304 Going Back on His Word? There’s a Reason

Hearing Lin Ran’s words, Ye Shixiao was moved. Then, he suddenly thought of something and untied the strap of his leather apron. He took out an old yellowed booklet from his inner pocket.

After flipping through a few pages with nostalgia in his eyes, Ye Shixiao casually handed the booklet to Lin Ran. He looked away and said casually, “This is some of my insights and experience in forging weapons over the years.”

Lin Ran’s eyes lit up. Although he had no intention of becoming a blacksmith, this booklet was still quite precious to him.

Now, Lin Ran could tell that Ye Shixiao was a true master of forging. Moreover, his ability was not only in forging sabers, but also in understanding and using all kinds of forging materials.

As the saying went, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

If Lin Ran could learn from Ye Shixiao, no matter what weapon his opponent used, he could quickly summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the weapon and even analyze his opponent’s combat style!

When facing an opponent like Liu Hongshan, this little help could greatly increase his chances of winning.

Of course, what excited Lin Ran the most was that he finally had the chance to forge his own divine sword!

Thinking of this, Lin Ran couldn’t help but feel a little excited. However, after hesitating for a while, he waved his hand and refused. “I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t take this thing. You should pass it to Ye Jin.”

“What are you thinking? Did I say I was giving it to you?”

Ye Shixiao looked at Lin Ran. “If I give it to Jin now, she will definitely be suspicious. That’s why I asked you to keep it for me for a while. When the time is right, pass it to her for me.”

“I see…”

Lin Ran looked embarrassed. He smiled awkwardly and carefully took the booklet. Only then did he realize that the material used to make the booklet was not paper or cloth, but something that looked like animal skin.

Although it looked as thin as a cicada’s wing and yellowed with age, it was much sturdier than Lin Ran had imagined. At least, flipping through it wouldn’t cause it any damage.

Just as Lin Ran was studying what material this was, Ye Shixiao added, “In return for your help, before you give it to Jin, you are allowed to take a look.”

Lin Ran’s eyes lit up. “Thank you in advance, then.”

Lin Ran put away the booklet and asked after a pause, “I won’t be back in a few days this time. Do you want me to bring back the Heavenly Iron first?”

Ye Shixiao thought for a moment and asked, “Can you leave that broken sword behind?”

“I’m afraid not…”

Lin Ran said awkwardly, “When I go back this time, I might need it for something.”

Ye Shixiao didn’t ask what it was about and just nodded.

Lin Ran took out some money and said with a serious expression, “Then wait for me to come back. Rest well for the next few days.”

“Got it.”

Ye Shixiao nodded, but he did not even look at the money. He only stared blankly at the charcoal fire in the furnace, as if he was deep in thought.

Just as Lin Ran was about to ask what was on his mind, he suddenly heard footsteps coming down. Ye Jin, who had gone upstairs to change her clothes, came down.

Lin Ran subconsciously looked up. Ye Jin was still wearing the outfit she wore during the day, but there was a palm-sized satchel at her waist. It looked bulging, but Lin Ran didn’t know what was inside.

Ye Jin came down the stairs and said, “I’m ready. Let’s go!”

“Oh! Okay!”

Lin Ran agreed and turned to walk out. Suddenly, he thought of something and looked at Ye Jin. “Go and bid farewell to your father.”

“Farewell?”

Ye Jin looked puzzled. “Is that necessary? Aren’t we coming back soon?”

Lin Ran smiled. Seeing Ye Shixiao shaking his head with red eyes, he added, “Isn’t this your family custom that everytime you go out, you have to tell your father?”

Ye Jin looked even more puzzled. “That’s true, but why do I feel that you are behaving very strangely?”

Lin Ran chuckled. “When have I ever been normal?”

Ye Jin frowned and stared at Lin Ran for a while. Then, she turned around and walked up to Ye Shixiao. “Father, we’re going out.”

Ye Shixiao nodded. After a pause, he said, “Be careful on the way. Take care of yourself.”

“Got it.”

Ye Jin nodded obediently, but the expression on her face was still strange. A round trip between the Iron City and Mount Xianyong would not take more than an hour, but why did her father act as if she was not coming back?

Although she was suspicious, Ye Jin did not ask further. After bowing to Ye Shixiao, she walked up to Lin Ran. “Can we set off now?”

“Of course.”

Lin Ran smiled and took a deep look at Ye Shixiao. He sighed and was about to set off when he suddenly sensed some movements. Then, Sun Ge rushed in with more than ten men in black!

“Don’t move!”

After Sun Ge entered, he unsheathed the saber at his waist and pressed it against Lin Ran’s throat. At the same time, the other men in black also unsheathed their sabers and surrounded Lin Ran.

“Sun Ge! What are you doing?!”

Ye Shixiao shouted angrily, but just like Ye Jin, his face was filled with confusion.

Although Lin Ran was prepared, he couldn’t help but frown when he felt the bone-chilling coldness coming from his neck. He looked at Sun Ge and said unhappily, “What’s wrong with you? You didn’t investigate when I asked you to investigate. Now, you barged into the house to make a scene.”

“It’s different this time”

Sun Ge replied coldly with a dark expression, “As long as you cooperate, I guarantee that no one will be harmed here.”

Lin Ran sneered and tilted his head to look at Sun Ge with interest. A faint sword intent appeared in his eyes. “Do you believe that even if I don’t cooperate, you won’t be able to harm anyone in the Ye family.”

Hearing that, Sun Ge’s expression stiffened.

After a moment of silence, Sun Ge finally put down the saber. Although his expression was still gloomy, his tone had already softened. “Shopkeeper Huo, I’m not here for the Black Shadow Saber this time. Please come with me.”

“Not for the Black Shadow Saber?”

Lin Ran narrowed his eyes. “Then what for?”

Sun Ge gritted his teeth and hesitated. Then, he suddenly sighed heavily and looked at Lin Ran with a complicated expression. “Senior Guyue Dao is dead.”