Bloodkiller - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Artifact

Qianji Pawn Shop, Hangzhou

Inside the modest Qianji Pawn Shop, Qian Ling sat alone, head down, fingers dancing rhythmically across his abacus. The shop was quiet but for the crisp clicks of calculation. Though seemingly absorbed in his work, Qian Ling’s ears twitched at a faint sound. Without pausing, he slowed his movements and smirked.

“No need to lurk outside,” he called out. “Guests from Taiwan should come in and sit a while.”

Footsteps echoed from beyond the entrance.

Still not looking up, Qian Ling asked casually, “What’s the sign?”

“Present,” came the response.

“How much?”

“Beyond price.”

“Then why not try somewhere else?”

The voice outside grew impatient. “Qian family pawnshops span the realm—who doesn’t know their name?”

Pleased, Qian Ling gave a wave. The shop’s creaky wooden doors shut inward with a groan. The hanging signboard dropped with a clink.

Qian Ling finally stood, reaching out to embrace the two men stepping in. “Brothers Yao and Lin, this isn’t the best place to discuss delicate matters. Come, follow me.”

Lifting the curtain near the back, he motioned them forward and stepped into the shadows.

The moment Yao Chuan and Lin Yi entered, they saw a narrow, pitch-black corridor. Lin Yi frowned slightly—he had scoped the area outside and noted how closely the houses were packed. How could there be such a large hidden passage? He glanced at Yao Chuan, who remained unfazed. Swallowing his doubts, Lin Yi followed silently.

The door behind them shut with a sharp click. Lin Yi, walking last, turned and pressed his palm to the wooden door, releasing a thread of internal energy. The door didn’t budge. He retracted his hand, wary but calm.

Qian Ling lit a small torch. Though dim, it illuminated their path enough to proceed. They walked for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, but the end remained unseen. Lin Yi, now uneasy, accidentally bumped into the man in front of him.

Yao Chuan turned, whispering, “Don’t worry. Qian Ling is trustworthy.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, remaining silent. Then Yao Chuan shouted, “Qian the Blind! It’s been years! Why so cautious now? Back then, we just used a code to get in. What’s with this never-ending tunnel?”

Qian Ling laughed. “You know I’m blind. A code is all I’ve got. And this tunnel—it’s not for drama. It’s the legacy my father left. How could I dare shorten it? Perhaps Brother Yao’s long strides are to blame?”

Yao Chuan snorted and turned to Lin Yi. “I’ve known Qian Blindman for years. You can relax.”

But Lin Yi’s breath was heavy, and Yao noticed. He tried to lighten the mood, expecting thanks for the reassurance.

Instead, Lin Yi replied coldly, “You’re the famed hero, befriending warriors from across the land. Unlike me, hiding in a small town, known by none.”

Yao Chuan was baffled by the tone. He meant well, yet Lin Yi bristled like a slighted child. Annoyed, Yao said no more. Silence fell between them.

Eventually, Qian Ling stopped and extinguished the flame. He tapped several places on the wall, and with a low rumble, stones shifted. A narrow archway opened, flooding the passage with light.

They stepped into a refined chamber. The scent of sandalwood filled the air, and elegant white sandalwood furniture adorned the room.

Yao Chuan looked around with surprise. “I knew the Qian family was well-off, but I didn’t expect such elegance!”

Qian Ling chuckled. “You jest. I wouldn’t dare show off in front of Shuanglongmen. My wife and son are away visiting family—so forgive me if the welcome feels rough. She usually handles these things.”

Lin Yi, watching closely, noted Qian Ling’s dull eyes despite his smile. Now convinced of his blindness, Lin Yi respected him even more—this man, blind yet moving with ease, possessed internal strength far beyond his own.

“We’re here strictly for business,” Yao Chuan said seriously. “No need to trouble your household. Now, let’s get to it. A fortnight ago, you sent word to my master, saying someone tried to pawn a blade—two feet, eight inches long, rosewood sheath, and the hilt engraved with ‘Drink Bl00d’. Is it true?”

Qian Ling nodded solemnly. “The Bl00d-Drinking Knife is sacred to your sect. How could I dare lie? Master Fang showed me great kindness years ago. When someone came waving the blade in my shop, I couldn’t ignore it. The sword’s here—you’ll know at once if it’s the one.”

He turned, retrieved a long wooden box from a hidden compartment, and placed it on the table.

Yao Chuan’s heart dropped. He knew the scabbard well. From age ten, he’d carried the bl00d-drinking knife for sixteen years—he could recognize it blindfolded. Though the scabbard looked like plain rosewood, it had a weight, a smell, and a feel only the real thing possessed.

The box alone was enough to make his skin crawl.

Qian Ling explained, “This knife came through Yongyu Pawn, our largest shop. One night, near closing, a young man swaggered in shouting, ‘Is anyone still open? I’ve got a priceless sword and I’m in the mood to drink! I’ll sell it cheap—come out and greet your customer!’ Then he laughed like a madman.”

“The shopkeeper was about to chase him out when he saw the box. Afraid the man was no ordinary rogue, he invited him in. What followed I’ve detailed in the letter. After the sale, the shopkeeper reported it to me.”

He opened the box. Inside lay the blade—plain-looking, but identical to the one wrapped in white cloth that Yao Chuan always carried.

Yao Chuan trembled with fury. “How much did that thief get for this blade?”

“…Fifty taels,” Qian Ling said quietly.

“FIFTY?” Yao Chuan slammed the table.

Lin Yi touched his shoulder, whispering, “Calm down. We still don’t know if it’s real.”

Qian Ling quickly added, “Don’t worry—only the shopkeeper knows. I’ve kept this under wraps.”

Breathing heavily, Yao Chuan finally collected himself. He unsheathed the knife.

Though Qian Ling was blind, the other two stared. The blade glinted white—sharp and cold like a frosted plum in winter.

Lin Yi’s breath caught. It was no ordinary weapon.

Martial artists often speak of blades with their own energy—swords with sword intent, sabers with killing aura. This was such a weapon.

He turned to Yao Chuan. “It’s time to stop holding back. I know this involves your sect, but I’ve been sent by Master Fang too. If I’m to help, I need the truth.”

Yao Chuan closed the box, pausing before he spoke.

“I didn’t mean to keep secrets,” he said, turning to Lin Yi. “You’re practically family—my junior sister’s fiancé. And Qian here is a trusted friend.

“Everyone believes Shuanglongmen has passed down a single legendary blade. But that’s only part of the story.

“The truth is… the Bl00d-Drinking Knife was never one—it’s a pair.”