Chapter 32: The Tayal Blade (1)

Ordinary wastrels and idle scions abound in this imperial capital, especially in the Royal Academy—one more Ye Lang is nothing, one less Ye Lang is just as negligible. They are dispensable, the sort most easily overlooked. This might seem odd: when the thirteenth young master of the Ye family was considered an imbecile, he attracted much attention. Yet now, with everyone aware that he is no longer a fool, interest in him has plummeted, and his notoriety has swiftly waned.

Ah well, let me be an “ordinary person” a while longer.

Truth be told, this decline in attention is partly of his own making. Perhaps it’s because he was too ostentatious before; perhaps, after growing accustomed to the life of an ordinary person in his previous incarnation, his conduct has become exceedingly low-key. He only stands out on rare occasions, and even then, he is quickly forgotten, for this is the bustling imperial capital, where something new happens every day.

Another factor is that he has never displayed any remarkable talent. People think his abilities are quite ordinary. Everyone knows that the thirteenth young master of the Ye family has grown smarter, but only compared to his former self. His aptitude is nothing special; some even feel that he is less clever than before.

In certain respects, this is true. The old thirteenth young master would give odd but insightful answers to questions. Now, his responses are correct, yet lack those unique perspectives. The more this is so, the less people pay him any heed. Add to that his reputation as a talentless good-for-nothing, and even if he tries to make a splash, nothing much will come of it.

In this land, strength is the ultimate measure. So, gradually, people forget about Ye Lang, that once-in-a-century “failure.”

“Wastrel? Young master is no wastrel—he simply doesn’t deign to compete with you.” Whenever others speak of her young master thus, Tigress always bristles inwardly. In her heart, her young master is the best—even when he was dull-witted, and all the more so now. If he truly were useless, how could he have guided her martial training and found her a set of techniques and a battle aura discipline perfectly suited to her?

After finishing her fist forms, Tigress moved on to weapons. She took out a long-handled weapon—the changdao from the Tang dynasty’s “Four Systems of Swords.” The changdao was a crucial implement for Tang armies, strictly forbidden for civilian manufacture or possession in its heyday. Its predecessor, the zhanmadao of the Han’s Imperial Guards, was developed to counter Xiongnu cavalry.

With a double-edged blade and a four-foot handle, the changdao was equipped by heavily armored infantry, a weapon of fearsome lethality, nigh unstoppable on the battlefield. After the Tang, it faded from history—the cost of production was simply too high for any but the most prosperous dynasties.

But for Ye Lang, the prodigal son, having just one made was a trifle. After designing it, ordering the materials, and seeing it forged, a finely crafted, heirloom-worthy changdao was created under the irresistible force of gold.

In truth, the design was not Ye Lang’s own. He had referenced a book from the Martial Treasury called The Armory, which chronicled weapons from all eras of China, as well as rare and unconventional arms. It even included legendary devices like the repeating crossbow of Zhuge Liang, the Song dynasty’s triple-bow bed crossbow, and even early firearms.

The value of this Armory was comparable to that of Ban’s alchemical notes, though it existed only in Ye Lang’s memory, and he had no intention of sharing it.

Why did Ye Lang remember it so well? Like many boys, he had a fascination with weaponry—whether cold steel or modern arms, he loved to study them. So when he discovered The Armory, it was a treasure indeed, and he pored over every detail.

His selection of the changdao was no coincidence. After careful consideration, he judged it best suited to Tigress. The page describing the changdao included a modified version of the Yang Family Spear Technique, tailored specifically for this weapon to unleash its full potential.

The Yang Family Spear Technique was forged on the battlefield, every move simple and direct—yet simplicity bred power, and the more basic the form, the greater its adaptability for personal style.

When Tigress saw this technique—no longer quite a spear art—her eyes shone even brighter. Clearly, she loved this martial skill and the custom changdao Ye Lang had created for her.

In fact, this changdao differed somewhat from the true Tang dynasty version. The Armory detailed two variants: the original, and a modified version more suitable for martial artists, not just for battlefields, fitting for a compendium of martial lore.

This improved version included some ingenious mechanisms. Ye Lang felt these were ill-suited to the martial arts of this world but kept them anyway—why not, since the extra expense let him squander a little more wealth?

He never told anyone about these mechanisms, not even Tigress. It wasn't that he was hiding something from her—he simply thought she’d never have cause to use them. Most importantly, he understood her character; she would never resort to such tricks.

When Tigress asked what the changdao should be called, and what to name the technique, Ye Lang thought a moment, then said, “Let’s call the blade Tigress’s Edge. The technique remains the Yang Family Spear Technique.”

As said above, Ye Lang did not wish to claim his forebears’ achievements, nor rename them at will. One ought to show respect, just as the one who had once modified the Yang Family Spear Technique had simply appended “revised version” to the original name.

“...Young master, can’t you be a little more serious? How am I supposed to tell others the name of this weapon?” Tigress protested.

“If that won’t do... how about Tayyar’s Edge?”

“...Fine. At least that’s a bit better.” Tigress knew a name change wouldn’t help much anyway—this one would do; at least it sounded decent.

On this continent, many things are named after their owner or maker: Azshara’s Claw, Kroll’s Blade, and so on.

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Today is so cold. Xiaoxiao says it started snowing last night, and this morning the world is blanketed in white. Take care to stay warm, everyone, and get some early sleep if you can...