The Poison Tang

Tang Feng's body ached from the recent battles, but his spirit remained undaunted as he trudged along the winding road towards a remote village. After thwarting the Dark Sect's sinister plans, he needed a place to rest and recuperate. The village, nestled in a secluded valley, seemed like the perfect spot to find some peace and solitude.

As he entered the village, he took note of its quiet charm. The houses were modest, and the people went about their daily routines with a sense of calm that was a stark contrast to the turmoil he had recently faced. Tang Feng soon spotted a small inn, its wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze.

He approached the innkeeper, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes. "I'd like to rent a room for a few nights," Tang Feng said, offering a small pouch of coins.

The innkeeper smiled warmly. "Of course, young master. We have a comfortable room available. Follow me."

Tang Feng followed her up a creaking staircase to a cozy room with a simple bed and a small window overlooking the village square. After settling in, he thanked the innkeeper and decided to scout the village to ensure he wasn't being followed. Old habits of caution and vigilance were hard to shake off.

The village was small, and it didn't take long for Tang Feng to survey the area. He observed the comings and goings of the villagers, noting any unfamiliar faces or suspicious activities. Satisfied that he was safe for the moment, he allowed himself to relax slightly.

While walking through the village, Tang Feng noticed a small smithy shop tucked away in a corner. The rhythmic clanging of metal against metal drew him closer. He remembered that his weapon had been damaged during the recent battles, and it was a good opportunity to have it repaired.

The blacksmith's shop was a humble affair, with tools and weapons of various kinds hanging on the walls. Behind the forge stood an elderly man, his muscular frame and strong hands belying his age. He looked up as Tang Feng entered, his eyes sharp and curious.

"Good day, master blacksmith," Tang Feng greeted with a respectful bow. "I need my weapon repaired. Can you help me?"

The blacksmith nodded and extended his hand. "Let me see it."

Tang Feng handed over his weapon, and the blacksmith inspected it carefully. "This is a fine blade, but it's seen better days," he remarked. "I'll repair it for you, but I have something else that might interest you."

Tang Feng raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"

The blacksmith disappeared into the back of his shop and returned moments later with a pair of daggers. Their blades were intricately crafted, with dragon motifs running along the hilts. The steel seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light, and Tang Feng could feel a potent energy emanating from them.

"These are the Twin Dragon Daggers," the blacksmith explained. "They are legendary weapons, imbued with an everlasting poison. They are a perfect fit for your martial art."

Tang Feng's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know about my martial art?"

The blacksmith smiled mysteriously. "I have my ways. Let's just say that news travels, even to remote villages like this one."

Tang Feng was intrigued and suspicious. "Why would you offer me such valuable weapons? What's the catch?"

The blacksmith's expression turned serious. "There is no catch. I have been the keeper of these daggers for many years, waiting for someone worthy to wield them. I believe you are that person."

Tang Feng studied the blacksmith's face, searching for any signs of deceit. Finding none, he decided to trust the old man. "Very well. I will accept your gift. But tell me, who are you really?"

The blacksmith chuckled. "I am just an old man who used to make weapons for the great warriors of Murim. I retired here to find some peace. My name is Wu Li."

Tang Feng's eyes widened in recognition. Wu Li was a renowned blacksmith whose weapons were legendary throughout Murim. His creations were known for their unparalleled craftsmanship and unique properties. "Wu Li, the master blacksmith? I've heard of you. It's an honor to meet you."

Wu Li waved his hand dismissively. "Those days are long gone. Now, I just enjoy the quiet life here. Take the daggers, Tang Feng, and use them well. They will serve you better than any ordinary weapon."

Tang Feng bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Wu. I will honor your gift and use these daggers to protect the innocent and uphold justice."

Wu Li nodded approvingly. "That's all I ask. Now, let me repair your old weapon. It won't take long."

While Wu Li worked on his weapon, Tang Feng examined the Twin Dragon Daggers closely. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the balance of the blades was perfect. He could feel the power of the everlasting poison, a deadly addition to his already formidable skills.

Once Wu Li finished repairing his weapon, Tang Feng thanked him again and left the smithy, the Twin Dragon Daggers securely fastened to his belt. He returned to the inn, eager to test his new weapons and incorporate them into his martial art.

That night, as he lay on his bed, Tang Feng couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The encounter with Wu Li and the gift of the Twin Dragon Daggers felt like a turning point in his journey. The daggers were not just weapons; they were a symbol of his growth and the potential that lay ahead.

The next morning, Tang Feng found a secluded spot in the forest to train. He drew the Twin Dragon Daggers, feeling their weight and balance in his hands. He began to practice the techniques of the Heavenly Dagger, integrating the new weapons into his movements.

The daggers felt like an extension of his body, responding to his every command with fluid grace. The deadly poison laced within the blades added a new dimension to his attacks, making each strike even more lethal. Tang Feng moved with a renewed sense of purpose, his confidence growing with each passing moment.

As he trained, Tang Feng couldn't shake the feeling that Wu Li knew more about him than he had let on. The blacksmith's mysterious demeanor and knowledge of his martial art suggested a deeper connection. But for now, Tang Feng chose to focus on honing his skills and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.

After several hours of intense training, Tang Feng felt a surge of energy within him. The combination of the Twin Dragon Daggers and his perfected techniques had elevated his martial art to new heights. He was ready to face whatever came next.

Returning to the village, Tang Feng stopped by the smithy to thank Wu Li once more. The old blacksmith was busy at his forge, hammering away at a new creation.

"Master Wu," Tang Feng called out, "I wanted to thank you again for the Twin Dragon Daggers. They are truly remarkable."

Wu Li looked up and smiled. "I'm glad to hear that, Tang Feng. Use them well and remember the responsibility that comes with such power."

"I will," Tang Feng promised. "If I may ask, how did you know about my martial art and my need for these daggers?"

Wu Li's smile widened. "Let's just say that the winds of fate have a way of guiding us to where we need to be. You were meant to find these daggers, and I was meant to give them to you. Trust in that, and you will find your path."

Tang Feng nodded, accepting the old man's cryptic words. "Thank you, Master Wu. I won't forget your kindness."

As he left the smithy, Tang Feng felt a renewed sense of determination. The Twin Dragon Daggers were a powerful tool, and he would use them to protect those who could not protect themselves. His journey was far from over, and he knew that the challenges ahead would test him to his limits.

But with the strength of the Heavenly Dagger and the power of the Twin Dragon Daggers, Tang Feng was ready to face whatever came his way. The path of the martial artist was one of constant growth and adaptation, and Tang Feng was more determined than ever to rise to the occasion.

As he made his way back to the inn, Tang Feng couldn't help but smile. The future was uncertain, but he felt a sense of purpose and clarity that he had not experienced before. The encounter with Wu Li had been a turning point, and he was ready to embrace the next chapter of his journey with unwavering resolve.

With the Twin Dragon Daggers by his side, Tang Feng was prepared to face any foe and overcome any obstacle. The legacy of the Tang family and the teachings of the Heavenly Sword Sect would guide him, and he would forge his own path in the world of Murim.

The road ahead was long and fraught with danger, but Tang Feng welcomed it with open arms. He was a warrior, a protector, and a seeker of truth. And with the Twin Dragon Daggers in his hands, there was nothing he couldn't achieve.

The next morning everyone was busy in the Training Yard, servants were swarming the place with each individual doing something, someone was cleaning while others were placing the chairs. Tang Feng looked at the spectical from a far and pull up a servant to ask him, "what is happening here?"

The servant was flustered and was caught off guard replied stammering, "We... we are pre... preparing for the Grand Tournament."