Chapter 284: The North Cloud Path Sword Forge

Chen Changsheng glanced at him and said, “I’m afraid it’s not that easy.”

The Manager only smiled in reply.

“If I hide well enough, the trouble lessens. But I know very clearly that one day, I will fall under someone’s blade.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Regret…”

The Manager thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No regrets. Once you enter the Jianghu, you either become famous across the land through unmatched martial skill or cut through obstacles with your sword. Kindness doesn’t let you live long.”

Chen Changsheng chuckled. “I’ve met quite a few people. You’re probably the most spirited of the Jianghu folk.”

Hearing this, the Manager waved a hand. “What Jianghu this or that? I’m just a little Inn manager now.”

Chen Changsheng said nothing more.

He drank the last sip from the wine jug, then returned to his room.

Early the next morning, Chen Changsheng checked out.

The Manager stepped outside to see him off, gifting him some fine wine.

Chen Changsheng draped the fox-fur cloak over his shoulders and left the Inn.

“No need to walk me out,” Chen Changsheng said.

The Manager nodded, snowflakes dusting his hair. “If you run into that little kid, please give him my regards. Tell him I’m at peace now. I don’t kill anymore. It wasn’t in vain that he saved my life once.”

“Alright.”

Chen Changsheng agreed, then wasted no time walking into the snowy wind.

The Manager’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurried after him.

“Is something else wrong?” Chen Changsheng asked.

The Manager said, “A question—are you the Tea Valley Gentleman people talk about? I think you might be.”

Chen Changsheng grinned. “Do you think I am?”

Understanding dawned on the Manager, and he smiled. “Unmatched martial skill, fame across the land. Witnessing such things shows me the truly diverse Jianghu.”

Chen Changsheng replied, “But I am not one of the Jianghu People.”

“Then what are you?” The Manager asked, curious.

Chen Changsheng rubbed his chin, then said suddenly, “Just a wine drinker, perhaps.”

He laughed and waved. “Off I go.”

Stunned, the Manager looked up at the figure in the Blue Robe disappearing into the snowfall.

“A wine drinker…”

The Manager chewed on the idea until a bright understanding hit him.

“What a wine drinker.”

Only one who was everything could say it like that.

The Manager realized this person was truly uncommon. One day, without doubt, his name would shake the world.

Chen Changsheng traveled for several days.

The further he went, the deeper the snow beneath his feet grew.

He rested at a roadside shed, taking sips from the Wine Gourd at his waist.

Then, faintly, he heard rhythmic clanging from the mountain slopes.

Chen Changsheng glanced upward. Piercing through the trees and falling snow, his eyes caught a small building perched on the mountainside.

“There’s actually such a place here…”

Chen Changsheng picked up his step, moving toward the mountain path.

“Hiisss.”

A sword blade plunged into water. White steam billowed upward.

The man doing the forging was shirtless. His hair was tied back in black cloth, seemingly to guard against stray sparks.

Chen Changsheng approached the building and called out, “Is anyone within? I, a wanderer, arrived here. May I step in for some tea?”

The blacksmith wiped his sweat, then glanced outward. Recognizing the figure, he said, “Can’t pause with the ironwork. Come right in and rest! A Jun, tea for this gentleman.”

“Coming, Master.”

Chen Changsheng entered. Soon, a girl of eight or nine came soundlessly, carrying tea.

“Please have tea, sir,” said A Jun, placing the cup down. “Could you wait a moment? My Master can’t stop forging now.”

“No issue.”

Chen Changsheng didn’t sip his tea yet. Instead, his gaze lingered on the young girl.

A Jun dropped her eyes shyly. “Why do you keep looking at me, sir?”

Chen Changsheng shifted his gaze away. He didn’t explain but asked, “Why build a forge in this place?”

A Jun readily answered, “Sir, this is a Sword Forge. All famous swords start from such forges. My Master is North Cloud Path’s forge-master.”

Chen Changsheng expressed surprise. “I have heard of blade forges mentioned before, but never thought I’d encounter one.”

Martial culture flourished everywhere, and weaponsmithing thrived—especially swords and knives. Such times gave special life to master craftsmen.

Years ago, blacksmiths from rivers and seas joined together to start the Sword Forge. Hidden through mountains, they settled in ways scattered across every land.

“Drink your tea, sir,” said A Jun.

Chen Changsheng nodded. “Thank you.”

He took a little sip, then looked back at the girl. “You’re very young and female—are you also a blade master?”

A Jun shook her head. “Not yet. I’m learning martial arts from Master.”

“Martial arts?” Chen Changsheng questioned.

A Jun said, “Master is powerful. Not only in blade forging, but also in swordsmanshi—”

Her words were abruptly cut.

“A Jun!”

“Master…”

Swordmaster Chen Zhenghai wiped his hands. “Five hundred strokes today done?”

A Jun’s face paled. “Starting practice now!”

The young girl rushed away. Instantly, swishes of blade practice came from the backyard.

Chen Zhenghai sat down, clasped a hand to fist. “My apologies for the long wait, young sir.”

“Not an issue.” Chen Changsheng slid the teacup forward.

Chen Zhenghai drank deeply for thirst relief. “I am Chen Zhenghai, Sword Forge master of North Cloud Path. And you, young sir?”

Chen Changsheng stated, “I go by Changsheng. A simple wanderer.”

“A wanderer? We share the family name!”

Chen Zhenghai smiled kindly. “That’s no small thing. These lands are turmoil. Safe travel is rare.”

Chen Changsheng agreed. “Aye. Walking from South Shu Road all northward, I’ve found much adventure.”

Chen Zhenghai paused. He looked Chen Changsheng over carefully. Recognition dawned. “Aren’t you… Tea Valley Gentleman?”

Chen Changsheng’s hand holding the cup froze. He met Chen Zhenghai’s gaze with a slight smile, meaning clear.

Chen Zhenghai understood fully and laughed. “Sir, you did great deeds. Our Sword Forge hides in remote sites because the routes were too unsafe. Now bandits vanish from the roads—less trouble for us.”

Chen Changsheng shook his head. “Not doing good deeds. They just happened to block my way.”

Chen Zhenghai grinned. “Tea Valley Gentleman indeed stands apart!”

Chen Changsheng chuckled once more, then raised his cup. “Forget being Tea Valley Gentleman. This tea feels finer.”

Chen Zhenghai looked startled, then roared laughter. “True, true! It’s no luxury good, but I’ll give you some to take.”