He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 38

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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 38

 

Episode 38

 

“No more, no less, let’s make about 20 of them.”

 

At least high-grade quality.

 

First sales to the master blacksmiths.

 

The master blacksmiths have quite discerning eyes.

 

Craftsmen who have reached mastery through a lifetime of forging steel.

 

Their eye for steel is at the level of masters evaluating famous swords.

 

“I’m not confident. I’m not confident.”

 

That I won’t meet the standards of the master blacksmith miners.

 

These are Namgung Cheon-gang brand steel tools that even peak martial artists want to possess.

 

How could they not meet their standards?

 

“Well, if they wanted to nitpick, they could endlessly, but. The master blacksmiths wouldn’t be so petty as to nitpick over a single tool. People in the same trade should help each other survive.”

 

What’s the point of devouring each other like catching mice?

 

If they nitpick?

 

I’ll have to bring up the Namgung Family.

 

Even existing complaints will disappear.

 

“Anyway, there’s no way they won’t like the goods, so moving on.”

 

The problem is that there are only 5 days left until the auction.

 

Within that time, I need to make 20 steel tools for the master blacksmiths to use.

 

Then raise my mining skill to advanced level through reputation.

 

It’s easier said than done.

 

Is it possible?

 

“It’s possible. A day and a half will be enough.”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang can do it.

 

The crafting ability in his status window.

 

Thanks to that, didn’t he have the record of making even 30 Baekryeonjeonggang ingots in just two days?

 

“Moreover, now is different from then.”

 

His internal energy has increased.

 

How diligently had he been hammering all this time?

 

Thanks to that, the internal energy accumulated through Iron Breath alone amounts to a whopping 30 years!

 

As a result, his third-rate advanced level rose to second-rate (intermediate)!

 

The efficiency of his divine art increased, as did his strength, stamina, and crafting ability!

 

“Because of this, I was able to make 20 custom steel tools working day and night for just two days.”

 

But 20 high-grade or better steel tools that aren’t even custom-made?

 

If I can’t do it in a day and a half, I should stick my nose in a plate.

 

No matter how much I talk, without picking up the hammer, there’s no day or anything.

 

“Shall we begin?”

 

Clang! Clang!

 

* * *

 

‘Now that I mention it, after gaining the crafting ability, smelting and crafting have really become convenient.’

 

Just looking at the ability is enchanting.

 

However, the most outstanding aspect of the crafting ability isn’t in the description.

 

This only appears when you actually pick up the hammer and start.

 

‘Like this.’

 

Clang, clang!

 

A simple message window appearing before his eyes.

 

What that is, you ask.

 

‘Should I call it smelting success rate?’

 

You know those rhythm game-like things?

 

The effect that appears when you hit the descending bar precisely.

 

That’s right.

 

It’s that kind of effect.

 

The reason I haven’t mentioned it until now.

 

Because there was no particular need to mention it.

 

‘In my previous life, it appeared in English as Good, Great, Perfect. Since this is the martial world, it’s expressed in Chinese characters.’

 

If I predict the grades below that.

 

‘It would show as Low, Intermediate, Advanced. Since I’ve only been hitting Supreme after awakening, I can’t know for sure. But it’s sufficiently deducible.’

 

And if the same grade appears consecutively?

 

‘Heh. Look at that enhancement effect.’

 

Originally only the quality grade went up.

 

But after obtaining Iron Breath, the effects rose together.

 

Thanks to that, the internal energy enhancement effect is tremendous!

 

‘Hmm, but it’s a bit disappointing that only Supreme appears.’

 

When making custom steel tools, I achieved 10 consecutive ‘Special Supreme ‘.

 

The amount of internal energy gained then was equivalent to 2 years’ worth, wasn’t it?

 

‘This won’t do. I’m entering concentration mode.’

 

I was going to do it leisurely.

 

But I’m not satisfied with just Supreme.

 

My momentarily scattered mind.

 

I straighten it up properly.

 

And enter deep concentration.

 

Tang! Tang!

 

Namgung Cheon-gang slowly falls into a state of selfless absorption.

 

The steel tools he only thought of as high-grade.

 

Gradually evolving into masterpieces.

 

Seems like there’s going to be quite a commotion?

 

* * *

 

A day and a half.

 

The expected completion time for 20 steel tools.

 

It was finished in just one day.

 

It seems I underestimated the effect of increased internal energy.

 

“Still, not being able to escape from internal energy premature exhaustion is also a problem.”

 

As his level increased, the ability of his existing divine art also improved, didn’t it?

 

In other words, the internal energy consumption rate also increased together.

 

So, whether before or now, his internal energy premature exhaustion remained unchanged.

 

“Phew. Let me catch my breath for a moment.”

 

Still, he doesn’t collapse like before.

 

Now he can catch his breath with a pale face.

 

This much is remarkable progress.

 

“…Right?”

 

Well, it’s better than collapsing in the cold with a twisted mouth.

 

“Phew… Phewwww…”

 

As he breathed deeply, Namgung Cheon-gang unknowingly slowly closed his eyes and entered breathing regulation.

 

‘Rather than just resting, it’s better to circulate my divine art to recover internal energy.’

 

That way I can move to distribute the 20 steel tools and quickly learn advanced mining.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang properly sat in lotus position and operated his divine art.

 

“Phew.”

 

Natural energy flowing in with each breath.

 

Following the formula of the Cheonloe Jaewang Singong.

 

It circulates through the dantian and meridians.

 

Faint lightning energy settles in his body before disappearing.

 

A moment passes.

 

“Phew. Now I feel like I can live.”

 

His internal energy recovered enough to move around comfortably.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang rose from where he sat.

 

“The good thing about being caught by the Master is that I can occasionally practice the divine art through breathing exercises like this, I suppose?”

 

Before, I was too anxious to even attempt it.

 

Though it’s not like he gave complete permission either.

 

‘Master said there would be a meeting with the Family Head. This means the Family Head wants something from me.’

 

Using my learning of the Cheonloe Jaewang Singong as leverage.

 

‘When I think about what that might be, I can’t help but sigh.’

 

It’s definitely not going to be anything ordinary.

 

“Sigh. Whatever. What’s the point of worrying about future matters now? I’m busy enough just dealing with current affairs. Well then. Shall I go put my plan into action? Heave-ho.”

 

After stacking the pickaxes in order.

 

Bundling them all at once.

 

Then lifting them all together and carrying them on his back.

 

After that, he left the blacksmith’s forge and strode toward Cheonggung Inn.

 

There were quite a few upper-grade miners there who could enhance his abilities.

 

There was no better place for distribution sales.

 

“Hmm hmm hmm~”

 

Excited by his smoothly progressing plan, he hummed naturally.

 

His steps were light too.

 

So perhaps it was because his mind was at ease.

 

Or perhaps his senses had dulled because his stamina was worn down from working all day.

 

Namgung Cheon-gang failed to see or sense it.

 

Through the gap in the open forge door.

 

A shadow watching Namgung Cheon-gang.

 

“…It was definitely the Cheonloe Jaewang Singong.”

 

That power I felt from Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang was…

 

* * *

 

Miners frequently visit pickaxe shops.

 

Isn’t mining the work of extracting ore from solid rock?

 

No matter how sturdily made, they inevitably get damaged over time.

 

Even with good care, the minimum is one year.

 

Of course, pickaxes made by skilled blacksmiths last longer.

 

Naturally, if they’re upper-grade miners or above, the pickaxes they use can be called masterpieces.

 

In martial artist terms, it’s like using swords of superior grade or higher made by master-level blacksmiths.

 

Mad Hammer Odaesu’s pickaxe is like that.

 

His pickaxe is a top-quality item sold by Westerners who came over from the Western Outpost.

 

Its reddish aura makes it look like it contains fire.

 

It’s also extremely sturdy.

 

Even after a year of use, it didn’t have a single crack.

 

So Odaesu named it ‘Mad Fire’ after his own nickname, even giving it a pet name.

 

Now it’s like a lover to him.

 

But what did this guy say about my beloved?

 

“Wow. The condition of this pickaxe is terrible. It’ll snap in half any moment now. I’m sure it has great durability since it uses flame stone from the Western Outpost. You must have used it really hard and carelessly, huh?”

 

It’ll snap in half?

 

I used it carelessly?

 

“Haha. So I used Mad Fire roughly.”

 

“Its name is Mad Fire? You even gave it a pet name. Then you should have treasured it more. You used it like some pickaxe you picked up off the street?”

 

“Hahaha.”

 

“It’ll probably break with a snap tomorrow. Oh my. What can we do? Its lifespan is over. I offer my condolences for the pickaxe’s peaceful rest.”

 

“Haha, it’ll break in two. Hahahaha!”

 

Right to my face, he’s openly badmouthing my lover.

 

This bastard is killing my beloved.

 

And he says I’m the culprit.

 

While I was waiting with good intentions for the upcoming Seongcheol auction rights, what kind of bolt from the blue is this?

 

“Boy. They say a sage endures by carving the character for patience and enduring three times.”

 

Odaesu wore a broad smile.

 

Then he quietly opened his mouth toward the young man who had critiqued and badmouthed his lover before him.

 

“But boy. Do you know what my nickname is?”

 

“Aren’t you Mad Hammer Odaesu, sir?”

 

“Yes. That’s right. You know.”

 

You knew and still did that.

 

“The ‘mad’ in front of my name means crazy mad. So do you know why it’s crazy mad?”

 

“Because you dig the ground crazily well?”

 

That makes sense.

 

But no.

 

“It’s because I can’t control my anger well, so when I lose it, I strike down with my pickaxe – that’s why it’s crazy mad.”

 

“Ah.”

 

“And I’m losing it right now. I even drank some strong liquor refreshingly, so my head’s spinning even more from the alcohol.”

 

“Oh dear. Thin noodles are the best for hangovers. Make that your breakfast tomorrow morning. Are you going to leave the pickaxe as is? To break with a snap?”

 

Snap? Snap?

 

“I’ll strike your head with a snap first and then think about it, you bastard!!”

 

Odaesu lifted Mad Fire with his reddened face.

 

Just like when mining.

 

He strikes down toward the young man, Namgung Cheon-gang.

 

However, the pickaxe couldn’t achieve its purpose and was firmly blocked midway through its descent.

 

Namgung Cheonggi, who had appeared beside Namgung Cheon-gang at some point.

 

He blocked the falling pickaxe with one hand holding his sword in its sheath.

 

He had been quietly watching from nearby and intervened when he saw Namgung Cheon-gang in danger.

 

“Huh? Blocked? Who the hell are you—”

 

Odaesu’s red face became even redder.

 

Just as he was about to shout “bastard” and strike down with Mad Fire again.

 

‘Wait, those martial robes that bastard is wearing. I feel like I’ve seen them somewhere?’

 

Blue martial robes.

 

The characters ‘Namgung’ embroidered splendidly in silver thread on the right chest.

 

‘Uh, wait?’

 

Namgung?

 

Uh, uh?

 

“Na, Namgung Family! Then, then—”

 

The young man I was trying to strike on the head too?

 

“That’s right. The Namgung Family. And a direct descendant at that.”

 

Namgung Cheonggi, reading the surprised emotion in Odaesu’s eyes completely, spoke calmly.

 

“…!!?”

 

Good heavens.

 

I swung a pickaxe at someone from the Namgung Family, a direct descendant no less?

 

You must have a death wish, Odaesu!

 

However, it wasn’t his fault.

 

His face had turned pale blue.

 

But wasn’t the other side the cause of this situation getting to this point?

 

Of course, Namgung is the world’s greatest martial family.

 

Such a place would be in a position to shift even their own faults onto others.

 

However, Namgung has a reputation for being fair and upright, so such a thing wouldn’t happen.

 

Odaesu believed so.

 

Because that’s how he could survive.

 

Believing that, let’s pretend nothing happened between us.

 

Just as he was about to say it.

 

“It’s my fault. Odaesu-nim did nothing wrong.”

 

The other party, the young man who had almost had his head split by him, admits it was his own fault.

 

‘Whew…’

 

A sigh of relief naturally escapes.

 

‘Even though he suddenly sat down and made me angry with nonsensical words, he acknowledges his own fault.’

 

As expected of the world’s greatest prestigious family.

 

To easily admit even their faults.

 

But why did he pick a fight with me?

 

Is he sick somewhere?

 

“However, I didn’t see it wrong. Odaesu-nim’s pickaxe will break before you can even use it properly.”

 

He’s definitely sick somewhere.

 

Still spouting such nonsense.

 

‘Let’s not respond.’

 

You avoid dung because it’s dirty.

 

But you must avoid Namgung because they’re scary.

 

He takes a respectful bow and tries to leave.

 

“You seem unable to believe it. I’m Namgung Cheon-gang, the sole disciple of Mak Noya. I’m a master-level blacksmith.”

 

Huh?

 

“In case you think I’m speaking rudely by borrowing my master’s name, let’s test it.”

 

What?

 

“I heard there’s something miners do competing with pickaxes. What was it called, pickaxe dueling? A duel where you strike once each to see whose pickaxe is stronger? Let’s do that. If it breaks with a snap from just one strike, then I’m right, aren’t I? How about it? Will you do it? Or are you scared?”

 

He doesn’t know what “scared” means.

 

But the moment he heard it, he felt bad.

 

If he retreats like this, he won’t feel like a man.

 

“…Fine. Let’s have a pickaxe duel!”

 

Even in different eras, men couldn’t stand being called scared.

—————
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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