Chapter 10

The town of Shuanglong has a new mayor, who is said to be a powerful fourth-rank warrior.

These days, the new mayor's house has been bustling with visitors, almost as lively as the New Year's Eve.

However, Lin Feng and his father were not concerned about who the mayor was; they continued their training as usual.

"Combining 256 techniques is still a bit of a stretch," Lin Feng said, wiping the sweat after casting a hoe.

Lin Tao's face was expressionless, and no one could tell whether he was satisfied or dissatisfied with Lin Feng.

"Among the three elements of forging, the most difficult is technique," Lin Tao released the handle of the bellows and stared at the furnace. "The nature of materials and fire control can be honed over time, but techniques can only be mastered through repeated casting. I don't know how you learned these techniques, but you must cherish every casting; it will be your most valuable experience. A forger is built from a pile of materials. The less talented a person is, the more materials they need, because they can only master the same number of techniques through more casting."

Therefore, the requirements for talent in forging are extremely strict.

"Yes, Father," Lin Feng replied.

At this moment, a refined voice came from outside: "May I ask if Mr. Lin Feng is at home?"

Lin Tao glanced at Lin Feng and turned to welcome the visitor.

"I am Lin Tao, Lin Feng is my son. What do you need from him?" Lin Tao did not want Lin Feng to be disturbed by the outside world.

There were three middle-aged men, one dressed very elegantly, like a scholar, and the other two looked like warriors.

The one who spoke was the scholar-like middle-aged man, who smiled and said, "I apologize for the intrusion."

Then he continued, "I am the new mayor of Shuanglong, Yang Yi. These two are my second brother, Yang Mang, and my third brother, Yang Chen. We came to visit specifically to discuss something with Lin Feng."

Mayor?

However, this title did not intimidate Lin Tao.

He raised an eyebrow and said, "He is very busy now. If you have something to say, just tell me. I think I have the authority to make decisions for him."

"Of course, as Lin Feng's father, you naturally have that authority," Yang Yi was not annoyed at all. "May I ask if we can find a quieter place to talk? This place is not suitable for conversation."

"Follow me," Lin Tao led the group to the back courtyard hall.

Relatively speaking, the back courtyard was much quieter and more suitable for conversation.

After the three men were seated, Lin Tao sat down and asked, "Can we talk now?"

"It's like this. I heard that Lin Feng, despite his young age, can forge high-quality household items, showing great talent in forging. However, Shuanglong is a small place that will limit his growth. I believe he should go to a larger stage to fully showcase his forging talent. Coincidentally, I have connections in this area and can help a bit," Yang Yi came straight to the point, directly stating the purpose of his sudden visit to the Lin family.

Mayor?

However, this title did not intimidate Lin Tao.

He frowned, but before he could speak, Lin Feng's voice came from outside the room: "No need, Shuanglong is very suitable for me."

Lin Feng slowly walked in and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Mayor, but I think Shuanglong is great, and I am very satisfied. There is no need to go anywhere else."

He clearly remembered how much his father was affected by Xiao Ran's departure. He did not want his father to go through such a blow again. Although he also wanted to see the outside world, it was not a must for him.

For this reason, he was willing to give up this hard-earned opportunity.

A hint of relief flashed in Lin Tao's eyes, but he scolded, "What are you doing here? Go out and continue forging."

"Father."

"I told you to go out," Lin Tao's face darkened.

"Okay," Lin Feng shook his head helplessly and turned to leave.

"It seems Lin Feng is not willing to leave his hometown," Yang Yi sighed, his tone filled with regret. "I have traveled far and wide for many years and have met many forgers, but few can match Lin Feng's talent. What a pity."

He truly felt sorry for Lin Feng, a pity for such a good seed.

Lin Tao, however, expressed a different opinion: "Mayor..."

"Compared to Mayor, I prefer you to call me Mr. Yang," Yang Yi smiled. "We are equals."

"Mr. Yang, I said before that I have the authority to make decisions for him!" Lin Tao said.

Yang Yi was surprised, "What do you mean?"

Lin Tao took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and slowly said, "I will accept your offer on his behalf! But I want to know why you want to help him." He stared at Yang Yi, and if Yang Yi could not give him a satisfactory answer, he would still refuse.

As the mayor of the town, why would Yang Yi help them? Just because Lin Feng has great forging talent?

"Alright, I'll be honest," Yang Yi said helplessly. "The reason I want to help Lin Feng is that he once saved our lives."

"What do you mean?" Lin Tao knew that his son had never left Shuanglong recently.

"It was the hatchet, a hatchet forged by Lin Feng, that saved our lives," Yang Yi recounted everything that happened on Qian Gui Mountain. "To be honest, without Lin Feng, the three of us would not be sitting here talking to you today. So, we must repay Lin Feng, otherwise, we would not be able to sleep or eat in peace."

Perhaps this was fate.

Lin Feng forged the hatchet, the hatchet saved Yang Yi, and Yang Yi, in turn, helped Lin Feng.

After a moment of silence, Lin Tao asked, "So, where does Mr. Yang plan to take Lin Feng?"

"I have connections with Mr. Hu Fei and Mr. Zhuo Bufan. They are both rare great forgers in Jianglong County! They are both true forgers who have passed the four-star examination! Most importantly, they have rich forging experience and considerable resources!" Yang Yi said seriously. "I can introduce Lin Feng to them, but whether they will accept him depends on his performance. However, I have great confidence in Lin Feng. He will definitely gain their recognition!"

"I believe so too," Lin Tao praised his son for the first time in front of others. "I have great confidence in his forging talent."

He asked again, "When do you plan to take him?"

"I still have some private matters to handle these two days. How about the day after tomorrow? We will set off the day after tomorrow. What do you think?" Yang Yi thought for a moment and replied.

Lin Tao pondered, "Alright, let's do that."

Yang Yi stood up and bowed, "Then it's settled. We will come to pick up Lin Feng the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lin, farewell!"

"Farewell!" Yang Mang and Yang Chen also bowed.

"Farewell!"

After Yang Yi and his group left, Lin Tao returned to the blacksmith shop.

Lin Feng stopped forging and called out, "Father."

Lin Tao waved his hand, "Follow me, I have something to tell you."

The two entered the back courtyard hall.

Lin Tao said, "I have already talked with the mayor. You will go to the county with him the day after tomorrow."

"No, I will stay in Shuanglong, right here," Lin Feng raised his head. "I only want to stay by your side; I don't want to go anywhere else." He did not want to become another Xiao Ran.

"Lin Feng," Lin Tao's face showed a hint of relief. "I am very pleased that you are willing to stay." This was the first time in eighteen years that he had removed his cold mask and expressed his feelings to Lin Feng. He smiled and said, "From the time you started forging, it has only been half a year. In these six months, you have shown unparalleled forging talent, and your progress every day is very obvious. I estimate that in at most two months, you will master the combination of a thousand casting techniques and become a three-star forger! Lin Feng, you are my pride! The pride of the Lin family!"

Becoming a three-star forger in eight months, once this news leaks out, it will surely cause a sensation throughout the Qingmu Continent!

Lin Feng could be considered a late bloomer now.

"But, this is far from enough," Lin Tao's tone changed, and his expression became serious. "With your talent, you have the potential to become a great forging master! Are you satisfied with just being a three-star forger?" He was full of confidence in Lin Feng. "Go, the vast world outside is more suitable for you. That is your stage. The resources of the Lin family have already been exhausted on Xiao Ran, and there are no more resources to cultivate you. Staying in Shuanglong, you will never become a great forging master!"

His eyes were full of encouragement.

Lin Feng was still a bit worried, "What about you?"

"Me? Ha ha, my hand is about to heal, you don't need to worry," Lin Tao smiled.

"I mean, can you go to the county with me? With your forging ability, it would be easy to find a suitable job," Lin Feng asked.

Lin Tao said solemnly, "Lin Feng, you must understand that this is the root of the Lin family. I will never leave here in my lifetime!" Clearly, Lin Tao had a severe attachment to the land.

After a long silence, Lin Feng asked, "Father, do you really want me to go to the county?" If he left, no one would be by his father's side.

"I hope my son can become a forging master!" Lin Tao turned his back. "So, you must leave, whether you agree or not!"

At this moment, he showed his domineering side again.

A year ago, when Xiao Ran wanted to leave, Lin Tao strongly disagreed. Now, when Lin Feng wanted to stay, Lin Tao insisted on making him leave.

He had changed.

Or perhaps, he had come to a realization.

"I promise you, I will definitely become a great forging master!" Lin Feng said seriously.

PS: Third update! The shut-in has been working hard on updates, how about you, dear readers? Thank you to 'Running on a Mouse', 'Super Simple', and 'Time Walks On' for your generous support!

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