Chapter 434: Fame and Mystery (1/2)

He chuckled, feeling a bit excited.

Despite being in his late twenties, he had the aura of an old man, finding his own joy in creating. However, Yu Zhen leaned in to speak into Ming Yue's ear.

”He says that but he ends up taking twice as long. He's the type to get lost in his own work”, she whispered.

”Oi, I heard that!”

Putting away Ming Yue's equipment, ZI Jing looked at them with a scowl.

”What? I can't have my own interests or something?” he retorted.

She glanced at him and chuckled, finding his sudden snap amusing.

”No, no, carry on.”

Ming Yue watched before taking another look at what Zi Jing handed her. She then lowered her head.

”Thank you for helping me.”

Zi Jing then stood up and walked towards her as she straightened back up. Along with Yu Zhen, both of them cupped their fists to her.

”It shouldn't be you thanking us, it should be us thanking you.”

Unlike his usual tone, this was more sincere and less stern.

”You may not think it but your presence in this war has changed many things. Out of the many cultivators who have sought to distinguish themselves, you are probably one of the most elusive and renowned. Besides, all five of us commanders have good impressions of you”, he continued.

Yu Zhen looked at her with a friendly gaze.

”You are too humble, it would do you good to acknowledge your own strength and contributions.”

Ming Yue was taken aback, unable to really formulate words from this sudden praise.

”I... Thank you for your kind words.”

Both commanders chuckled before stepping back.

”When I'm finished improving your equipment, I'll have someone come for you” said Zi Jing.

”And if any news arrives about the north or tbe forest, we'll let you know”, Yu Zhen added.

”Thank you, I'll take my leave then.”

Ming Yue turned and left the tent, carrying the things Zi Jing handed her.

They watched her leave before look8ng at each other.

”Looks like we have a lot of work cut out for us.”

”Yes, we do.”

The next few days were peaceful but busy, incredibly busy.

With the death of the Vore Demons, they didn't fear entering the marshes anymore. Construction of the castle had to be paused as everyone had moved to transport the Stonguise Lizard Corpses and process them as well. Not to mention, the chance or rather, the imminent attack from Kong Zhi had everyone working harder.

While they didn't know when, they knew that it would come.

And with the North Fort facing possible danger, many of the sects sent their disciples there to defend, hunt, even attack.

Those that did come to the camp were few but they came.

One reason was the uniqueness of this situation and another was the benefits. With most craftsmen being here, it was possible to perhaps obtain a strong weapon or a piece of equipment from a notable blacksmith. The third reason was Ming Yue, her elusiveness and power made her a very popular figure.

While others made their mark on this war, she practically left a handprint.

Nevertheless, she didn't quite care about her reputation or name. What she wanted to do now was reach the next stage of the Sword Sage Path, Realm of a Hundred Swords. To do that, she had to master Return to Simplicity, to be able to merge her energies together seamlessly and attack.

”I can't wait for the World Serpent to complete Drifting Sky to do this. I have to work with what I have.”

Ming Yue spent much of her days on the lakeshore, taking a stance and focusing. With this replacement sword, she had to get used to it before practicing.

But that didn't take very long.

”I, Ding Feng, challenge you to a spar!”

She wasn't alone.