Chapter 762

Chongtian Zongsi's calloused palm gently brushed over the sword sheath, his eyes showing a rare hint of envy.

But we need to keep the meaning exactly.

Let's translate each line.

We'll need to be careful with names: Use exact forms from glossary for those four: Zuosong Xiaoxiaolang, Chongtian Zongsi, Honkai 3, Gong Zao Si.

Now produce translations.

Line 1:

Okita Sōji's calloused palm lightly brushed the sword sheath, and a rare hint of envy appeared in his eyes.

Translation: Chongtian Zongsi's calloused palm lightly brushed over the sword sheath, his eyes revealing a rare hint of envy.

Okita Sōji's calloused palm lightly brushed the sword sheath, and his eyes held a rare hint of envy.

Line 2:

Like others who pursue perfection in the Way of the Sword, the people of Xianzhou can spend hundreds or even thousands of years seeking the Dao, but I can only die early from tuberculosis—let alone hundreds of fatal wounds; even a disease can easily take my life, leaving me to lie helplessly in a sickbed while I watch the Shinsengumi march toward ruin.

Translation: Just as those who pursue the utmost in the Way of the Sword, Immortal Vessel people can spend hundreds or even thousands of years seeking the Great Dao, while I can only die early from tuberculosis—let alone hundreds of fatal wounds, even illness can easily take my life; I can only lie in bed and watch the True Selected Group march toward destruction.

We need to keep "Way of the Sword" in quotes? We translated as "Way of the Sword". Could also keep "Sword Dao". But we translated meaning. That's fine.

Line 3:

If he were lucky enough to become a Xianzhou resident, I'd expect him to get along well with Yan Qing and Yunli.

Translation: If he too were fortunate enough to become an Immortal Vessel person, he could probably become good friends with Yan Qing and Yunli.

Line 4:

Strange... if demon swords are such heart‑corrupting things, why doesn't General Huaiyan melt them all down? I feel this old general isn't as resolute about demon swords as Yunli is. Lü Bu said from the side.

Translation: "Strange... since demonic swords are such heart-corrupting things, why doesn't General Huaiyan melt them all down? I just feel this old general isn't as decisive with demonic swords as Yunli is." Lü Bu said from the side.

We need to keep the speaker tag: Lü Bu said from the side.

Line 5:

Sasaki Kojiro furrowed his brow and said, "Could it be that this old general has already mastered the perfect forging method to completely eliminate the Suiyang backlash? If not, it would be hard to entrust these demon swords to anyone outside the Zhuming Xianzhou—the winner of this martial demonstration didn't just receive a precious sword, but invited a calamity that could turn on its wielder."

Translation: Zuosong Xiaoxiaolang frowned and said, "Could it be that this old general has mastered the perfect forging technique to completely remove Solar Yang backlash? If not, it would be hard to entrust the demonic sword to anyone outside of Zhu Ming Immortal Vessel, for the champion of this martial demonstration ceremony did not receive a precious sword but instead invited a disaster that could backfire on himself."

Line 6:

The human heroes in the lounge were unaware of General Huaiyan's true intentions; they simply assumed, almost instinctively, that as the eldest general, he could never do something so obviously absurd.

Translation: All the human heroes in the lounge were unaware of General Huaiyan's true intentions, merely assuming instinctively that, as the oldest general, he could never do something so obviously absurd.

Line 7:

Original: ——

Translation: —— (just keep the em dash).

Line 8:

"Is that sword really forged with Suiyang?" Xing asked.

Translation: "Is that sword really forged with Solar Yang?" Xing asked.

Line 9:

"Goyun is indeed one of the demon swords forged by Guangying. Few craftsmen can use Suiyang as a blade material, and Guangying is one of them. He paid a terrible price for his attempt…" General Huaiyan changed tack: "This Goyun was supposed to be an opportunity—I'll tell her that the 'father' in her memory isn't set in stone; even the Guangying she resents could forge a 'hero's sword.'"

Translation: "Lone Cloud is indeed one of the demonic swords forged by Han Guang. Few artisans can use Solar Yang as a sword-forging material, and Han Guang is one of those few; he paid a heavy price for his attempt." General Huaiyan shifted tone: "This Lone Cloud should have been an opportunity—I will tell her that the 'father' in her memory is not unchangeable, and even the Han Guang she resents can forge a 'Hero's Sword'."

We need to keep the quotes structure. We'll output as a single line with the translation.

Line 10:

General Huaiyan also wanted to find a chance to talk with Yunli, but the sword‑giving ceremony wasn't the right moment. Now he has entrusted someone to deliver the sword to the Gongzao Bureau, and Xing can have a familiar person help verify it.

Translation: "Huaiyan also wanted to find a chance to talk with Yunli, but unfortunately the sword-giving ceremony wasn't a good moment. Now he has entrusted someone to deliver the sword to Gong Zao Si, and Xing can also have an acquaintance help verify it."

Line 11:

Upon saying that, Xing immediately pulled out his phone to contact Master Gongshu, confirming that the demon sword had been safely delivered.

Translation: "Having said that, Xing immediately pulled out his phone to contact Master Gongshu, confirming that the demonic sword had been safely delivered."

Line 12:

"By the way, I heard from my apprentice that a little girl barged into the Gongzao Bureau brandishing a sword. Is that General Huaiyan's granddaughter? Is she here to chat with me or to rob me?"

Translation: "Indeed, I heard from an apprentice that a little girl barged into Gong Zao Si brandishing a sword—could that be General Huaiyan's granddaughter? Is she here to chat with me or to rob?"

Line 13:

Even through the screen, Xing could almost feel Master Gongshu's resentment over the inexplicable loss of several golden automatons and various delicate devices.

Translation: "Even through the screen, Xing could almost feel Master Gongshu's resentment over the inexplicable loss of several golden automatons and some ingenious mechanical devices."

Line 14:

"She and I agreed that she wouldn't act against Goyun until the situation is clarified."

Translation: "\"We had agreed that before confirming the situation, she would not make a move on Lone Cloud. \""

Line 15:

"What?! She still wants to steal the sword? That really frightens me!"

Translation: "\"What?! She still wants to steal the sword? That really frightens me! \""

Line 16:

"The Pure‑Beauty Knight just escorted the precious sword to the Gongzao Bureau's armory without a hitch; when I have time, I'd like to hear that little girl explain why she stole the sword."

Translation: "\"The Pure Beauty Knight just delivered the treasured sword to the armory of Gong Zao Si without a hitch; when I have time, I want to hear that little girl herself explain why she stole the sword. \""

Line 17:

After learning that Master Gongshu had promised the precious sword would be 'without any flaw,' Xing relaxed and returned to the inn to rest—only to find, the next day…

Translation: "After learning that Master Gongshu had promised the treasured sword would be flawless, Xing also relaxed and returned to the inn to rest, only until the next day……"

Line 18:

Her phone buzzed with a "dudu"—the caller turned out to be the Dahu from the Diheng Bureau.

Translation: "Her phone buzzed, and the person looking for her turned out to be the Senior Clerk of the Earth Balance Office."

Line 19:

"Is Xing there? Could you please cooperate with our work and make a trip to the Gongzao Bureau?"

Translation: "\"Is Xing there? Could you please cooperate with work and make a trip to Gong Zao Si? \""

Line 20:

A vague unease stirred in Xing's heart: "What's happened?"

Translation: "A vague unease rose in Xing's heart: \"What happened? \""

Line 21:

"To make a long story short, the Gongzao Bureau received a precious sword gifted by General Huaiyan yesterday, but today they discovered the sword had vanished. In short, the Diheng Bureau has opened a formal investigation and is conducting routine inquiries of the relevant parties."

Translation: "\"Long story short, Gong Zao Si received a treasured sword gifted by General Huaiyan yesterday, but upon inspection today they found the sword missing. In short, the Earth Balance Office has officially opened an investigation and conducted routine questioning of relevant personnel. \""

Line 22:

Xing rubbed his dazed head, feeling a tangled mess: "I even reminded Master Gongshu yesterday to keep it safe—does he know?"

Translation: "Xing rubbed his dazed head, feeling a tangled mess there: \"I had reminded Master Gongshu yesterday to keep it safe—does he know? \""

Line 23:

"Well, he's the one who filed the report."

Translation: "\"Well, he is the complainant. \""

Line 24:

Original: ——

Translation: ——

Line 25:

Collapse III

Translation: Honkai 3.

Line 26:

"Hahaha——!"

Translation: "Hahaha——!"

Line 27:

Dr. Tesla burst out with an unrestrained laugh, slamming the casing of the nearby lab equipment, "Is this the Xianzhou speed? From promising to safeguard it to the sword being stolen—just one night later! Yunli's efficiency even beats the speed of internal budget approvals in the lab."

Translation: "Doctor Tesla was the first to burst out laughing without restraint, slamming the outer casing of the experimental equipment beside him: \"Is this the speed of the Immortal Vessel? From promising to guard it to the demonic sword being stolen, only a single night passed! Yunli's efficiency is even faster than the speed of internal budget approval in the lab. \""

Line 28:

"As expected, that little girl still couldn't hold back," Einstein said, his voice tinged with helplessness as he let out a soft sigh. "Now her misunderstanding with her grandfather will only deepen. Sigh, why can't she just wait a bit longer?"

Translation: "\"As expected, that little girl still couldn't hold back. \" Einstein's voice sounded weary as he let out a soft sigh: \"Now the misunderstanding between her and her grandfather has only grown worse. Ah, why can't she just wait a bit longer? \""

Line 29:

Walter, on the other hand, wasn't as relaxed as Tesla—after all, what's unfolding in the sky now might very well be what he'll soon experience himself, so he must put himself in that situation and think it through.

Translation: "Walter wasn't as relaxed as Tesla, after all, what's happening in the sky right now might very well be what he will soon experience himself, so he must put himself in that situation to think it through."

Line 30:

"I'm also curious how outsiders will view this—a grandfather giving a sword and a granddaughter stealing one. To those who enjoy watching drama without caring about the scale, there's a lot of subtle meaning to read into."

Translation: "\"I'm more curious how the outside world will view this matter—the grandfather and granddaughter pair, one giving the sword, the other stealing it; for some onlookers who love a spectacle and don't mind big affairs, the things that can be read into this are quite subtle. \""

Line 31:

"Interpretation? Interpret what?" Tesla asked, curiously raising an eyebrow.

Translation: "\"Interpretation? Interpret what? \" Doctor Tesla blinked at him curiously."

Line 32:

Einstein picked up the thread, adding in a flat tone: "From subtle signs we can see that the Gongzao Bureau's security is problematic—this undoubtedly slaps Master Gongshu hard. Second, the giver and thief, grandfather and granddaughter, are still high‑ranking officials of Zhuming Xianzhou; what signal does this send? Is there internal disagreement in Zhuming Xianzhou about this transfer? Did General Huaiyan change his mind but find it awkward to step forward? Opinions are divided."

Translation: "Einstein picked up the thread, his tone flat as he added: \"First, one can see that Gong Zao Si's security has problems—this undoubtedly slaps Master Gongshu hard. Second, the grandfather and granddaughter who gave and stole the sword are still high-ranking officials of Vermilion Bright Immortal Vessel; what signal does that send? Is there internal disagreement in Vermilion Bright Immortal Vessel about this transfer? Did General Huaiyan change his mind but find it awkward to step forward directly? Opinions diverge. \""

Line 33:

"Hey, is it really that complicated? It's just stealing something!"

Translation: "\"Chicken nest head, is it really that complicated? It's just stealing something! \""

Line 34:

"In a context involving different factions and even diplomatic settings, the people of Zhuming Xianzhou stealing something in Luofu is no longer a mere personal act," Walter said solemnly. "General Huaiyan's situation will become extremely awkward—he not only has to explain things to Jingyuan and the others, but also deal with the trouble Yunli has caused. Crucially, if the demon sword is truly melted down by Yunli, then what exactly is this 'hero's sword'? Who can say for sure?"

Translation: "\"In the context of different forces and even diplomatic occasions, the act of people from Vermilion Bright Immortal Vessel 'stealing things' in Luofu is no longer merely a personal act. \" Walter said in a low voice, \"General Huaiyan's situation will become very awkward; he not only has to explain things to Jingyuan and the others, but also deal with the trouble Yunli has caused. The key is, if the demonic sword is truly melted down by Yunli, whether it is still a 'Hero's Sword'... who could say for sure? \""

Line 35:

Original: ——

Translation: ——

Line 36:

"When Xing arrived at the Gongzao Bureau, he found everyone already assembled."

Translation: "\"When Xing arrived at Gong Zao Si, he found everyone already present. \""

Line 37:

"Not only did Yunli show up, but even General Huaiyan came to participate in the questioning."

Translation: "\"Not only Yunli showed up, but even General Huaiyan came to participate in the questioning. \""

Line 38:

"General Huaiyan spoke up: '…Yunli, the steward summoned you for a reason—you surely know why, right?'"

Translation: "General Huaiyan took the initiative to say, \"…Yunli, the steward official summoned you for a reason—you surely know why, right? \""

Line 39:

"Yunli was quite candid: 'I know, I didn't steal the sword.'"

Translation: "Yunli was quite candid: \"I know, the sword wasn't stolen by me. \""

Line 40:

"Xing: 'Yunli promised me she wouldn't steal the sword.'"

Translation: "Xing: \"Yunli had promised me she wouldn't steal the sword. \""

Line 41:

"Ah, Chief Dahu hasn't heard Yunli's promise. The theft of Goyun is a breach of trust internally toward Luofu and a failure of duty externally toward the envoy. Chief Dahu, please be sure to uncover the truth."

Translation: "\"Ah, Senior Clerk Official didn't hear Yunli's promise. Lone Cloud has been stolen; internally it betrays Luofu, externally it fails the envoy delegation. Senior Clerk Official, please be sure to uncover the truth. \""

Line 42:

"Chief Dahu nodded: 'Yes, conducting a thorough investigation is my duty. Although Miss Yunli's words are firm and decisive, we can't close the case based solely on her statement.'"

Translation: "The Senior Clerk nodded: \"Yes, conducting a thorough investigation is my duty. Although Miss Yunli's words are firm and decisive, a case cannot be closed based solely on personal testimony. \""

Line 43:

"Yunli crossed her arms and snorted: 'Rather than let a thief take it, I might as well have melted it myself from the start.'"

Translation: "Yunli put on a face and snorted: \"Rather than let thieves take it, I might as well have been given it from the start to melt down. \""

Line 44:

"Just say a little less…"

Translation: "\"Just say a couple less lines…\""

Line 45:

"Although those aware of the Goyun theft each bear varying degrees of suspicion, Miss Yunli is the prime suspect in this case. First, at the sword‑giving ceremony she openly revealed her motive to steal Goyun, repeatedly saying she wanted to take that sword. Then she broke into the Gongzao Bureau, damaged the golden automatons, and attempted to seize the sword—am I mistaken?"

Translation: "\"Regarding the theft of Lone Cloud, although those in the know have varying degrees of suspicion, Miss Yunli is the case's biggest suspect. First, at the sword-giving ceremony she openly revealed her motive to steal Lone Cloud—she repeatedly said she wanted to take this sword. Then she broke into Gong Zao Si, destroyed the golden automatons, intending to seize the sword—have I got that wrong? \""

Line 46:

"Yunli replied bluntly: '…That's correct.'"

Translation: "Yunli replied dryly: \"…That's correct. \""

Line 47:

Afterward, the Diheng Bureau inspected the armory's doors and windows—no signs of break‑in, and there was no passage for thieves to enter or exit; clearly it's a locked‑room mystery.

Translation: "Afterward, the Earth Balance Office inspected the armory's doors and windows, finding no signs of damage, and the scene had no passage for thieves to enter or exit—clearly a locked-room murder case."

Line 48:

"Xing couldn't help but wonder: 'If only March 7th were here, her jinx‑talk would surely point out who the thief is…'"

Translation: "Xing couldn't help but daydream: \"If only San Yue Qi were here, relying on her jinx she could surely point out who the thief is…\""

Now we need to ensure we kept all numbers etc. No numbers besides maybe "hundreds or even thousands of years" we translated as "hundreds or even thousands of years". That's okay.

Now we need to output each line as "【N】 translation". Ensure each on its own line.

After all lines, output ===TITLE=== with translation of chapter title: Forging Swords into Plowshares (8).

Thus:

===TITLE===

Forging Swords into Plowshares (8)

Then

Just as one who pursues the utmost in the Way of the Sword, the people of the Immortal Vessel can spend hundreds or even thousands of years seeking the Dao, while I can only die early from tuberculosis—let alone hundreds of fatal wounds, even disease can easily take his life; I can only lie in bed, watching helplessly as the Shinsengumi marches toward destruction.

If he too were fortunate enough to become a person of the Immortal Vessel, I suppose he could become good friends with Yan Qing and Yunli, right?

"Strange…… since demonic swords are such things that throw people's hearts into chaos, why doesn't General Huaiyan just melt them all down? I always feel this old general isn't as decisive as Yunli when it comes to demonic swords." Lü Bu said from the side.

Zuosong Xiaoxiaolang furrowed his brows and said: "Could it be that this old general has already mastered the perfect casting technique to completely remove the backlash of Suiyang? If not, it would be hard to feel at ease handing over the demonic sword to anyone outside the Zhu Ming Immortal Vessel—the champion of this martial demonstration didn't receive a precious sword, but instead introduced a calamity that could turn against him."

All the human heroes in the lounge were unclear about General Huaiyan's true intentions, merely subconsciously thinking…… as the eldest general, he couldn't possibly do something so obviously absurd.

——

"Is that sword really forged with Suiyang?" Xing asked.

"Guyun is indeed one of the demonic swords forged by Guang. Very few artisans can manage to use Suiyang as material for forging swords, and Guang is one of those few. He paid a painful price for his attempt……" General Huaiyan shifted tone, "This Guyun should have become an opportunity—I will tell her that the 'father' in her memory is not immutable; even the Guang she resents can forge a 'Hero's Sword'."

Huaiyan also wanted to find a chance to chat with Yunli, but unfortunately the sword-giving ceremony wasn't a good opportunity. Now he has entrusted someone to escort the sword to Gong Zao Si, and Xing can also have someone familiar help verify.

Speaking of this, Xing immediately took out his phone to contact Master Gongshu, confirming that the demonic sword had been safely delivered.

"By the way, I heard from my apprentice that a little girl barged into Gong Zao Si carrying a sword. Is that General Huaiyan's granddaughter? Is she here to chat with me or to rob?"

Even through the screen, Xing could faintly feel Master Gongshu's resentment over the inexplicable loss of several golden automatons and some delicate mechanical devices.

"We had agreed that before confirming the situation, she would not take action against Guyun."

"What?! She still wants to steal the sword? That really frightens me!"

"The Pure Beauty Knight just escorted the precious sword into the Gong Zao Si armory without a hitch; when I have free time, I'd like to hear that little lass explain in person why she stole the sword."

After learning that Master Gongshu had promised the precious sword would be 'without any flaw,' Xing relaxed and returned to the inn to rest, only to find the next day……

Her phone 'beep-beep' rang, and the person looking for her turned out to be Da Hao of the Di Heng Si.

"Is Xing there? Could you please cooperate with work and make a trip to Gong Zao Si?"

A faint premonition rose in Xing's heart: 'What happened?'

"To make a long story short, Gong Zao Si received a precious sword gifted by General Huaiyan yesterday, but upon inspection today they discovered the sword had vanished. In short, the Di Heng Si has officially opened an investigation, conducting routine inquiries of relevant personnel."

Xing rubbed his dazed head, feeling a tangled mess there: 'I had reminded Master Gongshu yesterday to keep it safe—does he know?'

"Yeah, he's the one who filed the report."

——

Honkai 3

Hahaha——!

Dr. Tesla was the first to burst into unrestrained laughter, slamming the outer casing of the nearby experimental equipment, 'Is this the Immortal Vessel's speed? From promising to safeguard to the demonic sword being stolen—just one night apart! Yunli's efficiency is even faster than the speed of budget approval inside the lab.'

"……As expected, that little girl still couldn't hold back." Einstein's voice sounded rather resigned as he let out a soft sigh, "This way, the misunderstanding between her and her grandfather only grows deeper. Sigh, why can't she just wait a bit longer?"

Walter wasn't as relaxed as Tesla, after all, what's happening in the heavens right now is very likely what he will soon experience himself; he must put himself in that situation to think.

I'm more curious how the outside world will view this matter—this grandfather and grandson pair, one giving a sword, the other stealing it, for some spectators who enjoy a spectacle and don't mind big affairs, the things that can be interpreted here are quite subtle.

"Interpretation? Interpret what?" Dr. Tesla curiously blinked at him.

Einstein picked up the conversation, adding in a flat tone: 'From subtle signs, one can first see that Gong Zao Si's security has problems—this undoubtedly slaps Master Gongshu hard in the face. Second, the grandfather and grandson who gave and stole the sword are also high-ranking officials of the Zhu Ming Immortal Vessel; what signal does this send? Is there internal disagreement within the Zhu Ming Immortal Vessel about this transfer? Did General Huaiyan himself change his mind but find it inconvenient to step forward directly? Opinions diverge……'

Ji Wo Tou, is it really that complicated? It's just stealing something!

In the context of involving different forces, even diplomatic settings, the people of the Zhu Ming Immortal Vessel stealing things in Luofu is no longer merely a personal act." Walter said in a deep voice, "General Huaiyan's situation will become extremely awkward—he not only has to explain things to Jingyuan and the others, but also deal with the trouble Yunli has caused. The key is, once the demonic sword is truly melted down by Yunli, just what kind of 'Hero's Sword' is that sword…… who could say for sure?

——

By the time Xing arrived at Gong Zao Si, everyone was already gathered.

Not only Yunli was present, but even General Huaiyan came to participate in the questioning.

General Huaiyan took the initiative to say: '…Yunli, the steward summoned you for a reason—you surely know why, right?'

Yunli was quite frank: 'I know, the sword wasn't stolen by me.'

Xing: 'Yunli had promised me she wouldn't steal the sword.'

"Ah, Steward Da Hao didn't hear Yunli's promise. The theft of Guyun has caused internal distrust in Luofu and external failure of the delegation. Steward Da Hao, please be sure to uncover the truth."

Da Hao nodded: 'Yes, conducting a thorough investigation is my duty. Although Miss Yunli's words are firm and decisive, a case cannot be closed based solely on personal testimony.'

Yunli pulled a face and snorted: 'Rather than let villains steal it, it would have been better to just hand it over to me to melt down from the start.'

"Just say a little less…"

"Although those aware of the theft of Guyun each bear varying degrees of suspicion, Miss Yunli is the prime suspect in this case. First, at the sword-giving ceremony she openly revealed her motive to steal Guyun—repeatedly saying she wanted to take this sword. Afterwards she broke into Gong Zao Si, damaged the golden automatons, intending to seize the sword—have I got that wrong?"

Yunli dryly replied: '…That's correct.'

Afterward, the Di Heng Si inspected the armory's doors and windows—no signs of damage, and there was no passage for thieves to enter or exit; clearly a locked-room murder.

Xing couldn't help but daydream: 'If only March 7 were here—relying on her crow-mouth, she'd definitely be able to point out who the thief is for us……'