Summer had arrived, and the temperature had become unbearably scorching.
The little tiger cub had grown to about three or four months old, but due to its previous injuries, it was inherently weak, making it appear no larger than a stray dog at this moment.
At this time, Li Qing had already begun feeding it meat. In another month or two, when the cub was about half a year old, it would be weaned completely. Although Li Qing had little experience in raising animals, as the little tiger cub grew larger and its vitality became more robust, it was unlikely that he would fail to keep it alive.
“Roar!” The little cub was gnawing on the wooden planks at the edge of its bed, restlessly tearing apart the house.
Beside it, Li Qing was simultaneously practicing the Golden Body Technique and the Turtle Breathing Technique.
After this period of practice, he had yet to step beyond the first layer of the Golden Body Technique, but he had a premonition that this year, he would successfully enter the first layer and fully master the technique.
In contrast, his progress in the Turtle Breathing Technique had been much faster; his internal strength was now approaching the level of an external strength expert.
To cultivate both internal and external martial arts to the level of an external strength expert was an extremely difficult task. If it weren't for the complementary nature of the Golden Body Technique and the Turtle Breathing Technique, with Li Qing's innate talent, it would likely take him at least seven to eight years to reach his current level.
“Ha!”
Li Qing withdrew his stance, feeling the internal strength within him flowing like a stream, and nodded in satisfaction.
“Now, I could probably take on two or three external strength martial artists without much effort.”
As he spoke, his gaze was fixed on a large jar of tightly sealed tiger bone wine in the room. By next year, this jar of wine would be ready to drink, and at that time, his martial arts would continue to advance by leaps and bounds.
So, wait! Patiently wait!
Just as Li Qing was filled with anticipation, a sudden knocking sound came from outside the blacksmith shop.
Knock, knock, knock!
Accompanying the knocking was a rough voice:
“Is Master Li in?”
It was Fang Long's voice. What could be the purpose of his sudden visit?
With a hint of confusion, Li Qing walked outside the shop to greet his guest.
He saw Big Boss Fang standing at the door with a beaming expression, holding a string of cured meat. Upon seeing Li Qing, his smile grew even brighter.
“Big Boss Fang, what brings you here?” Li Qing asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Fang Long laughed heartily, “Hahaha, Master Li, my brother Yang has successfully joined the Fengwei Gate, and I came today to ask for a bit of good fortune.”
As he spoke, Big Boss Fang handed the string of cured meat to Li Qing.
Li Qing did not refuse, accepting the cured meat while repeatedly expressing his congratulations.
“I have heard of the Fengwei Gate; those who can enter are truly the cream of the crop. Congratulations, congratulations!”
This was no empty praise. The Fengwei Gate, established by the court, sought only the elite among the elite, after all, it was a position in the imperial capital.
It was said that more than half of the people inside were external strength martial artists, and some had even been drawn from the Wuli Army into this newly established department.
The fact that Yang Xing could enter was already quite telling.
Moreover, the status of the heroes from Liangzhou would likely become even more secure; it was estimated that even the three major Martial Halls would not easily encroach on this street's territory.
This was the advantage of having connections in the court; the current Fang Long could no longer be compared to his past self.
Then, Big Boss Fang continued, “Master Li, I actually have another request today! I would like you to forge a suitable weapon for my brother!”
“Entering the Fengwei Gate is not the same as before; as his older brother, I cannot always look after him, so I can only use this method to give him a bit more self-defense.”
“Of course, you can rest assured that the payment will be absolutely no less; whatever the amount is, it will be that amount!”
Upon hearing this, Li Qing readily agreed to the matter.
“Oh, so that's what it is. No problem at all. May I ask what kind of weapon your brother Yang uses?”
Big Boss Fang immediately replied, “A sword! A long sword! It shouldn’t be too heavy, but it should be sharp; these are the two requirements my brother Yang mentioned.”
“I will charge you thirty taels of silver, and you can come to collect the sword in three days.” Li Qing answered without hesitation.
Li Qing was no stranger to sword forging; as soon as Big Boss Fang stated the requirements, an image of an iron sword had already formed in his mind. “Alright, here’s the silver. I will come to collect the sword in three days.”
As he spoke, Big Boss Fang took out three pieces of ten-tael silver.
Unlike when he first arrived in Shengtian, the few brothers from Liangzhou who had occupied Chiming Street had evidently saved up quite a bit of wealth.
“Master Li, I won’t disturb you any longer. Farewell!”
Big Boss Fang clasped his fists and quickly left.
Li Qing watched the street boss depart, and a wave of thoughts surged within him.
These brothers from Liangzhou could now establish their presence within the Fengwei Gate, which could be considered as having a foundation in Shengtian; in the future, this street's territory would not be so easily taken away.
Moreover, the newly established Fengwei Gate by the court was clearly not just for maintaining order among the martial artists in the city.
Court struggles? Balancing factions?
It was unclear and unfathomable.
“This imperial capital, though prosperous, is truly a place full of troubles,” Li Qing shook his head, shaking these thoughts from his mind.
In the next moment, a loud crash suddenly came from inside the house.
Boom!
Accompanied by a few startled roars from the little tiger cub: “Roar! Roar!”
Hearing this commotion, a black line appeared on Li Qing's face; he didn’t need to think to know that the cub had started tearing the house apart again.
He rushed into the house, quickly scanning the surroundings to ensure that the large wine jar was unharmed before letting out a sigh of relief.
Then he grabbed the little cub, staring directly into its eyes with a stern tone, “If you dare to tear the house apart again, I will stew you!”
“Roar!” The little cub whimpered, looking pitiful, and did not struggle too much, behaving relatively well.
But to be honest, this was the stage when the little tiger was most energetic, and it was quite normal for it to make some noise.
After warning it, Li Qing couldn’t help but let out a sigh and set it down, beginning to tidy up the fallen shelf.
The shelf was mostly filled with miscellaneous items, but underneath, he had hidden several martial arts techniques he was currently practicing.
For instance, the Fierce Tiger True Intent Diagram, Golden Body Technique, and Light Luo Leg were all stored beneath.
While he was cleaning, he suddenly touched a thick booklet.
It was the Ancient Hammer Technique!
Li Qing held the martial arts manual in his hand, falling into deep thought.
He recalled the last words his master had entrusted to him before passing, asking him to return this martial art to his family.
Due to various distractions like brewing wine since arriving in Shengtian, he had delayed this task time and again.
Now that he had rare free time, he could consider returning this martial art.
“Qingzhou, Chongning County.”
He had firmly remembered these instructions from his master.
It was indeed time to find an opportunity to make a trip!
“Behave yourself for the next few days. Once I finish forging the weapon, I will take you out to play,” Li Qing warned the little tiger repeatedly.
The little cub seemed to understand Li Qing's words and immediately rolled on the ground, looking quite happy.
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(End of Chapter)