Chapter 329 - Performing In Front of Others (1/2)

Upon noticing Ou Yangming’s satisfied expression, an unknown wave of relief washed over Fu Taihong.

However, once he noticed this, he immediately flinched. ‘How could someone of my status be so nervous in front of Ou Yangming?’

After all, Fu Taihong was a Superior Blacksmith, and even if one were to use all the available appendages they had to deal with him, they would still come up short. In a sense, Fu Taihong was the pinnacle of the blacksmiths, and within the capital, no one, not even his Royal Majesty could unnerve him to this extent. However, when he stood before Ou Yangming, Fu Taihong felt that all his pride and achievements he had acc.u.mulated throughout the years were for naught, and he was reminded of his youth, back when he still needed to face his mentor.

He shook his head slightly. Deep down, Fu Taihong was aware that the only reason he felt that way was due to the rune drawing he saw, as the profound revelations that were contained within it had startled him to his core.

When one outs.h.i.+nes another effortlessly in an area one is supposedly good in, it is only natural that one would feel belittled; even the mighty Fu Taihong is no exception to this.

Although Jin Shengjie and Wu Hongxi were also Superior Blacksmiths, their area of specialty lied not in runes. As such, they could not comprehend the contents that were inscribed within the rune drawing, and they did not experience the same epiphany Fu Taihong had. Due to this, they were able to interact normally with Ou Yangming.

“Master Ou, these aren’t the first batch of molds we’ve smithed.” Fu Taihong collected himself and continued, “The ones we’ve smithed earlier have already been delivered to the munitions factory and the blacksmiths there are already using them.”

Ou Yangming widened his eyes and asked, “So, how is it?”

“It’s incredible! Once we apply the rune mold onto the equipment, a majority of them, if not all, would immediately improve to Good Grade or above!” After pondering for a moment, he added, “80 percent! The rate of success is around 80 percent!”

At this point, a visible glint of respect could be seen within Fu Taihong’s eyes.

Only a master blacksmith who had spent his life researching runes could tell how rare and precious those runes were.

As such, as a rune creator himself, he was utterly impressed by his skill.

Ou Yangming nodded and responded, “That’s good. His Majesty is pulling all the stops, huh?”

This was the full potential of the imperial family’s military might, which far surpa.s.sed Ou Yangming’s combat strength.

Wu Hongxi and Jin Shengjie made their way over and interjected. “His Majesty has already stated that Changlong County would be the first to receive the freshly forged equipment. Hehe, this old man also heard that the first batch of equipment has already been delivered, and it’ll take around two months before it’s the Immense Forest Military Camp’s turn to receive them.”

Ou Yangming’s lips curled open into a wide smile. He had never brought up this matter to the imperial family before, and as such, their work ethic was quite a delightful surprise.

Fu Taihong blinked his eyes and asked, “Brother Jin, Brother Wu, aren’t you two supposed to be planning a new magic tool? Why do you even have the time to visit us?”

Although the forging of a new magic tool was not officially announced anywhere, Jin Shengjie’s extended period of stay in Wu Hongxi’s residence had made it obvious enough.

After all, there were only a handful of things in this world that would give two top-notch blacksmiths a hard time.

Jin Shengjie gave a hearty laugh and responded, “This old man had originally intended to pour his heart and soul into it, but after His Majesty’s order, I’m now free.”

Fu Taihong raised an eyebrow and asked, “What do you mean by this?”

Jin Shengjie pointed at Ou Yangming and said, “This brat’s smithing art has already reached a divine level, and according to His Majesty, Ou Yangming has already completed a magic tool back when he was in Changlong County!” With that, he then shot a nasty glare at Ou Yangming.

Back when Ou Yangming had requested for his advice on the path of equilibrium, Jin Shengjie had taught him everything he knew. However, the brat had kept everything to himself, and had it not been for His Majesty pointing it out for him, he would have been tinkering on the magic tool until who knows when.

Fu Taihong’s eyes widened even further as he stared in disbelief, “M-Master Ou… You’re able to smith magic tools?”

Ou Yangming coughed lightly and answered, “Only the most average of magic tools, I’m afraid.”

The first time he successfully smithed a magic tool, Ou Yangming was extremely proud of himself. However, upon learning from His Royal Majesty that there existed magic tools that automatically boosted one’s power, that pride instantly vanished. Although there was indeed a huge potential in forging magic tools then, Ou Yangming had yet to grasp the key to forging said tools. Despite that, Fu Taihong responded with a long sigh. “Master Ou, please, refrain from calling me master again in the future! I feel like a fraud before you!”

Jin Shengjie and Wu Hongxi glanced at one another. They gathered several imperial family Advanced Blacksmiths to a.s.sist them with their magic tool forging, but even so, they were stuck. As such, they could relate to how difficult it was to smith magic tools.

Although they had been personally informed by His Majesty himself about Ou Yangming’s feat, they still harbored doubts within their hearts. Nevertheless, once they heard Ou Yangming’s casual response, a strange emotion welled up within them.

Ou Yangming chuckled and moved on from the topic. “Fellow masters, magic tools aren’t things that can be smithed via ordinary materials.” After a slight pause, he continued, “Back when I was in Changlong County, I discovered a mystical stone that possessed an unbelievable amount of hardness, stronger than anything else that exists in this world. The only reason I had managed to successfully smith a magic tool was because of this.”