Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

Luo Cheng and Zhang Xuan discuss the unbearable weather and training in the ice cellar. Luo Cheng, who has made significant progress in martial arts, expresses little interest in the Qingshi Classic, favoring the Ziyang Thirteen Halberds instead. They discuss family alliances, particularly Luo Cheng's connections to the Lu family, which are crucial for establishing a foothold in Youzhou. As they ride through a crowded city, they encounter refugees from Jixian and learn about their dire situation. Zhang Xuan meets his former superior, Chen Liang, who informs him that the Yan Wang is in Youzhou and has spoken highly of Zhang Xuan's achievements. They then head to the Lu family manor to meet a master blacksmith, Lu Yao. Upon arrival, they find Lu Yao to be a strong-willed character. Zhang Xuan presents Kashan Xuan Iron to Lu Yao, who is initially skeptical but intrigued by its quality.

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