This is truly a deadly weapon. He could be sure that if that rack were to topple over and David Johnson underneath couldn't dodge in time, even if he wasn't crushed to death, he'd be seriously injured. In novels, weapons are often described as weighing sixty-four or eighty-one jin, and he never quite believed it—until now. Looking at the massive axe head and the blade gleaming coldly, he could believe it weighed a hundred jin!

"This... can this really be used?" David Johnson was startled too, swallowing hard and stammering, "Does anyone really have the strength to swing this axe?"

They called over the servant in charge of the armory, and only then did everyone learn that this axe was not the only one—there was also a pair of double axes, which were extremely light, trophies from James Johnson's past battles. This long-handled axe looked heavy, but actually weighed only twenty-four jin, while the two short axes each weighed two and a half jin, all made of top-quality refined steel. Although they had quite a few years of history, thanks to proper maintenance, they still looked as good as new.

Carrying an axe looked impressive, but that was the work of a hired hand. Henry Johnson had just talked a good game, but he absolutely had no intention of learning to use it himself. Seeing Brian Baker staring intently at the big and small axes, he was struck by an idea and immediately stepped forward to coax him: "Brian big brother, you come from a family of martial tradition—are you interested in learning the secret techniques of axe fighting?"

"This... but this is the Duke of England's treasured collection." Although he tried to decline, Brian Baker's eyes were still fixed on the axes. "Besides, I was never good at martial arts as a child. My grandfather taught me for a few days and I lost interest, and even my father and uncles wouldn't teach me. Besides, I've only ever seen the old man use a cavalry lance, never an axe, and my father and uncles never learned this either. Ah, could it be the old man was deliberately keeping it secret?"

Seeing Brian Baker suddenly grit his teeth, Henry Johnson thought to himself that this was bad. He'd been showing off stories from the Sui and Tang heroes, but in reality, William Baker never used an axe. If Brian Baker went home and asked, wouldn't his story fall apart? Thinking of this, he immediately patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, there must be plenty of people who know how to use axes. I'll talk to my father when I get back and quietly find someone skilled in this to teach you! Hey, then won't your family be impressed?"

David Johnson and Brian Baker had always been close, and he thought this was a good suggestion. He was worried James Johnson wouldn't agree to give away the weapon, but then thought that the axe had just been sitting in a corner unused, so he immediately patted his chest and promised, "Brian, don't worry, I'll definitely find a way to get Grandpa to give you the axe. As long as you master it and make a name for yourself, those three axe moves will become your very own Brian Baker's three axe moves!"

Seeing the bright-eyed Brian Baker step forward, heft the big axe, and swing it with all his might a couple of times, Henry Johnson couldn't help but shiver. Could a casual remark of his really end up creating a true warrior who would carry an axe to battle across the land? Or was it that, in these times, conventional weapons like sabers, swords, and spears simply couldn't compare to the might of an axe?

Chapter Thirteen: If You're Going to Spend Money, Spend It with Gusto

As the Eastern Capital of the Great Tang, now the true seat of government, Luoyang was even more bustling and prosperous than Chang'an. The streets were lined with restaurants and taverns, Western Region merchants were everywhere, and the Hu girls in revealing clothes spinning and dancing at the doors to attract customers were the most dazzling sight in Luoyang.

Henry Johnson now spent every day shuttling between the imperial city and the lively markets, but his interest in sightseeing had long faded. Ever since he foolishly volunteered to become James Johnson's apprentice, he'd been drilled to exhaustion every day, and when he got home, he just wanted to collapse into bed. Worst of all, after he found a master skilled in axe techniques to teach Brian at the Li residence, whenever Brian Baker made any progress, he'd drag him and David Johnson along as sparring partners, leaving him utterly worn out.

"Not doing this anymore!"

After being swept aside by Brian Baker for the eighth time and having his sword fly out of his hand, he simply lay on the ground, too lazy to get up, his muscles aching all over. Beside him, David Johnson also plopped down, gasping for breath, which made him grin.

Henry Johnson could always claim he lost because he was younger and not as strong, but David Johnson had it worse. David Johnson was two years older than Brian Baker, and used to be able to take on both Henry Johnson and Brian Baker at once and still win. Now, he could only team up with Henry Johnson against Brian Baker, and still lose every day—there was nothing more frustrating in the world.

Brian Baker was honest, but when it came to winning and losing, he never held back. Now he laughed heartily, "I win again! Today, David big brother, it's your treat!"

Pride leads to arrogance—what a petty face! He cursed inwardly, but Henry Johnson was secretly pleased. After all, he wasn't the one paying; the sucker was always David Johnson. The current ratio of treating was basically: out of ten times, David Johnson paid seven, Brian Baker twice, and he only once.

He was young and not skilled in martial arts, so he could always find an excuse to get out of paying. He did have money, but he'd need it for more important things in the future—he'd have to split every coin in half to spend it!