Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

Just as Shen Chu was about to say something modest, Manager Li waved his hand and continued:

"That old bastard Han Tieshan has gone mad. He doesn't know what's good for him. He had a promising talent but insisted on abandoning his post and leaving. As for me, I was almost misled by him and nearly wronged you. Alright, let's put this matter behind us. You can focus on being a swordsmith and don't bring up the apprentice thing again."

After saying this, Steward Li picked up the low-grade dagger, clutching it tightly to his chest as if it were a priceless treasure, and hurriedly turned to leave.

As he walked, he kept muttering, "I need to hurry and deliver this knife to the young master..."

Shen Chu watched Manager Li's figure disappear through the courtyard gate. Before she could think any further, someone patted her on the shoulder.

He turned around and saw Sun Ping standing behind him with a smile, his face glowing, looking several years younger.

"Little Shen,"

Sun Ping rubbed his hands together, grinning from ear to ear.

"I've already discussed it with Manager Li. From now on, you can just work under me without worry. I can't guarantee anything else, but as long as I'm here, I promise you'll learn real skills!"

Shen Chu grinned at Sun Ping, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master Sun! I will definitely work hard under your guidance from now on!"

Sun Ping waved his hand cheerfully: "Don't say that. If it weren't for your help in chipping out those pieces of material, I probably would never have even touched the threshold of low-grade weapons in my entire life. Speaking of which, I should thank you!"

Shen Chu was polite on the surface, but inwardly she found it somewhat amusing.

Sun Ping is truly an honest man.

He pretended to be clueless, but his eyes saw everything clearly.

The progress bar for one of the two pieces of material is (99/100), and the progress bar for the other piece is (100/100).

Sun Ping's limit is (98/100)!

Don't underestimate these one or two minor details; sometimes, these one or two details can make all the difference!

Sun Ping was able to forge a low-grade short sword only because of the iron material he had hammered to its maximum value. Without that material, even if Sun Ping forged for another ten years, he probably wouldn't have been able to even get close to a low-grade weapon!

However, Shen Chu naturally wouldn't say these things aloud.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He wasn't afraid of being an apprentice, but why should he compromise himself when he could live a good life?

He and Sun Ping each got what they wanted.

Sun Ping gained fame and status, securing a stable foothold, while Steward Li saved face and had an explanation to his superiors. All three parties were happy.

As for Han Tieshan? Let him go to hell!

Thinking of this, Shen Chu felt much more relaxed.

Meanwhile, Steward Li, carrying the low-grade short sword, hurried along and arrived at an inner courtyard.

He waited in the side hall for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Then the curtain was lifted, and a fat young man in a brocade robe with a large belly walked in.

This man was none other than Li Chengwen, the eldest son of the Li family.

Steward Li quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Young Master."

Li Chengwen, however, didn't give him a pleasant look. He plopped down in his seat and launched into a tirade:

"Manager Li, you really know how to make me look good! The news of Han Tieshan and his men abandoning their post has already reached my father's ears! How exactly do you manage people? The Zhao family's goods are due in a few days. If the business is delayed, who will take responsibility if my father blames me? Are you trying to make a fool of yourself in front of the second son's family?!"

Manager Li was thoroughly scolded and repeatedly bowed and apologized: "Young Master, please calm down! I came to report this matter to you."

He hurriedly pulled out the low-grade dagger from his robes, presented it with both hands, and said with a fawning smile, "Young Master, please look. Although Han Tieshan is gone, a new Sun Ping has emerged in our sword-forging courtyard, and we have a new swordsmith. That kid is extremely talented! Moreover, Sun Ping just forged a low-grade dagger today, genuine and without any adulteration! With this skill, we can easily explain things to the Zhao family. As for Han Tieshan..."

Manager Li chuckled meaningfully and said, "It's good that he's gone. Young Master, think about it, has Han Tieshan been on our side all these years? He's probably already siding with the Second Young Master. Now that he's leaving on his own, it saves us a lot of trouble and prevents even bigger problems from arising in the future."

Li Chengwen still had an angry expression, but upon hearing this, his expression gradually changed.

He picked up the dagger, examined it carefully, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly nodded: "Hmm... what you said makes some sense."

He tucked the dagger into his sleeve, stood up, and his expression softened considerably: "You did a good job on this matter. After I report to Father, you will be rewarded handsomely."

Manager Li was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you so much, young master! Thank you so much, young master!"

Li Chengwen said no more, gripped the low-grade short sword, turned and strode quickly towards the inner courtyard.

That's the direction of Master Li's study.

Li Chengwen, panting heavily, hurried to the door. Just as he was about to knock, he heard laughter and conversation coming from inside.

He frowned immediately and abruptly pushed open the door.

Sure enough, at the tea table in the study, Master Li was sitting opposite a young man, chatting happily.

The young man was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a handsome face, dressed in a long robe, and exuding a gentle and refined air.

It was Li Jiwu, the second young master of the Li family.

When Li Chengwen saw this scene, he felt a tightness in his chest.

Every time he came to see his father, the second son would always chat with his father, making his father beam with joy, while he, the eldest son, would always stand aside like a servant.

But he still patiently stepped forward and bowed to Master Li, saying, "Father, your son greets you."

The smile on Master Li's face faded noticeably the moment he saw Li Chengwen. He gave a casual reply, his tone clearly impatient: "You've come at the right time. I was just about to talk to you."

Li Jiwu, who was standing to the side, also stood up, politely cupped his hands to Li Chengwen, and smiled, "Big brother has arrived."

Li Chengwen glanced at him and nodded perfunctorily in response.

Upon seeing this, Master Li's face immediately darkened, and his tone became more severe:

"Boss, how do you manage your men? What's wrong with that Manager Li? He's turned this once-prosperous forging compound into a complete mess, even driving away an old man like Han Tieshan! If Jiwu hadn't gotten the news in time and stepped in to negotiate with Han Tieshan, you would have ruined the businesses of our Li and Zhao families!"

Li Chengwen was taken aback and suddenly looked at Li Jiwu.

Li Jiwu quickly waved his hand and smiled modestly:

"Father, you flatter me. This is what I should do. How can we distinguish between 'yours' and 'mine' when it comes to the affairs of the Li family? As long as it doesn't interfere with the family business, it's all worth it for me to run errands and waste my breath."