Chapter 151: Equipment

After Cheng Feng had properly handled the miscellaneous matters at home, he turned his gaze to the remaining materials from the red-scaled giant snake.

He hadn't done it before because he lacked the money, but now, a new batch of Fine Salt had been successfully sold, and Cheng Feng deeply felt that this head-lopping business was truly addictive.

Just as the older generation often said, if the profit reaches three hundred percent, one would do it even at the risk of losing one's head.

Several times, Cheng Feng had considered expanding the scale of the Fine Salt trade, but in the end, he held back.

After all, his current method of trading was very casual; he kept no ledgers, had no fixed time or location, and shipped in small quantities each time, so even if something went wrong, it would be difficult to trace it back to him.

Once the volume became large, that would be hard to say; this world contained groups like Martial Artists and Alchemists, and these were just the ones Cheng Feng had come into contact with—there were countless others he hadn't, and tracking and tracing would likely be a trivial matter for them.

The current Cheng Feng was in urgent need of money and also had to seek out a few beauties. The ideal candidates in his mind had to possess traits like a large chest, a perky bottom, and good child-bearing hips; if their looks were a bit higher, that would be even better. Only then would he feel his efforts had not been in vain.

Things must be done one by one, and Cheng Feng's realm was increased bit by bit; it could not be rushed.

The current Cheng Feng had four hundred and ninety taels of silver in his hands, which could be considered the most savings he had ever had.

Handing one hundred taels to Cai'er for household expenses, Cheng Feng called for Babai and Cheng Yi, took the snake fangs and about five people's worth of scales, and stepped toward the blacksmith shop.

The sun climbed higher, casting its intense rays onto the facade of the blacksmith shop, making those patches of mottled rust appear even more antique. Cheng Feng stood outside the door, gazing at the familiar blacksmith shop, a surge of inexplicable excitement rising in his heart.

Finally, he had the money to forge equipment; the snake fangs and scales in his hands seemed to sense his mood, emitting a faint, ghostly glow.

Walking into the blacksmith shop, a scorching metallic scent rushed toward him. Under the reflection of the furnace fire, Master Liu the blacksmith was focused on hammering the iron billet in his hands, sparks flying everywhere, emitting a pleasant "ding-dang" sound.

Seeing Cheng Feng enter, Master Liu stopped his work, looked up, and smiled: "Yo, Young Master Cheng, what brings you to my blacksmith shop today? Is there some new, curious object you need forged?"

Master Liu had remembered Cheng Feng; the first time was the design of the Xiuchun Dao, and the last time Cheng Feng had actually been able to produce a rare iron like Heavy Iron—it was hard not to remember Cheng Feng. Every time he finished forging weapons for Cheng Feng, Master Liu felt his own skills had improved slightly.

Cheng Feng smiled and shook his head, handing over the snake fangs and scales in his hands: "Master Liu, please take a look at these materials and see if you can help me forge a few handy weapons."

Master Liu took the snake fangs and scales, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes: "This... are these materials from a Strange Beast? Good fellow, looking at this luster and texture, it's at least an old snake with Blood Refining strength. These scales are so tough, and the snake fangs are exceptionally sharp; these are truly rare and excellent materials!"

Cheng Feng nodded, his expression calm on the surface, though he felt a burst of joy inside. Master Liu was indeed a connoisseur.

He hadn't expected these materials obtained from a Strange Beast to be so precious; it seemed he had really struck gold this time.

Master Liu pondered for a moment and said: "Young Brother Cheng, these materials are indeed precious, but forging weapons also takes time. Let me ask you, do you have any special requirements for the weapons you want?"

After thinking for a moment, Cheng Feng slowly said: "I plan to have these scales forged into four sets of close-fitting Light Armor for the three of us to use; the snake fangs should be made into standard knives of the same specifications as before; as for those sharp fang tips, they can serve as arrowheads. This way, we can maximize the use of these materials. I wonder if this plan is feasible?"

Master Liu nodded slightly, indicating his approval. He first carefully examined the heavy snake fangs in his hand, then picked up a measuring tape to measure the height and dimensions of the three of them, and only after some careful comparison and thought did he feel confident.

Then he responded: "Forging the knives will take about fifteen days, but making the Light Armor will only take five days, though it still requires multiple steps like drilling, equalizing, and steaming and drying. The craftsmanship for the arrowheads is relatively simpler. If you are willing to wait, the total cost will be ninety taels of silver, and you need to pay thirty taels as a deposit first. You can come to pick up the goods in half a month."

Cheng Feng had no objections and agreed.

After finishing the business, Master Liu turned back to the furnace fire and began to get busy. Cheng Feng stood to the side, watching Master Liu skillfully and intently operate the Iron Hammer and anvil, sighing that every trade has its own masters.

Half a month passed like flowing water. When Master Liu stopped his work, Cheng Feng was pleasantly surprised to see four exquisite long knives and four sturdy, lightweight sets of Light Armor appearing before his eyes.

Cheng Feng grasped the hilt of one of the long knives, slowly drew it out, and carefully examined the blade. He saw that the blade presented a stunning bone-white tone. He lightly flicked the blade with his finger, and a crisp, pleasant metallic sound rang out. Cheng Feng gave a light swing, and the Sword light was like a stream of silk, the cold air biting.

Looking again at the four completed sets of Light Armor, they presented a deep black-red tone, yet they faintly exuded a metallic texture.

Cheng Feng was full of curiosity about the creation of this metallic luster and couldn't help but ask Master Liu. Master Liu's face was filled with pride and smugness as he answered haughtily: "It's a good thing you kid found me; other shops probably couldn't do this. To smelt these snake fangs and scales, I brought out my secret stash of flux! Plus the selected Refined Gold and White Iron, and after repeated hammering and polishing, I managed to forge these four high-quality knives. As for the scales, it's the same principle, so if you want to make things like this next time, you'll have to pay a bit more!"

Cheng Feng was amazed; smelting bone and keratinous substances and recasting them with metal???

This was truly an eye-opener.

Master Liu's words revealed his confidence in his own craftsmanship and his appreciation for the materials.

Cheng Feng understood that this experienced craftsman had indeed put a lot of heart and effort into creating such outstanding weapons and armor.

The two looked at each other and smiled, both satisfied with this cooperation.

He looked at Master Liu gratefully and said: "Master Liu, thank you so much! Your craftsmanship is truly beyond words!"

Master Liu waved his hand and smiled: "Young Master Cheng is too polite. The materials you provided are so precious; it is my honor to be able to forge such weapons. Since the weapons are finished, I won't disturb you any further."

With the money and goods exchanged, Cheng Feng thanked him again and left the blacksmith shop. Looking at the long knife in his hand, his heart was filled with anticipation and confidence.