Chapter 255 - An Agreement On The Rank (1/2)

Chapter 255 An Agreement On The Rank

The faces of Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu changed, and they quickly smiled apologetically as they explained. Sir Hu and Scholar Xu knew it would be hard to meet Master Wu Hongxi if they brought Ou Yangming to the residence just like that. Nonetheless, they went through so much to gather many materials, so they figured they would at least be treated with a bit of respect.

Who knew, Twelfth Young Master’s att.i.tude disappointed them.

Nevertheless, after witnessing Ou Yangming’s abilities throughout their journey, Sir Hu and Scholar Xu dared not offend the young man, who had a bright future.

Ou Yangming pondered for a while before he suddenly asked, “Young Master Yan, may I know what rank I have to be in if I’d like to meet Master Wu?”

Yan Yuanhua glanced at him in shock and questioned out of curiosity, “How long have you been learning smithing art?” “Around 3 years,” Ou Yangming answered honestly. Although it had only been a year since he acquired the Military Fire, before that, Old Craftsman had been consciously training him in this aspect. The young fellow’s 2 years of being a helper were not in vain.

“3 years?” Yan Yuanhua wondered and asked, “How long have you obtained the Military Fire?”

“A year.”

“A year?” Yan Yuanhua had a strange look on his face, and he laughed out loud. “In the capital, children who’d like to learn smithing art will have to learn for at least 3 years before they’re qualified to partic.i.p.ate in the talent a.s.sessment. Moreover, they have to achieve the best result to be given the Military Fire or the spiritual fire. Given that you’ve only learned for 2 years, have you acc.u.mulated sufficient knowledge? Heh, since you’ve had the Military Fire for a year, I suppose you’re an official Military Fire Blacksmith.”

Ou Yangming responded with a straight face, “Yes.”

“Ah, I don’t blame you since you came from a small place, but an official Military Fire Blacksmith is the most basic blacksmith in the capital, so there’s nothing much to praise about.”

Yan Yuanhua’s implication was simple. An official Military Fire Blacksmith was considered formidable in a place like the Immense Forest Military Camp but was nothing much in the capital.

Ou Yangming nodded and asked again, “Thank you for your pointers, Brother Yan, but I still want to know—what rank do I have to be in to meet Master Wu?”

Yan Yuanhua smiled arrogantly and replied to him, “In the capital, even Superior Blacksmiths can’t meet Master Wu easily, but… If you’re able to earn the t.i.tle of an Advanced… No, an Intermediate Blacksmith in the upcoming a.s.sessment, I’ll arrange for you to meet my master from afar.”

Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu furrowed their eyebrows because it was truly a difficult request.

Not to mention Ou Yangming was only a blacksmith from a small place, even if he practiced smithing art with a great deal of effort in the capital, how much could he learn in 3 years? Besides, it was incredibly difficult for a Military Fire Blacksmith to arrive at an Intermediate Blacksmith’s rank within a year.

Although blacksmiths like that existed, each of them was exceptionally gifted. Also, the Military Fire or the spiritual fire that were captured by them had their respective wonders, hence n.o.body dared to belittle them.

Sir Hu and Scholar Xu had witnessed Ou Yangming’s martial arts strength, so they thought Ou Yangming spent all his time on improving his martial arts. As for smithing art, one who could release the Military Fire was considered a blacksmith anyway.

Despite that, the Military Fire could be used to deceive people in the village, but it was extremely ordinary in the capital.

That said, Ou Yangming did not look troubled at all. He nodded and questioned, “Where’s the upcoming a.s.sessment?” Yan Yuanhua was stunned. “Are you really going?”

Ou Yangming grinned. “Since I’m given a chance to meet Master Wu, why should I give it up?”

“You’re quite an interesting fella. Okay, if you’re able to earn the t.i.tle of an Intermediate Blacksmith, I’ll fulfill your wish, but…” Yan Yuanhua stared at Ou Yangming, then a scornful look was seen on his face. “I forgot to tell you that the soonest a.s.sessment will be held in 5 days. According to the rules, the application is closed 10 days before the actual day. Hehe, it’ll be tough if you’d like to partic.i.p.ate in it…”

Hu Yicheng’s face darkened. ‘After talking for a long time, it turns out that Yan Yuanhua is pulling our leg! Not only did he fool Ou Yangming, but he also embarra.s.sed me.’

“But a partic.i.p.ant can still be added halfway through some special means,” Yan Yuanhua stated with narrowed eyes and a smile. He put his hands behind his back and added proudly, “For instance, if I make a request, they’ll surely show me face.”

“Once again, thank you for your pointers, Young Master Yan.” Ou Yangming looked deeply at Yan Yuanhua and grinned. He later turned to say, “Big Brother Hu, we’re done visiting, so let’s make a move.”

Hu Yicheng was startled for some time before he forced a smile. “Yes, we should go.”

Yan Yuanhua could not help but scoff when he watched the three men leaving leisurely. He did not have bad intentions as he only wanted to enjoy the feeling of being flattered and begged, but Ou Yangming and his companions did not do as he wished. As such, Yan Yuanhua was displeased.

Hu Yicheng sighed after they left Master Wu’s luxurious residence. “We’re terribly unlucky today to have men Twelfth Young Master.”

“Yes, if we had met another young master, based on the materials that we brought, perhaps we would’ve been able to meet Master Wu.” Scholar Xu shook his head and noted with regret, “Young Ou, Twelfth Young Master comes from a n.o.ble family and is Master Wu’s apprentice, so he’s conceited indeed. Please don’t mind him!”

The scholar obviously knew Ou Yangming was unordinary and might not be able to stand the resentment. Judging from the young fellow’s tricks that night, where he came and went like a ghost, Scholar Xu figured he might do something that he would regret later. Hence, the scholar gave Ou Yangming a subtle reminder.

Ou Yangming chuckled and responded, “Brother Xu, don’t worry. I admire Master Wu’s ability very much, so I’ll visit him with the most appropriate status.”

“Oh, did you… Perceive the sword?” Scholar Xu was struck dumb for a while before he asked.