https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-45-The-Aftermath-of-Su-Chen-s-Departure/12988658/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-47-Frontline-Strategy-Shift-to-Defense/12988662/
Chapter 46: Reward for the Top Disciple
Chapter 46: Reward for the Top Disciple
Su Chen now had a clearer understanding of his own strength.
In the eyes of others, he had joined the Yunyang Sect over two years ago and had been cultivating there for a long time.
Compared to other younger disciples, it seemed like he had cultivated for an extra two years.
But in reality, Su Chen had somewhat neglected his cultivation during those two years in the Yunyang Sect.
The frontline of the Yunyang Sect was under significant threat from demonic creatures.
Su Chen had taken on many responsibilities that weren't his own during that time.
He had truly acted selflessly, only wishing for the peace of Great Zhou and the safety of its people.
Young geniuses like Jin Yue and Hou Shenfei had already received extensive cultivation within their families.
From the very beginning, they had been focused on their cultivation journey.
Su Chen's ability to surpass them was largely due to the assistance of the Profound Heaven Heart Sutra.
As he continued his cultivation, others might think that he would be left behind by these geniuses.
But Su Chen was becoming increasingly confident.
With the aid of a top-tier cultivation technique like the Profound Heaven Heart Sutra, he was not only catching up but might even surpass them.
On the 9th day of the month, Su Chen went to the Weapon Forge Hall of the sect.
He was there to choose a suitable mold.
The Grand Elder had announced at the beginning of the tournament that the sect would forge an Superior Grade Weapon for the winner.
Weapons of this grade required over half a year's worth of contribution points for even the direct disciples to obtain.
As Su Chen entered the forge, the surrounding temperature seemed to rise.
The clanging sounds of hammering filled the air.
Su Chen stepped forward and introduced himself.
A middle-aged man then led Su Chen into the backyard.
The ground was filled with various weapons.
Common ones like swords, spears, staffs, and clubs were in abundance.
They came in various shapes and sizes, some long, some short, some with wide blades, and others with thin blades.
"Young man, choose a mold that suits you. If you find one that fits, bring it to me."
The senior artisan pointed towards the corridor, "I'll be in the backyard just past the corridor. Once you find a suitable one, bring it to me."
After paying his respects to the senior artisan, Su Chen began his selection.
Demonic creatures often had tough skin and thick flesh, so wide-bladed weapons were usually the first choice.
Su Chen picked up a weapon from the ground and swung it.
His current weapon had been taken from a demonic creature.
And that creature might have taken it from someone else.
Even though he had used it for a while and was familiar with it, he still felt awkward wielding it.
After searching, Su Chen found a thin-bladed long saber that felt very comfortable in his hands.
After activating the Wielder Destiny, the saber in his hand felt even more nimble.
Having made his choice, Su Chen carried the saber through the corridor.
In the backyard, several artisans were hard at work.
The senior artisan from earlier seemed to be a highly skilled craftsman, occasionally offering guidance to others.
As Su Chen entered the backyard, he handed the saber to the senior artisan.
"Come back within a month at the latest to collect it. If you want to check on the progress, you can come by anytime.
If you're curious and want to try out these hammers, feel free to do so.
You can also follow me to take a look."
Noticing Su Chen's curiosity, the senior artisan seemed even more enthusiastic than before.
"The casting techniques here are the sect's secrets. Is it appropriate for a disciple like me to observe?"
Hearing Su Chen's words, the senior artisan smiled.
"The casting techniques in Tiangang City were all improved by me. I'll let you watch, so feel at ease.
Even if Elder Shang Xuan were here, I'd still let you see."
"Then I'd really like to take a look."
Su Chen bowed to the senior artisan, feeling a bit presumptuous.
The art of casting and alchemy are often considered secret techniques within various sects. Even after joining a sect, one is not meant to pry into these matters casually.
The reason for wanting to observe these techniques was primarily to verify the potential of his own Dexterous Hands talent. He wondered if it would have a miraculous effect on mastering these arts.
"There's no need for formalities. I'm just letting you observe, and the sect won't suffer any significant loss because of it."
It's impossible to grasp these techniques with a mere glance. I've held these tools in my hands for over thirty years to achieve this level of proficiency. Without sufficient accumulation, you won't be able to learn it."
As the senior artisan spoke, he led Su Chen to a semi-open workshop nearby. On the other side of the wall was a pile of inferior-grade weapons, which the artisan dismissed as a waste of materials.
Su Chen turned his head to observe the weapons, which were categorized into grades: inferior, lower, good, superior, fine, and ultimate. It was rumored that above the ultimate grade, there existed a divine grade.
Su Chen had only heard of divine-grade weapons but had never seen one in person. After all, even fine-grade weapons were already extremely rare.
As Su Chen gazed at the pile of weapons, he couldn't help but take a few steps forward.
"Senior, this seems to be a good-grade weapon. How can it be a waste of materials? It's much better than what I'm using now."
Su Chen's expression of astonishment seemed to give the senior artisan a sense of accomplishment. It seemed that the purpose of inviting Su Chen to observe was to witness his awe.
"In my eyes, any weapon below the superior grade is a waste of materials.
Alright, enough staring at those weapons. The weapon I'm crafting for you will be several times better than those.
Since you don't have a weapon now, go and pick one up for yourself and take it back."
After speaking, the artisan took out a piece of ore and began smelting and hammering it.
"Casting techniques heavily rely on one's foundational skills. If you can't remove impurities from the ore, the resulting weapon will lack quality.
With each strike of my hammer, there's a purpose. This is the result of thirty years of experience."
Indeed, as the artisan hammered, numerous impurities fell out.
"Give it a try. You seem quite interested."
Su Chen didn't refuse. He activated his Dexterous Hands talent and took the hammer.
The reason Su Chen observed this casting technique a few more times was to see if his talent could play a role.
The hammer moved in Su Chen's hand, and despite witnessing the technique only once, the first strike appeared surprisingly skilled.
One strike, two strikes...
After activating his talent, Su Chen grasped at least ninety percent of the skill that usually required thirty years of experience.
The senior artisan, standing by, had expected Su Chen to make mistakes, allowing him to offer guidance. However, Su Chen's performance left him momentarily stunned.
As the hammer continued to fall, impurities kept shedding, just as they had before.
Noticing the artisan's gaze from the corner of his eye, Su Chen realized his mistake.
The next strike, the hammer slipped from his grasp, a significant error that could invite scolding.
The artisan, seeing this, finally smiled and picked up the hammer.
"You've quickly picked up the motions, but your foundation and skills are far too lacking.
Learning casting techniques is not something that can be achieved overnight."
(End of Chapter)
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