He Became the Genius Blacksmith of the Namgung Family - Chapter 69

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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 69

Episode 69

Making shoes is a process that goes through various manufacturing stages.

The Martial Arts World without modern technology.

Everything is done by hand.

Martial Arts World shoes, namely foot boots, are mostly made of leather material.

Or they’re made by combining thick and cheap cloth.

But if everything is done by hand?

Hunting, skinning, tanning.

Plus processing cloth and so on.

Goodness, there’s a mountain of work to do.

Well, if you have money, why go through the manufacturing process?

Just gather all the materials and focus on production.

And so Namgung Cheon-gang.

Headed out to Cheonggung Clothing Shop.

“Sister! I, Namgung Cheon-gang’s younger brother, have come after a long time! My, your beauty is always dazzling to behold, Sister. If we went to the marketplace, people would think you’re my younger sister!”

He immediately met Namgung Cheonggi.

“Hohoho, welcome, little brother. How is it that you have such a talent for making people feel good with just one word? It’s quite amusing.”

He won her heart with pleasant greetings.

After having tea and chatting about daily life.

“Sister, I need to make some preparations before going to Dongyun Forest in Jamu, and it seems it will take some time. Of course, not too long – I think I’ll be in Anhui Province for about a week. Would that be alright?”

“That much is fine, little brother. Rather than using force, you’re needed to solve problems beyond what the molds can handle. The personnel needed for force left yesterday, so you can take your time.”

“Aha!”

“Oh right. Since we’re on the topic, according to information that came in yesterday, several molds are completely broken and need to be made anew. So there’s even more reason why no one but you can handle this. I’m sorry for giving you more work, little brother.”

“Not at all, Sister. That’s not even a problem for me. Rather, if we’re making new ones, I should definitely go! I’ll go and make them so sturdy that the problems with the molds will never happen again!”

“Thank you, little brother. That’s really a relief. But what brings you here today? It doesn’t seem like you came just to have tea with this sister~?”

“Sister’s insight is as outstanding as your beauty. It’s nothing major, but I was wondering if I could use that favor you mentioned before.”

“A favor?”

“Yes.”

“What kind?”

“Well, it’s like this…”

Namgung Jeonggeom Dan, Namgung Iron Sword Sect, acquaintances, family, Master, the Master.

Plus people from the Beggar’s Sect.

In total, 300 martial shoes needed.

He honestly stated all the materials needed to make those 300 martial shoes.

A considerably enormous amount.

“Alright, little brother. Take everything.”

However, Namgung Cheonggi answered immediately as if it was no big deal.

This surprised Namgung Cheon-gang instead.

“Are you sure it’s okay with this much, Sister?”

“It’s not just anyone, but my little brother who’s granting my request. Moreover, most of it is for people belonging to the Namgung Family, so I should take care of it.”

What about the Beggar’s Sect?

“Who in the Martial Arts World would ignore the Beggar’s Sect? When we’ve gained a connection with such a sect, we should spare no effort. Furthermore, the person who came to find you is Hwanggyeon, the Eight-Knot Beggar, right?”

The next leader of the Beggar’s Sect.

Ignore a connection with such a person?

You’d have to quit being a warrior.

“Wow. Sister really is the best!”

“I think little brother is more amazing. There are many top masters who want to form connections with the Eight-Knot Beggar but can’t, yet how did you manage such a connection? It’s fascinating.”

“Oh no, it’s not because of my reputation but because he came for Master’s reputation.”

“Oh my, have you already decided to become sworn brothers?”

“Yes! He’s really a good person. Big brother also looked favorably upon me. So we immediately became sworn brothers, Sister!”

“Cherishing even the briefest moment of connection, forming brotherhood through righteousness…”

Cherishing connection even in the shortest time, forming brotherhood through righteousness.

It’s something that can happen to those in the Martial Arts World.

But it’s not something just anyone can do.

At minimum, their character must be righteous and full of chivalry.

‘The righteousness and chivalry of Eight-Knot Beggar Hwanggyeon are already widely known. As for little brother—’

An interesting and good person.

‘Looking at the rumors from Dongryang County and those known in Anhui Province, he’s definitely a righteous person.’

It’s quite possible.

What if the person Namgung Cheon-gang mentioned wasn’t the Eight-Knot Beggar?

It’s possible, but.

Where is this place?

The Namgung Family.

They couldn’t not know what happens here, even by the minute.

Moreover, the appearance of the Eight-Knot Beggar – how could they not know?

‘So he openly appeared in Anhui Province, and I wondered what for – it was because of this.’

She doesn’t know the exact reason he sought out Namgung Cheon-gang.

However, little brother said.

‘He said Mak Noya’s reputation was the reason for their meeting, so there must be a connection there.’

So why dig deeper?

Just be happy about the good fortune that came to Namgung.

“Cherish this good connection, little brother.”

So Namgung Cheonggi congratulated her brother’s connection with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Sister! Of course, your connection is as precious to me as big brother’s, you know? Hahaha!”

“Really, you’re good with words. Hohoho. Now then, shall we get up to fulfill our smooth-talking little brother’s request?”

“Oh, you’re going to personally take care of it, Sister?”

“I easily agreed, but materials for 300 martial shoes is quite a lot. So without me, the warehouse doors won’t open, right?”

“Aha! That’s certainly true, Sister. Then, I’ll be in your care!”

“Fufu. I’ll get you top-quality materials and above. Follow me.”

Just as she was about to lead the way.

“Oh right. I have one question.”

Namgung Cheonggi stopped walking and turned around to ask out of curiosity.

“From what I can see, it seems like you’re planning to give away all the martial shoes for free. Is that right?”

“Yes! That’s exactly right, Sister.”

“Hmm~ Distributing martial shoes you personally handcrafted for free… You have quite a kind heart. May I ask why?”

Even buying 300 martial shoes and distributing them for free wouldn’t make sense.

Let alone handmade ones?

The Beggar’s Sect could be understood considering the connection with the Eight-Knot Beggar.

But family?

Could you do that for anyone other than immediate family?

‘I can understand up to the Master, Sohye, and Cheonggi, but beyond that?’

Even within the Namgung umbrella, giving things for free is difficult.

Even if you’ve become acquainted, you can’t help but expect some compensation.

So curiosity was bound to arise.

To this, Namgung Cheon-gang answered with a nonchalant expression.

“Uh… I’ve never really thought about the reason, Sister.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Well, I guess it’s just because I want to do it for them? If I had to find a reason, everyone worked hard in Dongryang County, so I want to take care of them?”

“You’re doing it out of affection?”

“Yes! If I were to express it, that’s exactly right, Sister.”

“…Is that even possible?”

“Is there any reason it wouldn’t be?”

Such a clear face.

And a firm answer.

At this, Namgung Cheonggi’s face, who had asked why it would work, was colored with bewilderment.

‘There’s no reason it wouldn’t work… is there?’

When she thought about it, there was no reason it wouldn’t work through sincerity.

It’s just that there’s no one who would put it into action.

‘But my younger brother…’

He puts it into action.

Without ulterior motives, as if it’s nothing.

“Oh right, since we’re talking about it, I have something to tell you, Sister.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“I’m going to use Muktan School techniques for the martial attire I’m making this time, so please try applying this to Cheonggung Clothing Shop later, Sister.”

“Muktan School techniques?”

“Yes. I’ll make it and show you how to apply it, Sister!”

“…”

Moreover, he’s giving away inspiration that might be a miraculous opportunity without any compensation.

“Is that also sincerity?”

“Of course! Besides, Sister, aren’t we siblings? Our bond should be even greater, hahaha!”

Accumulating virtue through sincerity, acting with truth.

Cultivating virtue through sincerity, practicing with honesty alone.

Accumulating virtue through sincerity, and those actions contain truth.

There are countless philosophies and meanings with such intentions.

But few practice them.

No, are there any?

Throughout Namgung Cheonggi’s entire life, she had never seen such a person.

So it couldn’t be said that there were any.

But such a person had appeared before her eyes.

As a member of the Namgung Family.

As someone who had now become her sworn younger brother.

‘My younger brother was a genius and a true righteous person.’

This is why the Eight Extraordinary Meridians immediately sought to form a connection with him.

To think she had welcomed such a younger brother as her sworn brother.

If this isn’t a miraculous opportunity, what is?

“Younger brother.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“Suddenly?”

“Yes, suddenly. Well then, shall we go to the warehouse?”

Namgung Cheonggi’s footsteps heading to the warehouse.

Light and beautiful like clouds dancing in the sky.

* * *

Namgung Cheon-gang’s blacksmith warehouse was packed full with shoe materials.

“Wow. Just looking at it is enchanting.”

Of course, is it over just because the materials were procured?

I need to check the quality.

However, the supplier is Cheonggung Clothing Shop!

That the quality is excellent is natural.

I already checked everything.

From the beginning, Namgung Cheonggi had carefully examined each item before giving them.

There’s absolutely no way there could be any defects.

Even checking their condition for confirmation, everything is above superior grade!

Some even already have special abilities?

‘With these, even if I make them roughly, they’d be rare items!’

Of course, is there any reason to make them roughly?

I must make them with all my heart.

Even my breathing must be proper!

‘Then just how amazing will they become?’

Hehe.

It seems there’s no way the achievement won’t happen.

‘It’s both free and not free.’

Of course, I couldn’t explain the achievement to Namgung Cheonggi, so I spoke roughly.

‘Well, it can be seen as sincerity.’

Making shoes for over 300 people for free?

Unless it’s a donation, you can’t do it without sincerity.

‘Anyway, being grateful to Sister Namgung Cheonggi who provided all this so I could make them!’

Namgung Cheon-gang.

He bowed deeply toward where Cheonggung Clothing Shop was located.

‘Sister! Thank you! For taking care of me like this even with the prior favor!’

I’ll pay special attention to Sister’s shoes!

‘Of course, I’ll definitely fulfill your request too, don’t worry!’

Gratitude complete.

Now what to do?

‘I need to make shoes.’

Before that, there’s something I need to do first.

“Brother, could I take a look at your feet?”

Namgung Cheon-gang got up from his seat and called Hwanggyeon.

However, despite Namgung Cheon-gang’s call, Hwanggyeon didn’t respond.

“Brother? Brother??”

“Huh, what? Uh, what? Ah, did you call me?”

Only then did he come to his senses and answer.

“Yes! But why are you spacing out like that?”

“No, it’s just that in my life, this is the first time I’ve seen a warehouse packed full with materials for making beggar shoes. It’s so fascinating and strange that I think I lost my mind for a bit.”

“Ah. Well, that’s understandable.”

“But wasn’t it for 100 people? Looking at what’s piled up in the warehouse now, it seems to easily exceed 100 people’s worth?”

“Not everything is for the Beggar’s Sect members. There are things I promised before, and there are also materials for family, Master, people I’m close with, and the Master’s.”

“Ah.”

No wonder.

It seemed like it was for over 300 people.

Still, to think that over a third of those are materials for beggar shoes.

Thinking about it again and looking again, it’s truly speechless.

‘Moreover, they’re not just ordinary materials either.’

Since they were procured from Cheonggung Clothing Shop, they’re at least superior grade.

Even looking with the eyes, they’re superior grade.

‘He’s really going to make these for free?’

Is he a Buddha?

Even a high monk from Shaolin probably couldn’t do this.

‘But what did he say earlier?’

“I need to measure your foot size, no, your foot measurements first.”

“Foot measurements? Why that?”

“Oh my. You’re the first person I’ve sworn brotherhood with in the Martial Arts World, so would I just make ordinary shoes?”

“Then?”

“Custom-made shoes, of course.”

The shoes Namgung Cheon-gang would make.

Were they just some marketplace shoes?

No!

They were custom shoes that fit the customer’s feet perfectly, confirmed through Insight.

He would even add functionality with Breath Control to maximize customer satisfaction!

The reason was, of course, to resonate with Gongmyeong and learn lightness skills.

Though he couldn’t know those inner circumstances.

‘My, my goodness! Custom-made shoes!’

Nothing was as comfortable as perfectly fitted shoes.

Even beggars knew that.

Those were no longer ordinary shoes but mystical footwear.

“Oh, I have one favor to ask. After measuring your foot size, I’m planning to measure other Beggar’s Sect members’ feet based on your measurements. If you have time and there are other Beggar’s Sect members you’re considering, could you ask them to come get their feet measured while I’m making the shoes?”

Not just his own, but for all the Beggar’s Sect members!?

They’d be happy even if he just threw them straw sandals, but custom shoes!?

“You, you’re a Buddha, brother!”

The words in his heart burst out.

“Oh my, calling me Buddha for this much is too much. If you do that, Shaolin will be in big trouble, brother! Divine punishment will come down!”

“No, did Shaolin ever give shoes to beggars for free? That neighborhood gives free meals but not shoes! But you give both meals and shoes, so what else would you be but Buddha! Where does Buddha exist in the heart! If you move people with your actions, you’re Buddha!”

His conscience pricked him.

This was free giving to steal martial arts.

To be compared to Buddha.

He felt like he’d receive divine punishment at this rate.

“Well… what, that’s right? Ah, anyway, let me quickly measure your feet first, brother!”

Namgung Cheon-gang changed the subject to avoid divine punishment.

“Right, right. Look at my mind! Come, come, I’ll quickly take off my straw sandals!”

Hwanggyeon hurriedly took off his straw sandals and thrust his feet toward Namgung Cheon-gang.

Thud.

Namgung Cheon-gang collapsed.

An unexpected foot odor.

It was too terrible.

‘I definitely washed them… but why?’

In his fading consciousness, he wondered about the foot odor that remained even after washing.

“Huh, huh? Brother? Brother!”

Of course, Hwanggyeon, who had no way of knowing his own foot odor, was just puzzled by Namgung Cheon-gang’s sudden collapse.

Supporting his collapsed form, he saw foam at his mouth too.

“Brother! No! Don’t die! My shoes! My custom shooooes!!”

Hwanggyeon’s heart-rending cry embroidered the sky.

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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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