Treasure Bow

Lu Chuan gave a wry smile at that. "Dad, that's easy for you to say. Where's the money?"

A good bow that could take down a wild boar wasn't something you could just hack off a mulberry branch and call it done.

The bow limb had to be osage orange wood—the age and the curing process both had to be just right. The string needed top-grade ox sinew, and you'd have to hire a craftsman to slowly shape and correct it... Without three to five taels of silver, it probably wouldn't be enough.

He paused, then added, "And the Mountain Tax we're trying to scrape together is only one tael two mace."

But Lu Danian flashed a sly look. "Cash, we naturally don't have at home... but we can borrow."

"Borrow?" Lu Chuan was genuinely taken aback. "Several taels of silver? In the dead of winter, who's got that much spare cash to lend out?"

Lu Danian leaned in closer, lowering his voice.

"Chuanzi, there's something I haven't had a chance to tell you since you weren't home the other day. Matchmaker Wang from Liujia Village came by. She brought up a marriage proposal."

Lu Chuan's brow twitched. He had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.

Sure enough, Lu Danian continued. "It's the daughter of Master Liu, over at the east end of Liujia Village. They heard about how you... dealt with Liu Biao a while back. They think you've got guts, you're a sharp young man, and with your training at the county Martial Arts Hall, you've got a bright future ahead."

"And you know the Liu family—they've got dozens of acres of good land, plus they run an Oil Mill. They're well-off..."

By this point, Lu Chuan understood completely.

This wasn't about borrowing money. This was about getting him to "sell himself"... no, to trade marriage for a betrothal gift.

He'd barely shown a bit of skill in the village, and in some people's eyes, he was already a promising stock worth betting on.

If he got married, not only would he get a bow, but the Liu family might also help cover his future martial arts expenses. His dad was trying to solve everything in one go, and maybe get a grandson sooner while he was at it.

He found it both funny and exasperating.

But after a moment's thought, he still refused.

"Dad, Mom, I get what you're thinking. But I've only just started training in martial arts. The expenses are only going to grow. I can't keep relying on my in-laws to support me—that'd be like living off a woman."

"It's too early to talk about marriage for me. I'm not going to sell myself just for a bow."

The light in Lu Danian's eyes dimmed a little. In the end, he let out a long sigh.

"You've got high aspirations, son... I know I can't talk you out of it."

He seemed to steel himself for another decision. "But we still need that bow. I'll swallow my pride and go to Wang's Blacksmith Shop—I'll get one on credit!"

"Credit?" Lu Chuan was genuinely surprised this time, and a surge of delight followed. "Uncle Wang's shop will let us buy on credit? Dad, why didn't you say you had that connection sooner!"

Lu Danian chuckled. "I wouldn't have dared to think of it before! And honestly, it's thanks to you, son. Now everyone in Kaoshan Village knows our Chuanzi is making something of himself. Who wouldn't want to bask in that glory? If we use his bow, we're doing him a favor!"

Then he muttered under his breath, "Of course... I still think the marriage proposal is the safer bet. And I could have a grandson sooner..."

With their minds made up, father and son headed toward Wang's Blacksmith Shop at the east end of the village.

As soon as they stepped inside, Old Wang, who was quenching a hoe, saw them and grinned. "Oh, Brother Lu! Chuanzi! What brings you here today?"

Lu Danian stepped forward with a smile. "Old Wang, our old bow at home is just too worn out to use. We came to see if you've got a suitable new one."

"A bow? Sure, sure!" Old Wang set down his work and led them to the back room. "They're all hanging in there. Take a look."

On the back wall hung seven or eight bows of varying lengths and materials.

Lu Chuan swept his gaze over them and picked the most conspicuous one. It felt heavy in his hand.

Old Wang noticed and quickly warned him. "Chuanzi, that one's heavy—it's a One-stone hard bow! If you haven't trained your strength, you won't be able to draw it..."

Before he could finish, his eyes went wide.

Lu Chuan braced the bow limb with his left hand and hooked the string with his right. With a steady pull, the taut bowstring bent into a full moon!

"Heavens above..." Old Wang sucked in a sharp breath. "Easy, easy! Don't dry-fire the bow..."

Lu Chuan slowly released the tension, letting the string return to rest. "Uncle Wang, I know. Dry-firing damages the bow."

Old Wang stared at him, dumbfounded, then sighed. "Brother Lu, you're a lucky man! How long has Chuanzi been at the Martial Arts Hall? And he's already got this kind of strength... truly remarkable!"

Lu Danian snapped out of his own shock.

He knew his son had learned skills at the hall, but he hadn't realized his strength had grown to this level. He probably couldn't even draw that bow himself.

"Old Wang... how much for this bow?"

"Oh, this one?" Old Wang began his spiel. "The limb is aged osage orange wood, tipped with top-grade water buffalo horn. The string is six-ply ox sinew twisted in reverse. The price... Three Taels Five Mace of silver."

Lu Danian lowered his voice. "Master Wang, to be honest, things have been really tight at home lately... this bow... could we possibly... take it on credit?"

Wang the Blacksmith's mind immediately started turning at the words.

Three Taels Five Mace was no small sum. Credit? In times like these, who knew if you'd ever pay it back?

But... his gaze involuntarily drifted back to Lu Chuan standing nearby.

The youth stood tall and straight, holding that heavy great bow with unusual steadiness.

How long had this kid been in the Martial Arts Hall? And he could already Open a Stone Bow... maybe, one day, he really would become a Martial Artist!

If he built a good connection now, he could even have his own boy learn a few moves from him later!

Wang the Blacksmith gritted his teeth. "Fine! Brother Lu, we've known each other for a while now—I trust your character! And Chuanzi's so promising... this bow, I'll credit it to you!"

Lu Danian's face broke into a relieved smile. "Thanks, Old Wang! Let's draw up the IOU right now!"

Lu Chuan also gave Wang the Blacksmith a solemn bow. "Thank you for your trust, Uncle Wang."

Wang the Blacksmith smiled back and turned to fetch paper and brush.

While waiting, Lu Chuan looked around the room, and suddenly spotted something in the corner.

It was also a bow. The body was dark and dull, with a few fine cracks, and the string hung loose and slack.

Unlike the other bows hanging on the wall, this one was casually propped there, covered in dust.

But its antique shape caught Lu Chuan's eye.

"Uncle Wang," he pointed at the corner, "that bow... where did it come from? It looks pretty old."

Wang the Blacksmith came back with the paper and brush, glanced where he pointed, and said, "Oh, that. It's an old heirloom from my great-grandfather's time. My father said it was awarded to my great-grandfather for his military merits back in the day. But by the time it reached me, it was too old to use anymore."

Lu Chuan's heart stirred at the words.

He stepped forward, brushed off the dust, and picked up the old bow.

[Weapon: Worn Treasure Bow]

[Quality: Mortal Grade High-rank]

[Description: A treasure bow crafted with care by a skilled artisan, using a Century Ironwood Core and Tiger Sinew as its main materials. Due to age and improper storage, the materials have severely degraded.]

[Collection Effect: Obtain Basic Archery · Perfection]

[Collect?]

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