In the realm of blades, I bear the title of the owner of the "Number One Sword Forge." It may sound impressive, but here's the catch – I have never forged a single sword, and my master never taught me the art of swordsmithing. From my earliest memories, I have been learning the craft in my master's workshop – crafting knives, spears, staffs, axes, hooks, and even the everyday tools used by common folks. I can create all of these, yet the skill of forging a sword eludes me.
The martial world is a chaotic place, where the strong prey on the weak, and the victor takes all. In order to survive in this ruthless environment, warriors seek a reliable weapon, and that's when they come to me. "I know you're the owner of the Number One Sword Forge," is usually their opening line. "I want a sword," follows as their second sentence.
Ten years ago, on his deathbed, my master passed his workshop to me, saying, "I'm about to kick the bucket, bury me with my hammer." "Take care of yourself when I'm gone, make some more money, and don't shortchange yourself." I cried, telling him he wouldn't die, but he slapped me with all his remaining strength. "Stop crying like a damn woman. Just pour me some good wine every year during the sacrifices, that'll do." Despite his rough temperament, my master was good to me, so I couldn't bear to lose him. Nevertheless, I buried him and became the owner of the workshop.
The workshop isn't large, situated in a small town in Jiangnan. While I know my master's craftsmanship is exceptional, the forge doesn't have much renown. When I asked my master about it, he, while drinking, said, "Running a shop is just to feed oneself, and fame is like a venomous snake – you never know when it might bite you."
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The Unlikely Swordsmith
Action"A Swordsmith's Journey in the Martial World without Sword Forging Skills" In the martial world, there was a swordsmith who lacked the skill of forging swords, and his journey was quite legendary. This swordsmith did not possess extraordinary skills...
