Chapter 56: Seeking to Purchase a War Blade

Sensing the faint, underlying power of blood and qi emanating from within Lu Qing, Ma Gu's heart surged like a violent storm.

The last time he saw Lu Qing at the Great Market, the boy had been a thin, sickly-looking youth with a sallow complexion, possessing no knowledge of cultivation.

How could it be that upon meeting again, he had already become a Blood Qi Realm martial artist!

How much time had passed? Not even a month, right?

In less than a month, he had gone from a boy who knew nothing of cultivation to a Blood Qi Realm martial artist?

How was this possible!

Ma Gu felt his entire understanding of cultivation being violently shaken. He was utterly stunned by Lu Qing's cultivation speed.

When Lu Qing last came to the Great Market, there wasn't a single trace of martial arts cultivation on him. As a martial artist of the Bone Tempering Realm, Ma Gu was certain of this.

But it was precisely because of this that the shock in his heart was even more intense. He truly could not imagine how Lu Qing had managed to transform from a frail youth into a true martial artist in less than a month.

Thinking back to his own youth, he had officially begun his martial cultivation at thirteen. It had taken him five full years of effort before he finally managed to step into the Blood Qi Realm at the age of eighteen.

And even then, he had only achieved it with the support of his clan. Even so, his cultivation speed was considered quite good within the family. He had even received praise from the clan elders, who called him diligent and fast-progressing.

Ma Gu had once taken pride in that. After all, coming from a branch family, the cultivation resources available to him were naturally fewer than those of the main lineage. To become a martial artist at eighteen was a speed sufficient to prove he possessed a certain level of talent.

Yet now, Ma Gu realized that the cultivation speed he had always prided himself on within the clan was utterly obliterated by Lu Qing—not even a shred of it remained in comparison.

In less than a month, from knowing nothing of cultivation to stepping into the Blood Qi Realm. Such a speed would likely surpass even the martial geniuses being meticulously raised by the great families in the city—those hailed as having the potential to become Grandmasters.

Ma Gu stood somewhat dazed by Lu Qing's transformation.

Seeing his stunned expression, Lu Qing couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Master Ma, are you alright?"

Coming back to his senses, Ma Gu struggled to steady his emotions before managing a forced smile. "I am fine. It is just that after many days apart, Young Master Lu's changes have left me somewhat surprised."

"Oh, lately my master and I have been focusing on tempering our character and exercising our bodies. It took quite a long time to make even a little progress; please excuse my inadequacy, Master Ma," Lu Qing said modestly.

However, these words left Ma Gu speechless. If this level of progress was merely "a little," then what would he call his own twenty years of cultivation that only barely brought him to the Bone Tempering Realm?

But a thought struck him.

That's right—Lu Qing's master was none other than Old Man Chen, the physician who was whispered to be a divine healer. It was heard that even the County Magistrate spoke highly of him.

With such a mysterious figure involved, perhaps the reason Lu Qing could step into the Blood Qi Realm so quickly was related to him.

As his thoughts raced, the smile on Ma Gu's face remained unchanged. "Young Master Lu is being too modest. To achieve the Blood Qi Realm at such an age, your talent is considered genius even in the city."

"Master Ma seems to know a great deal about the city?" Lu Qing asked curiously.

Lu Qing was not surprised that Ma Gu could tell he had entered the Blood Qi Realm. A successful martial artist possesses surging blood qi and vigorous spirit. Unless one practiced a special concealment technique, or had reached an extremely high level of control over one's essence, qi, and spirit to completely suppress their aura, it was difficult for an ordinary martial artist to hide their identity.

"I wouldn't say I know much, I've just lived there for a few years," Ma Gu replied vaguely.

"I see," Lu Qing nodded. He didn't bother to ask why someone who had lived in the city would settle in a small place like the Great Market. "Since Master Ma has lived in the city, you must be very knowledgeable. As it happens, I have a matter that is troubling me. I wonder if Master Ma could offer some guidance?"

Ma Gu's spirits lifted. He had been worrying about how to find a reason to get closer to Lu Qing, and he hadn't expected the opportunity to come so quickly. "May I ask what is troubling Young Master Lu?"

"I wish to purchase a battle saber, but there are none here in the Great Market. I wonder if Master Ma knows where I might find one?"

"You want to buy a battle saber?" Ma Gu was taken aback.

"Indeed. I have recently developed an interest in saber techniques, but I lack a suitable weapon, so I wish to buy one." Since Ma Gu had already seen through his identity as a martial artist, Lu Qing stopped beating around the bush and stated his purpose directly.

Ma Gu didn't think Lu Qing's intention was strange. In his view, it was perfectly normal for a martial artist to want to find a weapon that suited their hand.

"As for battle sabers..." Ma Gu pondered for a moment. "Good battle sabers can likely only be found in the city. There are a few shops in the city with very good reputations."

"Are battle sabers only sold in the city?" Lu Qing asked hesitantly.

"Naturally. Most blacksmiths with real skill are concentrated in the city. It's not that there are no blacksmiths in the countryside, but most only know how to forge crude farm tools. They cannot forge weapons like battle sabers, which require extremely high forging techniques," Ma Gu explained.

Seeing Lu Qing's hesitation, a thought occurred to Ma Gu. He asked, "Why? Has Young Master Lu never been to the city?"

Lu Qing let out a sigh. "To be honest with you, Master Ma, I have indeed never been to the city. Furthermore, my master has said that until I have completed my apprenticeship, I am not permitted to go to the city on my own."

The old physician had never said such a thing, but that didn't stop Lu Qing from using his name as a shield to deal with Ma Gu.

"A master's command is hard to defy. That is somewhat troublesome," Ma Gu expressed his understanding.

Seeing the look of slight frustration on Lu Qing's face, he knew the timing was right. He feigned a moment of hesitation before saying, "In that case, if Young Master Lu trusts me, why don't I help you purchase a battle saber from the city? What do you think?"

"Is that possible?" Lu Qing's eyes lit up, but he immediately hesitated again. "But would that... be too much trouble for you, Master Ma?"

Looking at Lu Qing's longing yet hesitant expression, Ma Gu found it somewhat amusing. He was a youth after all, unable to hide his thoughts even slightly.

He smiled and said, "It is no trouble at all. It just so happens that I find you quite agreeable. It is only a small favor; it won't be a problem for me."

Lu Qing's expression struggled for a moment. Finally, as if having made a decision, he said, "Then I shall trouble you, Master Ma."

*It's a deal!*

Ma Gu was delighted inwardly. Suppressing the smile at the corners of his mouth, he asked with concern, "I wonder, what kind of battle saber does Young Master Lu have in mind?"