He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 112

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 112

Episode 112

For the first time in a long while, Namgung Cheon-gang’s entire family had gathered in Cheonjam Village.

Since there was a major event for the Namgung Family, it was natural for most of the direct lineage family members who could attend to participate.

After all, when the family head Namgung Cheon was attending, there was no way the direct lineage wouldn’t attend.

“Of course, even if they weren’t direct lineage, the person who created this situation is our son, so attending would be more than appropriate.”

“That’s right, elder brother. My goodness. It’s already a blessing that I rose to direct lineage thanks to my nephew, but to be at the center of forging a blood alliance between Namgung and Namman… Really, you live long enough to see everything. Hahaha!”

“Oh, what’s so great about what I did? Honestly, our family could have risen to direct lineage anytime we wanted.”

That’s right.

Considering the power they possessed, they had more than enough to rise.

Even just Namgung Gang alone was the leader of the Namgung Iron Sword Sect, a famous martial group within the Namgung Family’s military forces.

Furthermore, Namgung Cheon-gang’s uncle, Namgung Ho, was the vice-leader.

Moreover, both of them had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, so if they wanted, they could have become direct lineage that very day.

It was just that Namgung Gang and Namgung Ho had no particular ambition and didn’t rise up.

“However, making it possible to rise to a direct lineage position as a blacksmith rather than a warrior is an even greater achievement. So you can take pride in it, son.”

“Hehe, thank you, Father. But, since this direct lineage promotion exam also involved martial arts competition for blacksmiths, isn’t it a bit much to say I’m not a warrior at all?”

“…”

“…”

Well, hmm.

That’s true.

“A-anyway, just becoming a disciple of Master Mak Noya is enough glory for the family!”

Namgung Gang panicked and quickly changed the subject.

“R-right. Anyway, just that alone would be more than enough for the Master to elevate our entire family to direct lineage. Ha, haha! Thinking about it again, I’m glad I didn’t break your legs when you were 12.”

“Uncle, why are you awkwardly changing the subject and bringing up the 12-year-old story! I still break out in cold sweat just thinking about that time!”

“Well, if you were learning well at Baekryeon-dang and then ran away causing a fuss about becoming a blacksmith, would you have just sat still?”

“…I guess not.”

Indeed, I would have tried to break his legs too.

If I didn’t know about my past life, that is.

Uncle’s words were absolutely right.

“Thinking about that time, I really don’t know how my bloodline could be so gifted at blacksmithing.”

“Since I’m not a warrior, maybe I take after Mother? Mother’s needlework and cooking, and other handicrafts are amazing.”

“That’s true. Sister-in-law’s skills are indeed amazing.”

“Come to think of it, you do resemble your wife. Hahahaha.”

“Oh my, oh my. Goodness. Hohoho!”

A harmonious family gathering.

Laughter overflows.

Deep and long.

It doesn’t end even when night comes and dawn arrives.

Because separation approaches when dawn breaks.

“Goodness. If anyone heard and saw this, they’d think I’m going somewhere to die.”

Through the blood alliance between Namgung and Namman, the business they had been conducting expanded greatly.

Not only were Namman’s export goods given priority over other places, but the entire export of licorice and premium ink charcoal liquid belonged solely to Namgung.

Ten other items also came to be handled through Namgung, so the profits gained from this would be astronomical.

Of course, it wasn’t just Namgung receiving.

A blood alliance is called a blood alliance because both sides give and take.

Central Plains’ technology was also being transferred to Namman by sending technicians, along with providing necessary supplies to Namman at cost.

Additionally, Namgung directly took on paving roads for smooth material transport between Namman and Namgung.

Of course, all construction requires safety and security.

Even though Namman and Namgung were untouchable in the martial arts world, the martial arts world is a place where unexpected things can happen.

Since there would be those who would rush like moths to a flame targeting those supplies, military force for safety and security was essential.

Therefore, Namgung provided a considerable number of warriors and part of their trade guild, while Namman also supported warriors.

Among the Namgung military forces provided for this support, the Namgung Iron Sword Sect became the center.

While the leader couldn’t be spared, it was natural that Namgung Ho, the vice-leader, would remain in Cheonjam.

“Along with the expansion of Cheonjam, which is the midpoint, plus eliminating nearby bandits and thieves, and even road maintenance. Since the Namgung Iron Sword Sect has much combat experience, it’s not strange that they’d become the center of the remaining military forces. This too must be said to be thanks to Cheon-gang.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes, nephew, you.”

Why is that so?

“Namman is said to be less closed off compared to other foreign lands, but that doesn’t mean they’ve had smooth dealings with the martial arts world. However, this is the first time they’ve opened their doors wide to welcome us like this. Can’t we say that son’s contribution is involved in all of this?”

“Thanks to that, the Iron Sword Sect could become central to the important position of safely protecting the blood alliance between Namman and Namgung, so how can we not say it’s thanks to nephew?”

“Oh my, if it’s the Namgung Iron Sword Sect, they’d be fully capable of handling such important work even without my contribution.”

Though it’s a military force made up of branch family members, their strength is truly comparable to the elite of other sects and martial families.

Just their achievements of traveling throughout the martial arts world, solving incidents and accidents, and further building foundations to elevate Namgung’s reputation are countless.

Therefore, as Namgung Cheon-gang said.

Even without his contribution, there was a high possibility that the Iron Sword Sect would be selected as the military force to handle various major and minor affairs in Cheonjam.

“Besides, how is all of this my contribution alone? It’s all greatly thanks to Father, Mother, and Uncle. Because you helped me grow up so well, I was able to form connections with good people.”

“You rascal.”

“Goodness. This nephew is making his uncle emotional.”

Father and Uncle’s noses tingled at how well their son and nephew had grown.

Watching the three men, Mother smiled brightly.

Perhaps Namgung Ho was embarrassed by this.

“A-anyway, it’s not like we’re parting forever, so don’t treat it like we’re saying farewell, elder brother, nephew, and sister-in-law. We can meet anytime we want to see each other.”

He hurriedly changed the subject.

Seeing his younger brother’s embarrassment, the elder brother smiled gently.

“Yes, let’s think of it that way. And since this is a crucial matter for our Namgung, you must never handle it carelessly, Ho.”

“Don’t worry, elder brother. I’ll stake my life to completely deal with all those fly-like bastards who try to interfere with this blood alliance.”

“Hoho. Yes. How reliable.”

Trust without a hint of doubt.

Indeed, since they were brothers who had built the Namgung Iron Sword Sect together, how solid must their trust in each other be?

‘Then, as a son and nephew, I should help Father and Uncle’s solidarity become even stronger.’

How?

With a blacksmith’s abilities!

‘As Uncle said, the Iron Sword Sect’s cleanup of the surroundings starts today, right?’

However, the family separation isn’t immediate.

They’ll be together for at least another week.

The Master’s consideration to share affection since they’ll be apart for a long time.

It’s just that they’ll have work to do and won’t be able to see each other’s faces easily for a week.

‘Anyway, if it’s seven days gained through the Master’s consideration, wouldn’t that be more than enough time to make something?’

That doesn’t mean I’m planning to make just anything.

‘Of course, it’ll be Uncle’s exclusive equipment. Now, shall I start making exclusive equipment after a long time?’

Starting with swords and going up to battle gear.

I’ll make sure you’re properly equipped with gear advantages, Uncle.

While I’m at it, Father’s too.

Oh, should I also make some for the Iron Sword Sect members who’ll be stationed here?

Later when I have time, I should also make some for the warrior brothers and sisters who’ll be stationed here.

‘…Thinking about it, there’s no end. First, Uncle’s and Father’s!’

Now it’s hammer time!

* * *

Cheonjam’s blacksmith shop.

The filial son Namgung Cheon-gang, who wants to perfectly outfit equipment for Uncle and Father, stands with his arms crossed while holding a hammer.

What’s in front of him is ore that hasn’t yet become ingots.

What is he pondering about?

“How can I make it so that rumors spread about how well it was made?”

It’s a concern about crafting.

Most warriors of the Namgung Family wield swords.

Of course, they do use polearms, but even those don’t stray far from ‘swords’.

Their martial arts themselves are specialized for swords.

“In other words, Father, the main weapon for Uncle’s items should definitely be swords. I’ve never seen either of them use other weapons.”

Making them isn’t difficult.

“If I enter a state of selflessness and pour in my transcendent internal energy, something beyond masterwork quality will definitely come out. Right, Baekseol?”

“Beep!”

Baekseol nodded and answered affirmatively.

“How cute.”

How is she cute every single day I see her?

Baekseol’s cuteness isn’t something only Namgung Cheon-gang feels.

‘Oh my, have I ever seen such a cute creature?’

Father too.

‘Why is an animal from the North Sea here? No, were there some in Namman too? Anyway, so incredibly cute!’

Uncle too.

‘Oh my, oh my, oh my!’

Mother loved her as well.

“Mother held you and buried her face in your belly going ‘puff puff puff’. You liked that, didn’t you, Baekseol?”

“Beep!”

She really understands responses well.

Father and Uncle tried it too, but got disgusted and screamed, so it couldn’t continue.

Apparently beards are prickly.

Besides that, the Master, Namgung Sohye whom I met after a long time, Cheonggi, everyone loved her.

“Indeed, penguins being cute is universal across all eras and nations.”

(˘◡˘)ノ:Beep!(Of course!)

“That little one, really. She understands words perfectly.”

A Divine Beast is a Divine Beast indeed.

“Anyway, quality isn’t a problem.”

Then what’s the problem that’s making him worry so much about crafting?

“I wonder if both breath infusions won’t work?”

That’s right.

It’s precisely because of breath infusion.

“It’s too wasteful to give only one between ability infusion and martial arts infusion.”

Originally, he planned to infuse martial arts, raising their current martial arts to the next level.

However, when he was about to start crafting, he regretted not being able to infuse abilities.

“If I make something above masterwork quality, I can do breath infusion twice. I could split ability and martial arts infusion half and half, but…”

If that were the case, there’d be no need for such worrying.

He would have already picked up his hammer and started working.

“I want to do 2 infusions each for both. Even if it becomes supreme masterwork quality.”

That’s why he’s standing with arms crossed, deep in thought.

“Is there no way? Is there really no way? Hmm.”

(-ㅅ-): Beep…

As Namgung Cheon-gang’s worries deepened, Baekseol also stood beside him with arms crossed, lost in thought.

Hmm, hmm.

Beep, beep.

Hmmm… Ah!

“I’ve got it!”

(•◇•):Beep?

“Yeah, that’s right. I had a good idea, Baekseol. Of course, I’ll have to try it to know for sure, but… wait a moment.”

Namgung Cheon-gang picked up his hammer and struck the ore.

Clang, clang, clang.

Clear hammering sounds echoed throughout the blacksmith’s forge.

After pig iron, through the decarburization process to make wrought iron, then removing slag to create soft iron.

After the final hundred refinements, Namgung Cheon-gang’s signature Baekryeonjeonggang was created.

“Good. It’s masterwork quality. Now, let me first do breath infusion on this. Selecting ability infusion.”

He put in any ability for now.

What he’s currently making isn’t a finished product, but a sample to confirm if his idea is correct.

Still, he puts his heart into it.

He hammers the breath-infused Baekryeonjeonggang again.

Clang! Clang!

Flattening and refining.

Then eliminating imbalances.

Refining again.

Clang!

Half a shichen (1 hour) later.

Finally, fitting in the sword handle, a sharp sword with keen energy was completed.

Anyone could see it was masterwork quality.

“…Checking.”

Namgung Cheon-gang carefully used his ability to examine the sword he made.

Hmm.

Nothing there.

Could it really not work?

“…If that’s not it.”

Maybe it would be different if the Baekryeonjeonggang became supreme masterwork quality?

Or if the item becomes supreme masterwork quality.

“Let’s try both.”

Clang! Clang!

The blacksmith’s forge blazed bright as daylight for three days.

At the end of it all.

“Ohhh! It’s there! It’s there! Baekseol, it’s there!!!”

(•◇•):Beep!?

“What’s there!? Breath infusion is there!”

All the items Namgung Cheon-gang had made so far, whether materials or finished products, were masterwork quality regardless.

All breath infusions were possible on everything.

‘So when I was worrying about whether both abilities could be infused with the breath infusion possible on masterwork swords for Father and Uncle, one hypothesis came to mind!’

Whether breath infusion would be possible if he made masterwork materials, did breath infusion, then made finished products with those materials again.

And when he tried it?

“It worked! Whether ability infusion or martial arts infusion, if you make masterwork materials, do breath infusion, then make finished products again, the same number of infusion attempts gets added!!”

Of course, the finished product couldn’t just be ‘masterwork quality’.

At minimum, it had to be one grade higher.

If masterwork, then supreme masterwork.

If supreme masterwork, then higher than that.

He finally discovered that principle.

“The count increased? Then what does this mean?”

(>◇【)/:Beep!</p】

“That’s right! By doing both breath infusion and ability infusion, I can do at least 5 infusions! Hahaha! Good, now that I’ve confirmed it’s possible, let’s start right away!”

I’m going to boost your cultivation levels with item power, Uncle, Father!

“Look forward to it! A sword enhanced with both abilities and martial arts! Uhehe, uhehehehehehe!”

Clang! Clang! Claaaaaang!!!

Delighted by his new discovery, the Blacksmith’s mad hammering once again rings out endlessly clear and exhilarating.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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