Zhao Ming woke up to the warm glow of morning sunlight filtering through the wooden lattice windows. The faint aroma of rice porridge and side dishes reminded him that breakfast was ready. He sat down to eat, savoring the simple yet fulfilling meal.
Just as he finished, Murong Xue appeared at his door, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Without warning, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him outside.
"Come on, time for saber practice!" she declared.
Zhao sighed but followed along. They moved to the courtyard, where Murong Xue demonstrated several fluid saber movements, expecting him to follow. He did his best to mirror her, feeling the weight of the weapon in his grip.
Before long, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei arrived, eager for their morning sparring session. The two brothers challenged each other first, their weapons clashing with raw intensity. Zhao watched, taking mental notes on their techniques.
Liu Bei joined them later, arriving with a calm demeanor after a morning discussion with his teacher. Once everyone had finished training, Guan Yu turned to Zhao.
"Brother Zhao, do you want to come with us to the blacksmith?" he asked.
Before Zhao could decline, a system notification flashed in his vision:
> [Forced Quest Activated: Visit the Blacksmith and Provide Insight. Unlock: Metallurgy Skill and Weapon Design]
With no choice but to accept, Zhao nodded. Murong Xue, seeing that he was occupied, excused herself to meet her sect friends.
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The group arrived at the blacksmith’s workshop, where an old, burly man greeted them. His sharp eyes scanned the group before settling on Zhao. With a knowing smirk, he teased, "Ah, you didn’t bring the young miss with you today?"
Zhao shook his head. "Spare me from unnecessary trouble, senior."
Chuckling, the old man turned his attention to the brothers. "What brings you here? Looking for weapons?"
The three hesitated, uncertain about what they wanted. The old man gestured to the displayed weapons. "Take your time and see what suits you."
As they browsed, Zhao struck up a conversation with the old man. "What metals do you typically use for forging?"
"Mostly iron and bronze," the old man replied. "They are reliable and readily available."
Zhao’s eyes gleamed with interest. "Have you ever considered using high-carbon steel? It can make weapons sharper and more durable."
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The old man stroked his beard. "Interesting... Tell me more."
Zhao quickly explained the forging process, providing a brief outline of the steps required to produce high-carbon steel. The old man nodded in approval. "We can try that."
Meanwhile, the brothers had made their choices. Guan Yu wanted a spear, Zhang Fei preferred a polearm with a snake-like curve, and Liu Bei requested a double-edged sword with engraved details.
Zhao took a brush and paper, sketching designs for each weapon. The old man examined them and made minor adjustments before agreeing to forge them.
As they prepared to leave, Zhao received a system notification:
> [Quest Completed: Weapon Crafting Consultation. Reward: Enhanced Knife – Indestructible, Sharp with Bleeding Effect.]
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Later, Zhao made his way to the Murong Merchant Guild to buy supplies for his journey to Anxi. There, he met Murong De, who was preparing for his own trip to Linhuai by ship.
"It would be wise for you to travel with a caravan," Murong De advised. "A group is heading to Anxi in a few days. You should join them."
Zhao agreed, knowing that traveling alone would be dangerous.
That evening, his teacher summoned him for a discussion. "You must be cautious in Anxi. There are many forces at play."
Their conversation was interrupted by a servant, who announced that Murong Jin wished to speak with Zhao. His teacher gave him permission to go.
Murong Jin welcomed Zhao with a composed expression. "I want to give you some advice. Be careful in political matters, and do not trust easily."
Zhao nodded. "I will keep that in mind."
Jin then asked, "Would you consider joining the Murong family? We could provide you with resources and influence."
Zhao smiled. "I wish to see the world first."
Murong Jin chuckled. "That is the spirit of youth. Go, then, and make the most of your journey."
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As Zhao walked back through the estate, he passed by the Moonlit Melody Pavilion. Soft music filled the air, drawing him closer.
Peeking inside, he saw Murong Xue playing the guqin while Senior Sister Liu played the flute. The harmony between their instruments created a serene atmosphere.
They noticed him and gestured for him to join them. "Sit with us for a while," Xue said with a smile.
"Where are Fang and Chen?" Zhao asked.
"They have no interest in music," Senior Sister Liu replied. "They are busy with martial training."
After chatting for a while, they played another song. Zhao was captivated by the melody and asked, "What is this piece called?"
"It has no name," Xue replied. "Perhaps you can give it one."
Zhao thought for a moment. "How about 'Moonlit Reunion'?"
Xue and Senior Sister Liu exchanged glances and nodded approvingly.
"Since you have enjoyed our performance, you must pay with a poem," Senior Sister Liu teased.
Accepting the challenge, Zhao composed a short verse:
Beneath the silver moon so bright,
A melody drifts through the night.
Echoes of souls, both near and far,
Bound by fate where moonbeams are.
His poetic words left them both impressed.
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As the night deepened, Zhao wandered the estate, lost in thought. The journey ahead was uncertain, yet exhilarating.
A system notification appeared:
> [New Mission Unlocked: Journey to Anxi – Unknown Challenges Await.]
Looking up at the moon, Zhao took a deep breath. His path was set, and tomorrow, a new chapter would begin.
With a quiet resolve, he returned to his room, packed his belongings, and lay down to rest.
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End of Chapter 7