When he finished, the sword gave a low shiver. The corrupted energy moved into the temporary bridge, collected along the exposed strip, and gradually faded as the smith drew it away with a prepared talisman. The blade's uneven glow became steady. Its vibration softened until only the natural ring of the metal remained.
The blacksmith let out a breath that sounded as if he had been holding it for an hour. He turned the sword carefully, inspected both sides, and finally looked at Qiao Zhi with open astonishment. "You have seen this kind of corruption before."
"Something close to it," she replied. "Where did this sword come from?"
