Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Upon hearing this, Shen Chu's heart stirred slightly.

The senior brother Zhao, who was once full of vigor and intimidated everyone, but was eventually forced to leave by Situ Aotian's words, was going to the upper sect to cultivate.

Although he was somewhat curious about the concept of "Shangzong", now was not the time to ask.

He cupped his hands again and said sincerely, "Senior Li, you misunderstand. It has nothing to do with your sect's disciples. It was indeed I who promised Miss Situ first. A man's word is his bond, and I can only disappoint Uncle Li's kindness."

Seeing Shen Chu's resolute attitude, Uncle Li knew that further persuasion would be useless, so he could only sigh deeply, his face full of regret.

"Ah...what a pity, what a pity. But it's alright, if you change your mind later, the doors of the Longchuan Sword Sect are always open for you. If you're not happy at Qingyang Academy, come find me anytime!"

Shen Chu smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your kind words, Senior Li. I will remember them."

......

When Shen Chu returned to the Li residence, Li Chengwen was squatting in the courtyard, looking at a pile of broken copper and scrap iron with a troubled expression.

He saw Shen Chu enter and grinned, "You're back? Is everything alright with Miss Situ?"

Shen Chu squatted down next to him, casually picked up a piece of scrap iron, weighed it in her hand, and said:

"Miss Situ asked me to enter Qingyang Academy for cultivation as soon as possible, and I agreed. In a few days, I will set off for Qingyang County with them."

Li Chengwen was taken aback at first, then suddenly slapped his thigh: "Really?! That's great! Then we can go together!"

He stood up excitedly and paced back and forth in the courtyard twice: "You wouldn't believe it, I just received a message from my younger sister this morning, saying that Dad and I are going to live together in Qingyang County. She's already arranged everything. I was just about to tell you, and now that's great, with you by my side, the journey won't be boring!"

Seeing his expression, Shen Chu couldn't help but smile: "That's perfect, it'll be good to have someone to look after you on the way."

Li Chengwen seemed to remember something, and walked over to put his arm around Shen Chu's shoulder:

"Come on, come with me to find Constable Xu. The Xu family has helped us so much, and now that they're leaving, we should at least say goodbye."

When the two arrived at Xu Zhibao's residence, they found the courtyard bustling with activity.

Xu Zhibao was directing several workers to load luggage onto the carriage, while Xu Qingqing was counting the various packages, muttering something to herself.

Seeing Shen Chu and Li Chengwen walk in, Xu Zhibao stopped what he was doing and greeted them with a smile:

"Hey, what brings you two here?"

Li Chengwen got straight to the point: "Officer Xu, we're leaving. Our Li family is preparing to move to Qingyang County, and we've come today to say goodbye."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhibao laughed heartily and pointed to the carriage behind him:

"What a coincidence! We just received news from home that I should quit my job as a constable in Changping County and go back to Qingyang Prefecture. They'll arrange a good position for me then. I'm packing up right now!"

Now it was Shen Chu and Li Chengwen's turn to be stunned. They looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"What a coincidence!" Li Chengwen laughed heartily.

"Great, now we can travel together again!"

Shen Chu stood to the side, looking at the three people in front of her, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

After all, they had been through life and death together, so it all seemed especially precious.

.......

Two days later, at dawn.

At the city gate of Changping County, a team has already assembled.

Leading the group were Situ Aotian and several students from Qingyang Academy, followed by the Li family's carriage, then Xu Zhibao and Xu Qingqing's escort vehicle, and finally several mule carts loaded with luggage and supplies.

Madam Hu and Hu Bai sat in the Li family's carriage. Hu Bai lifted the curtain and quietly watched the Changping County city wall recede into the distance, lost in thought.

Sitting in the car, Mr. Li looked out the window at Changping County, where he had lived most of his life, as it shrank little by little, and felt a mix of emotions.

He started from scratch here, married and had children here, and experienced the highs and lows of his life here.

Now, however, they have to leave their hometown and start over in a strange place.

Moreover, apart from Shen Chu and Sun Ping, the other craftsmen in the Li family's forging compound were unwilling to follow them and leave their hometown, which made him feel somewhat lonely.

But the thought of seeing his daughter Li Qingning in Qingyang County soon made him feel a little better.

Li Chengwen rode his horse in the procession, but his eyes kept glancing at the carriage that Madam Hu was riding in.

Since the rebellion was quelled, he had been exceptionally attentive to Madam Hu's needs.

He would ask her if she was thirsty, if she was hungry, and if the carriage was bumpy and if she wanted a softer cushion.

Xu Qingqing rode alongside him on horseback, watching Li Chengwen's sycophantic behavior, and couldn't help but roll her eyes, muttering under her breath:

"This guy... his eyes are practically glued to her."

Although she verbally expressed her disdain, she had to admit that while Madam Hu wasn't a stunning beauty, her gentle and serene demeanor possessed a unique charm that made people want to take a second look.

Thinking of this, Xu Qingqing suddenly turned her head and secretly glanced at Shen Chu on the other side.

Shen Chu sat astride his horse, still as taciturn as ever, his gaze fixed straight ahead, lost in thought. Sunlight streamed down his profile, illuminating a clear line along his cheek.

Suddenly, the image of Shen Chu staring at her chest flashed through Xu Qingqing's mind.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly puffed out her chest, thinking to herself: The fact that he's staring at me means I'm attractive too! And his heroic figure when he slew the snake demon that night was truly…

Thinking of this, she quickly shook her head to clear her mind of these random thoughts and focused on riding her horse.

The journey from Changping County to Qingyang Prefecture was not far.

The group traveled day and night, and the journey was relatively uneventful.

As evening approached, the towering city walls of Qingyang County finally appeared on the horizon.

Above the city gate, the three large characters "Qingyang County" gleamed in the setting sun.

Situ Aotian reined in his horse, turned around, and smiled at the crowd, saying, "Everyone, welcome back to Qingyang County!"

Shen Chu gazed at the majestic city gate.

Although it wasn't his first time here, a feeling he couldn't quite describe suddenly welled up inside him.

He knew that from here on, he would embark on a completely new journey.

After entering the city, Shen Chu first accompanied the Li family father and son, as well as Sun Ping, to the accommodations arranged for them by Li Qingning.

It was a two-courtyard house located in the south of the city. Although it was not very big, it was clean and tidy. A brand-new forge had been built in the backyard, which was obviously carefully prepared by Li Qingning.