Jun Wu and his retainers did not leave the mansion for the next three days.
Everyone was busy trying to grow stronger. Jun Wu delved into his study of arrays and forging.
On the fourth day, a visitor came to their mansion. It was Elder Peng.
"Why haven't you been attending your apprenticeship?" Elder Peng asked with a deep frown.
Looking at the furious elder, Jun Wu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. While everyone else was avoiding him, Elder Peng was furious at him for neglecting his blacksmith training.
From this, Jun Wu realized that Elder Peng genuinely wanted to teach him how to become a blacksmith.
Taking a deep breath to organize his thoughts, he handed Elder Peng a dagger.
"Elder Peng, what do you think of this dagger? I forged it myself."
Taking the dagger, Elder Peng didn't expect anything extraordinary from Jun Wu.
After all, Jun Wu had only been learning blacksmithing for a few days. How could he possibly forge anything decent?
But as Elder Peng inspected the dagger, his expression changed.
The more he examined it, the more shocked he became. His breathing grew erratic.
"Y-You… You forged this?" he exclaimed in disbelief.
"Kid, don't play games with me," he said, shaking his head. He couldn't believe Jun Wu had forged such an exquisite weapon.
Jun Wu laughed, having anticipated this reaction. "Elder Peng, why would I lie to you? You're my teacher. There's no benefit in deceiving you."
"Besides, there's more if you'd like to see them."
Still reeling from the shock, Elder Peng quickly responded, "Yes. Show me."
Without hesitation, Jun Wu led him to his forging room.
When Elder Peng saw the ten Half-Step Mortal Grade weapons displayed inside, his jaw nearly hit the floor.
In his entire career as a blacksmith, this was the first time he had seen someone learn blacksmithing in a matter of days and create Half-Step Mortal Grade weapons.
What about him? He had toiled away for decades and still couldn't achieve what this young man had accomplished in mere days.
A deep sigh escaped Elder Peng, his face etched with sorrow. His lifelong dream was to forge a Mortal Grade weapon, but he had never succeeded.
Seeing Elder Peng wallowing in despair, Jun Wu understood what was going through his mind and spoke confidently.
"Elder Peng, I can teach you how to forge a Mortal Grade weapon."
Elder Peng raised his head, his face expressionless, but deep down, a flicker of hope burned brightly.
"The greatest difference between an ordinary weapon and a Mortal Grade weapon lies in the runic inscriptions," Jun Wu explained.
"Runic inscriptions?" Elder Peng exclaimed, astonished.
This was the first time he had heard of such a concept.
Jun Wu wasn't surprised. Such knowledge had been lost to time and could only occasionally be found in ancient ruins—if one was lucky.
Without holding back, Jun Wu explained the concept of runes to him.
By the time he finished, Elder Peng's face was a mix of amazement and excitement.
"So that's why I've never been able to forge a Mortal Grade weapon!" he muttered.
"Exactly."
"I can teach you some simple runes, and you'll be able to forge a Mortal Grade weapon. But there's one condition: you must join me."
"Join you?" Elder Peng repeated, realization dawning on him.
Elder Peng was aware of Jun Wu's situation but didn't care. His only passion was blacksmithing.
"Yes. If you join me, you will become a Mortal Grade blacksmith and have the chance to become a Spirit Grade blacksmith," Jun Wu said confidently.
"A Spirit Grade blacksmith?" Elder Peng's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"After Mortal Grade comes Spirit Grade," Jun Wu explained.
"Really?"
"Yes. So, what do you think?"
"I agree! As long as I can become a Mortal Grade blacksmith," Elder Peng responded decisively.
"Really?" Jun Wu was surprised. He hadn't expected Elder Peng to agree so readily.
"What's with that look? A man needs to be decisive! Do I need to sign a contract or something?"
"No, that's not necessary for now," Jun Wu replied, delighted.
...
Back in the main hall, Elder Peng, Jun Wu, and his retainers sat discussing their next steps.
"So, you're trying to create your own force," Elder Peng said, realization dawning.
"Yes. I can't remain passive while my enemies attack from all sides," Jun Wu replied.
"Then what's your plan? Building your own force is easier said than done. Moreover, your enemies won't give you the chance," Elder Peng pointed out.
"I know, and I'm working on it," Jun Wu said, his brow furrowed in thought.
"But I have a shortcut," Elder Peng announced.
Instantly, everyone turned to him with anticipation.
"Join the Blacksmith Association. Your fame will spread throughout the region," Elder Peng suggested.
"Ha! How could I forget about the association?!" Mao Yun exclaimed.
Joining the association would undoubtedly boost Jun Wu's reputation.
"Young Master, I think you should consider it. The associations are powerful enough that even your clan elders would think twice before acting against you," Mao Yun advised.
"With the association's backing, many would hesitate to attack you. No one wants to offend a future Mortal Grade blacksmith," Elder Peng added.
"That's a good idea, but I won't join the Blacksmith Association," Jun Wu said with a knowing smile.
"Then… which association?"
"The Formation Association," Jun Wu declared, a bright smile lighting up his face.