Matrix Survival: I Get A Random Chest Every Day-Chapter 828 - 589: Asking the Blacksmith to Upgrade Equipment

"Improving previous inventions?"

Icarus was indeed the most unreliable disciple of the Blacksmith, having been scolded several times and still not learning his lesson. He instinctively sneered and was about to retort when a single glare from the Blacksmith stopped him.

"Continue with what you're saying." The Blacksmith adopted a listening gesture, startling all the disciples around him.

The teacher had always been proud in the field of manufacturing, never deigning to do any so-called improvements. Why was it that this time, when a stranger casually brought up such an idea, did he take it seriously?

"By rights, the craftsmanship of the Blacksmith Shop is absolutely top-notch in the Outer City; improving previous inventions would only tarnish the shop's reputation." Li Zheng first flattered the vanity of everyone in the Blacksmith Shop and then slowly shared his thoughts, "But are the things invented by predecessors really perfect? Do they really have no flaws at all?

For example, Intermediate Cultivation Liquid, even if you haven't used it, you must have heard of it, right?

A few days ago, I used Intermediate Cultivation Liquid to fuse with a specialty of the Vine Race to create a product whose effect is between Intermediate Cultivation Liquid and Advanced Cultivation Liquid. Not only is the cost lower than Advanced Cultivation Liquid, but its effectiveness is also a bit better than Intermediate Cultivation Liquid. So, isn't there a necessity for such a strengthened Intermediate Cultivation Liquid?"

"May I ask, if Intermediate Cultivation Liquid is priced at one thousand White Crystal Coins, Advanced Cultivation Liquid at five thousand White Crystal Coins, but strengthened Intermediate Cultivation Liquid only costs three thousand White Crystal Coins, and the cost is almost the same as Intermediate Cultivation Liquid, which would you, as merchants, choose?"

Here, Li Zheng actually swapped concepts, as he indeed acquired the Vine Race specialty without spending money, so he said that the cost is nearly equal.

In reality, it's slightly higher.

"After talking for so long, he hasn't touched the crux of the matter..." Icarus muttered under his breath. They surely understood this principle, but improvement doesn't help much in promoting the shop's reputation; it might end up making wedding dresses for others.

"Don't rush; the highlight is coming next." Li Zheng did not blame Icarus for being talkative, but rather refreshed his throat and continued: "If you're worried about the reputation issue, then there's less need to worry.

Indeed, the person who initially invented something has the right to be credited, but..."

At this point, he smiled mysteriously: "Who says we must improve others' things? Can't we continue to improve the many inventions within the Blacksmith Shop itself? For example, the 'Spirit Communication' tool previously made by the Blacksmith, which serves as a short-range communication device—why can't it be improved into a long-range communication device?

And this."

He took off the 'Overweight' necklace from his neck and showed it around: "This necklace also comes from the Blacksmith's hand. I know there's a Gravity Research Institute in the Outer City specializing in gravity-related equipment, but who has stopped others from pursuing similar research?

This necklace currently can only be used by one person. Can it be improved into a second-generation product affecting multiple people?

Or directly transformed into range gravity equipment, which can not only be used for daily training but also unexpectedly expand the gravity field during combat to catch opponents off guard.

Aren't these all ideas, business opportunities?

Why must we abandon the foundation and aim to invent some entirely new things?"

Li Zheng babbled on, offering a bunch of opinions.

Initially, his words were sneered at by the Blacksmith's disciples, but when he mentioned continuing to improve the shop's own products, everyone's eyes and breaths changed.

Icarus glanced maliciously at Pasi, thinking that if he could improve the product Pasi liked the most, wouldn't it be a slap in his face?

Coincidentally, Pasi was thinking the same.

Or it wasn't just the two of them; in fact, everyone had similar thoughts.

Especially the mature elder brother, the bearded crane-human thoughtfully said: "There's some truth to it. Previously, I feared damaging the feelings between fellow disciples, so even when some creations had obvious flaws, I wasn't brave enough to point them out.

Now, I finally have a legitimate reason to tackle their inventions."

He thought he had lowered his voice enough, but didn't notice the dangerous glances everyone threw at him after he muttered.

"Good!" The Blacksmith pondered for a long time, his expression changing several times, finally praising sternly: "Originally, I hadn't finalized the test topic for today. This... what's your name again?"

"Teacher, he was introduced just now; he's called Li Zheng." Zi Shu's face was flushed, quietly reminding.

"Oh? Introduced before?" The Blacksmith showed a puzzled expression, apparently not remembering Zi Shu's introduction earlier: "Then it was my oversight."

He nodded apologetically to Li Zheng: "Li Zheng's words have inspired me. Today's exam question is simply to choose any item with a signature in the shop and improve it based on existing foundations. Only those who pass this test can continue staying at the Blacksmith Shop; anyone who fails must get out!

Additionally, I'll emphasize once more, I want improvement, not upgrading!

Understood?"

The disciples: "Understood!"

"Then, the test starts now!" The Blacksmith promptly ordered, then added: "You have five days to select, plan, and produce; anything not completed in time is considered failing!"

"Yes, Teacher!"

The disciples responded and then dispersed rapidly, eagerly rushing towards various products, ready to showcase their skills.

Watching eight figures jump around among countless items, the Blacksmith nodded with satisfaction, only then remembering that Li Zheng was originally a customer at his Blacksmith Shop: "Did you come to this shop not just for catching up with Zi Shu?"

"Well, since we're here, a chat on recent happenings is good," Li Zheng replied, "But the main reason is actually to ask you, Blacksmith Master, to help me improve something."

"Oh?" The Blacksmith's expression shifted; no wonder this guy was so enthusiastic about suggesting improvement as a growth route, as it turned out to arise from his own needs, "What do you want improved? Show me. If it's not too difficult, I'll personally help you solve it."

Li Zheng was delighted by the response: "Just what I hoped for!"

As he spoke, he manifested the Lamp Holder integrated into the back of his hand and handed it to the Blacksmith: "It's this."

"Lamp Holder!?" The Blacksmith seemed to know this tool, glancing uncertainly at Li Zheng: "Why do you have this item?"

"To be honest, this item didn't originally belong to me; I got it from someone else." Li Zheng was embarrassed to admit he took it by force, and the original holder of the Lamp Holder had been killed by him.

"Wait a minute."

The Blacksmith did not take the lamp but instead turned to a counter and retrieved something akin to a camera, switching it on towards Li Zheng.

Instantly, a green light illuminated on the top of the device.

Seeing the green light come on, the Blacksmith was even more shocked: "Possessing the Lamp Holder while resisting the temptation to kill!"