Putting down the teacup, Zhao Guo'an explained, "According to ancient records, Ujin wood is a type of wood unique to Japan. This wood is very special—it's fireproof and not as hard as other woods, so it can't be used for burning or as building material.

Later, someone discovered that by extracting the golden substance from Ujin wood and adding it during weapon forging, ordinary iron could be transformed into a divine weapon, slicing through iron like mud, and taking an enemy's head would be like retrieving an item from a bag.

It's said that Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of Han, had a sword that incorporated Ujin wood. However, this claim lacks basis, but there's no doubt that Ujin wood can enhance the sharpness and strength of cold weapons."

After listening, Xiao Feng pondered and said, "So, according to you, Ujin wood should be something blacksmiths should study, right? How do you know all this so well?"

As if anticipating Xiao Feng's question, Zhao Guo'an pointed to a wooden shelf in the corner: "On the third shelf on the left, there's a book called 'Myriad Herbs Atlas', documenting all the plants that grow throughout Asia. At least for now, there's nothing that hasn't been recorded in this book.

Although Ujin wood has a special use, it also grows in the soil, so naturally, it's documented."

At this point, Zhao Guo'an seemed to be quite emotional: "When I was a child, my family forced me to memorize these dry and flavorless texts. I didn't understand then, but now I think this knowledge is the greatest wealth."

Xiao Feng ignored Zhao Guo'an's sentiment, but his argument did pique his interest in getting a new weapon.

When facing opponents he could easily crush, it didn't seem like a big deal, but once the opponent's strength matched his, the advantage of "an inch longer, an inch stronger" would become apparent. A dagger was hard to gain the upper hand.

"Can you forge weapons?" Xiao Feng asked.

Zhao Guo'an shook his head: "Our family had no blacksmiths."

"Do you know any experts in this field?" Xiao Feng persisted, "I want to change to a longer weapon, perhaps something like a military shovel."

"I don't know any." Zhao Guo'an replied honestly, "In ancient times, blacksmiths mostly made scissors, kitchen knives, or farming tools like shovels. Finding an expert in weapon forging would be difficult."

Xiao Feng thought for a moment, realizing this was true. From ancient times to the present, many famous cold weapons existed, but there were only a few renowned Masters of Casting.

"Alright, I'll keep it in mind and use it later when the opportunity arises." Xiao Feng wasn't too disappointed, stood up with his water glass, looking ready to leave.

"Quickly pack your things, tomorrow morning we set off."

"What?" Zhao Guo'an couldn't believe it, "I'm like this, and you're not letting me off?"

Xiao Feng sneered, "Stop pretending. Unless that cut was poisoned, with your skills, you could've moved by now. You're using the crutch because you're afraid of the dangers of going out with me, aren't you?"

"..." Zhao Guo'an was left speechless.

Yet he heard Xiao Feng continue, "Once you're on my ship, don't think about getting off. Even if your leg were chopped off, I'd put you in a wheelchair and push you along.

Besides, I think you should really ponder why Fujiwara Keiaki made a point of emphasizing how impressive you are when leaving."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guo'an felt a sudden chill racing up from his feet.

That old guy... Could he really have that kind of kink?

"Fujiwara Keiaki?"

At this moment, Chen Feihu, soaking in the wooden tub, turned pale: "That old man just now was also Japanese?"

"Yes," Zhao Guo'an casually replied, then tossed the crutch aside and walked toward the bathroom.

Although his steps still appeared somewhat unnatural, they weren't visibly hobbling.

Zhao Guo'an realized he couldn't escape, so there was no point in continuing the charade.

He glanced at the color of the medicinal water in the tub and pulled the wooden plug at the bottom: "Another two changes and it'll be fine."

"Thanks a lot!" Chen Feihu expressed genuine gratitude, "I owe you for saving my life. If you ever need me, just say the word."

...

After leaving Zhao Guo'an's villa, Xiao Feng didn't go home immediately. Instead, he sat on a bench by the street and called Xue Nuo.

Since he had decided to set off right away, he needed to ensure the security here.

The call quickly connected, and a familiar androgynous voice came through: "Hello."

"There's something we can cooperate on," Xiao Feng said straightforwardly.

"What is it?" Xue Nuo asked with interest.

Xiao Feng asked, "How do you plan on handling those ninjas from Japan?"

"Capture first and ask questions later," Xue Nuo replied without hesitation. This wasn't just because the ninjas targeted Xiao Feng but to maintain national stability.

This might sound exaggerated, but any sovereign nation couldn't ignore the entry of obviously ill-intentioned foreigners.

"Now the opportunity is in front of us. You know about the attack those Japanese carried out in my yard the other day when I wasn't home. I can provide a method to deal with those ninjas next. You just need to send more people," Xiao Feng elaborated.

And indeed, as he said, there were Xue Nuo's operatives posted around the villa. When Iwakami Shigehiro and others fled, the Demon Suppression Action Team quickly initiated tracking measures, but unsurprisingly, they lost them.

Xue Nuo paused for a moment.

He had to admit, Xiao Feng's proposition was tempting. He was ordered to catch the ninjas, but Iwakami Shigehiro and company were as slippery as eels, which was truly frustrating.

Now it was different. If Xiao Feng really knew effective ways to counter those ninjas, it would be like playing a game with a strategy guide, doubling the chances of success. It would also be an achievement.

After a long contemplation, Xue Nuo nodded, "Alright, I agree."

Even though this didn't achieve the goal of getting Xiao Feng involved, the collaboration would benefit both sides, leaving no reason to refuse.

Xiao Feng gave an unsurprised smile, "Your people can stay next door to me, observing 24/7. I'll send over the information. Oh, and if Li Ying is involved in this operation, she can stay at my place."

It wasn't that Xiao Feng had any particular interest in Li Ying; she was simply the only female in the entire Demon Suppression Action Team. Moreover, with her staying at his house, Du Qingyue and Jiang Yixin would naturally be more secure.

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