https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-56-Seeking-to-Acquire-a-War-Blade/13688195/
Chapter 57: Shadow, Ambush on the Road
“Uncle Ma, what kind of War Blade are you looking for?” Lu Qing asked after a moment’s thought.
“How much would a War Blade cost, Uncle Ma?”
“It’s hard to say,” Ma Gu replied, hesitating slightly.
“A basic War Blade might cost just a few taels of silver. A decent Hundred-Forged War Blade? That’d run you ten, maybe twenty taels at minimum.
“If you want something special—say, forged with rare metals or unique enchantments—then it could easily go up to a hundred taels or more.
“And if someone’s into luxury—gold inlays, precious stones set into the hilt or scabbard—well, prices become impossible to estimate. There are blades that cost thousands, even ten thousand taels of silver.”
Lu Qing immediately said, “I don’t need any fancy decorations. Just get me a solid Hundred-Forged War Blade—simple, sturdy, sharp. No frills. And as long as it’s under fifty taels, I’m willing to pay.”
With that, he pulled a silver ingot from his sleeve. “Here’s ten taels as a deposit.”
Ma Gu stared at the gleaming white ingot, his mind racing. That Old Doctor really spoils this boy, he thought. Just handing him this much silver like it’s nothing.
Even in his youth, when he’d been supported by his clan, he’d rarely carried ten taels on his person.
But then he paused, and shrugged. Still makes sense.
With Lu Qing’s martial talent, any major family would’ve devoted everything to training him. The Old Doctor wouldn’t have been so invested if he weren’t exceptional.
“Fifty taels is more than enough to get a fine Hundred-Forged War Blade,” Ma Gu said, taking the silver without hesitation. “Rest assured, I’ll pick the best one for you. Come back next Big Market day—I’ll have it ready.”
“Thank you, Uncle Ma,” Lu Qing said solemnly.
He knew Ma Gu was helping him for his own reasons.
But wasn’t he doing the same?
In this world, who truly helped another without expectation?
The rare, selfless soul—like his master—was as rare as a phoenix feather.
“Uncle Ma, it’s a rare treat to visit the Big Market. Why don’t you let me come by your place for a small gathering? A gesture of hospitality, you know?”
After pocketing the silver, Ma Gu, pleased by the warm conversation, seized the chance to invite.
“Well…” Lu Qing hesitated. “I’d be honored to visit, Uncle Ma. But aren’t you supposed to be attending to that noble young master? He looked quite important.”
Damn it!
The reminder struck Ma Gu like a slap.
He’d forgotten about the little troublemaker back at his estate.
And now he’d been gone so long—what if the young master had grown impatient?
If he found out Ma Gu had left without his permission, things could get ugly.
No time for politeness.
“I’ll have to postpone it,” Ma Gu said quickly. “Next time you come to pick up your blade, we’ll drink together—just you and me.”
“Then I’ll be honored to accept,” Lu Qing replied with a respectful bow.
“Deal then!” Ma Gu grinned, clapping his hands. He called over one of his subordinates, gave a few quick orders, then hurried back toward his residence.
Lu Qing watched him go—Ma Gu, a Jin Gu Jing powerhouse, so visibly afraid of a single noble youth.
He shook his head.
This city’s elite truly hold more power than I imagined.
Once Ma Gu disappeared into the distance, Lu Qing felt light-hearted.
The War Blade was settled.
He strolled through the Big Market again, his mood lifted.
Before long, he’d gathered everything he needed.
His bamboo basket was stuffed to the brim, and both hands were full.
With his purchases complete, he turned to leave.
But before he did, he noticed Ma Gu’s men herding away vendors selling chickens, ducks, and pork.
Given the earlier behavior of the noble youth, it was clear Ma Gu was afraid the peasants might anger him again.
Lu Qing sighed.
Another reminder of the chasm between the city’s elite and the villagers from the countryside.
He turned and walked slowly toward the exit.
Just as he left, two figures emerged from the shadows within the market.
They stared at the direction Lu Qing had taken, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Lao Qi,” one of them said, his face dark and expressionless, “do you recognize that boy? He looks familiar.”
“I feel the same,” the other replied, a large black mole on his cheek twitching. “Like I’ve seen him before.”
“Could he be… the son of Lu Ming?”
The first man’s eyes narrowed. “That’s it. He’s the spitting image. Only… back then, the boy was thin as a stick. Now he’s… built.”
“Probably eating better these days,” the man sneered. “Those old fools in Jiu Li Village claimed the Lu family’s land had been sold off, that they had no more money to repay us. Looks like they lied.”
“The old bastards must’ve kept the money for themselves,” the black-mole man growled. “They’re hiding it, deliberately not paying what they owe.”
“Wu Ge,” the black-mole man snapped, “you’re saying the villagers cheated us?”
“Of course,” Wu Ge said coldly. “Otherwise, where did this kid get the silver to buy all this stuff at the Big Market?”
The man’s face flushed red. “Those fools think they can cheat us? They’ve got a death wish!”
He turned to charge after Lu Qing’s path.
“Let me go and bring him back right now!”
“Wait,” Wu Ge said, grabbing his arm. “Just grabbing him won’t do. We need to make an example. If people think we can be fooled without consequence, then no one will fear us. How do we survive in this region?”
Wu Ge’s eyes gleamed. “You’re thinking…”
“Come on,” Wu Ge said. “Let’s go back. This place is too crowded, too exposed. Ma Gu’s territory—better not talk here.”
They glanced once more at the bustling market, their expressions wary.
Ma Gu wasn’t just a powerful man—he was feared.
Even their own leader had once said, “Avoid him if you can. When he’s angry, even I might not survive.”
And their leader was a high-ranking martial artist.
If even he feared Ma Gu, then they had no chance.
With that, the two vanished into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Lu Qing had no idea he was now the target of a shadowy pursuit.
At that very moment, another group stepped out from the alleyway ahead—blocking his path.
“Did you just say… you wanted to rob me?”
(End of Chapter)
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