Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

If the "Refining and Tempering" technique is used, the completion level of this short sword should reach around 80 points.

But Shen Chu did not do that.

If I could forge a weapon in a single day that rivals the skills honed by a master craftsman over decades, it would be truly astonishing!

If it attracts the attention of those with ulterior motives, it might bring unnecessary trouble.

We still need to keep it a secret.

Throughout the afternoon, Shen Chu didn't use the "thousand hammers and hundred forgings" technique even once, but still managed to complete four short swords.

The completion rates were 44, 46, 48, and 50 respectively.

In terms of quality, it's about the same as the others, but in terms of quantity, it has one more than the others.

As his skill level increases, this gap will widen further.

I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to sit alone by a stove again after today.

As Shen Chu waited, she also tidied up the stove, which had already been extinguished.

At this moment, Manager Li, who had gone out to make purchases, also returned from outside.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Shen Chu cleaning up the stove.

He had already heard about what happened at noon.

In fact, he never said that Shen Chu should become Han Tieshan's apprentice; he only asked Han Tieshan, who was closest to becoming a low-grade blacksmith, to take good care of him.

Unexpectedly, Han Tieshan took it upon himself to want to take Shen Chu as his apprentice. After being rejected, he became angry and embarrassed and even brought the matter to his side.

Now things have become a bit complicated.

If they wanted to protect Shen Chu, Han Tieshan and his gang would definitely not agree.

This wasn't the first time Han Tieshan had done this; every time he caused trouble, he threatened to leave.

Manager Li was already extremely annoyed, but he couldn't really let Han Tieshan leave. After all, Han Tieshan was highly skilled and had a group of apprentices under his wing. If they all left, it would be a significant loss for the Li family.

The direct decline in weapons production would also lead to him being held accountable by his superiors.

However, if Shen Chu were demoted to an apprentice because of Han Tieshan's words, it would not only discourage Shen Chu and the other swordsmiths, but also embolden Han Tieshan and his group.

When that time comes, your words will have even less effect!

After weighing the options, Manager Li decided that a short, sharp pain was better than a long, drawn-out one.

Rather than being hampered by Han Tieshan and his group in the future, it's better to be decisive now, otherwise Han Tieshan really won't know who's in charge of this compound.

"Shen Chu, Han Tieshan, come here."

Manager Li beckoned the two of them over.

As soon as Han Tieshan arrived, he sneered at Shen Chu: "You brat, today I'll send you back to be an apprentice! Don't even think about becoming a full-fledged swordsmith in two or three years."

But Shen Chu's expression remained calm and composed.

He wasn't afraid even if he really had to go back to being an apprentice.

It may be tough and tiring, but as long as he can hone his skills and develop real talent, people's opinions of him will eventually turn in his favor.

"How to handle this is not up to you, but up to Steward Li's decision."

Shen Chu looked at Steward Li:

"Steward, I was personally promoted to be a formal swordsmith by you. Even if you demote me back, I will not hold a grudge. Please make the decision, Steward."

Both said the same thing, but Shen Chu's words made Manager Li feel comfortable, while Han Tieshan's words contained a hidden threat.

This made Manager Li even more inclined to side with Shen Chu. He looked at Han Tieshan, already showing some impatience:

"I've heard about what happened. It's just a trivial matter. Why make such a big deal out of it? Master Han, you should really tone down your temper."

These words stunned not only Han Tieshan, but also Shen Chu.

Shen Chu never expected that Manager Li would speak up for him, a newcomer, even at the cost of offending Han Tieshan, a veteran swordsmith.

Han Tieshan hadn't expected that Manager Li would be so tough this time. Not only did he not stand up for him, but he also reprimanded the newcomer in front of him.

"Manager Li! Are you really going to protect this newcomer?" Han Tieshan's old face turned red with embarrassment.

His disciples, who had already become official swordsmiths, all gathered around.

As before, they tried to put pressure on Manager Li in this way.

But Manager Li was even more annoyed, and he insisted on his decision.

A short, sharp pain is worse than a long, drawn-out one. If we don't crack down on people like Han Tieshan, the rules will just fall apart!

This is the Li family's knife-forging compound, and it is Old Li who is in charge, not Han Tieshan's master and apprentices.

"I won't take back what I said. If something like this happens again, don't blame me for not being lenient."

"Alright! Manager Li, you said it yourself!"

Han Tieshan pointed at Steward Li and ripped off the Li family's blacksmithing robe, throwing it on the ground.

His disciples followed suit, taking off their forging robes and throwing them on the ground, with one even stomping on them.

Manager Li frowned slightly as he looked at the scattered blacksmith's robes on the ground, then slowly spoke:

"Han Tieshan, what do you mean by this? Are you planning to leave the Li family?"

Han Tieshan sneered, "Since Steward Li won't give me face, then I don't need to stay here and put up with this. I, Han Tieshan, am one of the most renowned swordsmiths in this city. Even without the Li family, there are still places that will hire me!"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeves, turned around, and strode toward the courtyard gate.

His disciples looked at each other, a few hesitated for a moment, but they all followed.

After the group left the gate of the forging compound and walked a short distance, one of the disciples finally couldn't help but approach Han Tieshan and ask in a low voice, "Master, are we really leaving like this? What will we do afterward?"

The other disciples also gathered around, their faces full of worry.

Han Tieshan stopped and glanced back in the direction of the Li family compound, a smug smile playing on his lips. "What's the rush? Do you think I left on a whim?"

The disciples were taken aback.

Han Tieshan lowered his voice and said, "Don't forget, in seven days, the batch of weapons ordered by the Zhao family in the north of the city will be delivered. That's three hundred fine iron longswords. With the few mediocre guys left in the yard, they won't be able to finish them in ten days. If we can't deliver on time, can Steward Li take the responsibility? That's a deal worth three thousand taels of silver!"

Upon hearing this, the disciples' eyes lit up immediately.

"Master means... that Steward Li will have to beg us to go back then?"

Han Tieshan snorted, not answering directly, but patting the disciple on the shoulder and saying meaningfully, "Let's go, let's find a place to stay first. In a few days, someone will naturally come to invite us back."

The disciples were finally relieved, their worries vanished, and they followed Han Tieshan forward with laughter.

However, a glint of shrewdness, barely perceptible to others, flashed deep in the eyes of Han Tieshan, who was walking at the very front.

This matter is far more complex than simply making Steward Li bow his head. Han Tieshan has worked for the Li family for so many years, and what he holds in his hands is not just the skill of making a few hammers!