Chapter 116: Looking for a Blacksmith
One thing that makes the dwarves famous is their ability to craft artifacts from almost any material. Unlike other races in the field of blacksmithing, the dwarves seem to be born for it. Their affinity with the earth and fire elements, combined with their innate skill and talent in blacksmithing, enables them to create artifacts of exceptional quality.
Even today, their services are sought after across the entire continent. While blacksmithing is not exclusive to dwarves, their craftsmanship remains highly valued, and their products are still preferred by many. Even some of the legacy artifacts held by major clans or noble families bear the mark of dwarven craftsmanship.
Whenever a dwarven blacksmith master creates an artifact, it is eagerly sought after and commands a high price, affordable only to cultivators with deep pockets. Thus, not every cultivator is fortunate enough to possess an artifact made by the dwarves.
There is a small kingdom, though it has the smallest territory on the continent compared to its neighboring powers, that holds significant status. The Forgeheart Kingdom, a landlocked territory located south of the Everlasting Silent Forest, is bordered by demon territories to the east and south, and by Buddhist sect territories from south to the west.
This kingdom is the place where cultivators from all over the continent come to find the artifacts they need. From the smallest village to the largest city, blacksmithing is a central activity throughout the kingdom.
When Aldrian and his companions stepped out of the teleportation station in Valiard City, the second-largest city in the Forgeheart Kingdom, the first thing they saw was many dwarves passing by. The sight of so many beings shorter than the continent’s average height amused Aldrian, who was seeing them in such numbers for the first time.
Although he had encountered a few dwarves during his journey from the Ivory Empire to here, seeing so many in one place gave him a fresh experience. Their tanned skin and sturdy, muscular bodies—shaped by vigorous activity—looked impressive on their short frames.
Baek Ji-Min, also leaving the Demon territory for the first time, wore a look of curiosity and amazement. Her once-white hair had been dyed black to avoid drawing too much attention, though her red eyes remained visible. She now wore a veil to conceal most of her face from others.
"Didn’t you want to find a blacksmith master to fix your sword? Let’s check this place out. Since this is the second-largest city in the Forgeheart Kingdom, we might get lucky and find a blacksmith who can repair your sword quickly," Xin Haotian suggested to Aldrian.
The blacksmiths capable of creating or repairing Heaven-grade artifacts were few in this city, and making an appointment with them could take an unknown amount of time. They were always busy, and their skills were constantly in demand.
Since Aldrian was already in the city, he decided to search for a skilled blacksmith to fix his sword and, if lucky, perhaps find a way to upgrade it. His Heaven-grade sword was no longer sufficient to handle his techniques.