtian Hammer’ will draw down lightning to strike.” Everyone was shocked and didn’t believe it, but with strange phenomena occurring continuously, whether you believed or not was beyond your control. Seeing wind howling and thunder clouds filling the sky, Lu Yun first pulled Gu Qianxi away, and they walked far off. The other people, seeing the prefect had already moved away, also dispersed.

Just then, a white light flashed across the sky, followed by a thunderous crash. The white light struck right on the Xingtian Hammer. Instantly, stone fragments flew everywhere, and the large stone exploded into pieces. Smoke filled the air, the ground was black with charred debris, and a dark, grayish round stone rolled out. This stone was about the size of a bamboo hat, shaped like a goose egg, but much smaller than the previous giant stone. After the lightning strike, the round stone’s magnetism seemed to have disappeared, and everyone holding weapons was breathing heavily.

Seeing this strange stone, Gu Qianxi’s cherry lips parted slightly in surprise: “This is the iron essence?”

The Azure Robe scholar nodded: “Ancient records state that during Emperor Shun’s reign in antiquity, red objects fell from heaven onto Meishan, the earth shook, the sun didn’t set for seven days, and the sea was stirred. The ministers sighed: ‘Only Heaven is great, like the sun at its zenith.’ This is probably the origin of Meishan Iron Essence.” At this time, Lu Yun, Juan’er, Yan Ting and others also craned their necks to listen. Hearing this “Meishan Iron Essence” had such a strange origin, they were all amazed beyond words.

The disciples of Iron Forging Manor were all born blacksmiths and knew the legends of iron essence – that when forging swords, adding just a little bit could turn ordinary weapons into rare treasures. They had thought this was just legend, never expecting such strange things to really exist in the world. They couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed. Gu Qianxi, born to an official family, had never seen such rare and strange phenomena. Her pretty face was pale as she tightly gripped Lu Yun’s arm, her palm full of cold sweat.

The divine thunder descended with sudden strange phenomena. Not only were the people in the field shocked, but even Ouyang Nan, honored as the world’s unparalleled iron-forging master, couldn’t hide his excitement. He rubbed his eyes and sighed: “This old man has lived seventy years, and in my lifetime I can actually see this treasure… Heaven truly treats me well…” He walked forward and gently stroked that piece of “iron essence,” his expression like seeing a long-lost relative, full of affection.

Seeing his absent-mindedness, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately smiled slightly: “Master Ouyang, don’t be sad. What’s most important now is how to forge this piece of iron essence. This requires your careful consideration.”

Ouyang Nan squatted beside the iron essence, carefully stroking and examining it from all angles, nodding: “Iron essence is the highest purity iron material between heaven and earth. With this round stone’s weight, it could forge over a hundred weapons. What are Master Zhuo’s plans?” Hearing that over a hundred treasured swords would be created, everyone was greatly amazed. Seeing this iron essence so precious, if even one of these hundred divine weapons fell into their hands, they could dominate their region in the future. Everyone showed joy on their faces.

Who knew Zhuo Lingzhao would only shake his head and say indifferently: “I don’t ask for much – one sharp blade is enough.”

Using such rare iron essence to create only one weapon was truly wasteful and too regrettable. Hearing Zhuo Lingzhao’s words, everyone couldn’t help but shake their heads and sigh, with some showing jealous hatred.

Ouyang Nan didn’t mind. He was born a blacksmith and only cared about making swords, not other matters. Moreover, the materials were brought by others, the tools were gifts from others – how could he say much? Following trade customs, he nodded: “Since the Master says so, this old man naturally must comply.” Zhuo Lingzhao nodded slightly: “Good, please begin, Master.”

Ouyang Nan said no more and immediately raised the Divine Hammer to strike the iron essence. With a “dong” sound, the iron essence only dented a piece. Previously, whether precious swords, gold, or silver ingots, all turned to ash with one hammer blow, but this iron essence, after receiving the Divine Hammer’s heavy strike, showed no signs of breaking. It seemed this object was truly extraordinarily precious.

Ouyang Nan raised the Divine Hammer and was about to strike again when he saw the iron essence slowly bulge up, and the previously struck dent actually restored to its original state. Ouyang Nan was shocked and raised the Divine Hammer to strike with all his might. The iron essence received the heavy hammer blow and dented again, but after a short while, the sunken area slowly protruded again, looking exactly as before.

Ouyang Nan wiped away cold sweat. Unwilling to give up, he summoned his deep internal energy and struck like flying, delivering dozens of blows in succession. Despite his efforts until he was drenched in sweat, after a short while, the iron essence returned to its egg shape with no change whatsoever.

Everyone felt admiration, thinking: “This Divine Hammer is invincible in all directions, yet it can’t overcome this iron essence. Seeing these two great treasures appear simultaneously, how will Ouyang Nan handle this?”

Ouyang Nan, covered in sweat, knew something was unusual. He bent down and examined it carefully for a long time, then sighed: “This iron essence has elasticity – it cannot be hammered.” Gong Zhi walked over and said: “Master, since this piece of iron essence is so miraculous, perhaps it doesn’t need hammering and can be directly forged.” Ouyang Nan clapped his hands: “Your words make sense! This is exactly how it should be forged!” He ordered his disciples: “You few come over and lift this iron essence to put it in the Heavenly Furnace.”

The disciples responded and quickly rushed forward. Everyone grabbed a corner and exerted force upward to lift the iron essence, but who knew this iron essence was truly heavy beyond imagination. Despite the disciples’ collective shouting, faces red and breathing hard, the iron essence seemed rooted and completely unmoved. Ouyang Nan pondered for a long time, then walked forward two steps and picked up the “Leize Xingtian Hammer,” placing it against the round stone. Instantly summoning his life’s power, he strained: “Lift!”

Where his internal energy reached, the Xingtian Hammer, relying on a magnetic attraction, slowly lifted the extremely heavy iron essence. Gu Qianxi stood nearby watching and saw Ouyang Nan’s entire body dripping with sweat, his aged muscles trembling constantly. She worried and whispered: “Can this Master Ouyang at his age still exert such strength?”

Gong Zhi nearby heard her question and answered: “Miss, don’t worry! We sword-forging masters may not notice rare treasures usually, but once we see them, we’d risk our lives to forge them into weapons. Though my master is old, in terms of sword-forging ambition, he’s no different from a young man.”

Lu Yun nodded, thinking: “Sword forging may be called a minor art, but it’s actually no different from studying Confucianism or martial arts – both require sincere dedication to reach the ultimate. I cannot underestimate this.”

The vast iron-forging field was silent except for Ouyang Nan’s heavy breathing. Everyone saw him step by step toward the Heavenly Furnace, his footprints more than an inch deep, showing his lifetime’s power had reached its peak.

As Ouyang Nan approached the Heavenly Furnace, waves of blue-red hot flames burst from the furnace opening. Ouyang Nan’s internal energy relaxed slightly as he sent the iron essence into the furnace. He dropped the Divine Hammer and vigorously worked the bellows. Immediately, fierce flames shot skyward like a blue dragon rising from the chimney, reaching over ten feet high – a spectacular sight.

Who knew that after burning for a while, the soaring flames suddenly weakened, as if the heat was being absorbed by something. Ouyang Nan desperately worked the bellows, fearing the flames would die out. Despite his internal energy gradually depleting, the flames showed no signs of strengthening but grew increasingly dim. Seeing this situation, Gong Zhi said tremblingly: “What iron essence! If even Master can’t handle it, who in the world can subdue it?”

Seeing Ouyang Nan gradually weakening, Zhuo Lingzhao immediately said: “Please rest, Master Ouyang. Why should a master do such rough work? Leave it to my sect’s disciples.” He glanced, and instantly Tu Lingxin and Jin Lingshuang stepped forward to take over the bellows from Ouyang Nan. Ouyang Nan was still breathing unsteadily and instructed: “Two heroes, be careful. The Heavenly Furnace forging divine objects requires vigorous fire – don’t let the flames die out.”

Jin Lingshuang nodded: “Please don’t worry, Master. Watch our sect disciples’ skills.”

Before he finished speaking, Tu Lingxin’s violent shout rang out as he began working the bellows. Seeing his junior brother engaged, Jin Lingshuang also lent his assistance. The two each pulled a handle, their powerful internal energy causing flames to soar skyward again. These two’s internal energy far exceeded Ouyang Nan’s – the hot flames shot straight to the furnace top, reaching several zhang high. Seeing such phenomena, everyone cried out in shock.

After the two worked the bellows for a while, their sweat was dried by the heat, and their hair showed signs of curling, showing how scorching hot it was beside the furnace. After another half hour, Tu Lingxin’s ugly face gradually paled, clearly his true power was insufficient.

At this time, with two great masters working together, if either one’s internal energy failed, the flames would react. Indeed, the fire head slowly fell again. Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin looked at each other, both knowing this was a crucial moment – they couldn’t let the flames die out. The two summoned their life’s energy and pulled frantically, making the flames rise again. But Tu Lingxin, exerting his internal energy to the extreme with his dantian burning like fire, would inevitably suffer serious injury if this continued much longer.

Seeing their strength gradually failing, Ouyang Nan said: “Disciples, come forward to assist.” The group of disciples responded and were about to take over when the onlooking guests secretly shook their heads: “How formidable are the Kunlun experts? Even they can’t sustain it. What are a few disciples from Iron Forging Manor? It looks like this will fail.”

Just as the disciples were about to step forward, a figure flashed and someone had already rushed ahead. Everyone looked carefully and saw it was actually Zhuo Lingzhao personally entering the field. He had traveled far and wide this time, procuring both Divine Hammer and iron essence, all seeking to forge a treasured sword – how could he fail at this point? For this reason, he no longer cared about a generation master’s dignity and personally worked the bellows.

Zhuo Lingzhao asked the disciples to step back. He spread his stance, inhaled true breath, and lightly pulled the handles. Instantly, the surrounding airflow actually reversed, all being sucked into the furnace opening. Seeing his profound power, everyone was shocked and pale. Lu Yun was both amazed and admiring, thinking: “What a Zhuo Lingzhao! His internal energy is truly formidable. After Ning Bufan’s retirement, how many people in the martial world can control him?”

Seeing the furnace fire strengthen, Zhuo Lingzhao breathed in and out several times. A light whistle rang out, and suddenly fierce flames shot skyward, the fire color changing from red to white. With this burning, the Heavenly Furnace turned red as blood, as if about to drip. Ouyang Nan praised: “Amazing! Truly worthy of being one of the four great masters!”

Everyone felt heat waves hitting their faces like midsummer. Several guests near the furnace opening immediately had their jackets catch fire, and friends nearby quickly jumped up to extinguish them. Seeing such terrifying heat, everyone hurriedly moved away. Lu Yun saw Gu Qianxi’s forehead hair slightly curled from the heat and felt sorry for her, quickly pulling her several zhang away to avoid injury.

The Heavenly Furnace grew hotter and slowly developed cracks. Lu Yun thought: “From this appearance, this Heavenly Furnace might not hold up – it better not explode.” Ouyang Nan also feared the Heavenly Furnace would collapse, so he stayed by the furnace to carefully tend it, constantly sealing gaps with clay, muttering as if caring for a beloved horse. Seeing his loving care for this furnace, everyone thought: “This person is obsessed with iron forging – no wonder he’s called the contemporary number one sword-forging master.”

After another half hour, a silver moon had risen, and the red flames appeared even more fierce in the darkness. Zhuo Lingzhao continued rhythmically working the bellows – without this person’s lasting internal energy, how could they sustain the Heavenly Furnace’s day-and-night burning?

Suddenly Ouyang Nan called out: “Careful! Something’s coming out!” Hearing this, everyone was overjoyed and quickly gathered around. Ouyang Nan took the Divine Hammer and thrust it into the furnace opening with incredible speed, instantly withdrawing a five-foot-long steel sheet. Everyone saw the steel sheet gleaming brilliantly and all shouted: “The world’s number one sword!”

Though the steel sheet hadn’t been finished yet, it already appeared extremely sharp to the naked eye. Who knew Ouyang Nan would casually throw it aside, saying: “Wrong, not this thing.” He roared and quickly searched inside again.

The onlooking crowd was surprised to see him carelessly discard the steel blade. Yu Chuanzi borrowed fire tongs to pick up the steel sheet from the ground and saw the blade edge emitting forest-like cold air – it was already a rare treasured sword. He raised his sword and struck the steel sheet, and with a light clang, his sword had already broken in two. Everyone was shocked, thinking: “This Ouyang Nan’s standards are too high – he doesn’t even want such divine weapons. He’s so generous – he might as well give it to me.”

Lu Yun, the Azure Robe scholar, and others with extraordinary insight naturally wouldn’t be distracted, all thinking: “Seeing Ouyang Nan so picky, the famous sword that comes out of the furnace will surely be magnificent and earth-shaking – I just don’t know how sharp it will be.”

They saw Ouyang Nan consecutively remove three steel sheets, not even looking at them before throwing them on the ground. He searched again for a while, then suddenly cried: “Heavenly Furnace! Heavenly Furnace! My Ouyang family has been harmed so badly by you! For twenty years we haven’t seen daylight! You’re so arrogant by nature, but when given true mysterious iron and divine steel, you can’t create a good sword! You… do you deserve me?”

Hearing his endless weeping, everyone was surprised: “This Ouyang Nan has finally gone mad! This furnace is just a dead thing – how can he talk to it and cry like this? Truly strange!”

Ouyang Nan’s miserable wailing continued, then suddenly he let out a wild cry and rushed toward the furnace, actually wanting to sacrifice himself to it. The Azure Robe scholar’s eyes were sharp and hands quick – in a flash, his figure moved and he blocked Ouyang Nan. Ouyang Nan still struggled restlessly, shouting: “Let me go! If this ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’ can’t create a divine sword, how can I have the face to live in this world?”

The Azure Robe scholar shook his head: “Whether a divine sword can descend to the world has its own destiny. You need not act against heaven’s will.”

While the two were speaking, suddenly the Heavenly Furnace made crackling sounds, its body actually trembling violently, with flames bursting through and penetrating the furnace walls. Ouyang Nan’s face showed joy as he pushed away the Azure Robe scholar and walked over tremblingly, overjoyed: “Excellent! You finally understand what I’m saying! Quick… quick… quickly create a sword…”

The Heavenly Furnace seemed to understand Ouyang Nan’s urging and shook even more violently. Ouyang Nan concentrated his observation, and in an instant his eyebrows raised as if seeing something crucial. He took out the Divine Hammer and struck the furnace surface, shouting: “Divine sword descends to the world!”

When hammer met furnace, sparks flashed, and with a thunderous crash, the “Hongwu Heavenly Furnace” actually exploded. Everyone felt an extremely scorching hot wind hit their faces, stirring up a sandstorm that lasted for a long time.

Seeing the Heavenly Furnace shattered, Zhuo Lingzhao released the bellows and walked forward, asking: “Master Ouyang, is it done?” Ouyang Nan’s eyes lit up as he stared at the broken giant furnace: “Indeed, the ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’ has not failed its trust and has forged a peerless divine sword for you.” Zhuo Lingzhao made an “oh” sound and asked: “The divine sword is born? This sword needs no further hammering or polishing?”

Ouyang Nan pointed at the furnace opening: “Divine swords are heavenly objects that need no human effort. You’ll understand once you see it.”

While the two spoke, cold, fierce chills emanated from the furnace. The furnace fire, originally blazing intensely, was stimulated by this cold air and actually dimmed and died out. Zhuo Lingzhao showed amazement: “This cold air is so formidable – could it be coming from the divine sword?”

Ouyang Nan nodded: “According to my Ouyang family’s ancestral traditions, this place has extraordinary feng shui. If we can gather heaven and earth’s spiritual energy with the Eight Treasures Sand, we can create a sword called ‘Dragon Capturing.’ If there’s fate today, after this iron essence absorbs heaven and earth’s spiritual energy, we might be able to forge this ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.'” Zhuo Lingzhao murmured: “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing? What kind of treasured sword would that be?”

Everyone was also secretly guessing, thinking: “Even the slag produced by this Heavenly Furnace counts as rare treasures. Just how formidable is this ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’?”

At this time, the furnace fire had died out and they could see inside. Qian Lingyi pointed at a hole in the furnace wall and shouted loudly: “Everyone look! So many swords!” Everyone quickly looked into the furnace and saw that in the dim firelight, the spacious furnace had over ten weapons stuck upside down, long and short, wide and narrow, all emanating forest-like cold air, but they didn’t know which one was the “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.”

Yu Chuanzi nodded: “Since these weapons were forged from ‘iron essence,’ each one can be called a peerless famous sword.” This place had gathered countless rare treasures – the furnace was the “Hongwu Heavenly Furnace,” the hammer was “Leize Xingtian,” the iron was “Meishan Iron Essence,” plus this generation’s famous craftsman Ouyang Nan’s peerless skills – naturally they should create a divine weapon that would shake ancient and modern times.

Everyone saw the furnace interior sparkling brilliantly with countless divine blades and treasured swords stuck in the ground. These sharp blades only needed handles added to become swords that everyone in the martial world would covet. Everyone had been awed by the great power of “Soaring Eagle” and “Red Dragon,” but seeing truly rare treasured sword blades, they felt those two weapons were nothing special. They figured that taking any sword from the furnace would make establishing a sect, gaining fame, and achieving success just a matter of time.

Seeing everyone’s envious looks, Ouyang Nan gave a cold laugh: “Don’t look at all these treasured swords – actually, the only one truly worthy of being called a rare treasure is that ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.’ Master Zhuo, you found the Divine Hammer and brought the iron essence, so this sword naturally belongs to you. Please go and take it out!”

Qian Lingyi was too anxious and shouted loudly: “Why must the master personally take it? Let me get it!” Without waiting for Zhuo Lingzhao’s permission, he had already rushed in. Seeing the furnace full of weapons, he really didn’t know which one was the so-called “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.” He looked around and suddenly saw a brilliantly dazzling treasured sword that stood out among all the weapons. Qian Lingyi was overjoyed and quickly pulled it out, then rushed out shouting: “I found it! This must be the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’!”

Everyone saw Qian Lingyi raise the sword high with one arm. The blade’s edge concealed its radiance, and the sword surface was smooth as a mirror – clearly a rarely seen divine object. Qian Lingyi casually swung it, and a “crack” sound came from midair, like a whip cracking. This sword’s air-cutting was so sharp that its edge had reached the ultimate limit. He placed the divine sword on a stone, and the sword tip penetrated through the stone as if cutting into tofu. Everyone was amazed and full of praise. Qian Lingyi laughed heartily: “With this divine sword, we’ll definitely be invincible!”

Watching this, Ouyang Nan only gave a cold smile: “Cutting hair, severing jade, and slicing iron like mud – at most it’s just a treasured sword in common people’s eyes, definitely not worthy of being called a divine weapon. Your eyesight is truly low.” Qian Lingyi cried out in shock: “Damn! Such a powerful treasured sword still doesn’t count as a divine sword?” Ouyang Nan ignored him and said directly to Zhuo Lingzhao: “Master Zhuo, among everyone present today, your swordsmanship is the most supreme. Since you call yourself the Sword God, please take out the divine sword!”

Zhuo Lingzhao nodded and without another word, turned and entered the furnace to search for that peerless divine sword.

Zhuo Lingzhao walked into the furnace and looked down to see over ten divine weapons stuck upside down in the ground, each one brilliantly shining and dazzlingly bright. Compared to his original sword, they were only sharper and more coldly threatening. But Zhuo Lingzhao understood in his heart that the weapon he dreamed of needed neither gorgeous appearance nor sinister mechanisms. He called himself the Sword God, and his martial arts were witnessed by all in the world. Even fighting with bare hands, he could look down on the martial world. When wielding a sword, relying on the three feet of blue radiance from the blade, even scrap iron could become a treasured sword. So-called cutting gold and jade was not in his consideration and not what he sought in his heart.

What Zhuo Lingzhao dreamed of was a resilient object, a peerless divine weapon that could withstand supreme sword energy.

Only such a sword could allow his power to flow freely. Only such a supremely arrogant divine instrument was the divine sword in the Sword God’s heart. No matter how ugly or ordinary this sword might be, once it entered his sight, he definitely wouldn’t mistake it.

Everyone waited for a while without seeing Zhuo Lingzhao come out and couldn’t help discussing among themselves. Ouyang Nan made a gesture: “Everyone needn’t be anxious. A divine sword descending to the world is absolutely no ordinary matter. Even with the Sword God’s sharp eyesight, it might be difficult to find in a short time.”

Hearing this, Lu Yun secretly prayed, hoping Zhuo Lingzhao would find nothing and return empty-handed. Though he knew the chances were slim, thinking of the Kunlun sect members’ ruthless methods, he still hoped these villains’ dreams would be dashed.

While thinking, he suddenly heard Qian Lingyi shout: “He’s coming out! The master is coming!” Everyone had already waited impatiently and hearing this, all felt joy and quickly craned their necks to see the “world’s number one divine sword’s” magnificence.

Everyone’s eyes were expectant as a person slowly walked out – it was indeed Zhuo Lingzhao. But they saw his hands clenched in fists, not holding any sword.

Lu Yun was overjoyed: “Excellent! The legendary ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’ simply doesn’t exist in the mortal world. Zhuo Lingzhao was just busy for nothing.”

The other people, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao with no sword in hand, also discussed among themselves and speculated.

Some cautious people, seeing the Sword God with nothing in hand, thought: “That Zhuo Lingzhao, afraid we’d be jealous of the divine sword and try to snatch it, actually hid the thing. Really stingy to the extreme.” Some with deep schemes, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao return empty-handed, thought sinisterly: “Zhuo Lingzhao was deceived. That sword Qian Lingyi found earlier was the real one. Old thief Ouyang is playing mysterious tricks, afraid people would take the sword away, so he refuses to admit it. Really despicable.”

While everyone speculated, Qian Lingyi had already approached. Looking at the master, he asked in a low voice: “What happened? Didn’t the master find the divine sword?” Zhuo Lingzhao closed his eyes and said indifferently: “I found it.”

Qian Lingyi was shocked and circled around him asking: “Then where’s the sword? Why don’t I see you holding it?”

Zhuo Lingzhao opened his eyes, faced the sky, and said proudly: “The sword is already in my palm.”

Qian Lingyi cried out: “The sword is in your palm? I don’t see it! Could this sword also be transparent?” Qian Lingyi himself had a “Invisible Sword Shadow” – a blade without color, a sword without form, hence called “Sword Shadow.” At this time, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao with nothing on him yet claiming to have taken out a treasured sword, he thought this divine sword was also a transparent treasured sword.

Everyone was puzzled, with some thinking he was learning from monks to speak in riddles, coming up with “Originally there is nothing, where can dust settle?” – all were greatly confused. Qian Lingyi’s curiosity was unbearable as he urged: “What sword is in your palm? Master, quickly show us the sword!”

Seeing everyone’s suspicious looks, Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and immediately opened his fist. In his palm appeared an object – a clear blue iron block shaped like an iron ball.

Qian Lingyi said tremblingly: “What ghost thing is this? Unburnable scrap iron?”

Zhuo Lingzhao ignored him and looked at Ouyang Nan: “Master Ouyang, this is the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing,’ isn’t it!”

Ouyang Nan said in a deep voice: “Master Zhuo’s eyesight is indeed extraordinary – you still found it.”

Qian Lingyi shouted loudly: “Master, are you crazy? This is a piece of scrap stone – what are you taking it for? Don’t let that old Ouyang fool you! Quickly go back and pick a new one!” The guests, seeing this blue iron ball, were also surprised, not knowing whether Zhuo Lingzhao was joking or truly thought this iron ball was a long sword.

Several mischievous people secretly laughed, thinking: “It seems the ‘Sword God’ has gone mad since losing to Ning Bufan.” Several thoughtful ones thought: “Looking at Zhuo Lingzhao’s appearance, he shouldn’t be toying with everyone. Could it be he’s afraid people would be jealous and come to rob the divine sword later, so he found some junk to fool people?” Everyone speculated, but no one knew his true intention.

Seeing everyone’s suspicious looks, Zhuo Lingzhao gave a cold smile: “Watch carefully!” He exerted force with his palm, and the clear blue iron block moved slightly and actually began extending continuously.

Qian Lingyi cried out: “This thing is getting longer!” The guests were also startled and shouted in surprise as they saw the iron block like a coiled snake extending – one foot, two feet, three feet – instantly shooting out to both sides. With a “crack” sound, Zhuo Lingzhao still held a section of iron ball in his hand, but cold, threatening sword blades had grown from both sides of the iron ball, forming a strange weapon over a zhang long with double-edged blades!

Seeing this bizarre situation, Qian Lingyi was so frightened he couldn’t speak, only making “yi yi ah ah” gasping sounds.

Zhuo Lingzhao waved his hand, blue light flashed, and he had already cut through the remaining weapons in the Heavenly Furnace. Everyone was both shocked and pained – shocked that this strange sword was so sharp that countless divine weapons forged from iron essence couldn’t withstand a single strike. Pained because these weapons were already rare treasured sword blades, yet they were so easily destroyed. Everyone felt deep regret. But the iron essence was brought by others, and if Zhuo Lingzhao wanted to destroy the treasured swords, it was his family affair – others naturally couldn’t interfere, so they could only remain silent.

Zhuo Lingzhao said coldly: “This sword can extend and contract at will, which is what legend calls the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.’ Divine sword like me, I am the Sword God! Ning Bufan, just you wait and see!” He gave a light whistle and used “Sword Leopard” technique, immediately carving “Ning Bufan” three characters on the Heavenly Furnace wall. Everyone was first shocked by his storm-like swordsmanship and second amazed by this sword’s sharpness – everyone was dumbfounded with no one applauding.

Zhuo Lingzhao gave a cold smile, and the sword immediately retracted, instantly becoming like an iron ball again.

Qian Lingyi trembled all over: “This… this is too miraculous…”

Ouyang Nan nodded: “This sword is made from the softest essence in iron essence, so its extension is unmatched in the world. Its ingenious flexibility is probably unprecedented and will never be surpassed.”

Qian Lingyi walked over tremblingly: “Master, this sword is too rare. Could you lend it to me for a look?”

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “Be careful taking it – this iron ball is somewhat heavy.” Qian Lingyi laughed: “I can wield even a 64-jin heavy saber – how could I fear this thing?”

Zhuo Lingzhao nodded and handed the iron ball to his junior brother. Qian Lingyi reached out with one hand to receive it, and instantly felt it was incredibly heavy. His right hand was pulled down by the iron ball’s weight, and his body involuntarily knelt down. His knees touched the ground, his right hand still falling toward the ground. With a “crack” sound, his right shoulder had already dislocated. In unbearable pain, he actually cried out.

Ouyang Nan said: “This sword weighs a total of 140 jin. Without supreme internal energy, one definitely can’t lift it with one hand. If it falls into ordinary people’s hands, it’s nothing more than an extremely heavy iron ball.” Qian Lingyi’s face was pale with pain. Jin Lingshuang nearby rushed over to reset his joint for him. The iron ball still lay on the ground emitting an eerie blue light, looking extremely strange.

Zhuo Lingzhao looked up and laughed, then bowed to all the guests: “Please spread the word in the martial world that Zhuo Lingzhao has obtained the world’s number one divine sword and wishes to invite Ning Bufan out of retirement for another match. Please ask him to show favor for the sake of the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.'”

Everyone sighed inwardly, thinking: “Looking at his appearance, he’s definitely planning massive revenge against Ning Bufan. If that world’s number one doesn’t appear, the poor Mount Hua sect will definitely be threatened and slaughtered by this Sword God. It looks like the martial world will have more troubles.”

Lu Yun watched and couldn’t help feeling annoyed. This Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts were already supreme, and now with the world’s rarest divine weapon, who in the martial world could be his opponent? He was ordered to come and capture this person, but now without soldiers or generals, he could only let him run rampant in his jurisdiction. Thinking of future difficulties, he couldn’t help frowning deeply and shaking his head repeatedly.

Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily and bent down to pick up that supremely arrogant “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing.”

Just as the Sword God and divine sword were about to unite, suddenly a flash of purple light occurred, and someone arrived first, actually snatching the weapon before Zhuo Lingzhao. Zhuo Lingzhao was shocked and shouted: “Who is it!” He raised his palm and attacked, striking out to reclaim the divine sword. That person dodged sideways and in an instant moved three feet to the side. The Kunlun disciples nearby shouted in alarm, drew their swords, and rushed forward.

Seeing a large group pursuing him, that person leaped up like a flying eagle toward the sky, instantly flying to a distant treetop and then standing motionless. The Kunlun disciples were both shocked and angry, not knowing who this divine being was, and crowded under the tree cursing.

That person hid behind the tree and said coldly: “Zhuo Lingzhao, if you want to retrieve this divine sword, come to Loujiang Ferry ten li away at noon tomorrow. Otherwise, don’t blame the divine sword for sinking into the river, never to appear in the world again!”

As soon as he finished speaking, that person floated away like a divine dragon. Everyone saw his body technique flashing – whenever his body descended, his foot would touch a treetop and he would leap high again. Suddenly he had flown over a li away, amazing everyone. Though the Azure Robe scholar was confident in his superior lightness skill, seeing this person’s abilities, he was deeply admiring.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s face was stern. Though he had been caught off guard by that person, since both sides had arranged a meeting, he wasn’t afraid of not being able to reclaim the treasure. He showed no joy or anger and said steadily to Ouyang Nan: “Thanks to your manor’s great kindness in forging the divine sword for our sect. I thank you here.” While speaking, he didn’t even glance at that person’s figure – his bearing was calm and steady, truly the demeanor of a generation master.

Hearing his thanks, Ouyang Nan also bowed in response: “You’re too kind. Our manor received your precious mountain’s gift of the Divine Hammer, so we naturally should reciprocate. Master Zhuo is being too polite.”

While the two were speaking, they heard someone shout: “No matter! They stole the big one, but we still have a small one!” Everyone turned to look and saw the speaker was Qian Lingyi. He walked to a large stone and pulled out a cold blade – this sword’s light was brilliant, the sharp blade he had mistaken for the divine sword earlier.

Ouyang Nan smiled slightly: “This sword was also forged from iron essence and naturally belongs to your sect. Besides this, there are several broken blades in the Heavenly Furnace. Does Master Zhuo want to add handles and sheaths? Our manor can help.” Zhuo Lingzhao shook his head: “That’s unnecessary trouble. Our sect members already have weapons for protection and don’t need these newly forged blades. These swords are gifts to your manor!”

Hearing this, everyone showed envious looks. Though these swords couldn’t compare to that “Divine Sword Dragon Capturing,” they were still rare treasured swords in the martial world, probably a hundred times stronger than the earlier “Red Dragon” and “Soaring Eagle.” Who knew this Zhuo Lingzhao would be so generous, giving away these treasured swords in an instant. Qian Lingyi nearby was about to speak up for them but was already a step too late. He felt indignant, thinking: “You have a divine sword and that’s fine, but you didn’t even ask if I lack a sword to use. Putting on airs and making yourself look good, just benefiting others for nothing. Really damn it.”

Receiving the treasures, Ouyang Nan showed no joy or anger, only saying thanks indifferently: “I am a sword-maker and have always only concerned myself with forging swords, not other matters. But since the ‘Divine Sword Dragon Capturing’ came from my hands, I naturally don’t want this divine sword to become a killing weapon. I hope that after Master Zhuo reclaims the divine sword, he can use it to do more good deeds and benefit all living beings.”

Kunlun’s reputation was poor, and Ouyang Nan knew that forging swords for them would definitely damage his virtue, so he spoke out in advice. Though he knew Zhuo Lingzhao wouldn’t listen, his conscience required him to speak.

These words carried a lecturing tone. How could the proud Sword God not be angered? Indeed, Qian Lingyi spat first and was about to open his mouth to scold when Zhuo Lingzhao reached out and stopped him. Qian Lingyi laughed: “Does the master want to kill him personally?”

Zhuo Lingzhao ignored him and instead smiled at Ouyang Nan: “Master Ouyang worries too much. I came to your manor seeking a sword to progress in martial arts and learn a few moves from Ning Bufan. As for martial world supremacy and such, I no longer care about it.”

This great demon who had once allied with the treacherous minister Jiang Chong to massacre the entire Yanling Escort Agency over a piece of sheepskin was now speaking of being detached from worldly affairs and self-admiring in solitude? The onlooking crowd, hearing the indifferent tone in his words, all found it hard to believe.

Zhuo Lingzhao ignored everyone’s reactions and simply bowed: “Today I was fortunate to meet all you distinguished gentlemen. Tomorrow’s sword-reclaiming battle – if you gentlemen wish to observe, I naturally welcome you.” He said no more and led his disciples away. Among the guests who had originally planned to leave Changzhou, hearing his words, all changed their minds and wanted to stay to watch tomorrow’s spectacle. But that sword-snatching person’s body technique was so fast and his courage so extraordinary – they wondered who this divine being was.

The people in the field gradually dispersed. Yan Ting hurriedly asked her master: “Who was that sword-snatching person just now? How was his body technique so fast?”

Before the Azure Robe scholar could answer, Lu Yun had already sighed and interjected: “That person is Dingyuan.” Yan Ting, Gu Qianxi, Juan’er and others were all surprised upon hearing this. Juan’er cried out: “Is it really that Wu Dingyuan? You didn’t see wrong?”

Lu Yun nodded: “That person’s speech had a Gansu accent and had an iron sleeve on his hand – it’s definitely Dingyuan.” Among all the people present, only Lu Yun had spent the most time with Wu Dingyuan. Though he hadn’t seen his face clearly, he recognized him immediately upon hearing him speak.

Yan Ting had received Wu Dingyuan’s life-saving grace. Thinking of him in dangerous circumstances, her face already showed worry as she said anxiously: “This is terrible! Lord Wu snatched someone’s treasured sword and is definitely in great danger now. We must quickly find him and not let him fight with Zhuo Lingzhao.”

The Azure Robe scholar nodded slightly and looked at Lu Yun: “Commissioner Wu has repeatedly saved my young disciple and is a benefactor to Mount Jiuhua. Prefect Lu, if you need our sect’s assistance, please just say so.”

Lu Yun was overjoyed and no longer stood on ceremony: “In that case, let’s split into two groups. I’ll search along the Loujiang River for Commissioner Wu’s whereabouts. Miss Yan Ting will take her junior sister to search the city. If you encounter any martial world troublemakers on the road, don’t fight them directly – just find Constable Hong from the yamen to handle it.” Yan Ting smiled slightly: “I understand.”

Lu Yun called over Gong Zhi and instructed: “Master Gong, now martial world figures from various places are active in the city. I’m afraid fighting and killing might break out. Please pass down orders for Constable Hong to be especially vigilant tonight and thoroughly check the city’s inns and taverns. Any suspicious individuals should be brought to the yamen for questioning.” Gong Zhi agreed and went to make arrangements.

Seeing everything properly arranged, Lu Yun ordered people to escort Gu Qianxi back to the residence. How could Gu Qianxi be willing to return? She shook her head: “I’m not going back. Commissioner Wu is your friend – let’s go find him together.” Lu Yun looked at her: “The martial world is full of dangerous storms. You should rest at the residence and not take this risk.”

Gu Qianxi was quite stubborn and kept shaking her head: “It’s precisely because of the dangerous storms that I want to go with you.”

Lu Yun sighed, not knowing how to persuade her. Yan Ting nearby tried to mediate: “Miss Gu is a precious young lady. With so many villains in Changzhou now, you should stay at the residence!”

Gu Qianxi ignored her and said nothing, only staring at Lu Yun with her big eyes to see how he would respond.

Seeing her determined expression and knowing she was very worried about him, Lu Yun remembered Gu Qianxi’s kindness in leaving home for him. His heart couldn’t help softening as he thought: “Actually, Qianxi is clever and quick-witted with good judgment. As long as she doesn’t directly confront villains, she might not be unable to help.” He nodded and took her small hand, saying gently: “Alright, since you’re not afraid of danger, I’ll have to trouble you.”

Gu Qianxi nodded, her eyes full of joyful light. Watching this, Yan Ting thought of her own loneliness and couldn’t help showing a melancholy expression as she quietly sighed.