Chapter 427 - 320: Divinity Transformation
On the mountain summit.
The old general, clad in a tattered military robe, glared furiously.
With a thrust of the long spear in his hand, numerous government soldiers retreated step by step.
The mountain wind howled.
In the wind, there was the scent of blood everywhere.
The red-robed government soldiers all looked up at the old general on the mountaintop.
"Li Tianwang, give up resisting."
"Your Wuer Mountain thieves are almost completely wiped out, yet you still resist?"
A government army leader glared angrily.
Yet none of his subordinate soldiers dared to step forward.
Because beneath the feet of that white-haired old general lay a mountain of corpses.
"Li Tianwang, you were originally a subordinate of Marquis Zhenyuan, who was devoted to the nation. Are you going to tarnish his posthumous reputation?"
The old general on the mountain said nothing, merely stared fixedly at the government soldiers like a puppet that never knew exhaustion.
Wherever his gaze landed, none were spared from feeling fear.
"Burn him."
"He’s no longer human; he’s a demon!"
"Burn him!"
Flames illuminated the sky, and the white-haired old general’s silhouette appeared especially lonely and desolate amongst them.
"Old man..."
"It’s been over fifty years since I became the general’s apprentice..."
"General, I’m here to join you..."
Flames swallowed the old general’s body.
Amongst the flames, the bodies of the old general’s comrades also burned, yet were reborn in the flames.
In eyes that had experienced life and death, yet lacked the slightest ripple earlier, finally appeared some traces of thunder light.
Within the flames, a golden lotus was born...
[In the year twelve thousand one hundred fifty-one of the Changtian Calendar, your consciousness briefly awakens again.]
[At this time, you are in a special state.]
[You can feel your consciousness has awakened, the memories of your exploits across the Cultivation Realm still fresh in your mind.]
[But at this moment, you seem truly only a mortal.]
[You climb out from the ashes, and with a step you find yourself amidst miles of mountains and rivers, arriving at a prosperous large city.]
[You wander aimlessly in the city...]
At this time, Xiang Wuji wore a black robe, hard to see clearly, like a beggar.
Fortunately, this bustling city could accommodate idle beggars.
A cry for help reached from the corner of the street.
[With a casual strike, you knocked down seven or eight ruffians and saved a simply dressed woman.]
[The woman wanted to thank you, but you shook your head in confusion, not knowing your own origin.]
[The woman took you home...]
On this day, Old Liu’s Blacksmith Shop on West Street welcomed a neatly dressed young man, becoming Old Liu’s sole apprentice.
This young man had no name; everyone called him Little Liu.
"Little Liu, your craftsmanship has improved a lot, this knife is splendid."
The customer could look freshly at the kitchen knife Little Liu brought out.
"Indeed, no wonder he’s the apprentice designer."
The thick voice came from the back of the blacksmith shop.
"Pa, you should let him rest for a bit."
A reprimanding female voice also rang out.
The customer smiled, patting Little Liu’s shoulder, "When you get married, be sure to invite me."
...
Little Liu said little, only shyly smiling.
To the townspeople, life hadn’t changed much.
Except that Old Liu’s Blacksmith Shop in the west of town had a successor, and the proud Miss Liu had someone she fancied.
As years passed by.
The blacksmith shop unusually closed for a day.
A large red lantern was hung high at the door.
Little Liu and Miss Liu got married, and it was this moment neighbors realized Little Liu was called Liu Wu, and Miss Liu was called Liu Xin.
This young couple always had good relations with others; the wedding wasn’t overly grand, but quite lively.
After the wedding, the blacksmith shop continued its business, though old Liu withdrew from work, letting the apprentice handle it.
Liu Wu’s stature gradually grew robust and his craftsmanship excelled Old Liu’s.
"Uncle Liu, could you forge me an iron sword?"
A snot-nosed kid squatted at Liu Wu’s feet, staring eagerly at the blacksmith uncle.
Liu Wu smiled, saying, "What’s the use of a sword for you, come here."
Liu Wu magically produced a wooden sword.
The child laughed joyfully, then clung to Liu Wu’s leg, pleading, "Uncle Liu, when will you forge me an iron sword?"
"Next time for sure."
Liu Wu laughed heartily.
Days and months rotated, seasons changed.
Life in the city continued day by day, seemingly unchanged.
Only the marks of time were evident on people.
Soon, Liu Wu’s hair showed some gray, and the blacksmith shop had more young people helping.
Liu Xin still regularly brought meals to Liu Wu.
The blacksmith shop unusually closed for a day again, and this time, Old Liu passed away.
The dead were gone, but the living had to carry on.
"Uncle Liu, I’m going to venture into the Jianghu, forge me an iron sword please!"
The once snot-nosed kid had grown into a spirited young lad.
He was ambitious, full of youthful vigor.
Fearing Liu Wu wouldn’t agree, he added,
"My parents permitted it."
Before he finished speaking, an iron sword was already tossed into his arms.
"It’s been ready for you."
A longsword encased in a leather scabbard was thrown into the young man’s embrace.
The youth broke into a foolish grin.
From then on, a wandering youth disappeared from the streets.
The blacksmith shop’s business remained tranquil, yet many farmers outside town praised Blacksmith Liu’s quality farm tools.
Life went on as usual; in the blink of an eye, several more years passed.
A group of mysteriously dressed strangers suddenly entered the city, searching for something everywhere.