The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 52 Thunder Strikes Jujube Wood

Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Thunder Strikes Jujube Wood

"We’ve arrived, this is the craftsman’s shop."

At the entrance of the old street near the Temple of the Goddess, Wang Daoxuan pointed ahead and said, "All the famous craftsmen in Xianyang are here. Even if they have workshops at home, they would certainly have a shop here."

Li Yan turned his head to observe the surroundings, lost in thought.

In this world, various handicrafts were extremely developed. With the court opening maritime trade, overseas commerce was booming, and large workshops in coastal states were springing up like mushrooms after rain.

The status of merchants was rising rapidly. Based on some rumors he had heard, many of the stormy events at the court were due to this.

As Zhang Shitong said, the Zhou Family, to seek stability, had retracted all their forces. The Eight Vajras had all gone into seclusion, and even the escort agencies under their command no longer took on any business.

Even those monitoring them had suddenly withdrawn in the morning.

Given the situation, Li Yan no longer had any reason to pretend to be ill. Led by Wang Daoxuan, he sought someone to help him create the Great Cloud Thunder Drum.

The Guanzhong region had a long history of drum music, with almost every area having its unique heritage. Combined with the annual Drum King Competition in Chang’an, various folk music troupes abounded, and drum craftsmen were not few.

Of course, ordinary shops could not produce a Great Cloud Thunder Drum.

Fortunately, Wang Daoxuan knew a craftsman from the Mystical Sect.

The three of them proceeded along the way and soon arrived in front of the largest shop. The signboard read "Wensheng Pavilion" in large characters. Upon entering, they saw the walls and shelves around them adorned with a variety of drums in different sizes and styles.

"Is Brother Wan here?"

Looking at the approaching shop assistant, Wang Daoxuan inquired.

The assistant obviously recognized Wang Daoxuan, respectfully saluted, and said, "The manager has gone out and will return shortly. Daoist Wang, please wait a moment. I’ll brew a pot of tea for you."

With that, he turned and went into the back room.

Seeing this, Sha Lifei whispered, "Look at how they treat people. The bunch at the City God Temple can’t compare to this. They look down on others with dog eyes."

Wang Daoxuan, due to past hardships, was often mocked by the managers of several shops near the City God Temple. Sha Lifei was outraged and had argued with them several times.

Although they successfully invited spirits for the Spring Breeze Class and gained some fame, it hadn’t spread widely yet, and big business hadn’t come through the door.

Wang Daoxuan chuckled at these words but didn’t refute.

If he feared people’s words, he wouldn’t have spent over ten years seeking the Dao.

Soon, the assistant returned with the tea, noticing Li Yan examining the drums on the wall, and hastily began to introduce, "Customer, our drums are top-notch in Xianyang. We can make ten sets of gongs and drums, Qin and Han war drums, Weiqi gongs and drums, ox-pulled drums, dragon-turning drums... Many famous troupes have custom orders with us..."

Just as he was speaking, Li Yan suddenly furrowed his brow and turned around.

He caught a scent, a mix of various animal odors, intermingling with the aroma of incense, unmistakably a type of Divine Astral.

Sure enough, an old man approached from the street, wearing a black robe, hunched over, with white hair weathered by time, yet his fingers were unusually thick, veins bulging like iron plow handles.

Following him was a simple-faced man.

As soon as they reached the shop entrance, the old man’s ears twitched, and he laughed heartily, "Which fellow disciple has come today? Oh, it’s Daoist Wang..."

Though he seemed to address Wang Daoxuan, his eyes were fixed on Li Yan.

Wang Daoxuan smiled, "Brother Wan, long time no see. Let me introduce you. This is..."

"No need for introductions. Of course this old man recognizes him."

Manager Wan looked at Li Yan, nodded, and said, "Yesterday, Brother Li showcased his skills in the arena. I was watching from below, breaking magical skills with True Word, truly marvelous!"

Li Yan was initially surprised, but he quickly realized that this Manager Wan likely had awakened the ear divine power, which allowed him to hear through the noisy environment.

"You’ve embarrassed me," Li Yan quickly cupped his hands.

Manager Wan nodded, hesitated for a moment, and couldn’t help but ask, "My young friend, what treasure do you carry that has such a powerful Evil Qi?"

Li Yan became interested, "What did you hear, Senior?"

Manager Wan sighed, "The clash of golden spears and iron horses, the wailing of living beings, incense and prayers..."

Li Yan had never encountered someone with the ear divine power before, and since the man had already discerned it, he didn’t hide it anymore and took out the Demon Suppressing Blade Tassel from his arms.

"Three Talents Demon Suppression Coin, a good thing!"

Manager Wan’s eyes lit up, but he didn’t reach out to take it. Instead, he scrutinized it carefully and then shook his head, "The handwork of the Evil Exorcism Knot comes from beyond the Pass. Whoever made it either got hurt or did it perfunctorily, otherwise, this old man wouldn’t have heard it at all."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan quickly asked, "Does Senior have a solution?"

Although the Three Talents Demon Suppression Coin Blade Tassel was excellent, it was sometimes inconvenient to use, primarily because it couldn’t completely insulate its aura.

According to Wang Daoxuan, a good Magic Artifact should be like Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure, appearing ordinary when dormant but exuding divine power once activated.

Manager Wan didn’t rush to answer. Instead, he looked at Wang Daoxuan and said, "Daoist Wang, your years of devoted pursuit of the Dao haven’t gone unnoticed by this old man. Now that fortune smiles upon you, congratulations."

"What brings you here this time?"

"To make a drum for young Brother Li."

"Oh, do you have a blueprint?"

Being experts, there was no need to hide. Li Yan directly took out the volume of the Great Cloud Thunder Drum and handed it to Manager Wan.

After browsing through it, Manager Wan suddenly understood and smiled, "So, it’s the heritage of the former Drum King. Using martial artists’ Hidden Energy to strike the drum, it became famous in Chang’an. Now that it’s reappearing, this is delightful news."

Li Yan gave a thumbs up, "Senior is truly brilliant."

"Brilliant? Not really."

Manager Wan smiled and shook his head, "The difficulty of this drum lies in the materials. It requires top-notch wood and leather to withstand Hidden Energy without breaking. Although it’s not a ceremonial Divine Drum, the price isn’t cheap."

Sha Lifei quickly asked, "How much will it cost?"

Manager Wan pondered for a moment, "The leather for the drum is easy. It requires high-quality rhinoceros hide. Originally, this material was quite rare, but since the sea embargo was lifted, those sea merchants somehow sourced entire ships full of it, and the price is right. This old man has acquired some through others."

"As for the drum body, jujube wood will suffice, but to endure Hidden Energy, it must be from old trees growing in the spiritual acupoint of Baoshan. Moreover, this old man has a suggestion."

"Since you have joined the Mystical Sect, you understand the importance of Magic Artifacts. The materials are rare, so why not make it a Magic Artifact directly, which can also complement the Three Talents Demon Suppression Coin. With the ancient Qin and Han rhythms to activate it, it would be a supreme tool for suppressing evil spirits!"

"What does Senior suggest?"

"Only if it’s made with old lightning-struck jujube wood can it meet the requirements."

"Coincidentally, this old man knows a Hidden Treasure Man who knows where to find it. However, the mountains are teeming with fierce beasts, and he needs experts to accompany him. If you’re willing, you can join him to procure it..."

"Oh~"

Before he finished speaking, Sha Lifei exclaimed loudly, "This Senior Wan, you’re being unfair. You talked so much just to have someone work for free, didn’t you?"

Manager Wan was immediately displeased, "What do you mean by ’work for free’? With that piece of lightning-struck jujube wood, wouldn’t your material costs be saved too?"

Sha Lifei, however, was not easily convinced, "How big is this piece of lightning-struck jujube wood?"

Manager Wan was silent for a moment, "Not small."

Sha Lifei spread his hands, "There you go then, the main profit is still yours. Besides, if it were easy to obtain, why would you tell us?"

Manager Wan seemed stumped, staring at Sha Lifei for a while, "Forget it. That thing is indeed not easy to get. If you can bring it back, this old man will make the drum for free."

Sha Lifei quickly cupped his hands, "Senior, you’re generous!"

While the two haggled, Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan stayed silent.

This was the plan they had discussed earlier. With Sha Lifei’s thick skin and his tendency to squeeze every bit of profit from a situation, he was the best choice for negotiating.

After a while, the conditions were settled, and the three of them left the shop.

As soon as they exited the old street, they heard commotion across the road. A group of people were quarreling and fighting outside a restaurant.

One side was wearing black samurai robes and cowhide belts, the unmistakable members of the White Ape Gang.

The other group was drenched in sweat and dressed like laborers.

"Where’s our pay?"

"Who the hell owes you? Ask your foreman!"

"The foreman said you didn’t pay!"

"Hey, we’ve never paid for this kind of work before!"

The disagreement quickly escalated into a brawl.

The members of the White Ape Gang were all burly and muscular, with dragons and phoenixes tattooed on their necks, looking fierce and menacing.

But as soon as the fight began, they were immediately beaten to a pulp by a few laborers.

Practitioners!

Li Yan immediately realized.

Whether the White Ape Gang or the Iron Blade Gang, such local gangs couldn’t survive on protection fees and tolls alone.

They usually controlled the local gray market. Gambling houses, lending, brothels, child buyers, smuggling salt... They had a hand in all sorts of money.

When they hired people to work, they often didn’t pay. The labor foremen were unwilling to shoulder the loss and passed it on to these poor workers, telling them to demand their dues.

These poor workers dared not protest, so they let it go.

Today, these laborers were most likely pugilistic world members in disguise, intending to blow the issue out of proportion using these minor incidents.

"Get people! Get people!"

"We’re going to skin them alive today!"

Humiliated in public, the White Ape Gang’s thugs were infuriated.

Soon, over a dozen disgruntled men rushed over with long sticks and short knives, cursing loudly.

The laborers showed no fear and charged straight at them.

The entire street quickly descended into chaos.

Li Yan and his companions seized the opportunity to leave swiftly.

Along the way, they saw several more instances of disorder, with child buyers beaten to a pulp, a gambling house set on fire, and even some casualties.

Watching this, Sha Lifei clicked his tongue, "Old Man Zhang’s move is ruthless. Although the Zhou Family has shut its doors, those under them still need to eat. Those guys have all sorts of problems, who knows what they might bring to light."

Li Yan pondered for a while, then slightly shook his head, "The Zhou Family isn’t foolish; they must have countermeasures. The city is likely to be chaotic in the coming days."

"However, this is good too. While the Zhou Family is distracted, let’s accomplish our task, then hide in the shadows and see what we can seize."

With a plan in mind, the three of them returned to the Wendao Temple.

For the upcoming trip to search for lightning-struck jujube wood, all three of them would go. They also planned to take important items with them, taking advantage of this turmoil to disappear from the Zhou Family’s sight...