In the projection of the Jiangshan Sheji Diagram, the sword blade refracted a dazzling brilliance under the sunlight, its intricate patterns faintly visible, resembling dragon scales.
"Is this what you call a famed weapon?"
"In terms of quality, it indeed qualifies as one. However, many of the materials used to forge this sword aren't even worthy of being called 'mystical arms.'"
"This sword isn't just sharp. Wielding it should also grant spiritual completeness and the divine effect of bearing the nation's fortune."
"Though it is a famed weapon, that is merely its starting point. It’s like a newborn infant—through nurturing, its future potential is limitless!"
"It’s already enough to rank on the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Wind and Cloud List."
Across the imperial capital, countless people gazed at the sword in Jiang Yu’s hand, their expressions varied.
"This sword is my most satisfying creation since the Heavenly Sword."
Xue Jing glanced at Li Mo, then took a step forward, returning to the judges' seat in an instant.
"I hope Your Highness can become its rightful master, allowing it to shine brilliantly and secure a place on the Divine Arms Ranking.""Has this sword not been named yet?"
"I only forge swords. I don’t decide the path they will take."
Jiang Yu gently stroked the longsword, as if caressing smooth dragon scales.
"In that case, this sword shall be named 'Zunlong' (Dragon Sovereign)."
Hum—
The sword’s resonance rang out once more, accompanied by a faint tremor.
Du Wufeng frowned slightly but remained silent.
"Grandmaster, this isn’t just setting an example for the craftsmen—many of them probably can’t even lift their forging hammers now."
Xie Xuan wore a bitter smile.
In the square, after witnessing Du Wufeng’s sword-forging firsthand, many shook their heads and began packing up their tools.
Before the competition even began, numerous participants had already withdrawn.
These people couldn’t even discern the gap between themselves and Du Wufeng.
This proved how far they were from the standards of this divine craftsman.
If that Zunlong Sword was graded as "A+," they couldn’t even forge a weapon worthy of a "D-."
"To forge iron, one must first be strong oneself."
Xie Xuan crossed his arms, exuding arrogance.
"Oh? What about the 'Pavilion of Wind and Moon'…?"
"I, Xie Xuan, am unyielding as steel! How could I be shackled by mere beauty? They are but fleeting illusions!"
"?"
......
"That sword… seems unhappy."
Jiang Chulong tugged at her sleeve, studying the masterpiece forged by the divine craftsman and whispering softly.
"Does it dislike its name?"
Li Mo instinctively replied.
"Brother Li, can you hear it too?" The little princess blinked behind her sunglasses, delighted.
"Of course."
Li Mo smiled, though his "hearing" wasn’t quite the same as Chulong’s.
"Is it Du Wufeng’s Spirit-Forging Method?"
Ying Bing saw through the technique.
"You understand me so well? Then you must know I plan to forge a replica of 'Moonlit Yin' for you?" Li Mo feigned surprise.
"I know."
A flicker of amusement passed through Ying Bing’s eyes, though her jade-like face remained expressionless. With her sunglasses on, she was the epitome of icy aloofness.
Whoosh—
The flames in the sword furnace suddenly surged, their scorching heat sweeping across the square and igniting the passion of everyone present—including those watching through the Jiangshan Sheji Diagram.
The atmosphere seemed to blaze alongside the furnace fire.
The host began announcing the rules for this round:
"The materials for this weapon-forging session are broken weapons selected from the Sword Graveyard. Their quality and composition vary. You must choose from these remnants, reforge them, and ultimately obtain the materials you need."
"Time limit: one hour. Begin!"
At the front of the square stood a mountain of weapons, their cold glints shimmering. These were likely the outermost blades from the Sword Graveyard, most of them made from mediocre materials.
Of course, hidden among them were rare treasures—it all depended on one’s discernment.
As soon as the announcement ended, many craftsmen and their assistants rushed forward, highlighting the importance of the previous round.
Without a strong physique, one wouldn’t even be able to squeeze in…
"Look! The craftsmen are charging toward the materials like unleashed hounds!"
"But speed alone isn’t enough. Picking early doesn’t guarantee quality—no one knows which hidden treasures will end up in whose hands."
"Wait… why isn’t the 'Divine Hammer Conqueror' moving?"
Due to Li Mo’s outstanding performance in the previous round—earning an "A+" and ranking fourth on the Hidden Dragon List—many noticed that he, along with the "Ice Queen" and the little princess, hadn’t budged.
"If you don’t move, do you expect the broken weapons to come to you on their own?"
"The Divine Hammer Conqueror’s physique is impressive, but I thought he could forge weapons too."
"Why did he bring the Frost Fairy and that little girl? Is he treating the forging competition like child’s play?"
"Damn it! While everyone’s scrambling for materials, he’s holding the Frost Fairy’s hand—and hasn’t let go!"
The murmurs in the square buzzed incessantly.
No one could deny that the Frost Fairy was a peerless beauty beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. With such a stunning companion, anyone’s attention would be drawn to her.
If this were a culinary competition, no one would bat an eye—after all, even dog food counts as food.
But this was a weapon-forging competition!
If he wasn’t planning to forge anything, why even participate?
"Chulong, which broken weapons sound louder?"
Li Mo ignored the stares, setting up his forging tools as he spoke.
"I hear several."
"Tell your 'Ice Sister.'"
The little princess leaned close to Ying Bing’s ear and whispered something.
Ying Bing nodded, her frost-mirror eyes seemingly piercing through the entire mountain of weapons.
As she raised a hand, forming a sword gesture—
Clang!
The base of the weapon mountain trembled, and numerous blades clattered to the ground as if something was about to burst forth.
Swish—
A broken curved sword flew over the heads of the other blacksmiths, stopping right in front of the Ice Queen.
"????"