Chapter 116 - 88: Be Vigilant in Times of Peace

"Dragon Eagle Iron Claw? What is that?"

Luo Chenghu’s eyes lit up as he asked in surprise. He and Zhao Kui, arms draped over each other’s shoulders, had sidled up to them at some point.

Previously, the two had both considered themselves prodigies of the Martial Dao, constantly trying to one-up each other. But after witnessing Chen Cheng’s monstrously fast cultivation of the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill, their Dao Hearts were utterly crushed. A sense of camaraderie bloomed between them, like two defeated souls huddling together for comfort. After just one day of cultivation, they were already the best of friends.

Besides, a thought had taken root in their minds: that the one-eyed Senior Brother Min was showing favoritism, secretly giving Chen Cheng special instruction and teaching him cultivation tips on the side.

When they saw Min Wei call Chen Cheng over, the two snuck closer to eavesdrop. And as they listened, they realized they were onto something.

Not only had Min Wei taken out a Cultivation Technique Manual for Chen Cheng, but he’d also mentioned that forging a Dragon Eagle Iron Claw would make cultivation twice as effective. If that wasn’t giving Chen Cheng special treatment, what was?

They were both simple, rough-and-tumble types with no sense of subtlety; their every thought was written plainly on their faces. How could Min Wei possibly miss it?

His one eye glaring fiercely at Luo Chenghu, Min Wei said irritably, "When you’re using the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill against an enemy with a sword or saber, you’re inevitably at a disadvantage. The Dragon Eagle Iron Claw is the exclusive Weapon for this very technique. It can defend against sharp blades while also increasing the power of the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill."

Luo Chenghu’s heart leaped with joy. His eyes went wide as he said, "A treasure like that exists? Senior Brother Min, why didn’t you mention it sooner?"

"Senior Brother Min, you just said that forging a Dragon Eagle Iron Claw would make cultivating the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill twice as effective. I want to get a pair made too!" Zhao Kui chimed in, not wanting to be outdone.

"You two are truly foolish. Don’t tell me you think I’m holding out on you?" Min Wei’s thick eyebrows shot up in annoyance.

Luo Chenghu shot a glance at Zhao Kui, then chuckled. "We never said that. You’re the one who said it, Senior Brother."

Zhao Kui caught his meaning and chimed in, "That’s right. We didn’t say a thing."

"Our master has a saying: if your Skills aren’t refined, you must not use the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill in a real fight," Min Wei said with a sigh. "But since you two refuse to be convinced, I’ll give you a demonstration."

With that, he walked to the weapon rack, picked up a cloth-wrapped bundle from the second shelf, and unwrapped it. Inside was a pair of claw-like iron gauntlets, slightly wider than a man’s palm.

"Pay attention. This is the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw."

Taking the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw in hand, Min Wei shot a look at Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui.

The pair of Dragon Eagle Iron Claws was forged from Refined Iron and was entirely jet-black. The components were linked by some unknown animal sinew, resembling a pair of iron gloves. They looked incredibly heavy, and the Refined Iron was mottled with rust, suggesting they hadn’t been used in a long time.

Luo Chenghu was practically buzzing with excitement. He turned and called out to the few other disciples still practicing in the yard.

"Hey, Senior Brothers! Come take a look! Senior Brother Min brought out the good stuff!"

The other disciples paused for a moment, shot Luo Chenghu a look as if he were an idiot, and then immediately went back to their Cultivation. They had clearly seen the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw before.

"Hmph! Acting so high and mighty. Fine, don’t look. What’s with the strange looks?" Luo Chenghu muttered sullenly after being stared down.

The disciples ignored him, focused only on their Cultivation.

"Here!" Min Wei tossed the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw to Luo Chenghu.

"You got it!" Luo Chenghu reached out to catch them, not expecting them to be so heavy. He estimated they weighed thirty or forty pounds and couldn’t help but grimace.

"Whoa! This Weapon is even heavier than a Long Saber."

Without another word, he slid the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw onto his hands, then banged his fists together, producing an ear-splitting clang of metal.

"Not bad at all!" Zhao Kui praised from the side, his eyes burning with envy.

Min Wei said coolly, "Now try practicing the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill while wearing the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw."

"No problem! Just watch me, Senior Brother." Luo Chenghu subconsciously slapped his chest. He was a boisterous, heavy-handed person, and was used to smacking his chest with a resounding THWACK.

But this time, he was wearing the heavy iron claws and, holding nothing back as usual, the impact was immense. The heavy blow to his chest made him stagger, and he nearly knocked himself to the ground.

"Oof!" Luo Chenghu grunted, quickly steadying himself. "Got careless," he said sheepishly.

He then began to practice the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill, but wearing the heavy Dragon Eagle Iron Claw, he couldn’t get it right at all. Even the techniques he had already mastered became clumsy and completely lost their form.

By the time he managed to struggle through one set of the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill, his face was grim. His earlier excitement had completely vanished.

"So? How was it?" Min Wei asked, a faint, mocking smile on his lips.

Luo Chenghu took off the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw and scratched his head. "This Weapon is too heavy. It’d be better if it were lighter."

"Let me try." Zhao Kui eagerly took the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw, put them on, and began practicing the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill. But his Technique was even more pathetic than Luo Chenghu’s; no matter how he tried, it just felt awkward.

"He’s right. The Dragon Eagle Iron Claw is too heavy. It’s not suitable for practicing the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill. This Iron Claw should be made lighter," Zhao Kui said in a booming, muffled voice after he finished.

"Hmph!" Min Wei snorted, his gaze intense. "There’s a saying: ’An inch longer is an inch stronger; an inch shorter is an inch more dangerous.’ You want to use the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill to face down Long Sabers, Longswords, even spears and great axes? If your Weapon doesn’t have enough weight, won’t you be at a massive disadvantage?

Master also says that the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill is all about a heavy and ferocious Power Dao. If your Power Dao is lacking, how can you possibly unleash its might?

You two have only just begun learning the Powerful Eagle Claw Skill. Your training is shallow, yet you delude yourselves into thinking you can wear the Dragon Eagle Iron Claw. How could that possibly work?"