Chapter 524 - Invitation (1/2)

Inside the Ni residence in Changlong City.

The Military Fire danced in Old Craftsman’s hands, and the sways of the flames made it seem like the fire had become integrated with nature.

This was the integration of Heaven and man. Regardless of one’s trade, one who arrived at the state would have a bright future. In actual fact, even among the Superior Blacksmiths in the capital, there were barely any that comprehended the state.

Inside the casting workshop, apart from Old Craftsman and Ni Yunhong, there were also several blacksmiths. They were reputable figures in Changlong County; 2 of them had gone to the capital before and obtained the Advanced Blacksmith t.i.tle.

Figures like them would be outstanding talents respected by many in the capital, and they did not need to worry about life anymore. Even so, they returned to Changlong City and settled down there. At this moment, they watched Old Craftsman with admiration. Putting aside everything else, the old man’s unique smithing skill through the integration of Heaven and man was enough to leave any blacksmith in awe.

From the perspectives of the other blacksmiths, Old Craftsman was already considered a Superior Blacksmith even though he had not earned the t.i.tle.

“Ding…”

At last, Old Craftsman curbed his Military Fire and knocked the finished military saber against the casting table, causing a loud clash between metals to be heard.

The military saber won the acclaim of the others because they could tell that it was the finest Fine Grade equipment. Sure enough, items smithed by Old Craftsman were unordinary.

Nonetheless, Old Craftsman shook his head and sighed after he studied the weapon closely. In fact, he even seemed gloomy.

Ni Yunhong asked carefully, “Old Craftsman, are you unhappy about something?”

The military saber was considered perfect to the young man. Unless it contained a G.o.d-given attribute, its quality was already at the top in terms of normal attributes for a saber.

Old Craftsman smiled bitterly, “Ah, this saber still couldn’t break through the limit to become a magic tool.”

The people behind him were stunned at first, then they began to have strange looks on their faces. Even Ni Yunhong, who was close to the old man, could not help but curse internally.

‘Were you trying to smith a magic tool?’

Nevertheless, everyone in the world knew Master Ou Yangming had the official right to produce magic tools. Other than him, n.o.body else could smith such treasures; the Superior Blacksmiths from the capital could not do it even if they joined hands.

‘Aren’t you… Indulging in a wild idea by wanting to smith a magic tool by yourself?’

Despite what they were thinking, they did not show it on their faces.

This was because they knew Ou Yangming, who was known as the greatest blacksmith since the beginning of history, was taught by the old man, who was unwilling to admit defeat.

Ni Yunhong expressed after some thought, “Old… Old Man, you’re demanding too much from yourself.”

Old Craftsman rolled his eyes. “Brother Yun, how many times have I told you? You can just call me Old Craftsman. Don’t call me meaningless names; they’re stifling!”

Ni Yunhong’s mouth twitched. “Old Craftsman, why didn’t you say that to my younger sister when she called you Old Man? Aren’t you showing favoritism by only putting on airs in front of me?”

Two new blacksmiths exchanged glances and thought, ‘It’s true—this elder dislikes being addressed as Old Man and insists that other people call him Old Craftsman.’

Old Craftsman responded snappily, “Your younger sister is obviously different. I recognize her as my daughter-in-law, so it’s only right for her to call me Old Man!”

Ni Yunhong sighed. He was speechless toward the old man.

Having said that, not to mention Old Craftsman had the support of Ou Yangming, who could not be offended, even if he was by himself, n.o.body would offend him because of a trifling flaw. After all, he was a blacksmith that achieved the integration of Heaven and man.

Old Craftsman picked up the military saber and inspected it carefully, then he pa.s.sed it to the second person.

The blacksmiths present studied the saber one by one and only complimented the old man. Some of them were followers of the rich and powerful, but most of them were blacksmiths with legitimate skills, hence they were convinced after witnessing Old Craftsman’s smithing art using the integration of Heaven and man.

When they appraised the military saber in their hands, they could better sense its profoundness, thus they kept singing praises. They wanted very badly to keep the saber for their own, so they could slowly appreciate it.

All of a sudden, someone hurried into the workshop.

Ni Yinghong furrowed his eyebrows. “What’s the matter? Why are you panicking!”

The person that entered was a servant in the residence. He was usually rather steady but was somehow fl.u.s.tered at the moment.

He immediately bowed and answered, “Young Master, someone outside wants to meet Old Craftsman.”

“Who’s that?” Ni Yunhong was displeased. “Old Craftsman’s a n.o.ble person, so how can he be met by ordinary people!”

Old Craftsman cleared his throat and noted, “Brother Yun, you’re not quite right. I’m nothing but a military man, so how am I n.o.ble at all?”

Ni Yunhong replied to the old man with servility but thought, ‘Putting aside the fact that you’re a blacksmith expert, even if you’re a good-for-nothing, as long as Ou Yangming’s around, you’re a living Buddha that can’t be offended at all…’