This chapter is very cringe but still readable
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In the midst of everyone's amazement, the blacksmithing master from the Iron Furnace Weapon Shop began the formal forging process. Countless materials were melted, and the molten iron in the forging furnace liquefied. Various materials were introduced, impurities were removed, and the molten iron was ground, the sword was shaped, and hammering continued as the long sword slowly took form.
Meanwhile, Ron had only just begun to kindle the fire and commenced his seemingly clumsy forging.
"it's just an apprentice" the Iron Furnace Weapon Shop's owner sneered with a confident smile, believing that Ron's unpolished movements signaled his imminent victory.
"It's over" Clinton sighed in frustration, while Old John shook his head in disappointment. Ron's actions were far from impressive; even his previous work in the blacksmith shop was better. The pressure of forging in public had clearly made him too nervous. This time, it appeared that victory was out of reach, and the loss of the valuable material was a real disappointment.
Ron maintained a calm demeanor, disregarding the laughter from the spectators. Who could believe that a divine blacksmith could lose to a master blacksmith? It seemed impossible.
Ron pondered, knowing that with his current forging abilities, as long as the materials and flames kept pace, he could easily forge not just a Great-grade blade, but even a Supreme-grade blade. Unfortunately, the materials provided by Old John, and the forge furnace's flame were not up to par. In the eyes of other blacksmithing masters in this world, these materials were only suitable for crafting a high-quality fine sword or weapon.
However, who was he? With his current Divine Craftsman-level ability, he could with effort, craft a great-grade sword even with these limited materials. It was barely achievable!
As Ron continued forging slowly, the blacksmithing master on the other side finally completed the forging of the sword in his hand. His expression shifted from excitement to jubilation, as he quenched the blade in a bucket of water.
"Ha...ha...ha!"
As the blacksmithing master lifted the sword from the water, a cold light emitted from the blade, leaving everyone in shock.
"This... this... this" the Iron Furnace Weapon Shop's owner stammered in astonishment, "A graded blade!"
"Hahaha!" The blacksmithing master raised his head, laughing with pride, proudly displaying the long sword in his hand and addressing the crowd. "I was fortunate this time, and I've successfully crafted a graded blade! Hahaha!"
"Excellent, excellent! Hahaha, an outstanding weapon!" The Iron Furnace Weapon Shop's owner confirmed and laughed triumphantly, looking at Old John. "Old John, did you see that? A graded blade, I doubt you've ever seen one. After all, it's been over a century since your family last produced a graded blade. Would you like to come take a closer look? I'll even allow you to examine it. How about it?"
Old John quivered, his face dark with frustration.
"Despicable!" Clinton gritted his teeth, unable to counter the claim. Deep within, he gazed at the newly forged graded blade, wishing that their family could produce such a weapon.
While many of the onlookers didn't fully comprehend the level of this weapon, a small number of knowledgeable individuals understood the tremendous difficulty involved in crafting it. They gazed in astonishment at the sword in the hands of the blacksmithing master and sighed in admiration.
"A graded blade... a precious graded blade has been created before my eyes!" Tashigi as a swordswoman herself, was ecstatic to have witnessed the crafting of such a weapon.
"Indeed, the craftsmanship is exceptional" Grace nodded, looking appreciatively at the graded sword in the hands of the blacksmithing master.
"Well...," Smoker also nodded, his reaction less surprised. As a navy captain, weapons of this level were impressive, but not enough to astonish him. His gaze turned toward the teenager.
Ron observed as the blacksmithing master on the opposite side completed his forging. He smiled faintly as the sword in his hand gradually took shape.
With a few casual strikes, Ron tossed the sword into the nearby cooling bucket.
"Oh, he's given up..."
The blacksmithing master on the other side couldn't resist a condescending laugh. Only a few casual hammer strikes and Ron appeared to be surrendering. After all, how could a mere apprentice compare to his skill?
But as the blade emerged from the cold water, an astonishing cold light burst forth, even more breathtaking than the graded blade previously forged. The intensity of the light was enough to blind everyone.
After the dazzling gleam, a long sword with a sharp aura stood before them, its blade sharp.
"This... this..."
"Is this..."
"A... a great-grade sword???"
"My goodness!!!"
Grace, Old John, the blacksmithing master with the graded blade sword, the middle-aged man in Chinese attire, Tashigi, and Smoker, all gasped in astonishment. Their faces were frozen, leaving them speechless.