Chương 24: A Simple Boy Duped into Sharing a Martial Art

"Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade!" Su Zhe furrowed his brows, muttering to himself. Before him, Yu Yi wielded a plain saber, executing a relentless stream of attacks. Each strike, each retreat, exuded ferocity and a murderous aura. The techniques mirrored those of Huang Mazzi, move for move. Like a sudden thunderclap, realization struck Su Zhe.

"I get it! I finally get it!"

"Yang Dingtian's Serpent Sword, Wang Shan's Tiger Saber, and Sun Tiexin's Ox Hammer!"

"To outsiders, these might sound like nicknames, but the truth is clear: Wang Shan's so-called Tiger Saber is none other than the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade!" Su Zhe's mind raced with clarity. Huang Mazi's techniques were unmistakably the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade. And Wang Shan's techniques? Also, the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade. Within the Blacksmith Guild, the three signature martial arts weren't guarded with absolute secrecy.

However, unless explicitly authorized by the three leaders, the versions taught to others were incomplete, capped at a level below mastery. Teaching the guild's martial arts outside its ranks? That was treason—a crime punishable by death.

"But Huang Mazi was with the Canal Gang. How did he learn the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade?"

"And his skill level is beyond mere dabbling—it's at the advanced stage, even surpassing Yu Yi. This isn't normal… Could it be that the 'Flood Dragon Oceanic Arts' connect back to the Blacksmith Guild? Perhaps even to Wang Shan?" Su Zhe's sharp intuition rapidly pieced together possibilities. Of course, it was also plausible that someone else from the Blacksmith Guild's Po Jun Hall had taught the technique to Huang Mazi. But one thing was clear: the mastermind behind this was closely tied to Po Jun Hall.

Meanwhile, Yu Yi finished his saber practice, sheathing his blade with a contented exhale. He felt invigorated—this session had deepened his understanding of the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade.

"At this rate, forming the strength of a tiger won't take long."

"Most of Po Jun Hall's inner disciples don't even reach the advanced stage." Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Yu Yi's murmurs were tinged with satisfaction at his progress. But when he turned and spotted Su Zhe watching, his confidence deflated like a pierced balloon. Yes, he was a prodigy—but here stood a monstrous talent beyond imagination.

"Brother Su, forgive my crude display—it must have been laughable to you." Yu Yi sat beside Su Zhe, resting his saber.

"Not at all! This saber technique is incredibly fierce, brimming with murderous intent. Even as an observer, I could feel chills running down my spine."

"Brother Yu, this blade suits you perfectly. Given time, even Hall Master Wang may not be your match!" Su Zhe's sigh of admiration and look of awe left Yu Yi beaming. Though reserved by nature, Yu Yi couldn't help but let a smile creep onto his face. Compliments from a genius like Su Zhe? They felt like a badge of honor.

"Brother Su, you jest! Your mastery of the Ox Hammer surpasses mine by far. My meager skills are not worth mentioning." Despite his humility, Yu Yi's elevated brows betrayed his delight. Su Zhe chuckled inwardly. The young man was too transparent.

"Not the same, not the same. The hammer is a heavy weapon, broad and forceful. I study it primarily to aid in crafting. But your saber technique—it's chilling, gripping. Before the blade even strikes, it paralyzes the enemy with fear."

"Martial arts are ultimately meant for killing. In that regard, I can't compare to you, Brother Yu."

"Should dangerous tasks arise in the future, I'll count on you. As for crafting weapons or armor, just leave it to me." Su Zhe's words were perfectly pitched, flattering yet humble. Yu Yi was stunned. This wasn't just praise—it was Su Zhe expressing camaraderie and respect.

"Brother Su's generosity puts me to shame," Yu Yi thought, chastened.

"Very well! If you're willing to entrust me with killing, I'll entrust you with forging!" The two exchanged smiles, sealing their bond.

"Your saber technique is truly marvelous—powerful and artistic. Observing it gave me insights into my own hammer practice. Unfortunately, watching it once isn't enough." Yu Yi immediately rose, downed a Qi and Blood Pill, and drew his saber.

"If it aids you, Brother Su, I'll practice again. Watch closely!" With a leap, Yu Yi resumed his drills. As Yu Yi practiced into the night, Su Zhe keenly observed, memorizing every move of the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade. By dawn, Su Zhe had bid Yu Yi farewell and returned to his room, the entire technique committed to memory.

"From a combat perspective, this saber art far surpasses the Ox Hammer." Su Zhe began practicing the Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade. With his natural talent, even his first attempts showed promise. The Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade offered three stages: Initial mastery granted a ferocious presence akin to a tiger's shadow, radiating fear. Advanced mastery infused one's blood energy into the blade, creating an aura that could shatter an opponent's resolve.

Complete mastery allowed a temporary explosive strength of 2, 500 pounds—devastating but fleeting compared to the sustained power of the Ox Hammer. As Su Zhe trained, he noticed an unexpected benefit: the saber art accelerated the refinement of his bones, aiding his progression in the second stage of martial cultivation.

"The Tiger Slayer's Divine Blade is a treasure," he mused.

"With my aptitude, reaching mastery won't take long." After cleaning up, Su Zhe headed to the Blacksmith Guild's Artisan Hall, his mind brimming with plans for the future. Meanwhile, at Wang Manor, the mood was anything but calm.

"What?! Huang Mazi is missing? How long?" Wang Shan's thunderous roar shook the study. His burly frame loomed over the trembling steward.

"For a week now, my lord. We've searched the outer courtyard thoroughly. No signs of a struggle, but no trace of him either…" The steward's voice cracked with grief.

"That fool is dead, so be it! But my treasured art—my path to the fourth stage of martial cultivation—is gone!" Wang Shan's chest heaved with fury; his eyes bloodshot as he slammed a fist onto the desk.