An Outsider

Guo Zhentong, just as he had said, came over but didn't disturb Li Qing's stance. He merely took small sips of strong liquor, his gaze somewhat melancholic as he looked at Master Gu's grave.

Li Qing, who had initially hoped for some guidance, turned around only to find that the Centurion had vanished at some point.

The sky had already darkened, and the howling winds outside the pass were gradually subsiding.

Li Qing finally added a handful of soil to Master Gu's grave mound before returning to the military camp in the frontier.

However, the training grounds were not peaceful tonight; a considerable number of soldiers had gathered, preparing for an expedition with great fanfare!

Were they going to deploy troops against the horse bandits in the northern region?

This was Li Qing's first thought. He squinted and glanced at the Centurion at the very front of the formation – it was Yuan Xiao!

Following a round of impassioned speeches, the nearly two thousand men led by Centurion Yuan Xiao marched mightily towards the northern frontier.

Seeing this, Li Qing quickly returned to his tent, daring not to look any further.

As he was a military blacksmith, Li Qing naturally only needed to be stationed within the camp and did not have to join the expedition.

"Hoo! It seems a real battle is about to break out. I just wonder if the Liang Kingdom and the horse bandits are truly colluding."

After returning to his tent, Li Qing quietly pondered the current situation.

If the Liang Kingdom and the horse bandits were colluding, then this expedition would likely end in a disastrous defeat, and it might even affect the area where he was stationed.

"I wonder if the imperial court has dispatched additional troops to the border. The situation is already so tense; larger-scale unrest could erupt at any moment."

Li Qing sighed. His sources of information were too limited. Without sufficient intelligence, no matter how sharp his mind was, he couldn't possibly analyze the current situation out of thin air.

"I can't worry about all that. The priority now is to reach the level of an Outer Strength master. Only then will I have some ability to protect myself."

As he spoke, Li Qing subconsciously picked up two food basins, preparing to head to the kitchen to get some food.

But he soon shook his head, putting down Master Gu's food basin and taking only his own to the kitchen.

The kitchen area, usually bustling with people every night, was unusually quiet tonight. Even the soldiers passing by occasionally had a look of solemnity on their faces.

War was coming.

War meant death. It seemed the men in the army were not unaware of the current situation.

Fatty Wu was on duty at the kitchen tonight. A rare hint of worry could be seen on his plump face.

"I heard your master was robbed by horse bandits while transporting supplies?" Li Qing asked tentatively. This matter was no longer a secret in the army; it was the excuse Centurion Yuan Xiao used for his expedition.

Fatty Wu quickly filled Li Qing's food basin with food, even pressing it down and adding an extra two spoonfuls of cured meat.

"Yeah, but the imperial court is sending another supply convoy soon. I just don't know who will be in charge of receiving it this time. What if they make me go along?" Fatty Wu's tense face was beaded with sweat.

Another supply convoy was coming?

This meant the imperial court was not completely unaware of the situation at the border, and the grain supply was sufficient, with the supply line remaining stable.

It seemed the situation wasn't as bad as he had imagined.

Thinking this, Li Qing casually picked up a steamed bun, stuffed it into his mouth, and said indistinctly, "Don't worry. Going to receive the grain this time shouldn't be too dangerous. With the lesson from last time, this supply convoy will definitely have heavy escort."

"How do you know that?" Fatty Wu asked with a suspicious look.

Li Qing rolled his eyes and didn't say anything further, then took his food basin back to his tent.

After eating, when the night was deep and quiet, he once again slipped into the Eternal Night World.

"Calculating the time, it should be about time for the handover. Yan San should be coming today too..."

Li Qing, clad in a thick cotton coat, struck a stance and continued his training.

He didn't have to wait long before the courtyard gate was indeed knocked upon again.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Is Master Li there?" Yan San's voice followed.

Li Qing unhurriedly walked to the courtyard gate and welcomed Yan San in. Yan San still wore a fawning smile, eager to please this rather skilled blacksmith in the city.

"I've finished forging the Reaper Blades. Where's what I asked for?" Li Qing pointed to the pile of Reaper Blades placed in the corner of the yard.

"Yo! Master Li is indeed a man of his word! Don't worry, I've brought what you wanted from the Yan Family too!"

As he spoke, Yan San took out a scroll of beast skin and a green bamboo slip and handed them directly to Li Qing.

Li Qing took the beast skin scroll and the bamboo slip. Both were ancient and clearly old, not appearing to be fakes.

Unfolding the beast skin scroll, he saw it was inscribed with a depiction of a fierce tiger pouncing, full of spirit!

With just a glance, Li Qing was stunned by the martial intent emanating from the beast skin scroll.

Seeing this, Yan San thought Li Qing didn't understand what was drawn. He said, "Young Master Li, the Yan family says this was a very ferocious beast from the past. A Martial Hall Master once observed this beast hunting and created this technique!"

"Although this ferocious beast can no longer be found, this martial art has been passed down!"

Li Qing pondered for a moment and said, "Hmm, not bad."

The other ancient green bamboo slip contained something even more surprising to Li Qing – it was an internal martial art, the Turtle Breath Technique!

This time, Yan San didn't offer much explanation, as he saw satisfaction in Li Qing's eyes.

"Master Li, I'll take the Reaper Blades now, right?" Yan San asked tentatively.

"Sure, you can have it," Li Qing nodded.

Bang!

After the courtyard gate closed, a half-smile, half-sneer curved Li Qing's lips.

"Heh, the Yan family thinks they're so clever."

In Obsidian City, within a grand and luxurious mansion at the city center.

"You're saying that blacksmith Li accepted the two martial arts you brought him and looked pleased?"

A noble young master, dressed in fine silk and with delicate skin, asked with a strange expression.

Yan San, standing respectfully beside him, nodded repeatedly. "Yes, that's right. I dare guarantee it, Young Master Yan. Look, I even got the Reaper Blade back!"

"Hmm, well done. That blacksmith Li really is ignorant. No need to pay him much attention from now on," the Young Master Yan said, waving his hand dismissively.

Behind him, a burly middle-aged man also let out a scoff.

"This blacksmith Li is probably just an amateur, completely ignorant of martial arts."

"The first technique, Light Silk Leg, emphasizes finesse. For a blacksmith who's used to powerful, broad movements, it's definitely not suitable. He'll be lucky to reach minor success, and it won't pose any threat."

"As for Fierce Tiger Pounces, although the Beast Skin Scroll conveys a powerful intent, it's impossible to master without having seen a real fierce tiger. Where would he even find a ferocious tiger to observe in this day and age?"

Yan Song chuckled as well. He added, "The last technique, Turtle Breath Technique, is the most time-consuming to practice. Without ten or eight years, he probably won't even be able to get started."

"To think he was so satisfied with three useless items. It seems he truly is just an outsider."