The end of Gaowu: Becoming stronger from not practicing

The atmosphere in the secret chamber of the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion was more somber than ever before.

In front of Shen Qiming lay the dossier concerning the failure of Khun Sa's mission.

"Khun Sa has been missing for seven days. There has been no response to the communication jade slip, and the life tablet has also been broken."

An elder in charge of intelligence said in a deep voice.

"A high-ranking god vanished without a trace, without even sending a distress signal..."

Shen Pengyun's voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

“Zhang Lingfeng is just a level 5 blacksmith who has only recently advanced to the first level of godhood. Even if his skills are special, there is absolutely no way he could have killed Kunsha.”

"Not bad!"

Shen Qiming tapped his fingers on the table, making a rhythmic sound. If Zhang Lingfeng's strength was so extraordinary that he could kill Kunsha, perhaps the assassination plan against Zhang Lingfeng would not have been carried out so quickly.

But we will definitely carry it out to the end.

The reason Shen Qiming was determined to kill Zhang Lingfeng was because Zhang Lingfeng's potential was too terrifying.

It may threaten the Divine Craftsman Pavilion in the future.

An existence capable of transforming from a true god into a god-level being, and from a soul master into a martial arts forger, within such a short period of time.

He was a prodigy whom the Divine Craftsman Pavilion had never encountered before.

Since we've already offended them...

Then we can only try to resolve this, or we can try to get rid of Zhang Lingfeng.

Zhang Lingfeng has not yet fully risen to prominence.

In Shen Qiming's view, killing Zhang Lingfeng would obviously be easier, and he wouldn't have to humble himself.

He was already extremely frustrated that he couldn't win the championship in the forging competition and couldn't remove the signboard of the Divine Craftsman's Shop.

How could they possibly continue to apologize to Zhang Lingfeng and offer him compensation?

Even Shen Pengyun couldn't do that.

"We've all overlooked one thing: why was Commander Ma so certain that Zhang Lingfeng could succeed? Besides his talent, was there anything else he relied on? Like that Zhang Tianshi..."

The name Zhang Tianshi was like a pebble thrown into calm water, stirring up ripples in the hearts of the elders.

Several months ago, Ma Dashuai had publicly mentioned on several occasions that Zhang Lingfeng had a divine inscription master named Zhang Tianshi behind him.

This even led some to fantasize about Zhang Lingfeng becoming a divine inscription master.

At the time, the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion thought this was just General Ma boasting to raise Zhang Lingfeng's status, or an excuse for Zhang Lingfeng to refuse to become his apprentice.

However, after the Shen family's investigation...

There is indeed a person named Zhang Tianshi within the Divine Inscription Master Guild.

However, the Divine Inscription Master Guild will protect the identity information of every Divine Inscription Master.

Even the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion only knows that Zhang Tianshi exists, but does not know who this Zhang Tianshi is.

"check!"

Shen Qiming issued the order.

"Use all available connections to find out Zhang Tianshi's background. Is he a hidden divine inscription master in White Emperor City, or a powerful outsider? What is his relationship with Zhang Lingfeng, and is it true or false?"

He believed that Khun Sa's disappearance was related to Zhang Tianshi.

If Zhang Lingfeng had a divine inscription master by his side who could easily kill a high-level god, then this matter would need to be reconsidered.

"Until we find out who Zhang Tianshi is, we must suspend all direct actions against Zhang Lingfeng. If there really is such a divine inscription master secretly protecting him, then our previous assassination attempt was tantamount to stirring up trouble and may even invite retaliation."

One of the elders offered a reminder.

Both Shen Qiming and Shen Pengyun agreed with this, and did not rush to kill Zhang Lingfeng at this time.

The backyard of the master craftsman's shop.

Zhang Lingfeng's life seemed to have returned to the way it was in the past.

The shadow of the assassination attempt had not yet dissipated, but he knew that hiding inside the Divine Craftsman's Shop was the safest option at the moment.

He followed the routine every day, forging some throwing knives and hidden weapons to get by, while spending most of his time lying low to ensure he could gain more "lying low value".

Lying flat value: 6502
Unfortunately, this kind of "lying down" doesn't bring in much "lying down value," only about three thousand per month.

The Divine Inscription Master Cultivation Competition, also known as the Divine Inscription Master Conference, is held two years after the Forging Conference.

In other words.

In two years, Zhang Lingfeng could only accumulate a little over 70,000 "lying down" points, which was clearly insufficient to solve his immediate crisis.

Zhang Lingfeng needs to find a way to improve.

Therefore, his heart was not at peace.

The rate at which the flat value on the panel is increasing is far from sufficient to cope with potential crises.

He knew that the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion would not truly give up, and improving his strength was an urgent matter, which required a massive amount of "lying down" points.

He needs a more efficient way to lie flat.

Just as Zhang Lingfeng was troubled by this, an unexpected guest arrived.

After finishing his meeting with the city lord of Baidi City and the president of the Divine Inscription Master Guild, Barkol did not leave immediately. Instead, he went to the Divine Craftsman Shop through Yan Fei's introduction.

The arrival of this newly crowned champion of the forging competition, a level six peak blacksmith, and a powerful god-level expert, shook the entire Divine Craftsman Shop.

"Master Ba, your presence is an honor to my humble abode. Please come in!"

General Ma personally came out to greet them, his attitude respectful.

"I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Barkol laughed.

"Master Zhang, Master Ba is here to see you."

General Ma knew that Barkol was after Zhang Lingfeng.

Ma Fei had already told Commander Ma about Yan Fei.

Barkol's gaze, however, bypassed Ma Dashuai and landed on Zhang Lingfeng.

"Master Zhang, your performance at the forging competition was impressive. In just a few years, you have gone from a true god to a god, and from a first-level blacksmith to a fifth-level blacksmith. Such talent is rare in the world."

Barkol said with a serious expression.

"You flatter me. Compared to you, I am nothing. It was purely by chance, pure luck."

Zhang Lingfeng laughed.

"In my Baruch family, talent and heritage are of utmost importance. Yan Fei has already told me about Master Zhang's past."

I will return to the Baruch region, and Yan Fei will follow me back.

I am optimistic about Master Zhang's potential. I wonder if Master Zhang would be willing to come with me?

On our Baruch family's territory, you can access ancient forging traditions and obtain resources and protection that are unavailable even in the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion.

Barkol said with absolute certainty.

Zhang Lingfeng's talent is terrifying.

And he is also a level 5 blacksmith.

Barkol still hoped to gain Zhang Lingfeng's loyalty.

General Ma knew that Barkol must have come to invite Zhang Lingfeng.

I felt really bad.

The Divine Craftsman's Shop was too small; it couldn't possibly accommodate Zhang Lingfeng.

But if Zhang Lingfeng leaves, the Divine Craftsman Shop will definitely decline drastically.

After all, it was Zhang Lingfeng who helped the Divine Craftsman Shop preserve its reputation, and Zhang Lingfeng is also an irreplaceable level 5 blacksmith.

But Ma Dashuai was also aware of the principle that people strive for higher positions and water flows downhill.

I have already tried to persuade Zhang Lingfeng to stay.

If Zhang Lingfeng wants to leave, there's nothing I can do to stop him.

Moreover, the Divine Craftsman Shop owes Zhang Lingfeng a life. Without Zhang Lingfeng, there would be no Divine Craftsman Shop as it is today. Therefore, whether it is General Ma, Ma Fei, or even Master Yang, they are all filled with gratitude towards Zhang Lingfeng.

We are very reluctant to see Zhang Lingfeng leave, but we also hope that he can become even better and stronger.

Perhaps next time, Zhang Lingfeng will be able to win first place in the forging competition held by the Divine Craftsman Pavilion, just like Barkol. If that day ever comes, he will surely make the Divine Craftsman Pavilion feel ashamed.

Zhang Lingfeng was also aware that this invitation carried great weight.

The Baruch family is the root of Linley Baruch, and its foundation and prestige are far beyond what any other power in White Emperor City can match.

Everyone looked at Zhang Lingfeng.

Barkol was full of confidence.

No intelligent person could refuse his invitation.

However, Zhang Lingfeng habitually shook his head.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master. It's just a pity that I still have some unfinished business in Baidi City, and I've gotten used to life here, so I have no plans to travel far for the time being."

Zhang Lingfeng explained. "Whoosh!"

As soon as these words came out.

Ma Dashuai almost burst out laughing.

This was clearly unexpected.

Barkol was also taken aback; someone had actually refused his invitation.

You should know that he was invited by the Divine Inscription Masters Guild and visited the White Emperor City Lord's Mansion. Both the president of the Divine Inscription Masters Guild and the White Emperor City Lord expressed their hope that one day they could visit the Baruch family area.

Learn more.

Although the Baruch family has declined.

It's not as powerful as it was when Lin Lei was around.

But it is not comparable to the small city of Baidi or a single workshop of divine craftsmen.

Barkol couldn't understand why Zhang Lingfeng would refuse.

But Yan Fei felt that this was the real Zhang Lingfeng.

Since he met Zhang Lingfeng, he had seen Zhang Lingfeng refuse people far too many times.

Especially in the area of ​​apprenticeship.

“Master Ba, this matter can be discussed in detail.”

General Ma laughed.

Barkol is a high-ranking god, a peak level six blacksmith, and comes from the Baruch family. Zhang Lingfeng's refusal of him was a huge loss of face for Barkol.

If someone suddenly gets angry, not everyone can handle it.

Everyone has their own ambitions, and I won't force them.

After regaining his senses, Barkol waved his hand casually and continued, "However, I see that you have a deep affinity with the way of forging. It would be a pity to bury such talent. Since you are unwilling to come along, would you be willing to become my disciple? With the status of my disciple, even the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion in White Emperor City will have to think twice."

Apprentice!

The sixth-level blacksmith, the god-level master Barkol, takes on an apprentice!

If this news gets out, it will be enough to drive countless blacksmiths crazy.

Even Ma Dashuai's eyes revealed a look of envy.

You should know that Barkol is the champion of the forging competition.

Zhang Lingfeng's eyes lit up as well.

I can't believe there's still such an opportunity.

"Let's play!"

Yan Fei's heart skipped a beat.

He knew Zhang Lingfeng all too well in this regard.

Before coming, worried that Barkol would be angry, he told Barkol that his brother disliked others taking him as a disciple the most.

Even if you are the strongest.

He doesn't like it either.

They will actively refuse.

So never think about taking him as an apprentice.

Unexpectedly, these words did not deter Barkol from taking on apprentices.

Instead, he became eager to try and was determined to accept Zhang Lingfeng's offer.

This damn desire to win.

Yan Fei was filled with regret.

If I hadn't told Barkol all this, things might have turned out differently.

Yan Fei felt even more desperate after seeing Zhang Lingfeng's eyes light up.

I don't know if Zhang Lingfeng has a twisted mentality.

She always rejects people.

However, he likes to show excitement and enthusiasm when he sees someone wanting to take him as a disciple, making people think that he also wants to become a disciple, causing many people to be disappointed.

The same is true for Barkol.

They thought they had Zhang Lingfeng completely under their control.

Zhang Lingfeng was not as stubborn as Yan Fei had described.

"I do not want to."

Zhang Lingfeng said.

"Forehead……"

Barkol's expression froze.

This time it was obviously much worse.

"I'm really sorry, but I really want to become a Divine Inscription Master, not a Blacksmith. The reason I'm staying in White Emperor City and not wanting to leave is to watch the Divine Inscription Master Competition more than a year from now."

So thank you very much for valuing me, but I cannot accept your request.

Zhang Lingfeng explained.

[You refused to become the apprentice of Barkol, a level 6 blacksmith and high-ranking god, and have fully embraced the "lying down" philosophy, earning 388888 "lying down" points.]

The panel information appears.

A surge of immense joy welled up in Zhang Lingfeng's heart.

I never expected that refusing to become a disciple of Barkol would earn me so much "lying down" points.

As expected of a high-ranking god, a level six peak blacksmith.

Nearly 400,000 "lying down" points—that would take ten years to accumulate!

Barkol really couldn't hold back this time.

He lowered himself to invite them twice, but was rejected both times.

He carefully examined Zhang Lingfeng and saw that the other man's expression did not seem fake; rather, he seemed to genuinely lack ambition and only seek comfort.

This made him even more curious about Zhang Lingfeng.

Such talent, yet such a lack of appreciation—it's truly contradictory.

"That's fine."

Barkol gritted his teeth.

"I will stay in Baidi City for a while longer, as I have important matters to discuss with the city lord and the Divine Inscription Master Guild. Since Master Zhang has no intention of leaving for the time being, I will not force him."

However, I am quite interested in your master craftsman's shop and in you yourself. If you don't mind, I'll be bothering you for the next few days.

Barkol laughed.

Every man has a desire to conquer.

Barkol felt that Zhang Lingfeng dared to refuse him because he didn't yet understand his power.

Then stay and show off your skills.

He was waiting for Zhang Lingfeng to turn around and beg him.

He refused to believe that he could subdue Yan Fei, who had created his own physical cultivation system, and still fail to defeat Zhang Lingfeng.

"Welcome, welcome. You can stay as long as you like."

General Ma said excitedly.

He was genuinely worried that Barkol, enraged, would kill Zhang Lingfeng with a single palm strike.

Zhang Lingfeng really went too far.

It should be noted that Barkol is a level six blacksmith, a high-ranking god, and comes from the Baruch family. He is also the champion of this blacksmithing competition. Even the president of the Divine Inscription Master Guild and the city lord treat Barkol as an honored guest.

Zhang Lingfeng is utterly ungrateful.

Fortunately, Barkol was not angry.

He also plans to stay at the Divine Craftsman's Shop, even if it's just for a few days, so he can ask questions and perhaps get some guidance. He might even become a Level 5 Blacksmith in the future.

Therefore, Master Ma, Master Yang, and the others were extremely happy.

Of course, Zhang Lingfeng was also very happy.

He just received nearly 400,000 "lying flat" points from Barkol.

If Barkol stays at the Divine Craftsman's Shop, then I can continue to obtain more "lying down points" from Barkol. Perhaps I can obtain the "lying down points" needed to become a high-level god and a level three divine rune master within the next year or two.

Therefore, he not only welcomed Barkol to stay, but also hoped that he would stay indefinitely.

So he said, "That's wonderful! It's been a while since I've seen Teacher Yan, hahaha!" (End of Chapter)