He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 24

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

Chapter 24

Episode 24

‘I guess I have attention-seeking tendencies after all.’

Namgung Cheon-gang thought so.

‘Namgung Cheon-gang? He’s just a genius blacksmith or a martial arts nobody.’

He could hear it while in the waiting room.

Not from the audience seats.

From the workers in the waiting room.

They say people curse when the king isn’t around.

But how can I, the person in question, endure hearing this?

The winner will be Byeokryeokjunggeom anyway?

Hmph! I’ll crush them all.

I was provoked last night too, so there’s no need to act like a gentleman, right?

His turn was first.

It was decided by lottery.

Today, all the blacksmiths participating in the competition gathered in the waiting room of the Great Training Hall pavilion outside Anhui Province, where the Namgung Family’s Direct Lineage Promotion Exam competition was being held, and drew lots.

Since Mak Noya supervised the drawing, there was no chance of cheating from the bottom of the deck.

When they all drew, surprisingly, it was first?

After drawing, he could immediately check his opponent, and it turned out to be ‘Namgung In’, a blacksmith he knew.

Even without close contact, how could he not know someone when they’d shared meals for years in Cheongeumjeong as fellow craftsmen?

‘That person, right? One of the martial artists who received an alias besides Elder Namgung Seo.’

Was it Gangcheolgeom (Strong Iron Sword)?

An alias given because his character was as strong as iron.

According to what he heard from Aeso, his final achievement as a martial artist was upper second-rate.

Though incomparable to the pinnacle, one cannot underestimate the martial arts of a second-rate martial artist with an alias.

His last achievement was said to be sweeping an entire bandit stronghold alone.

‘That would be like a successful C-grade hunter in my previous modern life.’

Not national level, but well-known in regional cities.

I acknowledge it.

Being a martial artist who received an alias.

But look at this person?

Seeing that his opponent is me, the smile won’t leave his face.

Byeokryeokjunggeom’s polite provocation, the audience’s subtle contempt, Gangcheolgeom’s leisurely smile.

Ha.

I’m fired up.

So he went up to the arena spinning the substitute for Cheonroepaseongchu, the great rubber hammer, Muktan Hwalin Daechu (Black Elastic Reviving Great Hammer).

The waiting room was too small to spin it.

Well, because of its size, the workers who were gossiping shut their mouths completely.

How satisfying that sight was.

Their bulging eyes were still vivid.

“Oh my, what the hell is that?”

“No, that… uh, I mean… what is that thing!?”

“Nam, Nam, Namgung Cheon-gang!”

Curses filled with surprise.

Shocked faces.

Even the referee stepped back in surprise.

The opponent?

His face turned pale.

Of course it would.

No matter how much it’s called a reviving great hammer, being like a brother to Cheonroepaseongchu, it’s a great hammer measuring 2.5 ja in length and width (about 80cm) and 1.5 ja (about 40cm).

The contemptuous voices and leisurely laughter completely disappeared, and he received focused attention.

‘This is why I thought I had attention-seeking tendencies.’

Otherwise, how could I not feel good when all eyes are focused on me?

Well, thinking of my previous life, I can’t deny it.

The title of S-grade blacksmith isn’t given to just anyone.

In case they think it’s all bluff.

He infused his internal energy and struck the ground with the hammer.

Kuuung.

The shaking stage.

Namgung In’s eyes shaking even more.

Where did that leisurely smile go when facing me?

Ah, how satisfying.

‘If I have attention-seeking tendencies, there’s no way I lack competitive spirit.’

Now, shall I shake things up properly once more?

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

* * *

“I, I object!”

Namgung In raised his hand high and raised an objection.

“N-no matter how much this is a martial arts competition, this is a place for taking the Direct Lineage Promotion Exam, not a place to turn people into minced meat! Even a life-or-death duel wouldn’t be like this! Therefore, I wonder if it’s truly right to use that insane, vicious weapon!”

Namgung In had never seen such a thing even when he lived as a martial artist.

Even if there were such things, they would appear in the Hebei Peng Family, so why would they appear in Namgung?

‘Honestly, even the Hebei Peng Family wouldn’t have such a vicious thing!’

Moreover, wasn’t he a blacksmith of Cheongeumjeong?

Among the weapons made and weapons heard of, there was nothing like that.

Starting from its size, it had already deviated from the framework of weapons, so it could only be seen as a vicious object!

“Hmm.”

The referee, who was also surprised and momentarily speechless and flustered.

So he couldn’t say anything.

Just as he was about to accept the objection.

Namgung Cheon-gang raised his hand.

“I object to the objection.”

Namgung In wrinkled his forehead.

“What! Are you truly planning to turn this sacred Namgung Direct Lineage Promotion Exam into a place to turn people into minced meat!”

“Would that become a public enemy of the Martial Arts World? Who would do such a crazy thing?!”

“Then, you brought such an obviously ominous weapon, so how could I not think that!”

“This is just big in size, but has almost no killing power. It’s rubber, you see.”

“What, what?”

“Ah, sorry. I used a different term. It’s a weapon made by tying rope multiple times to Muktan School material to reduce killing power and maximize only elasticity. Therefore, there’s no chance of the minced meat you’re thinking of.”

“Made with rope tied to Muktan School material?”

“Yes. If you’re suspicious, you can check it once.”

“May I, as the referee, check it?”

The referee stepped forward instead of Namgung In.

He was a martial artist belonging to Namgung.

Moreover, being upper pinnacle level, checking weapons wasn’t a difficult task.

He approached smoothly, looked at Namgung Cheon-gang’s weapon from various angles, tapped it, then soon nodded.

“Indeed, I can feel that elasticity has been maximized. With this level, even if hit hard, a second-rate martial artist wouldn’t be in great danger of serious injury.”

“Right?”

The referee nodded quietly and calmly.

“That’s what he says? Would you still like to check it once?”

Namgung Cheon-gang turned to look at Namgung In and asked.

Namgung In wanted to confirm it in his heart.

However, doing so would be an act of deceiving the eyes of a peak-level warrior.

“…No, never mind. If that person says so, that’s sufficient. Let’s begin the match.”

How refreshing. Well then, I’ll learn a thing or two.”

Namgung Cheon-gang politely cupped his fists.

Namgung In also received that polite gesture and took the same stance.

Soon, both went to their respective positions.

At the very end of the arena.

Standing there, they faced each other.

“Truly a fine sight for people of Namgung.”

The referee was satisfied.

Seeing the two take their positions, he slowly raised his hand.

The hand raised high to the sky fell like lightning.

“Begin the match!”

At the same time, a shout announcing the start of the first martial arts match of the blacksmiths.

“Hiyah!”

Following that came a battle cry and the sound of pushing off the ground.

It was Namgung In.

He had crafted a sword.

The blade was blunted.

Since it was a match, the blade wasn’t sharpened, but just looking at its size and appearance, it was clearly a superior product.

Moreover, made from Baekryeonjeonggang, its durability was solid.

Additionally, an ascending dragon was engraved on the blade’s surface, adding artistic value.

Perhaps because internal energy was infused.

The dragon seemed to come alive and follow the direction of each swing.

The referee’s eyes flashed as he watched the Namgung Family martial arts unfold, kicking off the ground and closing the distance in an instant.

The intention to end it in a single move was clearly visible.

Quite impressive!

As expected of Gangcheolgeom.

Though he said it had been long since he was active as a warrior.

Seeing him unfold techniques with such intent, indeed, past experience doesn’t just disappear.

At that level, he could jump into action right now without any problem.

But what about Namgung Cheon-gang?

He was surprised to see him bring out a massive hammer.

However, considering his background of running away from Baekryeon-dang, his martial arts would naturally be lacking…

‘Hm?’

The world turned black.

Kuaaang!

The sound of wind exploding was heard.

A great wind came rushing.

Explosive wind.

That thought naturally came to mind.

After all, he had stepped back four or five steps because of the wind!

The master of the storm.

He could see who it was.

The world turning black had been an afterimage.

When that afterimage disappeared.

He saw a refreshingly handsome young man in a stance where he had stepped forward, twisted his waist, and delivered a refreshing strike.

And then came the sound.

Claaang!

The sound of metal being deflected.

“Wha, what—”

Kwaaaang!

“Aaaaah—!”

A surprised voice that couldn’t even finish before the sound of flying away.

A single strike.

That attack that sent flying a well-built man holding a sword.

“Wow, that felt really good.”

Namgung Cheon-gang smiled refreshingly and said so.

“…”

“…”

Both the audience and the referee.

No words came to mind at all.

* * *

“Gangcheolgeom was just careless! Such a flashy weapon is nothing to me!”

Whoosh!

Squeal!

“To meet here of all places. Yes, this must be fate sent down by heaven. Come! I shall gladly receive your martial arts!”

Whooosh!

Thwack!

The renowned warriors who were mentioned alongside Namgung Seo.

With refreshing sounds, they spat blood, coughed up blood, and became stars in the sky.

When they flew away after being hit by the Black Charcoal Living Jujube, Gangcheolgeom Namgung In, who had become a star first, would come out barefoot to greet them.

Namgung Cheon-gang really liked that story.

“Refreshing!”

“Kugh! Whether second-rate or first-rate, it’s just one blow!”

“Monstrous Strength Black Hammer! Monstrous Strength Black Hammer!”

The martial arts match that had low expectations was refreshingly exciting.

The unexpected appearance of a hidden dragon.

The spectator seats were a cauldron of enthusiasm.

Everyone united in chanting Monstrous Strength Black Hammer.

He wielded with one hand a massive hammer that looked extremely heavy at first glance.

If that strength wasn’t monstrous strength, what would it be?

Hence, the name given: Monstrous Strength Black Hammer.

Who?

None other than me, Namgung Cheon-gang!

In just one day.

To earn the nickname Monstrous Strength Black Hammer with just 3 matches.

‘Ugh. These people are really good at making nicknames.’

Well, it feels a bit like the Heterodox Faction, but it doesn’t sound bad, does it?

Namgung Cheon-gang smiled with overwhelming happiness.

To repay the crowd’s enthusiasm, he lifted the Black Charcoal Living Jujube, the main weapon of Monstrous Strength Black Hammer, high with one hand.

“Waaaah!”

He spun it around.

“Uwaaaah!”

The crowd went wild.

‘Ah, these cheers! This feeling is killer!’

His heart was elated.

He remembered the fans who used to cheer for him when he was an S-rank blacksmith.

Come to think of it, wasn’t he pretty good at making weapons back then too?

The weapons that famous awakened ones couldn’t buy even by paying extra were his creations.

And they purchased and used them?

They loved them so much that becoming devoted fans was instantaneous.

Thanks to that, their followers also cheered and looked up to him with admiration.

To feel this again in the martial arts world, at this moment, it’s like reclaiming a forgotten emotion!

Indeed, I am truly an attention seeker!

Kahahaha!

Yet at the same time, there’s worry.

‘I didn’t use the Namgung direct lineage martial arts, but…’

He had used the principles of the Heavenly Thunder Emperor Divine Art and the Mixed Origin Thunder Power Art.

That’s how he could properly utilize the Black Charcoal Revitalizing Mallet to defeat his opponent in one strike – otherwise, it would have been impossible.

Therefore, it was natural to worry whether the direct lineage members watching had noticed.

‘When I glanced over, I saw several of them there.’

Perhaps it was fortunate that the family head wasn’t visible.

Just in case, he stole glances at the direct lineage members, and fortunately they seemed unaware.

Phew.

What a relief.

A sigh of relief naturally escaped him.

If he was this worried, he could simply not use it, but…

‘The principles of the two divine arts make the elasticity of the Black Charcoal Revitalizing Mallet even more abundant, reducing the opponent’s injuries.’

It may be called a rubber mallet, but when you think about it, it’s no different from a weapon weighing nearly 100 geun (60kg).

If you wielded such a thing with all your might, even a rubber mallet could accidentally turn someone into tomato juice.

Therefore, to prevent such incidents, he had no choice but to properly utilize the effects of the divine arts.

Look.

Thanks to that, the injuries of those hurt were minimal.

Just broken arms and legs, bloody noses, and some cracked ribs!

“Half his ribs are broken! Quickly take him to a physician!”

“Have the trauma specialist physicians on standby immediately!”

“All the trauma specialists are busy treating those injured earlier – we don’t have enough hands!”

“Get even the junior physicians to help! There might be someone who needs less attention, so bring them over!!”

“Yes!”

The urgent voices of the busy injury transport team pierced his ears.

“…”

They’ll be fine… right?

* * *

What’s done is done.

No point worrying about it.

It just makes his heart ache.

‘Besides, it’s a competition, right? For a martial artist, injuries of that degree are glorious.’

And the Namgung injury transport team was quite excellent.

With their swift transport capabilities using lightness skills, they never missed a patient’s golden time.

Moreover, there were physicians with abundant medical knowledge and experience belonging to the Namgung family.

In modern terms, they’d be orthopedic doctors from Seoul hospitals.

He’d see them again soon in perfect condition.

‘A month or two, perhaps?’

Considering the medical technology of the martial arts world, that much time should be expected.

‘And this isn’t the time to worry about others.’

One final match remained.

The martial arts competition between ten master-level smiths of Cheongeumjeong.

They would divide into two teams of five each for competition, then the final two survivors would face each other.

One side would fight three matches.

When you divide ten people in half, there are five on each side, so one person moves over from one side.

This too was a lottery conducted under Mak Noya’s supervision.

Unluckily, the team Namgung Cheon-gang belonged to had to fight three matches.

And all three of those matches included formerly renowned martial artists…

Well, perhaps it was thanks to that.

That he could even earn a nickname in his first martial arts competition.

‘Uncle and Father were wiping away tears…’

He had seen them in the VIP seats when he sent Namgung In flying.

At first they jumped up in surprise, the second time they clapped and cheered at the top of their lungs, and the third time they embraced each other and wiped away tears.

Well.

The prodigal son who had abandoned martial arts to become a blacksmith was now sending first-rate martial artists flying – they had every reason to be surprised, proud, and moved.

‘I’m scared.’

Scared they might try to groom him as the next leader of the Martial Arts Order.

‘…I’ll think about that when the time comes.’

Let me focus on the present now.

Namgung Cheon-gang began to regulate his breathing.

After the three matches ended.

A brief rest period arranged to recover internal energy before the final match.

Quite some time had passed since his awakening.

Therefore, his internal energy capacity had increased considerably compared to before.

But it was still woefully insufficient.

Moreover, the divine arts’ effects were so outstanding that even moderate use rapidly depleted his internal energy.

The reason for ending fights in one strike was a strategy chosen because prolonged battles were impossible.

And the final opponent was a peak-level martial artist.

This martial arts competition.

One side’s realm and internal energy capacity were too limited.

If it had been a duel between ordinary martial artists, there would be no need to consider this, and they would have had same-realm fighters compete.

However, this was a competition between smiths, specifically master-level smiths of Cheongeumjeong.

The numbers were far too insufficient for same-realm competition.

Therefore, one side – namely Namgung Cheon-gang – was only allowed to use internal energy matching his realm.

That’s why one-strike victories were possible.

Otherwise, he would have had to swing two or three more times.

Experience?

Did he lack experience?

Looking at his previous life, Namgung Cheon-gang’s combat experience was overwhelming.

Hunting monsters beyond gates.

Hunting monsters to obtain materials.

And when encountering villains, hunting villains.

Sigh.

The life of an S-rank hunter in his previous life hadn’t been easy.

Therefore, defeating C-rank hunter level martial artists with matched realms wasn’t difficult.

They had been retired from the front lines for a long time.

‘But peak level is different.’

Thunder Sword Namgung Seo was equivalent to a B-rank hunter.

The experience required to reach that realm couldn’t be ignored, even by someone with a previous life.

Moreover, wasn’t the martial arts world a place where life-and-death battles occurred against people instead of monsters?

Therefore, in terms of fighting people, they might be similar, or perhaps the opponent had slightly more experience.

No matter how frequently he entered gates and hunted monsters, his profession was essentially production-based.

It couldn’t compare to a purely combat-focused profession.

Moreover.

‘Namgung Seo also subdued his opponent in one move.’

Since he could watch the next match proceed immediately after the previous one, there was no way he wouldn’t know.

The black great sword he brought out.

A tremendous great sword that looked to weigh at least 80 geun at first glance.

With such a great sword, he executed lightning-fast swordsmanship, smashing his opponent’s weapon and subduing him in an instant.

The nickname Thunder Heavy Sword wasn’t given for nothing.

‘If I throw a half-hearted strike like usual, it’ll be blocked.’

Similar heavyweight weapons have the power to cancel each other out.

‘Well then, giving my absolute all is the only answer.’

Thinking of putting all his internal energy into each and every strike.

Pondering, thinking, and making firm resolutions.

Namgung Cheon-gang thus regulated his breathing and straightened his mind.

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