News of Lou Gao resigning as president of the Blacksmith Association spread throughout Gengxin City in a single morning. When Tang San and Lin Zhixia entered the association hall, they found Lou Gao directing apprentices as they packed up forging tools. Behind him stood more than a dozen blacksmiths carrying wooden crates—all core disciples he had specifically chosen, who had volunteered to join the Tang Sect.
"Master Tang! You're finally here!" Lou Gao greeted them while wiping away sweat, pointing at the crates behind him. "I've brought the Mysterious Iron billets for forging the Dragon Pattern Cauldron, as well as the Earth Core Fire Crystals for tempering metals. And these dozen disciples are all experts capable of independently completing a hundredfold forging. They'll be ready to work as soon as we reach the Tang Sect!"
Tang San glanced over the labels on the crates and nodded. "You've worked hard, President Lou. As for supplies, I had Tai Tan lead the Strength Clan to wrap things up at the Myriad Treasures Metal Shop. The Black Patterned Iron and Ice Silkworm Silk we ordered have already been loaded onto the carts. We didn't find any Deep Sea Silver, but Rongrong sent word that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's branch in the East Sea has uncovered a lead. We'll send people to follow up after we return."
Lin Zhixia entered from outside just then, holding a folded letter that she handed to Tang San. "This is a pigeon message that just arrived. Rongrong says everything is well at Shrek, and Bibi Dong's Dark Net has made no moves for now. But she discovered that a Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall recently left the Pope's Palace, with his destination unknown. She wants us to be extra careful on the way back."
Tang San