Casting immortality in the furnace

Chapter 57 Forging 36 Steel Refining Tower Doctor Shows Great Favor

Forging room.

clang!clang!clang!

Fan Zhou held a long-handled sledgehammer and hammered rapidly at the steel billet on the anvil, sparks flying everywhere. Sweat covered his face and dripped down his chin to the ground, but he didn't care. His eyes were wide open, staring intently at the changes in the steel billet.

Across from him, Peng Yue stood intently, striking with a small hammer, communicating with him in "hammer language" to indicate the position and force of the strike.

Under the combined forging of the two men, the steel billet on the anvil gradually became thinner and longer.

Peng Yue's expression was serious, and suddenly the small hammer in his hand swept horizontally.

Upon receiving the message, Fan Zhou immediately stopped forging.

Peng Yue flipped the hammer head and used the side meant for cutting iron to cut the steel billet into two pieces. He then clamped them together with iron pliers, sprinkled borax for bonding, and put them into the furnace to smelt.

During a break, Fan Zhou wiped the sweat from his face, his eyes fixed on the steel billet in the furnace.

"The thirty-sixth folding and forging—success or failure hinges on this!"

When the billet turned bright yellow, Peng Yue quickly took it out and tapped the anvil twice with a small hammer.

Fan Zhou's expression brightened, and he swung the sledgehammer down with force.

Dangdang Dangdang!

…………

Lou Zhenqing brought Princess Chenxing to the Dili Room.

This is where the sword blank is prepared; the polishing and sharpening of a sword are all done here.

Unlike the forging room, the sharpening room was very quiet, with only the low, rumbling sound of swords being sharpened. No one spoke, and no one looked up at them.

Chen Xing followed behind Lou Zhenqing, his gaze sweeping across the entire spacious workshop. Everywhere there were millstones, of different sizes and colors, arranged along the wall from coarse to fine.

On the other side were rows of large water vats, each containing different types of water, with the spiritual energy becoming increasingly concentrated as you went further in.

In the middle was where the disciples worked. Some sat at their workstations polishing, while others squatted on the ground polishing. Wastewater mixed with iron filings and sand flowed downhill and eventually into the sewage ditch.

Although Lou Zhenqing said the workshop was dirty, Chen Xing could tell that it was cleaned every day and there was very little dust.

Chen Xing walked quietly through the workshop, her gaze sweeping over the various workstations.

"Dr. Lou, using the skills of the sword forge, how long does it typically take to forge a fine sword?"

"It usually takes three months to complete, with multiple disciples working in relays," Lou Zhenqing explained.

Chen Xing suddenly remembered something and asked curiously:

"I've heard the saying 'it takes ten years to forge a sword,' I wonder if that's true or not?"

"This phrase actually refers to the honing and refining of talent," Lou Zhenqing explained briefly, then added:

"However, the higher the quality of the metal, the longer it takes to polish, and it is common for it to take several years."

Chen Qing, standing behind, shook his head slightly. "What if the swordsman can't wait that long?"

Lou Zhenqing smiled and said, "As the saying goes, sharpening the axe won't delay the work of chopping wood. Many times, only by waiting can we get better results."

Chen Xing nodded slightly. "Doctor Lou is absolutely right."

After briefly looking around the tempering room, the group followed Lou Zhenqing to the smelting room.

The smelting room was filled with many short, wide-mouthed metallurgical furnaces, which were smelting molten iron. The apprentices were busy with their tasks, some adding materials, some stirring, and some fanning the fire.

Once the molten iron is smelted, the craftsmen will open the taphole, allowing the bright white molten iron to flow down the channel into a pre-prepared mold. After cooling, it will form iron blocks and bars.

Chenxing was very familiar with this scene.

Because the metallurgical and silver-refining places in the Gumi tribe also did this, only the steps were more complicated and the output was even worse.

Although the Gumi tribe possesses mountains of gold and silver, the Yue Kingdom can forge copper and iron into long spears and sharp swords; the difference in strength is obvious.

Chen Xing's gaze was deep, and his heart grew even heavier.

Gu Mie's alliance with the Yue Kingdom is tantamount to seeking a tiger's skin; it will likely perish under the tiger's claws one day.

But these are things she can't change, and overthinking won't help.

The group then followed Lou Zhenqing to the forging room.

Lou Zhenqing led the way, explaining:

"The iron blocks smelted in the metallurgical workshop are all sent here, where the disciples forge them into steel."

Chen Xing's eyes darted around, his gaze sweeping over the blacksmith disciples. He noticed that there were quite a few young people here, mostly in their twenties or thirties, and even some as young as fourteen or fifteen.

"Can those teenagers also forge hundred-times-refined steel?"

"That's impossible," Lou Zhenqing said modestly. "These little guys can only forge steel a dozen or twenty times; very few can even forge steel to thirty-six liters."

His words surprised Chen Xing even more.

Few can forge steel of the 36th grade, but it is not impossible.

In the Gumi tribe, the craftsmen who can forge thirty-six steels have basically accumulated decades of experience.

But even teenagers can do that in the Sword Furnace?

Chen Xing blinked, this time it was her turn to be somewhat skeptical, and asked Lou Zhenqing:

"I wonder how many young men in this workshop have mastered such skills?"

Lou Zhenqing really didn't know the answer to this question, so he could only look to Qin Zhiyuan.

Qin Zhiyuan stepped forward and said calmly, "Your Highness, there were only a few people."

His gaze shifted, finding Peng Yue who was forging iron, and he pointed at him discreetly:

"For example, that guy, he entered the sword furnace at the age of ten, and it has been seven years now, and he can only forge steel of seventy-two refinements."

After Qin Zhiyuan finished speaking, he shook his head, seemingly not very satisfied.

Lou Zhenqing and Shen Yusheng both chuckled inwardly.

Peng Yue was one of Qin Zhiyuan's most promising disciples, and he took good care of him during their time in the sword furnace.

Princess Chenxing and Elder Chenqing were unaware of this matter. They were both shocked when Qin Zhiyuan told them that Peng Yue had been able to forge 72-level steel in seven years.

"Seven years to forge seventy-two steel?" Elder Chen Qing really didn't believe it.

Seventy-two-refined steel—this is already a refining material of the Qi Refining level.

If these skills were truly so easy to learn, wouldn't all the disciples of the sword furnace be masters of sword making?

No, it seems that the disciples of the Sword Furnace are indeed all masters of sword forging.

Elder Chen Qing fell into deep thought for a moment.

"Truly a young prodigy," Princess Chenxing exclaimed.

She looked towards Peng Yue and saw a young man working with him, who seemed to be just as skilled.

"Master Qin, that other young man must be just as formidable?"

Qin Zhiyuan watched Fan Zhou's retreating figure as he hammered the steel billet, then waved his hand and laughed:

"This kid hasn't been here long, his skills are still raw, he can only forge about twenty steels."

Princess Chenxing nodded slightly; this was acceptable.

But the next instant, the boy wielding the hammer suddenly threw his head back and laughed loudly:

"Haha! Thirty-six steel refining techniques, I've forged it!"

Chen Xing raised an eyebrow. Thirty-six steel refinements?

Why is this different from what I just said?

Just as she was about to ask a question, she turned her head and saw that Master Qin's eyes were wide open, and his imposing and rugged face had an expression as if he had seen a ghost.

His expression showed more surprise than anyone else's.

Qin Zhiyuan suddenly realized something and noticed the questioning gazes of Princess Chenxing and the others. He instantly composed himself, reverting to his calm and serious demeanor, and said lightly:

"It seems this kid is quite lucky; he managed to forge thirty-six-fold steel by sheer luck. But his foundation is too shallow, and he probably won't be able to replicate it in a short time."

Princess Chenxing's golden eyes darted around as she looked at him with suspicion.

You didn't think that way at all, did you?

"Junior Brother Fan, congratulations! To forge thirty-six-layer steel in just two months—such talent is rare even in the sword furnace!"

Peng Yue wiped the sweat from his forehead and said to Fan Zhou with an amazed expression.

Princess Chenxing, with her superb cultivation, naturally heard these words clearly.

Thirty-six steels were forged in just two months!

Where did this genius come from?

Elder Chen Qing was also greatly shocked.

The two turned to look at Lou Zhenqing.

And you're still talking about luck and chance? You guys are so dishonest!

But something even more surprising happened.

Lou Zhenqing also looked at Qin Zhiyuan with a surprised expression.

How could you forge 36 steel in just two months?

You didn't say a word about having such a promising talent!

Qin Zhiyuan kept a serious expression on his face, his demeanor completely unchanged.

Suddenly, Lou Zhenqing noticed the gazes of Princess Chenxing and Elder Chenqing.

He instantly composed himself, regaining his calm and collected expression.

"Junior Nephew Qin is right. To forge thirty-six steel in just two months at the weapon forging workshop is obviously just luck, nothing special."

"Uncle Lou is right," Shen Yusheng agreed.

Keep pretending.

Princess Chenxing's golden eyes flickered, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

She was too lazy to expose him, and simply praised him softly:

"The disciples of the Sword Furnace are truly a treasure trove of talent, worthy of the lineage passed down by [Master Ye]."

Chen Xing had certainly heard of this master swordsmith, but he wasn't very familiar with the sword furnace.

I never imagined that today, in this desolate wilderness, I would be able to glimpse the tip of the iceberg of this thousand-year-old sect.

If even a small market town is like this, how many extraordinary talents must reside in Mount Tonglu?

Chen Xing sighed inwardly, feeling utterly dejected.

The Gumi tribe, hidden deep in the mountains, is simply no match for such a renowned force.

"Your Highness flatters me."

Lou Zhenqing had regained her composure and respectfully bowed to Chenxing.

Chenxing's beautiful eyes lingered on him for a moment before she turned and walked out of the workshop.

"I'm a little tired, let's call it a day."

"Your Highness, this humble subject respectfully sees you off."

Lou Zhenqing quickly followed and escorted Prince Chenxing all the way to the outside of the workshop.

Chen Xing boarded the golden oxcart of the Gumi tribe and said to Lou Zhenqing before leaving:

"Dr. Lou, I'll be relying on you for help in the future."

"Your humble servant will certainly do his utmost."

Lou Zhenqing bowed deeply.

Shen Yusheng and Qin Zhiyuan also bowed.

Princess Chenxing nodded slightly and then left.

…………

Lou Zhenqing returned to the workshop with his two apprentices and went to Qin Zhiyuan's courtyard.

The three sat together, and Qin Zhiyuan personally poured tea for them.

Lou Zhenqing took a sip and said:

"There will be many things to do in the future. Are you prepared, Junior Nephew Qin?"

Qin Zhiyuan nodded and said, "I plan to build three small towns within fifty miles south of Langdang Mountain, so that we can station manpower, store grain and fodder, and watch over each other."

"How are the arrangements for the journey going?" Lou Zhenqing asked again.

"Fujian is mostly mountainous, and there are only two waterways to go south," Qin Zhiyuan said in a deep voice.

"Very good, I trust you to handle things."

Lou Zhenqing nodded slightly.

His thoughts were in turmoil, and he remained silent for a long time.

As the tea in his cup cooled down, Lou Zhenqing remembered something else.

"Did that young man really forge thirty-six steels in just two months?"

Qin Zhiyuan nodded emphatically as soon as he realized he was referring to Fan Zhou:

"good!"

Shen Yusheng stroked his beard and smiled, "It seems the Sword Forge has gained another talented individual."

Lou Zhenqing took a satisfied sip of tea, "I hope it's not just bad luck."

Qin Zhiyuan thought for a moment and said:

"Uncle Lou, I think this boy has great potential, and perhaps he has some connection with you."

"Oh, why do you say that?" Lou Zhenqing asked curiously.

"This child was originally a boy from a mountain village. He only came to the market at the end of September last year, less than a year ago."

Qin Zhiyuan's eyes shone brightly as he said in a deep voice:

"In such a short time, he not only broke through to the third level of fetal breathing, but also mastered four types of qi. Now he has forged thirty-six steels, which shows that he has extraordinary comprehension and good talent."

Lou Zhenqing was somewhat surprised. "I thought he had been cultivating for more than two years because I saw that his aura was pure and profound."

Shen Yusheng stroked his beard and said, "But with just that, how can one become a disciple of Martial Uncle Lou?"

"As you know, when Uncle Lou selects disciples, what he values ​​most is not their aptitude."

Lou Zhenqing is a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a master swordsmith at the Sword Furnace. He has an extremely high talent for sword forging and has already forged many precious swords.

Furthermore, he possessed exceptional swordsmanship talent. Relying on his Tingyu sword, he earned a formidable reputation at the North-South Sword Tournament in Yue, and was appointed as a Zhongdafu by the King of Yue, making him a renowned and influential figure.

This experience also led him to have high standards, and he had the same requirements for his disciples as he did himself, requiring them to have talent in both sword forging and sword wielding.

Qin Zhiyuan smiled and said, "That's precisely why I'm recommending him to Uncle Lou."

"Uncle, you may not know this, but this boy is also quite talented in swordsmanship. He mastered the Nine Sword Styles and cultivated sword energy not long after he entered the sect."

"At that time, Junior Brother Huang Yi happened to be in the market. Seeing that he had some talent in swordsmanship, he taught him for two months and taught him the swordsmanship of both hardness and softness."

"Unexpectedly, in just a few months, he achieved a sudden enlightenment in the dual sword technique of strength and gentleness, and mastered it to perfection overnight."

Lou Zhenqing was genuinely surprised this time.

"He actually managed to have two sudden enlightenments about swordsmanship!"

Qin Zhiyuan nodded and smiled:

"Such a disciple, with both forging skills and swordsmanship talent, and with exceptional comprehension, wouldn't be perfectly suited to be my master's disciple?"

Lou Zhenqing stroked his beard lightly, and for a moment he was indeed somewhat tempted.

People who possess both of these talents are rare; perhaps it really is fate.

"By the way, what is this child's spiritual root like?"

Qin Zhiyuan said somewhat awkwardly, "Four inches and nine-tenths."

"What?"

Lou Zhenqing frowned deeply.

This spiritual root is really too poor.

Qin Zhiyuan persisted, saying, "Although his aptitude is somewhat lacking, he also has some good fortune, and his cultivation is not slow."

"Good fortune can't be eaten. With his spiritual root, I don't know how many resources he would need to successfully refine his Qi."

Lou Zhenqing rubbed his temples, thought for a moment, and then asked:

"What's the child's name?"

"His surname is Fan, and his given name is Zhou," Qin Zhiyuan said.

"Fan Zhou..."

Lou Zhenqing pondered for a moment, then said:

"After Her Highness leaves in a few days, I will reconsider him. If he is of good character and has a good talent for swordsmanship, I will take him in."