Chapter Forty-Two: The Watershed Between Forging and Artifact Refining

He sat cross-legged in the courtyard, breathing evenly and silent as the night. Cui Nong sat quietly by the door, not daring to disturb Yun Yufeng.

Several hours passed before He Gong returned, his face alight with excitement, carrying a sheathed longsword. Seeing Yun Yufeng in the midst of recovering his breath, He Gong waited respectfully at the side, silently hoping for him to awaken.

Another hour slipped away before Yun Yufeng finally stirred, the sky already tinged with dusk. As soon as Yun Yufeng opened his eyes, He Gong hurried forward and offered the sword. “Young Master, please have a look.”

Yun Yufeng drew the sword, flicked his finger across its blade, and a clear, resonant note rang out, trembling gently through the air and singing softly to the ear.

Yun Yufeng smiled. “How does it fare?”

He Gong’s excitement was barely contained. “Young Master, the quality of this sword is exceptional, nearly reaching the pinnacle of weapon forging. If the materials were improved, it could rival the lower ranks of artifact refinement—almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”

“Excellent.” Yun Yufeng was deeply satisfied. With this matter settled, he could turn his focus to training in the surrounding mountains.

“He Gong, report this to the clan chief. I won’t go myself.”

“Yes, Young Master. But please, don’t call me ‘Master He.’ Outsiders might think I’m your teacher—I can’t bear such a title. Just call me He Gong.”

Yun Yufeng chuckled. “Very well, I’ll rest for now. Ah—if you need to replace the alchemical fire, you can use the stove. From now on, you’ll need to watch the timing yourself. I’ll leave all of that in your hands; after discussing with the clan chief, I’ll provide you with more helpers.”

“Yes, Young Master!” He Gong bowed and departed.

Yun Yufeng stretched, sighing, “I’m utterly exhausted. Time for a good sleep.”

“Indeed, Young Master. You’ve neither eaten nor drunk since morning, working nonstop. Even the toughest man wouldn’t withstand it.” Cui Nong’s concern showed as she handed him a piece of fruit. “I’ll fetch the food—Cai Die’s already finished preparing it.”

“Good, bring extra bowls and chopsticks. We’ll dine together.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Cui Nong paused mid-step, then hurried off.

In the estate’s council hall, He Gong was reporting to the clan chief, who sat at the head of the table, his expression stern and displeased by the unexpected visit.

“Speak. What is it?” The old clan chief’s voice was calm.

“Clan Chief, Young Master Yun Yufeng sent me to report something to you.”

At the mention of Yun Yufeng, a smile crept across the old man’s face. “Yufeng sent you?”

“Yes, Young Master Yun Yufeng. He has invented a new forging method; in one session, he produced one hundred and one longswords, each a superior work.”

“What? Is that true?” The old clan chief shot upright from his chair, his cheeks flushed, beard and hair trembling, the delight plain in his features.

“Clan Chief, it is absolutely true. I witnessed the entire forging process, and moreover…”

“And moreover?”

“According to Young Master, this method can be performed by ordinary people. With enough experience, anyone can forge weapons in batches—fine weapons, nearly as good as artifacts.”

“Sixth rank?”

“Exactly. The sixth rank divides forging from artifact refinement. The difference is that forging stops at refined iron, unable to handle superior ores. Artifact refiners have alchemical fires they can control freely, allowing them to reach much higher grades.”

“Yes, I know that. Are all one hundred and one swords the same?”

“They are. But only one has been sharpened; the others are still in mold form. Young Master has stored them away.”

The old clan chief’s eyelid twitched—Yun Yufeng had indeed left nothing to chance, and He Gong was clearly his confidant.

He waved his hand. “You may go.”

“Yes, sir.” He Gong bowed and withdrew.

The old clan chief muttered to himself, “Looks like I’ll have to pay Old Third another visit. Yufeng always finds ways to startle people—never gives me peace. These old bones are pitiful indeed!”

With that, he paid no heed to the hour, and strode out toward the scripture hall.

Yun Yufeng cared little for the elders’ deliberations, sleeping so deeply that the world could have turned upside down. Upon waking, he felt completely refreshed. Stretching, he called for Cui Nong. “Cui Nong, how long did I sleep?”

The little maid covered her mouth, grinning mischievously. “Guess!”

Yun Yufeng glanced at the faintly lit window paper, uncertain. “Is it early?”

“Hehe, Young Master, you finally got it wrong! Being around you is usually discouraging, but this time I finally get to tease you!” Her laughter blossomed like a flower as she clapped her hands.

A dark line appeared on Yun Yufeng’s forehead. Was it really so amusing? He put on a stern face. “Watch your tongue, or else.”

The girl instantly fell silent, covering her mouth, her eyes wide as she stared at Yun Yufeng, as if accusing him of some crime.

Yun Yufeng smiled triumphantly. The girl was growing bolder, but since he’d once smacked her bottom, she was wary of crossing him. “All right, I won’t hold a grudge. Speak.”

“It’s time for dinner. The clan chief sent someone over, but seeing you asleep, they left. He came four or five times in total—Young Master, your treatment is truly special. No clansman ever gets such favor; usually, regardless of circumstances, they’re summoned whenever needed.” Seeing his leniency, the maid was all smiles, her words tumbling out.

Yun Yufeng tapped her nose and laughed. “That’s because your Young Master is talented.”

“Uh, yes, yes, hehe.” She giggled, covering her mouth again.

Shaking his head, Yun Yufeng walked out, calling back, “I’ll go see the clan chief. Keep the food warm, I’ll eat when I return.”

“Have something first, Young Master!”

“No need, I’ve just woken and have no appetite.” With that, he left the courtyard.

“Hmph!” Cui Nong stamped her foot, turned into the house, muttering, “I made snake stew—ugh! Cai Die will tease me again.”

When Yun Yufeng arrived at the clan chief’s residence, the meal was just being served. Seeing him approach, the old man hurried over, eyes gleaming. “Yufeng, you’re finally awake! He Gong has been here twice already, he’s really concerned about this matter.”

Yun Yufeng curled his lip, thinking, It’s you who are concerned, isn’t it? Look at those shining eyes.

“Ha ha, Clan Chief, I was careless and overslept. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No need for such formality. Today it’s just us, grandfather and grandson. Go, fetch two sets of bowls and chopsticks to the study—I want to speak with you. Yufeng, you haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“Not yet. I was about to eat at home, but hearing Grandfather called, I came straight over.”

“Hahaha, you do know how to talk. Come, let’s go to the study. Oh, and bring a couple of dishes to go with the wine,” the old clan chief instructed.

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