Chapter 702

PS: Want to read the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of "Medical Dominion of the Rivers and Mountains" and share more suggestions about the novel? Follow our WeChat public account (add friends on WeChat → add public account → enter qdread) and let me know quietly!

PS: Want to read the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of "Medical Dominion of the Rivers and Mountains" and share more suggestions about the novel? Follow our WeChat public account (add friends on WeChat → add public account → enter qdread) and let me know quietly!

Translation: "PS: Check out the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the network public account (add friends on WeChat-add public account-enter qdread), quietly tell me!"

But we need to keep the meaning exactly. Let's translate more literally: "PS: Look at the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, listen to your more suggestions for the novel, pay attention to the web public account (WeChat add friend-add public account-enter qdread), quietly tell me!"

We need to keep the same tone. We'll produce: "PS: Look at the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the web public account (add WeChat friend-add public account-enter qdread), quietly tell me!"

But we need to keep the parentheses content as is? The original reads: (WeChat add friend-add public account-enter qdread). We'll translate it as: (WeChat add friend-add public account-enter qdread). Keep the hyphens.

Thus line: 【1】 PS: Look at the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the web public account (WeChat add friend-add public account-enter qdread), quietly tell me!

Make sure no extra commentary.

Hu Xiaotian examined the swords and finally chose a large one. His reason for picking this sword was simple: its shape resembled that of the black iron sword, it felt weighty in his hand, though it couldn't match the black iron sword, it was several times heavier than a typical long sword.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian looked around, and finally took a liking to a big sword. The reason Hu Xiaotian chose this big sword was only one: its appearance resembled that of the Xuan Iron Sword, it felt heavy in hand, although it couldn't compare to the Xuan Iron Sword, it was several times heavier than an ordinary long sword."

We need to keep exact meaning, not add. Let's produce: "Hu Xiaotian looked over and over, finally taking a liking to a big sword; the reason Hu Xiaotian chose this big sword was only one: its appearance resembled that of the Xuan Iron Sword, it felt heavy in hand, although it couldn't compare to the Xuan Iron Sword, it was several times heavier than an ordinary long sword."

Make sure it's one line.

Zong Tang burst out laughing: "This sword was personally forged by my father, but he never got around to sharpening it."

Translate: "Zong Tang laughed helplessly: 'This sword was personally forged by my father, but I just never got around to sharpening it.'"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I'll take this one."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'I'll take this one.'"

Zong Tang said: "Good!"

Translate: "Zong Tang said: 'Good!'"

Hu Xiaotian reached out and lifted the heavy sword. The heavy sword had no edge; its most distinctive feature was the spine, which undulated like a fishbone.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian reached out and lifted the big sword; the heavy sword had no edge, and what was most special was that the sword spine undulated like fish bones."

Zong Tang said: "If you've decided on it, I'll help you sharpen it right now."

Translate: "Zong Tang said: 'If you've decided on it, I'll help you sharpen it now.'"

Hu Xiaotian nodded, and the two went outside. The demon craftsman Zong Yuan had already restored Hu Xiaotian's black iron token to its original state and handed it to him. Seeing that Hu Xiaotian had actually chosen this sword, he couldn't help but smile and say: "This sword is quite old; twenty years ago someone commissioned me to forge it, but before delivery they died, so I only took their deposit and have never settled the balance."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian nodded, and the two went outside; Magic Artisan Zong Yuan had also restored Hu Xiaotian's Xuan Iron Plaque to its original state and handed it to him. Seeing that he had actually chosen this sword, he couldn't help but laugh: 'This sword is quite old; twenty years ago someone commissioned me to forge this sword, but before delivery they died, I only took their deposit and have never settled the balance.'"

Hu Xiaotian laughed helplessly: "Since the person is dead, of course no one will pay the remaining balance."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed helplessly; of course no one would settle the balance for a dead person."

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan said: "The materials used for this sword are excellent—fine steel blended with thirty-seven materials, including an extremely rare iron mother. All these materials were provided by that client. Since I couldn't deliver, I tossed the sword into the storeroom. Because the sword is too heavy while swordsmanship values lightness and agility, no one wanted it. I never expected you to pick it out today."

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan said: 'The material of this sword is not bad; fine steel blended with thirty-seven kinds of materials, among which was mixed an extremely rare iron mother. These materials were all provided by that patron; since delivery was impossible, I threw this sword into the storehouse. Because the sword is too heavy, yet swordsmanship values lightness and agility, no one could appreciate it. I never expected you to pick it out today.'"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "I took a liking to it at first sight; I guess we have some fate."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'I took a liking to it at first glance; it's some kind of fate.'"

Zong Tang said: "I'll take it to be sharpened right away!"

Translate: "Zong Tang said: 'I'll take it to sharpen now!'"

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan said: "Let me do it."

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan said: 'Let me do it!'"

Zong Tang was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this. Since the last attack, his father had not approached the forge for days, but today he made an exception. Master Craftsman Zong Yuan said: "Zong Tang, come in and help me!"

Translate: "Zong Tang, upon hearing this, was both surprised and delighted; since the last time he was attacked in that tragedy, his father had not approached the forge for several days, yet today he made an exception. Zong Yuan said: 'Zong Tang, come in and help me!'"

Hu Xiaotian asked: "Is there anything I can do?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Is there anything I can do?'"

Zong Yuan smiled: "Weapons have spirits; since you are its owner, just shed a few drops of blood so it can recognize you as its master."

Translate: "Zong Yuan laughed: 'Weapons have spirituality; since you are its owner, just shed a few drops of blood, so it will recognize you as its master.'"

The furnace blazed. Zong Tang, shirtless, worked the bellows; his sturdy muscles tensed and relaxed, outlined clearly in the firelight. The large sword glowed red. Master Craftsman Zong Yuan wore short clothes, holding tongs in one hand and a hammer in the other, hammering the blade's edge. With each strike, sparks flew from the sword. Under his hammer, the blade began to change shape, its edges becoming increasingly clear and distinct, forming a serrated pattern.

Translate: "The furnace fire blazed; Zong Tang was bare-chested, and as he operated the bellows, his sturdy muscles tensed from time to time, revealing clear contours in the firelight. The big sword had been heated red; Magic Artisan Zong Yuan wore short clothes. With one hand holding iron tongs and the other an iron hammer, he hammered the blade's edge; accompanied by his frequent strikes, sparks occasionally flew from the sword body. Under Zong Yuan's hammer, the blade began to change shape; its edge outline gradually became clear and distinct, turning into a sawtooth shape."

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan shouted: "It's time!"

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan shouted loudly: 'It's time!'"

Hu Xiaotian cut his finger with a dagger and dripped three drops of blood onto the sword; the blood instantly solidified on the hot blade. Blue smoke rose, and a burnt smell filled the air. Master Craftsman Zong Yuan put on heat-resistant gloves, lifted the sword with both hands, and plunged it into cold water—melted snow from the summit of Mount Qingmeng.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian cut his finger with a dagger, dripping three drops of blood onto the sword blade; the blood met the hot blade and solidified instantly. Blue smoke rose, and a burnt smell spread. Magic Artisan Zong Yuan put on heat-resistant gloves, lifted the big sword with both hands and plunged it into cold water; this cold water was meltwater from the snow on the summit of Qing Meng Mountain."

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan murmured incantations, his expression devout.

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan murmured words in his mouth, his expression utterly devout."

Zong Tang gave Hu Xiaotian a glance, and they stepped back together. The remaining work would be done by the old man alone.

Translate: "Zong Tang gave Hu Xiaotian a look, and the two retreated together; the following work was to be completed alone by the old man."

Zong Tang went to the well, scooped up water, splashed it on his sweat-covered face, lifted his head, and took a deep breath, saying: "Seeing my father pick up the hammer again puts my mind at ease."

Translate: "Zong Tang came to the well, drew water from the bucket and inhaled it over his sweat-covered face, lifted his head and exhaled deeply, saying: 'Seeing my father pick up the iron hammer again puts my mind at ease.'"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Master Zong, you really give me face."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'Old Master Zong really gives me face.'"

Zong Tang laughed: "So I should thank you; if you hadn't come, my father wouldn't have personally sharpened that sword."

Translate: "Zong Tang laughed: 'So I should thank you; if it weren't for you, my father wouldn't personally sharpen that big sword.'"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Out of respect for the master's kindness, I will definitely defeat Qiu Mubai tomorrow."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'In return for the old master's great kindness, tomorrow I will surely defeat Qiu Mu Bai.'"

Zong Tang said: "This sword is extremely heavy; while wielding it gives great power, it reduces agility. Qiu Mubai excels at fast swordplay—his Wind-Chasing Thirty-Six Swords are recognized as the best by the Sword Palace, and even his father, Qiu Xian Guang, cannot match his speed of draw."

Translate: "Zong Tang said: 'This big sword is very heavy; using such a weapon, although its power is great, its agility will be somewhat affected. Qiu Mu Bai's greatest skill is fast swordsmanship; his Chasing Wind Thirty-Six Swords is already recognized as the best by the Sword Palace, and even his father Qiu Xian Guang cannot match his sword-drawing speed.'"

Hu Xiaotian said: "No matter how fast you draw, it's often useless; many times victory or defeat is decided by a single strike."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'No matter how fast the sword is drawn, it's useless; victory or defeat is often decided by a single strike.'"

Zong Tang didn't understand why Hu Xiaotian had such confidence, having seen his skills and believing he stood no chance against Qiu Mubai. He said: "My father and the Sword Palace master, Qiu Xian Guang, are somewhat acquainted; I could ask him to mediate this matter for you." He had already become the second person to intercede on Hu Xiaotian's behalf.

Translate: "Zong Tang didn't know why Hu Xiaotian had such confidence; he had also seen Hu Xiaotian's skill and thought that compared to Qiu Mu Bai, Hu Xiaotian had no chance at all. Zong Tang said: 'My father and the Sword Palace Sect Master Qiu Xian Guang are still on decent terms; I'd rather ask him to step in and mediate this for you.' He was already the second person to speak up for Hu Xiaotian."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "No need; you can dodge the first but not the fifteenth—sooner or later I will have this battle with Qiu Mubai."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'No need; you can dodge the first but not the fifteenth; sooner or later I will have this battle with Qiu Mu Bai.'"

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan spent an entire afternoon finishing the sword's sharpening. Following Hu Xiaotian's request, he engraved the words "concealed edge" on the blade, but how can the true edge stay hidden forever? After sharpening, the concealed edge differs clearly from the black iron sword: the sword is three feet nine inches long, its widest point three inches—slightly smaller than the black iron sword—but the thickest part of the spine is still 1.5 inches. After reforging, the blade's surface is covered with patterns like fish bones, resembling a feather from afar, and it bears three black sun-like marks where Hu Xiaotian's blood merged into the steel. The blade is not straight but serrated, with tiny teeth tightly packed, making it extremely sharp and far more lethal than an ordinary blade.

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan spent an entire afternoon to finally finish sharpening this big sword; according to Hu Xiaotian's request, he also carved the two characters 'Hidden Edge' onto the sword body, but how could the true edge remain hidden forever? After sharpening, the Hidden Edge Sword is clearly different from the Xuan Iron Sword: the sword length is three feet nine cun, the widest part of the blade is three cun, slightly smaller than the Xuan Iron Sword, yet the thickest part of the spine is one and a half cun; after reforging, the sword body is covered with patterns like fish bones, and from afar it looks like a printed feather; there are three black sun patterns on the blade, formed from Hu Xiaotian's blood merged into the steel. The blade is not a straight edge but a sawtooth shape, with tiny sawteeth densely arranged, extremely sharp, its killing power far greater than that of an ordinary blade."

Hu Xiaotian gripped the sword with both hands, unable to put it down. Although it doesn't match the weight of the black iron sword, the difference isn't huge, and the craftsmanship of Master Craftsman Zong Yuan's hand-forging far surpasses that of the black iron sword, making it look extraordinarily striking.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian gripped the sword with both hands, truly unable to put it down; although this sword does not match the weight of the Xuan Iron Sword, the difference is not much, and moreover the craftsmanship of Magic Artisan Zong Yuan's hand-forging absolutely surpasses that of the Xuan Iron Sword by a lot; it looks extremely cool and eye-catching."

Master Craftsman Zong Yuan said: "Although the sword looks good, it's not easy to wield. I weighed it—it comes to thirty-eight catties, six taels, three qian. Swinging such a heavy sword with ease is difficult."

Translate: "Magic Artisan Zong Yuan said: 'Although this sword looks good, it's not easy to use; I weighed it and it comes to a full thirty-eight catties six taels three mace; wielding such a heavy sword with ease is difficult.'"

Hu Xiaotian thought: "What's that? The black iron sword weighs over fifty catties."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian thought: 'What's that? The Xuan Iron Sword weighs over fifty catties.'"

The hilt was wrapped in pearl fish skin by the craftsman, and the sheath was made of fine shark skin. Hu Xiaotian wanted to pay, but as soon as he spoke, Master Craftsman Zong Yuan's face darkened and he feigned anger: "If you mention money, Lord Hu, I'll have to take the sword back."

Translate: "The sword hilt was also wrapped in pearl fish skin by the craftsman, and the scabbard made of superior sharkskin; Hu Xiaotian originally wanted to pay, but as soon as he spoke, Magic Artisan Zong Yuan sank his face and feigned anger: 'If Sir Hu mentions money, this sword will still be returned to me.'"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Since Master Zong says so, I won't mention payment." He bowed deeply to Zong Yuan as a token of thanks, and both father and son burst into laughter.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'Since Old Master Zong said that, I won't mention money.' He bowed deeply to Zong Yuan to express thanks, and Zong Yuan and his son both laughed."

Zong Tang originally wanted to keep Hu Xiaotian for dinner, but Hu Xiaotian declined, saying he needed to prepare for tomorrow's duel. They agreed that after tomorrow's duel in Happy Forest, regardless of the outcome, Hu Xiaotian would treat them to drinks.

Translate: "Zong Tang originally wanted to keep Hu Xiaotian for dinner before leaving, but Hu Xiaotian declined his kindness on the grounds of preparing for tomorrow's duel; they agreed that after tomorrow's duel at Happy Forest, regardless of victory or defeat, Hu Xiaotian would host the drinks."

Zong Tang saw Hu Xiaotian out of the metal workshop, and before parting he couldn't resist reminding him: "Brother Hu, Qiu Mubai's sword technique has received the true transmission of the Sword Palace; you must not be careless."

Translate: "Zong Tang saw Hu Xiaotian out of the metalworks workshop, and before parting he couldn't help but remind him: 'Brother Hu, Qiu Mu Bai's swordsmanship has received the Sword Palace's true transmission; you must absolutely not be careless.'"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Isn't the Sword Palace's true transmission the Seven Slays of Heaven?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'Isn't the Sword Palace's true transmission the Slay Heaven Seven Swords?'"

Zong Tang said: "The Seven Slaying Heaven Swords have long been lost; if even a single move or half a style were still passed down to today, you might as well not compare in tomorrow's duel." In fact, Zong Tang had no confidence in Hu Xiaotian's duel tomorrow at all, even believing Hu Xiaotian would surely lose; setting aside other matters, just from Hu Xiaotian's choice of weapon one can tell he is an amateur—this sword is so heavy that, if used on horseback, it would not be a bad choice, and moreover his opponent is Qiu Mubai, who excels in speed; this great sword would not give him wings like a tiger but would become his burden.

If it were a few days ago, Hu Xiaotian would never have chosen such a heavy sword, but since taking the Wind and Cloud Fruit his strength has been continually increasing, and this growth has not yet stopped; perhaps the medicinal effect of the Wind and Cloud Fruit has not yet been fully exerted.

Returning to the Rising Imperial Palace, Hu Xiaotian stayed alone in his room, took out and unfolded the silk cloth he had discovered in the black iron tablet, only to see that a set of sword techniques was embroidered on it. Although Hu Xiaotian knew this sword technique was likely the legendary Seven Slaying Heaven Swords, he also understood that he could not possibly master it all in a short time—let alone the Seven Slaying Heaven Swords, even the Nine Serpent Swords that Xumi Tian had given him had not yet been fully integrated and comprehended.

Hu Xiaotian did not have the idea of quickly mastering the Seven Slaying Heaven Swords; looking at the diagram on the silk cloth, dozens of naked little figures were embroidered above, their bodily outlines stitched in gold thread, and on the embroidered figures there were small red-and-black arrows of different colors. Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brows, wondering what this meant? It seemed to be the route of internal energy circulation. Hu Xiaotian's Formless Divine Skill is one of the most profound internal arts in the world; although his attainment in swordsmanship is shallow, in internal cultivation he has unknowingly reached the stage of perfection. Hu Xiaotian tried to circulate his internal energy according to the small arrows on the diagram, and a warm current rose from his dantian and flowed through all his meridians. Hu Xiaotian's heart gave a slight start; he suddenly realized something extremely important: previously, Xumi Tian had taught him the Nine Serpent Swords, but their power had never been satisfactory; the reason was precisely that he could not fuse his internal energy with the sword moves.

Moreover, this sword manual before him not only illustrated the sword moves but also depicted the pathway of internal energy when executing each move. Hu Xiaotian secretly rejoiced; he took out the Hidden Edge Sword and practiced according to the first move on the diagram—first familiarizing himself with the technique, then combining the internal energy's route with the sword move.

The first move in the manual is very simple—just an ordinary chop—but the circulation of internal energy is quite unusual. When the internal energy and sword move are combined as shown in the diagram, a single swing is like the great Yangtze River, waves overlapping, one wave not yet settled before another rises; the offensive is like a tide, seemingly endless.

The more Hu Xiaotian practiced, the more he felt this move was profound and unfathomable; compared to the agile and vicious Nine Serpent Swords, this move, though simple, possesses an internal energy variation whose subtlety far surpasses that of the Nine Serpent Swords.

"Better to master one thing than to be versed in many," Hu Xiaotian decided to first practice this move well.

Alone, he came to the courtyard and repeatedly practiced this move; each practice deepened his understanding of it by a notch.

The great sword weighing nearly thirty-nine jin felt effortless in Hu Xiaotian's hands; there was no sense of strain, and the speed and motion of his sword were extremely agile. He practiced this sword repeatedly, and because he was so focused, he did not even notice Huo Shengnan's arrival. (A great activity like a pie falling from the sky, cool smartphones await you! Follow start~point/public account (add friends via WeChat-add public account-enter qdread), join now! Everyone gets a prize, immediately follow the qdread WeChat public account!)(To be continued~^~)