Chapter 70 - Challenge Method (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In three days, in just three days, the news of the smithing challenge between Master Ou Yangming from the Armament Camp and Master Ni Yunhong, an outsider, had spread far and wide in the camp.

From the honorable generals to the insignificant new recruits, who were not even official soldiers yet, everyone talked about it excitedly. Although most of them were not qualified to witness it, that did not stop it from being the hottest topic in the camp at the moment. In fact, even the spotlight on the half-spirit beast, that was slaughtered through a lot of hard work, had dimmed.

After three days, Ou Yangming left his residence, accompanied by Old Craftsman, and headed for the biggest square in the Armament Camp.

The venue was already packed with people who were either standing or sitting.

Ou Yangming was taken aback after casually glancing around.

Almost everyone from the Armament Camp had come. Apart from Zhong Yunda and Han Changling, even w.a.n.g Zhongtong, Luo Shengtong, Li Shunfeng, and Huang Guotong, the top-notch Military Fire Blacksmiths, were present.

Being qualified to attach Unique Attributes to equipment, they were considered bosses in the Armament Camp and each of them had their own special methods. The fact that they got together of their own free will could be regarded as one of the biggest events in the Armament Camp.

When they saw Old Craftsman and Ou Yangming, they surrounded them.

Other than Han Changling, who purposely stayed behind, the rest greeted and gave Ou Yangming words of encouragement.

Zhong Yunda even waved his hand and said, “Oh, Lil’ Ou, you must do your best this time to deflate him! Hmph, how dare he wrong us at such a young age. So what if he’s from the prefecture? I don’t believe that n.o.body can control him!”

The other people nodded in agreement. They looked rather indignant and mad.

Ou Yangming quickly realized that Ni Yunhong had consulted with every Military Fire Blacksmith in the camp even though he had only been here for a short span of time. There was no need to describe the consultations further because it was evident they were displeasing.

“Thank you for your blessings, my seniors. I won’t let you down,” Ou Yangming responded with a smile.

He bowed at them before moving forward.

The Military Fire Blacksmiths then surrounded Old Craftsman to ask, “Old Craftsman, is your disciple going to succeed?”

“Yes, how confident is he? He won’t embarra.s.s us, will he?”

“Old Craftsman, I think you’ll have to do the challenge yourself to bring down that arrogant fella!”

They repeatedly asked questions, which eventually caused an uproar, making it obvious that they were not optimistic about Ou Yangming. It made sense because they did not normally interact with him although they were all Military Fire Blacksmiths. Besides, the seniors suspected that the pieces of Attribute Equipment presented by Ou Yangming were actually smithed by Old Craftsman.

Therefore, they were not as confident about Ou Yangming as they seemed.

They would be more relieved if they could persuade Old Craftsman to partic.i.p.ate in the challenge instead.

Old Craftsman perceived their thoughts with one glance, and a.s.sured with a smile, “Don’t be so anxious. Since he said that he won’t let you down, he won’t.”

The Military Fire Blacksmiths looked at each other, then Zhong Yunda asked carefully, “Old Craftsman, did he really inherit your legacy?”

Old Craftsman raised his chin and expressed proudly, “The disciple has exceeded his master!”

The rest instantly clamored. It was unclear how much exactly they believed in Ou Yangming, but they began looking at him differently.

When Ou Yangming walked toward the platform, he saw that the military’s big bosses were already seated.

Commanding General Deng Zhicai from the Middle Camp, Commanding General Tian Boguang from the East Camp, and Commanding General Chen Yifan from the West Camp. Of the five commanding generals from different camps, three of them were present. As for Supervisor Kang Weibo from the Armament Camp, he could only stand on one side to a.s.sist the challenge.

On the other side, Ni Yunhong and his younger brother were seen discussing something with Head Shopkeeper Lin Yichen and Appraiser Zheng Ziwen from the Yi residence. Bright smiles were seen on their faces.

“Lil’ Ou, you’re so slow, we were all waiting for you.” Deng Zhicai put down his teacup when he saw Ou Yangming. Even though he was teasing Ou Yangming, it was clear that he was slightly displeased.

‘Many bosses from the military are here, yet you took your own sweet time. You’re being too proud, can’t you see that even Ni Yunhong came in early?’

Ou Yangming bowed at Deng Zhicai and explained, “General, today’s challenge isn’t about me, it affects the military camp’s prestige. I dare not slack off, so I was meditating in my courtyard to make sure I’m in the best condition. I’m determined to be victorious in the challenge, and to gain honor for the military camp.”

Deng Zhicai was stunned for a while before he laughed. “You didn’t slack off indeed. Alright, that’s reasonable.”

Tian Boguang, who was seated next to him, frowned and glared at Ou Yangming coldly.

In actual fact, he had prepared himself to lecture Ou Yangming for being late. It would be best if he could even mess with Ou Yangming’s mental state.

However, Deng Zhicai had spoken first and drawn a conclusion. Since the Middle Camp’s commanding general had deemed Ou Yangming’s excuse reasonable, what could he say?

“Ou Yangming, today’s challenge is about smithing an equipment set. We’ve invited two appraisal masters to judge the equipment’s quality,” Chen Yifan cleared his throat before he spoke. He then cupped his hands in the direction where Lin Yichen and the others were at, and called out, “Appraisal masters, please make your way here.”