Chapter 457: Master Swordsmith
Sigh!
Ling Chen sighed lightly, unsure how to express his feelings as he thought of the ordeal Qin Wu might have gone through. Even though she hadn’t said it, Ling Chen could guess who that man was.
From Qin Wu’s expression, it obviously wasn’t her willing choice. He never would have imagined that guy would do something so despicable.
Although Ling Chen felt indignant, this was ultimately a private matter of the Dangyang Sect, and he knew he couldn’t intervene.
Returning to his room, Ling Chen prepared to rest and wait for the afternoon’s martial arts competition to begin.
At that moment, a knock was heard. Ling Chen opened the door to see a waiter holding a letter, which he handed over with a smile, saying, "Mr. Ling, this is your letter."
Ling Chen took the letter and casually asked, "Who’s it from?"
"Sorry, I’m not sure. The person didn’t show themselves, just left a message for me to pass this on to you."
"Okay, I got it, thanks!"
After closing the door, Ling Chen tore open the envelope curiously and pulled out the letter. There wasn’t much written on it, just one sentence:
Someone is after you!
"Someone is after me?" Ling Chen frowned, unsure who had sent the letter and why they hadn’t made themselves clear.
On this luxurious cruise ship, there were plenty of people who might wish him harm: Jiang Family’s Jiang Hanlin, Dangyang Sect’s Zhu Jin, Qingyang Sect’s Qu Yuan, and Han Yu. All of them would be more than happy to see him dead.
With so many enemies, what good is a simple warning? He needed to know who it was to take precautions.
After muttering a few complaints, Ling Chen tossed the letter in the trash and then sat on the couch, crossing his legs, a look of seriousness in his eyes.
Regardless of who wished him harm, the fact that this mysterious person sent a warning meant that those individuals would act soon. It could be today, or perhaps tomorrow.
Jiang Hanlin? Han Yu?... Who could it be? Ling Chen pondered seriously. To him, Jiang Hanlin seemed the most likely. After all, during his time at the Jiang Family, he had left Jiang Hanlin’s son, Jiang Han, in a vegetative state—a grievance not easily forgiven.
Next would be Han Yu. Because of Ling Chen, Han Yu had suffered a major blow to his dignity, and the reputation of the Han Family was impacted. Ye Liangyong had said that the Han Family was a major clan with considerable influence. After such an incident, it’s possible that the Han Family might come after him.
Thinking of this, Ling Chen suddenly felt an immense headache.
Coming to the Heavenly Mechanism Great Ceremony with much effort, he hadn’t gained much benefit, but he had certainly made quite a few enemies.
However, more curious to Ling Chen than those who might seek trouble was the person who sent the warning. He knew very few people on this ship, and whether it’s the eight eccentrics or Ye Liangyong, they definitely wouldn’t choose such a secretive way to warn him.
Who could it be?
Ling Chen was at a complete loss.
Two o’clock in the afternoon.
Ling Chen followed Qiu Yong and the others to the venue.
There was only one match this afternoon, Song Ge against Qu Jinxian, competing for the last spot in the top three. The real highlight was tomorrow, when the owners of the top three positions would be decided.
To be honest, Ling Chen was not very concerned about the ownership of the top three spots. His main goal for the trip had already been achieved, and besides, even if he suffered two consecutive losses tomorrow, he could still be assured of a place in the top three. Though the rewards weren’t too generous, he wasn’t the type to be insatiable.
At this moment, Zhou Qi and a man in his seventies with silvery white hair and beard walked side by side into the venue.
The appearance of the old man caused the entire audience to exclaim in surprise, as they got up to pay their respects.
"Big brother, who is that? He seems quite famous," Ling Chen asked curiously.
"That’s Guo Liang, a master blacksmith. The weapons he forges are all top-notch; no one compares."
Guo Liang?
Upon hearing this name, Ling Chen immediately had an impression. Last time, Zhou Qi mentioned when announcing the prize for the rookie competition that one of the rewards for first place was a weapon personally forged by Master Guo Liang.
"Guo Liang once pledged that he would only forge ten weapons in his lifetime. Thus, obtaining a weapon personally made by him is an ultimate honor," Yuan Yun said. "As far as I know, including this time’s prize, Guo Liang has already forged seven pieces."
Ling Chen smacked his lips, "What’s so amazing about him?"
Qiu Yong nodded and said, "Guo Liang’s craftsmanship is indeed extraordinary, unmatched throughout Huaxia in the crafting of weapons. Of course, aside from his skills, what’s even more famous is his heritage. It’s said that an ancestor of Guo Liang once obtained a manuscript handed down from the great sword forging master, Ou Yezi, which details the art of sword making. Since then, the Guo Family has focused on forging and has achieved great accomplishments. Guo Liang is a descendant of the Guo Family, and he has truly inherited the essence of their craft."
Ling Chen marveled to himself. As they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover, nor can you measure the sea’s depth. He hadn’t expected that old man to be so formidable.
Just as he was thinking, Ling Chen suddenly felt a gaze upon him. Turning his head, he saw Mr. Guo looking at him with a beaming smile, nodding kindly.
Uh...
Ling Chen was slightly stunned. What did this old gentleman mean? If it weren’t for Qiu Yong’s introduction just now, he wouldn’t even recognize this person. Now, Guo Liang was greeting him, leaving him as confused as a monk unable to touch his own head, a look of bewilderment on his face.
Puzzled as he was, adhering to a sense of politeness, Ling Chen smiled back in response.
At this moment, Guo Liang said something to Zhou Qi and walked straight towards the seats of the eight eccentrics, a friendly smile creasing his wrinkled face.
"Brother Qiu, I’ve long admired your reputation, hello."
Guo Liang actively greeted each of the eight eccentrics. When his eyes landed on Zhang Zhongfeng, his laughter grew even more hearty.
"Mr. Zhang, it’s been a long time."
"Mr. Guo, you’re still as hearty as ever," Zhang Zhongfeng’s face rarely revealed a hint of a smile.
Curiously, Qiu Yong glanced at Zhang Zhongfeng and asked, "Fourth brother, you know Mr. Guo?"
"More than just knowing. The bow used by Mr. Zhang was personally crafted by me."
Upon this declaration, the entire assembly was shocked.
Everyone looked at Zhang Zhongfeng with surprise; all this time, Zhang Zhongfeng had never mentioned this.
Facing the astonished gazes, Zhang Zhongfeng said in a mild tone, "Thank you, Mr. Guo."
"Ha ha!" Guo Liang laughed and waved his hand, "No need to thank me. I only craft weapons for those who are worthy. Mr. Zhang’s archery is unparalleled in the world; making a weapon for you is my honor."
With that, Guo Liang turned his gaze, smiling at Ling Chen, "Mr. Ling, hello."
"Mr. Guo is too kind," Ling Chen quickly responded.
"Mr. Ling, if you don’t mind, could we have a chat separately?"
Ling Chen was somewhat surprised by the request from Guo Liang, unsure what the old man wanted with him.
"Mr. Guo, please have a seat; take your time to speak."
Seeing Guo Liang sitting beside Ling Chen, a look of joy on his face, everyone at the venue couldn’t help feeling envious and curious. The people around all pricked up their ears, trying to listen in on what they were talking about.