Peering at the first to step forward, it was clearly the second senior brother, which meant it was the senior brother absent these past few days, Liang Qu mused.
Looking much like an old farmer, Yu Dun produced an animal pelt cloak—a cloak entirely black with a shimmering layer of fuzz.
“Ninth junior brother, this is a dog bear pelt cloak; it’s cut-proof, water-resistant, and quite warm for winter. Hope you like it.”
“Many thanks, second senior brother!” Liang Qu bowed deeply, gratefully accepting the cloak.
The feel was incredibly soft and supple, almost hard to believe it could withstand cold steel.
As the weather became chillier, his previous hemp garments were inadequate, so this arrived just in the nick of time.
The third senior brother, Lu Gang, stepped up: “Ninth junior brother, have a look at mine.”
Lu Gang was the bulkiest among all the brothers, with robust and powerful upper limbs.
Even in winter, he only wore a short robe, holding a block of black metal the length of his forearm.
“Third senior brother, what’s this?” Liang Qu was puzzled, a gift of steel?
Yang Dongxiong laughed: “Lu Gang’s family were blacksmiths, his grandfather a smith for the founding emperor’s army. His weapons are quite notable. This block of tungsten steel is perfect for forging weapons. His idea is to craft you a weapon using it. What do you prefer?”
Lu Gang nodded: “Blades, spears, swords, halberds—I can forge them all. What would the ninth junior brother prefer?”
A weapon?
Liang Qu's thoughts spun rapidly.
He had long desired a weapon, but iron was costly, so up to now, he’d been using a sharpened stone knife for slicing fish.
His element lay underwater; underwater, hacking and chopping weapons weren’t ideal.
Piercing weapons were more suitable.
Fishermen often used tridents to increase catch accuracy, but Liang Qu didn't need a trident.
His targets were creatures like the Crab Monster, needing a weapon that could pierce through with one strike, not just focus on hitting often.
A long spear suited him best.
After a moment of contemplation, Liang Qu respectfully said, “I prefer a long spear. Might Senior Brother Lu Gang forge me a great spear?”
Yang Dongxiong was surprised, “A great spear? It's easy to learn but hard to master. I could teach you, of course.”
“I am determined.”
Seeing his resolve, Yang Dongxiong didn’t press further.
Mastery in any weapon was challenging, and he only mentioned the difficulty in passing.
Besides, the spear was simple enough to begin learning.
“Alright, I’ll sketch some designs for you later. Choose what you like, and I’ll start forging. The materials for the shaft are ready; using tuna lacquer, it’ll take only about two months.”
“Two months or so?” Liang Qu was startled and worried, “Wouldn’t that trouble senior brother too much?”
“It won’t. The forging only takes about ten days, it’s the drying that’s lengthy. Tuna lacquer is quicker; regular varnish would take at least three months.”
“Then I must trouble Brother Lu.”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
Following was the tall and spirited Fourth Senior Brother, Xu Zishuai, who joked last night about losing his title of most handsome.
His gift was a pair of tungsten steel bracers, covering the entire forearm, firm yet remarkably lightweight, adjustable with leather straps.
Fifth Senior Sister Zhuo Shaoqin, with a statuesque and heroic presence, presented Cloudstride Boots, crafted from Ghostshadow Tiger Pelt: light and breathable.
Sixth Senior Brother Cao Rang, a figure of righteous appearance, offered a Pure Jade Pendant, capable of invigorating the mind, easing fatigue, and effective for restful sleep—four hours could feel like three and a half.
Seventh Senior Brother Hu Qi, towering in stature, gave a wide belt made of Mountain Oxhide, flame-proof and blade-resistant with excellent defense.
Eighth Senior Brother Xiang Changsong brought a premium narrow-sleeved robe, with gold-threaded edges and heavenly silk mixed into the weave, making it both soft and durable.
Liang Qu thanked each in turn, deeply moved.
For the first time since crossing into this life, he felt the relaxation of having support.
A set from each senior brother and sister: a complete ensemble of remarkable gear.
Belt, bracers, robe, cloak, weapon, accessory, shoes—it felt akin to visiting the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace to collect golden armor and divine gear like the Monkey King.
Xu Zishuai's words further confirmed his suspicion.
“I’m the worst at gift-giving, so after a chat, we decided to set you up with a full outfit—one piece from each of us. No gift overlaps.”
“How about it, little nine? Want to try them on? You're every bit as handsome as I, it’ll surely look great.”
“Yes, it’s bound to look good,” chimed in Xiang Changsong, eager to see how his robe would fare. “It's for your growing frame, I left room, but it should be fine.”
Lady Xu added, “Go try it.”
For a moment, all his senior brothers and sisters wanted to see Liang Qu don their gifts.
“This...” Liang Qu turned toward Master Yang Dongxiong.
Yang Dongxiong laughed, stroking his beard, “Since your brothers and sisters want to see, Nan Di, take my ninth disciple to the guest chamber to change.”
“Yes.” Nan Di approached, her dainty white hand gesturing toward the corridor. “Follow me, Ninth Young Master.”
Ninth Young Master?
Swirling in thoughts, Liang Qu dazedly followed her to the guest room.
Nan Di brought a large bronze mirror, polished to a water-like sheen, no less than mirrors of silver or aluminum.
In the reflection of his spirited self, Liang Qu’s mind teemed with emotions.
Arriving here, he was withering and gaunt, cheeks sunken like a flickering candle in the wind.
Now?
In two months, sixty days.
Energetic, radiant, even called Ninth Young Master!
Ninth Young Master!
He couldn’t believe it referred to him!
“Ha-ha.”
Startled by his own laughter, Liang Qu glanced at Nan Di beside him, coughed awkwardly to dampen his mirth, though struggling to keep the grin off his face.
“Ha-ha-ha…”
Great, now they’ll think I’m a fool.
Drawing deep breaths, he tamped down the laughter, composed his features, restoring his serious demeanor.
“Apologies, pardon my laughter.”
Nan Di bowed slightly, revealing dimples. “It’s natural joy, being Master Yang’s pupil. Many in surrounding towns, cities, and villages dream of this chance. Ninth Young Master is truly one in a million, outshining ordinary folks by bounds.”
Just as expected, she was a maid from a grand house; everything about her was fair, and her words honeyed.
With a hollow fist to his lips, Liang Qu coughed lightly. “Could you give me a moment alone? I’ll call when I’m done.”
“Yes.”
Once the room was vacated, Liang Qu started a meticulous change into his new attire.
The clean clothes from Hu Qi he had on were still presentable, but compared to his rough brown hemp garments? Quite the step up.
Wearing proper robes for the first time, it took him a moment to figure them out.
Less fuss for the poor folks, just drape on simple open-front hemp wear, nothing but convenience.
Gold-trimmed robe, white-soled boots, wide oxhide belt, a jade pendant at his waist, black wolf wood waistplate, tungsten steel armbands, dog bear pelt cloak…
One by one, Liang Qu donned each piece.
In the mirror, a brand new Liang Qu stood tall!
(Chapter end)