Chapter 170: Echoes of the Past (Part III)

Zhao Jiandu was but a mere five years old when he unexpectedly witnessed his younger brother grievously injured, and his parents quarreling. The small child, not yet able to piece together the events, awoke the next morning to find his little brother had vanished without a trace. At that time, the Zhao clan issued a strict order of silence, and the matter swiftly sank into obscurity, as if the young bastard son of the Zhao clan had never existed. Little did anyone know, this incident sowed the seeds of obsession in Zhao Jiandu’s heart. Every sip, every morsel, all are bound by cause and effect.

Zhao Wei Huang sighed softly, thinking back to the long conversation he had with Zhao Jiandu before he left.

Looking at Zhao Wei Huang, Qian Ye felt a mix of emotions, entangled and intertwined, truly difficult to describe. Though many mysteries still lingered about past events, to him, they were now just minor details, things he no longer cared to uncover.

“Where is the pendant mother left behind? Can I have it?” Qian Ye asked, which was also one of the reasons for his return to the Zhao clan.

Zhao Wei Huang pondered for a moment before retrieving a crystal pendant from his chest.

As Qian Ye took the pendant, his hands trembled. Though the crystal was ordinary and the craftsmanship crude, the pattern on it was unique. Yet, as soon as he held it, he naturally understood its meaning; the two ancient runes were indeed his name.

Qian Ye carefully stored the crystal pendant close to his body. It might be the only connection he had to his mother whom he had never met.

Having discussed the events of the past, the two men found themselves at a loss for words. Zhao Wei Huang’s gaze sharpened, resuming his stance as the supreme ruler who wields power over life and death. He glanced at Qian Ye, then suddenly threw a longsword towards him.

Instinctively, Qian Ye caught it.

“This sword is named Slaughter, and it has accompanied me in battle for eighteen years, slaying countless enemies. After drinking much enemy blood, a bloody glow began to form on its blade. When the entire blade is bathed in this glow, it will be fully matured and can be called a divine weapon. Since you show some promise, take this sword.”

Qian Ye was taken aback. A weapon like Slaughter, capable of growing, must be exceedingly rare. This sword had been with Zhao Wei Huang for eighteen years, akin to being refined for that long. Zhao Wei Huang, the great general of the northwest, had fought endless battles since the formation of the Wolf Smoke Legion. Over these eighteen years, the blade had soaked in blood, and the killing intent had turned inward, giving it a warm and nurturing aura, indicating it was close to full maturity.

Such a divine weapon, priceless, could not be bought with mere money. Yet Zhao Wei Huang tossed it to Qian Ye as if it were an ordinary force sword.

Qian Ye flicked his finger on the blade, and the sword emitted a continuous ringing sound, a faint bloody mist rising from the edge. His basic swordsmanship, tempered by the Book of Darkness, allowed him to appreciate this seven-foot-long sword greatly.

Yet, he returned the Slaughter to Zhao Wei Huang, saying, “This sword doesn’t quite match my current martial path. I already have the heavy sword, Dong Yue, which, though not as fine as Slaughter, suits me better.”

Zhao Wei Huang, surprised, asked, “Dong Yue? Could it be the Dong Yue of the Song clan?”

Qian Ye hadn’t expected Zhao Wei Huang to know about Dong Yue, which was peculiar. Considering Zhao Wei Huang’s status, even high-grade seventh or eighth-level weapons should not catch his eye. For instance, Slaughter, classified by the Empire, was around an eighth-level weapon, reaching ninth-level once fully matured, almost on par with the ten most renowned spears.

Since they had come this far, there was no point in hiding anything. Qian Ye recounted how he had acquired Dong Yue.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wei Huang’s eyes lit up. “You mentioned Master Lu? Then there’s no mistake. Let’s see Dong Yue.” He called a servant, instructing him to fetch Dong Yue from Zhao Yuying.

Once the servant left, Zhao Wei Huang extended his hand, and Slaughter hummed, leaping into his grip. With a swift motion, he struck a distant slash at Qian Ye!

The sword intent enveloped half the hall. Before Qian Ye could react, a scorching energy traced down from his forehead, passing through his body. His chest ripped open, revealing a finely crafted breastplate split in two, yet his skin remained unharmed, showing the unparalleled power and precision of Zhao Wei Huang’s strike.

His shirt tore, revealing a perfect physique, his skin subtly glowing, incredibly smooth, though somewhat pale. Seeing no scars, Zhao Wei Huang raised an eyebrow in surprise, slowly lowering his sword.

“Jiandu said your hidden injuries were unresolved, but it seems you had other opportunities. Not only have your old wounds healed, but your constitution has improved to this degree, truly remarkable,” Zhao Wei Huang said, a hint of joy in his eyes. “I was worried the Art of Slaughter would harm your body too much, even with the Zhao clan’s secret techniques unable to suppress the vortex. Now it seems there’s no problem.”

Qian Ye nearly broke out in a cold sweat, thankful that since forming his blood core, he had become adept at concealment. Now, not only was his bloodline completely latent, with all the golden blood sunk deep within, but the Book of Darkness and the Primordial Wings also formed a dual-layered shield, shielding the blood core from mental detection.

Fortunately, Zhao Wei Huang, despite his divine general strength, used only ordinary force insight, narrowly missing the concealed truth.

“I don’t need to change my cultivation method,” Qian Ye quickly said.

Zhao Wei Huang frowned, “The Art of Slaughter can advance to the rank of General, but it is too ferocious. Even after forming a single vortex, the tearing force surpasses what a thirteenth or fourteenth-level General can handle. Though your constitution is now excellent, it’s best not to risk it for future development.”

Reluctantly, Qian Ye replied, “I’ve already switched to the Song clan’s secret technique…” He condensed a small ball of force in his hand, resembling a large drop of water.

Zhao Wei Huang recognized at a glance that the force had liquefied, reaching the limit. He paused, then asked, “The Song clan’s secret technique? Could it be given by Song Zining, one of the Seven Sons of the Gao Ling Song family?”

Qian Ye nodded.

Zhao Wei Huang fell silent. The secret techniques of the Zhao and Song clans were roughly equal in level, and even if the Zhao clan’s was superior, the difference was minimal. More importantly, the technique must suit the practitioner. Since Qian Ye had refined his force to this extent, the method clearly suited him, so there was no need to switch.

Just then, the servant returned with Dong Yue.

Zhao Wei Huang lifted Dong Yue, testing its weight and nodding in approval. He examined the blade closely, even striking it with Slaughter. Despite Slaughter’s sharpness, Zhao Wei Huang’s controlled strike left only a barely perceptible mark on Dong Yue. In battle, it could at least briefly resist Slaughter.

“This is indeed the work of Master Lu, likely his final masterpiece. You were fortunate to obtain it.”

Hearing Zhao Wei Huang’s high praise, Qian Ye was surprised. To him, Dong Yue, while tough and heavy, lacked any special qualities. Song Zining had played with it several times, reaching the same conclusion.

But Qian Ye, having used it for so long, found it perfectly suited to him. The Book of Darkness had refined the Void Slash using Dong Yue as the standard. With his now formidable body and Golden Blood, other weapons felt too light.

“What’s so special about Dong Yue besides being hard and heavy?” Qian Ye couldn’t help asking.

Zhao Wei Huang tapped the blade, saying, “Calling it Master Lu’s final work isn’t entirely accurate. Precisely, it’s unfinished, a work in progress.”

“Unfinished?”

Knowing his confusion, Zhao Wei Huang explained, “Master Lu and I are old acquaintances. He once told me about Dong Yue’s origins. Its initial design was to harness the natural forces, relying on raw power without fancy abilities. Just from the name ‘Dong Yue,’ you can imagine his grand vision. He had a unique metal from the void, which he soaked in the blood of a void beast, spending years to forge Dong Yue’s body. However, afterward, Master Lu couldn’t find suitable materials to complete it. Now seeing it, I confirm the rumors.”

Qian Ye was surprised by the story behind Dong Yue, but it made sense. The sword’s power exceeded expectations, and it shouldn’t have been easily obtained. He didn’t expect such an extraordinary history.

Zhao Wei Huang tested a few stances with Dong Yue, saying, “With Dong Yue, it’s understandable you prefer it over Slaughter. But what Master Lu couldn’t achieve, the Zhao clan can. I have some Heavenly Water Heavy Silver. Tomorrow, I’ll give it to the Craftsmen Guild to enhance Dong Yue, boosting its power by one level. However, this will significantly increase its weight. Can you handle it?”

Qian Ye thought, then replied, “Up to five tons, I can manage.”

“Very well, leave Dong Yue here. The time needed will be determined by the Craftsmen Guild.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Jiandu has instructed that the Purple Garden be prepared for you.”

Qian Ye considered, then said, “There’s no need. I plan to return to the Eternal Night Continent after advancing. The war situation is dire there.”

Watching Qian Ye leave, Zhao Wei Huang sighed. Until the end, Qian Ye remained formal, never calling him father.

Leaving Zhao Wei Huang’s Hall, Qian Ye, escorted by two attendants, headed toward the entrance. Stepping through the gate, he encountered a dozen people waiting for him.

A white-bearded, elderly man stepped forward, his voice slightly shrill, asking, “Are you Sir Qian Ye?”

Slightly surprised, Qian Ye answered, “I am. What do you want?”

The elder smiled, “Finally, we’ve found you, Sir Qian Ye. The Princess wishes to see you. If you’re free, please follow this humble servant.”

“Princess?” Qian Ye’s pupils narrowed.

“The High County Princess.”

The two attendants exchanged glances. One approached Qian Ye, confirming the identity in his ear but said nothing more.

Qian Ye’s face grew cold. “Very well, lead the way.”

“No trouble. Follow me.”

The elder led, and his attendants flanked Qian Ye. Unperturbed, Qian Ye followed, one attendant remaining while the other returned.

The Clear Peace Palace, where the High County Princess resided, was far from the Martial Discussion Hall, requiring a walk.

In the palace square, Qian Ye paused, observing the distinct differences in the attendants’ attire and behavior. Clearly, they adhered to the imperial protocols.

After announcing, the elder led Qian Ye inside.