Chapter 132: The King’s Shock
Throughout the history of the Barisan continent, many blacksmithing geniuses have risen to fame, leaving their names etched in the annals of blacksmithing history after creating high-grade artifacts early in their careers. Some were able to forge peak Heaven-grade artifacts within a mere decade of touching a blacksmith’s hammer for the first time, while others crafted Divine-grade artifacts after a century of dedication.
These individuals are truly Heaven’s chosen in the world of blacksmithing—talents so rare that surpassing them through hard work alone seems almost impossible. But now, the question arises: has anyone ever created a Middle Sky-grade artifact just six months after picking up a hammer for the first time? Most would agree that it’s impossible.
To forge a higher-grade artifact, one must comprehend the intricate patterns of that grade, possess sufficient energy, and master the techniques that support it. If any of these requirements are unmet, creating a high-grade artifact or in this case a Sky-grade one—is unachievable. The patterns of Sky-grade artifacts are significantly more complex than those of Earth-grade ones, requiring considerable time for comprehension and practice. For a beginner, mastering such patterns in under a year is unimaginable.
The forging techniques must also be perfected to support the desired grade’s artifact, a process that demands immense resources and years of practice. Even for someone with extraordinary talent and a sharp mind, experience is irreplaceable—experiences is the keys to gaining profound knowledge!
So, when King Douwin heard that the young man who assisted Duke Valiard in creating a Middle Divine-grade artifact was only at the High Earl stage, he assumed the youth had at least a decade of experience in blacksmithing—a prodigy akin to the legendary geniuses of the past.
As for the energy required for such a feat, the king speculated that Duke Valiard had likely compensated with an expensive elixir capable of continuously replenishing energy. Though such an elixir would be incredibly costly and might drain Duke Valiard’s wealth, King Douwin thought it plausible, believing the duke to be desperate to prove his competence to the other nobles and to ease the lingering accusations surrounding his elder brother’s mysterious disappearance.
The dagger Aldrian had forged further convinced the king that this young man must have a genius mind and extensive experience far beyond the norm. So, when King Douwin heard that Aldrian had only been forging for six months since first picking up a hammer, his mind froze. He slumped back onto his throne with a blank expression, it was as though the king’s thoughts had come to a complete halt.
Seeing the king’s lost expression, Aldrian decided to speak to him directly. He sent a voice transmission to King Douwin.
"Your Majesty, do you know how old I am?"
The king, still in a daze, was startled by the sudden question but responded out of instinct. He wondered why the young man had chosen a voice transmission but answered nonetheless.
"I don’t know... perhaps 100 years old or more?" It seemed the most logical guess given Aldrian’s youthful appearance and cultivation level.