"Lord Cao?"
"It's nothing, nothing."
Cao Jinxing coughed. "The name sounded familiar. My mind wandered for a moment."
"Really?"
Lei Zongliang said, "What a coincidence. Eagle feathers are harder than metal, but their shafts are hollow, making them ideal for concealing poisoned needles. When this concealed weapon activates, the eagle feathers at the front harden and spread in all directions like a peacock fanning its tail. Once fired, the explosive charge at the rear ignites, launching all one hundred and thirty-two Seven Killings Needles with tremendous speed and force. There's no avoiding them! Even someone trained in protective astral qi would end up dead or wounded!"
"Excellent."
Cao Jinxing looked at the exquisitely crafted concealed weapon, his praise entirely sincere.
Whether or not they had cut corners, the design of hiding poisoned needles inside feather shafts was ingenious.
"Unfortunately, we were short on time, so its power is still somewhat lacking. This first version is yours, my lord. Once we improve it, we'll send the new model to your residence."
Lei Zongliang handed the Peacock Plume to Cao Jinxing.
After a moment's thought, Cao Jinxing accepted it. "Thank you, then." He glanced at the sky. "It's almost noon. You probably haven't eaten yet, Third Hall Master. Let me treat you. Heaven Beyond Tower serves excellent West Lake fish in vinegar sauce."
Lei Zongliang smiled. "It's rare to see you so free, my lord. I ought to join you, but unfortunately, I have urgent duties. The Ministry of War ordered eight hundred three-barreled guns that must reach Minister Hu's camp as soon as possible. I also have to help arrange security for the Famous Qin Gathering, held once every ten years by the Chess and Sword Music House. Once everything is settled, if you're still in Hangzhou, I'll certainly fulfill my