Chapter 90: Elder Peng Become a Grade-1 Blacksmith (Mortal Grade)
Returning to the mansion, Jun Wu was greeted with a sight that made him pause in surprise.
Elder Peng was dancing back and forth like a restless child, his wide grin stretching from ear to ear.
His steps were clumsy, yet his excitement was unmistakable.
Standing a little distance away, Mao Yun, Hao Ran, and Xinyue watched with faint smiles tugging at their lips.
Their joy was quiet, but it was genuine. They all knew how much this moment meant to the old man.
Hao Ran, watching his master spin and hop with unrestrained happiness, nearly burst into laughter.
Elder Peng looked no different from a boy being handed his very first candle during a festival.
Yet Hao Ran quickly covered his mouth, forcing the sound back into his throat.
If he caught Hao Ran laughing, he would not hesitate to order him to swing the forging hammer a thousand times without pause.
That single punishment alone would leave his arms aching and swollen for days.
Suppressing the laugh, Hao Ran folded his hands behind his back and stood stiff.
"What is going on?" Jun Wu asked at last, curiosity flickering across his face.
"Hahahaha! Young Master, you’ve returned!" Elder Peng exclaimed.
He rushed forward, stopping a few feet away before dramatically presenting something with both hands.
In his grasp gleamed a dagger.
Jun Wu raised his brows, accepting the weapon. At once, the courtyard fell into silence.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for his judgment.
Even without touching it, Jun Wu could already tell, this was no ordinary tool. This was a genuine Mortal Grade Weapon.
He turned the dagger in his hands. The weight was balanced, the edge sharp enough to gleam even in dim light.
The runes carved into its surface were neat and orderly, evidence of painstaking effort and precision.
"Congratulations," Jun Wu said at last, a smile brightening his face.
"Hahahaha! Finally!" Elder Peng’s laughter cracked as tears welled at the corners of his eyes.
His shoulders trembled.
For nearly half his life, he had labored day and night, burning his body and spirit for this single goal– to forge a Mortal Grade weapon with his own hands.
And now, at last, he has succeeded.
He raised his head, meeting Jun Wu’s gaze. His voice trembled as he spoke from the depths of his heart.
"Thank you, Young Master, for giving this old man the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream."
"It’s nothing," Jun Wu replied gently, patting him on the shoulder. "This is just the beginning. But remember...do not neglect your cultivation. If you wish to become a true Spirit Grade Blacksmith, you must forge your path both in craft and in strength."
"Yes! Yes, of course!" Elder Peng nodded vigorously.
"Good," Jun Wu continued with a grin. "Then tell me, are you going to celebrate this great achievement, or not?"
"Ah! How could I forget?" Elder Peng smacked his forehead; his face filled with mock despair. "Of course, we must celebrate this! The heavens would mock me otherwise!"
His joy was so great that he dashed from the mansion at once, declaring that he would bring back the finest wine the city had to offer.
Today was the happiest day of his life. How could he not mark it properly?
The group watched his retreating back, laughter spilling from their lips.
True to his word, Elder Peng returned minutes later with large jars of fragrant wine balanced on his shoulders.
At the same time, Xinyue hurried into the kitchen, determined to prepare the finest dishes she could manage.
Before long, the courtyard was alive with warmth and noise. Plates of steaming food covered the tables, and jars of rich wine stood uncorked.
Everyone gathered together, feasting and drinking in celebration of Elder Peng’s triumph.
The atmosphere was light and carefree, filled with laughter. Even Mao Yun and Zhang Wei who rarely drank due to the nature of their duties allowed themselves a few jars in honor of the old blacksmith.
Hao Ran, however, was less fortunate. Every time he tried to sneak a cup of wine, Xinyue’s sharp eyes caught him.
She smacked his hand away, scolding him like an overbearing sister.
The others roared with laughter at the siblings’ playful antics.
Jun Wu himself did not hold back; he lifted several cups of wine, letting the burn of the drink loosen his chest.
This was one of those rare occasions where they could lower their guard and simply enjoy peace.
Beside him, Xinyue’s cheeks soon turned crimson, her composure faltering after only a few sips.
"What’s happened to your face?" Jun Wu teased, leaning slightly toward her. "Are you alright?"
"Ah! Young Master..." Xinyue squeaked, ducking her head in embarrassment.
"Hahaha! Don’t tell me this is your first time tasting wine?"
"Young Master... you’re bullying me..." she whispered, her voice soft as a feather.
Her heart raced wildly, pounding so hard she feared everyone might hear it.
Sitting so close to Jun Wu, she couldn’t calm herself no matter how hard she tried.
"That’s the truth, Young Master!" Hao Ran interrupted loudly, eager to expose her.
"My sister is so stingy she wouldn’t even buy the cheapest tea in the market. We only ever drink plain warm water at home. Tsk!"
"Hahaha! Is that so?" Jun Wu laughed heartily.
Xinyue’s blush deepened, her face red as ripe tomatoes.
She wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow her whole.
She glared daggers at her younger brother, but Hao Ran only smirked, tearing into a piece of chicken rib with relish.
’This little rascal...’ she seethed silently. She swore to herself that once this night ended, she would teach him a lesson he would never forget.
The group continued laughing and teasing one another until, suddenly, a light knock echoed from the entrance gate.
The cheerful atmosphere still.
Mao Yun and Zhang Wei exchanged subtle glances before rising from their seats.
Without a word, they left the courtyard to investigate.
Jun Wu frowned slightly. Who could be visiting at this hour?
For weeks, he had done everything possible to avoid entanglement with the various clans.
Many had approached under the guise of business, but their true intentions were always the same—marriage alliances, power games, endless schemes.
He had no interest in being caught in their webs.
Moments later, Mao Yun returned. His face was grave.
"Young Master," he said solemnly, "we have visitors. They are elders from the clan."