He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 32

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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 32

Episode 32

“Master, what would you like me to make that would please you?”

“You’re asking me straight out.”

“Surely a blacksmith of Cheongeumjeong doesn’t have to read someone’s eyes and heart to figure out what they want or like, right?”

“Well, of course—”

“Come on, no way. That can’t be. If that were the case, they wouldn’t be a blacksmith but a god. And not just any god, right? If they’re good enough, they might even become a martial god, don’t you think?”

“That…”

“Surely you’re not telling your disciple, the sole inheritor of Cheongeumjeong, to become a god, are you? Well, now that I think about it, I went too far. I’m sorry, Master. I think I misunderstood Cheongeumjeong’s meaning strangely. A god, really. That’s completely absurd, isn’t it?”

“…”

Right.

You’ve got some nerve, you little disciple bastard.

“Master?”

“Y-yes, that’s right. A true blacksmith should directly ask what the other person wants and make it. How could they read hearts through eyes and make things?”

“Exactly, exactly. What if they mess up? What if the person says ‘this isn’t what I wanted’? Waste of time, waste of resources, waste of money. Goodness, a true blacksmith shouldn’t be like that. Do you know how much ingots cost these days? We need to be frugal.”

“…”

“So what do you want, Master?”

“…A staff.”

“A staff?”

“Yes. Look at my age. I’m old and my joints creak. So this decrepit body needs something to support it. A huge hammer would rather harm my body, so a sturdy, good staff is what this old man needs.”

“Then what about the material?”

“I heard traces of Star Iron were discovered in Dongling, Anhui.”

“You mean you want me to make it with Star Iron?”

“Correct. Soon, Cheonpung Biaoju will depart from the Namgung Family to secure Star Iron. Go with them and obtain enough to make a staff and have plenty left over. With what remains, you must make a sword for the Master.”

“A sword for the Master? Ah!”

“Heh heh. Just as you guessed. Even if the crisis has passed, it might only be temporary, right? Also, you’ll likely have a private audience with the Master soon, so to completely escape the crisis then, nothing beats a famous sword made of Star Iron. Well, I need a disciple who’ll live long rather than a dead one, so do well.”

“…”

“Answer.”

“Yes…”

* * *

Star Iron.

It’s an ore created when stars from the heavens fall to earth, embed deep underground, and absorb spiritual energy.

Simply put, a meteorite.

Its hardness exceeds Baekryeonjeonggang, its softness surpasses soft iron, and its elasticity is greater than rubber.

Therefore, a sword made of Star Iron is at minimum a famous sword.

Naturally, its demand is not small.

It can truly be considered a treasure, so you can name your price.

Therefore.

“Dongling in Anhui will be packed with people like mountains and seas.”

“That’s right. According to information, nearby miners and merchants have flocked there, leaving no room to even step foot.”

A mining group that discovered Star Iron sent word to Namgung.

Namgung Family’s Cheonpung Biaoju is moving to verify the truth of that news.

Since they’re flying the escort flag representing Namgung, even common bandits don’t dare approach.

Even the forest bandits would flee.

They’d have to be crazy to charge in.

Of course, the martial world is vast and there are many insane people.

There might occasionally be some whose eyes have rolled back and would dare attack.

If so, they would be instantly cut down before the swords of Cheonpung Biaoju’s warriors.

Are Cheonpung Biaoju’s warriors ordinary escort warriors?

They are Namgung Jeonggeomdan.

Namgung’s new military unit, entirely composed of first-class superior martial artists.

Though established not long ago, their achievements in those few months have been quite remarkable.

Rumors are circulating that they might compete for ranking among Namgung Family’s top military units in the future.

If you want to live, you’d better come to your senses immediately even if you’re blind.

“It’s all thanks to the weapons made by Cheongeumjeong. Though late, I offer my gratitude now.”

The reason Namgung Jeonggeomdan could gain such fame.

While individual martial prowess plays a role, the power of the swords in their hands cannot be ignored.

“Oh no, not at all. What did I do? I merely faithfully carried out orders given by the Master. Moreover, did I do it alone? All the previous Cheongeumjeong Master Blacksmiths worked hard to make them. If you’re giving thanks, it would be proper to give it to them.”

“Young Master speaks correctly. However, I heard that only Young Master handled the Baekryeonjeonggang material for the swords given to us. Just as martial arts require solid fundamentals, blacksmithing work also requires fundamentals—namely, material procurement, doesn’t it?”

“That’s right, isn’t it?”

“Therefore, it’s proper to give thanks to Young Master, who is central to that material procurement. So please accept my gratitude, Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang.”

With those words.

The person who respectfully cupped his fists.

‘Goodness, he’s as honest as he looks.’

Namgung Cheon-gang set out with Cheonpung Biaoju to obtain Star Iron according to his master Mak Noya’s instructions.

He exchanged first greetings with the head of Cheonpung Biaoju and leader of Namgung Jeonggeomdan.

They chatted casually on the way, and the story has progressed to this point.

‘His name was Namgung Cheonggi, right?’

He knows the name.

Wasn’t he the primary contributor who made him create the New Baekryeonjeonggang before?

‘The reason I had to make a hundred superior-grade swords was for the new military unit’s launch ceremony.’

The organization’s name, the leader’s name.

He heard them then.

But who would have thought they’d meet like this?

Well, the first impression isn’t bad.

The late greeting?

It doesn’t matter.

It’s not like Namgung Family’s military units are busy just for a day or two.

If he’s also in charge of Cheonpung Biaoju, he probably doesn’t spend even a day at the main house, so it’s bound to be late.

‘Seeing how he’s showing courtesy by expressing gratitude even now, it means he doesn’t forget favors and repays them, just like his upright appearance suggests.’

How should I put it?

Like a model martial artist of the Orthodox Faction?

Still, he seems to have flexibility, as his exemplary appearance that could be stiff was even gentle.

His level also seems high.

“Master Namgung Cheonggi, may I ask how old you are this year?”

“I’m 28 this year, an age approaching my thirties.”

“Your level seems high too, perhaps… Peak level?”

“As expected, you’re remarkable. Yes, that’s correct.”

Wow.

Peak level at 28.

What talent, such talent.

As expected of Namgung.

Turn your head this way and that, and talented people just appear everywhere.

“Um, but is it okay to reveal your level like that? I heard that martial artists don’t casually reveal their levels.”

“It’s fine if it’s Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang. After all, aren’t you Mak Noya’s direct disciple? If it’s the direct disciple chosen by someone respected by blacksmiths throughout the martial world, he’s trustworthy. Also, since we’re from the same direct lineage, I should trust you even more.”

The fact that Namgung Cheon-gang became Mak Noya’s disciple.

There’s no one in Anhui Province who doesn’t know.

After Cheongeumjeong’s dissolution, Mak Noya made such a proclamation.

‘Though it was surprising how easily everyone accepted it, neither Mak Noya nor the Namgung Family Master are people who would do such big things recklessly, right?’

They must have given advance notice.

However, no particular words came from his former master and other craftsmen.

Even his former master, Master Jin Hancheol, sincerely congratulated him.

‘Ah, Master. Now that spring has passed, I know you are a true master.’

Ah.

How can you be so magnanimous?

A master is still a master, even if they are a former one.

“Um… I’m sorry to interrupt your pleasant conversation. If it’s not too rude, may I ask you something?”

Just as he was moved by respect for his former master’s magnanimity.

A clear and profound voice was heard.

When he turned around, he saw a beautiful girl with white skin and silky hair tied up and naturally flowing down.

She had cat-like eyes, but the black pupils within were clear and deep, showing her exceptional cultivation.

‘Wow.’

A popular member of a group with harmonious black and pink colors naturally came to mind.

“I apologize if this was rude.”

“Not at all, Third Young Lady. Our conversation just happened to end, so please feel free to ask anything.”

Namgung Cheonggi bowed his head respectfully.

‘So that person was the Third Young Lady.’

The third daughter of Namgung Cheon of the Namgung Family.

Namgung Sohye.

He had heard the name.

He had never seen her directly.

However, she was in his memory.

The culprit who caused him to learn the Cheonloe Jaewang Singong!

How could he forget this!

Ugh!

Namgung Sohye!

If only you hadn’t existed!

I wouldn’t have been caught by the Master!

How resentful!

“That’s right. As Namgung Cheonggi said, our conversation is ending, so please feel free to ask anything. I’ll tell you everything except what I don’t know, Namgung Sohye.”

Resentful as it was, what could he do?

The difference in status was enormous.

If he offended her, he might face the Sword King’s wrath.

He had to serve her respectfully and courteously.

‘Sigh, such is my fate.’

Still, since she’s pretty, I’ll forgive past transgressions.

‘And I’ll kindly answer her questions too!’

Namgung Cheongang knelt to his position.

“What is your question?”

“Thank you for your consideration. It’s nothing major, but if you’ve become Mak Noya’s chief disciple, I was curious about your future schedule, so I reluctantly joined the conversation.”

“You mean future schedule?”

“I heard that Cheongeumjeong is Mak Noya’s sect and will be inherited by his chief disciple. That would be you, Namgung Cheongang.”

“That’s right?”

“So I was wondering if it will operate differently from the newly created Cheonggung Jugeom Gak.”

Ah.

I think I understand what she means.

Originally, there were many forges belonging to Namgung.

Strangely, each operated separately and wasn’t grouped into an iron workshop.

Well, that’s just how it was said.

Implicitly, they were grouped under the iron workshop name of Cheongeumjeong.

However, that Cheongeumjeong was classified as a single-successor sect.

The existing forges were grouped together as one iron workshop under the name ‘Cheonggung Jugeom Gak,’ which the Namgung Family newly established.

In a way, you could say that Namgung was now operating a massive iron workshop for the first time.

But Cheongeumjeong still remains, right?

As a family member of the Namgung Family’s head, it was natural to be curious about operating two iron workshops.

However.

‘I don’t know about this either?’

I really don’t know.

Because Mak Noya never mentioned it.

If there was anything he mentioned.

“Hmm. I’m sorry. I don’t think I have anything to tell you about this matter.”

“Ah… I’m sorry. It must have been a secret that outsiders shouldn’t hear. I apologize for asking.”

“No, that’s not it. I really said that because I have nothing to tell you.”

“Pardon?”

“What I heard from Mak Noya, that is, my master, wasn’t much. That I became the sole disciple of his sect, that Cheongeumjeong would be dissolved, and that he would tell me more after obtaining sacred iron – that was all.”

“After obtaining sacred iron?”

“Yes. Well, in my short thinking, Cheongeumjeong and Cheonggung Jugeom Gak will probably operate separately, but I’m not certain.”

“Hmm. Since it’s Mak Noya’s single-successor sect, Cheonggung Jugeom Gak, which will become Namgung’s main iron workshop, will have no choice but to take an independent path.”

To predict that much just from listening briefly.

She’s smart.

Well, she’s the third daughter of the master of the Namgung Family, the greatest prestigious family in the Martial Arts World, so how could her mind be ordinary?

Even in reality, the talented children of mega-corporations and mega-guilds are usually clever, so the Martial Arts World wouldn’t be different.

“I understand. Thank you for answering my question. Then, please take care of future schedules as well.”

Namgung Sohye took a cupped-fist salute with a satisfied expression and conveyed her gratitude.

“Oh no, not at all. I’m sorry I couldn’t properly resolve your curiosity. If I hear from my master about what will happen, I’ll let you know.”

“Even just the words are appreciated.”

Namgung Sohye smiled gently.

Her smile was quite dazzling.

Normally, he would have smiled pleasantly, saying it was dazzling.

But now he just responded with a faint smile.

‘Come to think of it, what will really happen? Between Cheongeumjeong and the Namgung Family. Are they planning to operate one iron workshop, one forge together?’

His thoughts were immediately filled with concerns about Cheongeumjeong’s future.

He wondered if it was appropriate to think about this now as a disciple.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about it before.

He just hadn’t been able to think deeply about it because he had been too busy to breathe previously.

Only now that he had some leisure did he have time to ponder Namgung Sohye’s words carefully.

Those thoughts continued until they arrived at Dongling County, located in Anhui Dongling.

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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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