Chapter 177: Within Arm’s Reach

Qian Ye slightly bowed to the eunuch, saying, “Please convey my gratitude to the princess on my behalf.”

The eunuch’s demeanor was respectful, and he nodded with a smile. Then, with a wave of his hand, Dongyue flew out from the machine’s mold and into his hand. While several strong men would struggle to lift Dongyue from the mold, this eunuch did so as easily as if he were lifting a cup to drink.

The eunuch placed a strand of ghost crystal on the blade of Dongyue and chanted a secret incantation. Suddenly, blue flames like a real fire emerged from his fingertips, tracing along the ghost crystal, fusing it seamlessly into the blade. The eunuch continued in this manner, fusing several strands of ghost crystal into Dongyue. When the last strand was fused, his face turned pale, and his breath became much weaker.

This secret technique, while miraculous, also required immense energy. Even with the eunuch’s profound and unfathomable strength, using it repeatedly left him severely weakened.

Now, Dongyue’s blade had faint silver patterns like water ripples. If one looked closely, they could discern golden threads extending from the hilt to the tip of the sword.

The eunuch handed Dongyue to the strong men to continue refining it with Tian Shui heavy silver, then bowed to Qian Ye, saying, “The task is complete. This old servant must return to report. I will not keep you any longer, young master Qian Ye.”

“Take care,” Qian Ye replied, maintaining a polite and gentle attitude.

After seeing off the eunuch, the press began to roar again, melding the remaining Tian Shui heavy silver into Dongyue. During the repeated forging, Dongyue changed, its original properties reinforced, and its structure became even more unbreakable.

Observing the process for half a day, Qian Ye felt that he had indeed gained something. There was no need to watch further. When he left the forge, the sound of the press still echoed in his ears. The strong men and technicians working around the press needed to wear ear protectors, but only artisans of the rank of general did not need them.

The accompanying steward then introduced the history of the Craftsman Manor and the origin of the press, which was a masterpiece of steam machinery.

After centuries of bloody battles and territorial expansion, the Zhao clan gradually took root and flourished in the Western Continent. They poured half their clan’s wealth into building this press over several years, and with it, established the Craftsman Manor. Over two hundred years, it grew to its current scale. The press had been modified several times, making it many times more powerful than its initial design, almost like a new steel beast.

With this press, they could handle materials that were previously impossible or could only be processed by high-ranking generals. For instance, parts like the cannon barrels for mountain-breaking and the gun barrels for Green Sky, the Zhao clan could not only manufacture but also produce in batches if they had enough materials. These components were second only to the primeval force arrays in high-level guns, and the Zhao clan could trade them for advanced primeval force arrays.

Therefore, in recent decades, core members of the Zhao clan have never lacked suitable weapons. Young talents like Zhao Yuying and Zhao Junhong now use sixth and seventh-level guns, on par with the equipment of the empire’s main legion commanders. If someone still used a fifth-level gun, it was not because the Zhao clan couldn’t provide higher-level ones, but because they currently couldn’t use them.

Apart from high-end weapons, the press had another crucial function: manufacturing the core structures of floating warships. A single structure could be several meters long, up to ten meters. A single forged component was far superior to a composite one. Therefore, the floating warships produced by the Zhao clan were famous throughout the empire, not just for their own use but also for large military orders.

This highlighted the differences between the great clans.

The Song clan’s Heavenly Craft Workshop employed several master craftsmen, focusing on producing eighth-level and above primeval force guns, including some ninth-level guns. Their production was limited but of the highest quality.

In contrast, the Zhao clan invested heavily in the Craftsman Manor, besides the mighty Kuafu press, they also had several massive machines weighing over ten thousand tons. Thus, a steady stream of floating warships, war vehicles, and fortresses strengthened the core power of the Zhao clan.

The private army of the Zhao clan, with its top-notch equipment and formidable combat strength, was unparalleled among the imperial clans. With the might of a single clan, they held the front line against the dark races in the Western Continent, suppressed rebels, and continually expanded into the dark territories, all of which was closely tied to the establishment of the Craftsman Manor.

The forging process for Dongyue would take three days. Now, Qian Ye understood the significance of this ten-thousand-ton press. Occupying it for three days was already a rare opportunity, immeasurably valuable.

From another perspective, the Zhao clan’s artisans could use the press to reforge Dongyue, integrating Tian Shui heavy silver and greatly enhancing its power, showing their extraordinary skills. The person who thought of this method was undoubtedly a master, on par with Master Lu of the Song clan.

As the steward introduced, Qian Ye suddenly had a whimsical thought. If the Zhao clan’s artisans could perfectly combine industrial mass production with traditional craftsmanship, using large machinery instead of masters, wouldn’t they be able to produce an endless supply of high-level guns, even equipping each person with one?

However, Qian Ye quickly shook his head, laughing at the unrealistic idea. Not to mention the scarcity of high-level materials, high-level guns also required capable users. An ordinary sixth-level gun could drain the primeval force of any warrior below the general level in an instant.

Returning from the Craftsman Manor, Qian Ye finally understood the deep meaning behind Zhao Weihuang’s intentions. This trip not only benefited him in martial arts but also showed him the foundation of the Zhao clan, a high-ranking family that shared the life of the nation. This was one of the pillars supporting the Zhao clan, the other being a constant stream of talent.

Zhao Weihuang showed Qian Ye the core secrets of the Zhao clan and the operational mechanism of a powerful family. This broadened Qian Ye’s horizons, and though it might not seem useful now, it would guide him further in the future.

Upon returning to the manor, Qian Ye received a summons from Zhao Weihuang.

This meeting took place in an ancient-style quiet room, with a pool of clear water visible through the open door. Koi fish swam among the aquatic plants, occasionally approaching the door, close enough to catch with a hand.

Zhao Weihuang wore a flowing robe, with a full set of tea utensils in front of him. The afternoon sunlight cast a silhouette on the floor, painting a scene of both iron-blooded dominance and classical elegance.

When Qian Ye sat down, Zhao Weihuang sipped his tea and asked, “Have you stabilized your general rank?”

Qian Ye nodded, “It’s stable now.”

“That’s right. Your primeval force attribute is Dawn Awakening, and you’re at the edge of liquefaction. How could it not stabilize?” Saying this, Zhao Weihuang glanced at Qian Ye, “You little brat, you exhausted all the source liquid, using even more than Junhong. Now, the bone marrow pool can’t be used for at least three months! I’ve had complaints from various households these past few days!”

Though Zhao Weihuang said this, he showed a mixture of pride and satisfaction. The components of the source liquid were extremely rare, and even with the Zhao clan’s reserves, it would take two to three months to refill the pool. Officially, it was said that Qian Ye had an accident in the pool, destroying the source liquid, but Zhao Weihuang’s pride was undiminished by the complaints.

Swallowing so much source liquid was a feat. Anyone else would have burst long ago.

Qian Ye felt a mix of emotions, knowing about the anomaly during his advancement in the bone marrow pool and the strict gag order from the three great lords of the Zhao clan.

Dispelling these thoughts, he truthfully said, “Is that so? At the time, I felt there wasn’t enough source liquid. I could have used more.”

“Hmph! You have the nerve to say that, treating the source liquid like water? What you used was enough to create a dozen generals!” Zhao Weihuang glared at Qian Ye, but his smiling eyes showed no hint of reproach.

Indeed, he laughed heartily, saying, “My son, Zhao Weihuang, truly is impressive. Two of you drained the entire bone marrow pool, ha-ha! Let those people complain; if they can, they should have two children as talented as mine! Ha-ha, ho-ho!”

Qian Ye sat quietly, sipping his tea, savoring the dry aroma of the high-mountain tea harvested at the end of the season.

Zhao Weihuang reveled in his self-satisfaction for a while, then said, “Next, you should focus on refining your primeval force and constantly improving. What are your plans? I don’t know how the Song clan’s secret technique fares in terms of growth. Should I find you a Zhao clan technique to try?”

Qian Ye replied, “No need, that technique is the most suitable for me. After Dongyue is forged, I plan to return to the Evernight.”

Zhao Weihuang thought for a moment and said, “Very well. Since your primeval force could condense before your advancement, the technique must be of high grade. The Song clan is a millennia-old family, but—” Zhao Weihuang paused, “Junhong doesn’t want you to join the Zhao clan’s squadron. However, if you return to the battlefield, I will form a special squadron for you, with the main personnel selected from the Smoke of War Legion.”

Qian Ye looked at his teacup, his eyes darkening. He had heard in Blackflow City that several Zhao clan squadrons were annihilated under the Iron Curtain. Although Zhao Junhong avoided discussing it on the way, Zhao Yuying, who couldn’t keep her mouth shut, had told him quite a bit.

He said coolly, “I don’t need a squadron, I’ll go alone.”

Zhao Weihuang squinted at him, laughing, “What’s wrong with you youngsters! Junhong did the same, charging into the encirclement of five or six clans!”

Qian Ye took a deep breath, confirming the rumors from Zhao Weihuang’s words. “Is Fourth Prince alright? Was it before he became a general?”

Mentioning this, Zhao Weihuang’s face darkened, “Junhong was badly injured, but what does that matter? My Zhao clan has always fought on the battlefield. Some minor injuries mean nothing! But those petty scoundrels, instead of fighting the dark races, attacked us. Recently, we were caught off guard and suffered heavy losses. Not just the branches and vassals, but even direct descendants perished. Junhong advanced early to become a general, to return to the Iron Curtain and avenge our fallen brothers!”

A subtle, murderous intent flashed in Qian Ye’s lowered eyes, but his voice remained calm, “Fourth Prince advanced early? Will it affect his future?”

Zhao Weihuang sighed, “Junhong still displayed the Purple Extreme Birth Azure phenomenon, indicating a bright future. But his advancement was nearly a year earlier than expected, and his primeval force is slightly less pure than anticipated. The impact—there will be some, but it’s hard to judge.”

Then, Zhao Weihuang laughed, slapping the table, “But after Junhong returned to the Iron Curtain, his achievements are glorious. Let those fools see that the Zhao clan of Yan Cloud is not to be trifled with!”

Qian Ye’s heart was stirred by Zhao Weihuang’s words, feeling a mix of emotions towards the name Yan Cloud Zhao clan.

In recent days, he had learned some of the Zhao clan’s history. For generations, this millennia-old family had produced countless talents, always at the peak of glory. Behind that fame, however, were adult clan members going to the battlefield, defending their homeland, and dying wrapped in horse leather, creating a safe sky for the clan and their subjects. Beside the names of those glorious figures, there were long lists of the fallen.

This great clan, coexisting with the nation, known for its beauty and excellent bloodline, had a fierce and courageous spirit at its core.

Qian Ye’s expression remained unchanged, “Can I have a copy of the recent battle reports?”

Zhao Weihuang frowned slightly, “What do you need them for?”

Qian Ye calmly said, “Since those people didn’t fight the dark races, let me see what remarkable abilities they have that they dare challenge Fourth Prince.”

Zhao Weihuang pondered, then said, “Very well, I’ll have the documents sent to you. Go ahead and do what you must, and I’ll support you no matter what!”

Qian Ye nodded, standing up, “I’ll leave in three days.”

After Qian Ye left, Zhao Weihuang clicked his tongue, “Damn, the boy has the same stubbornness as me, always holding his ground even to death! Ha-ha, indeed, he’s my flesh and blood!”

Three days passed quickly, and it was time to depart. Qian Ye had already packed his belongings and boarded a vehicle heading to the Zhao clan’s dedicated airship landing field, where a high-speed floating ship awaited.

Zhao Yuying saw him off, and no one else appeared, which suited him fine. During his stay, Qian Ye had seen, heard, and felt too much, and he was still unable to fully calm down.

Coming and going, Qian Ye now had a crystal tag and a plaque representing the authority of the Zhao clan. With the plaque, he could mobilize resources and forces across the Zhao clan’s industrial bases, a level of authority just one step below Zhao Junhong.

Qian Ye initially wanted to refuse, but Zhao Yuying persuaded him to keep it. The plaque was both a right and a responsibility. On the battlefield, the Zhao clan always prioritized the strongest to mobilize resources, and the results had to match the resources used.

He suddenly remembered the other plaque he had discarded in Anduay’s space, given to him by Zhao Junhode when they first met on the Silent Fire Plain. Though it hadn’t been long, so much had happened that it felt like half a lifetime.

Zhao Yuying escorted Qian Ye to the airship, giving him a deep look and shaking his shoulder, “This time, kill mercilessly! Wipe out those families’ scoundrels, leave none alive!”

Qian Ye said helplessly, “That’s not a good idea. Who will fight the dark races if we kill them all?”

Zhao Yuying gritted her teeth, “Of course, I know! But don’t you think those scoundrels are even more hateful than the dark races?”

Qian Ye patted Zhao Yuying firmly, “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone who has harmed us escape. Under the Iron Curtain, where can they run to?”

Zhao Yuying praised, “Like a man! Go first, I’ll follow soon!”

Qian Ye couldn’t help but say, “Behave yourself! Heal completely, and there will be plenty of battles to fight.”

Zhao Yuying glared at him, “Sure, now you’re lecturing your big sister!”

As Qian Ye was about to board the airship, he sensed something and looked towards the distance. There, a simple off-road vehicle had appeared, and a man in military attire, wearing dark glasses, leaned against it, silently smoking a cigar.

Despite the combat glasses covering most of his face, Qian Ye recognized Zhao Weihuang at a glance. But his attention was drawn to the girl beside him, with her beautiful, ethereal appearance, instantly evoking two memories.

Their time together in the valley and the lighthouse town came flooding back. It was her, the same girl! But why was she here?

Zhao Yuying noticed Qian Ye’s distraction and followed his gaze, spotting Zhao Weihuang and Zhao Ruoxi.

By the vehicle, Zhao Weihuang flicked the extinguished cigarette to the ground and crushed it with his foot, “We should leave.”

Zhao Ruoxi opened the car door, casting one last glance at Qian Ye, and got in. Zhao Weihuang raised his left hand, gesturing to Qian Ye, and then entered the driver’s seat, driving away.

The gesture was the command of an imperial soldier to go and kill. From afar, Qian Ye could still see a slight smile and a hint of pride on Zhao Weihuang’s face.

The vehicle disappeared from sight in a short while.

“Who is that girl?” Qian Ye asked.

Zhao Yuying replied, “You mean the one next to the patriarch? Zhao Ruoxi!”

“Her… is Zhao Ruoxi?”

“Of course, can’t you tell? But I don’t like her. Besides using the Manjushri flower, she has no other skills.” After saying this, Zhao Yuying felt a bit embarrassed and added, “Actually, being able to use the Manjushri flower is a skill, at least I can’t beat her now. But that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t like her!”

Realizing that she was speaking ill of Qian Ye’s sister, Zhao Yuying felt a bit uncomfortable.

Qian Ye, having calmed his emotions, said, “It’s fine, I’ve only heard of her, never seen her. So, she is Zhao Ruoxi.”

The airship was ready, and Qian Ye bid farewell to Zhao Yuying, entering the cabin and sitting by the window.

The military-grade high-speed ship rose steadily, climbing rapidly and smoothly.

Through the window, the ground scenery shrank rapidly, the distant Zhao manor included. Many people and events from the past few days, like Zhao Weihuang, Zhao Ruoxi, Princess Gao Yi, Zhao Yuying, and even Zhao Fenglei and Zhao Xiuzhu, all faded away.

The airship turned, adjusted its direction, and accelerated.

The Zhao manor disappeared from view.

Qian Ye looked away, leaning back in his seat, lost in thought. So, she is Zhao Ruoxi…

The airship flew over mountains, seas, and vast lands, heading towards the endless night.