Fortune Across the World

Chapter 80: The Unpredictable Sword Technique Emerges

Ding Qiyu laughed awkwardly, "Whether I'm male or female doesn't matter; I'm still your good disciple, right?"

The old man put down his pen, "Haha, it's true, it doesn't matter to me. But does it not matter to that young lady of the Lu family?"

Hearing this, Ding Qiyu felt deflated, responding with a sigh, "I don't know..."

Seeing her dejected state, the old man softened, "I can't meddle in you youngsters' affairs. Let's talk about business. Have a seat."

Ding Qiyu nodded and sat across from him.

"I used to be skilled with a sword, so I've devised a sword technique. How's your mechanical skill? Can you craft a mechanical sword that changes length?" The old man pushed a booklet across the table to Ding Qiyu.

Picking it up, Ding Qiyu saw the title "Three Long Two Short Sword" emblazoned on the cover, and humorously thought to herself, Master, could you have chosen a better name? She replied, "Hmm... I think I can. It depends on your requirements."

"Tsk, isn't that why we're discussing it? I can't maximize the mechanical prowess alone," the old man grumbled.

"Oh, let me take a look first." Ding Qiyu flipped through the "Three Long Two Short Sword" booklet, listening to the old man's explanations. This sword's greatest advantage lay in its unpredictability, making it difficult for the enemy to anticipate or respond, allowing for surprise attacks. The technique defied conventional swordplay, combining elements of long swords, short swords, daggers, and stabs. It seemed chaotic, like a hodgepodge of different styles, ineffective if used with any ordinary weapon. Thus, it required a sword that could change length, transforming from a long sword to a dagger or stab, adaptable and ever-changing, confounding the enemy's attempts to counter.

Though Ding Qiyu couldn't judge the technique's coherence, she understood its essence from the old man's explanations. It required a weapon capable of versatile transformations. After some thought, she proposed, "Master, I think I can design such a mechanism. But since we're pursuing 'change,' why not expand the range? Make it longer, or reverse it—could you adjust the corresponding sword moves?"

"Hmm? 'Longer or reverse,' what do you mean?" The old man was intrigued, his tone expectant.

Ding Qiyu elaborated on her idea, "By longer, I mean adding a small crossbow mechanism to the hilt for shooting arrows, extending the attack range. The arrows aren't the main feature, so a small crossbow holding one or two arrows should suffice, adding versatility. By reversing, I mean having weapons extend from both ends, making it double-headed. Do you think it's feasible, Master? I'm purely considering the mechanical perspective."

The old man contemplated, rubbing his chin before slapping the table with excitement, "Good! That's even better! Let's do it! Now..."

"But, Master, I have a small suggestion," Ding Qiyu timidly interjected.

"What is it?"

"Could we not call it 'Three Long Two Short Sword'? It lacks grandeur and impact!" She couldn't bear the uninspired name. With the chance to learn martial arts and experience the thrill of the martial world, a cool name was essential.

"Tsk, it's just a name. What do you want to call it?" The old man was slightly disappointed, thinking she had another innovative idea.