He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 68

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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 68

Episode 68

“Although Dongyun Forest is part of Yunnan, the humidity and environment are still similar to Yunnan.”

Hwanggyeon had decided to become close friends with Namgung Cheon-gang.

However, no matter how you looked at it, their face values were different from each other.

Moreover, it was awkward to keep speaking formally after deciding to become close friends.

Therefore, it was necessary to clarify their relationship.

So when they asked each other’s ages.

It turned out that Hwanggyeon was the older brother, and Namgung Cheon-gang was the younger brother.

“Then, how about we act as older and younger brothers instead of just friends?”

“That sounds good to me. Then, right away?”

“Yes, hyung-nim.”

“Wow. This really feels refreshing, younger brother!”

Naturally, there was no refusal.

Of course, if you counted actual age, Namgung Cheon-gang would be much older…

‘Huh, what’s the point of counting my previous life’s age!’

Right, right.

If we’re doing the older brother, younger brother thing, being the younger brother is better!

Thus, Hwanggyeon easily dropped his formal speech.

‘Anyway, the Yunnan that Hwanggyeon hyung-nim is talking about here. Simply put, it’s like a place similar to Vietnam, right?’

Vietnam’s forests are hot and humid.

The martial arts world’s Yunnan was similar.

‘Thinking about what I heard from Father, it’s 1.5 times more hot and humid.’

Therefore, what would the flora and fauna living in such a place be like?

It would be no joke.

“That’s why there are many insects, including flora and fauna that you can’t commonly see in the martial arts world. Their size is no joke either. Well, they say cockroaches as big as children have been discovered.”

Biryeom is a cockroach.

Also called Eumchung, these martial arts world cockroaches are no joke.

The air is abundant, and the energy is good too.

In such a place, the size of insects and bugs couldn’t be ordinary.

How shocked I was to see a cockroach as big as a cat.

‘Even Hul*k would scream at that.’

The most difficult thing for Namgung Cheon-gang since his martial arts world reincarnation.

This was exactly it.

But a cockroach as big as a child?

Ugh.

It’s horrifying just to hear about.

“Therefore, how could the silkworms that grow naturally in this place be ordinary? They’re already half the size of cats, so wouldn’t they be even bigger?”

Nod nod.

They absolutely wouldn’t be ordinary.

At minimum, they’d be at least as big as cats.

“Therefore, only martial families like the Namgung Family or sects can raise silkworms in places where it’s possible. In the first place, there are no places other than the Five Great Families that can support the funds required for silkworm raising. Of course, the silkworms handled by Namgung are even more special, so it’s known that it’s hard to keep up with them except for the Sichuan Dang Sect.”

Great.

As expected of the Namgung Family.

I’m proud.

“Now, shall we organize this?”

What did Namgung Cheonggi ask Namgung Cheon-gang to do?

She said there was a problem with the forest and frames and asked him to solve it.

What is this forest?

It’s a forest where you can obtain hundred-year silkworms.

Although the Dongyun Forest silkworm farm created by Namgung also raises hundred-year silkworms.

‘How could you compare with wild hundred-year silkworms?’

Right.

Wild ones are the best everywhere, aren’t they?

The martial arts world is no different.

“The hundred-year silk thread made by these natural hundred-year silkworms is so hard it could almost be called iron silkworms. In the first place, the creatures themselves are practically spirit insects, so they’re equally tough. In other words, a problem occurring in the forest means a big problem has occurred with the spirit insects. What this problem is—”

These hundred-year silkworm spirit insects have created tremendous silk threads that form a forest.

Then, isn’t that a good thing?

You can obtain hundred-year silk threads to your heart’s content, right?

“If we could obtain them, it would naturally be a good thing.”

The problem is that we can’t obtain them.

“Normally we would have obtained them, but this isn’t ordinary silk thread. According to the information I heard, it’s become about twice as hard as the hundred-year silk threads we’ve obtained so far. We barely managed to tear some off using martial arts, but they say it’s just like Baekryeonjeonggang?”

“Don’t tell me, silk thread is refined into thread?”

“Hey, how could that be?”

Hwanggyeon waved his hands back and forth.

No matter what, treating thread like iron ingots to extract it is a bit much.

If asked to make it, it’s not that it couldn’t be made, but.

“Well, since it’s sturdier than other silk threads, ordinary methods wouldn’t work. Still, most of the people at the silkworm farm learned silk weaving from Changcheon Geumye, so if it weren’t for this incident, there wouldn’t have been any particular problem.”

Changcheon Geumye is Namgung Cheonggi’s nickname.

Isn’t every garment she creates like heavenly silk?

There’s no nickname more fitting than this.

“There’s also ‘Namgung Yeong’, a weaver with expertise in silk weaving, so well. Anyway, the problem is that even those people can’t weave properly.”

“In the end, to solve this, we need to go deep into the place where the fundamental problem occurred.”

“That’s right. Namgung Yeong also learned martial arts, but her level isn’t that high. Currently, she’s about at the beginning of first-rate. Therefore, at minimum, several warriors who have surpassed the beginning of first-rate must go so that Namgung Yeong can safely check the forest’s abnormality. In case of emergency, they can protect her from danger.”

Then, why is a blacksmith needed?

“It’s related to the frame abnormality, specifically ‘frame destruction’.”

What that means is.

“The frames that make silk threads into thread are being continuously destroyed by someone, and those traces are quite coincidentally—”

“Connected to the forest where the natural hundred-year silk threads that have become hundred-year iron threads are located.”

“Exactly. Wow, our younger brother. Your insight is as good as I heard?”

“Hey, no way. Hyung-nim spoon-fed me everything, so what insight?”

All the information needed for deduction came out, so it would be strange not to know.

“In the end, it means there are several more warriors departing from Namgung.”

“Right. There are already some who have prepared. What else could it mean that the Beggar’s Sect is going?”

“The Beggar’s Sect is already helping?”

“That’s right. Changcheon Geumye wasn’t just sitting idle, and Namgung didn’t keep this matter secret either. However, since this silkworm farm is an important place, at least branch family level or higher with skills must go for Changcheon Geumye to feel at ease. That’s it, younger brother.”

The explanation was finished.

What needed to be done became clear.

At the same time, respect and amazement for the Beggar’s Sect grew even more.

‘Martial Arts Intelligence Bureau, I did call it an intelligence bureau, but now that I’m facing the reality, it’s really no joke.’

Knowing about today’s events is amazing enough.

Knowing things that even the Namgung Family’s direct line doesn’t know is really unbelievable.

This is almost like real-time information updates at YouTube level.

‘Haomun too then?’

It would be similar, right?

If it’s an intelligence bureau on the same level, there’s plenty of possibility for that.

‘Indeed… you shouldn’t underestimate places with dark organization fox-like beauties and squinty-eyed characters.’

Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Master Siu at all lately.

‘Since he said he was organizing the Anhui Province Haomun branch and had a lot to investigate, he must be very busy.’

Well, he’s a business trip employee, so he can’t help but be busy.

And now Namgung Cheon-gang is also on the verge of becoming a business trip employee.

No, he’s already given permission, so once preparations are complete, it’s done.

‘I’m not sure exactly what’s happening inside there, but…’

Shouldn’t I prepare thoroughly for any unforeseen circumstances before going?

There are two things to prepare for such situations.

‘One is to fix all my equipment first, except for weapons. The other is to extract lightness skills and footwork techniques from Gongmyeong, which was my original purpose.’

I have a full 90 days, so there’s plenty of time.

‘If it’s something that needs urgent resolution, I can just ask my sister again, right?’

I should ask first just in case.

If she says it’s fine?

‘First, I’ll make martial flowers and spread them around, obtain lightness skills and footwork while creating enchanted items.’

Expected timeframe?

Let’s finish within a month.

Just as I was thinking this and about to finish my resolution.

Hwanggyeon catches my eye.

‘Huh… wait? Come to think of it, didn’t Brother Hwanggyeon say he came from Gowon to Anhui?’

What does it mean to have run a distance that would take several months even by eight-horse carriage?

Doesn’t that mean his lightness skills are exceptional!

‘Moreover, that brother was the next leader of the Beggar’s Sect!’

Would the martial arts of a future beggar be something that neighborhood beggars learn?

‘Ah! An S-rank lightness skill and footwork manual was right before my eyes!’

“…What’s with that suddenly strange look in your eyes?”

“Brother!”

A hand grabs him firmly.

Just as he was flustered by the eagle-like eyes targeting prey.

He jumps in surprise at Namgung Cheon-gang’s sudden action.

“Huh! You startled me!”

“The Beggar’s Sect’s martial arts! They’re very excellent, aren’t they!?”

“Huh? Oh, that’s right?”

Just as he was about to shout asking what kind of behavior this was, he heard praise for his sect.

Hwanggyeon answered in a dazed manner with a surprised face.

“I have something I’m curious about – surely the most excellent one is lightness skills?”

“Hm? Of course? There’s no place in the Martial Arts World with lightness skills and footwork as excellent as the Beggar’s Sect.”

“Wow, as expected… I had a hunch when I heard you came from Gowon to Anhui. Isn’t that a distance that would take several months non-stop even by eight-horse carriage!”

“Mm, well… that’s right?”

“By any chance, how long did it take you?”

“Didn’t I mention earlier? I broke through in just two weeks.”

“Wow! As expected, you’re amazing! Wow, brother is the best! To think the Beggar’s Sect’s lightness skills are at this level. No, this isn’t because the Beggar’s Sect is great, but because brother is great, wow! Thumbs up, brother!”

“Thumbs up?”

“It’s a Western Region term meaning ‘the best’! And this is the gesture for it!”

Namgung Cheon-gang raised his thumb and shouted “thumbs up” once more.

Praise makes even whales dance.

Well then, wouldn’t the future beggar king belonging to the Beggar’s Sect smile?

“Ahem, ahem. You’re quite good at giving compliments, little brother. Hmm.”

His smile reached all the way to his ears.

‘Hehe, good. I’ve laid the groundwork.’

Now it’s time to catch the fish that’s nibbling at the bait.

“So, brother’s shoes are completely worn down to the soles.”

“Huh, what?”

Hwanggyeon’s shoes.

Can those even be called shoes?

They’re just foot pads made by randomly weaving straw together.

They look like they’d wear out and disappear in three days, let alone several.

Sure enough.

‘I made these by weaving them together after arriving here.’

Come to think of it, how many times has this been?

Probably the 30th pair.

‘If you didn’t know the inside story, you might think they’re worn out…’

But this guy’s a blacksmith, isn’t he?

And Mak Noya’s sole disciple at that.

Would such a person not know the difference between shoes and foot pads?

‘It seems like he’s trying to get something…’

He’s quick-witted, befitting the next leader of the Beggar’s Sect.

‘Hehe. You won’t be able to get it for free, little brother.’

The price for getting something from a beggar is quite high.

Still, curious about what he’ll say, I listen carefully.

“Would it be alright if this little brother made some shoes for you?”

Oho.

A gift offensive.

Not bad.

At this level, I could probably share some light information.

However, I can’t be satisfied with just one.

A future beggar’s begging should receive ten coins, not just one!

“Of course, not just for brother, but I’d like to make shoes for about 100 people in one Beggar’s Sect group.”

“Huh?”

But before Hwanggyeon could say anything.

Namgung Cheon-gang says he’ll make a hundred pairs of shoes.

“Th-that many?”

“Yes.”

“N-no, why?”

Hwanggyeon’s eyes widened.

He even stutters in surprise.

It’s a number he never expected.

Thus, without realizing it, he forgot his status as a beggar and asked.

To this, Namgung Cheon-gang replied.

“Didn’t you generously provide information about the matter I need to resolve? Therefore, giving away about 100 pairs of shoes isn’t difficult. Especially since you came from so far away wanting to form a connection with me, how could I just stand by and watch? Even if not for providing information, isn’t it proper human duty to give gifts?”

“…Proper human duty.”

The great way of human relationships.

The greatest duty one must uphold while living as a person.

Repaying kindness when you receive kindness.

Sharing affection when affection is shared.

It’s not difficult.

Yet, it is difficult.

Moreover, they met for the first time today.

No matter how they agreed to be brothers, they’re still strangers when you think about it.

For such a stranger to show proper duty?

Isn’t that even more difficult?

‘However, this little brother does just that.’

He clearly upholds the meaning contained in the great way of human relationships.

I wonder if it might be false.

Those clear eyes that capture the sky hold not a trace of falsehood.

Well, of course.

Wasn’t it said that Namgung Cheon-gang’s nature overflows with chivalry and righteousness?

I can clearly feel that those words are exactly true.

“Brother! I’m sorry! I misunderstood you for a moment! Please forgive this foolish older brother!”

Hwanggyeon blamed himself and embraced Namgung Cheon-gang tightly.

‘Whoa, that startled me.’

My heart almost dropped again.

I don’t know what he misunderstood to act like this.

I can’t tell.

‘He seems deeply moved.’

At this rate, he’d probably give me his liver and gallbladder.

“From now on, brother is truly my close friend and blood relative! I will personally tell you any information you want from now on! Of course, except for top secrets, to the extent that I can?”

Quite specific of him.

Not the liver, but maybe the gallbladder level.

‘Still, where else could I get this?’

To get information from the Martial Arts World’s top information organization for free.

This alone is worth the gallbladder.

‘If I get lightness skills through resonance too, it’ll be worth the liver. Hehehe.’

I think everything worked out perfectly.

Of course, resonance doesn’t just happen automatically.

“Yes, elder brother. I understand your feelings completely. So please, love the shoes I make for you very much, elder brother.”

“Of course! If it’s something my brother makes, I’d wear even straw sandals!”

“Just cherish them.”

“I’ll sleep holding them in my arms!”

“And please use your lightness skills and footwork techniques freely. Oh, right. You can start using them from the first day after distributing them to 100 people.”

“When you put on new shoes, you start with lightness skills anyway!”

Good.

The Beggar’s Sect is taken care of.

If the Namgung’s lightness skills and footwork techniques resonate properly here too?

‘Hehe. I won’t need to worry much about lightness skills and footwork techniques.’

I’m in a good mood because things seem to be going so well.

—————
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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