Chapter 728: Traditional Provocation

Compared to his earlier offhand remark, Third Director's attitude this time seemed considerably more sincere…

After studying the old man's square-headed expression, Li Ang raised an eyebrow in thought, then instinctively glanced behind him.

What met his gaze was precisely the Red-haired woman's fox-like eyes, curved with an enigmatic smile.

"…"

Huh… so from stealing the coffin earlier to asking for guidance just now, was all of this part of your plan? But how did you know I'd bring up Taurus Director and trigger Third Director's competitive spirit?

…

Regardless of whether this was the Director's arrangement, a master smith's guidance was not to be missed.

Under the guidance of the square-headed old man—no, of Third Director, who loved giving advice to juniors—Li Ang, who had been utterly baffled, stood before the pitch-black cauldron, picked up the large spoon still caked in rust, assumed a forging stance, and turned to face Third Director, who stood with his hands behind his back on the other side.

"…"

"?"

After waiting a while without seeing Li Ang begin forging, the square-headed old man fell silent, then spoke with utter disbelief:

"Wait… you don't even have practice materials? Do I have to provide those too?"

"Sorry…"

Hearing this, Li Ang nodded, explaining with a shy flush:

"Third Director, I've only been with the Cleanup Bureau for two months—I really don't have anything on hand…"

"Huh?"

Upon hearing Li Ang's words, the square-headed old man's eyes widened in shock, his face filled with disbelief:

"Olivia said you joined the Cleanup Bureau last year—so… so you haven't been here over a year, you've only been here two months?"

"…"

Actually, it wasn't even two months—it was less than two…

Seeing Third Director's cheek muscles twitching uncontrollably, Li Ang feared that if he pushed further, the elder might refuse to teach him entirely, so he nodded and accepted the "two months" claim, replying awkwardly:

"I did join the Virgin Division last year, but it was right at year-end, so…"

So you're just a beginner, then?

And you've only been in the Cleanup Bureau for two months—how long have you even been exposed to Anomalous Forging? Sixty days? So you've barely started learning Anomalous Forging, and now you're coming to me, the strongest smith in history, for guidance? What's the difference between this and teaching a baby the angle of the sun?

He desperately didn't want to be burdened with this absurd "prenatal education" task, but having made a promise, he couldn't back out—so Third Director scratched his scalp in distress, as flakes of dandruff drifted down, and asked with fading hope:

"Then… how long has it been since you first encountered Anomalous Forging?"

Li Ang paused to recall, then blushed slightly and held up five fingers.

"Fifty days?"

"Last Friday…"

"…"

Are you two here to mock me?

Li Ang's "last Friday" shattered his already crumbling mental defenses—Third Director of the Cleanup Bureau took a deep, sharp breath, then stomped his foot hard and pointed furiously toward the cemetery entrance:

"Go! Get out! All of you—get out!!!"

…

"Third Director, please don't rush~"

As if she'd anticipated this exact reaction, the Red-haired woman smiled warmly, waiting nearby:

"Although Li Ang has only been exposed to Anomalous Forging for a short time, his talent in arcane arts is exceptional—he's already entered the basics of Aquarius Line's Anomalous Creation Art, besides Taurus Line's Anomalous Forging."

"What? He learned two arcane arts?"

"Possibly even three—this generation's Pisces Director seems quite interested in Li Ang too."

"…" "In any case, Li Ang's talent in arcane arts is certainly not lacking."

Watching the square-headed old man's expression soften slightly, the Red-haired woman smiled sweetly:

"Moreover, Taurus Director once said that once she ascends to the Palace, Li Ang may try to succeed her as the next Taurus Director—and had she not been in self-seclusion, she might have taught him herself."

You're the greatest smith in the world, yet because you lack the recognition of the Taurus Star Palace, your results always fall just short—you're only the second-best smith. Don't you feel regret?"

Third Director, think about it—if you can't be the best living smith, but your student becomes the next Taurus Director…"

"Stop! Stop! Don't try to manipulate me!"

Shaking his head violently, Third Director broke free from the mental hypnosis and sneered:

"You're saying all this just to make me teach him, aren't you? No! Even if I wanted to produce a Taurus Director, I won't take someone already touched by another!"

This kid's already been guided by Taurus—what if he becomes the next Taurus Director? That achievement might not even count as mine… In short—I won't teach him! Not at all!"

"Really won't teach?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Third Director, are you afraid?"

"???"

Seeing the Red-haired woman's skeptical expression, the square-headed old man laughed bitterly, pointing at Li Ang:

"Him? What could I possibly fear from him?"

"That he'll surpass you~"

The Red-haired woman tilted her head slightly, her gaze thoughtful:

"Li Ang masters two arcane arts and is favored by this generation's Taurus Director. If he learns your forging techniques, he might push the very ceiling of Anomalous Forging forward by a great leap."

If that happens, you won't be the greatest smith in history anymore—and if he dies, and you challenge his soul to a forging contest… and lose…"

"You're talking nonsense!"

The square-headed old man snapped angrily:

"Damn it! You're deliberately goading me into teaching him! Do you think I can't see through your scheme?"

"Yes, I am exactly thinking that."

Without any concealment, the Red-haired woman smiled and countered:

"So—are you going to teach him, or not?"

"I…"

"Li Ang has extraordinary talent—Taurus Director once said that if she were to teach him, he'd at least…"

"Shut up! I'll teach him! I'll teach him, alright?!"

Fuming, Third Director stomped his foot, then stormed back to his freshly dug grave, pulled out a pile of buried items, and dumped them noisily at Li Ang's feet:

"Take them! Use whatever you want! Damn it! I want to see what the hell you can forge!"

"…"

Got it—this trip was a robbery, orchestrated by the Director.

Looking at the pile of materials at his feet—each radiating power no weaker than Snake Tail's, all starting at Saint Spirit grade—and then at the Red-haired woman winking at him, Li Ang silently picked up one item and tossed it into the cauldron, mimicking the square-headed old man's earlier motions, stirring with the large spoon.

It's a bit mean to trick the old man… but since the Director isn't drunk now, she must have her reasons—I'll trust her.

(End of Chapter)