PS: A second update is coming soon—a request for a few monthly votes! Please show your support, thank you very much.

"This is the Gongfu Sword…"

The expert’s single statement instantly energized many in the crowd.

Of course, there were also many novices who had no idea what the Gongfu Sword even was. They couldn't help but whisper inquiries to the person next to them, naturally inviting a wave of contemptuous looks. However, under the scrutiny of the novices' wide, inquisitive eyes, the others quickly retracted their scornful gazes, offering a nervous explanation of the Gongfu Sword’s origins.

“During the Spring and Autumn Period, the King of Chu commissioned Ouyezi to forge swords. Thus, Ouyezi traveled all over the famous mountains and rivers of Jiangnan, searching for places that yielded iron essence, cold springs, and luminous stone. Finally, he arrived near Qin Creek Mountain in Longquan, where he discovered seven wells beneath two thousand-year-old pine trees, arranged like the Big Dipper, transparent as glazed glass, and chilling to the very marrow—truly superior cold springs. He immediately dug a pool to collect the water, thus establishing the Sword Pool.”

“It took Ouyezi three years to forge this peerless, treasured sword. After the edge was honed and polished, the blade was incredibly sharp, capable of slicing through bronze and iron as easily as cutting tofu…”

“Later, the sword fell into the hands of Qin Shi Huang. Legend says that when he brandished the Gongfu Sword, he could command the world and possess the spirit of the mountains and rivers, which is why Gongfu also earned the moniker ‘Sword of Domination.’ As the First Emperor’s personal weapon, it is said that when Jing Ke attempted to assassinate the King of Qin, the Gongfu Sword sensed the danger and rang out with a clang, allowing him to escape.”

Under the expert’s detailed exposition, everyone present gained a full understanding of the Gongfu Sword’s background and a tangible sense of its rarity. Reputation aside, the Gongfu Sword itself was absolutely in no way inferior to the Chixiao Sword.

“What a bargain, buy one get one free.”

For a moment, many people grew even more excited. They had intended to see the Chixiao Sword, but never expected to witness the Gongfu Sword as well—it was an unexpected delight.

“Of course, this sword only resembles the original. Whether it is truly the Gongfu Sword requires a test…”

As he spoke, the expert suddenly reached out and pressed against the sword’s spine, bending it. Amidst the gasps of the crowd, the Gongfu Sword instantly curved at a ninety-degree angle, then wrapped around his waist like a leather belt.

It should be noted that this expert was Elder Zhou. After testing the flexibility of the Gongfu Sword, he lightly released the spine, allowing it to spring back to a perfectly straight position. He then suddenly swung it in a swift arc, aiming directly at the table beside them.

“Ah…”

Seeing this, many people froze, stunned into silence, their mouths agape.

It happened so fast that before anyone could react, a sharp crack echoed. A corner of the table sheared clean off. The inch-thick tabletop corner was severed with startling ease.

In that instant, chaos erupted. The director responsible for the live broadcast reacted swiftly, excitedly barking orders: “Quick, replay that!”

He truly deserved his title as a director; his grasp of human psychology was impeccable. At this moment, everyone desperately wanted to see how Elder Zhou had managed to cleave the table corner. When the replay appeared on the giant screen, they immediately leaned in to watch closely.

The screen showed a slow-motion capture: Elder Zhou made a slight swing, seemingly without much effort, and the Gongfu Sword easily sunk into the corner of the table, cleanly slicing it apart. The process was utterly smooth, without the slightest resistance, as if the table were not made of wood but soft dough or tofu.

Of course, everyone knew the table was certainly not soft dough or tofu; it was solid wood.

A foreign expert, in particular, recovered first, immediately picking up the severed table corner to examine it, then tapping it against the floor. The dense, solid sound confirmed that this was genuine wood, possessing a formidable material hardness, unlike the props seen in films and television.

“He really cut the wood; I thought it was a prop just now.”

“Nonsense! That’s a genuine treasured sword! Cutting wood is nothing; it could slice through bronze and iron easily.”

“This expert is so decisive; he said he’d cut it, and he did. That’s how it should be done. Not like modern sword smiths who only dare to cut soft straw mats. Make them try cutting a table—see if the edge chips!”

Amidst the crowd’s excited chatter, Elder Zhou turned back to observe the panel of experts and smiled, “The form and spirit are present. I believe this should be the genuine Gongfu Sword. Does anyone have any objections?”

“None…”

“I concur!”

After exchanging glances, the panel of experts voiced their agreement. Since the object had withstood verification and no discernible faults could be found, it could naturally be confirmed as the authentic Gongfu Sword.

The live audience was thoroughly satisfied with this result and offered enthusiastic applause. As they clapped, their minds were already looking ahead: after the Gongfu Sword, surely the Chixiao Sword was next?

However, events once again defied their expectations. At that moment, the security guards brought forward another weapon. When Elder Zhou drew the implement, its shining brilliance was dazzling. Based on mere appearance, this weapon was far more aesthetically pleasing than the ancient, robust Gongfu Sword. Yet, the item was not a sword, but a saber: the Great Xia Dragon-Sparrow Saber.

“Dragon-Sparrow Great Ring…”

“Is it real? They actually have that saber…”

Indeed, when the Gongfu Sword was revealed, it had already captivated the attention of many cold weapon enthusiasts. Just as they marveled at the Gongfu Sword’s sharpness, the Dragon-Sparrow Saber, with its gleaming edge and floating, shifting light, was undeniably more mesmerizing.

To the general public, the radiant Dragon-Sparrow Saber certainly outshone the Gongfu Sword in terms of sheer splendor. But to true connoisseurs, they knew that however beautiful the Dragon-Sparrow Great Ring was, its quality was inferior to that of the Gongfu Sword.

So, after authenticating the Great Xia Dragon-Sparrow Saber, Elder Zhou had no intention of testing its edge and placed it back immediately. This disappointed many, who sighed in unison. But surprises often arrive when least expected.

Just as everyone was feeling let down, a sudden blur of phantom movement flickered, and the inch-thick wooden tabletop was suddenly cleaved in half horizontally.

“Clang!”

The abrupt sound drew everyone’s attention, and the camera lenses immediately swept towards the disturbance.

At that moment, everyone gasped in astonishment to find that, somehow, a figure clad in armor, holding a saber with a perfectly straight blade, had appeared beside the expert.

This person advanced slowly. The helmet obscured most of their face, but the finely detailed scale armor and the reflective plates radiated an aura of ancient solemnity born of the ages, yet simultaneously exuded a sense of intricate splendor.

“Mingguang Armor.”

Someone blurted out the name in a tone of mixed shock and delight.

Yes, it was the Mingguang Armor unearthed in Luoyang—an item specially brought out for this occasion. After meticulous repair and careful preservation by the experts, the armor had regained its former glory. Now worn by a person, it allowed others to experience the might of the Mingguang Armor more vividly.

But that wasn't all. While everyone was busy examining the armor, the more observant noticed several security guards swiftly moving a large wooden stake into the exhibition area.

Moments later, the armored figure approached the stake and tapped the wood. The crisp sound instantly communicated to everyone that the stake’s rigidity was likely comparable to the table they had just seen, perhaps even denser and heavier.

“Are they going to cut the stake…”

Simultaneously, the crowd’s attention shifted from the Mingguang Armor to the weapon held by the figure. The clever ones immediately deduced what the person intended to do, and their hearts ignited with fervent anticipation.

“Attention, attention! Follow closely!”

The director promptly instructed the cameramen to focus on the armored figure, deploying at least four or five lenses to ensure a seamless, 360-degree coverage switch.

Watching this unfold on the giant screens, the live audience gradually quieted down, staring intently.

Just then, they saw the armored figure move. They gripped the saber with both hands and executed a series of phantom slashes—left, right, right, left—leaving only illusory afterimages hanging in the air. Before anyone could clearly discern the movements, the figure abruptly stopped, standing straight.

“What was that?”

“Did they even swing?”

A wave of doubt washed over the crowd. Some were completely bewildered, while others couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves in a low buzz.

“What a fast blade!”

However, there were perceptive individuals present, especially among the security personnel who had military backgrounds. Their pupils contracted sharply at that moment, their eyes filled with unconcealed awe.

“Replay, slow-motion replay.”

The director called up the recording. After a brief examination, he inhaled sharply: “How is this possible…”

“Crash!”

Even as the director expressed his shock, the wooden stake in the center of the hall suddenly collapsed, scattering as if it were a stack of building blocks tumbling to the floor.

“Damn, what happened?”

Now, not only had the stake shattered, but many people’s eyes nearly shattered too. They had to be careful, because the stake hadn't fallen straight over; it had exploded into fragments.

The director, ever obliging, replayed the footage from every angle. The slow-motion processing revealed clearly that the armored figure was not feigning an action but had delivered several cuts in an instant, shattering the stake into pieces. It was only due to inertia that the stake had momentarily appeared intact. Now, with time passing, the fragmented wood could no longer support itself and had scattered across the floor. Witnessing this, many exclaimed, utterly refusing to believe their own eyes.

“Is this real?”

“Are we watching a movie?”

“We strongly demand another cut, or I’ll suspect special effects, or that the stake was sawed through beforehand…”

Amidst the clamorous uproar, Elder Zhou stepped forward with a smile. Using the armored figure as a model, he began to explain the origins of the Mingguang Armor and its accompanying weapon.

“Tang Saber!”

“It’s actually a Tang Saber…”

At this announcement, some cold weapon enthusiasts were driven to near madness, bitterly regretting not being present. Yet, others were so overwhelmed with happiness they felt faint, as Elder Zhou, to dispel any lingering doubt, randomly selected a few audience members to come forward and verify the artifact. They were not only allowed to examine the items up close but could even touch them, and even experience wielding the saber themselves…

Seeing this, those watching the live broadcast at home couldn't help but grit their teeth, consumed by envy, jealousy, and resentment! (To be continued)

For more novels, visit storyread.net.