Here I Stand Within the Storm

Xu Qian knew about the existence of magic tools and weapons. His uncle mentioned the cannons were a big factor in Dafeng's victory at the Battle of Shanhai Pass.

The cannons were powered by gunpowder and enchantments.

The magic weapons were unique to the Dafeng Dynasty—the advantage allowed them to steamroll their enemies and build an empire.

At that moment, Xu Qian realized there was an intricate relationship between the Imperial Astronomers and the magic tools.

Song Qing wondered for a moment. In the spirit of sharing, he said, "It isn't really a secret anyway. Do you know what the fourth-ranked sorcery is?"

'I don't even know about my own discipline…' Xu Qian shook his head.

"Spellmaster. Objects created through alchemy can be enchanted. The spell will be carved into the object and a magic tool or weapon is then created," Song Qing explained.

Xu Qian combined the host's knowledge of sorcery and all that was disclosed by the beautiful woman, Chu Caiwei—there were many things to think of.

'The ninth-ranked sorcery... Medicine is the foundation for the eighth-ranked sorcery. Qi mastery. Qi mastery is the foundation for the seventh-ranked sorcery. Feng Shui mastery...but Feng Shui has nothing to do with the sixth-ranked alchemy. In turn, alchemy is closely related to the fourth-ranked sorcery, spell mastery.'

Alchemists produced strong weapons while spellmasters enhanced them. Overall, sorcery was a discipline worth looking into.

No wonder the Principal Imperial Astronomer had such a high standing in Dafeng.

'I must win Chu Caiwei's hand. No ulterior motives. I just want to experience true love in this merciless society,' Xu Qian vowed in his heart.

"The second item is also a magic tool, the Guardian Mirror. The build quality is standard but the enchantment will grant you the ability to withstand six blows from a Qi expert. Or three blows from a divine-class martial artist but only once if it's an invincible-class martial artist," Song Qing said.

'So that's the sixth rank for martial artists?' Xu Qian learned something new about his own discipline.

"Lastly, this liquid is known as the Devourer. Rub it on an arrow and it can take the life of a divine-class martial artist. It's useless against an invincible-class martial artist as the arrow won't be able to penetrate their skin."

Xu Qian nodded. "I like these gifts."

After a pause, he returned the favor. "The alchemy which I speak of is grafting."

Based on the memories from his past life, Xu Qian introduced grafting to Song Qing. The procedure was not clearly detailed but the benefits were emphasized. For example, a successful graft could improve a crop's frost tolerance, heat tolerance, and pest tolerance.

It could also improve the taste and texture of the fruit.

The words were like his diary entries—a bunch of theoretical knowledge that required practical evidence.

However, that was the least of Xu Qian's worries.

If Song Qing failed to produce anything fruitful, it would be his incompetence. If something worthwhile came out of all this, Xu Qian would be credited.

When Xu Qian was done explaining, Song Qing was buzzing with joy. His body thrummed with excitement—he could not wait for spring to come so he could test out this wondrous alchemy practice.

"A godly book! I can't believe such an incredible book about alchemy exists and I never knew about it!" Song Qing exclaimed.

…

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

Xu Qian descended the staircase of the Observatory with mindful steps. The three items in his arms were invaluable.

'I can trade one of them on the black market to open my Heaven's Gate. But these items are so useful, I'm a bit reluctant... Truly, free women are men's eternal source of happiness. To the playhouse, I go!'

He did not receive a single coin from the Imperial Astronomers but if he sold the magic items, the amount of silver he would receive would make his aunt shut up.

'Slap my aunt with the silver notes…' The imagery made Xu Qian's heart leap with joy.

After checking that the coast was clear, Xu Qian began singing a song from his past life, "Here I stand within the storm, hatred cannot mend my heartbreak. Gazing at the sky, as clouds float by, sword in hand, I ask the gods who is the hero…"

As he turned a corner, he ran into a bunch of strangers.

'How awkward!' The melody died on Xu Qian's lips as he quickly pressed himself into the wall to let the group pass.

Three men were heading upstairs. The one in the center wore an indigo robe. He had a handsome countenance with white sideburns that contrasted his black eyes—the man aged like fine wine.

He was definitely a daddy type back in the modern world.

To his left was a young man who kept his eyes forward. He was silent and uninteractive.

To his right was another young man—he wore an evil smirk as he sneered at Xu Qian. The young man had delicate features that rivaled his brother's good looks.

As the three men passed Xu Qian, the handsome young man chuckled and side-eyed him.

At that moment, Xu Qian felt as if he was being stared down by something dangerous—he held his breath as his heart rate picked up.

The three men carried on with their journey and disappeared into a corner—only then did Xu Qian relax.

"Did I offend the guy with my singing? He looked as if I was his enemy," Xu Qian wondered aloud.

'I need to pay attention to what I say, especially in public. Examples of quotes I shouldn't say out loud: I want the veil to be lifted from my eyes and the earth to unshackle my heart, I want the Buddhas to be gone. Only with great sacrifice, can great changes come.'

…

On the seventh floor of the Observatory, Song Qing stood at the entranceway. He had received a message about visitors.

Chu Caiwei chewed on a sugar cane, back against the wall. Her attention was elsewhere as she accompanied Song Qing.

The three men arrived on the seventh floor. Song Qing folded his hands in greeting. "Elder Wei."

The man with the white sideburns acknowledged the greeting.

"Elder Wei, our mentor drank too much and is taking a nap. Please wait for a moment."

The expressionless young man showed no emotions while the handsome young man frowned.

The cultivated middle-aged man was unfazed by the revelation and followed Song Qing into the tearoom. "When we were coming up, we ran into an amusing young man. Is that the Principal Imperial Astronomer's new disciple?"

Before Chu Caiwei could respond, Song Qing shot her a warning look. He replied with a smile, "Just an insignificant person. He had some interesting things to share with us."

The Night Squad had a predatory reputation in the eyes of every official. They did not need a reason to pick on people.

Song Qing was not sure if Xu Qian had inadvertently offended this powerful eunuch.

"Interesting things? Do tell," said the man of culture with a gentle smile.

After a moment's thought, Song Qing said, "A talented alchemist. If he had not chosen the wrong discipline, his name would have made it into history."

He did not tell any falsehoods and hinted at the Imperial Astronomers' interest in Xu Qian.

The handsome young man sniggered.

The middle-aged man smiled and nodded.

…

In the inner courtyard of the Xu manor, Li Ru guided the servants in cloth-cutting, sewing, and cotton-stuffing.

Winter was approaching and Li Ru planned to make some appropriate outfits for the season.

Lu Er completed the last stitch and bit off the thread. She surveyed her handiwork and was satisfied with the embroidered lotus flower. 'It'll look good on Lady Lingyin.'

"My lady, yesterday when I visited the elder son, I realized he doesn't have winter clothing. He was still wearing outfits for fall," Lu Er said in a tentative tone.

Li Ru eyed her maidservant and said, "What are you trying to say?"

Lu Er lowered her head and mumbled, "We can make one for him."

"No! That little brat riles me up every chance he gets. You want me to make him an outfit? I won't do it!"

The other maidservants carried on with their work as if nothing happened.

"He comes over and eats our food. Never contributed a coin to this house."

Lu Er tried to defend Xu Qian. "Doesn't he contribute the monthly grain he receives?"

"That stone of grain is barely enough to fill his appetite!" Li Ru rolled her dazzling eyes.

She did not mind improving her relationship with her unlucky nephew, especially since he had saved their family from a life of damnation. However, the little brat had taken every opportunity to jab at her.

'As the old saying goes, a leopard can't change its spots.' 

The housekeeper rushed by and shouted from the outer courtyard, "My lady, the lord is back."