Chapter 988: Chapter 988: Good Sword
The person in the yellow robe spoke with a hint of respect, gesturing with his palm towards the person in the purple robe sitting in the middle and said to Qin Sisi: "This is Mr. Yan Xi, the president of the Forgemaster Guild of Scholar City, a Sixth-level Forgemaster."
Then, he pointed to the person in the green robe and said: "This is Mr. Zheng Fang, the vice president of the Forgemaster Guild of Scholar City, a Fifth-level Forgemaster."
Lastly, he introduced himself: "My name is Jin Xun, also a vice president of the Forgemaster Guild of Scholar City, a Fifth-level Forgemaster."
Qin Sisi nodded and respectfully said: "Greetings to all three teachers."
Whether it be in terms of level or position, their reputations were well-known, which explained their proud demeanor and eccentric temperaments.
Actually, the examination for a First-level Forgemaster only required two proctors, and it didn’t need the guild president to be personally present.
It was Wu Duo who had boasted in advance to them, claiming that his student was not only immensely talented but also hard-working and enduring, and would definitely perform exceptionally well.
The three prominent figures of the guild, out of curiosity, came together to watch Qin Sisi’s examination.
However, upon seeing that Wu Duo had brought a mere frail woman, and with a very ordinary background, they felt somewhat disappointed, thinking Wu Duo had exaggerated.
Forging is a tough task. Women have weaker physical strength compared to men, and due to innate factors, it’s hard for them to persist long in the forging path, which is why the Forgemasters in the Demon Sacred Realm are mostly male.
Jin Xun, in charge of maintaining order at the examination site, was even less convinced that Qin Sisi could be as outstanding as Wu Duo described. He leaned back in his chair, speaking indifferently: "Today you’ll undertake the First-level Forgemaster’s exam. According to the guild’s regulations, candidates must bring their own forging furnace and materials. The item to forge is a longsword. You have one hour; once you’re ready, just say start."
Even though he was scornful inside, formalities were still necessary, and since she was Wu Duo’s student, the possibility of her passing the First-level Forgemaster exam was still high.
Qin Sisi nodded, pretended not to notice the disdain in the respected proctors’ eyes, and silently took out the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron from her storage ring, as well as the black iron provided to her in advance by Teacher Wuduo.
She raised her head, looking towards the three proctors, and said: "I am ready."
Jin Xun nodded his head, just about to say "Start" when a word hadn’t yet been fully pronounced, Yan Xi suddenly raised his hand, loudly exclaimed: "Wait!"
Jin Xun and Zheng Fang both looked at Yan Xi in surprise. Yan Xi stood up, and Jin Xun and Zheng Fang, not understanding, also stood up.
Yan Xi quickly walked to the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron, not even looking at Qin Sisi, but excitedly circled the cauldron, his palms slightly trembling as he touched it.
Jin Xun and Zheng Fang also realized the reason; this forging furnace was extraordinary!
Yan Xi, bent over, was in close contact with the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron for quite a while before he reluctantly straightened up, looked at Qin Sisi and asked: "Ms. Qin, is this a Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron?"
Qin Sisi understood their excitement and, in front of these three highly capable Forgemasters, saw no point in lying. She nodded her head and replied: "Yes."
Yan Xi gave Qin Sisi a few meaningful glances and asked: "May I ask, Ms. Qin, where did you obtain this Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron?"
Qin Sisi hesitated for a moment, then answered: "A friend gave it to me."
The three magnates looked at each other; such a treasured and priceless artifact was merely given away by someone. Even they didn’t have such largesse.
Jin Xun’s expression became much more amiable, and he asked warmly: "Ms. Qin, the name of this friend who gave you the cauldron, would you mind sharing it?"
Qin Sisi directly replied, "I’m sorry, it’s inconvenient."
"Pfft..." Zheng Fang couldn’t help but laugh at Qin Sisi’s straightforward response. Although he and Jin Xun usually get along well, they often bicker and compete with each other. Seeing Jin Xun thwarted by a young girl amused him.
Jin Xun glared at Zheng Fang and pouted.
"Ms. Qin, have you considered... selling this Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron?" Although knowing the likelihood was almost zero, Yan Xi still shamelessly asked.
Qin Sisi’s answer was still straightforward: "I’m sorry, it’s not for sale."
Yan Xi sighed disappointedly, his hand lingering on the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron for a long time until Jin Xun and Zheng Fang reminded him to go back to theexamining seat and let Qin Sisi start the test.
Before starting, Yan Xi sternly said to Qin Sisi, "Ms. Qin, you must perform well and not disappoint the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron."
Qin Sisi could see that Yan Xi really liked the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron, which showed that it was indeed very precious and rare, but it was a gift from Ye You to her, and since she intended to become a Forging Master, she would definitely not give the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron to anyone else.
She stood in front of the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron, took a deep breath, ignited it with the Fire Ignition Skill, and then picked up the black iron to place on the flame, starting with purification, followed by cutting.
She was already very familiar with the entire forging process, adept and confident, naturally managing it with ease.
The nimble fingers and skilled movements made the three examiners nod in approval, clearly recognizing the results of countless hours of practice.
The golden flames enveloped the now-shaped longsword, making it increasingly hard and bright under the flame’s forging.
"This fire..." Just as Jin Xun began to speak, Yan Xi sent a sharp glare his way, causing Jin Xun to hastily shut his mouth.
The three of them, having immersed themselves in the art of forging for decades, quickly recognized that Qin Sisi’s flames were no ordinary flames.
Yan Xi, as the president of the Forgemaster Guild of Scholar City, more keenly aware of the situation, timely prevented Jin Xun from finishing his sentence.
Some things are better off feigned ignorance.
As nearly an hour passed, a brilliant, exquisitely made longsword finally emerged.
Qin Sisi flipped her palm, extinguishing the flames inside the Jiu Hua Divine Cauldron, picked up the freshly forged longsword and gently blew on it from top to bottom a few times to cool it down quickly.
Then, she presented the longsword to the three examiners.
The gazes of Yan Xi, Jin Xun, and Zheng Fang all focused on the freshly minted longsword. Its blade was straight and even, with a bright and dazzling color, and the handle was exquisitely made, smooth and comfortable to hold.
Jin Xun plucked a strand of hair and gently blew on it; the hair floated up and when it touched the sword, it was easily sliced into two pieces.
Jin Xun praised, "Good sword!"
Zheng Fang lightly traced his finger over the blade and also remarked, "Good sword!"
Yan Xi didn’t touch the sword but merely looked at Qin Sisi and slightly smiled, conclusively stating, "Indeed, it’s a good sword."
