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Chapter 255 An Agreement On The Rank

The faces of Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu changed, and they quickly smiled apologetically as they explained. Sir Hu and Scholar Xu knew it would be hard to meet Master Wu Hongxi if they brought Ou Yangming to the residence just like that. Nonetheless, they went through so much to gather many materials, so they figured they would at least be treated with a bit of respect.

Who knew, Twelfth Young Master’s attitude disappointed them.

Nevertheless, after witnessing Ou Yangming’s abilities throughout their journey, Sir Hu and Scholar Xu dared not offend the young man, who had a bright future.

Ou Yangming pondered for a while before he suddenly asked, “Young Master Yan, may I know what rank I have to be in if I’d like to meet Master Wu?”

Yan Yuanhua glanced at him in shock and questioned out of curiosity, “How long have you been learning smithing art?” “Around 3 years,” Ou Yangming answered honestly. Although it had only been a year since he acquired the Military Fire, before that, Old Craftsman had been consciously training him in this aspect. The young fellow’s 2 years of being a helper were not in vain.

“3 years?” Yan Yuanhua wondered and asked, “How long have you obtained the Military Fire?”

“A year.”

“A year?” Yan Yuanhua had a strange look on his face, and he laughed out loud. “In the capital, children who’d like to learn smithing art will have to learn for at least 3 years before they’re qualified to participate in the talent assessment. Moreover, they have to achieve the best result to be given the Military Fire or the spiritual fire. Given that you’ve only learned for 2 years, have you accumulated sufficient knowledge? Heh, since you’ve had the Military Fire for a year, I suppose you’re an official Military Fire Blacksmith.”

Ou Yangming responded with a straight face, “Yes.”

“Ah, I don’t blame you since you came from a small place, but an official Military Fire Blacksmith is the most basic blacksmith in the capital, so there’s nothing much to praise about.”

Yan Yuanhua’s implication was simple. An official Military Fire Blacksmith was considered formidable in a place like the Immense Forest Military Camp but was nothing much in the capital.

Ou Yangming nodded and asked again, “Thank you for your pointers, Brother Yan, but I still want to know—what rank do I have to be in to meet Master Wu?”

Yan Yuanhua smiled arrogantly and replied to him, “In the capital, even Superior Blacksmiths can’t meet Master Wu easily, but... If you’re able to earn the title of an Advanced... No, an Intermediate Blacksmith in the upcoming assessment, I’ll arrange for you to meet my master from afar.”

Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu furrowed their eyebrows because it was truly a difficult request.

Not to mention Ou Yangming was only a blacksmith from a small place, even if he practiced smithing art with a great deal of effort in the capital, how much could he learn in 3 years? Besides, it was incredibly difficult for a Military Fire Blacksmith to arrive at an Intermediate Blacksmith’s rank within a year.

Although blacksmiths like that existed, each of them was exceptionally gifted. Also, the Military Fire or the spiritual fire that were captured by them had their respective wonders, hence nobody dared to belittle them.

Sir Hu and Scholar Xu had witnessed Ou Yangming’s martial arts strength, so they thought Ou Yangming spent all his time on improving his martial arts. As for smithing art, one who could release the Military Fire was considered a blacksmith anyway.

Despite that, the Military Fire could be used to deceive people in the village, but it was extremely ordinary in the capital.

That said, Ou Yangming did not look troubled at all. He nodded and questioned, “Where’s the upcoming assessment?” Yan Yuanhua was stunned. “Are you really going?”

Ou Yangming grinned. “Since I’m given a chance to meet Master Wu, why should I give it up?”

“You’re quite an interesting fella. Okay, if you’re able to earn the title of an Intermediate Blacksmith, I’ll fulfill your wish, but...” Yan Yuanhua stared at Ou Yangming, then a scornful look was seen on his face. “I forgot to tell you that the soonest assessment will be held in 5 days. According to the rules, the application is closed 10 days before the actual day. Hehe, it’ll be tough if you’d like to participate in it...”

Hu Yicheng’s face darkened. ‘After talking for a long time, it turns out that Yan Yuanhua is pulling our leg! Not only did he fool Ou Yangming, but he also embarrassed me.’

“But a participant can still be added halfway through some special means,” Yan Yuanhua stated with narrowed eyes and a smile. He put his hands behind his back and added proudly, “For instance, if I make a request, they’ll surely show me face.”

“Once again, thank you for your pointers, Young Master Yan.” Ou Yangming looked deeply at Yan Yuanhua and grinned. He later turned to say, “Big Brother Hu, we’re done visiting, so let’s make a move.”

Hu Yicheng was startled for some time before he forced a smile. “Yes, we should go.”

Yan Yuanhua could not help but scoff when he watched the three men leaving leisurely. He did not have bad intentions as he only wanted to enjoy the feeling of being flattered and begged, but Ou Yangming and his companions did not do as he wished. As such, Yan Yuanhua was displeased.

Hu Yicheng sighed after they left Master Wu’s luxurious residence. “We’re terribly unlucky today to have men Twelfth Young Master.”

“Yes, if we had met another young master, based on the materials that we brought, perhaps we would’ve been able to meet Master Wu.” Scholar Xu shook his head and noted with regret, “Young Ou, Twelfth Young Master comes from a noble family and is Master Wu’s apprentice, so he’s conceited indeed. Please don’t mind him!”

The scholar obviously knew Ou Yangming was unordinary and might not be able to stand the resentment. Judging from the young fellow’s tricks that night, where he came and went like a ghost, Scholar Xu figured he might do something that he would regret later. Hence, the scholar gave Ou Yangming a subtle reminder.

Ou Yangming chuckled and responded, “Brother Xu, don’t worry. I admire Master Wu’s ability very much, so I’ll visit him with the most appropriate status.”

“Oh, did you... Perceive the sword?” Scholar Xu was struck dumb for a while before he asked.

“I perceived it a little, but I still have some doubts, so I’d like to consult Master Wu.” Ou Yangming nodded slightly.

Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu secretly shook their heads. How could Master Wu’s skill be understood so easily? When an amateur and a professional studied the same sword, they would see completely different things.

In any case, they did not believe that ou Yangming could fathom much from it.

After all, Yan Yuanhua was right-Ou Yangming had not learned smithing art long enough.

Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu would never believe that a young man, who had just learned smithing art for 3 years, could comprehend the essence of a weapon smithed by Master Wu.

Sir Hu cleared his throat. “Young Ou, I’ll go think of a way to see if you can join the assessment in 5 days.”

Ou Yangming could not help but laugh. “Big Brother Hu, I’ll go think of a way first. I’ll trouble you after if I fail.”

Hu Yicheng was dumbfounded. “What way is it?”

“Big Brother Hu, have you heard of the Yi Pavilion?” Ou Yangming asked.

“The Yi Pavilion is one of the biggest chambers of commerce in the Wu Dynasty, so of course, I know of it.” Hu Yicheng was surprised. He then said with bright eyes, “If you’re able to connect with the Yi Pavilion, you’ll certainly be able to take the assessment!”

A tremendously enormous chamber of commerce like the Yi Pavilion had forces, which could not be ignored, everywhere.

Perhaps they could not do anything huge, but it would be a piece of cake for them to let someone join the blacksmith’s test.

Ou Yangming beamed. “That’s great. Big Brother Hu, please send me to the Yi Pavilion. We’ll meet again next time.”

Hu Yicheng and Scholar Xu exchanged glances. Instead of questioning Ou Yangming about his relationship with the Yi Pavilion, they went on the carriage and sent him to his destination. Before they parted, Hu Yicheng told the young fellow again that he could think of a way if he still failed to join the assessment.

Nonetheless, Hu Yicheng dared not guarantee that he would definitely come up with a feasible idea.

Ou Yangming watched as the carriage went far away, then he turned and entered the big building behind him.

The words “Yi Pavilion” were hung high outside the big building.

This was an important place in the capital, thus the Yi Pavilion was extremely valued. As soon as Ou Yangming entered, a servant attended to him with a bright smile.

Ou Yangming turned his wrist and revealed a jade pendant. The servant’s face immediately changed when he saw the item, and he looked at the young fellow with unusual respect. After the servant bowed at Ou Yangming, he led him into a luxurious living hall.

Before long, a middle-aged man entered. He smiled after he looked at Ou Yangming’s jade pendant. “I’m Du Gaoge. Sir, I see you’re a master who was invited from Changlong County. Hehe, how should I address you?”

The man was all smiles, but he could not hide the puzzled look on his face.

It was worth noting that the jade was not an ordinary item; it represented the candidate recommended by their branch in Changlong County to participate in the upcoming Myriad Treasure Meet.

The Myriad Treasure Meet was especially important even in the capital, and it carried an important meaning for all chambers of commerce.

If a chamber of commerce could stand out in the meet, they would be at the top. Therefore, before the previous meets began, the chambers had the most intense fights between them be it openly or covertly.

The Yi Pavilion was a well-known chamber of commerce. Apart from their main branch in the capital, their respective branches in the eight other counties would recommend an expert each.

However, the so-called master in this context was not a martial arts powerhouse, but a person with impressive achievements in certain areas.

Nevertheless, Du Gaoge, who was in charge of reception, could not tell how Ou Yangming could have moved Changlong County’s head shopkeeper.

At times, Ou Yangming’s young and immature face was truly a huge hindrance. “I’m Ou Yangming,” Ou Yangming answered, “I remember Head Shopkeeper Lin Yichen said if I encounter a problem in the capital, I can use this jade pendant to ask the Yi Pavilion for help.”

Du Gaoge smiled. “That’s right. One who possesses the jade pendant is the Yi Pavilion’s honored guest. If we can’t make you feel at home, it’ll only mean that our service isn’t up to par.”

Ou Yangming nodded with a smile. “Great! I’d like to join the Blacksmith Rank Assessment, which will be held in 5 days. Can you help?”