Chapter 10: Buying a Blade to Kill

Inside the camp, the veterans stepped forward one by one to show their goodwill. Qin Jue, however, was focused on his Victory Points. If he could defeat all of them, he would surely gain a significant amount! Unable to let it go, he asked, "How about we have a sparring match first?"

The veterans were left staring at each other in bewilderment. Fortunately, Zheng Bin stepped in to smooth things over, smiling as he said, "It’s a rare day off, so let’s leave it for now. There will be plenty of time for sparring later."

The veterans nodded and dispersed. Qin Jue didn't press the matter further. Just then, his peripheral vision caught the weapon rack nearby. The Vanguard Battalion was different from the recruit camp; the soldiers here possessed their own weapons. Qin Jue realized that as he would inevitably face head-to-head combat in the future, relying solely on archery would not be enough.

He walked over, picked up a broadsword, and gave it a swing. Instantly, "Sword Technique" appeared on his personal panel. He spent two Victory Points to master it. Swinging the blade again, the momentum was clearly different. With 18 points remaining, he decided to save them for when he began practicing his cultivation technique. He picked up the manual nearby and began to study it in earnest.

Outside, the veterans drifted away, and Zheng Bin directed his team to help the men on the ground.

Two quarters of an hour later, having memorized the cultivation chants and postures, Qin Jue brought out the "Golden Recipe" to brew a medicinal soup. After drinking it, he went to the open field to practice the second part of the "Iron Bone Technique." He held his hands in soft fists, raised his forearms to shoulder height, and inhaled into his dantian...

A surge of powerful blood energy erupted from his dantian, coursing through his entire body. This technique was known as the "Great Dragon’s Manifestation." It served to harden the muscles and lay the foundation for subsequent training. With the aid of the Golden Recipe and his own robust blood energy, Qin Jue mastered the technique in just three hours. He immediately poured all his remaining Victory Points into it.

A rush of immense power flooded through him. His already taut skin grew tougher, and his muscles underwent a profound transformation. The Meat-Forging Stage was mastered!

Qin Jue checked his panel:
[Name] Qin Jue
[Age] 16
[Realm] Skin and Meat Realm (Meat-Forging Stage)
[Attributes] Strength 4 (+), Physique 2 (+), Agility 2 (+)
[Technique] Iron Bone Technique II (Mastered)
[Martial Arts] None
[Skills] Archery (Mastered) (+), Sword Technique (Mastered) (+)
[Victory Points] 3

Mastering the technique had cost 15 points. It seemed that as the quality of the technique increased, so did the cost. He would have to save up again.

The surge in his strength made Qin Jue’s mind race. There were some debts that were long overdue.

The next morning, Qin Jue arrived at Wu Mi’s tent. "Captain Wu, I would like to leave the camp to buy a sword," he said, getting straight to the point. Since he had learned the sword technique, he needed a blade that suited him, and he had noticed the military-issued weapons were not to his liking.

Wu Mi was surprised. "Why the sudden interest in the sword?"

"A skill is never a burden, and I need options for close-quarters combat," Qin Jue explained.

Wu Mi nodded slightly and said, "In that case, I will gift you a sword." He had heard about yesterday’s events and was very pleased, confirming he had chosen the right man. He didn't mind granting him this privilege.

Qin Jue declined, however. "Captain Wu, I would prefer to have one forged myself." Military blades were too common and lacked lethal precision. Unlike pure martial artists who focused solely on refining their bodies, Qin Jue wanted a weapon that could maximize his killing efficiency to accumulate battle merits quickly. A Tang-style horizontal sword, with its superior piercing and cleaving power, would be ideal.

"Since that is the case, I have a piece of excellent forging material here. Take it to the Profound Gold Smithy in the city and tell them I sent you." Wu Mi handed over the material without further insistence. "No need for thanks. Just show me your talent; that is enough."

Qin Jue took the material. "Forge it well; it may be with you for a long time," Wu Mi added as he left.

After leaving the camp, Qin Jue headed straight for the city. Half an hour later, he arrived at the smithy. When the proprietor learned he was sent by Wu Mi, he enthusiastically showed him the weapons in the shop. Qin Jue glanced at the stock; they were decent, but the standard-issue swords were mediocre.

"I want to have a sword forged," Qin Jue stated. When asked what kind, he described the shape and features of a Tang horizontal sword. The proprietor’s eyes widened with excitement. "Such a design? Brilliant!" He quickly drew it out on paper. "Is this what you mean?"

Qin Jue nodded. "How long will it take?"

"One month. I can definitely finish it in a month," the smith promised. "However, if you are in a hurry, I have a blade here that might suit you. It’s a design I’ve been tinkering with."

He had an apprentice bring out a sword. It was longer and more slender than a Tang sword, similar to a Han ring-pommel saber. Qin Jue gave it a swing, and a sharp whistle cut through the air. It was sharp—extremely sharp. As he held it, the silver blade reflected his cold, piercing eyes.

Possessing a lethal weapon naturally stirred one’s murderous intent. This blade was perfect for what he had to do. His primary objective for coming out today was not the sword, but the Qin family.

Though they say revenge is a dish best served cold, that was not Qin Jue’s nature. If he had the strength, he would settle the score immediately. His strength had increased, and he was coming to collect. It wasn't for the original owner—the memories of the past were merely like a movie to him. But the humiliation he suffered after his transmigration—the memory of being tossed out like trash—was still vivid.

He wasn't foolish enough to take on the entire Qin family; that would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. But collecting some interest was entirely possible.

He knew from memory that his father, Qin Tianfang, was a hedonistic wastrel who hated martial arts and spent his days in pleasure houses. He hadn't even mastered the Meat-Forging stage and held no status in the family. That was why, when the family targeted Qin Jue, Qin Tianfang had done everything to appease the family head rather than protect his own son.

Qin Jue’s target was this man who didn't deserve the title of father.

After inquiries, he learned that Qin Tianfang had been staying on a "Flowing Fragrance Boat" on the city river for days. It was still daytime, and the boat was quiet—the perfect opportunity. Disguised, Qin Jue used his agility to sneak aboard unnoticed. He subdued a woman, threatened her, and learned exactly where Qin Tianfang was.

He pushed open the door to the target room. "Yunniang, you’re too slow! I’ve been waiting!" Qin Tianfang, drinking behind a light veil, called out drunkenly, assuming it was his lover.

Qin Jue pulled back the curtain. Qin Tianfang looked up, stunned. But how could a father not recognize his own son? His expression shifted from surprise to rage. "You beast, why are you here?"

Qin Jue looked at him coldly, stepped forward, and slowly drew his blade. Qin Tianfang’s shock turned to terror. "You..."

Qin Jue didn't give him a chance to speak. With a flash of silver, the blade descended.

*Thump.*

Head and body were severed, blood spraying everywhere. Qin Jue didn't even blink. After killing so many, it felt no different than slaughtering a pig. There was no joy in the revenge, but his mind felt a little clearer.