Dividing the Rewards

Pan Yun's courtyard was as lively as a morning market.

The heroes excitedly gathered around several boxes, picking through the refined iron.

Pan Yun came over from Zhang Weiliang's room and saw Hu Jing swinging his broadsword down on the refined iron with resounding clangs.

A wave of astonished exclamations rose from the onlookers. A shallow mark had been cut into the refined iron, but Hu Jing's blade had chipped.

One hero said, "Great Hero Gu, your blade has too many impurities, and the proportions are off too. The edge is rather dull."

Hu Jing rubbed the blade's edge with his thumb, his eyes sparkling. "Melt it down and forge another. Add this piece of refined iron, and it can become a heavy blade."

"A heavy blade? Wouldn't cutting Japanese pirates then be like chopping watermelons—one slash, one dead?"

At the thought of that scene, everyone laughed happily.

Pan Yun stepped forward. "How are your selections going?"

Everyone cupped their fists in greeting. "Daoist Priest Three Bamboo!"

"Daoist Priest Three Bamboo!"

The crowd parted to make a path.

Pan Yun walked to the boxes, glanced inside, casually picked up a piece of refined iron, weighed it in her hand, and nodded. "It truly is good."

"Will Daoist Priest Three Bamboo forge herself a sword too?"

Pan Yun smiled and shook her head. "I already have a good sword. There is no need to forge another. Divide them among yourselves."

At once, everyone eagerly stepped forward to divide the spoils.

Yamana Hidehichi led people in carrying five chests of silver and one chest of gold. Brimming with pride, he said, "Miss Pan, the silver and gold you requested have arrived."

As the chests were opened, all the heroes' eyes lit up, and they looked toward Pan Yun.

Pan Yun swept her