A Blood-Moving Realm has arrived in the world of The Return of the Condor Heroes.

"gunpowder?"

The two women spoke in unison, their eyes filled with surprise.

They were no strangers to gunpowder. The fireworks and firecrackers they saw during festivals were made of gunpowder. They considered it just an ordinary pastime and never imagined that it could become a weapon of war.

Zhang Huai's solemn expression upon seeing the cannon blueprints was not due to fear that the gunpowder would injure him.

No matter how powerful the gunpowder was, although he had never truly experienced it firsthand, even if he were hit, he would only end up with bruises, provided that the other party could hit him.

With Zhang Huai's current physical qualities, strength, and reaction speed far exceeding those of ordinary people, he had already dodged before the opponent could ignite, aim, and fire. Ordinary artillery would hardly pose a real threat to him.

What he was really worried about was the kind of catastrophe this thing would bring if it appeared on the battlefield.

Artillery does not require advanced martial arts skills or top-notch generals; soldiers can operate it after simple training.

It was a devastating blow to ordinary soldiers, civilians defending the city, and even ordinary martial arts masters. A single cannon shot would send flesh and blood flying, city walls collapsing, and even the most fearless warriors would appear pale and powerless in the face of its absolute power.

As for those top martial arts masters, Zhang Huai believed that even if the cannons that had been developed to a mature stage during the Ming and Qing dynasties were brought to this era, it would be difficult for them to pose a fatal threat unless they were ambushed and caught completely off guard.

Logically speaking, the Song Dynasty's craftsmanship and handicraft techniques were far superior to those of the Mongols.

If the Mongols could build cannons according to the blueprints, the Song Dynasty should also have the ability to build similar ones, thus creating a balance of power.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

If the Song Dynasty court were incompetent and no one paid attention, or if there was a technological blockade preventing them from replicating the cannons, while the Mongols were able to cast them according to the blueprints and equip their armies in large quantities, it would have been a devastating disaster for the Southern Song border and for the people of the country.

Zhang Huai did not want to interfere too much in the survival of the Song Dynasty. He was neither a loyal minister nor a righteous man, nor did he have any grand ambition to save the world.

But once the cannons were fired, it wasn't just the soldiers of both armies who suffered, but also countless innocent civilians. Cities were shattered and lives were lost—a tragedy he could not ignore.

Some things, if they can be prevented, cannot be ignored.

Zhang Huai's gaze fell on the artillery blueprint again, his eyes resolute.

As the two women listened to Zhang Huai's description, a hint of gloom appeared in their eyes.

Listening to Zhang Huai describe its power, they couldn't help but imagine the enormous impact it would have on the war.

Lu Wushuang is a bit better than Yaoyue. Although she has a chivalrous heart, she doesn't think about national righteousness like Guo Jing. She only cares about whether the people around her can live well and helps those in need as much as she can.

But Yao Yue is different. She risks her life to travel the world with the aim of upholding justice and rescuing the people from the flames.

If this cannon were to appear, even more people would be plunged into a life-or-death struggle, something Yaoyue absolutely did not want to see.

In her excitement, she grabbed Zhang Huai's arm. After all, she was a weak woman with no power or influence and poor martial arts skills. She couldn't possibly get involved in such a matter of national importance.

"Brother Zhang, what should we do?"

"Don't rush,"

Zhang Huai reassured him, his voice filled with a sense of security.

"We haven't heard a single word about this thing yet, which means it hasn't actually been built. Now that we've obtained the blueprints, as long as the Song Dynasty can also build this thing, the balance won't be broken."

"Then who should we go to?"

According to Yao Yue's understanding of Zhang Huai, although he was highly skilled in martial arts, he did not have much contact with the government forces.

Listening to Yao Yue's words, Zhang Huai already had someone in mind—Guo Jing.

Zhang Huai had no contact with the local government forces, nor did he want to, much less work for them. So he decided to go find Guo Jing.

In this world of martial arts, and even within the territory of the Southern Song Dynasty, the only person he could trust, who held considerable military power, guarded a region, was wholeheartedly devoted to the people, and never hoarded weapons, was Guo Jing.

Guo Jing guarded the border for many years, commanded a large army, and was deeply loved by the soldiers and civilians. He was the core figure on the entire Southern Song Dynasty's front line against the Mongols.

Artillery, such vital national weapons of war, which determine life and death on the battlefield, would either be seized and embezzled by treacherous officials or abandoned by mediocre officials if handed over directly to the imperial court. Only when it was handed over to Guo Jing could it be put to good use immediately.

Moreover, Guo Jing was wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people, seeking neither fame nor fortune, but only the peace of the region. Therefore, entrusting the manufacturing rights to Guo Jing would not lead to its misuse.

Zhang Huai looked up at the anxious Yao Yue beside him and said seriously and firmly, "Go to Xiangyang City and find Guo Jing."

"Guo Jing?"

Yao Yue was a little confused. She was new to the martial arts world and had never heard of Guo Jing.

"You mean Guo Jing, the great hero?"

Lu Wushuang was no stranger to Guo Jing, after all, she had met him once when she was young.

And over the years, while traveling in the martial arts world, I have often heard people in the martial arts world recounting the stories of the great hero Guo Jing.

"I saw him when I was a child, but I don't remember him very clearly. I was only 9 years old at the time. Back then, nothing had happened in Lu Family Village. Master Guo fought with my master. He was tall and big, and he stood in front of me like a mountain."

Yao Yue couldn't help but look at Lu Wushuang. Although she didn't know Guo Jing, she could tell from Zhang Huai's tone that he must be an extraordinary person. She thought to herself, "Sister Wushuang is really knowledgeable. She even knows such a person."

Zhang Huai replied, "That's right, it's him."

"Brother Zhang, shall we skip Mount Hua and go directly to Xiangyang City to find Hero Guo?"

Yao Yue asked anxiously. On the one hand, she wanted Guo Jing to know the news as soon as possible so that he could make preparations and reduce the suffering of the people. On the other hand, she wanted to go to Mount Hua to improve her strength as Zhang Huai had suggested, so that she would not be a burden in the future and could help more people.

Even Lu Wushuang looked at Zhang Huai. For her, it didn't matter where she went, as long as she could follow Zhang Huai and not be captured by her master.

"No, we still want to go to Mount Hua."

"what?"

Yao Yue was somewhat puzzled. After all, the matter was urgent. Although the Mongols might not have created it yet, the sooner the better for her side. She assumed Zhang Huai was doing this for her sake, so she quickly spoke up:

"Brother Zhang, I can wait a bit longer. Let's go to Xiangyang first and tell Master Guo about this."

"Um?"

Zhang Huai glanced at Yao Yue, puzzled, and said, "Why do we have to go to Xiangyang first? Can't we just go to Xiangyang and Mount Hua at the same time?"

"Why are we going at the same time?"

Lu Wushuang clearly thought Zhang Huai was exaggerating.

"What do you mean 'we're going together'? I can go by myself."

Zhang Huai gently tapped Lu Wushuang's head.

Even so, Lu Wushuang rubbed her head in pain and pouted as she looked at Zhang Huai.