Chapter 42 (1/2)

When he reached the western part of the market, he could sense how different the atmosphere was compared to the other parts. Though he has yet to go to the southern part of the market, he doubts that it’s the same as what he’s seeing now.

On the street, there were mostly men with few exceptions of women, each with their own weapons. Some were walking in groups, which Lin Xiao assumed is a group of mercenaries. Most of them actually came to have their weapons repaired though there are few that came looking to buy a better weapon. This scene is a heavy contrast of what he had seen from the northern market where the majority of the customers are females.

‘Oh, look at that glaive,’ Lin Xiao’s eyes shined as his eyes landed on one of the many glaives that were on display on the weapon racks placed just outside the shop. He also saw similar weapon displays on other shops which really made Lin Xiao felt that he’s simply walking around on a big weapon shop instead of the street. ‘Guess they’re not worried about things being stolen.’

Lin Xiao continued to walk around until he saw a shop that specialized in making swords. He entered the shop and directly looked for the owner. The owner was a middle-aged man with a scar just underneath his eyes going all the way down to his chin. It was clear that he is a seasoned fighter. “Good sir, I’m looking for a gift. Preferably, something small and can be easily hidden,” Lin Xiao said to the owner.

“Something small and easily hidden?” the owner had a look of surprise when he heard Lin Xiao’s inquiry. Usually, people who came to their shop only asks for a sword or a saber. For someone to ask for a dagger is already a rare occasion but what Lin Xiao requested is actually a first. He continued to stare at Lin Xiao and since Lin Xiao was young, he assumed that Lin Xiao is looking for a gift for his lover.

“Young man, if you’re looking for a gift for your woman, there is another shop down the streets that specializes in making hidden weapons. From a sword hidden in an umbrella to a poison needle hidden in a jade pin, they have it there.”

“Ah, but… those are not what I am looking for,” Lin Xiao replied. “This gift is for my Shizun and my Shizun is a man,” Lin Xiao told the owner. “I’m sure you have something here, right?”

“So that’s the case! Yes, yes! We do have what you need. I’m sorry for assuming you were looking for a gift for your woman. I thought I was doing you a favor since a woman wouldn’t want to have such a ‘crude’ looking weapon as a gift,” the owner said with a laughter.

“No one really asks for this kind of weapons but there are few who came for them. Not to brag or anything but…” the owner then leaned down and speak to Lin Xiao in a hushed tone. “The Emperor had our shop made several such weapons based on Master Hao Shuren’s design. That was about five years ago. I heard that it was a coming of age gift for Xinglan Wang, Master Hao’s only disciple,” he told Lin Xiao.

When Hao Shuren’s name was mentioned, Lin Xiao suddenly felt a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. But he quickly shakes those feelings away since it was impossible for him to know such a person who seems to be related to the Emperor.

“Why are you whispering that, sir? I think if the Emperor had your shop to make weapons, I think its something to be proud of?” Lin Xiao was confused with how the owner acts.

“Because two years ago, Master Hao’s only disciple was suspected of killing the previous Emperor. Thus, he was also implicated. Right now, no one knows where he is,” the owner replied, still in a hushed tone. “Anyway, we still have the weapons with us. It was supposed to be taken this year but since such things happened, I doubt anyone will be taking it now.”

Then, the owner gave Lin Xiao a grin, “Since you’re looking for such weapon, how about buying them from us? It’s a shame for such fine weapons to collect dusts in this shop’s storage room, right?” the owner said to Lin Xiao. “It won’t cost you much at all! There are thirteen of them, but I can let you have them all for ten gold pieces!”

“First, let me see them,” Lin Xiao didn’t agree immediately. Though this owner is friendly, in the end, they are a businessman through and through. Lin Xiao could sense how he tried to bait him into buying it at a higher price. Plus, he was sure that when they made the weapons, all the raw materials were provided by the palace and their blacksmith was already paid. After all, it was a request made by the Emperor himself.