Han Changling roared, and his face turned dark. Clearly, he was enraged.
He was embarrassed because Ou Yangming kept escaping him, so he gathered his strength in his fist and threw a punch.
The punch should not be underestimated at all. If he only wanted to capture Ou Yangming earlier, he probably wanted to tear his face apart now. Ou Yangming would be severely injured if he was hit, or worse, he would die.
Ou Yangming’s face took on a ghastly expression and he was even more reluctant to leave with Han Changling. This was because he sensed strong killing intent from him and was puzzled about why Han Changling had such a strong hatred toward him.
Nevertheless, even a fool knew that Han Changling had planned this in advance because it did not make sense for him to behave like this due to a small dispute.
Although Ou Yangming did not understand why he had such a bitter resentment against him, he could not just wait and die.
While extremely calm, Ou Yangming suddenly fell down. The fist wind that brushed across his head caused his face to hurt. He ignored the fist wind and kicked Han Changling’s ankle.
Han Changling shrieked in pain. He glared at Ou Yangming, eager to kill him with a punch.
When he turned to look again, Ou Yangming had already escaped, scurrying out of the Armament Camp.
Han Changling was startled and furious. The little fellow was unbelievably cunning. He screamed and chased after Ou Yangming, “Stop right there!”
Ou Yangming ran faster when he heard him.
The two of them left the Armament Camp in the blink of an eye, and in a dark corner, Zhang Yinfan cursed, “Trash.” He then disappeared soundlessly.
Ou Yangming noticed a familiar figure soon after he left the Armament Camp. His eyes shone, and he shouted as though a drowning man was holding onto a lifebuoy, “Big Brother Sui, save me.”
The person stopped to turn around, then ran over to him like a whirlwind.
Just as Ou Yangming was relieved, he heard the sound of a heavy punch behind him, which was accompanied by an awful wail.
When he turned around, he saw Sui Hezhi standing in front of him, staring at Han Changling coldly. Meanwhile, Han Changming had his hand on his chest and was in extreme pain.
Sui Hezhi raised his eyebrows. “Brother Ouyang, did he bully you?”
Ou Yangming nodded. “Yes, he wanted to… He wanted to beat me!”
Sui Hezhi put on a grim smile. “Okay, I’ll beat him until his head becomes a pig’s head.”
With that, he took a step forward and punched as fast as lightning.
As a result, Han Changling howled in grief, and, indeed, his head seemed to have turned into a pig’s head.
Chapter 18
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Stop!”
A row of armed soldiers came over to pull both parties aside.
After all, they were in a military camp, so the Armament Camp was guarded by soldiers who quickly interfered when the incident happened.
Sui Hezhi took a few steps back, then crossed his arms in front of him disdainfully.
Those who were picked by Chen Yifan to join the Guards were wild and unruly soldiers. Since Sui Hezhi was one of them, he was not afraid at all, even when surrounded by soldiers.
An elder walked out of the camp and frowned. “What’s going on?”
Upon seeing the elder, Ou Yangming was relieved.
The elder was Zhong Yunda, an experienced Military Fire Blacksmith in the Armament Camp. Though he was not on par with Old Craftsman, he was quite a remarkable figure.
Besides, he was close to Old Craftsman, so he would not make things difficult for Ou Yangming.
After a soldier approached him to whisper to his ear, he cast an unfriendly look at Sui Hezhi, then looked at Han Changling, who was on the ground. He felt that the man whose face was like steamed bread was familiar, but could not recognize him.
“Hmph, who are you? Why are you fighting in the Armament Camp?”
Sui Hezhi cupped his hands at him, and answered, “I’m Sui Hezhi, a guard soldier under General Chen Yifan.”
The soldiers who surrounded him were stunned and slowly lowered their weapons.
‘The Armament Camp’s an important section of the military, but compared to General Chen Yifan… Hmm, it’s best that we take things easy instead of courting our own death.
Zhong Yunda’s face turned dark. “General Chen’s Guards are wild indeed. Hehe, I’ll go look for General Chen to discuss this incident!”
Sui Hezhi’s face changed slightly, and he turned to look at Ou Yangming. Should Chen Yifan find out that he caused trouble and fought for no reason, he would not end well.
“Grandfather Zhong, listen to me,” Ou Yangming quickly spoke, pointing at the muddle-headed Han Changling with tears on his face, “After Big Brother Sui escorted me back here, I met Han Changling. He wanted me to be his helper, but the old man already gave me a task, so I said that I’d finish the task before I helped him. He refused to listen and started attacking me. You should know that my weak body can’t take many blows, but he kept hitting me, look…”
Zhong Yunda later noticed that Ou Yangming’s clothes were muddy, and few parts were torn. On top of that, dried blood could be seen at the corner of his mouth.
“Jeez, how can this brute be so ruthless!” He was startled and enraged when he took a closer look at Ou Yangming. He turned to look at Han Changling with disgust. “Drag him away, I’ll explain to Sir Kang!”
The soldiers responded to him at the same time, then took Han Changling away.
“It doesn’t matter if those rude fellas don’t learn diligently, but the fact that they put on an act in front of you really embarrasses Military Fire Blacksmiths.” Zhong Yunda sighed, then tapped Ou Yangming’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll stand up for you.”
Ou Yangming nodded. “Thank you, Grandfather Zhong.”
Zhong Yunda left after he comforted him.
Ou Yangming was relieved, then he bowed at Sui Hezhi. “Thank you for saving me, Big Brother Sui.”
Sui Hezhi waved his hand and helped Ou Yangming up. “Sheesh, Brother Ouyang, what are you doing? Get up, quickly.”
Afterward, he rubbed his hands together and was about to say something but he stopped on second thought.
Ou Yangming guessed what he wanted to say, so he chuckled. “Big Brother Sui, what’s the matter with you?”
Sui Hezhi hesitated. “Brother Ouyang…”
Ou Yangming quickly corrected him. “Big Brother Sui, you said it wrong!”
“What?”
“My surname is Ou, not Ouyang!”
Sui Hezhi was stunned for a moment. He thought. ‘Since your surname is Ou, why did you give yourself a confusing name?’ However, he said, “So your surname is Ou, Ou Yangming is such a nice name!”
Ou Yangming chuckled. “Big Brother Sui, you’re flattering me. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
Sui Hezhi quickly replied, “Ah, Brother Ou, I’d like to ask about the… The military saber that you created earlier. I wonder what you’re going to do with it?”
His eyes were sparkling when he spoke, and sweat could be seen on his forehead.
Ou Yangming was not surprised because he had guessed what Sui Hezhi wanted to say. “Big Brother Sui, I did smith this military saber, but it’s military property, so it should be put in storage.”
The muscles on Sui Hezhi’s face twitched. “Brother Ou, that’s a small matter, why should you go through the trouble of doing it? How about I do it for you?”
Ou Yangming laughed. “Big Brother, I think you want to keep it for yourself!”
Sui Hezhi’s face reddened as he was embarrassed. “Brother Ou, honestly, for rough fellas like us, a good weapon is like life. When I saw the military saber you forged, I don’t feel like using normal ones anymore.”
In actual fact, the saber he used to battle with Ou Yangming earlier had been caref
ully selected, but he could only pick from Common Grade weapons, which were far from one that was at the peak of Good Grade. As such, his saber was cut into two.
Ou Yangming grinned, then gave him the military saber. “Since you put it like that, I’ll have you take it to the armory for me.”
Sui Hezhi’s eyes glowed right away and he accepted the saber without wanting to let go of it.
Ou Yangming knew that Sui Hezhi would not take the saber to the armory, but he also knew that Sui Hezhi would not make things hard for him. Another saber would surely be brought to the armory. It would be none of his business.
Sui Hezhi was elated when he looked at the military saber, but he suddenly frowned. “Hey, Brother Ou. I owe you a huge favor this time, and I really don’t know how I can repay your kindness.”
Ou Yangming replied, “Big Brother, you just saved my life…”
Sui Hezhi waved his hand to cut him off. “Brother, I only helped you to deal with a scoundrel, I didn’t save your life. Please don’t put me to shame.”
Ou Yangming was touched, and he suddenly recalled something. “Big Brother Sui, I heard that the members of the Guards often hunt in the dense forest?”
“Yes, it’s a rule set by the general. Hehe, the guard soldiers of the five camps in the military will head to the forest every ten days or so, and the general that leads the Guards with the most kills gains more reputation.” Sui Hezhi was filled with pride as he spoke. He then tapped the saber in his hands. “With this good item to assist me, I’m very confident!”
Ou Yangming nodded. “I hope that you’ll be victorious!”
Sui Hezhi laughed happily. The battle for honor was extremely important to soldiers like them because anyone who caught the general’s eye would certainly be promoted in the future.
Ou Yangming blinked his eyes as he asked, “Big Brother Sui, what do you usually do with your kills?”
Sui Hezhi answered without any hesitation, “That depends on their grade, but most wild beasts are sent to the kitchen and cooked for everyone to enjoy.”
“Ah,” Ou Yangming responded, seemingly disappointed.
Sui Hezhi was stunned. “Brother Ou, do you have any opinion on this?”
Ou Yangming shrugged. “Nothing. I actually enjoy wild animal meat very much, but there isn’t enough to eat…”
Sui Hezhi burst out laughing as he finally understood what the young fellow meant. Instead of feeling unhappy, he was extremely excited.
That was because from that day onward, everyone would be able to tell that Ou Yangming had a bright future.
His talent in smithing truly made one’s blood boil. If he could smith a Good Grade military saber now, what could he smith in the future?
Sui Hezhi was very aware of where he stood and he knew that he could still converse with Ou Yangming at the moment, but once Ou Yangming became famous, there would surely be a big difference between their status.
Nevertheless, if there was a chance for him to continue being acquainted with Ou Yangming, it would be a perfect gift.
Once he decided, he slapped his chest. “Brother Ou, that’s a small matter, so leave it to me. Hehe, I’ll bring a wild beast to you every ten days. I guarantee that you’ll be blessed with delicious food!”
Ou Yangming was overjoyed, but he was rather hesitant. “It won’t be good if people see it…”
Sui Hezhi replied proudly, “There’s a rule in the Guards that allows us to keep one of the kills for ourselves. Hehe, don’t worry, it’s just a beast, so it’s not a big deal.”
He actually had to pay a certain price if he wanted to obtain the entire beast, but if it meant that he could be close friends with Ou Yangming, it was definitely worth it.
After sending Sui Hezhi away, Ou Yangming was all smiles.
Now that he finally understood the source of his Qi and blood, he had to ensure they were constantly replenished. Although it would be a strange method, he was left with no choice.
Of course, it would be fine for him to steal from the pigpen occasionally because nobody would say a thing if only a few pigs were missing.
However, someone would notice if he were to use the domestic pigs to replenish his Qi and blood for years.
Three missing pigs could be easily dismissed by a simple excuse, but if there were thirty or even three hundred missing pigs…
Therefore, Ou Yangming decided to approach Sui Hezhi after he knew that the Guards often went hunting. He made a great deal by exchanging a military saber that could be smithed at any time for an endless supply of Qi and blood!
Nonetheless, he did not know that Sui Hezhi was thinking similarly.
Sui Hezhi also felt that he made a great deal by exchanging some wild beasts for a long-term friendship with Ou Yangming!
Chapter 19
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Ou Yangming did not wait for long at Old Craftsman’s smithing workshop before the old man returned with a radiant face.
Joyful happenings resounded in one’s spirit and it somehow made Old Craftsman look younger.
Nevertheless, the old man’s face darkened again when he heard about the conflict between Ou Yangming and Han Changling.
He sneered. “Hehe, Han Changling isn’t that daring. Someone must’ve instructed him to do that.”
Ou Yangming’s face changed. “Old man, you’re saying…”
“We’ll talk about this next time. Come, I’ll show you something good!” Old Craftsman waved his hand, then put down the odd-shaped ores that he was carrying, and was very careful so as to not break anything.
In actual fact, while the ores were not as tough as gold or iron, they were not as fragile as eggs. Even if someone were to throw them on the ground, nothing would happen to them. However, they were priceless items to Old Craftsman, so he would never treat them with disrespect.
Ou Yangming took a step closer to glance at them, then asked earnestly, “Old Man, what are these?”
“Hehe, young fella, these are precious ores, and they have magical uses!” Old Craftsman spoke in a somewhat exaggerated tone, then he picked one up. “Look, though this one looks like an ordinary hard ore, it’s actually a rare Power Ore. If it’s incorporated into a weapon, it’ll increase the user’s power.”
Ou Yangming’s eyes glowed, and he instantly recalled the attribute of power +1 that he found at the abandoned armory.
Back then, he was uncertain what it meant, but after using a weapon, he finally understood its source and function.
‘It can increase one’s power. Mm, it’s a good thing, but I’ll have to confirm its effect after I try it.’
“This is Agility Ore, which increases a user’s speed.” Old Craftsman lifted another ore, then proceeded to show Ou Yangming the rest of the precious ores. “The general’s really generous, he gave us ten precious ores!”
Ou Yangming was touched. “Old Man, didn’t General Chen give you a Blood-thirsty Ore previously? Is that a precious ore too?”
Old Craftsman nodded seriously. “Yes, but the Blood-thirsty Ore is a high-end precious ore, and General Chen put in a lot of effort to get it. Hehe, the general asked me to smith an armament for him because he trusts me, so I must do it well.”
Ou Yangming nodded. “Old man, are there only Power Ores and Agility Ores here? What about others?”
“Hmph, you haven’t learned to crawl, but you already want to run? You’re such a greedy fella. There are many others who wish to practice with basic precious ores, are you going to be picky?” Old Craftsmen stared at him snappily, then tapped Ou Yangming’s head. “If you speak nonsense again, I won’t let you touch any of them!”
Although he sounded ruthless, Ou Yangming knew that he always left the best things for him.
Later, Old Craftsman said, “Young fella, you’re qualified to be a real Military Fire Blacksmith now, so I should teach you my secret skills.”
Ou Yangming quickly straightened his body. “Old man, please.�
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“The armaments that we normally forge are separated into four grades; Common, Good, High, and Fine. They’re collectively known as White Slate Armaments,” Old Craftsman explained. He continued after a short pause, “Apart from that, if armaments are created with a unique ability, they become Attribute Armaments. Hehe, Attribute Armaments are amazing, and each of them is a super treasure, so much so that people will do whatever it takes to get one!”
Ou Yangming looked at the precious ores, then asked, “Old Man, are Attribute Armaments made by incorporating armaments with these precious ores?”
Old Craftsman nodded. “That’s right, but it’s not easy to attach attributes successfully to an armament when precious ores are used.” He sighed. “Even though I’ve been working on it for a long time, my success rate is only around thirty percent. It’s too difficult, it’s really too difficult…”
Ou Yangming rolled his eyes around. “Old Man, are Attribute Armaments separated into different colors?”
Old Craftsman chuckled. “You’re quite smart. Normally, those with an extra attribute are known as Red Armaments, those with two extra attributes are known as Orange Armaments… In increasing order, it’s Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, and Purple. Oh, I heard that there’s a higher grade that’s known as a Golden attribute, but that’s only a legend. I’ve never seen it before.”
Ou Yangming calculated in his head, then questioned, “Old Man, does Purple have seven attributes then?” He was doubtful. “You’ve seen it before?”
Old Craftsman was speechless, and his face slowly darkened. He scolded, “B*stard, what does it have to do with you if I’ve seen it before or not? Listen, I’ll be teaching you how to smith with a precious ore, and you must memorize everything word by word. If you make even the slightest mistake…” He looked around the room, then picked up a burning staff. “I’ll let you know why flowers are so red!”
Ou Yangming felt a chill down his spine, and he smiled bitterly. “Old man, when did you upgrade your staff? If you hit me with that, I’ll be half-dead!”
Immortal Path to Heaven c1-725 Page 12
