Chapter 131: Standard Armament Manual, Number One

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“The Hundred Refinements Ring Pommel Saber is Lord Zhou’s work. Let Lord Zhou introduce it to everyone,” Shi Songtao said gracefully.

“Hundred Refinements Ring Pommel Saber, five-foot-long blade, single-edged, thick spine…” Zhou Shu didn’t decline and introduced his saber.

In fact, Zhou Shu had already seen the sabers that he had developed. The Huben Saber, the Spring Embroidered Saber, and even the Autumn Anatidae Plume Saber were all ranked after the top ten.

Shi Songtao didn’t explain any of the weapons that weren’t in the top ten, and Zhou Shu naturally didn’t either.

In reality, Zhou Shu was also somewhat surprised. From the looks of it, only half of the six long sabers he had forged previously ranked in the top ten.

This gave him a deeper understanding of the standard weapons of this world.

One had to know that the Spring Embroidered Saber and Autumn Anatidae Plume Saber were excellent saber weapons that had undergone many tests on Earth.

In this world, not only were they unable to rank in the top ten of the Standard Armament Manual, but they were also unable to rank in the top twenty.

The standard weapons of this world were not weak.

The Hundred Refinements Ring Pommel Saber was once the most powerful and lethal weapon of an era. But here, it only ranked seventh.

It was unknown what rank its advanced version, the Horse Slaying Saber, would be.

The announcement of the Standard Armament Manual continued.

Sixth, fifth…

Shi Songtao naturally took over the commentator’s role and explained the weapons on the rankings to everyone.

He was knowledgeable and eloquent. Even Zhou Shu had to admit that he had indeed learned a lot.

In the end, this was the difference between a professional Forging Master and an unorthodox Forging Apprentice.

Although Zhou Shu had already realized his shortcomings and had been trying very hard to learn about forging, there was still quite a gap between him and a Forging Master who had been learning from a young age.

“4th, Horse Slaying Saber.”

Another name appeared on the screen.

Everyone looked surprised.

The Horse Slaying Saber only ranked fourth?

Everyone present was of considerable status in Great Xia. Even if they hadn’t personally come into contact with the Horse Slaying Saber, they still knew about it.

This kind of killing weapon only ranked fourth in the Standard Armament Manual?

Zhou Shu was also shocked. Although he hadn’t said anything, he had felt that other than the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber, the destructive power of the Horse Slaying Saber had already reached the limit of standard weapons.

Before he forged the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber, he had even felt that the Horse Slaying Saber could rank first in the Standard Armament Manual.

He didn’t expect that it wouldn’t even be in the top three, let alone first place!

This was truly unexpected.

Zhou Shu absentmindedly introduced the Horse Slaying Saber. Actually, everyone understood the Horse Slaying Saber, so it didn’t matter if he introduced it or not.

Naturally, no one cared if Zhou Shu’s introduction was good or bad.

Everyone was staring at the screen. They wanted to see what the top three weapons in the Standard Armament Manual were!

“3rd, Jing Tao Sword.”

When everyone saw the words that appeared in the light, their hearts trembled slightly, and they involuntarily looked at Shi Songtao.

Shi Songtao was a famous Forging Master, and his famous work was the yellow-grade weapon, the Songtao Sword.

The Jing Tao Sword and the Song Tao Sword were only one word apart.

The stunned expression on Shi Songtao’s face disappeared in a flash. He said calmly, “This Jing Tao Sword was created by me for fun. I didn’t expect it to be in the Standard Armament Manual.”

His expression was calm and composed.

“A sword forged just for fun is better than someone’s Horse Slaying Saber. This is the difference between people!” Xiao Bufan let out a hollow laugh.

Shi Songtao glared at Xiao Bufan, then looked apologetic at the crowd.

Zhou Shu rolled his eyes inwardly. It was no wonder Shi Songtao was so kind as to give him the Heavenly Mirror. It turned out that he just wanted to steal the limelight.

You messed up, didn’t you? Your weapon only ranked third.

Shi Songtao pretended to be calm and collected, but Zhou Shu still caught a hint of surprise and disappointment.

Obviously, he had thought he could get first place.

What rubbish about forging a weapon for fun? He must have specially developed a standard weapon just to get first place in the Standard Armament Manual.

One had to know that Emperor Yuan Feng had a decree. No matter who helped Great Xia obtain first place in the Standard Armament Manual, they would be directly conferred the title of marquis!

Although he, Shi Songtao, was a famous genius Forging Master and his official position wasn’t low, he didn’t have a noble title.

Shi Songtao wasn’t the only one. The majority of Forging Masters were the same. Therefore, this time, many Forging Masters had developed standard weapons, just like Shi Songtao.

“2nd, Great Wei Mountain Splitter Spear.”

The Standard Armament Manual didn’t stop because of Shi Songtao. After this line appeared, the entire audience instantly fell silent.

Even Shi Songtao had no interest in explaining.

“The name of the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber hasn’t appeared yet, right?” someone whispered.

“I think so. Only first place is left. The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow has won!”

Everyone’s hearts started pounding.

In the palace, many people had the same thought.

In the many years that the Heavenly Mountain Villa had compiled the armament manuals, they had never overlooked anything.

The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber was a standard weapon. It had to rank in the Standard Armament Manual.

But since it hadn’t appeared yet, there was only one possibility…

Emperor Yuan Feng had a victorious smile on his face as he looked at the deputy envoy of Great Wei, Shen Yue.

Due to his identity, Xiao Shunzhi didn’t appear in the imperial palace. Everything regarding the Great Wei diplomatic mission was handled by Deputy Envoy Shen Yue.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yue’s expression was extremely calm. He wasn’t angry at Great Wei’s loss. It was as though nothing had happened.

“Looks like our Great Wei’s Mountain Splitter Spear has lost,” Shen Yue said very calmly.

Emperor Yuan Feng frowned. He faintly felt that something was wrong, but he couldn’t say what exactly was wrong.

At this moment, the number one of the Standard Armament Manual was finally announced.

“1st, Great Xia Dragon Sparrow!”

Deafening cheers rang out. Whether it was within the imperial palace of Great Xia or inside the baron’s mansion, the officials of Great Xia all cheered.

There were even some older officials who were in tears.

The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber ranked first in the Standard Armament Manual!

After a hundred years, the You Prefecture and the Bing Prefecture could finally return to Great Xia!

Yin Wuyou’s beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Zhou Shu. The tenderness in her eyes seemed to be able to melt steel.

When Shi Songtao saw this scene, a hint of gloominess flashed across his eyes. But he still had a warm smile on his face like a spring breeze as he said, “The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow ranks first in the Standard Armament Manual. This is really the great fortune of Great Xia. This is the great fortune of His Majesty!

“Lord Zhou, you are amazing!” He gave her a thumbs-up, looking like he was genuinely wishing him well.

“Thank you.” Compared to everyone’s excitement, Zhou Shu was much calmer.

The Legendary Armament Canon wouldn’t lie. The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber was the pinnacle of standard weapons. Who would doubt it now?

“Lord Zhou, I have a few words of advice. Although I may offend you, I must get it off of my chest,” Shi Songtao said.

“Although my junior brother doesn’t know how to speak, there’s one thing he’s right about. No matter how strong a Forging Apprentice is, he’s only a Forging Apprentice. If he doesn’t become a Forging Master, everything of his is ultimately just an illusion.

“I hope that you can advance to Forging Master as soon as possible. I will wait for you.”

With that, Shi Songtao cupped his hands and left the table.

From the beginning to the end, he didn’t lose his elegance.

“One is the Great Xia’s number one genius Forging Master, while the other is the Great Xia’s number one Forging Apprentice. Is this a challenge?” someone suddenly said.

“A Forging Master is completely different from a Forging Apprentice. What’s there to fight about? Master Shi means that he hopes that Lord Zhou will become a Forging Master soon…”

This discussion was quickly suppressed by another voice.

“Ignore him. You will become a Forging Master sooner or later,” Yin Wuyou whispered, unable to conceal the joy in her voice.

Since the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber won first place in the Standard Armament Manual, it meant that Great Xia won the bet against Great Wei!

The two prefectures were finally going to return to the embrace of Great Xia!

…

Within the Great Xia Imperial Palace, Emperor Yuan Feng was also smiling.

“Deputy Envoy Shen, you have already seen the Standard Armament Manual. Do you have anything else to say?” Emperor Yuan Feng looked at Shen Yue.

Shen Yue’s expression was calm as he bowed and cupped his hands. “Great Xia’s standard weapon is unparalleled. I am convinced.

“Since we were willing to bet, we must accept our loss. From today onward, Great Wei’s army will retreat from the two prefectures. From now on, the You and Bing prefectures will belong to Great Xia.”

Shen Yue was so straightforward that the officials of Great Xia couldn’t believe it.

I didn’t expect the Mountain Splitting Spear of Great Wei to be so powerful. Even the backup I prepared couldn’t compare to it. Luckily, I have the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber, Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber… Emperor Yuan Feng thought. The joy of taking back the You and Bing prefectures faded a bit. It’s that boy surnamed Zhou again. With the great merit of recovering lost land, do I really have to confer him the title of marquis?

Why do I feel so unhappy?

…

At a post house in the suburbs of the capital, Great Wei’s Imperial Preceptor Xiao Shunzhi put down the Heavenly Mirror in his hand.

He had also seen the Standard Armament Manual, and just like Shen Yue, he didn’t feel vexed over their failure.

It was as if he wasn’t the one who had just lost two prefectures.

He looked to the north, a barely perceptible sneer on his lips.

…

In the baron’s mansion, after everyone congratulated Zhou Shu, they left one after another amid the joyous atmosphere.

In the end, only Yin Wuyou and Sun Gongping were left.

“Hey, Old Zhou, I didn’t expect that you would really get first place in the Standard Armament Manual.” Sun Gongping looked proud.

“Not only does he have two weapons in the top ten of the Standard Armament Manual, but he also has six in the top hundred!” Yin Wuyou said proudly.

Zhou Shu looked at them strangely. Why do I feel that they’re happier than me?

With the Legendary Armament Canon, there are actually others in the top ten. Is this considered a win?

Two ignorant fellows!

They don’t understand the realm of this expert!

“Don’t you guys think that the level of Great Wei is too low?” Zhou Shu said. Although he was very confident, he still felt that he had won too easily.

If the standard weapons of Great Wei were only at this standard, would they dare to challenge Great Xia?

Were they tired of living?

“Are you saying that this level is considered lousy?” Sun Gongping said in disbelief. “Look at the Great Wei Mountain Splitter Spear!

“Even Shi Songtao’s Jing Tao Sword lost to the Great Wei Mountain Splitter Spear! If not for your Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber…”

Sun Gongping said, “Let me tell you. Don’t underestimate Shi Songtao. This guy is hypocritical and fierce. If the weapon wasn’t good enough, he wouldn’t have named it the Song Tao Sword!”

Yin Wuyou nodded. “Shi Songtao is very conceited. Any weapon forged by him, as long as the name carries the word ‘Tao’, was meticulously crafted by him.”

Shi Songtao thought that he was acting naturally, but he didn’t know that others had already seen through him…

“Is that so?” Zhou Shu muttered.

He had a nagging feeling that something was not quite right. If not for the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber, the Great Wei Mountain Splitter Spear would have been number one in the Standard Armament Manual.

If Shen Yue hadn’t come to provoke him, he might not have even started to forge the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow Saber…

Zhou Shu seemed to have thought of something.

“Do you guys think that Great Wei intentionally lost the You and Bing prefectures to us?” Zhou Shu frowned.

“Are you joking?!” Sun Gongping laughed. “Do you think it’s playing house? That’s the land of two prefectures! Great Wei would be a fool to deliberately lose the You and Bing prefectures to Great Xia.

“Old Zhou, did ranking first make you lose your mind? You only ranked first in the Standard Armament Manual. It won’t be too late to lose your mind when your weapon ranks first on the Ranked Armament Manual.”

“Is there a problem?” Yin Wuyou had been observing Zhou Shu the entire time. She could tell that Zhou Shu wasn’t joking, so she also pondered.

“I don’t know.” Zhou Shu shook his head. It was useless to guess.

It was impossible for Great Xia to give up on the two prefectures that they had obtained.

“Grand Minister, I remember you saying that if I can advance in the Forging Division, then my 0th Workshop will have its own name. Does it still count?”

Zhou Shu no longer thought about the matter. In any case, there were many smart people in the Imperial Court. If there really was a problem, they would be able to discover it.

He had better manage his own territory and focus on forging.

“Of course.” Yin Wuyou puffed up her chest. “You’ve made a great contribution this time, so I’ll help you fight for it. When the time comes, I’ll help you find a Grand Craftsman to be your teacher. Soon, you’ll become a Forging Master.”

This was the difference. Sun Gongping wanted to introduce a Forging Master to Zhou Shu as a teacher, while Yin Wuyou was going to introduce a Grand Craftsman to him. They were on completely different levels.

However, the two of them had the same thoughts. Zhou Shu was a Forging Apprentice and did not have a Forging Master legacy. Although he had outstanding talent in forging standard weapons, ranked weapons were completely different from standard weapons. It was almost impossible for him to break through on his own.

Becoming a disciple was the only way for Zhou Shu to continue advancing.

“Find a teacher?” Zhou Shu shook his head. “There’s no need.

“It’s fine as long as you keep your word, Grand Minister. The 0th Workshop sounds too unpleasant. I’ve decided that the 0th Workshop will be renamed Zhonghua Pavilion from now on.”

“Zhonghua Pavilion? What does that mean?” Yin Wuyou was puzzled. “I’m talking about how you can give the 0th Workshop a name after you become a Forging Master. You’re not a Forging Master yet.”

“Who says I’m not?” Zhou Shu smiled.. “The person standing in front of you is Forging Master Zhou Shu. From now on, please call me Master Zhou!”