The end of Gaowu: Becoming stronger from not practicing

The forging competition at the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion was held as scheduled.

Ma Dashuai has already informed Zhang Lingfeng and told the relevant personnel in charge of the conference that Shenjiangpu will send four blacksmiths to participate.

They were him, Master Yang, Wu Xiaomei, and Zhang Lingfeng.

"Yang Tao and Wu Xiaomei, these two have always been vying to inherit Ma Dashuai's mantle. As a result, not long ago, under Ma Dashuai's guidance, Yang Tao successfully advanced to the fourth level blacksmith and also became a mid-level god powerhouse."

However, Wu Xiaomei's cultivation level and forging skills have not improved much during this period.

However, according to the investigation, this Zhang Lingfeng seems to be a level three blacksmith.

Shen Qiming said.

The Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion intends to seize the Divine Craftsmen's Shop's reputation through this forging competition. From now on, there will only be one Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion on the Divine Continent, and no more Divine Craftsmen's Shop.

The idea that the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion and the Divine Craftsman's Shop share the same origin will no longer circulate.

In order to completely take over the Divine Craftsman Shop, they need to force the shop to remove its signboard, or make General Ma give up the shop and let the Divine Craftsman Pavilion take over.

The Divine Craftsmen Pavilion was well-prepared for this forging competition.

We don't want any changes to happen.

The forging competition consists of six rounds.

To protect its reputation, Shenjiang Shop must successfully enter and pass the third round.

Entering the third round of the competition, a level four blacksmith is just the basics. To pass the third round, one needs the strength of a level five blacksmith to ensure a safe passage.

In the fourth round, a group of level 5 blacksmiths competed on the same stage.

Round after round, people will be eliminated.

Each round has strict requirements; you need to forge a divine weapon that meets the standards in order to pass the level.

Sometimes it is even necessary to forge an airship on the spot.

The selection is based on the length of time, the quality, and the grade.

In short, the rules are strict.

Many restrictions and requirements are in place to ensure that the blacksmiths of the Divine Craftsman's Shop cannot advance to the fourth round, but are stopped at the third round as usual.

Therefore, Shen Qiming needs to understand every blacksmith in the Divine Craftsman's Shop.

He didn't know much about Zhang Lingfeng.

All that is known is that Zhang Lingfeng has not been in Baidi City for very long.

I don't know which school he studied under.

Uncertain things may happen.

"We've found out that Zhang Lingfeng originally worked for the Ou family's fleet. He later became a blacksmith before joining the Divine Craftsman's Shop, where he has remained ever since."

It is said that General Ma wanted to take him as his apprentice, but he refused.

This guy is very talented.

From his first appearance in White Emperor City, from a True God to a Divine Being, from a Soul Master to a Blacksmith, the entire time he spent there was less than fifty years.

The staff of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion returned to report.

"what?"

Shen Qiming was greatly alarmed.

I never expected that there would be such a talented person in Baidi City.

"You just said that Commander Ma wanted to take him as his apprentice, but he refused?"

A middle-aged man next to Shen Qiming asked.

"Indeed, Zhang Lingfeng has a very eccentric personality. It is said that he is determined to become a divine inscription master, but unfortunately, he has been practicing the divine inscription cultivation method for many years without being able to even get the basics down."

He recently became a level three blacksmith, which should be because he gave up becoming a divine rune master and began to seriously cultivate the art of blacksmithing.

Commander Ma had high hopes for him, often lamenting that if Zhang Lingfeng had focused on cultivation with him from the beginning, perhaps the Divine Craftsman Shop would have passed the forging competition smoothly.

The subordinates reported this.

Shen Qiming and the middle-aged man behind him exchanged a glance.

"We must bring Zhang Lingfeng into our Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion no matter what. Since he rejected Commander Ma but is still staying at the Divine Craftsmen's Shop, his Divine Rune Contract must still be valid. We can help him redeem himself and give him more preferential treatment. I don't think he can refuse."

The middle-aged man said.

"Second Uncle is right."

The man's name is Shen Pengyun.

"Make arrangements, I need to see Zhang Lingfeng."

Shen Qiming said.

"Yes!"

Handle it among your subordinates.

The day before the forging competition began, Zhang Lingfeng received an invitation from the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion.

Zhang Lingfeng refused outright.

He knew perfectly well why the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion had invited him at this time.

"reject?"

Shen Qiming was caught off guard.

"It must have been discovered by Commander Ma. Of course, Zhang Lingfeng was also being controlled by others. Let's just take action directly. Anyway, the signboard of Shenjiang Shop will be gone soon."

Shen Pengyun said.

"Ok!"

Shen Qiming nodded.

The day the forging competition began.

Many master blacksmiths are registering their identities.

Shen Qiming, accompanied by Shen Pengyun, went directly to Zhang Lingfeng in front of Commander Ma.

"Master Zhang, may we speak in private for a moment?"

Shen Pengyun said.

"Not interested in."

Zhang Lingfeng said.

When Ma Dashuai saw Shen Qiming and the others coming over, he felt something was wrong, but he breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Zhang Lingfeng's reply.

"We are from the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion. I am the young master of the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion. You have good aptitude and we would like to invite you to join the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion. Would you be willing to discuss this?"

Shen Qiming was not angry, and spoke with great confidence and composure.

"Not interested in."

Zhang Lingfeng said.

The other party's clothing bore the words "Divine Craftsman Pavilion," and even their clothes exuded a special power fluctuation, indicating they were a set of defensive attire. He recognized their identities.

I never expected that the other party would be the young master of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion.

"Is it because of the Divine Rune Contract?"

"Don't worry! If you leave the Divine Craftsman Shop now, the Divine Craftsman Pavilion will cover all your losses, and you will not face any punishment."

In addition, the Divine Craftsman's Shop will be open soon.

Someone like you staying in a place like this will only hinder your development.

Shen Qiming remained unperturbed.

I thought Zhang Lingfeng was being controlled by Commander Ma.

"The Divine Craftsmen Pavilion will offer you more favorable conditions and guarantee to train you into a Level 5 blacksmith. With your talent, as long as you seize this opportunity, you will have a bright future."

Shen Pengyun added.

Both uncle and nephew had high hopes for Zhang Lingfeng.

The more you learn about Zhang Lingfeng's past, the more shocked and delighted you become by his talent.

They made up their minds that such people must be used by them.

Upon hearing this, Commander Ma tensed up again.

Because the conditions at the Divine Craftsman Pavilion are too generous.

Wu Xiaomei, Master Wang, Master Liu, and others who were standing together all had their eyes light up when they heard this; it would be a lie to say they weren't tempted.

You should know that the Divine Craftsman Pavilion guarantees Zhang Lingfeng will become a Level 5 Blacksmith.

A level 5 blacksmith, what does that even mean?

He's even stronger than Ma Dashuai.

Not only can he replace Commander Ma, but he can also surpass him. And what kind of entity is the Divine Craftsman Pavilion?
That was the premier forge in Baidi City.

The existence of the Forging Tournament attracts countless blacksmiths to participate in each tournament, with some people traveling from Baidi City for decades to come.

They all traveled to Baidi City despite the hardships, just to participate in this forging competition.

Because if you perform well in the forging competition, you can join the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion and become a member of it.

Therefore, the blacksmiths of the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion are one in a hundred.

Only then can the Divine Craftsman Pavilion continue to grow stronger.

To become an unshakeable force.

Wu Xiaomei, Master Wang, and even Master Yang and the others had to admit that the conditions offered by the Divine Craftsman Pavilion were too attractive. If Zhang Lingfeng had agreed, they wouldn't have thought that Zhang Lingfeng was being unreasonable.

After all, Zhang Lingfeng's relationship with the Divine Craftsman Shop was only a contractual one. As long as he paid the penalty for breach of contract, he would be free.

not to mention.

The previous agreement stipulated that once Zhang Lingfeng became a Level 3 blacksmith, he would no longer be bound by the Divine Craftsman's Shop.

Therefore, if he chooses to join the Divine Craftsman Pavilion right now, the Divine Craftsman Shop cannot stop him, and Zhang Lingfeng will not need to pay any penalty for breach of contract.

After he became a level three blacksmith, the binding force of the contract lost its effect.

Ma Dashuai and Ma Fei also knew that the contract with the Divine Craftsman Shop had lost its effect on Zhang Lingfeng. After Zhang Lingfeng became a level three blacksmith, Ma Fei had also thought about signing a new contract with Zhang Lingfeng.

But General Ma stopped him.

Because General Ma was unsure whether the Divine Craftsman Shop could continue to exist after this forging competition, and if it could not, continuing to sign a contract with Zhang Lingfeng would be pointless.

It will only drag Zhang Lingfeng down.

In that case, let's wait until the forging competition is over and then see how things go.

I never expected the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion to be so shameless.

They actually tried to poach Zhang Lingfeng in front of everyone.

It's obvious they investigated Zhang Lingfeng's past and saw his potential, which is why they seemed so eager to act.

General Ma was somewhat annoyed, realizing he should have thought of this sooner.

Since the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion is determined to take away the Divine Craftsman Shop's signboard, it will definitely try every means to prevent the Divine Craftsman Shop from passing the third round.

After you submit your application for participation, they will definitely investigate your past.

Naturally, they would then be able to discern Zhang Lingfeng's terrifying cultivation talent.

It would be strange if they didn't try to recruit such talent.

But he couldn't control Zhang Lingfeng.

Because the Divine Craftsman Shop did not do Zhang Lingfeng much favor.

Trying to morally blackmail Zhang Lingfeng won't work.

Thinking of this, both Ma Dashuai and Ma Fei looked at Zhang Lingfeng with trepidation.

But Zhang Lingfeng said calmly, "I said I'm not interested."

Upon hearing this, both Ma Dashuai and Ma Fei breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Qiming's expression stiffened, and he couldn't help but remind him, "You should know that the Divine Craftsman Shop will soon cease to exist. Going against the Divine Craftsman Pavilion is not a wise thing to do."

"My Divine Craftsman Pavilion is the strongest forging workshop. Not to mention level four blacksmiths, we have quite a few level five blacksmiths, and even level six blacksmiths. Are you sure you want to refuse the invitation from the Divine Craftsman Pavilion?"

Shen Pengyun added.

Hopefully, Zhang Lingfeng can face reality.

“I think you’ve got it wrong. I, Zhang Lingfeng, am used to being free and undisciplined. No matter how powerful your Divine Craftsmen’s Pavilion is, I will not join it.”

Another thing you need to understand is that the signboard of the Divine Craftsman's Shop will not be lost, much less taken away by anyone. This signboard will remain with the Ma family, with me, Master Ma, Master Yang, and others. If you have the ability, come and take it; we'll fight you to the bitter end!

Zhang Lingfeng said in a firm tone.

As soon as these words came out.

Both Shen Qiming and Shen Pengyun looked extremely grim.

Ma Dashuai, Ma Fei, and the others looked at Zhang Lingfeng with disbelief and excitement. They never expected that Zhang Lingfeng would stand with the Divine Craftsman Shop through thick and thin, without any wealth or glory, abandoning the shop and being casually recruited by the people of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion.

"well said."

Ma Fei said excitedly.

"Yes, the signboard of the Divine Craftsman's Shop belongs to our Ma family, and you will not succeed so easily."

General Ma was deeply moved, thinking to himself that he had not misjudged Zhang Lingfeng.

Although this guy didn't become his apprentice, he truly treated the Divine Craftsman's Shop as his own home, knowing that in crucial moments, he would stand with the Ma family through thick and thin, sharing both honor and disgrace.

"Hahaha!"

Shen Qiming couldn't help but sneer.

"To try and break a rock with an egg is suicidal!"

Shen Pengyun said sarcastically.

"Zhang Lingfeng, I originally thought you were a promising talent and gave you a chance, but I didn't expect you to be so ungrateful and utterly ungrateful. Since that's the case, then see you at the conference."

I want to see how you bunch of good-for-nothings manage to get past the third round.

If you fail, the Divine Craftsman's Shop signboard will be confiscated by the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion, and from then on, you will have no place in White Emperor City.

Shen Qiming said firmly.

"Hey kid, you've missed the greatest opportunity of your life. You have no idea how valuable the name 'Divine Craftsman's Pavilion' is. You'll regret it!"

Shen Pengyun was full of confidence.

Even if Zhang Lingfeng is exceptionally talented, it's impossible for him to help Shenjiangpu pass the third round and help the Ma family protect Shenjiangpu's reputation.

The Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion will not give them this chance.

Zhang Lingfeng, Ma Dashuai, and others also lacked this ability.

They want to take away this signboard openly and honestly, leaving everyone speechless.

Shen Qiming and Shen Pengyun left just like that.

"I never expected him to be so arrogant; he's practically courting death."

"I really wanted to slap him to death just now."

Shen Qiming was furious.

Shen Pengyun was also indignant.

One of them is the young master of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion, and the other is an elder of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion. With the help of abundant resources, their strength and forging skills are no less than those of Commander Ma.

Shen Pengyun is a high-ranking god.

The same applies to Shen Qiming.

Both of them are blacksmiths.

They have all mastered the forging and cultivation methods of the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion.

In their eyes, no matter how talented Zhang Lingfeng is, without the resources of the Divine Craftsman Pavilion, he will never become very powerful in the future.

I just didn't expect that this guy would actually refuse the invitation from the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion.

Furthermore, their desire to stand together with the Divine Craftsman's Shop and fight against the Divine Craftsman's Pavilion was truly unprecedented, leaving the uncle and nephew both quite surprised and furious.

"This matter should not have implicated you."

Ma Dashuai looked embarrassed.

He knew that Zhang Lingfeng had completely offended the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion. Even if the Divine Craftsmen Shop could be saved, Zhang Lingfeng's future career and life would be affected.

Fortunately, Baidi City has rules to follow.

Even on the surface, the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion dared not go too far.

“I live and eat at the Divine Craftsman’s Shop. I’m not a member of the Divine Craftsman’s Shop, but I’m more like one. If they take away the Divine Craftsman’s Shop’s signboard, where will I go in the future? I can’t just end up on the streets and find a blacksmith’s shop to work at!”

Zhang Lingfeng joked.

"Hahaha!"

Everyone couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Ma Dashuai and Ma Fei were deeply moved.

Master Yang, Master Wang, Master Liu, and even Wu Xiaomei all admired Zhang Lingfeng from the bottom of their hearts. They knew that if they hadn't been bound by constraints, they would not have been able to be as decisive and direct as Zhang Lingfeng in the face of such an opportunity.

They were even prepared to watch Zhang Lingfeng be taken away by the Divine Craftsmen's Pavilion and have Master Wang replace him.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Lingfeng remained unmoved and even challenged Shen Qiming, thus completely offending the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion and making it impossible for him to become a member of the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion again.

This sincere emotion deeply moved and impressed everyone.

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