The servant and master each washed away the dust of their journey before they stepped out. They stopped at a small stand for two bowls of wontons before making their way to Li’s Blacksmith Shop.
As they approached, they saw a burly woman grips a piece of iron with tongs in her left hand on an anvil, while her right hand wielded a hammer, rhythmically striking the iron and sending sparks flying. Beside her, a basin of charcoal burned red-hot.
It was none other than Lady Li who was forging the metal.
She clamped the iron into the burning coals, then removed it and plunged it into a nearby water basin.
Upon contact, a puff of steam rose from the basin, and bubbles roiled to the surface.
This process of quenching was a common step in blacksmithing.
"Lady Li," Wufu greeted with a smile as they approached.
Dressed in a dusty Short Brown, her hair in a round bun, Lady Li, indistinguishable from a man in attire, looked up as they called her. Recognizing Wufu and her companion, she nodded.
"Take a seat, I’ll be finished shortly," Lady Li said, gesturing with a nod of her head.
Wufu replied cheerfully with an agreement, stepping further into the shop without sitting down, but instead, she began to examine the various tools and weapons on display.
Li’s goods were exceptionally intricate, ranging from small household items like pots and pans to agricultural tools for the field, and right up to the swords, sabers, and arrows used by Jianghu People—all skillfully crafted.
Wufu picked up an iron ring. It was a plain hoop, yet she could discern the subtlety concealed within. The ring had a mechanism, with tiny holes around it, finely crafted, likely meant for slender needles.
"This can be used as a wrist guard. If you press this mechanism, these little boxes can hold needles. Pressing this will launch them. It’s suitable for close-quarters defense," Lady Li explained as she came over and pointed out each feature of the iron ring.
"Torrential Pear Blossom Needles?" Wufu raised an eyebrow with interest.
Lady Li hesitated for a moment and replied, "Not that sophisticated, nor as fanciful."
Someone who knows her stuff.
That’s what both thought silently.
Smiling, Wufu added, "Practicality is what counts." She set the iron ring aside and asked, "Is my knife ready?"
Lady Li nodded, retrieving an object wrapped in cloth from a cupboard and unwrapped it.
The bronze hilt of the knife was simple, without ornate patterns—just a few auspicious clouds sketched out and some small holes, all made according to Wufu’s design.
This hilt was unlike the typical dagger hilt and served a dual purpose. It acted both as a scabbard and could be rotated to form a sturdy handle, complete with a blade lock, allowing for one-handed operation.
Wufu took it and with one hand, flicked it open effortlessly—the blades, designed like an eagle’s beak, were exceptionally sharp, emitting a cold, intimidating gleam that could make one’s heart tremble with fear.
Holding it, Wufu examined it closely, her eyes clearly filled with joy. Feeling impulsive, she began to skillfully manipulate the blade.
She tossed the knife lightly into the air, then caught it barehanded. Lady Li was about to shout a warning as Wufu threw the knife but caught herself as the blade was safely caught.
Then, she watched in wide-eyed astonishment.
The delicate and sharp Butterfly Knife seemed to come to life in her hands, flipping and turning with a fluidity like a graceful serpent slithering between her fingers. The blade glinted and danced, fast and mesmerizing like blossoming flowers, too rapid for the eyes to fully catch.
Lady Li’s mouth fell open as she watched the display; it was the first time she had seen a knife handled with such artistry. It was indeed, mesmerizing!
And Liu Jin, with eyes shining with excitement, thought it was breathtakingly fast and beautiful!