The Poor Proving Stone

"Wow! Dad's power is amazing! He actually split the Proving Stone in half!" Grace exclaimed in awe.

Minister Zhuo smiled modestly and said, "This sword packs quite a punch."

Evan Xiao glanced at Grace and said, "Minister Zhuo, may I give it a try?"

Minister Zhuo handed the sword to him.

Evan Xiao swung his arm, and with a crisp "thud"—

The poor Proving Stone... shattered into dust. And the dust was all black, like burnt charcoal...

After the strike, seeing Grace's jaw drop, Evan Xiao smiled and said, "This sword really is something. Beautiful, light, and packed with fiery spirit—perfect for you, Grace."

"How could she use it?" Minister Zhuo took the sword back and said, "Grace isn't a Spirit Master—she can't wield such a treasure."

"Huh? Dad, why not?" Grace protested anxiously.

"If you hold onto a treasure like this, how could you possibly protect it?"

"I can!"

If even she can't protect it, then who could?

After all, she's the one with a Sanctum!

"I'll hold onto the sword for now," Minister Zhuo said, taking charge. "If you ever really need it, I'll give it back to you."

"Dad, that's my sword!" Grace protested, her face flushed. "I worked so hard to gather the materials!"

"Don't worry, I don't want your things," Minister Zhuo said. "When the time comes, I'll include it in your dowry."

"Dowry..." Grace nearly choked. "Dad! How about this—give me the sword now, and if you can take it back from me, then you can keep it. Otherwise, let me hold onto it myself, okay?"

"What do you mean?" Minister Zhuo frowned. "Wouldn't it be easy for me to take it from you?"

"Just try it!" Grace held out her hand.

Minister Zhuo, full of doubt, handed the sword to her.

Grace tucked the sword behind her back and slipped it straight into her Sanctum.

Once it's in the Sanctum, where's Minister Zhuo supposed to get it from?

He spun Grace around a dozen times, but still couldn't find where the sword had gone.

"Where's the sword?" Minister Zhuo asked, puzzled.

Grace grinned smugly. "Go ahead and take it—if you can find it!"

"But where did the sword go?"

"I put it away." Grace said, then pulled the sword out from behind her again and waved it proudly.

"How did you do that?" Minister Zhuo had lived for decades, but he'd never seen anything like it.

"Magic trick," she said, and made the sword disappear again.

"Magic trick? When did you learn that? Where did you make the sword go?"

"Dad, do you really want to know?"

"Tell me!"

"Only if you share your secrets with me. Let's trade!" Grace said, looking mischievous.

"Us? What secrets could we possibly have?" Minister Zhuo glanced at Evan Xiao.

"The secret of the Signet Ring." Grace wiggled her fingers. "Dad, General, if you tell me about that, I'll tell you where the sword went. Deal?"

"What secret? I don't know what you're talking about," Minister Zhuo replied instantly.

"Well, never mind then!" Grace shrugged.

Minister Zhuo, frustrated, finally said, "If you can really keep it safe, then you hold onto it yourself!"

"Yay!" Grace beamed. "Dad, will you name my sword for me?"

Minister Zhuo was both scholarly and skilled—a true expert.

After thinking for a moment, Minister Zhuo said, "This sword shines brilliantly and is full of fiery spirit—let's call it 'Scarlet Sky'!"

"Mm, that's a perfect name," Grace said with a smile.