Hua Xianle

Chapter 21:

It took the combined effort of various Gods and all of the Calamities, but Hua Ying’s weapon was finally completed. Ling Wen had been absolutely meticulous with every aspect of its creation, leaving no room for error or imperfections. Everything was of the highest grade and quality, and she spent days pouring over the arrays to ensure they would work flawlessly.

Xie Lian held the completed weapon in his hand, marveling at its craftsmanship. At the moment, it was in the form of a sword, the blade black as pitch with a red hilt that almost looked like it was made of ruby. Both the hilt and the scabbard were engraved with golden etchings of flowers and butterflies, just as Hua Ying had requested, and the blade itself had the symbol engraved onto the blade’s face right before the guard. The entire thing was pulsating with power, celestial energy from the aunts and uncles who lent their power towards its creation.

The only reason none of the Calamities offered their energy was that Hua Cheng refused to let his son wield Yin Energy.

“I have been thorough in making sure every aspect of the little prince’s weapon was exactly as he wished it,” the Civil Goddess declared, her usually neutral expression giving way to a hint of pride. “I have no doubt that he will find it a perfect companion for him, able to keep pace with his sharp mind.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Xie Lian replied, nodding his approval as he sheathed the sword. “As expected, you went above and beyond in your duties. Now we need only present it to A-Ying so he can name it.”

To the Heavenly Emperor’s surprise, a small smile slipped through Ling Wen’s mask, along with a quiet chuckle. She was quick to hide her face behind her sleeve.

“Yes, about that.” She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “Hua Xianle has already come up with a name for it, and… well, he informed Generals Ming Guang, Nan Yang, and Xuan Zhen. Since then, all three of them have been… out of sorts to put it politely.”

“Have they now?” That didn’t sound like any of them. Xie Lian also knew his son would never use a name that was offensive or rude, so why were those three out of sorts? “What did my son name his weapon?”

“I believe it would be best for his Highness to hear the name from his son.” She was hiding her face in her sleeve again, but her eyes were twinkling in amusement.

…

After taking the weapon from Ling Wen’s palace, Xie Lian made his way to his own palace. As he made his way up the steps, he could hear the sound of rambunctious laughter from what sounded like three grown men. Sure enough, as he stepped into the main hall of his palace, he found Pei Ming, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing all doubled over from laughter. Two of them were leaning against the pillars for support while one was flat out on the ground, clutching his stomach as he continued to laugh.

In the middle of this mess was Hua Xianle, who was giggling himself with a proud smile plastered across his face.

“Well, this is certainly not what I was expecting to find,” Xie Lian remarked as he carefully stepped over a gasping Mu Qing. “What exactly happened here, Baobei?”

“Nothing really,” Hua Ying giggled, trying and failing to hide behind his sleeves. “I just told them the name of my weapon, Baba. Honest.”

“Did you now? And what did you choose to name it?”

His grin growing wider, Hua Ying turned to fully face his Baba, placing his hands on his hips before declaring “Whatever!”

There was a moment of silence as Xie Lian processed this declaration. Around him, the three Martial Gods were all redoubling with laughter. Feng Xin ended up joining Mu Qing on the ground.