Chapter 14: Tang San Shocked, Brother Xiao Xian Also Uses Hidden Weapons?
The blacksmith shop was sweltering; stepping inside hit you with a wave of heat.
Inside, there was a hall; on the left side, nearer the entrance, was the forging area, with several casting tables lined up in a row. On the right wall hung weapons, farming tools, and even armor.
Xiao Xian walked to the right, avoiding the heat wave and feeling a bit cooler.
Tang San went to the forging area on the left, found a hulking man named Shi San, and explained to him the reason for his disappearance.
Shi San's skin was very dark, his forehead covered with beads of sweat, and faint specks of salt could be seen.
At first, his expression wasn't good, even rather cold.
But when he heard Tang San say he had become a Soul Master and saw the fleeting Yellow Soul Ring on Tang San's body, he was instantly startled.
His expression softened, and his tone unconsciously took on a hint of respect.
This is the norm on Douluo Continent.
Even the most ordinary Soul Master is a big figure in the eyes of common folk.
Especially since Tang San is so young… or rather, still a child.
In the blacksmith shop, the other smiths all set down their Big Hammers, looking at Tang San with curiosity and shock.
Xiao Xian admired the weapons on the wall and, when he had a moment, glanced at Tang San.
He seemed unchanged in expression, still respectful toward Shi San, calling him "Uncle Shi San" each time.
He didn't act any differently just because he had become a Soul Master.
On the contrary, he kept saying, "Please, don't take me as an apprentice worker."
A very modest demeanor.
But Xiao Xian knew that Tang San's underlying nature was still that of an "ancient person."
A person who has never left the Tang Sect in his whole life.
His moral concepts are extremely simple…
Looking at his growth in the original work… it is indeed so.
When he is wrong and lacks power, he obediently admits it; once he has power, he immediately becomes a bully, already having a way to bring about death.
Quite adaptable.
"Better let him be a Food Type Soul Master for his whole life," Xiao Xian thought silently; he didn't want to end up with a way to bring about death someday.
"Senior brother, the explanation is done, let's go," Tang San and Shi San, having clarified everything, smiled at Xiao Xian.
Xiao Xian was not in a hurry, shook his head and said, "Xiao San, no rush."
In Tang San's puzzled gaze.
Xiao Xian stepped forward and greeted Shi San.
"Uncle Shi San, how's the thing I asked for earlier?"
Shi San halted the Big Hammer he had just swung.
He looked at Xiao Xian, instantly recognized him, and an awkward smile appeared on his face.
"It's you."
"Sorry about that, that batch of short blades and those items turned out harder than we imagined; we only forged half of them…"
Shi San entered the back storeroom, brought out what Xiao Xian wanted, and said that if they didn't want the rest, they would refund the money.
Tang San glanced at the box on the ground and was immediately surprised.
Inside were various throwing knives, Steel Needles, darts, and things like wire mesh.
Although some seemed dubious, as a disciple of the Tang Sect he was more than familiar with these items.
Shi San said these items were what the senior brother wanted…
But why would the senior brother…?
Could it be that this world also has Hidden Weapons?!
Xiao Xian noticed Tang San's expression but pretended not to see.
Of course, that was intentional on his part.
He didn't want to show any Hidden Weapon skill in front of Tang San beforehand.
If Tang San discovered it later, he might think Xiao Xian was secretly learning, having a way to bring about death. Though he indeed had stolen a lot of knowledge, he just didn't want to be suddenly confronted by Tang San for a "settlement."
Xiao Xian casually grabbed a throwing knife and two Steel Needles from the box, gave them a flick.
It seemed as if a gust of wind blew.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!
Clack clack!
The throwing knife and Steel Needles arced out and landed steadily on the wooden strips of the wall where weapons were displayed.
"The items are fine, I'm not in a hurry, and I'll leave the rest to Uncle Shi San!" Xiao Xian nodded with satisfaction, walked to the right wall, and pulled the Steel Needles and throwing knife from a wooden strip only an inch wide.
Tang San looked at Xiao Xian's back, his eyes slightly surprised, and couldn't help exclaiming in his heart, "Hidden Weapons… really are Hidden Weapons!"
Shi San stared at Xiao Xian, a bit bewildered. He couldn't discern much, only that this young Soul Master lord had an amazing aim; no wonder he wanted these items.
But Tang San saw clearly.
The throwing knife and the two Steel Needles just now didn't fly straight through the air!
Instead, each wavered slightly, tracing a tiny arc!
Just like the Swallow Parting Flight in the Tang Sect Hidden Weapon Encyclopedia!
And the technique was extremely refined.
"Is it coincidence… or…" Tang San felt a mix of excitement and doubt, opened his mouth, but held back.
In the end, he set aside his suspicion for the moment. The blacksmith shop was crowded.
"I'll take these now; you can take the rest at your leisure."
Xiao Xian tossed the Steel Needle and the throwing knife into the box, stored them in his Storage Soul Guide Device, then took out a Gold Soul Coin and handed it to Shi San.
The two left the blacksmith shop.
In the blacksmith shop, everyone continued forging while unable to stop chattering about Xiao Xian and Tang San, alternately exclaiming in amazement and envy.
Until Shi San scolded them with a laugh, saying he'd invite them for barley wine tonight, but first they should focus on finishing this batch of goods, lest any defective items slip out.
"……"
On the way back to the academy, Tang San hesitated several times, wanting to speak but holding back.
Xiao Xian naturally noticed this as well, and knew in his heart that Tang San must be full of doubts.
Until they returned to Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy.
After a few more teachers and classmates were around.
"Little San, is there something on your mind? You look unsettled," Xiao Xian asked, feigning a sudden realization, with concern.
Tang San hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't hold back and asked, "Senior brother, the way you threw the throwing knife just now looked impressive! Is that also a soul skill?"
"Soul skill?" Xiao Xian gave a dumbfounded smile and said, "It's just tossing something out; as long as you have a hand, that's enough. Though there's a bit of technique, it doesn't count as a soul skill."
Tang San was a bit stunned; he hadn't expected Xiao Xian to answer that way.
In his view, this could very well be "Swallow Parting Flight"!
A rather exquisite technique.
How could it be just a little technique?
Xiao Xian seemed not to notice Tang San's expression and continued walking toward the academy.
"However, your situation is somewhat similar to mine, senior brother."
"This way of tossing things outward does have some combat potential; it's unexpected and might even silently kill a Soul Master or something."
"If you want to learn it, find some time and I'll teach you."
"But I'm just figuring it out based on my own situation; if I teach it poorly, don't blame me."
"So it really was a coincidence…?" Tang San, hearing the phrase "figuring it out," felt something in his heart and couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.
He had thought that this world could also have Hidden Weapons.
Or perhaps there is a Tang Sect.
After all, he himself is a living example.
Now it seems he's overthinking.
As for this Swallow Parting Flight, could Xiao Xian have stolen it…
Tang San shook his head silently in his mind.
He only used it that night when fighting Xiao Wu, in total darkness, and Xiao Xian wasn't present.
Moreover, Xiao Xian's technique is too proficient.
It doesn't at all look like something just stolen.
……
End of Chapter
