Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World

Chapter 184: Chapter 118: Helian Weapon Casting Skill! The Black Seed! _2

A small black seed lay quietly inside, withered and about the size of a fingertip. It seemed nearly devoid of life, yet the moment Zhao Honglie opened the box, a deep sense of fear rose unbidden in his heart.

He slammed the box shut.

Breathing heavily, he hesitated for a moment before turning to leave the dark corridor.

Zhao Honglie had once been just an ordinary youth among the displaced. The reason he rose to his current position and built such a massive estate was entirely because of this black seed.

But the black seed was too sinister—it devoured flesh and blood!

He didn’t dare to touch it too much.

Over the years, apart from the very first time when the black seed nourished him with a surge of vitality, he seldom opened the jade box. He could never forget the scene of hundreds of people being simultaneously drained dry that year.

”If I truly reach the end of the road...”

A cruel glint flashed in Zhao Honglie’s eyes. This was his ultimate trump card.

...

Three days later.

Gu Sheng arrived with refined iron and various weapons. Even outside the courtyard, he could already hear the rhythmic clanging. Pushing open the door, he saw Helian Tie Lan hammering iron blocks, preparing for forging.

Helian Tie Lan no longer looked as disheveled as she had three days ago.

Her injuries had mostly healed, and after some proper rest and nourishment, her energy had been restored, making her almost unrecognizable compared to before.

”It seems you’ve recovered well.”

Helian Tie Lan nodded without speaking, focusing entirely on wielding her heavy hammer.

Clang!

Sparks flew in all directions. Gu Sheng carefully observed Helian Tie Lan’s movements, noticing a unique rhythm within her actions. An expression of astonishment gradually emerged in his eyes—Helian Tie Lan’s forging technique was extraordinary.

He had always known Helian Tie Lan was skilled, a standout among blacksmiths, but witnessing her craftsmanship firsthand made the realization even more tangible.

Neither of them spoke.

One focused on forging, the other on observation. Time quietly passed.

No one knew how long had gone by.

Helian Tie Lan finished processing the refined iron and finally stopped, stretching her arms to loosen her muscles. Wiping away her sweat, she sat to drink a bowl of well water.

Helian Tie Lan fixed her gaze on Gu Sheng and slowly said:

”Master Butcher, I have some thoughts regarding the giant axe and heavy armor you’ve ordered. I need your confirmation on them.”

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.

”Go ahead.”

”Firstly, regarding the giant axe—it’s meant to be 2.2 meters long and weigh 360 pounds. If carried normally, it would be highly inconvenient. I propose forging it in a detachable design, splitting it into three parts: the axe blade and two segments of the handle.”

”With this design, you would only need to carry a large box, and with proficiency, you could assemble the axe instantly during battle without compromising its use.”

Unexpectedly, Helian Tie Lan wasn’t discussing the weapon’s material but its portability, showing she had noticed that Gu Sheng hadn’t carried the giant axe during his previous battles.

Gu Sheng’s eyes lit up.

This indeed addressed a long-standing problem of his. The giant axe was always pre-prepared for battles, but carrying it around otherwise was too conspicuous.

With this solution, the inconvenience could be eliminated.

”Very well, let’s proceed as you suggested.”

He had a vague sense of Helian Tie Lan’s proactive intentions and gestured for her to continue.

”Regarding the heavy armor, I observed your body significantly enlarges during battle. Thus, I plan to prioritize enhancing its flexibility, allowing it to better accommodate your transformation.”

Gu Sheng nodded in approval.

When activating the First-level Strong Body state, his stature would surge to two meters. It was a clear issue, and enhanced armor flexibility along with adjustments to the joints would prove far more suitable.

It was evident.

In the past three days, aside from nursing her injuries, Helian Tie Lan hadn’t been idle but had deeply contemplated the crafting of weapons for Gu Sheng.

Her dedication was indeed genuine.

”You’ve been thoughtful.”

Gu Sheng nodded in satisfaction.

Helian Tie Lan earnestly replied:

”It’s my duty. Without you, Master Butcher, I would already be a corpse.”

She expressed her gratitude sincerely but hesitated afterward.

Gu Sheng chuckled:

”Come on, say what’s on your mind.”

He could see Helian Tie Lan had something to discuss with him.

Helian Tie Lan took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and then said:

”I wish to make a deal with you—or rather, plead for you to do me a favor.”

”Let’s hear it,” Gu Sheng said thoughtfully.

Helian Tie Lan solemnly stated:

”I wish to ask you, Master Butcher, should the opportunity ever arise, to kill Zhao Honglie and annihilate the Black Sand Gang. In return, I am willing to offer my family’s secret weapon crafting techniques. My family lineage traces back to the Helian forging clan of Red Cloud Prefecture. I assure you the techniques will not disappoint.”

Her eyes burned with intense hatred.

Clearly, she hadn’t come to terms with Pei Xuansi’s death and sought vengeance against Zhao Honglie and the Black Sand Gang.

Gu Sheng’s gaze sharpened.

He hadn’t expected Helian Tie Lan to have a significant background. Her weapon crafting methods, stemming from a prestigious family in Red Cloud Prefecture, were undoubtedly remarkable.

”Then why not seek aid from your family?”

Helian Tie Lan shook her head and said:

”To be honest, Master Butcher, I am the only survivor of my branch. I’ve severed ties with the family long ago. If you were to acquire my weapon crafting techniques, you must exercise caution not to reveal them, lest it attract trouble.”

Helian Tie Lan concealed nothing in her explanation.

”You trust me that much?”

”Tie Lan can see that, though you bear a fierce reputation, Master Butcher, you are a man of principles. If you promise me, you will strive to fulfill it. I cannot stand idly by, and so, I have taken the liberty to plead with you. I ask for your understanding.”