Several days later.
Sesshomaru and Jaken appeared beside the lake once more, but the other man was nowhere to be seen.
"Could that Evil Sword Smith have run off with Lord Sesshomaru's Demon Sword materials?"
Jaken looked around, but there was still no sign of the Evil Sword Smith. He could not help cursing inwardly.
Sesshomaru's expression was as impassive as ever, his gaze icy. Yet his presence had grown even more formidable, brimming with murderous menace.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I think that Evil Sword Smith must have fled!"
Jaken kept cursing. He had never believed the Evil Sword Smith sincerely intended to serve Sesshomaru. The man was definitely plotting something.
Sesshomaru said nothing. He merely stared coldly in one direction, where a chilling presence was approaching.
Before long, the Evil Sword Smith hurried over, wearing an apologetic smile.
"My deepest apologies for the wait, Lord Sesshomaru."
"Where is the sword?" Sesshomaru stared coldly at the Evil Sword Smith, as though he might kill him at any moment.
"Lord Sesshomaru, the Evil Sword's power is far too strong for me to withstand. You will have to retrieve it yourself!"
The Evil Sword Smith smiled faintly. He had not only used the materials Sesshomaru had provided, but also added quite a few even more sinister materials.
He could not approach such a weapon himself. It could certainly affect a living being's mind, and he dared not go near it. That excuse was genuine.
"Lead the way," Sesshomaru said, still cold. He seemed not to doubt the Evil Sword Smith's words, but his face was utterly chilling-the chill of a faintly stirring intent to kill.
"Please follow me, Lord Sesshomaru."
The Evil Sword Smith behaved respectfully, leading Sesshomaru to a sweltering area where he had forged the Evil Sword.
At the very center