Sima Qingshan

"Very well, each of you take good care of the secret manuals you have chosen. In one year's time, you will need to return them. This must not be neglected. ...www..com..."

Hall Master Li said in a deep voice, glancing at the disciples who all wore happy expressions.

"Yes, we will certainly obey the Hall Master's orders."

"Good. If there are any difficult parts within the manuals, you may go to the Elite Hall to seek guidance from the elders and myself. You are not allowed to fight amongst yourselves or take lives. You may now return to your respective quarters."

Returning to his room, Qin Fengming impatiently took out the manual titled "Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms" and began to study it carefully.

"Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms" was a secret text that detailed the principles and manufacturing processes of mechanism-based hidden weapons. It provided even more in-depth explanations for several types of hidden weapons that had long since disappeared from the martial arts world.

If such a secret text were to circulate, it would undoubtedly cause a great upheaval in the martial arts world of the Great Liang Kingdom.

Qin Fengming studied this secret text for a reason. He believed himself to be small and weak. Even if his sword techniques were exquisite, his physical strength was always limited. As for hidden weapons, he had personally experienced their power when he annihilated Yuan Kejian and his group.

They were a simple and highly effective means to turn defeat into victory.

Unconsciously, Qin Fengming studied "Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms" from noon until evening, even forgetting his lunch.

As the sky darkened and he was forced to put down "Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms," Qin Fengming realized that it was getting late and his stomach was rumbling with hunger. He then walked out of the courtyard and headed towards the dining hall behind the main hall.

In the evening, he lit a pine oil lamp and, by the flickering light, Qin Fengming continued to study "Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms" until very late into the night. Only then did he manage to get through a rough overview of the entire manual.

After careful consideration and comparison, he ultimately chose a hidden weapon called "Cold Star" as his first choice.

"Cold Star" was a hidden weapon shaped like the rouge boxes used by women, only palm-sized. It had five small holes on the front, and inside the box were five "heart-piercing nails." These nails could be coated with potent poison, causing instant death to anyone struck.

Manufacturing this hidden weapon was also extremely difficult. Its core component required Purple Gold Iron; ordinary steel could not unleash its full power. The box body could be made of ordinary fine iron, but the heart-piercing nails required the even rarer Black Essence Steel. Furthermore, crafting all the parts of this hidden weapon demanded a blacksmith with highly skilled craftsmanship.

For Qin Fengming at this time, he lacked the financial resources to find such precious materials. Moreover, even if he had the materials, it would be difficult to find a suitable blacksmith to complete the crafting.

Therefore, over the next few days, Qin Fengming found paper and ink and, following the diagrams of "Cold Star" in "Detailed Explanation of Mechanisms," he broke down and drew detailed schematics for all the components needed to make the hidden weapon. After carefully examining them and finding no flaws, he hid them close to his body.

Although it was difficult to craft now, he would surely have the opportunity to complete it in the future.

A month later, as Qin Fengming was meditating and practicing his internal energy in his room, a senior disciple suddenly arrived at his courtyard. He informed Qin Fengming that the Hall Master wished to see him.

Without daring to delay, Qin Fengming hurried to the Elite Hall. Inside, besides the Hall Master, there was only a burly middle-aged man in a yellow robe seated beside him.

"Fengming, this is Elder Wu. He is here to take you to see Sect Master Sima. Now, go back and pack your belongings and go with Elder Wu."

Seeing Qin Fengming enter the hall, Hall Master Li's face lit up with joy. Before Qin Fengming could even bow, he spoke first, his face full of pleased encouragement.

Hearing the Hall Master's words, Qin Fengming was bewildered. Without time to think further, he bowed respectfully, returned to his quarters, and packed his personal belongings. Then, carrying his sword, he followed Elder Wu down Wangyue Peak.

At this moment, a thought crossed Qin Fengming's mind: Could it be that the Sect Master has agreed to let me join the Dark Night Hall?

Rosy Cloud Peak was where the Sect Master of Luoxia Valley resided. Its name came from the fact that whenever the rain cleared and the sky was bright, one could see colorful clouds drifting around when standing on the peak.

The mountain valley to the west of Rosy Cloud Peak was very deep and remote. The colorful clouds seemed to be falling into that valley, hence the name Luoxia Valley. This valley was the foundation of the Luoxia Valley sect.

As the two traveled, Elder Wu pointed out various landmarks along the way, explaining the directions to Qin Fengming in detail.

After traveling a bit further, a vast valley appeared ahead. There were many buildings within the valley. Qin Fengming swept his gaze around and his expression became one of confusion. He found that there were no less than a thousand courtyards and houses built in this valley. People of all ages, men and women, were entering and exiting the houses, like a bustling town.

Observing the people coming and going, he noticed that regardless of age or gender, their movements were light and their steps silent. With Qin Fengming's knowledge, he knew that these people, who appeared to be ordinary villagers, were all martial artists.

Seeing Qin Fengming's surprised look, Elder Wu smiled faintly. "Heh heh, the people who live here are all family members of the disciples of Luoxia Valley. After centuries of procreation, there are now several thousand people. This is just one of several gathering places."

Hearing Elder Wu's words, Qin Fengming's heart was greatly stirred. He realized that he had only known the surface of Luoxia Valley.

In reality, Luoxia Valley had existed for much longer than several hundred years, but the disciples were only told to say so. The exact number of years since its founding was impossible to trace.

An hour later, the two arrived at the peak of Rosy Cloud Peak. Ahead was a manor covering dozens of acres, surrounded by a tall wall built of stone blocks. Inside were rows of wooden houses, intricately carved and painted. Eight people stood guard at the entrance.

Upon seeing Elder Wu arrive, they all bowed in greeting. Elder Wu seemed very familiar with the people at the entrance. He merely nodded slightly and led Qin Fengming into the manor.

The two walked all the way to the third courtyard. Although they encountered many disciples wearing Luoxia Valley attire along the way, none of them stopped Qin Fengming and Elder Wu.

They finally stopped outside a central building.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, income has slightly increased this past quarter."

"Yingzhou City sent thirty-eight thousand taels of silver and three carts of cloth."

"Luyu City sent twenty-five thousand eight hundred taels of silver and two carts of various medicinal herbs."

"Songyue City sent thirty-one thousand taels of silver and three carts of various weapons."

"..."

"Consolidating the income from various regions, the total revenue for this quarter is two hundred and seventy-eight thousand taels of silver. A total of one hundred and seventy-three thousand six hundred and fifty-three spirit stones were submitted."

"We lost six disciples and injured seventeen this quarter. However, the small mountain bandit group, with whom Luoxia Valley has always been at odds, has been wiped out."

As the two stood outside the door, voices could be heard from within the room.

As the voices faded, a calm voice slowly said, "Mm, I understand. Ensure timely compensation for the deceased disciples. If any disciple's family faces difficulties, provide more assistance. The injured disciples must be properly treated. Alright, you may go now."

A moment later, there was no sound from the room. Just as Elder Wu stepped forward to knock, a voice from inside said, "Is that Junior Brother Wu? You and Qin Fengming may enter."

Seated on a large wooden chair in the center of the room was a man. Qin Fengming looked closely and recognized him as Sect Master Sima, whom he had seen on the high platform during the martial arts competition that day.

Without waiting for Elder Wu to introduce him, Qin Fengming quickly stepped forward two paces and bowed, saying, "Disciple Qin Fengming pays his respects to the Sect Master."