He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 46

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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 46

 

Episode 46

 

Dark night.

 

Dark room.

 

There, only a single oil lamp.

 

Like the fire burning in the lamp.

 

Three orange silhouettes sway faintly.

 

“A miners’ struggle. The Namgung are doing all sorts of crazy things.”

 

A thick voice.

 

Filled with incredulous emotion.

 

“Well, thanks to that it’s become advantageous for us. It’s a bit disappointing that the Namgung bastards aren’t participating. I was curious to see how far they’d go.”

 

And a frivolous voice.

 

It came from the silhouette facing him.

 

As his words suggested, his voice was full of regret.

 

“What’s the possibility we’ve been discovered?”

 

The last person.

 

Utterly serious.

 

“None. If we had been, they’d be conducting searches instead of this crazy stunt.”

 

“Right? Besides, we haven’t even revealed ourselves, so how could those bastards know about us?”

 

“Our mission is to secure the Seongcheol. Not to cause chaos. So refrain from any reckless actions that might provoke the Namgung or the authorities.”

 

“Don’t worry. I know the mission well. But what if, by any chance, the Seongcheol falls into their hands? You know, if there’s a hidden expert among the mining groups who shows unexpected strength.”

 

Silence.

 

The oil lamp flickers violently.

 

Soon, flick.

 

It goes out.

 

The room fills with darkness.

 

In that darkness, two blood-red gleams appeared and answered.

 

“Then we become the protagonists of chaos.”

 

* * *

 

The day of the miners’ struggle.

 

A man sitting in the participants’ section, waiting for his turn.

 

A handsome man with thin, narrow eyes, but somehow appearing frivolous.

 

Yo Kyeong, a member of the Yo Mining Guild who had participated in the Seongcheol Mining Rights Auction.

 

‘Become the protagonists of chaos?’

 

The recent meeting with his colleagues.

 

The conversation they had shared.

 

One colleague’s final words.

 

‘It would be you, not us.’

 

Colleagues, my ass.

 

Looking at his actions and behavior, he was clearly the leader.

 

‘I don’t like it.’

 

It’s not like ranks were divided.

 

Yet he hated how the guy always acted like a leader.

 

And that wasn’t all.

 

Even the higher-ups subtly viewed him as the leader among the three.

 

This was also very annoying.

 

‘I feel like I could beat him in a fight though.’

 

Well, that guy probably has a bit more internal energy.

 

You could tell just from the aura he subtly emanated.

 

But do you fight with internal energy alone?

 

Tap tap.

 

‘This head, you fight with momentum.’

 

One guy was completely dim-witted.

 

The remaining one was that bastard.

 

‘But when it comes to putting on airs, I’m better at using my head to seize momentum.’

 

So the protagonist of chaos should be himself, not that bastard.

 

‘I’m the best fit.’

 

That guy knows this too.

 

Since he knows, he’ll try to keep me in check.

 

‘So he’ll suggest we all become protagonists together, then stab me in the back and step forward himself.’

 

Then what about the achievements in Dongryang County?

 

That bastard’s share.

 

This wasn’t just a delusion born from jealousy.

 

Not just once or twice.

 

He’d already experienced it several times.

 

Those moves where only that guy stood out.

 

‘Unless you’re a complete fool, you’d have to notice.’

 

Well, he’d let it slide before because he didn’t consider it particularly important.

 

But Dongryang County was different.

 

Securing the Seongcheol.

 

An order that came from the very top.

 

The order might be simple, but the one giving it wasn’t.

 

If he did well, couldn’t he aim for a higher position?

 

‘No, maybe I could even obtain a weapon made from fragments of Seongcheol.’

 

A weapon made from Seongcheol wasn’t just any ordinary weapon.

 

And if it was made by the organization he belonged to?

 

It would become a miraculous artifact that could awaken abilities and grant power he’d never possessed in his lifetime.

 

Hadn’t he achieved his current position and realm with a similar artifact?

 

‘That bastard is probably thinking the same thing.’

 

So he’s deceiving them with sweet words and clever arguments.

 

Therefore.

 

‘The protagonist of chaos should be me, not you.’

 

Because I’m better at it, and it’s natural for the person who does better to be rewarded.

 

Then how?

 

‘I’ll really go wild.’

 

He said not to act recklessly, but what could he do?

 

As long as he didn’t reveal his true power, it would be fine.

 

Honestly, he probably wouldn’t even need to reveal his hidden strength.

 

The miners’ struggle wasn’t limited to just miners.

 

Warriors from the same martial families, sects, and mining groups that participated in the competition could join.

 

Even so, they were all pretty much the same.

 

Even if their martial realm was quite high.

 

Could they even compare to him?

 

If it really wasn’t the Namgung, they were all cut from the same cloth.

 

‘It’s really disappointing that the Namgung aren’t participating. Well, since they’ve served up a feast, I should eat well.’

 

Thus, Yo Kyeong leisurely.

 

Watched and prepared to participate in the struggle matches.

 

The first match begins.

 

Still leisurely.

 

Who was his opponent again?

 

It’s Muyong Bae from the Mosi Mining Guild.

 

Let’s see.

 

What? He’s barely around second-rate level?

 

As expected, nothing special.

 

And his opponent?

 

‘It’s someone from Namgung.’

 

Namgung warriors can’t participate.

 

Instead, miners and blacksmiths belonging to Namgung can participate.

 

A blacksmith? A miner?

 

It’s not like they came out to play.

 

How ridiculous and absurd.

 

‘That second-rate guy will rise up by reaping the benefits.’

 

Thinking that.

 

He was about to watch even more leisurely when.

 

Oh, damn.

 

What is that?

 

The weapon brought out by the Namgung side participant is extraordinary.

 

He comes out carrying a hammer of an absolutely ridiculous size.

 

His leisurely expression hardens.

 

He brings his hands that were clasped behind his head to the front.

 

He also straightens his posture from leaning back in his chair with his legs stretched out comfortably.

 

Such a shocking weapon.

 

“Now, go ahea—”

 

The opposing side.

 

Muyong Bae was about to yield the first move with a relaxed expression but stops.

 

Soon his face becomes filled with terror.

 

‘Wow, I’d be the same way.’

 

First of all, the weapon is so overwhelming that it’s perfect for psychological shock.

 

Moreover, did he hear the invitation well?

 

The Namgung side loosens up his body with swinging motions.

 

“Yes, here I go!”

 

Answering so cheerfully, he lifts the mountain-like hammer and charges forward with thundering steps.

 

“Waaaaait!! Refereeeeee! I raise an objection!!!!”

 

Muyong Bae shouted until his throat was torn.

 

Yo Kyeong nodded his head.

 

Because Muyong Bae’s behavior was extremely normal.

 

I would probably do the same.

 

The source of chaos?

 

It seems to have been stolen.

 

How do you beat that thing?

 

* * *

 

The giant hammer is right in front of his nose, just an inch away.

 

It stopped abruptly at the shout of objection.

 

With terror reaching right before his nose, his thinking became paralyzed.

 

“Hueoeoeo!”

 

After a long while, Muyong Bae, who returned to his senses, let out a disheveled scream and hastily retreated backward.

 

“Huff, huff!”

 

His heart pounds wildly.

 

Well, just a moment ago.

 

If things had gone wrong, his head would have burst like a tomato.

 

Having narrowly escaped death, how could his heart not pound?

 

“What is your objection?”

 

Around the time he was barely calming his wildly beating heart.

 

The referee approached.

 

None other than Namgung Cheonggi.

 

Muyong Bae raised his trembling hand and pointed at the opponent’s weapon.

 

“Th-th-that vicious weapon, look at it! Is it even reasonable to bring out such a thing!? This is a combat match, not a life-or-death duel! No, even if you brought that to a life-or-death duel, you’d be cursed at—it’s a mass murder weapon!”

 

“Hey, what’s wrong with my Coal Bullet Life-Saving Great Mallet?!”

 

At this, the Namgung side participant got indignant. Namgung Cheon-gang.

 

He was genuinely angry.

 

What, saying such things about my lovely Coal Bullet Life-Saving Great Mallet?

 

A mass murder weapon?

 

A mass murder weapon?!

 

“Apologize! To my Coal Bullet Life-Saving Great Mallet! The Coal Bullet Life-Saving Great Mallet is getting upset listening to this!”

 

“What mallet? You call that a mallet? No, putting everything else aside, if a mallet has that size and mass, people will die, you bastard!”

 

“They won’t die! Do you know how much effort I put in to not turn people into tomatoes! Applying coal bullet liquid, making soft iron, ugh! If you convert the effort and time that went into it to money, it exceeds ten thousand gold coins!”

 

“Are ten thousand gold coins the names of children! If you get struck down by such a mallet, even having ten thousand gold coins won’t let you spend them!”

 

“In the Namgung Direct Lineage Promotion Competition, they approved everything! Objections? There weren’t even any! What kind of man is so petty! Aren’t miners men! Have a manly heart!”

 

“Don’t talk about being manly in a place like this! Anyway, referee! That person, that weapon! Tell him to take it away right now! Is it really reasonable to bring out something like that!”

 

“It is reasonable.”

 

“What?”

 

At such a shameless answer, Muyong Bae momentarily got angry and informal speech came out naturally.

 

Then, realizing that the referee staring at him intently was a supreme master of the Namgung Family, he hastily bowed his head.

 

“S-sorry. I was so flustered without realizing it that I…”

 

“It’s fine. People can make mistakes while living. And I’ll say it again, the weapon that Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang brought out is reasonable. This isn’t because I’m from Namgung or anything. If that were the case, there would be no need to referee.”

 

If he’s unfair, it would bring great disgrace to the Namgung name.

 

In other words, it would greatly damage Namgung’s prestige and dignity.

 

Therefore, he had no choice but to referee fairly as a referee.

 

Also, what kind of rumors about Namgung Cheonggi had spread throughout the Martial Arts World?

 

Weren’t most of the rumors things like he’s fair, exemplary, and a model of Orthodox Faction warriors?

 

Therefore, there was no one more suitable for refereeing than Namgung Cheonggi.

 

Moreover, since he also possessed the skill to easily prevent unexpected accidents, Namgung Cheonggi was truly the icing on the cake as a referee.

 

“The reason I can say the young master’s weapon is reasonable is because Elder Mak Noya personally examined and spoke about that weapon’s lack of significant lethality.”

 

“Elder Mak Noya said that?”

 

“Yes. Also, didn’t Young Master Namgung Cheon-gang himself say it? That he brought it out in the Namgung Direct Lineage Promotion Exam as well. At that place, besides Elder Mak Noya, there were thousands of people. We can present them as witnesses that not a single person died.”

 

“…Hmm, if you say so… I understand. If it’s Elder Mak Noya’s word, it must be trustworthy.”

 

Mak Noya’s reputation.

 

It’s truly extraordinary, enough to change even the thoughts of a miner who thought it was unfair.

 

“Thank you. Then, I’ll resume the match.”

 

The match was conducted again.

 

‘Phew.’

 

Is it because his excited and surprised heart has calmed down?

 

Unlike at first, Muyong Bae regains just a little bit of composure.

 

Looking at his opponent grumbling while holding the handle of that hammer, whether it’s the Coal Bullet Life-Saving Great Mallet or some killing mallet, he does get startled.

 

‘Come to think of it, just because something is huge doesn’t mean it’s unconditionally good.’

 

Heavy weapons have the advantage of good destructive power.

 

But they also have major disadvantages that offset those advantages.

 

High consumption of stamina and internal energy.

 

‘Moreover, that Namgung Family youth is either a blacksmith or a miner.’

 

Of course, he might have learned internal energy cultivation methods.

 

How could he compare to a warrior?

 

After swinging it a few times, it was obvious he would self-destruct.

 

‘Right. I was making too much of a fuss over something I could think of this way.’

 

Calm mind and tranquil energy, an unshakeable heart.

 

By calming the mind and quieting the energy, one gains a heart that cannot be shaken by any temptation or physical shock.

 

This too is enlightenment.

 

‘I will rise to another level through this opportunity.’

 

“Yes. How could I be angry at someone who made me have such a mind, just because he possesses a giant jujube like a killing weapon.”

 

Namgung Cheon-gang, who had been sulking over the harsh words about his Black Coal Revitalizing Jujube.

 

He stared in bewilderment at Muyong Bae, who spoke with the peaceful voice of a high monk.

 

“What? Why are you like this? All of a sudden?”

 

“As a senior, I will yield the first move again and make up for the sin I committed earlier. Come, approach.”

 

“…”

 

I don’t know what this is about.

 

I don’t particularly want to ask.

 

Since he told me to come, I should go.

 

“I’m coming?”

 

“Come! I will personally receive your bluffing!”

 

“Suddenly?”

 

“I’ve figured out the method of pressuring opponents with a weapon like Mount Tai to achieve victory!”

 

With enlightenment came sight of everything.

 

“How impressive, really. Yes, yes. Bluffing, advancing.”

 

Crash!

 

Namgung Cheon-gang kicked off from his position and charged.

 

The distance closed in an instant.

 

While running, he swung the Black Coal Revitalizing Jujube with one hand, whooshing through the air.

 

Technique?

 

There was no such thing, just a horizontal swing.

 

‘Though the Namgung youth has a sturdy build—’

 

Wasn’t spinning that giant jujube lightly an impossible feat that absolutely couldn’t be done with that physique?

 

‘Haha! I see! Even its enormous size is just bluffing!’

 

If hollow, it would be like an empty rice cake.

 

Indeed, when you see one thing, you see everything.

 

‘I’ll block it lightly and immediately counterattack to finish it in one move!’

 

Muyong Bae thought.

 

He elegantly extended his sword to the side to block,

 

trying to achieve what he had planned.

 

Clang.

 

‘Huh?’

 

The sword broke.

 

The giant jujube continued approaching.

 

‘Huh? But it’s bluffing? Bluff—’

 

Crack.

 

His ribs, the side of his face, his thigh.

 

All were simultaneously struck and crushed as if by a hammer.

 

Only then did Muyong Bae return to his senses.

 

‘What damn bluffing—’

 

The thought didn’t continue long.

 

Why?

 

Because he fainted.

 

Crashhhhhh!!

 

Whirrrrrrr.

 

“Wow… a person can rotate 12 times in the air and fly like lightning.”

 

No one could respond to the novel nonsense that could be heard.

—————
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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