boyutpedia Chapter 287 Huaiyan
Chapter 287 Huaiyan
The group that arrived at Shence Mansion afterward were questioned by General Huaiyan from Zhu Ming Immortal Ship. It wasn't that he didn't trust them; on the contrary, Huaiyan naturally believed in Jingyuan's loyalty to the alliance.
However, due to the presence of those scum hiding in the shadows within the alliance, Huaiyan and Feixiao's true purpose in coming here was to verify the truth of Jingyuan's words. Therefore, questioning the Starry Sky Train and the Hyperion crew was merely a necessary procedural step.
Moreover, after observing them for the past few days, Huaiyan believed that the group was not inherently evil. Furthermore, Jingyuan had Huaiyan begin the formalities in front of everyone after they arrived, showing no fear that Huaiyan might actually glean something else from the others. Most importantly, Huaiyan had watched Jingyuan rise to the position of general step by step, and he knew Jingyuan's character well.
Therefore, he unilaterally ended the process directly. Compared to asking these pointless questions, he was more interested in knowing about Danheng's affairs, but before that, he had to finish the important business first.
"I don't need to waste words on these things. Jingyuan, since you joined the army, you have made great contributions to the alliance. It was the Marshal who pushed you to the rank of general against all odds. Since then, you have been even more dedicated to your duties and devoted to your work. I still remember the deeds you have participated in in the great battles. Compared to the doubts of those parasites, I believe more in your unwavering loyalty."
"Thank you for your trust, Elder Yan. I am deeply grateful!"
"So, the only one sent by the Alliance to investigate the cause of the Jianmu disaster this time is General Feixiao of Yaoqing?" the captain asked.
"How could that be? Of course, I'm included too," Huaiyan said with a smile.
“This old gentleman’s words are really…unexpected,” said March 7.
"The Marshal issued an order for me to go to the Luofu Immortal Ship. But the official document only contained a few words: to observe the martial arts ceremony and listen to Feixiao's questions," Huaiyan explained.
After a moment's thought, the captain asked, "If it's the marshal's order, then are we, as witnesses, qualified to be observers?"
“That’s natural. In my opinion, the Marshal is well aware of Jing Yuan’s purpose in holding the ceremony and also knows the situation he is facing. Her saying this clearly means that she believes both are equally important.”
“Elder Yan’s magnanimity is truly admirable, and I am deeply grateful. However, is it appropriate to announce the Marshal’s order in public?” Jing Yuan asked cautiously.
"You introduced me to the train and the Hyperion's witnesses all by yourself, wasn't it precisely to find out the intentions of both me and Feixiao, and whether there was any conflict between us? I am an old man who treats people with sincerity, so young people shouldn't hold back either."
Regarding the strange occurrences at Jianmu, I, an old man, have always remained a close friend, merely listening in. It was General Feixiao who truly raised the questions. But what I'm more concerned about is whether the Martial Arts Ceremony can be held as scheduled. Speaking of which, I brought a gift for the Martial Arts Ceremony with me when I arrived in Luofu; it's on that table over there. But why didn't the reincarnation of Lord Yinyue come with you?"
"Oh right! Where's Danheng? Wasn't he with us before?" March 7th realized that Danheng seemed to have been away from the team for a long time.
“March…” Danheng’s helpless voice came from the doorway, “I just went to see Bailu. I already told you before, how could you forget in the blink of an eye?”
"Huh? Is that so?" March 7th said awkwardly, realizing that Danheng's reminder seemed to confirm that there was indeed such a thing.
At the time, Danheng said that in order to prevent himself from feeling unwell as soon as he arrived in Onfaros, he went to Bailu to ask if there were any ways to prevent feeling unwell.
However, according to the last message sent by Himeko from another world, March Seven seems to have lost consciousness while lying in bed, and a small amount of Six Phases Ice appeared around her, covering her up.
The reason Himeko made a special detour to the Black Tower Space Station this time was not only to learn more about Onpharos, but also to thoroughly study March 7's six-phase ice with the help of geniuses like Black Tower. At least in this way, even if March 7 is frozen again in the future, Himeko and the others can unseal it as soon as possible.
Before parting ways, Himeko specially asked March Seven to condense some Six-Phase Ice for her. It can be said that the adults were really worried about preventing March Seven from falling into the Sleeping Train in the future. Even Dan Heng unconsciously started to take action.
Even though this action seemed like a futile effort, Danheng's concern was genuinely conveyed to March 7th.
"You must be Lord Yinyue in this life?" Huaiyan stroked his beard and smiled. "Last time I was held up by some trivial matters at Sichen Palace and couldn't have a proper chat with you. Lord Yinyue, you shouldn't refuse this old man's request this time, right?"
“Since Elder Yan has said so, this junior will naturally not refuse. However, this junior still hopes that Elder Yan can call this junior by his name in this life—Dan Heng.”
"Dan... Heng, hahaha! To be honest, you are indeed very much like him in this respect. Based on this alone, I can confirm that you are his reincarnation. However, I also understand that after being reincarnated, one cannot be related to the previous life. Since it is your request, I will naturally comply. Here, I would like to apologize to you first for reminding you of some unpleasant things. Dan Heng, you won't blame me, will you?"
"Elder Yan, you flatter me. I will certainly not blame you. But what is your purpose in seeking me out?"
"Haha, it's nothing. I just heard that Lord Yinyue's power was split in two. One part is now in the Dragon Lord of Luofu—that Dragon Girl, and the other part was left to you through the Metamorphosis. It seems quite good now. Although I don't know how the Dragon Masters who performed the scale shedding ceremony did it, Danheng, you've really worked hard all these years!"
As an apology, would you like me to help strengthen your Cloud-Striking Sword? Although it was made by that brat, he is still my disciple, and I taught him the forging techniques he used. I can certainly help strengthen the weapon he forged."
Dan Heng hesitated for a moment but still chose to refuse. His intuition told him that Huai Yan's special mention of this matter was not as simple as he made it out to be.
"Don't you need it?" Huai Yan's eyes visibly dimmed, but he quickly composed himself. "Since you don't need it, let's change the terms. If you want a suitable weapon in the future or now, I can forge one for you myself. How about that?"
This was far too serious. Dan Heng opened his mouth, about to refuse, but met Huai Yan's unwavering gaze. At that moment, Dan Heng guessed some of Huai Yan's intentions; he wanted to use this opportunity to install a transmitter on that weapon.
After all, the fact that Yingxing was transformed into an immortal being due to a sudden blessing had already spread throughout the entire alliance. As a result, Yingxing was imprisoned in the Luofu Prison. As Huaiyan's most outstanding disciple, Yingxing and Huaiyan had a relationship as close as family.
It is said that after hearing about this, Huaiyan applied to Luofu more than once to go to the Youqiu Prison to see Yingxing. Unfortunately, the application was not approved until Jingliu, who had disappeared, suddenly appeared in the Youqiu Prison and kidnapped Yingxing. Yingxing abandoned his past identity and transformed into Xingnu Hunter.
Having no other option, Huaiyan had no choice but to issue a missing person notice throughout the universe, hoping to find the missing Yingxing and bring him back to Zhuming Immortal Ship. Once Yingxing was brought back to Zhuming, Huaiyan would be able to save him from imprisonment.
Of course, that's all there is to it. From now on, Yingxing will probably have to stay by his side at all times and keep forging weapons for the alliance.
But how could Huaiyan know that Yingxing, after learning some of the sword techniques of the Mirror Flow, abandoned his past identity, changed his name to Ren, and ultimately chose to join the Star Core Hunters to begin his own path to ruin?
His hands were no longer capable of performing such delicate work as forging due to various reasons. The transmitter that Huaiyan planned to place on the weapon would only work when it sensed Yingxing, which was the blade. At that time, Huaiyan would at least know that he was not dead. Whether or not to take him back to Zhuming was no longer important.
If he truly wanted to return to Zhu Ming and gain Huai Yan's protection, he would have returned long ago. Why would he have been hiding and delaying his appearance before Huai Yan?
Because of Danfeng's memories from his previous life, Danheng knew about the relationship between Huaiyan and Ren, and roughly understood Huaiyan's purpose. However, he still chose to refuse. If possible, Danheng would certainly like to fulfill Huaiyan's wish.
But when he thought about Blade's current state, he hesitated but ultimately decided to respect Blade's wishes.
Seeing that Dan Heng refused him again, Huai Yan understood that Dan Heng definitely knew Ying Xing's whereabouts, but just didn't want to tell him.
Knowing this, Huaiyan felt relieved. Perhaps it was time to let go of all the futile efforts of the past years. He knew his disciple's personality. Since the other party didn't want to see him, he would respect his wishes and let things take their course. Huaiyan had a premonition that one day he would definitely see Yingxing somewhere else, not now.
After settling a long-standing grudge, Huaiyan formally led everyone to the gift he had prepared, where Yunli had been waiting for a long time.
"Look, this is the box."
The box on the table had a dull sheen and was made of a material that was neither wood nor metal. The surface of the box was inlaid with metal wires with exquisite craftsmanship, outlining a lotus pattern.
"During the martial arts ceremony, there are countless competitions and celebrations, large and small. The most important of these is undoubtedly the contest to defend the title." Huai Yan then turned his gaze back to Dan Heng. "The host country must send highly skilled warriors to defend the title, facing challenges from all sides, to demonstrate the martial virtue of the Immortal Ship. When I heard you mention that the Starry Sky Train would be attending, I assumed that the one defending the title this time would be Lord Luofu Dragon..."
"Elder Yan is joking. The Dragon Girl with the Medicine in Her Hands is still young and knows nothing about martial arts. How can we let her defend the arena?" Jing Yuan said with a smile.
"When it comes to joking, I'm no match for you. But you're right, the Dragon Lord of Luofu is no longer the Moon Drinker I knew!"
"So the contents of that sword case were a gift prepared by Elder Yan?" Li Sushang asked.
"Haha, young lady, you certainly have an eye for talent. That is indeed the sword case I prepared as a prize for the martial arts ceremony. It is currently empty, but in a few days, a fine sword will arrive here and be stored inside."
Not to boast, but the craftsmanship of this swordsmith, Zhu Mingxian, was once lost in a foreign land. It led to numerous heroic feats, many of which were extraordinary and difficult to recount in a few words. However, since the envoy who delivered the sword has not yet arrived, I will leave the sword case here for now.”
"I see. I wonder if that sword is comparable to the one in my hand?"
As she spoke, Li Sushang took out a precious sword and handed it to Huaiyan. The sword was two feet and one inch long, with a golden-yellow blade, two sharp edges, and beautiful dark gray patterns.
Looking at the precious sword in his hand, Huaiyan repeatedly exclaimed in admiration. Although its forging technique was slightly inferior to Zhu Ming's, even Huaiyan, who had been forging for many years, could not distinguish the forging material. It seemed to be made of some kind of special artificial alloy, as light as a feather, and extremely sharp enough to cut a hair with a single breath.
Huaiyan lightly flicked the blade with his fingers, and the pleasant sound it produced convinced him that the sword was incredibly hard, even by Zhu Ming's standards it would be considered a famous sword.
"Hey, do you really need to take out your Xuanyuan Sword?" The Herrscher of Knowledge secretly approached Li Sushang and asked.
"Haha, it's just that upon hearing there was a fine sword, I subconsciously wanted to compare it. Could you call that being eager to hunt for something?"
"You, instead of maturing these past few years, you've become even more competitive?"
Meanwhile, Huaiyan had finished his observation and, after driving away Yunli who was surrounding him, returned the Xuanyuan Sword to Li Sushang.
“Young lady, your sword is indeed a fine one, though it falls slightly short of my soon-to-be-released sword. Nevertheless, it is certainly a peerless sword. May I ask where you obtained this sword? Could you please introduce me to the person who forged it?”
“This sword was given to my mother by her master, and then my mother passed it on to me,” Li Sushang said as she put the Xuanyuan Sword away.
“No wonder the old antique didn’t see your mother’s sword when he was at your house, but you have one in your hand. So that’s how it is,” the Lawbringer said knowingly.
"Oh? So you know the original owner of this sword?" Huaiyan asked.
"Of course! This sword is called the Xuanyuan Sword. It was one of the weapons that the old antique gave to her disciples. There were seven of them in total. If combined with the Taixu Sword Qi, this sword can change its appearance according to the user."
"I didn't expect there to be such a function, but does it require a specific method? I wonder..."
"Hey!" the Herald of Knowledge interrupted, "Let me make it clear beforehand, the old antique is not the one who forged this weapon. Our world's past civilization was destroyed. The Xuanyuan Sword itself was actually a mass-produced weapon from the previous civilization. Unfortunately, materials were scarce at the time, and only a thousand were made before the key materials were exhausted. The old antique is just one of the survivors of that civilization, so it's natural that he would have these swords."
"I see. So the technique for forging this sword has been lost?"
"I suppose so, but the main problem is that the method for making Soul Steel has been lost, although we can now get our hands on the core materials." The Herrscher of Knowledge lied without batting an eye.
There's no such thing as a lost technique for making Soul Steel these days. After so many years of research, Einstein and his team have long since reproduced the technique. Plus, Kiana can easily create Herrscher Cores. In fact, Earth could mass-produce Divine Keys at will, but there's no need for it.
"That is indeed a pity. In my opinion, this material called Soul Steel is extremely malleable, and it is a real shame that it has been lost."
The topic then returned to Huaiyan's gift. In Huaiyan's opinion, Yanqing, who was defending the title, was exceptionally talented, and the prize would most likely end up in Yanqing's hands.
Then Yun Li jumped in and said that if Huai Yan wanted to give her the sword, he should just say so, there was no need to go through such a big roundabout way.
The two then engaged in another verbal exchange on this topic, which was ultimately quelled by Huaiyan's claim that they were cooperating to become believers.
In the end, Huaiyan left with Yunli, leaving Jingyuan to apologize to everyone for not telling the truth.