Chapter 339 - Xuanfeng Valley
In the far south of the Central Plains, hidden deep within the mountains, there lay a valley. It faced north while seated in the south, resembling a roaring tiger poised to devour the land. Dense forests embraced it on both sides, its back pressed against towering mountain ranges.
The valley’s entrance stood a hundred zhang high, where sheer cliffs jutted out in jagged, interlocking formations. The knife-like formations blotting out the sky made observers feel like countless steel blades loomed over their neck. Those who witnessed it often exclaimed, Could this be a place where immortals forge their blades?
The valley’s inhabitants would simply smile and say, "No, this is Xuanfeng Valley."
***
Ye Beizhi, Chi Nanwei, and Fang Dingwu made their way through the deep mountains.
Ye Beizhi had warned them in advance that the road would be difficult to traverse, so Chi Nanwei had sensibly changed into deerskin boots and long pants suited for travel. Her attire, crisp and practical, lent her a gallant air.
Among the three, only Ye Beizhi had been here before. Fang Dingwu had heard much about Xuanfeng Valley through his extensive travels, but Chi Nanwei was unfamiliar with the place. As a result, she asked most of the questions along the way. If Fang Dingwu knew the answer, he would explain, and if he didn’t, Ye Beizhi would add a few words.
From their conversations, Chi Nanwei learned that despite Xuanfeng Valley's location, it had a deep connection with the outside world. In fact, it was renowned for its legendary craftsmanship in forging blades, so much so that there was a saying that there were only ten legendary blades for every ten thousand forged, and out of those ten, nine come from Xuanfeng Valley.
"It’s not just a rumor," Ye Beizhi said, running his palm over the hilt of his blade. "They really do forge the best blades."
Ye Beizhi's certainty was unwavering. Fang Dingwu nodded in agreement. "Xuanfeng Valley is indeed famed for its bladesmithing. Since they don’t isolate themselves from the world, many people from the jianghu bring rare and precious materials here, hoping to obtain a fine blade."
Chi Nanwei’s gaze fell on the Tang blade strapped to Ye Beizhi’s back. "Was your blade also made here?"
Ye Beizhi glanced at her, then nodded. "The Valley Master, Shi Wufeng, opened the Sun Seizing Pavilion, summoned the Yuanyang Flame, and spent fifty-four days forging this blade."