Chapter 31: Female Temptation is Fiercer than a Tiger

"Master! I have already recorded all the affairs of the estate, as you requested. Please, take a look."

In the main hall, after Cui Fuyou respectfully poured a cup of hot tea for Qin Jue, he produced a ledger and presented it with both hands.

Qin Jue took it and flipped it open.

Inside, every detail of the residence was meticulously documented, including personnel records, financial accounts, and the layout of the entire compound. It was exhaustive, leaving nothing out.

The accounts were particularly noteworthy. Because the previous owner had departed in such a hurry, many valuable items were left behind. The Qingfeng Stronghold had not taken them, and Cui Fuyou had not misappropriated a single thing. Aside from covering the daily expenses of the household, he had cataloged and stored everything, waiting for the new master, Qin Jue.

Scanning the text, Qin Jue nodded slightly. This steward was a conscientious and sensible man.

"You have done well," he said, closing the book with a word of praise. Having someone like this to manage the estate would save him a great deal of trouble.

"It is only my duty, Master. If there is anything you do not understand, I shall answer without reservation," Cui Fuyou said respectfully, feeling a long-held breath of relief. Like any former steward facing a new master, he had feared he might not be trusted and would be cast out. Especially since he had heard that this new master, despite his youth, was already a military commander whose strength and methods far exceeded those of ordinary men. Hearing that there was no intention to replace him brought a surge of joy to his heart.

"See that you continue to attend to the household matters with care," Qin Jue said coolly. He did not worry about the man acting in bad faith. As long as his own strength remained formidable, any intrigue would be meaningless. Furthermore, the man was clearly intelligent.

"Since you trust me so, Master, I shall serve with all my heart and ensure not a single error occurs," Cui Fuyou said, bowing deeply once more.

"You may go. I am heading out for a while." Qin Jue stood and walked toward the exit. Leaving the camp today served two purposes: to take possession of the residence, and to see if his blade had been forged.

"Master, shall I prepare a sedan chair for you?" Cui Fuyou asked.

"No need," Qin Jue refused. How could a sedan chair be faster than walking? With that, he strode out of the inner courtyard.

Cui Fuyou understood his preference and wisely refrained from following. Leaving the Qin estate, Qin Jue headed straight for the Xuanjin Blacksmith Shop. On the way, he noticed that the martial arts schools in the city had all shuttered their doors. They had been the "muscle" for the prominent families, and now that their patrons had fled, they were not about to remain. It was a pity; Qin Jue had been hoping to rack up some more victory points.

A short while later, he arrived at the shop. Seeing him, the shopkeeper immediately stepped forward to greet him with enthusiasm. "Sir, your blade is finished."

He ushered Qin Jue into the back room and instructed an assistant to bring out a long wooden box, presenting it with great solemnity.

"Sir, this is perhaps the finest blade I have forged in my entire life," the old shopkeeper remarked with a sigh. He had been fascinated by the design from the start, and now that it was complete, he found it infinitely exquisite.

"Thank you for your trouble, shopkeeper," Qin Jue said. He had modeled this blade after the Tang Hengdao, specifically for battlefield combat, making it quite distinct from the standard blades of this world. He then unhooked the straight sword at his waist and returned it to the man.

The old shopkeeper took it and smiled. "It is no trouble at all. To be able to forge such a fine weapon is my good fortune."

Qin Jue opened the wooden box on the table. Inside lay the blade. It was three feet and three inches in length, straight and slender, with a blade width of one inch and eight tenths. It shimmered with a cold, piercing light.

Qin Jue picked it up. The guard was cast from dark iron in the shape of a qilin treading on clouds. The seven-inch hilt was tightly wrapped in black silk, with polished white jade set at both ends, providing an exceptionally comfortable grip.

"Sir, would you like to test its sharpness?" the old shopkeeper asked, producing a piece of refined iron.

Qin Jue gripped the hilt and gave it a light swing. Before the blade even touched the target, a gust of wind whistled through the air. The refined iron was instantly cleaved in two, the cut as smooth and precise as if it had been meticulously tailored.

"What a sharp blade!" Qin Jue’s eyes glinted with delight. A good blade makes for swift killing.

"Master shopkeeper, I am truly impressed by your craftsmanship," he said. It was even better than he had anticipated.

The old shopkeeper waved his hand modestly. "I dare not take the credit; it is largely due to the excellent materials you provided."

Qin Jue stared at the blade. He decided on the spot to name it: "Jue-Ren" (Severing Edge). He placed the blade into a sandalwood scabbard, paid the remaining balance, and departed.

With such a fine blade in his possession, Qin Jue felt a surge of exhilaration; he was eager to test it against a living opponent. It was a shame the Qin family had fled.

It was the hour of the Rooster when he returned to the estate, and Cui Fuyou had already prepared dinner. Entering the dining hall, Qin Jue saw a table laden with an abundance of food.

"Master!" Two maids standing by bowed with their hands folded.

Qin Jue sat down and scanned the spread, thinking to himself: *Extravagant, far too extravagant!* Fortunately, as a martial artist, his appetite was substantial enough to handle it. He picked up a slice of meat, thin as a cicada's wing, and placed it in his mouth. It melted instantly, releasing a burst of rich, savory flavor.

Qin Jue’s eyes brightened. He had spent a month eating army rations; this sudden change was enough to make anyone lose their composure.

After dinner, Qin Jue had no intention of returning to the camp and headed straight for his quarters. Inside, the floor was covered in plush carpets, making his steps soundless. In the center stood large chests filled with the estate’s wealth. Beside them was a rosewood desk and a display shelf filled with antiques and jade. In the inner chamber sat a carved bed with heavy drapes and opulent bedding.

Qin Jue placed his blade aside and sank into a cashmere-covered recliner, leaning back to finally relax. After a battle, one deserved to enjoy the spoils.

Just then, the door was pushed open softly.

"Master," a soft female voice called out.

Qin Jue turned his head and saw a girl of about sixteen standing at the door, looking slightly shy. She was graceful, dressed in a sheer, moon-white gauze dress that fluttered with her movements, revealing delicate embroidered slippers