Back in my cramped outer disciple quarters, I stared at the materials I had gathered.
Zhao Feng had reluctantly handed me his saber and some spare fabric, but that was it.
Not exactly premium quality, but I wasn't expecting much.
Still, a true designer works with what they have.
I ran my fingers along the blade's surface. The balance was off, and the edge was already chipping in places.
It wasn't just poor craftsmanship, it was a liability. If Zhao Feng swung this at the wrong angle, he'd get himself killed.
I sighed. I needed better materials.
Unfortunately, materials meant money, and money was still tight.
I tapped my fingers on the wooden table, thinking.
I had two choices....
The First, to Make do with what I had and rely on design to compensate.
The Second, is for me to find a way to get better materials without spending silver I didn't have.
After a moment, I smirked. Option two, obviously.
I stood up and left my quarters, heading toward the marketplace again.
....
A Negotiation with a Blacksmith
The same blacksmith from before..... "Old Liu", a grizzled veteran with a thick bear... was still working at his stall.
He barely glanced at me as I approached.
"No refunds," he grunted.
I raised an eyebrow. "Not here for a refund."
That got his attention. He peered up at me, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Then what do you want?"
I tapped the worn-down saber on his workbench. "I need better materials. Not for free, of course."
Old Liu snorted. "Then I hope you've got coin."
I grinned. "I don't. But I have something better."
His eyes narrowed. "I doubt that."
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice.
"Your weapons sell, but they don't stand out. And in a sect like this, where status means everything, people want more than just a functional blade. They want a statement."
Old Liu frowned. "A statement?"
I smirked. "I'm a designer. Give me a chance, and I'll refine one of your best sabers.... make it look so unique that every disciple in the sect will come to you asking for the same thing."
He folded his arms. "And what's stopping me from just kicking you out right now?"
"Simple," I said. "If I fail, you lose nothing. But if I succeed, you gain more customers than you can handle."
He studied me for a long moment.
Then, with a grunt, he reached under the counter and pulled out a dull but well-forged saber blank.
"Fine. You've got three days."
I grinned. "That's all I need."
.....
The Art of the Blade
Back in my room, I got to work.
I started with the engraving. Instead of clunky sect emblems, I went for flowing patterns that complemented the blade's curvature.... subtle but striking.
Then, I focused on balance correction. The original weight distribution was off, so I adjusted the hilt, shifting the weight so that it flowed seamlessly with the user's movements.
Finally, I designed a custom scabbard, something that would catch the eye.
By the time I finished, the saber looked completely different.
Sleek. Deadly. Unique.
Now, the real test.... would Old Liu be impressed?
.....
A Blacksmith's Approval
The next morning, I returned to Old Liu's stall, setting the saber down in front of him.
He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. His brows furrowed as he ran a thumb over the engravings.
Then, without warning, he unsheathed it and swung it in a clean arc.
I watched as his stance shifted, surprised by how effortlessly the saber flowed with his movement.
After a moment, he let out a low chuckle. "Hmph. Not bad, brat."
I smirked. "Told you."
He set the saber down and crossed his arms. "Alright. I'll supply you with materials, but I expect a cut of your profits when your little business takes off."
"Deal," I said without hesitation.
...
Zhao Feng's New Look
Back in my quarters, I turned my attention to Zhao Feng's robe.
His current outfit was boring..... plain, loose-fitting fabric that did nothing for him.
I needed to design something that flowed with his movement, made him look faster, sharper, more dangerous.
After a few hours, I had a new design:
A layered dark blue robe with silver linings to make his movements look fluid and refined.
Fitted sleeves that wouldn't get in the way during combat.
A reinforced waist sash for better flexibility.
By the time I was done, the robe looked like something a rising warrior would wear.
Now, it was time to see if Zhao Feng approved.
....
The Reveal
That evening, Zhao Feng arrived at my quarters, arms crossed. "Well?"....
I held up the newly designed robe. "Try it on."
He grabbed it, inspecting the fabric. His eyes widened slightly, but he hid his surprise well.
Then, he changed into it.
The moment he turned to face me, I knew I had done my job right.
The robe fit him perfectly.... accentuating his stance, making him look stronger and faster than he actually was.
He looked at his reflection in the polished bronze mirror, then turned to me.
"…Damn," he muttered. "This actually looks… good."
I smirked. "You're welcome."
He ran a hand down the fabric, then glanced at me. "And the saber?"
I pulled it from its scabbard and handed it to him.
Zhao Feng tested its weight, swinging it a few times. His brows lifted slightly. "It's… smoother."
I nodded. "Better balance. Less wasted movement."
He sheathed it and let out a low chuckle. "You really know your stuff, huh?"
"Of course," I said. "Now, go win that tournament and make my designs famous."
Zhao Feng smirked. "Oh, I plan to."
With that, he turned and left, his new robes flowing behind him like a war banner.
I exhaled, leaning back against my desk.
One job down... Good job me haha....
if Zhao Feng performed well in the tournament…
I'll be just the start..