Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 154 The Forging Workshop of the God of Forging!
The statue stands like a towering hill, tall and majestic.

It seems like a giant rock formation growing out from deep in the earth, giving people a strong visual impact and sense of oppression.

Even though they were in the shadow plane, Cohen and Isabella could feel the incomparable shock brought by the huge size of the statue.

The statue shows Ornn in his classic standing posture, with his legs slightly apart, as if rooted to the earth, as steady as a mountain.

The upper body is straight, the head is slightly raised, and the iconic ram horns are pointing straight to the sky.

His face was covered by a thick beard, each of which stood upright like steel needles, as if woven from hard metal wires. It was difficult to see his full appearance, revealing only a pair of eyes that seemed to be burning with high-temperature flames.

His right hand hung naturally, holding the giant star iron hammer that was powerful enough to split mountains and rocks.

The hammer is huge, and the head is heavy and thick, covered with mysterious patterns and symbols, as if it had been hammered and forged countless times.

The handle of the hammer is thick and powerful, with a delicate texture on the surface, which fits perfectly in Ornn's hand. Even if it is a still statue, one can feel the powerful force of this giant hammer when it is swung.

Tieyan heard Cohen's question:
"The second clause in the will left by your father, the old chief, mentioned the inheritance of the 'Melted Hammer'. Is that the Star Iron Hammer?"

Tieyan shook his head slightly, and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito:
"The Star Iron Hammer was our ancestor's battle weapon and has always been with him.

What is passed down in our tribe is the hammer our ancestors used to forge weapons and equipment.”

Cohen nodded thoughtfully.

Compared to the residence of Tolkien Quench, the president of the Union of Craftsmen, the place where Ironrock Ornn lives is much simpler.

A heavy stone door, dotted with some simple stone decorations. After entering the door, you can see piles of tools and unprocessed ores everywhere.

Although the interior of the residence is simple, it is quite spacious.

Deep inside there is a passage leading to a deeper underground, which is an iron rock forging and smelting workshop used to forge various weapons and create metal products.

As Tieyan entered the residence, the space behind him suddenly began to distort.

In the blink of an eye, Cohen and Isabella entered the main plane from the shadow plane and appeared in front of him.

Tieyan's face was filled with a hint of surprise, but he quickly concealed it and bowed, saying:
"My lords, please go to the underground workshop and wait. There is still one hour until the time Tolkien and I agreed upon.

We'll also meet in the workshop later.

This is the key to the workshop."

Then he handed Cohen a small hammer.

Cohen took the hammer, and he and Isabella followed the underground passage into Tieyan's workshop.

Compared with Tieyan's simple and low-key residence, this underground forge looks much more imposing.

The underground passage is slightly narrow, but extremely sturdy. Magic crystals emitting soft light are inlaid on the walls on both sides at regular intervals.

Each one was at least a medium-quality magic crystal. Even though the types were a bit mottled and messy, Cohen was still slightly surprised to see so many magic crystals in the "Melting Tribe" where supplies were scarce.

It seems that the third young master has made a lot of money on the human continent.

At the end of the passage is a huge iron gate, engraved with runes and patterns unique to the "Melting Tribe", and there is a faint breath of magic circle coming from it.

There is actually a small protective magic circle!

Cohen took out the small hammer that Tieyan had just given him. The iron door felt the breath of the small hammer, made a buzzing sound, and slowly opened.

Pushing open the door, a hot breath hits you in the face. The workshop is extremely spacious, with a high ceiling supported by thick stone pillars, and the floor is paved with special high-temperature resistant metal that can easily withstand the forging temperature and the impact of heavy hammers.

In the center is a huge furnace with a blazing fire, emitting dazzling light and scorching temperature. Next to the furnace, various casting and smelting tools are neatly arranged.

There were huge pliers, heavy hammers, sharp files, and next to them was a huge bellows that was more than one person tall.

Not far away, several anvils stood there steadily, covered with marks of hammering. On the forging table was an unfinished product, which looked like a battle axe.

What Cohen was most concerned about was the material storage area on one side, which was filled with various precious minerals and metal materials. The quantity and variety of them made Cohen, who was used to seeing the world, slightly stunned.

There were mithril, fine iron, magic crystals, and even Cohen found a lot of space stones that he had been longing for.

Isabella's beautiful eyes moved slightly as she played with the various rare ores in the material area and said:

“These things are absolutely hot commodities on the human continent.

It seems that the 'Forge Tribe' controls more than one mineral vein.

It would be great if we could draw them into the 'inter-racial trade routes'."

Cohen gently stroked Isabella's hair and said softly:
"Don't worry, I'm absolutely sure I can push this Third Young Master to the position of chief!"

Isabella's eyes were filled with love. If it weren't for the wrong occasion, she would have started to express her feelings with actual actions.

Cohen couldn't help but sigh that once a woman falls into the whirlpool of love, no matter what her identity is, her reason and judgment will gradually be lost in the tide of emotions.

The two stood in the finished product display area, admiring the various tools made by Tieyan.

Most of them are farm tools and ordinary tools, but there are also a few sophisticated standard weapons and equipment. As for the high-grade magical equipment, except for the semi-finished product on the forging table, the rest have not been found yet.

Soon, two footsteps, one deep and one shallow, were heard outside the passage. Cohen's expression changed slightly. It should be the famous president of the Craftsmen's Union, Tolkien Quench.

He calmly took Isabella's hand, his body shining with light, and disappeared into the forging workshop.

The sound became clearer and clearer, and soon two dwarf figures entered the forging workshop.

When he entered the workshop and saw the scene before him, Tolkien Quench couldn't help but sigh:
"I never thought that the Third Young Master's home had such a complete forging workshop. It seems that the Third Young Master was able to start forging magical weapons so quickly, and he wasn't just being too ambitious."

Tolkien couldn't help but have a better impression of Iron Rock.

He had never seen any forges in the homes of the other heirs.

Tolkien came to Tieyan's finished product display area without waiting for Tieyan to call him, and admired the tools made by Tieyan one by one.

The more he looked at it, the more satisfied he became, and he exclaimed in admiration:
"Not bad, not bad. It can be seen that your basic skills are quite solid. Among all your brothers, only you have inherited your father's talent for forging."

Coming to the forging table, looking at the half-finished magic battle axe, Tolkien's face showed understanding, and said:

"It turns out that the number of times he crossed the water is not right. The Third Young Master has not stayed in the clan long enough and has not received any systematic forging training.

Experienced craftsmen know this little bit of common sense. Now I'll show you how to craft magical equipment!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Tolkien suddenly revealed an aura of majesty without even being angry, and his eyes flashed with horror.

He waved his hand, and a heavy piece of high-quality refined iron flew out from the material storage area. He placed the refined iron at the mouth of the furnace and let the high-temperature flames lick the metal.

When the iron block reaches the right temperature, it is quickly clamped out and placed on the anvil. The heavy hammer is raised high, the muscles in the arm are tensed, and the hammer falls with a crisp and powerful sound.

With the sound of clanging, a magic-level battle axe is coming out.

Tieyan couldn't help but immerse himself in the art. He was not lying about his obsession and love for forging. His father had told him since he was a child that for a dwarf, especially a dwarf from the "Forging Tribe", forging skills were the foundation of his livelihood.

No matter what position you are in or when, you must never forget it.

Watching Tolkien busy at the forge was like witnessing a master at work. He expertly manipulated the fire, and the blazing flames seemed to come alive under his command. The forging process was like an artistic performance, leaving Tieyan mesmerized.

Cohen in the shadow plane also showed a strange look in his eyes. Even though he didn't know much about it, he could see the other party's superb forging skills.

After gathering enough materials, I can hand over my "Book of Time and Space" to him for repair.

The prerequisite is to ensure his absolute loyalty.

As time went by, a magic-grade weapon was forged in Tolkien's hands. Now Tolkien was teaching Tieyan some precautions in the forging process.

Cohen did not interrupt and waited until the two men finished their conversation.

As the conversation neared its end, Tieyan suddenly spoke:
"Master Quenching, I invited you here this time not only to ask you some questions about forging, but I also have something else to trouble you with."

Tolkien didn't think much about it and asked casually:
"What is it, Third Young Master, please tell me."

Tieyan gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice:
"Master, I want you to see someone!"

Tolkien noticed something was wrong at this time, his face darkened, and he asked:

"who?"

As he spoke, a light laugh came from the void:
"Having met Master Quenching, I must admit that your forging skills are definitely among the best even among the forgers on the human continent!"

Hearing the sudden sound, Tolkien's whole body tensed up, and he turned quickly, with magic surging in his body.

The extraordinary strength of the eighth level is undoubtedly demonstrated.

If he hadn't been concerned about Tieyan's identity, he might have already taken action.

However, when he saw the two humans, a man and a woman, appearing before him, his eyes were filled with horror, and he said in disbelief:

"Human race?
How did you get in?!"

Cohen chuckled:
“Master Quenching, we have no ill intentions.

I'm here just to discuss something with you, so it's better not to disturb others.

Otherwise, I’m afraid it won’t have a good impact on you.”

Following Cohen's voice, Isabella also burst out with the extraordinary strength of the golden level.

Seeing that the other party had strength comparable to his own, Tolkien's expression froze for a moment, especially after seeing Isabella's young face, he was even more shocked.

He had also been to the human continent and knew what kind of people were able to reach this extraordinary level at this age. He couldn't help but become very curious about the identities of the two.

He glanced at the nervous Third Young Master Tie Yan next to him, thought for a moment, and slowly restrained his aura.

After all, this is the dwarfs' settlement, and two humans can't cause any trouble.

What’s more important than this is that what happens here cannot be spread out!
What the human male said was quite right.

A representative of the artisan class of the "Forge Tribe" and an heir with inheritance rights secretly met with two humans in the underground forge of the latter's residence.

Once this matter gets out, I don’t know how many versions of the rumor will circulate.

After all, many people saw that Tolkien took the initiative to come and see Tieyan!

By then he will have no way to defend himself.

Tolkien's aura gradually subsided, but his face remained ashen as ever. He looked coldly at Cohen and the others.

"I don't think there's anything I can discuss with a human. This is the dwarf tribe. I advise you to go back to where you came from!
Otherwise... a Gold Rank person wouldn't be able to make any waves here!"

Cohen smiled faintly and said:

"Let's make a deal. I hope you can support Master Tieyan and help him become the chief of the tribe.

In exchange, you will receive my friendship and a very generous reward."

Tolkien said with contempt in his eyes:

"A human actually wants to interfere in the internal affairs of our 'Forge Tribe'. How dare you say that!"

Cohen was not annoyed, and said with a hint of amusement in his voice:
"Why don't you listen to what my reward is?"

Tolkien's face was stern, his rock-like face showing disdain and sneer:
"Your human money and titles mean nothing to me. Put away your tricks and leave the 'Forge Tribe' immediately!"

Cohen's tone became much lower:
"Don't be so confident, Master of Tempering.

My reward is the forging workshop left behind by your ancestor, the Supreme [God of Forge] Ornn, the Hidden Flame of the Mountain!
And the knowledge inheritance of various forging and smelting techniques collected in the workshop!"

As Cohen finished speaking, Tolkien Quench, president of the Forge Tribe Craftsmen's Union, was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted and laughed in anger:

"Nonsense! Even people like us from the Forge Tribe can't find the workshop left by our ancestors. How could a human like you from another continent possibly know about it?"

However, although Tolkien said this, he couldn't help but have a glimmer of hope in his heart.

The ancestral forging workshop is what the chiefs and senior leaders of the "Forging Tribe" have been looking for.

The ancestors' forging workshop is clearly recorded in the historical records passed down from generation to generation in the tribe, and the records also briefly introduce many precious forging skills inheritance.

Every generation of chiefs and presidents of the Craftsmen's Union hope to find the ruins of the workshop. Especially in the years when the "Forging Tribe" has gradually declined, the desire for the ancestral forging workshop has become even greater.

The heritage and treasures left there can definitely save the current "Melting Tribe".

Unfortunately, there is too little information about the ancestral forging workshop, with only a few scattered clues in historical records, and there is no way to investigate. This matter has always been the biggest unsolved case of the "Forging Tribe".

Facing Tolkien's blunt questioning, Cohen curled his lips slightly and slowly uttered two words:
"Flame Gold!"

Hearing this unfamiliar word, Isabella and Tieyan were both confused, but Tolkien Quench was shocked, and an inexplicable shock quickly revealed in his eyes.

He couldn't help but take a few steps forward, wanting to get close to Cohen, but stopped when Isabella snorted coldly.

Tolkien swallowed his saliva, and his voice trembled slightly, which was rare:
"You...where did you know about 'Flame Gold'?"

Cohen did not answer Tolkien's question, but looked at Tieyan and asked:
“When does the Chiefs Election Conference begin?
What is the specific process?"

Tieyan was also very curious about his ancestor's forging workshop, because he had heard his father mention it many times since he was a child.

But now was obviously not the time to ask further questions, so he suppressed his curiosity and answered honestly:
"Seven days later, the tribe will hold an election meeting.

At that time, qualified heirs, elders of the Council of Elders, the general and his officers, the high priest and his priests, including the quenching master and his senior craftsmen, and some randomly selected people from the three classes will participate.

A supervisory team from the major leagues will also be present.

The specific process is to first obtain the approval of the tribal heritage, the 'Melting Hammer'.

The heirs who can be recognized will then begin voting.

The so-called vote is actually the attitude of the general, the high priest and the quenching master.

Finally, there's the three million gold coin order mentioned in my father's will. I must present a convincing agreement or contract to inherit the chieftaincy."

Cohen thought thoughtfully that the recognition of the "Melting Hammer" would not be a problem for most heirs.

Although the order of three million gold coins is a bit exaggerated, these heirs are backed by the power of the ten major tribes, so they can still get the money if they grit their teeth.

In fact, the key lies in the attitude of Tolkien Quench, the president of the Craftsmen's Guild.

I guess Tolkien Quench's threshold has been trampled upon in the past few days. Let's wait until the end and see whoever offers the highest price.

Seeing that Cohen did not answer his question, but instead deliberately asked about the position of chief, Tolkien knew that the other party was forcing him to express his position.

Tolkien weighed the pros and cons for a long time in his mind, and said in a deep voice:
"Since you intend to nominate Tieyan, you must be aware of the situation within our tribe.

Currently, only Ornn, Brook Steelaxe, and Ironrock have the greatest advantages."

Personally, I think any of these three people can be elected as chief, as long as he can sincerely seek benefits for the development of the tribe! "

Cohen was very satisfied with this attitude. As long as they were willing to give in, there would be room for negotiation.

Only then did he speak under Tolkien's expectant gaze, his voice neither slow nor hurried:

"Your ancestor, the Most High Ornn, recorded in detail the properties and sources of various materials.

He also studied the refining methods and properties of different materials, from ordinary iron ore to rare star iron and divine metal.

Among them is a lost metal called "Flame Gold", which is extracted from the magma deep in the volcano through special means. It has extremely high heat resistance and powerful fire attribute power, and is an excellent material for making artifacts.

In addition, Ornn also has in-depth research on the use of various auxiliary materials such as wood, gems, leather, etc. He has tried to use different material combinations to give weapons and equipment unique performance and attributes.

This knowledge, including the 'Pyrometallic' I just mentioned, is sealed in his forging workshop."

Tolkien stood there in a daze. At this moment, he was about 70% convinced of what the other party said.

He knew about "Yanjin" from the historical records passed down from generation to generation in the "Melting Tribe". No one was qualified to read this historical record except the chiefs, generals, high priests, and presidents of the Craftsmen's Union.

This secret, unknown even to most dwarves, was actually known by a human. Tolkien could only believe that the other party had really passed through the ancestor's forging workshop.

Soon, these shocks were overwhelmed by huge surprises. Since the other party knew so much, he must know the exact location of the ancestral forging workshop. As long as they can find the treasure left by the ancestors, the "Forging Tribe" will definitely usher in a new development!
He looked at Cohen expectantly, and Cohen said calmly:
"I do know, but..."

Tolkien immediately nodded firmly and said:
"As long as you can provide me with more proof, I can, on behalf of the Craftsmen's Union, declare my full support for Third Young Master Tieyan Ornn in his bid for the Chieftaincy!"

Cohen chuckled in his heart, what a cunning old fox.

The only further proof was to try to see if he could get some inheritance from him that was stored in Ornn's forge.

However, Cohen did not refuse. He was very optimistic about this experienced old craftsman, and he might have to give his "Book of Time and Space" to him for repair in the future.

There's nothing wrong with giving him a taste of success in advance.

He nodded slowly and said:
"No problem, what proof do you want?"

Tolkien suppressed his excitement, recalled a long-lost skill mentioned in the tribal history, and said in a trembling voice:
"The manuscripts left by our ancestors mentioned a unique forging technique that could fuse wood and metal..."

Cohen thought about it for a moment and said:

"Spiritual Wood Fusion Forging Technique?"

Tolkien's eyes burst into ecstasy, and he nodded repeatedly:
"This is it, this is it!"

Cohen said calmly:
"I don't remember all of it, probably only about half."

Tolkien pumped his fist excitedly:
"Half is enough. If I can't deduce the complete knowledge with half of it, I might as well resign as president."

Cohen took out a pen and paper and began to write down the long-lost "Spirit Wood Fusion Forging Technique" based on his memory.

After finishing it, he didn't hand it directly to Tolkien. Instead, he handed it to Isabella under her expectant gaze. He then took out a soul contract, pushed it in front of Tolkien, and said:
"Although I have absolute trust in your character, to avoid any accidents, let's sign a contract witnessed by all the gods!"

Tolkien did not hesitate at all. He grabbed the contract with his big hand, took a quick look at the terms, and quickly signed his name.

Cohen was suddenly excited. He had finally recruited such a skilled blacksmith.

Once you have collected enough space stones, you can start repairing your "Book of Time and Space"!

Cohen took back the contract and handed the finished work to Tolkien.

After Tolkien got the book, he couldn't wait to read it. The more he read, the more obsessed he became, and a look of sudden enlightenment appeared on his face from time to time.

It was not until Tieyan spoke that he came to his senses and collected what Cohen wrote as a treasure.

Tieyan asked Keen,

"We only have the support of Master Quenching right now, and we still need one vote."

There is something reassuring about Cohen's voice:

"Don't worry, you'll have a second vote soon!"

(End of this chapter)