Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior-Chapter 68 - 66: Treasure-Forge Art and Special Bounty

Chapter 68: Chapter 66: Treasure-Forge Art and Special Bounty

"First, let’s head to the medical clinic."

Nowadays, the first reaction of the Little Doctor upon seeing Su Mu is to come close and check if he has taken a ’beating’. This left Su Mu a bit at a loss whether to laugh or cry. How could practicing the Vajra Body not involve ’beating’, especially when the one doing the beating is Su Mu himself.

"Su Xiaoyou, you’re here just in time today, follow me quickly."

The Pharmacist pulled Su Mu to the pharmacy, poured a concoction into a vessel containing toxic blood right in front of him, and this time the reaction of the toxic blood was far more intense than before.

After a fierce churning, the pitch-black viscosity revealed the original blood color, and the stench penetrating the nostrils was also greatly reduced.

"This medicine is three times more effective than the old formula." The Pharmacist stroked his beard with pride and then added, "But remember, medicine is three parts poison; this medicine also has strong fire poison. Take three doses for now, boil each dose into three large bowls, and take one every three days."

"Your efforts are much appreciated, Pharmacist."

"No worries, I find joy in this work. There are still some leftovers from the last batch of herbs; once they run out, I’ll draft a new list for you."

After Su Mu expressed his gratitude, he solemnly took the medicinal powder. Just then, the Pharmacist added some precautions, and outside the medical clinic came chaotic noises, as illnesses were prone during the changing seasons, making the clinic busier recently.

"Today’s visit is early; the pastry shop isn’t open yet. What do you want next time?"

"Hmm... red date cake?" The Little Doctor tilted her head in thought. "Maybe the new green pastry from Xinghua House instead."

"Alright, red date cake and the green pastry it is."

The Little Doctor’s almond-shaped eyes curved into crescents as her cheeks suddenly turned a bit red, and she quickly shoved a bottle of trauma medicine wine into his hands: "I... I need to help Master now."

As she turned around, her plain-colored dress swirled lightly, resembling a butterfly in flight.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A heavy iron hammer, weighing dozens of pounds, danced deftly in Su Mu’s hands as if it weighed nothing. With each strike, the forging platform quivered slightly, and the continuous sound of metal clashing was crisp and resonant, like a song composed by the wind.

Gradually, the hammering sound became deeper, resembling rocks rolling, yet still in rhythm with a hidden melody.

One must understand, those who can enter the Forging Workshop are all skilled craftsmen, and even those unacquainted with forging could quickly feel its extraordinariness watching at this moment.

The quenching, grinding polishing, earth coating, blade burning, tempering—each step in Su Mu’s hands seemed like a work of art, intricate and flawless, every motion fluid and effortless.

An apprentice unconsciously became so absorbed watching until a long saber was forged, snapping back to reality reluctantly.

"It’s done... This is the third long saber forged this month."

Su Mu used iron tongs to retrieve the long saber. The saber glowed with a green sheen, its blade carrying a cold gleam. After a serious inspection, Su Mu nodded to himself, a hint of satisfaction crossing his face.

Forging was the first vocational art Su Mu came into contact with upon arriving in this world. Initially, he learned forging arts desperately, simply to survive, to be able to eat meat.

From initially being just an assistant, independently forging farm tools, to creating Ten-Refined Weapons, Thirty-Refined Weapons, and now effortlessly crafting Hundred-Refined Elite Soldiers.

Now, if Su Mu only wanted to survive, he wouldn’t need to rely on forging desperately. Standing beside the forging furnace brings him a sense of peace, and with each weapon crafted, Su Mu feels a sense of accomplishment.

Perhaps it is this that allows Su Mu to maintain his passion for forging consistently.

These were all seen by Wu Lie, the acting Workshop Master at the Forging Workshop. The fiery emotion naturally flowing from the youth’s eyes was beyond concealment.

"Remarkable!" Unable to restrain himself, Wu Lie approached to praise, "Three Hundred-Refined Elite Soldiers forged this month, three days faster than last month!"

Wu Lie, full of admiration, gazed at the boy illuminated by the furnace, secretly feeling that Junior Brother Li’s recommendation letter was still too conservative.

"Workshop Master Wu, I’d like to take a few days off for the rest of the month."

Su Mu suitably requested time off, planning to head to the Demon Slayer Bureau to complete the remaining four Level 3 Rewards for the Bone Forging Formula.

"Go ahead." Wu Lie waved his hand. "Forging three pieces a month has already exceeded the quota; in the future, there’s no need to report such minor matters to me."

With those words, many craftsmen in the Forging Workshop, even several blacksmiths, cast envious glances toward Su Mu. Workshop Master Wu couldn’t be kinder to this new blacksmith.

Though requesting leave from Wu Lie would surely be approved for a blacksmith, approval is one thing, and not needing to report is another; the difference between the two is substantial.

Yet, they could only covet, knowing they couldn’t replicate; if they too could forge three high-quality Hundred-Refined Elite Soldiers like Su Mu each month, they’d receive the same treatment.

Alas, they are not Su Mu, nor could they achieve what Su Mu has.

"Thank you, Workshop Master Wu."

Su Mu thanked him briefly, then left the Forging Workshop quickly after the closing time.

In a tranquil little courtyard deep within the Forging Workshop, Wu Lie placed the three Hundred-Refined Elite Soldiers forged by Su Mu this month into a spot, saying, "The three of you masters, these are the three long sabers forged by Su Mu this month. Please have a look!"

The three masters glanced at each other, clearly understanding the purpose of the Workshop Master summoning them to examine Su Mu’s forged weapons.

Normally, the three elders would refuse to yield to each other, attentively inspected each blade, each showing expressions of amazement.

"Such superb Hundred-Refined Steel. Even in the realm of Hundred-Refined Elite Soldiers, it’s hard for an old timer like me to confidently say I could surpass him." One master gently stroked the blade’s pattern with his emaciated fingers, eyes gleaming with interest.

"Indeed, even if this skill was held by a fifty-year-old, they would surely become a Treasure Forger, let alone that young lad who is not even twenty yet." Chen Yuntian offered high praise.

As his words fell, the other two master craftsmen showed expressions of awe, and upon reflection, found it to be true.

Today, all three master craftsmen gave Su Mu high praise, a recognition unheard of among other blacksmiths in the Forging Workshop.

"Since the three master craftsmen all acknowledge Su Mu... then I will have to trouble you in the future. However, Su Mu is still too young, so there is no need to rush this matter."

...

Leaving the Forging Workshop, Su Mu had no knowledge that Wu Lie had deliberately gathered the three master craftsmen intending for them to take turns teaching him the Treasure-Forging Art for Grade-Entering Treasure Artifacts.

Such treatment had happened before, Wu Lie being one of the recipients.

After leaving the Forging Workshop, Su Mu quickly entered an alleyway, disappearing as Su Mu and reappearing as Li Feiyu, the assassin. He swiftly arrived at the Demon Slayer Bureau and presented his token.

"Take me to see Director Li."

The constable of the Demon Slayer Bureau immediately led the way upon seeing Li Feiyu, as Director Li had previously ordered that should Li Feiyu appear, he was to be taken directly to him.

"Please follow me."

In a study, Li Zhihe’s eyes flickered upon meeting Li Feiyu after a month, "Li brother, what brings you here today?"

Li Zhihe paid close attention to Su Mu. This person, only at the Bone Forging Realm, had asked him for the Bone Forging Formula, clearly indicating his Bone Tempering Level was not high. Yet, he managed to bring back Zhao Xuan’s head, who had escaped from a Muscle-Enhancing Martial Artist.

This showed that Li Feiyu possessed extraordinary martial talent, with a killing ability beyond his Martial Arts Realm.

To Li Zhihe, Li Feiyu had potential worth cultivating.

With an arrogant persona, Li Feiyu immediately stated his demand, "Lord Li, I need Bone-Forger Ointment, and also to obtain the formula as soon as possible."

Li Zhihe, startled by the revelation, quickly realized the implication: Li Feiyu had exhausted two boxes of ointment and wanted to continue taking up wanted orders.

However, the Black Jade Tiger Bone Ointment not only had higher potency than the White Jade Barbarian Bone Ointment from the Hundred Elixir Tower, but it also contained half more in quantity. Consuming one box a month was considered impressive.

"I still underestimated this Li Feiyu... He looks young, around twenty-three or twenty-four."

Li Zhihe’s heart tightened, realizing more and more the extraordinary nature of the person in front of him.

"Li brother, your timing is perfect. Right now, there’s a wanted order suitable for you, but this matter is special."

"How is it special?"

"A few days ago, the Patrol Department in Black Mountain Town arrested a group of bandits. Among them is a relatively important person who needs to be escorted back to Qingyun City for the County Magistrate to personally interrogate and sentence. County Captain Li is worried about rebels rescuing him en route, so he plans to split into two groups."

"One will take the official road, and the other will take a small detour."

"This matter is special in that if any rebels try to rescue him, and you can fend them off, it will count as a significant contribution, equivalent to three wanted orders. If the journey is peaceful, then it won’t count, and I can only offer you a token fee for your effort, hoping you won’t mind." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Three Level 3 Rewards!

There is no free lunch in the world—the higher the bounty, the higher the risk of the task.

To dare intercept someone in government custody and cause such concern for the County Captain means the identity of the person to be escorted back to the city is not simple, likely involving major forces in Qingyun County.

But as Su Mu is now operating as the assassin Li Feiyu with a false name and identity, he doesn’t fear offending major forces. At worst, he can quickly acquire the formula and change identities again.

After weighing the gains and losses, Su Mu decided to take on this special wanted order.

"I’ll take this wanted order."

"Great courage. With you on this, success is assured." Li Zhihe complimented slightly, then immediately pulled a secret letter from a drawer and handed it over. "Not to be shared."

Su Mu skimmed the letter, which ordered that the Cyan Cloud Army would take the official road, with Demon Slayer Bureau personnel assisting along the path.

However, the letter did not concretely specify which route was the real one, nor did it outline the exact path for the small detour.

"The time is set for two days later. Li brother, you should set off for Black Mountain Town as soon as possible."

"Alright."

Before leaving, Li Zhihe summoned a constable, "Quickly go to the storeroom and get a set of armor and weapons for Li brother."

Soon, a constable arrived holding a finely crafted set of scale black armor and a glistening long saber.

"The armor and weapons are registered; Li brother must return them upon his return."

In the study, the two discussed briefly, and Su Mu promptly took the armor and saber, leaving decisively, reaching Heishan Town by nightfall without delay.

"Waiter, prepare a room and serve a good meal."