"That's a rare set of saber techniques." Lu Tong nodded slightly. "It fully exploits every characteristic of this blade. In terms of raw destructive power, the cleaving strike is undoubtedly the strongest among all maneuvers, but it's truly unbelievable that this saber technique can elevate the power of that cleave to such an astonishing degree."

"Indeed!" Lu Zhao also felt it deeply. "Almost every strike was an overwhelmingly heavy cleaving kill move. If his Dou Qi energy were equal to mine, the loser would undoubtedly be me."

"I'm ashamed," I lowered my head slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"I speak the truth," Lu Zhao said sincerely. "If the opponent were of equal rank, they would find it impossible to withstand such a high-intensity continuous assault. What's even rarer is that this saber technique relies on only those few cleaving motions, repeatedly, yet it unleashes such formidable power when combined with agile footwork and movement techniques. If I hadn't witnessed it firsthand, I truly wouldn't believe such a fierce saber style could exist in this world."

"Concise, practical, immensely powerful," Lu Tong remarked with a faint smile.

"Yes, I can't help but feel the urge to switch and practice this saber technique myself," Lu Zhao revealed a rare smile.

"Senior, you flatter me." Honestly, gaining their approval left me overwhelmed with gratitude, considering both of these men were top-tier, supremely skilled experts.

"The person who created this saber technique must be an unparalleled genius of exceptional ability," Lu Tong said, a shadow of melancholy crossing his face. "It's a pity we will never have the honor of meeting them."

"En!" Lu Zhao nodded slightly as well.

The conversation had circled back to the original creator, which surprised me quite a bit.

"Alright, you're tired now. Rest for a while," Lu Tong said, walking over to the sword rack where the épée hung, and lifting it down.

"I recall when I first saw this young lady," Lu Tong said, looking towards Long Xin, "she mentioned that this peculiar sword was your strongest weapon, is that correct?"

"Yes!" I nodded slightly. "The Hundred Battles Saber is what I use for slaying monsters and training, while the épée is what I use for combat." I had no intention of hiding anything.

"I see." Lu Tong gazed at me thoughtfully. "If I'm not mistaken, this sword primarily focuses on thrusts, and its attack speed must be more than three times the normal rate."

"Ah!" I gasped in shock. Lu Tong truly lived up to his reputation as a contemporary master craftsman and a top martial arts grandmaster; he had discerned the characteristics of the épée with a single glance.

And Lu Zhao, after hearing Lu Tong's analysis, his expression shifted dramatically, staring at me with utter disbelief. Cultivators at his level naturally understood what a threefold increase in attack speed implied.

"Senior's insight is like a blazing torch, commanding my profound admiration!" By saying this, I implicitly confirmed Lu Tong's deduction.

"Three times!" Long Zhan murmured to himself. No wonder I couldn't even follow the movements of this kid's sword.

"Let's have another match!" Lu Zhao's eyes held a rare, intense longing—a look that reminded me of Chen Feng. Lu Zhao, in this moment, was clearly the same type of person as Chen Feng. This gave me an inexplicable affinity for him, yet I had no intention of fighting again.

"I am also eager to witness the true power of this weapon called the épée!" Lu Tong looked at me with an equally probing expression.

"I apologize, I cannot fight you!" I managed to utter the words almost through gritted teeth.

"What?" Lu Zhao looked stunned, then a flicker of anger crossed his face.

"Why?" Although Lu Tong's tone remained calm as ever, I could sense the slight anger brewing within him.

This wasn't affected posturing; it was a genuine reluctance to expose my final trump card in front of others. Frankly, through this bout, I had a rough idea of my own strength. I had also analyzed that even utilizing the épée, victory over Lu Zhao was unlikely. However, Lu Zhao would not find winning easy either. Ultimately, I would still be the one defeated. Furthermore, I disliked this persistent feeling of being at a disadvantage. Subconsciously, I always tried to change things, much like a young woman being forced to strip naked under scrutiny—it felt humiliating. Although Lu Tong and the others harbored no such intent, that's how it felt to me. The épée was my ultimate safeguard, the tool that had saved my life numerous times. To have it seen through like this would be an unacceptable psychological blow. In this world, apart from Chen Feng, no one truly understood what 'Jijian' (sword piercing) entailed. Even though Long Xin and the others had witnessed it, even though that young mage from the Mad Dragon Gang had narrowly escaped my sword, and even though dozens of experts were present during my assassination attempt on Chi Jiao, what they saw was merely a fleeting glimpse, a mere flash, like seeing the tip of an iceberg. They couldn't deduce the characteristics of my swordsmanship or my methods of drawing the blade from my moves. Therefore, they couldn't possibly see through my Jijian sword style. But if I fought Lu Zhao, the situation would be entirely different; the end result would be that the secrets of the Jijian style would hold no mystery. While I didn't believe Lu Zhao and Lu Tong would spread my sword style, the saying 'Secrets don't travel past six ears' is an eternal truth.

Once a secret is known by a third party, it ceases to be a secret.

There was one other factor: I had formulated a suitable excuse, and I was confident that given the character of Lu Tong and Lu Zhao, they wouldn't press me. I maintained a demeanor that was neither subservient nor arrogant: "I imagine Senior also knows that the eccentric hermit master who designed these two weapons and taught me my sword and saber arts is quite particular, correct?"

"En," Lu Tong nodded slightly, clearly having learned about my martial arts 'origin' from Dong Guan.

"When I learned the sword techniques from him, he made me swear an oath! This sword is not to be unsheathed unless facing life or death; once drawn, it must draw blood upon return—if the enemy doesn't die, then I die!" Having reached this point, I doubted they could force me further.

"I see," Lu Tong and Lu Zhao exchanged looks of understanding. "Then we truly shouldn't force the issue," Lu Tong said sincerely. I replied with an expression of gratitude, "I am truly thankful that Seniors can understand." In truth, I had anticipated this outcome. Most martial artists in this world value trust and keeping their word, especially arrogant experts like Lu Tong and Lu Zhao. Consequently, they would also be unwilling to see another person break an oath because of them.

Lu Zhao was somewhat disappointed but quickly regained his composure. However, the gaze he fixed on me held a new layer of admiration and respect. This slightly satisfied the vanity in my heart. After all, he was a warrior at the peak of the Crimson Moon realm; to have him think highly of me was a great honor.

"Alright! You've been here for quite some time! Look around and take a tour," Lu Tong seemed to have other matters to attend to. "Lu Zhao, accompany them around. If you feel bored inside the fort, you can walk around the streets."

"Uncle Lu is busy again?" Dong Guan sounded slightly displeased.

"Heh, yes," Lu Tong laughed with a hint of apology. "It's rare for you to visit, but the duel between these two boys just now reminded me of something useful. I need to record it while the memory is fresh."

"Then you busy yourself, but don't forget to eat dinner again," Dong Guan cautioned. It was clear his relationship with Lu Tong was far from ordinary.

"Don't worry!" Lu Tong said, instinctively glancing at us before continuing, "Since Dong Guan brought friends, I should certainly show them courtesy."

"Heh heh," Dong Guan looked as if this was entirely expected. We just managed wry smiles. Hearing Lu Tong say such a thing left us incredibly honored and even more curious about Dong Guan's background.

"Have fun," Lu Tong said, walking out the door.

"The Sect Master rarely takes time to entertain guests; you are quite fortunate," Lu Zhao remarked with a complicated expression from the side.

"Dong Guan certainly has the clout," Long Xin said tactfully.

We all nodded subconsciously.

"Heh heh, perhaps so!" Lu Zhao smiled faintly, instinctively looking at me. "It's rare for an outsider to be allowed to explore the Azure Dragon Fort. Shall we take a tour?"

...

The Azure Dragon Fort was the oldest structure in Dan City. As the headquarters of the Artificer Sect, it had evolved into the massive castle-like complex it was today through continuous repairs and additions by successive Sect Masters.

Only after Lu Zhao's detailed introduction did I realize this immense fortress spanned an area of seven hundred square meters and housed a staggering population of over three thousand people, all key members of the Artificer Sect. However, guards and servants accounted for more than seventy percent of the inhabitants. The castle was laid out in a perfect octagon, which reminded me of the Hakka Walled Villages in China; the exterior of the Azure Dragon Fort bore a distinct resemblance. The outer perimeter was fortified with tall, thick walls, over six meters high. Along the walls were broad patrol routes integrated seamlessly with barracks. In the event of a strong enemy invasion, lodging, sustenance, and training would all take place atop the walls, where the guards would form the first line of defense against intruders. It was said that every guard stationed on the walls had achieved the level of a High-Ranked Wanderer—the same strength as Long Zhan and his peers. And that wasn't even the most impressive part. Inside the Azure Dragon Fort, there were over one hundred experts at the Crimson Moon level, and about twenty individuals with the prowess of Lu Zhao, those at the peak of the Crimson Moon. These were the intermediate forces making up the core defense system of the Azure Dragon Fort. It could be said that unless a nation mobilized its army, ordinary guilds or organizations stood no chance of breaching the fort's defenses.

This gave me a profound understanding of the Artificer Sect's immense financial, material, and human resources. We wandered through the castle until six in the evening when we finally had to return to the main hall to be received by Lu Tong. Dong Guan mentioned we hadn't even seen a third of the entire complex. This fact made even me, a modern person from a massive contemporary metropolis, secretly astonished.

The dining hall was exactly as I had imagined: a standard palatial restaurant. Being from a common background, I felt quite uneasy. However, the easygoing nature of Lu Tong and his wife soon helped us relax.

Lu Tong's wife was a woman around forty, with an unremarkable appearance. From the outside, it was impossible to imagine she was the wife of the master craftsman Lu Tong; she gave off an aura of kindness and approachability, like a neighborly aunt. Lu Tong had one son and one daughter, but both were away studying, so we did not meet them. Thus, our dinner companions were Lu Tong, his wife, and Lu Zhao.

Of course, we knew well that the population within the Azure Dragon Fort was far greater than just these few. This arrangement was likely designed to prevent us from feeling too constrained.

"You reached the initial stage of the Crimson Moon realm before even turning sixteen?" Lu Tong remarked while sipping his drink, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, it would be hard to believe."

"You mastered the Blazing Sword Style half a year earlier than Long Yuan Feixue, who is currently recognized as the martial arts prodigy," Lu Zhao also expressed deep emotion. "I believe in a short while, Xing Chen will become an even more outstanding genius warrior than Long Yuan Feixue."

I didn't know what to say, so I just sheepishly scratched my scalp and offered a weak smile.

"However," Lu Zhao continued, "to reach this level at such an age, besides extraordinary talent, one must also possess a robust physique." At this point, a hint of confusion appeared on his face. "But in my view, your body is not suited for martial arts training; your muscles and bones fall far short of the basic requirements for a powerful warrior. I am genuinely curious how you managed to cultivate to your current strength."

"Well, how to put it!" I gave a dry laugh. "It was just constant monster slaying, training, and then, just like that, I reached this point." That was the absolute truth.

"Your explanation is rather strange. 'Just like that,'" Lu Zhao retorted somewhat mockingly. "When I was seven, I practiced the sword diligently and tirelessly; I never once stopped. But at your age, I had only just managed to cross the threshold into the High-Ranked Warrior stage."

"I think Xing Chen's explanation makes a lot of sense," Madam Lu offered her insight for the rare time. "Perhaps only those whose minds are pure and unburdened by distractions can achieve such massive progress through continuous cultivation. In my view, Xing Chen is precisely such a person."

"Madam speaks with great wisdom," Lu Tong nodded slightly in agreement.

"However, I believe that no matter how high one's talent and comprehension may be, without an ideal or belief to support continuous progress, one cannot achieve much," Madam Lu paused, then looked back at me. "I wish to know what reason has driven you to come this far."

"Belief, and an ideal?" I was momentarily stunned. Looking at Madam Lu's kind face, I felt an indescribable sense of release and emotion. Yes, if it weren't for the goal of curing my mother's throat, I would never have endured such hardship. Although I enjoyed martial arts in my past life, it was merely a hobby. "My greatest desire in practicing martial arts is to one day personally slay the Crimson Moon Demon." I spoke my innermost thoughts almost without thinking!

"Ah! What did you say?" This time, everyone stared at me with looks of sheer horror.

"Slay the Crimson Moon Demon," Lu Zhao muttered, "Heavens, you harbor such a mad ambition."

"............" Long Xin and the others were too stunned to speak, as my wish was far too unattainable. After all, the Crimson Moon Demon was an entity far more terrifying than super-monsters like the Earth-Coiling God.

"Can you tell us why you harbor such a wild thought?" Madam Lu, although greatly surprised, voiced the question in her heart.

"Because only the bile of the Crimson Moon Demon can cure my mother's throat." Since I had already revealed it, I might as well be clear. "When I was very young, due to an accident, my mother was poisoned by a man-eating flower while saving me. Although she miraculously survived, she lost her voice forever. The priests told me that only the bile of the Crimson Serpent mixed with the bile of the Crimson Moon Demon could purge the poison from her system."

"So that is why you resolved to kill the Crimson Moon Demon and trained so diligently in martial arts?" Madam Lu said with deep feeling.

"En!" I nodded involuntarily. Although I hadn't laid out the whole truth, it wasn't far off.

"What a filial, good child. Your mother must dote on you!" Madam Lu sighed emotionally. "I believe that is the greatest driving force supporting Xing Chen's relentless progress."

"En!" At that moment, I thought of my mother back home. I didn't know why, but I felt an intense urge to go home right then. Perhaps it was seeing Madam Lu's kind face, or perhaps the discussion of this sensitive topic reminded me that I had been away from home for nearly two years and I wondered how my mother was truly doing. This thought instantly consumed every corner of my mind. It came so suddenly, so pressingly. After leaving the Azure Dragon Fort this time, I absolutely must go home to see her.

"Heh heh, the ancients said, 'Filial piety moves the heavens,' perhaps referring to people like Xing Chen," Lu Tong showed a rare look of admiration and appreciation toward me. "Actually, I always felt you weren't a true martial artist—neither in temperament nor in physique. But I have been greatly puzzled as to how you achieved such success!"

"..........." I stared at Lu Tong in surprise, not understanding the implication of his words.

"Sect Master, why do you say that?" Lu Zhao was equally perplexed. "If Xing Chen doesn't qualify as a true martial artist, then who in this world can?"

"Some people are born true martial artists, like you," Lu Tong looked at Lu Zhao. "I know you harbored a great goal since childhood: to become a magnificent warrior, is that right?"

"Yes," Lu Zhao stated seriously. "That was the ambition I set in my youth."

"And your nature is to worship the strong and also hope to become strong yourself," Lu Tong continued.

"En," Lu Zhao nodded.

"That is why I say you are a true martial artist—one who worships strength, craves it, and strives ceaselessly for it," Lu Tong then looked at me with emotion. "But Xing Chen is different. The moment I first saw him, I couldn't sense the intense conviction in him that you possess, Lu Zhao, and his temperament seems to be the more easygoing kind."

"........." I was speechless and stared blankly at Lu Tong: this old fellow had a frighteningly sharp gaze, seeing right through me with just one look.

"I think, if it weren't for your mother, you might not have chosen to practice martial arts at all," Lu Tong smiled faintly.

"That... perhaps," I nodded subconsciously. "If I hadn't practiced martial arts, I most likely would have become an excellent apothecary!"

"That's why I say Xing Chen is not a true martial artist," Lu Tong explained. "Generally, people like this, no matter how hard they practice, cannot achieve much, because deep down in their subconscious, they lack the innate drive to become strong." Lu Tong continued, "However, Xing Chen differs from ordinary people. Although his original intent wasn't to become strong, for the sake of his mother, he forced himself onto this path of power and dedicated all his effort to it. This is the most commendable aspect, and the fundamental reason for Xing Chen's achievements."

"I understand now!" Lu Zhao's expression was complicated. "In the end, it is Xing Chen's filial piety that surpasses my own conviction of solely wanting to become strong."

"Heh heh, you could put it that way!" Lu Tong sighed emotionally. "This world is like this! Take me, for example. I was born to be a sword-smith, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot surpass predecessors like Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi forged the Red Blood Demon Sword, Lu Kuang forged the Dragon-Slayer, Gan Ling forged the Rage Cleaver, and the Blade of the Hegemon was crafted by Mo Lun. But how many of these individuals can truly be called master artificers? Mo Lun forged the Blade of the Hegemon to help her husband defeat Yun Kuang. Lu Kuang forged the Dragon-Slayer Blade to kill the Demon Dragon, and Gan Ling created the Rage Cleaver to slay Huang Quan. None of them aimed to pursue the ultimate path of swordsmithing, yet Heaven happened to side with them, ultimately granting them the honor of becoming a generation's master craftsman. But how many of them ever truly cared about that title?"