Chapter 4 Forging Exchange Competition, Saint Craftsman Mu Chen.
Clang clang clang!
A continuous series of metallic clanging sounds echoed through the arena. Although it sounded somewhat chaotic, there was a strange rhythm to it.
It was the sound of hammers striking iron!
Donghai City was a city located in the eastern part of the Douluo Continent. In a certain arena within this city, a small-scale forging exchange competition was underway.
The younger generation of blacksmiths were wielding hammers and sweating profusely on the central arena. Under their efforts, the forged metal became increasingly translucent.
This was merely an inter-school exchange competition. The oldest student on stage was only fifteen years old, and the blacksmiths' levels were generally only level one or two.
For the young people, these students participating in the forging exchange competition were all their idols, with the potential to become advanced blacksmiths in the future.
However, for those high-level blacksmiths, this competition was hardly worth watching. Mu Chen was one of them.
As the president of the Donghai City branch of the Blacksmith Association, Mu Chen was an eight-star Saint Craftsman, capable of performing various complex forging processes.
Logically speaking, he shouldn't have been here. The branch president of the Blacksmiths' Association is incredibly busy; how could he possibly have time for such a small-scale exchange competition? Even if someone paid him, they might not be able to get him to come.
Because in the eyes of a Saint-level craftsman, money isn't that important. As long as he's willing to make money, he can easily sell a few pieces of metal for a high price.
This eight-star Saint-level craftsman was only here because his daughter had made some progress in forging, and he was happy to be out and about. He happened to stumble upon a forging exchange competition and decided to take a look.
"Saint-level craftsman, these children are the future of our academy. What do you think of them?"
"The younger generation is formidable; their future is promising!"
Although most were mediocre, Mu Chen was in a good mood, so giving a positive evaluation wasn't a big deal for him; it was just a matter of a word.
But for the academy dean who asked the question, it was a different story.
This was praise from a Saint-level craftsman. If he told the children this, it would definitely motivate them greatly—the benefits would be immense!
The exchange competition quickly came to an end, with a Level 2 blacksmith taking first place—the one Mu Chen had initially favored.
"Looks like there aren't any outstanding kids here..."
But Mu Chen's attention was soon drawn to the scene below. After all the students had left, a middle-aged man stepped onto the stage again.
Mu Chen was puzzled, because he recognized the man below; he was a Level 5 blacksmith from the East Sea City Blacksmith Association.
Although Mu Chen didn't remember his name, he had a strong impression of the man. Being able to perform Level 5 spirit forging was enough to earn him the title of Grandmaster, but all the metals he forged were of inferior quality, limiting his future growth potential. If nothing went wrong, he would likely remain at this level for life.
What was he doing here?
However, as the announcement came over the loudspeaker, Mu Chen understood his purpose.
"Now, please give a warm welcome to the Grandmaster, who will demonstrate the splendor of spirit forging for us!"
Clearly, he was there to provide guidance to the students.
Mu Chen couldn't help but glance at the dean beside him. He hadn't expected this man to have some skill; although he was the lowest-ranking master craftsman, the fact that he'd been able to invite him suggested the dean had some connections.
However, none of this concerned Mu Chen. He was just out for a casual stroll and would be home to see his daughter soon.
The spirit forging demonstration quickly came to an end. Compared to the excited students and teachers, Mu Chen appeared remarkably calm, even showing some dissatisfaction in his eyes.
He immediately recognized the quality of the spirit forged metal… low-grade again! This guy hasn't improved at all in recent years!
And looking at the expressions of those around him, even the dean beside him couldn't discern the quality of the metal.
Seeing so many people fawning over a piece of substandard spirit-forged metal, Mu Chen couldn't help but feel annoyed, but he couldn't bear to dampen the children's enthusiasm.
"Let's go for a walk," he sighed helplessly, then stood up from his seat. He refused everyone's offer of company and left alone. His good mood, initially boosted by his daughter's achievement, had completely vanished after witnessing this substandard spirit forging; now, he just wanted to clear his head by the sea.
Because of his status, Mu Chen didn't plan to enter through the main gate, but instead chose a deserted path and walked slowly.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
But soon, the sound of running footsteps came from behind him. Judging from the sound, the owner of the footsteps was probably quite young, perhaps around ten years old.
Mu Chen couldn't help but turn around and saw a little girl running towards him, carrying a pile of metal materials… Was she coming to ask for his autograph? Or to inquire about forging techniques?
Although many questions arose in his mind, Mu Chen still carefully examined the little girl. Her features were regular; she was definitely a beauty in the making. And the pile of metal materials in her hand seemed to be leftovers from the competition earlier?
Looking at the girl, Mu Chen couldn't help but think of his daughter, Mu Xi, who used to happily hold the leftover materials he had forged.
"Well, since I've run into her, I'll give her a little pointers." Having made up his mind, Mu Chen raised his hand, intending to beckon the girl over. "If you have any questions..."
Mu Chen: ???
Before he could finish speaking, Mu Chen froze on the spot.
The girl showed no intention of stopping; instead, she walked past him and ran towards the exit in the distance.
The scene became somewhat awkward.
"Little girl, wait!"
"Hmm?" The girl, who was about to leave, stopped immediately after hearing the voice behind her and looked over in confusion.
"Don't you have anything to say to me?" Mu Chen pointed to his face. As a master craftsman, his appearance was already widely known; there were very few people in the forging field who didn't recognize him. Judging from the girl's appearance, she should also be a forger, right?
"What to say to you?" The girl tilted her head, looking quite cute with her questioning expression, and then answered somewhat uncertainly, "May your happiness be as boundless as the Eastern Sea and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain?"
Pfft!
Feeling a surge of rage, Mu Chen suppressed his anger and smiled, saying, "I was talking about the forging field. Don't you have anything to ask me?" "What do I have to ask you?" Hearing Mu Chen's words, the girl immediately became impatient. "Old man, aren't you being a bit too arrogant?"
"Just like that lousy level five blacksmith on the stage earlier, he only did one substandard spirit forging and thinks he can do whatever he wants?"
"If I were your age, I'd be a master craftsman by now!"
Seeing the old man clearly shaken by her words, Black Tower turned and left gracefully, leaving Mu Chen standing there bewildered. He was, after all, an eight-star saint craftsman; when had he ever been insulted like this?
But soon, Mu Chen's expression changed.
"Wait! She knew the spirit forging was substandard?"
Besides himself and the level five blacksmith who went on stage, Mu Chen was certain that no high-level blacksmiths had come to the exchange competition. How did this girl know?
Driven by curiosity, Mu Chen followed the path the girl had taken, intending to find out what was going on.
He never imagined that an eight-star master blacksmith from the Blacksmith's Association would stoop so low as to stalk a little girl… truly, the world has gone to hell!
(End of Chapter)