Chapter Seventy-One: The Blacksmith's Mission

The newly forged Flame Demon Hammer in Xu Kang's hand, though only about one and a half meters long—similar to an ordinary longsword—was by no means light. According to modern calculations, its weight translated to the Eastern Han standards would be two hundred jin! As for wielding two of them... that surely had to be a joke!

But since the speaker was Xu Kang, things were different. Was he an ordinary man? Whether it was the magical water pouch that appeared from nowhere or the Flame Demon Hammer, which remained fiery red even after quenching, both had completely overturned the blacksmith’s understanding of the world.

For someone like him, never mind wielding two two-hundred-jin hammers—if he claimed he could handle five hundred jin, the blacksmith would believe it!

"Let’s begin!"

To help them work more efficiently, Xu Kang was generous. While the second Flame Demon Hammer was taking shape and cooling, he handed out several magical loaves of bread to the blacksmith and his apprentices, earning a chorus of grateful thanks.

Several hours later, as the magical fresh water boiled and white steam filled the forge once again, the second Flame Demon Hammer was finally completed.

"General, please test this hammer with the sword!"

Xu Kang did not hesitate. He agreed with a nod, then raised the newly forged Flame Demon Hammer and brought it down upon the longsword lying atop the anvil.

A crisp clang rang out, and sparks burst from the contact between the hammer and the sword.

Seeing this scene, the blacksmith felt no distress—instead, his face lit up with joy as he bowed to Xu Kang.

As soon as he finished speaking, his apprentices behind him echoed his words.

"Congratulations, General, on acquiring another divine weapon!"

"Hahaha!" Xu Kang burst into hearty laughter at their chorus, nodding as he laughed.

"Very well!"

This time, Xu Kang did not draw a weapon, but first drew a horse. Upon the horse, he sketched armor covering its entire body, leaving only the eyes and lower legs exposed.

Anyone familiar with such equipment would instantly recognize it: Armored Cavalry Gear!

After examining the design Xu Kang had drawn, the blacksmith’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened in astonishment.

"Whoa, you want that many?"

"Never mind the cost for now. With this Armored Cavalry Gear, how many sets could you produce in a month?"

The blacksmith pondered, glanced at his apprentices, and then addressed Xu Kang.

"Too few!"

"Twenty sets are nowhere near enough. Gather every skilled blacksmith you know. I’ll also find you another hundred apprentices. I'll provide the money and the iron—after one month, I want to see five hundred sets of Armored Cavalry Gear. Can you manage it?"

The blacksmith hesitated, but recognizing this as a rare opportunity, he steeled himself and bowed to Xu Kang once more.

Xu Kang had been waiting for these words. Seeing the blacksmith agree, he finally smiled with satisfaction and patted his shoulder.

"Thank you, General!"

"Enough, spare me the formalities. Just do your work well. Oh, before you start on the cavalry armor, make a suit for the big fellow at the door. It’s the mascot of my army!"

"Qiang, come over and greet them!"

The blacksmith: "(Д*)"

As dusk had already fallen, once the blacksmith had measured the size of the Strong Pig, Xu Kang led it back to the county office.

Upon returning, Xu Kang stowed the two Flame Demon Hammers in his spatial backpack, then went to the backyard to dine with Lu Zhi, taking the opportunity to ask whether he had any way of acquiring iron.

"Gong Wei... Brother Gong Wei, wait... Hey, listen to me, Brother Gong Wei..."

As the two entered, Zhu Jun hastened his steps, striding quickly up to Xu Kang and seizing his hand.

"Ah?"

"I don’t have it, it’s not me, don’t make wild accusations!"

Huangfu Song: "..."

Lu Zhi: "..."