manynovel Chapter 28: Mu Chen Wants to Take on a Disciple
Chapter 28: Mu Chen Wants to Take on a Disciple
Yu Chen gripped his pair of thousand-forged heavy silver hammers, which had been forged through blood sacrifice. Their properties were quite good, reducing his energy consumption by 30% during forging.
Yu Chen did not rush to exert his strength, but first calmed his mind and focused his gaze on the pulsating orange-red metal, as if he were having a silent conversation with it.
Then, the hammer is raised.
"Clang clang clang—!"
Yu Chen struck down in a series of blows, seemingly aimless, but his movements were fluid and graceful.
There was some surprise in Cen Yue's eyes.
This kid's movements are seasoned and his rhythm is steady. He doesn't look like a fledgling who's just come to take the Level 1 exam at all. This is clearly the skill that comes from years of immersion and training!
Mang Tian, that guy, has been holding back for so many years, it seems he's really got something big up his sleeve! What kind of monster has he raised?
Tang Wulin's forging was equally excellent, and his hammer strikes were steady, but he received far less attention in the face of the commotion caused by Yu Chen.
The president's office is on the third floor of the Forging Masters Association.
Today, Mu Chen, who was in a good mood, was reviewing a rare metal price list when his hand, which was holding a pen, suddenly paused. His daughter had successfully been promoted to a level 2 blacksmith.
He slowly raised his head and listened intently.
A unique, rhythmic tapping sound, seemingly imbued with life, penetrated through layers of walls and floors, subtly reaching his senses, which far surpassed those of ordinary people.
This sound... at first glance, it seems to be the rhythm of a hundred forgings, but the "resonance" with metal contained within, and the almost imperceptible "condensed" aftertaste belonging to the level of a thousand forgings...
"That's interesting."
Mu Chen put down his pen, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. He didn't use his soul power to deliberately investigate; the "rhythm" he had unintentionally captured was enough to pique his interest.
He got up and walked out of the office as if taking a stroll, following the sound at a leisurely pace.
The source of the sound was the testing room where Yu Chen was.
Mu Chen did not disturb anyone. He stood in front of the observation window outside the testing room. This room was originally set up for high-level inspections or observation of special assessments. It was one-way visibility and had excellent soundproofing, but with his cultivation level, he could naturally "hear" the movements inside.
His gaze fell directly on Yu Chen.
With just one glance, Mu Chen's gaze was drawn to it.
The boy was still rather thin, but his hammer-wielding posture was as steady as a rock.
What shocked Mu Chen even more was that Yu Chen's forging technique was unusually bold, completely unlike an apprentice who had only studied forging for a few years; he was practically a seasoned veteran who had been immersed in it for many years.
"So relaxing and comfortable..."
Has he already reached level two, or even level three blacksmithing?! How old is this child? He looks no more than twelve or thirteen!
Mu Chen stood quietly outside the window, witnessing Yu Chen complete the entire process of forging the sword. When Yu Chen brought down the final hammer blow, the evaluator couldn't help but exclaim:
"Good! Perfect Hundred Forging, passed!"
Yu Chen exhaled a soft breath, showing no signs of fatigue. He looked at Tang Wulin, who had also finished his part at almost the same time, with equally excellent quality.
"We need to continue applying for the Level 2 Forging Master assessment," Yu Chen said to the assessor, his tone calm, as if what he had just accomplished was a trivial matter.
The evaluator looked at Cen Yue, who nodded: "Follow the procedure."
The Level 2 assessment requires forging specific parts. Yu Chen and Tang Wulin once again chose the blueprint for the sunken silver parts.
The forging process was equally efficient, and Yu Chen's handling remained precise and stable. Complex parts were quickly formed under his hammer, with smooth interfaces and solid structures, fully meeting the second-level standard.
Mu Chen, standing outside the window, made no attempt to hide his admiration.
"Twelve or thirteen years old? No, his bone age might be even younger... Such talent, with an incredibly solid foundation, and his own ideas about forging, not just following the textbook. His affinity and understanding of metals far surpasses that of his peers, and even many adult blacksmiths can only look up to him."
A wave of emotion surged within Mu Chen. "Mang Tian is indeed lucky to have such a disciple. However..."
An idea surged into my mind uncontrollably: This child is destined to be my disciple!
Mu Chen was obsessed with forging throughout his life. As an eight-star master craftsman, he held a prestigious position, but he valued the inheritance and breakthrough of forging techniques even more.
Upon seeing Yu Chen, a flawless gem that already shone brightly without any carving, his long-dormant desire to take on a disciple was instantly ignited.
He valued not only Yu Chen's current skill level of around a third-level blacksmith, but also the inspiration he possessed in forging.
"The Level 1 and Level 2 assessments are probably just a formality for him." Mu Chen had already made up his mind.
"Mangtian taught him the basics, but for the higher levels... perhaps I am more suitable to guide him."
He didn't linger, turned and left, but didn't go far. Instead, he whispered a few instructions to a passing staff member.
Inside the testing room, Yu Chen and Tang Wulin successfully passed the Level 2 Forging Master assessment.
Cen Yue looked at the two newly forged second-level blacksmiths, his expression complex, a mixture of relief and emotion. Mang Tian, that guy, had quietly pulled off something big.
"Let's go, I'll take you to complete the formal registration, and then..."
Before Cen Yue could finish speaking, the staff member from before knocked on the door and entered, respectfully saying to Cen Yue:
"Master Cen, the president has instructed you to bring these two young friends to his 'Forging Heart Pavilion' for a chat after their assessments."
"President?"
Cen Yue was taken aback, then realized that the commotion must have caught the president's attention.
He glanced at Yu Chen and Tang Wulin, his eyes holding a meaningful look:
"Let's go, the president wants to see you. Remember, be respectful. President Mu Chen is an eight-star master craftsman and the pillar of our East Sea City Blacksmith Association."
"The Eight-Star Saint Craftsman Mu Chen seems to have some connection with that Divine Craftsman." Yu Chen's heart stirred slightly, and he looked thoughtful. Tang Wulin, on the other hand, was both curious and nervous.
Following Cen Yue, they walked through several quiet corridors inside the association and arrived at a door located deep inside the building, with no sign on the door. Cen Yue gently knocked on the door.
"Come in." A gentle yet authoritative voice rang out.
Upon entering, the room was more spacious than I had imagined, but the furnishings were extremely simple.
The walls were made of dark sound-absorbing metal, and several display shelves stood against the wall, displaying metal blocks of various shapes and with a restrained luster. They looked ordinary, but with Yu Chen's discerning eye, he could tell that none of them were ordinary.
In the center of the room was a large solid wood tea table. Mu Chen was sitting behind the tea table, holding an ancient book. When he saw them come in, he closed the book and looked over with a smile.
His gaze first fell on Yu Chen, a gaze that was calm yet seemed to penetrate the surface and reach the essence.
"President."
"President Mu Chen."
Cen Yue, Yu Chen, and Tang Wulin bowed to each other.
"No need for formalities, please sit." Mu Chen gestured to the seat opposite the tea table, then said to Cen Yue.
"Cen Yue, thank you for your hard work this time. Please have a seat."
After everyone sat down, Mu Chen personally poured three cups of tea. The tea was fragrant and had a calming effect.
"Yu Chen, Tang Wulin, congratulations on passing the Level 2 assessment."
Mu Chen got straight to the point, with a warm smile.
"I've seen your files, and... I heard the forging just now. Very good, excellent. Master Mangtian, your teaching is superb."
"Thank you for the praise, President. It's because the teacher taught the basics very well," Yu Chen replied with a slight bow, neither humble nor arrogant.
"A solid foundation is important, but your own understanding and hard work are even more crucial. You don't need to underestimate yourself."
Looking into Yu Chen's clear and calm eyes, Mu Chen finally revealed his intentions:
"Yu Chen, I, Mu Chen, have dedicated my life to forging, and I believe I have some understanding of metal and advanced forging techniques. I have seen countless geniuses, but few possess the foundation and talent you have at such a young age. I wish to take you as my personal disciple, to impart all my knowledge to you, to show you a broader world of forging, and to explore the ultimate mysteries of the fusion of metal and life. Are you willing?"
After he finished speaking, the Forging Heart Pavilion fell silent, with only the faint aroma of tea and Mu Chen's expectant and earnest gaze fixed on Yu Chen.