Smiling Tiger, Weapon Forging Workshop

"What? Gang Leader Zhao Xuan of the Black Tiger Gang?"

"Could he suspect that Wu Heng's death last night is related to our shop?"

All the blacksmiths present were startled by the words, exchanging glances, and the courtyard fell into a dead silence.

Upon hearing of Wu Heng's death, everyone had felt a great sense of satisfaction, their pent-up frustration released. But upon further reflection, they remembered that Wu Heng had come to the shop during the day yesterday and taken that Thirty Refinements Weapon by force. He died in his home that very night.

Anyone would suspect the blacksmith shop.

Considering the Black Tiger Gang's methods, everyone present felt that they would have a difficult time today.

At this moment, only Su Mu didn't think so. Judging by the footsteps, Zhao Xuan had come alone. If he were here to demand an explanation for Wu Heng's death, he would at least bring a dozen Black Tiger Gang members, if not surround the shop with them.

But if Zhao Xuan wasn't here to demand an explanation, then why was he here?

Su Mu was puzzled and clueless.

"Quick, go call the shop owner."

Shop Owner Li Tie appeared, and upon learning of Zhao Xuan's arrival, he forced himself to remain calm. "Quick, invite Gang Leader Zhao in for a chat."

Not long after, a middle-aged man in a green Confucian robe with a smile on his face entered the inner courtyard of the blacksmith shop. Seeing Zhao Xuan, many of the blacksmiths were stunned.

This man, who looked to be around thirty years old, a refined and gentle scholar, was the fearsome figure whose name could make children in Qingshui Town cry themselves to sleep, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang?

The crowd found it hard to believe, but they also knew that no one in the Qingshui Town area would dare impersonate Zhao Xuan.

Even though Zhao Xuan had come alone, the blacksmiths' bodies tensed up, more nervous than when Wu Heng had arrived with twenty men that other day.

"Gang Leader Zhao."

Li Tie greeted him with a lump in his throat. He and Su Mu had thought of the same thing. Since Zhao Xuan had come alone and in broad daylight, he likely wouldn't attack directly. They should first hear Zhao Xuan's intentions.

Zhao Xuan saw their extremely cautious reactions. He chuckled softly, "Shop Owner Li, it's been a long time since we last met. I heard that you no longer forge yourself, but your shop has produced a remarkable young blacksmith. Congratulations."

At this point, Zhao Xuan cast a favorable glance at Su Mu.

Li Tie, Zhou Shan, and the other blacksmiths instinctively stepped forward, shielding Su Mu behind them. "Gang Leader Zhao is too kind. I am old now. Gang Leader Zhao's demeanor is as impressive as ever."

Zhao Xuan's face was as serene as a breeze. "I still remember when I first arrived in Qingshui Town, the first long saber was personally forged for me by you, Shop Owner Li. Five years ago, you forged a sword for me. I am still using this saber and sword today, and they are still as sharp as ever. I, Zhao Xuan, have always greatly admired your shop's forging skills. Wu Heng did not tell me when he came to the shop the other day..."

"Wu Heng acted too recklessly and offended your shop. Wu Heng is dead now. I hope Shop Owner Li and everyone else will not dwell on this matter. Let it be bygones."

As soon as these words were spoken, the people in the courtyard, who had been on high alert, froze in place. The leader of the Black Tiger Gang, Zhao Xuan, had come to their door not to cause trouble, but to proactively seek reconciliation?

The blacksmiths first felt disbelief, but then quickly grasped the key point.

"This Zhao Xuan probably thinks that the chivalrous warrior who killed Wu Heng yesterday is related to our blacksmith shop," Li Tie's mind immediately came up with this thought.

He didn't believe Zhao Xuan's previous nonsense. This man had always been ruthless; otherwise, he wouldn't have developed the Black Tiger Gang into the largest gang controlling Qingshui Town.

Li Tie estimated that the chivalrous warrior who acted righteously yesterday was extremely powerful, so much so that even Zhao Xuan was wary, fearing that this person would continue to target the Black Tiger Gang.

This would inevitably lead to heavy losses for the Black Tiger Gang, which Zhao Xuan did not want. It was precisely for this reason that Zhao Xuan had come alone today to propose reconciliation.

Li Tie's thoughts were correct, and this was exactly what Zhao Xuan had in mind. Zhao Xuan had stayed up all night pondering the matter, and the only conclusion he could reach was that Wu Heng had offended the Li Family Blacksmith Shop and thus met his end.

He absolutely did not believe that the fact that Wu Heng had snatched a weapon from the Li Family Blacksmith Shop during the day and was then brutally murdered in his home at night was a mere coincidence. Zhao Xuan had even investigated the matter last night and learned that Wu Heng had secretly ordered someone to kidnap people from the blacksmith shop.

In short, Zhao Xuan had already concluded that the mysterious "Bone Forging" realm martial artist must be closely related to the blacksmith shop. Now that Wu Heng was dead, Zhao Xuan decided to shift all the blame onto Wu Heng to resolve the conflict between them.

Li Tie looked at the man, who was sturdy but actually meticulous. He didn't speak directly but pretended to ponder for a moment before speaking, "Gang Leader Zhao is too kind. Our shop did not suffer much loss. Please accept my condolences, Gang Leader Zhao."

Zhao Xuan saw Li Tie's actions and thought, As expected. He then untied the long saber from his waist and handed it over.

"Shop Owner Li is magnanimous. Since that is the case, this long saber shall be returned to its owner."

Li Tie took the long saber, a joy rising in his heart. He had actually written another letter these past few days, intending to give it to Su Mu to take to the Weapon Forging Workshop. Now that the long saber had returned, it was no longer needed.

Afterward, the two continued to exchange pleasantries in the courtyard. If others saw them, they would likely think they were old friends of many years.

"Gang Leader Zhao, please take care."

After seeing Zhao Xuan off, Li Tie and everyone from the blacksmith shop let out a collective sigh of relief. The tension on everyone's brows eased, and smiles appeared.

"Everyone, let's not discuss Wu Heng's matter in the shop anymore. This matter is now closed. Everyone, go back to work."

"Okay."

Everyone responded and returned to the forging room.

"That Zhao Xuan is untrustworthy, a smiling tiger... However, Shop Owner Li saw through Zhao Xuan's doubts. That moment of feigned contemplation was enough to ensure the shop's safety."

Wu Heng's matter had temporarily come to an end, but the Black Tiger Gang remained a major hidden danger in Su Mu's eyes.

The foremost figure in Qingshui Town, the only Eighth Rank Bone Forging Realm martial artist, had actually bowed his head. Moreover, Su Mu had heard that Zhao Xuan and Wu Heng had a deep friendship. In any case, a smiling tiger like Zhao Xuan was terrifying.

Su Mu had considered completely eliminating the Black Tiger Gang for the shop. He only needed to continue cultivating in low-key fashion for a period, perfect the Tiger Subduing Fist, and then bring the Rock Shattering Fist and Startled Sparrow Steps to great completion. At that point, he would likely have a chance to touch upon the Transforming Force realm.

Then he would be confident in dealing with Zhao Xuan. However, Su Mu didn't have much time left. He couldn't continue to stay in Qingshui Town and had to head to Qingyun City as soon as possible.

Su Mu's desire to leave grew stronger. "After work today, I'll discuss leaving with the shop owner... The shop owner should let me go, right?"

"If I can resolve the Gu Poison in my body by going to Qingyun City... I'll have plenty of opportunities to deal with Zhao Xuan later."

Clang!

With a final swing of the hammer, Su Mu let out a soft breath and put down the forging hammer in his hand. He tidied the tools with practiced ease, then sealed the furnace.

The sun dipped low in the west. Li Tie waited outside the blacksmith shop for a long time before beckoning Su Mu over.

"Su Mu, come with me for a moment."

"Okay."

Su Mu felt a slight doubt; the shopkeeper was waiting for him?

"Su Mu, how long have you been with our shop?"

"About one year and seven months."

Hearing this, Li Tie's face showed disbelief. "Only one year and seven months... Su Mu, in such a short time, you've surpassed everyone in the shop in blacksmithing skills, including myself."

"It's all thanks to Master Zhou Shan and the other masters for their good teaching." Su Mu replied humbly, but he spoke from the heart. Zhou Shan, in particular, not only taught him blacksmithing skills but also gifted him the prescription for the Three-Complete Body Strengthening Soup. Without this prescription, Su Mu's progress in martial arts would never have been so astonishing.

Su Mu was deeply grateful for this. He was someone who responded to kindness, not coercion; he would remember anyone who treated him well.

Li Tie nodded slightly as he listened. "Su Mu, you have immense talent in blacksmithing. I believe your talent shouldn't be wasted in our small blacksmith shop."

"Do you know of Qingyun City?"

"I've heard of it."

Su Mu's heart stirred with surprise. Was Shopkeeper Li Tie implying he wanted to suggest Su Mu go develop in Qingyun City?

"There's a Weapon Forging Workshop in Qingyun City. Their blacksmithing techniques are renowned throughout the Qingyun County area. Their scale is more than ten times that of the Li Family Blacksmith Shop, and I was once a member of that workshop."

"Su Mu, I've already written a letter of recommendation for you. This Thirty Refinements Long Saber is actually a test from that workshop for you. Take this letter and the saber to Qingyun City. You'll have a broader horizon there."

"I hope one day you can become a true Forging Master capable of forging Ranked Weapons. You are the pride of our Li Family Blacksmith Shop!"

"Shopkeeper Li..."

"If you don't mind, you can call me Uncle Li."

"Uncle Li!"

Under the locust tree at dusk, their shadows stretched long and slanted. The young man's expression was complex, a mixture of shame and gratitude. The elder, with a look of relief, gently patted the young man's shoulder.

"Xiao Mu, tomorrow I'll tell the other masters in the shop about this. We'll celebrate for you together."

"Young people should go out and explore more. Perhaps in the future, our Li Family Blacksmith Shop will be remembered for generations because of you. Uncle Li and everyone else can bask in your glory then."

Under the locust tree, the young man nodded, but he secretly made a decision: he would definitely return to Qingshui Town one day to get rid of the menace named Zhao Xuan for the shop.