Translator: AnubisTL
Clang!
[Successfully forged a mundane weapon: Fine Iron Longsword. Lifespan increased by four months!]
As the notification appeared, Li Qing was holding a straight and lightweight longsword, examining the newly completed weapon with the gaze of an artist.
The sharp blade reflected a cold, gleaming light. In terms of craftsmanship, this sword was flawless. While it couldn't cut through iron like mud, it could certainly slice through hair with ease.
"Sigh, it's starting to decrease again. Could it be that forging weapons like this will only add a single day to my lifespan in the future?"
Li Qing sighed inwardly, a trace of worry gradually forming between his brows.
Still, gaining a few months was not bad.
With his current forging skills, crafting a sword like this would take him no more than two days.
He had promised Boss Fang that the sword would be ready in three days, just in case any unexpected delays occurred.
"Mundane weapons, mundane weapons... Even the Silent Blade, which underwent countless refinements and is considered my masterpiece, can only be classified as a superior mundane tool."
"Or the Peerless Hammer, which was forged with the special material Ink Gold, still couldn't escape the classification of a superior mundane tool."
"Whether it's the Silent Blade or the Peerless Hammer, they are absolutely worthy of being called legendary weapons in the martial world!"
Indeed, Li Qing's words were not boastful but rather a clear self-assessment.
Weapons like the Silent Blade and the Peerless Hammer currently lack only fame.
With the passage of time, or if they were wielded by a renowned martial artist, they would undoubtedly be judged as legendary weapons by the martial world! He was certain that the quality of the Silent Blade and the Peerless Hammer he forged was no less than that of the famous legendary weapons widely circulated in the martial world.
In a few decades or even a century, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the martial world would undoubtedly have a famous blade known as the Silent Blade.
Currently, the most well-known legendary weapons in the martial world are two.
One is called the Black Tortoise Spear, said to have emerged three hundred years ago. It is now in the hands of General Lu Guanghong, the commander of the Wu Li Army.
This is also why many in the martial world speculate that Lu Guanghong is likely a top-tier Grandmaster.
Since ancient times, a good horse needs a good saddle, and a treasured blade needs a hero. Without sufficient strength, how could such a legendary weapon be held by an ordinary person?
The second legendary weapon is the Demon Blade - Red Lotus! This is the inherited treasured blade of the Nine Lotus Sect, passed down since the time of the second-generation sect master. Only the sect master can wield it.
It's worth mentioning that over the many years since its establishment, the Nine Lotus Sect has had fourteen generations of sect masters. Only the second-generation sect master was named Red Lotus, while all other generations were named after the Black Lotus.
This inherited demon blade is also named after the second-generation sect master.
As for why this is the case, outsiders can hardly know, as only the higher-ups of the Nine Lotus Sect are privy to these secrets.
The current fourteenth-generation Black Lotus Sect Master of the Nine Lotus Sect is a confirmed Grandmaster.
For generations, the position of the Nine Lotus Sect Master has been reserved only for those who have reached the Grandmaster realm. This is an ironclad rule; otherwise, they would rather leave the position vacant than have a leaderless sect.
However, it is indeed astonishing that the Nine Lotus Sect has managed to achieve this feat through generations, with each sect leader being a Grandmaster, commanding awe and respect from the world.
People speculate that this sect might possess a special method to reach the Grandmaster realm, but it surely comes with significant limitations, perhaps even extreme measures like passing down their skills.
Of course, no matter how much people understand this, no one dares to covet the Nine Lotus Sect's secrets, simply because this sect is truly extraordinary. The Nine-Colored Lotus, any one of which, if placed in the martial world, could stir up a storm of bloodshed among top-tier experts.
After forging the longsword, another day passed, and Boss Fang came as promised to collect the sword.
"What a fine sword!"
Fang Long, who came from a rough background, immediately praised the sword upon touching it. It was indeed a sword of exceptional quality, with a sharp, cold gleam that could be felt even with a light touch, causing a tingling sensation.
"Master Li, does this sword have a name?" Fang Long asked with a burning gaze.
Li Qing smiled and shook his head, saying, "It hasn't been named yet. Let Brother Yang decide on the name."
He wasn't boasting, but now, for such ordinary weapons, he didn't feel the need to name them. Only magical weapons like the Silent Blade and the Peerless Hammer were worthy of his naming.
"Hahaha, Master Li's craftsmanship in weapon forging is probably unmatched in the entire world," Fang Long praised.
However, Li Qing waved his hands in modesty, "Not at all, not at all. I'm just barely making a living in the capital. Boss Fang, you're too kind."
"Master Li, you're too humble. Once I save up enough silver, I'll definitely ask you to forge a handy iron staff for me."
"Of course, that's no problem. But Boss Fang, I have a favor to ask," Li Qing changed the topic.
"Oh? What is it?"
Li Qing continued, "I plan to go on a long trip in a few days to take care of some business. I'm just a bit worried about my shop. I hope you can keep an eye on it for me."
Upon hearing this request, Fang Long patted his chest and readily agreed, "Such a small matter, leave it to us brothers from Liangzhou. Any fool who dares to cause trouble, I, Fang Long, will skin them alive!"
Seeing Fang Long agree, Li Qing expressed his gratitude, "Then I thank you, Boss Fang."
Boss Fang waved his hand, acting as if it was no big deal.
In fact, after witnessing Li Qing's blacksmithing skills, Fang Long had been eager to befriend this External Strength Martial Artist blacksmith.
In today's world, blacksmiths are easy to find, and External Strength Martial Artists are also common. But a blacksmith who can forge excellent weapons and is also an External Strength Martial Artist is quite rare.
"Master Li, I'll take my leave now!"
Both parties clasped their fists and parted ways.
A weight in Li Qing's heart was temporarily lifted. With Boss Fang's promise, he didn't have to worry about thieves in his blacksmith shop.
The Liangzhou brothers were not what they used to be. Everyone on the street knew that one of them had joined the Maple Guard.
Everyone had to show some respect. Having connections in the court made a difference.
After watching Boss Fang's figure disappear into the distance, Li Qing turned around and began packing his things.
He wrapped up the Ancient Mystic Hammer Art taught to him by Master Gu and also took along a considerable amount of travel money.
"Qingzhou, Chongning County, I wonder if I can still find Master Gu's family."
Li Qing gazed at the thick book, his thoughts swirling with memories.
It was Master Gu who had set him on this path. Whether it was the craft of blacksmithing or the Martial Path, both had been of immense help to him.
And as for Master Gu's final wish before his passing, Li Qing was determined to fulfill it.
TL/N: Guys, if you are enjoying this book, please recommend it in your groups and circles.
(End of the Chapter)
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