Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior-Chapter 32 - 31: Smiling Tiger, Forging Workshop

"What? Black Tiger Gang Leader Zhao Xuan?"

"Could it be that he suspects Wu Heng’s death last night is related to our shop?"

The blacksmith masters present were all taken aback by the news, looking at each other in silence, and the courtyard instantly plunged into dead silence.

The news of Wu Heng’s death was a relief to everyone present, and the gloomy feeling in their hearts had been completely dispelled. However, upon reflection, they realized that Wu Heng had used force to take away a Thirty-Refined Weapon from the shop yesterday. He died at home that night.

Anyone would suspect the iron shop.

Thinking about the actions of the Black Tiger Gang, everyone present feared that this ordeal might not be easy today.

Only Su Mu thought otherwise at this moment. Judging by the footsteps, Zhao Xuan was coming alone outside the shop. If he was here to demand an explanation for Wu Heng’s death, even if he hadn’t surrounded the shop with people directly, he should have brought at least a dozen Black Tiger Gang members.

But if Zhao Xuan wasn’t here to demand an explanation, what was he here for?

Su Mu was puzzled and completely in the dark.

"Quickly, go get the shopkeeper."

Shopkeeper Li Tie appeared, trying to remain calm upon hearing Zhao Xuan’s arrival, "Quickly invite Gang Leader Zhao to come in for a talk."

Not long after, a middle-aged man in a green Confucian robe, with a smile on his face, walked into the inner courtyard of the iron shop. Seeing Zhao Xuan, many blacksmith masters were somewhat stunned.

Could this elegant scholar, who appeared to be in his thirties, indeed be the feared figure, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, Zhao Xuan, who could make children in the area of Qingshui Town cease crying by just mentioning his name?

Everyone found it unbelievable, but they also knew that in the Qingshui Town area, no one dared to impersonate Zhao Xuan.

Even though Zhao Xuan came alone, the group of blacksmith masters were tense, more nervous than when Wu Heng brought twenty men.

"Gang Leader Zhao."

Li Tie greeted him with apprehension, he and Su Mu were thinking along the same lines; since Zhao Xuan came alone and in broad daylight, he likely wouldn’t strike directly, so they should first listen to Zhao Xuan’s intent.

Zhao Xuan observed the reaction of everyone as if they were facing a great enemy and chuckled softly, "Shopkeeper Li, it’s been a long time since we last met. I heard you no longer forge personally, but your shop has produced an exceptional young blacksmith, congratulations."

Saying this, Zhao Xuan cast an appreciative glance at Su Mu.

Li Tie, Zhou Mountain, and other blacksmith masters instinctively stepped forward half a step, shielding Su Mu behind them, "Gang Leader Zhao is too kind. I have grown old, but Gang Leader Zhao’s presence remains as impressive as ever."

Zhao Xuan, with a refined demeanor, "It reminds me of when I first arrived in Qingshui Town, the first Long Saber I owned was personally crafted by Shopkeeper Li, and five years ago you crafted a sword for me as well. I am still using these blade soldiers today, and they remain as sharp as ever. I’ve always been extremely impressed with your shop’s forging art, but that day Wu Heng came to the shop without informing me..."

"Wu Heng’s actions were too reckless, offending your shop. Now that Wu Heng is dead, I hope Shopkeeper Li and everyone can put this matter behind them."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the courtyard who had been tense as if facing a great enemy was left dumbfounded. To their surprise, the Black Tiger Gang Leader Zhao Xuan came not to cause trouble but to propose reconciliation instead?

The blacksmith masters first found it hard to believe and soon realized the key point in the situation.

"Zhao Xuan likely suspects the knight who killed Wu Heng yesterday is related to our iron shop." The thought immediately crossed Li Tie’s mind.

He did not believe Zhao Xuan’s cunning words, knowing well that this person was always ruthless. Otherwise, it would be impossible for the Black Tiger Gang to develop into the largest faction in Qingshui Town under his leadership.

Li Tie estimated that the heroic knight who acted righteously yesterday must possess extremely strong skills, so strong that Zhao Xuan feared them greatly, worried that this person might continue targeting the Black Tiger Gang.

Thus, the Black Tiger Gang was bound to suffer significant losses, something Zhao Xuan hoped to avoid. That’s precisely why Zhao Xuan came today, alone, to propose reconciliation.

Li Tie was correct, this is indeed what Zhao Xuan was thinking. Last night, Zhao Xuan had been sleepless, pondering endlessly, and could only conclude that Wu Heng’s offense to the Li Clan Iron Shop led to his death.

He refused to believe that it was mere coincidence that Wu Heng had forcibly taken the shop’s blade soldiers in broad daylight and was brutally killed in his own courtyard that night. Zhao Xuan even investigated the matter last night and learned that Wu Heng had secretly ordered people to kidnap someone from the iron shop.

In any case, Zhao Xuan concluded that the mysterious ’Bone Forging’ realm martial artist must have a close connection with the iron shop. With Wu Heng now dead, Zhao Xuan opted to shift all blame onto Wu Heng to resolve the animosity between the two sides.

Li Tie, despite his robust physique, was actually quite detail-oriented. He didn’t speak directly but took a moment to feign contemplation before speaking, "Gang Leader Zhao, your words are too heavy. Our shop didn’t suffer much loss, please accept my condolences."

Zhao Xuan observed Li Tie’s actions just now and inwardly confirmed his suspicions. He then unfastened the Long Saber from his waist and offered it.

"Shopkeeper Li is so magnanimous. In that case, let this Long Saber return to its rightful owner."

Li Tie was pleased to receive the Long Saber, having originally intended to send a letter with Su Mu to the Forging Workshop in the coming days. Now that the Long Saber was returned, there was no need.

Subsequently, the two exchanged pleasantries in the courtyard. To an outsider, they might even appear as old friends with years of rapport.

"Gang Leader Zhao, take care."

After seeing Zhao Xuan off, Li Tie and the others in the iron shop all let out a long breath, their tense brows relaxing into smiles.

"Everyone, regarding Wu Heng, let’s not discuss it in the shop anymore. Let this matter be settled, and let’s get back to work."

"Alright."

The crowd responded and returned to the forge room.

"That Zhao Xuan can’t be trusted, he’s a Smiling Tiger... However, Shopkeeper Li saw through Zhao Xuan’s concerns, and the hesitation just now saved the shop from trouble."

The matter with Wu Heng was temporarily settled, but in Su Mu’s eyes, the Black Tiger Gang remained a significant threat.

The renowned top figure of Qingshui Town, the only martial artist of the Eighth Grade Bone Forging Realm, actually willing to bow his head, and Su Mu had also heard of Zhao Xuan’s close ties with Wu Heng. In any case, Zhao Xuan, such a Smiling Tiger, is very frightening.

Su Mu did think about eliminating the Black Tiger Gang for the shop; he just needed to continue cultivating quietly for a while, perfecting the Tiger Subduing Fist, and achieving Great Success in both the Rock Shattering Fist and the Startled Sparrow Step. Then he might have a chance to reach the realm of Transforming Force.

By then, he would have the confidence to deal with Zhao Xuan. However, time was running out for Su Mu; he couldn’t continue to stay in Qingshui Town and had to head to Qingyun City as soon as possible.

Su Mu felt a growing urge to leave, "After today’s work, I’ll discuss leaving with the shopkeeper... The shopkeeper should let me go, right."

"If going to Qingyun City can cure the Gu poison in my body... there will be plenty of opportunities to deal with Zhao Xuan after returning."

Clang!

With one last swing of the hammer, Su Mu exhaled lightly and put down the forging hammer, proficiently tidying up the tools and sealing the furnace.

The setting sun slanted westward; outside the forge room, Li Tie had been waiting for a long time. He beckoned Su Mu over.

"Su Mu, come with me for a moment."

"Alright."

Su Mu was slightly puzzled; even the shopkeeper was waiting for him.

"Su Mu, how long have you been with our shop?" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"About a year and seven months."

Hearing this, Li Tie showed a touch of incredulity, "Only a year and seven months... Su Mu, in such a short time, you’ve surpassed everyone in the shop in forging skills, including me."

"It’s all thanks to Master Zhou Mountain and all the masters teaching me every day." Su Mu modestly replied, but he spoke from the heart, especially since Zhou Mountain not only imparted forging skills but also gifted him the recipe for the Three-in-One Body-Strengthening Soup. Without this recipe, Su Mu’s progress in martial arts would not have been so remarkable.

Su Mu felt grateful in his heart, being a person who repays kindness. Whoever treats him well, he remembers.

Li Tie nodded slightly as he listened, "Su Mu, you have outstanding talent in forging. I believe with your talent, you shouldn’t be hidden away in our small iron shop."

"Have you heard of Qingyun City?"

"I’ve heard of it."

Su Mu was surprised internally; could it be that shopkeeper Li was implying that he should take the initiative to suggest going to Qingyun City for development?

"There is a Forging Workshop in Qingyun City, renowned for its forging skills throughout Qingyun County, and it’s much larger than Li’s Iron Shop. I was once part of that Forging Workshop."

"Su Mu, I’ve already written a recommendation letter for you. This Thirty-Refined Long Saber is actually the Forging Workshop’s test for you. Take the letter and the saber to Qingyun City, where you’ll find a broader world."

"I hope one day you can become a true Master Blacksmith who forges Entry Level Weapons. You are the pride of Li’s Iron Shop!"

"Shopkeeper Li..."

"If you don’t mind, you can call me Uncle Li."

"Uncle Li!"

Under the evening locust tree, their shadows stretched long and slanted; the young man’s face was complex, mixed with shame and emotion, and the elder finally showed a contented expression, gently patting the young man on the shoulder.

"Xiaomu, tomorrow I’ll tell the other masters in the shop about this. We’ll celebrate together for you."

"Young people should venture out more. Perhaps in the future, our Li’s Iron Shop will be famous because of you, and Uncle Li and everyone else can share in your glory, Xiaomu."

Under the locust tree, the young man nodded, yet in his heart, he secretly made a decision to one day return to Qingshui Town to eliminate the trouble of Zhao Xuan for the shop.

...