Posting a Grade A Task

The Blacksmith Association was full of burly men—some bare-chested, some wearing leather aprons, their bulging muscles looking ready to burst through their clothes.

Most were blacksmiths, though there were also quite a few potbellied merchants.

When Xiao Yun entered with two young women, everyone's eyes swung toward them at once.

A young gentleman in a blue-green robe, accompanied by two maids as lovely as flowers and jade, was simply too conspicuous in a place like Gengxin City.

The bare-chested blacksmiths stared openly at Shui Bing'er and Zhu Zhuqing, making no attempt to hide their admiration.

The potbellied merchants were more restrained, merely stealing a glance before looking away.

A few young men's gazes also held jealousy and envy.

Shui Bing'er remained expressionless, as did Zhu Zhuqing. Both had seen their share of grand occasions.

Xiao Yun paid no mind to those gazes either and led the two straight to the reception desk.

The reception desk was a curved counter with a marble surface polished as smooth as a mirror. Behind it stood a pretty young woman in a pale purple dress, wearing a sweet smile. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, and a Blacksmith Association badge was pinned to her chest.

At the sight of Xiao Yun approaching, the attendant's eyes brightened, and her smile grew warmer.

"Is this your first visit to the Blacksmith Association, young master? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Xiao Yun nodded slightly. "It is. I'm not very familiar with this place. Could you explain what the different areas in the hall are for?"

The attendant enthusiastically began her explanation.

The Blacksmith Association divided blacksmiths into six ranks—Apprentice Blacksmith, Junior Blacksmith, Intermediate Blacksmith, Senior Blacksmith, Master Tier Blacksmith, and Divine Craftsman.

Apprentice Blacksmiths were not qualified to accept tasks independently and could