The Lan family's hearts tightened.
The hope that had ignited within them now flickered precariously, like a candle in a gale, its flame threatening to extinguish at any moment.
Ling Fan stood at the rear, hands clasped behind his back, calmly observing the weapon forging competition.
Wu Yunfeng's skill was undoubtedly sufficient to be certified as a top-tier artisan. While it was nothing to Ling Fan, it presented a formidable challenge to Lan Xueyi and Li Shan.
After all, neither Li Shan nor Lan Xueyi had fully reached the pinnacle of artisan mastery.
Individually, they were no match for Wu Yunfeng.
However, when they joined forces, they stood a chance.
Ling Fan's eyes narrowed slightly as he swept his gaze across Hu Hao and the artisans from the Forging Association. Why were the Jin family and Master Zheng so confident?
"So that's how it is..."
...
Three hours passed swiftly.
Under immense pressure, Li Shan and Lan Xueyi faltered once before finally succeeding in forging a treasured saber.
A sharp, cold glint flowed across the saber's surface like autumn water, and a clear silver inscription pattern was visible along its body.
A top-tier mortal weapon!
Li Shan and Lan Xueyi finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Even with their combined efforts, they had failed once before successfully forging a top-tier mortal weapon.
The Lan family members erupted in cheers, their eyes shining with renewed hope.
A top-tier mortal weapon!
This was a weapon second only to Earth-grade spiritual weapons. In their eyes, even if Master Zheng were to forge one, it would only be a top-tier mortal weapon.
Now that Li Shan and Lan Xueyi had successfully forged one, their chances of winning had significantly increased.
It all depended on whether Wu Yunfeng could also forge a top-tier mortal weapon.
If he only managed to forge a high-grade mortal weapon, then the Lan family would win this competition!
"Incredible! Even though they worked together, they succeeded in forging a top-tier mortal weapon in just two attempts. That's truly astonishing."
"Indeed. I believe both Li Shan and Lan Xueyi are very close to reaching the level of top-tier artisans. Perhaps they will soon firmly establish themselves at this level."
"Look at this saber; it looks extraordinary just by its appearance. That silver inscription pattern is incredibly fluid. Judging by its shape, it seems to be an inscription that enhances attack power. The might of this saber is likely astonishing!"
The crowd marveled.
On the Jin family's side, Jin Dazhi, Jin Wudao, and the others wore slightly somber expressions.
Jin Wudao cupped his hands towards Master Zheng and said, "Master Zheng, I didn't expect them to have such good luck, succeeding with a top-tier mortal weapon in two tries. As for Senior Brother Wu..."
Master Zheng maintained an air of calm confidence, waving his hand. "Don't panic. They are destined to lose!"
Before long, Wu Yunfeng also completed the final step.
Wu Yunfeng plunged the glowing red weapon into the specially prepared water for quenching.
*Sizzle!*
Wisps of steam immediately rose.
A long, gleaming treasured sword appeared in Wu Yunfeng's hand.
A silver inscription pattern, curving and spreading like a powerful dragon, adorned the sword.
Wu Yunfeng had also forged a top-tier mortal weapon!
Moreover, it was a treasured sword of exceptional quality, appearing no less impressive than the treasured saber forged by Li Shan and Lan Xueyi together.
"Amazing!"
The thousands of spectators in the forging arena roared with applause.
Even from a distance, they could see the brilliant, cold light emanating from the three-foot-long sword, as if they could feel its razor-sharp edge capable of slicing through hair.
"One attempt! Did you notice? Li Shan and Lan Xueyi, even working together, failed once. This Wu Yunfeng succeeded on his first try! Could he have already reached the level of a top-tier artisan?"
"This is truly eye-opening. As expected, a great master produces a great disciple!"
"This treasured sword is comparable to that treasured saber. It's still uncertain who will emerge victorious."
"Indeed, the difference is minuscule! Both are of superior quality, making it difficult to discern a winner."
At this moment, the Lan family's hearts were once again filled with anxiety.
Both weapons were presented.
Hu Hao, leading a group of experienced artisans from the Forging Association, first picked up the treasured saber forged by the Lan family.
"The saber's blade is as bright as autumn water, its craftsmanship flawless, with an inscription pattern that enhances attack power and formidable might," Hu Hao said, wiping the saber with a cloth. He then gazed at the treasured saber in his hand, speaking each word with a hint of admiration.
With every word he spoke, the Lan family's hope grew brighter.
Finally, Hu Hao declared, "Even among top-tier mortal weapons, this treasured saber is a masterpiece of superior quality! A fine saber."
"Excellent!"
"Wonderful! Our Lan family has hope."
"Young Master Hu Hao is indeed a talented disciple of Master Wang, with discerning judgment!"
"We are sure to win!"
The Lan family members cheered loudly.
Master Zheng's eyes held a trace of disdain, while Jin Dazhi and Jin Wudao wore cold smiles.
Jin Wudao sarcastically remarked, "Tsk, you're celebrating too soon. No matter how good that saber is, it can't compare to Senior Brother Wu's treasured sword!"
"Prepare to be kicked out."
The Jin family members taunted them, the air thick with animosity.
Hu Hao put down the saber and picked up the long sword forged by Wu Yunfeng.
"What a fine sword!"
Hu Hao exclaimed in admiration, his eyes seemingly captivated by the long sword as he examined it.
At this moment, the Lan family's hearts sank to the abyss!
Only Ling Fan keenly noticed the confident, assured smiles that flashed across the faces of Master Zheng and Jin Dazhi as Hu Hao spoke.
"Kunwu iron forged in flying flames and smoke, radiating both red and purple light!"
"A glazed jade scabbard exhales lotus flowers, while intricately carved gold rings reflect the bright moon!"
Hu Hao held the sword, its blade as flawless as a mirror, emitting a soft, moon-like radiance. The curving silver inscription pattern, like a soaring dragon, exuded power and beauty.
Hu Hao swung the long sword through the air, producing a crisp, phoenix-like sword cry.
Everyone was mesmerized!
Truly a magnificent sword.
The Jin family members cheered triumphantly, their faces beaming with pride.
Wu Yunfeng stood with his arms crossed, radiating smug satisfaction.
In contrast, the Lan family members felt as if they had fallen into an abyss.
Only Ling Fan wore a faint, cold smile.
A flashy, empty shell, a piece of junk.
Such a thing might fool ordinary people, but it couldn't deceive Ling Fan's eyes.
In reality, it was far inferior to the saber forged by Li Shan and Lan Xueyi together.
It was a pity he was not a judge.
Hu Hao's face showed a hint of regret. He glanced at the Lan family and said, "Both weapons are superior works. In terms of quality and power, they are very evenly matched, with only a minor difference. I am particularly fond of this saber, but..."
Hu Hao's "but" immediately sent everyone's hearts into their throats, especially the Lan family, who broke out in a cold sweat.
He then changed his tone: "There is no first in literature, but there is no second in martial arts, and it is the same for weapons! If a distinction must be made, I believe this treasured sword forged by Wu Yunfeng of the Jin family is superior!"
The Jin family had won!
As soon as Hu Hao finished speaking, the Jin family erupted in thunderous cheers and celebrations.
"Hahaha, the Jin family is invincible! The Jin family reigns supreme!"
"Lan family, get out of Jiangnan City obediently. From now on, our Jin family will be the undisputed leader of Jiangnan City!"
"Long live Young Master Wu, long live Master Zheng!"
On the other hand, the Lan family was filled with despair.
Lan Tianxiong's hands, gripping the armrests of his chair, tightened, and the wooden armrests splintered.
Beside him, his wife, Li Huimei, stared blankly, murmuring, "It's over, it's over... our Lan family is completely finished!"
Lan Junjie stumbled, his once vibrant young face now etched with a pallor of defeat.
Li Shan, dejected, punched the air in frustration.
Lan Xueyi tilted her head back slightly in helplessness, closing her eyes.
Just as the Lan family members were preparing to accept their fate, Lan Tianxiong's brow furrowed. He shouted, "Words are not proof. The superiority or inferiority of these two weapons can only be determined by testing them. Since this is a weapon forging competition, let's have a true weapon clash and see these two weapons collide!"
This sudden shout immediately drew everyone's attention.
The Lan family's eyes reignited with hope.
Yes, they hadn't lost yet!
They still had a chance.
As long as the saber forged by their Lan family could cleave the Jin family's sword, they could make a comeback from the brink of defeat.
"That's right. Judging solely by the naked eye might not convince everyone."
"A real clash of weapons is the only way to truly ascertain their strength!"
"That makes sense."
Many nodded in agreement, eager to witness which of the two top-tier weapons was more durable, sharper, and more powerful.