https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-170-Qi-Sha-Ling-the-Storm-Gathers/13688341/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-172-Flame-Pure-Green-Resounding-Across-the-Four-Directions/13688343/
Chapter 171: Ranhuo Liquid, Return to Zhu Xin Fang
“Lu Xiao Langjun, the materials you asked me to gather have finally been collected,” Wei Xinghe said with a cheerful tone, arriving at Lu Qing’s courtyard three days after the Initiation Ceremony.
“Really? They’re all here?” Lu Qing replied, equally surprised. “Where are they?”
“I’ve already arranged for them to be brought over.”
“No need to go to that trouble. I still need to prepare the ingredients myself. Wei Family Head, does the residence have a Dantang? I’d like to borrow it.”
“Of course we do. Should I have them delivered straight to the Dantang?”
“That’ll work. Thank you.”
After Wei Xinghe left, Chen Laodaifu turned to him and asked, “A Qing, what kind of materials did you have Wei Family Head gather?”
“Some components for crafting a medicinal elixir—related to forging, actually,” Lu Qing replied.
Old Doctor nodded, his expression calm. He didn’t press further. He’d long grown accustomed to Lu Qing’s occasional appearances of mysterious talents. After all, the man had inherited something extraordinary.
“Master, once the elixir is ready, I’ll need to visit the Blacksmith Shop. I might be late returning.”
“Hmm. Be careful when you go out. Watch your safety.”
Two days prior, Old Doctor and Wei Shanhai had gone out to collect herbs. Upon their return, they learned of a previous assassination attempt within the residence. The news had enraged Wei Shanhai so much he nearly stormed off to confront the Qi Sha Lou directly.
After hearing the rumors—especially the cloth-clad youth’s remarks about Qi Sha Ling—Old Doctor had begun to worry about Lu Qing’s safety. Yet he also knew better than to let fear paralyze them. One couldn’t live in constant retreat just because of a possible threat. Besides, he knew Lu Qing’s temperament well. The man was calm and calculated. If he felt safe going out, then he must have a solid plan.
“I understand, Master. When I return, I’ll give you a surprise.”
Lu Qing tidied up and headed toward the Dantang within the Wei Family Residence. Upon arrival, he inspected the materials Wei Xinghe had sent over. After a thorough check, he gave a satisfied nod.
The items matched what he needed almost perfectly. Even a slight discrepancy wouldn’t matter—nothing would affect the elixir’s preparation.
Of course, this ease was due to the detailed list he’d given Wei Xinghe: not only the names of the ingredients, but their physical properties, textures, and elemental behaviors. Without such precise descriptions, it would’ve been nearly impossible to gather the correct materials. After all, many of the substances Lu Qing used were known by names from tens of thousands of years ago. Who knew if those names had changed over time?
But the core properties of materials remained constant. That’s why Lu Qing had managed to collect everything so smoothly.
“Wei Family Head, I’m about to prepare a rare medicinal elixir. Please ensure no one enters the Dantang during the process.”
“Lu Xiao Langjun, rest assured. I’ll personally guard the door. No one will disturb you,” Wei Xinghe said solemnly.
Ever since Lu Qing had saved Wei Zian’s life a second time, and after overhearing the cloth-clad youth’s conversation with “Tian Gu,” Wei Xinghe’s respect for him had deepened even further.
“Then I’ll leave it in your hands,” Lu Qing replied.
He entered the Dantang, closed the door behind him, and focused entirely on the preparation.
Half an hour later, Lu Qing stared at the crimson liquid before him—bubbling faintly, emitting wisps of steam. A glint of satisfaction sparkled in his eyes.
Though he had practiced countless times through mental simulations, using his abilities to rehearse the process of crafting this Ranhuo Liquid, this was his first actual attempt.
To his delight, it worked perfectly on the first try—a stroke of good fortune.
He’d originally asked Wei Xinghe to prepare extra materials for practice. But since the surplus remained, Lu Qing decided to keep going.
Another hour passed. Lu Qing finally opened the Dantang door and stepped out.
“Lu Xiao Langjun, how did it go?” Wei Xinghe asked immediately, stepping forward.
“The medicinal elixir is complete. Wei Family Head, I’ll be heading to Zhu Xin Fang next. I won’t be back for lunch—no need to prepare food for me.”
“Are you going to Zhu Xin Fang to forge your own weapon?” Wei Xinghe recalled what the Grand Manager had once mentioned, and asked hesitantly.
“Yes. I’ve made a prior arrangement with Lin Lao Jiangshi. I’ll be using his forge for a few days.”
Wei Xinghe hesitated. “May I… accompany you? I’d very much like to observe.”
“Of course. But you’re interested in forging as well?” Lu Qing sounded surprised.
“Honesty, I’ve heard the Grand Manager say you’re exceptionally skilled—nearly at the level of a Zong Shi. I’ve never had the chance to witness the craftsmanship of a true forging master. I’d be honored to see it firsthand,” Wei Xinghe admitted candidly.
“That’s merely the Grand Manager’s kind exaggeration. I’ve only a bit of experience in hammering and shaping. I hardly deserve the title of Zong Shi. But if you’re interested, I’d be delighted to have you accompany me.”
With Lu Qing’s approval, Wei Xinghe felt a surge of anticipation. He immediately began making arrangements.
Meanwhile, Lu Qing returned to Youzhu Xiao Yuan, entered his room, and retrieved a small wooden box. From the Qiankun Yiqi Dai, he took out the smallest fragment of Celestial Meteor Iron and placed it inside.
Then, he slung the box over his shoulder and left the courtyard, joining Wei Xinghe for the journey to Zhu Xin Fang.
“Lu Xiao Langjun, you’ve come!” Upon arrival, they were greeted by Lin Lao Jiangshi and his apprentices, all standing respectfully in wait.
It turned out that while Lu Qing had been in his courtyard, Wei Xinghe had already sent word ahead to Zhu Xin Fang. Upon hearing Lu Qing was finally coming to forge his weapon, Lin Lao Jiangshi had been ecstatic. He’d closed the shop temporarily and gathered his disciples, waiting with reverence for Lu Qing’s arrival.
“Lin Lao Jiangshi, once again, I’ll be trouble you. I’d like to borrow your forge,” Lu Qing said politely.
“Not at all, not at all!” Lin Lao Jiangshi hurriedly assured him. “It’s our honor to serve you, Lu Xiao Langjun!”
To Lin Lao Jiangshi, Lu Qing was now held in the highest regard. The previous time he’d helped polish the Thousand-Fold Sword Blank Lu Qing had forged, the more he’d examined it, the more astonished he became. The blade had been hammered and refined to perfection—absolutely flawless, free of any impurities, a masterpiece beyond compare.
He’d been utterly entranced. And so, he held immense respect for anyone capable of such a feat. Even with Wei Family Head present, he felt no surprise. To Lin Lao Jiangshi, Lu Qing’s skill was that of a true Zong Shi—worthy of the utmost reverence.
The group entered Zhu Xin Fang.
“Lu Xiao Langjun, shall we use No. 1 Furnace again?” Lin Lao Jiangshi asked eagerly.
“Yes. I was comfortable with it last time. Let’s stick with it.”
“Very well. I’ll light the furnace for you.”
With great care, Lin Lao Jiangshi approached the bellows and pulled sharply. The air roared as flames surged upward, heat rolling out in waves.
“Please, Lu Xiao Langjun,” he said, bowing deeply—his posture so humble it resembled that of a novice apprentice.
“Thank you,” Lu Qing replied, accepting without refusal.
He understood the old master’s intention: to get close, to learn, to observe every move. Lu Qing had no objection. If Lin Lao Jiangshi could truly grasp even a fraction of his method, it would be his fortune.
He set down the wooden box, opened it, and removed the Celestial Meteor Iron.
When Lin Lao Jiangshi saw the meteoric fragment, he froze—his eyes widening in disbelief.
(End of Chapter)
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