Diary System—Chapter 168: Gengxin City Blacksmith Association, Shocked Lou Gao!
"Come in!" Lou Gao left a message and walked in by himself, without giving Dugu Bo the respect he deserved.
He was just like this—interested in iron forging all his life. Gengxin City is located within the territory of the Star Luo Empire, but has never received the recognition it deserves and is on the verge of being forgotten.
If it weren't for the royal family's neglect, how could the Spirit Branch Hall of Gengxin City be so arrogant?
Dai Yichen also understood Lou Gao's attitude and was not surprised. He didn't have too many princely airs.
Moreover, this kind of height in construction is the most practical. And don't think that the building height is so impressive now. When the design drawings are finalized later, you should be as meticulous as possible.
Si Long was sweating coldly and showed an apologetic look to Dai Yichen and Dugu Bo again.
After sitting down, Lou Gao spoke: "I heard that His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince has something important to discuss with me? Please, go ahead. My Blacksmith Association should be of no use to your royal family. It's almost forgotten. Why have you come to me for cooperation?"
Dai Yichen did not beat around the bush and directly took out the sleeve arrow and Godly Zhuge Crossbow from the soul guidance device. He smiled and said, "Senior Lou Gao, how about you take a look before making a decision?"
"This, this is it!"
Lou Gao took the Godly Zhuge Crossbow with sharp eyes, carefully examined the weapon's appearance, and repeatedly exclaimed: "Well-made, good stuff! Who made this?" Lou Gao's attitude shifted from previous dismissiveness to serious interest.
When did such a genius blacksmith appear in the Star Luo royal family?
This thing— even that old gorilla—can't make it!
Of course, if there are production drawings, that's another story.
Dai Yichen thought to himself: That old gorilla is just a low-ranked master craftsman; there's not much to say.
That's what Dai Yichen thought. The three greatest master craftsmen on the mainland are Lou Gao, Tai Tan, and Tang Hao, in that order.
Tang Hao is worse than Tai Tan in forging skills.
Although Tai Tan's Power Clan also makes a living through forging, most of what they produce are iron tools, and he is also skilled at making tool parts.
While Lou Gao's martial soul is not as good as Tang Hao's Clear Sky Hammer, he possesses superb skills, boundless imagination, and a deep love for forging—qualities that Dai Yichen admires.
"I made this."
Dai Yichen's statement stunned everyone present, including Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing blinked and looked at Dai Yichen without speaking.
He has many things to do every day, yet he still finds time to forge these two hidden weapons. His time management ability is impressive!
"Boy! Are you kidding? You're only seven years old, right? Even if you've been learning forging since before birth, it's impossible."
Lou Gao was so surprised that he didn't even address the Fourth Prince properly. He looked genuinely astonished.
Si Long, nearby, was terrified. Seeing that Dai Yichen didn't react, he heaved a sigh of relief.
Dai Yichen said lightly, "I learn quickly. There are many books about forging in the palace. Because of my martial soul, I have a particular interest in forging."
As he spoke, the white tiger armor appeared on Dai Yichen's body, though he was not wearing a helmet.
Lou Gao couldn't help but reach out to touch it. The armor felt cold and sharp. He couldn't help but say, "What a good martial soul! I didn't expect that the royal White Tiger martial soul could mutate into white tiger armor. The quality of this armor is extraordinary—no human could have made it!" Dai Yichen thought to himself: That's not necessarily true. The battle armor after tens thousands years is very similar to his white tiger armor, but its upper limit isn't as good as his martial soul.
Lou Gao took a deep breath and said to Dai Yichen, "Can I test the power of these two weapons?"
"Of course. This small weapon is called a sleeve arrow, and its power can break through the defenses of ordinary soul masters. Even a soul grandmaster might be affected, and this larger one is called the Godly Zhuge crossbow, capable of penetrating the defenses of non-defending soul masters below the Soul King and killing them!" Dai Yichen explained.
"Silong!" Lou Gao called his disciple and signaled him to stand at the door.
Silong:...
Helplessly, Silong summoned his martial soul and adopted a defensive stance. Although he was at the Soul Saint level, his actual combat ability was limited. Otherwise, the Blacksmith Association wouldn't have been targeted by the Bishop of the Spirit Hall Branch. His first soul ring was only white.
Swish, swish, swish~~
Seeing Silong's full defense, Lou Gao shot the sleeve arrow and the Godly Zhuge divine crossbow in turn.
Silong enlarged his Vajra Chisel martial soul and blocked the attacks.
Lou Gao could feel the power of these two weapons, especially the Godly Zhuge crossbow, which could change the course of events on the continent!
This small device was made by the Fourth Prince, who hadn't even fully grown his hair yet!
To be honest, Lou Gao didn't believe it at first. But suddenly, he looked at Dai Yichen with a smile: "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, what kind of cooperation are you suggesting today?"
Dai Yichen replied lightly: "Senior Lou Gao, I have a question. Since the Blacksmith Association belongs to Gengxin City in the Star Luo Empire, do you prefer the Star Luo Empire or the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Lou Gao was slightly stunned. After a moment, he shook his head: "I don't favor anyone. Although you are the Fourth Prince, I, Lou Gao, always speak frankly. I hope you don't mind."
"The Blacksmith Association has always been located in the Star Luo Empire. If power is divided, it belongs to the Star Luo Empire."
"But you should know that mainlanders look down on blacksmiths. Our status is only slightly higher than that of civilians. Your royal family has largely ignored this town for many years. Otherwise, how could you turn a blind eye to the oppression by the bishops of the Spirit Branch Hall?"
"You even think that our blacksmiths are only here to make weapons and equipment for the two empires, as well as ironware for civilians. Our Blacksmith Association has survived until now because we do business not only with the Star Luo Empire but also with the Heaven Dou Empire. More than 30% of our members are from the Heaven Dou Empire."
Before Lou Gao finished, Dai Yichen bowed 30 degrees with great sincerity. Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside him, saw this and, although somewhat confused, followed suit.
Then Dai Yichen raised his head and said, "Senior Lou Gao, I understand the difficulties the Blacksmith Association has faced over the years. A large part of the reason is the royal family's neglect and inaction. But now that I am here, this situation will change. So, are you willing to cooperate with me to elevate the influence of blacksmiths across the continent?"
(End of this chapter)