Chapter 95 — The Sword in Hand
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 3
Each blow carried his surging vital energy: he softened with Vermilion Bird energy, then cooled with Black Tortoise energy, repeatedly tempering and striking. He hammered no one knows how many times, and gradually a butcher's knife took shape. The Silent Craftsman inspected it, nodded listlessly—Shen Mu had passed this trial.
Shen Mu finished the knife, tested its sharpness, and was quite pleased. Now he finally had a weapon of his own forging. The Blind Elder smiled: "Shen'er, don't test the knife yet.
There's still my trial. This time, let's compete in composing poetry.
" Shen Mu turned pale, muttering, "Blind Grandpa, I can't possibly beat you. . .
" Deaf Elder pulled out his two iron ears with a pop, indicating he wouldn't listen.
Granny Zhu and the others looked disgusted and said, "Blind Elder, change it!
" The Blind Elder scratched his head. Unable to refuse everyone's insistence, he said, "Then let's compete in spear technique.
Gather vital energy into a spear! " He threw aside his bamboo staff, spread his five fingers, and his Black Tortoise energy turned into flowing water—a Water Dragon Spear appeared in his hand.
Shen Mu erupted with vital energy, and a Fire Dragon Spear appeared.
The two began to move, their long spears continuously quivering, like venomous dragons poised to strike from the abyss. They circled without stopping, yet the Water Dragon Spear and Fire Dragon Spear never touched.
Shen Mu activated his Exalted Sky Eye, fixing his gaze on the Blind Elder, searching for a flaw, but found none. The Blind Elder, though sightless, revealed not the slightest opening.
"No flaw—then create one! " After circling for a long while, Shen Mu suddenly stamped his foot.
The ground sank abruptly, a great pit formed under his foot, and the earth rippled like waves, making the Blind Elder unsteady. Whoosh— He thrust his Fire Dragon Spear, but the Blind Elder smiled slightly.
The Water Dragon Spear moved later but struck first, sweeping toward Shen Mu.
Although Shen Mu had thrust first, the Blind Elder's spear struck Shen Mu's chest a hair before he could! Shen Mu smiled. At his chest, water splashed and a vortex appeared, blocking the spear.
The Water Dragon Spear in the Blind Elder's hand burst apart, and he was knocked flying backward.
Shen Mu's spear suddenly lengthened, turning into a fire dragon that struck the Blind Elder in the chest. The Blind Elder tumbled down, staggered, hastily opened his sealed divine treasury to steady himself, and angrily said, "That's cheating—using two kinds of vital energy at once!
In skill, you've already lost.
You're only relying on your Overlord Body's superior energy to bully me! " Shen Mu muttered, "Blind Grandpa, how about a rematch? " The Blind Elder turned from anger to joy.
"Isn't the Overlord Body meant for bullying? This is your strength. You've passed my trial.
Granny, it's your turn. " Granny Zhu's gaze was complex. She looked at the victorious Shen Mu and said, "Shen'er, in my heart you've already passed my trial. You passed when you opened the three hundred and sixty chambers.
" Shen Mu was startled: "Granny?
" "Which child never leaves home? " Granny Zhu said softly, "When you grow up, you must leave.
I can't keep you forever. All these old folks have let you pass; if I don't, I'd be too selfish. .
.
" She took her basket and went back into her house, closing the door.
Shen Mu stood in a daze. The Village Head coughed to wake him. "Shen'er, if you pass my trial, you can leave the Hidden Remnant Village, leave the Wasteland, and go out into the world to train.
" Shen Mu turned and said, "Village Head, please instruct me.