Chapter 2408: Chapter 2398: Old Friends
Long Yan nodded slightly, knowing that the little shop assistant before him couldn’t make the decisions. He figured it wouldn’t hurt to wait a bit. Judging by his own estimation of power, it would already be considered early if Lingxi regained consciousness tonight—most likely, she’d wake up tomorrow.
It didn’t take long before the shop assistant fetched his boss.
“What’s the matter?”
Tang Long had been running this blacksmith’s shop for over a decade. While the weapons here weren’t particularly different from other shops, the shop was famous because of one specific blade.
“A guest wishes to purchase that weapon.”
The shop assistant made his report and then stepped aside to await the shopkeeper’s reply.
“Where is this guest from?”
“From the looks of him, he seems like a scholar, though he does resemble that so-called pretty boy Long Yan sowhat.”
Although Long Yan was fairly well-known in Chang’an City, the assistant had never actually seen this famous “pretty boy.” He had only heard rumors about Long Yan’s appearance, which bore a resemblance to the guest at the counter.
Tang Long found this a bit odd, as his assistant was usually clever. Yet, here he was, acting foolishly at a critical mont. Regardless, whether this man was Long Yan or not, what did it matter? So many people had co from far-off places to challenge the blade, and none had succeeded in lifting it.
Could a re fragile-looking pretty boy manage it?
What a joke.
In fact, under normal circumstances, the shop assistant wouldn’t even bother to inform Tang Long of situations like this. Most custors, though sturdier than Long Yan, lacked that unmistakable air of confidence the latter carried. If other people were trying, the assistant might have simply acted on his own discretion.
Yet, seeing the peculiar expression on his assistant’s face, Tang Long sighed inwardly. It seed this guest wasn’t easy to deal with, so he’d have to intervene personally.
Long Yan stood motionless before the counter, casually examining the items on display. Of course, a few of these items piqued his interest, though they were elegantly crafted ornants that would only be useful in specific situations.
Nonetheless, an idea began to take shape in his mind: once he returned, perhaps he could gather similar artifacts from the common folk, imbue them with True Qi, and transform them into treasures of unearthly value.
“Apologies for keeping you waiting, honored guest.”
The shop assistant guided Tang Long forward. At a glance, Tang Long imdiately recognized the strikingly famous Long Yan of Chang’an City. Although Long Yan was reputed for living off the Emperor Clan’s graces, Tang Long couldn’t discount the possibility that a word whispered to Lingxi while nestled on her pillow could result in his entire shop being crushed overnight.
What Tang Long likely didn’t realize was that Long Yan intended to buy a weapon to march into the Emperor Clan and settle scores. Regardless, given the Emperor Clan’s formidable influence in Chang’an City, Tang Long had no choice but to tread carefully.
“Young Master Yan, is it the blade that has caught your eye?”
Tang Long strode forward confidently, though he harbored disdain for Long Yan. Yet, it was imperative he remain composed—especially with the imperial princess, whose vindictive tendencies were infamous. Criticizing Long Yan might easily provoke her wrath.
It wasn’t long ago when soone mocked Long Yan as a ‘pretty boy living off woman’s favor,’ and overnight, the entire comrcial association vanished as if wiped from existence. The Emperor Clan’s terrifying reach warranted caution.
Of course, these matters had little to do with Long Yan himself. Today, he ca only to claim the blade and spoke candidly of his intent.
“I’m a man of business, and integrity matters greatly. If Young Master Long can lift this blade, then it proves there’s destiny between the blade and master. However, if you cannot manage it, feel free to select any other weapon in the shop. Consider it my eting gift to Young Master Long.”
After all, if Long Yan were truly to beco part of the Emperor Clan, it would be too late to curry favor later. Better start cultivating goodwill now. Besides, judging by the haughty deanor of the imperial princess, it’s likely few n besides Long Yan could win her affection.
Although Tang Long could see nothing remarkable about Long Yan, who—not to ntion his frail physique—didn’t even appear to be soone who practiced martial arts in earnest. What was this nonsense about fa? Studying for three to four years yet lacking substantial accomplishnt? Maybe powerful families really did favor this type.
“Really, Shopkeeper Tang?”
Long Yan was stuffed with pleasant surprise, though he also understood the underlying reason behind it. Tonight, once the Emperor Clan no longer stood, none of this would matter—looking up to him would beco a pipe dream.
A fleeting world, what was destiny or past life but re frivolities?
“Of course. A gentleman’s word is worth four galloping horses.”
Tang Long thumped his chest as he spoke, outwardly warm while secretly sneering within.
A pretty boy thinks he can lift the blade? Absolutely laughable. He should take a good, hard look at himself in a reflection before trying. You deserve this blade… Huh?
As he voiced these sarcastic thoughts to himself, Long Yan effortlessly picked up the blade—a weapon untouched by human hands in decades. Tang Long furiously rubbed his eyes; this couldn’t possibly be an illusion, could it??
“This… Young Master Long, how is it…?”
Tang Long stamred, at a complete loss for words as he watched Long Yan casually play with the blade. The shopkeeper still hadn’t erged from his stupor.
The blade, a legend untouched even by formidable warriors, including Di Lingtian, was now easily wielded by… this fragile-looking pretty boy?
“Shopkeeper Tang, per our earlier agreent, this blade is mine now.”
Long Yan gently brushed away the dust on the blade’s surface. As he’d suspected, this blade bore an uncanny resemblance to Dragon Tooth—now his Lu Xian Sword. Clearly, there was a bond between him and Dragon Tooth that spanned ti itself.
“Ah…”
Tang Long wanted to object; this blade was, after all, the centerpiece of his shop’s renown. Could he really let it be taken so easily? Yet the promise he had made was now impossible to retract. What could he do?
As every rchant knows, credibility matters most. If Long Yan were to spread word of this incident across the streets, Tang Long’s reputation would be utterly ruined.
Defeated, Tang Long had no choice but to nod grimly.
“As promised, this blade is yours, Young Master Long. No charge at all.”
Every muscle on Tang Long’s face seed to twist painfully. The heartbreak was palpable as his emotions churned. The shop assistant, however, sighed with relief, inwardly thankful he’d gone to fetch his boss instead of handling the matter alone; otherwise, he’d likely lose his job over this.
The assistant cast an admiring glance at Long Yan, silently giving himself a pat for his cleverness.
Witnessing Tang Long’s forced politeness, Long Yan actually felt a bit embarrassed.
“How about I pay for it then?”
Even as he said the words, Long Yan showed no intention of taking out the ingot of official silver in his pocket.
Tang Long, still mired in depression, couldn’t help but scoff inwardly—pay for it? This was the shop’s prized treasure; do you even have enough money for it? Nonetheless, his mouth replied as etiquette demanded.
“There’s no need. It seems Young Master Long was destined for this blade, so consider it my gift to you.”
With Tang Long’s confirmation, Long Yan affixed Dragon Tooth at his waist. While browsing earlier, he had co across several other items of value—ones he intended to purchase with his ingot of official silver.
Observing Long Yan showing no signs of leaving yet, Tang Long followed him around the shop, looking like a walking corpse. Today, his shop’s centerpiece was taken for free, and he still had to feign courtesy. The bitterness was enough to make him wish for death.
“Shopkeeper Tang, how much does this cost?”
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