Legendary Armament Canon Chapter 1501 -: How Important It Is to Know a Craft (2)

It was nearing the opportune moment, and Zhou Shu let out a gentle cough. “Since Family Head Peng displays such genuine sincerity, the third grotto-heaven divine weapon shall be bestowed upon the Peng family.”

“Absolutely not! My Yun family’s bid is certainly no less than the Peng family’s,” declared a displeased family head.

“Our family’s offer surpasses the Peng family’s by thirty percent!”

The other family heads also voiced their discontent.

“Family Head Dong, while you are free to sell your possessions to whomever you choose, one cannot simply toy with us in such a manner,” the family heads grumbled indignantly.

“Esteemed sirs, please refrain from anger. Allow me to elaborate,” Zhou Shu said with a smile. “Every one of you is aware of the Peng family’s circumstances.

“Family Head Peng, I must apologize for my bluntness. The Peng family’s situation mirrors that of my own Dong family, and even if slightly better, the difference is marginal. I understand the maximum offer your family can present, based on my Dong family’s capacity,” Zhou Shu stated with gravity.

“What Family Head Peng has proposed represents the absolute limit of their capability. However, for the rest of you, that might not necessarily be the case.

“Consider this: if one person possesses 10,000 taels of silver and contributes 150 taels, while another, holding only 100 taels, offers all 100 taels. Which individual demonstrates greater sincerity?”

A collective frown rippled through the crowd. “Can such calculations be made? Do you not wish to profit?”

Only the Peng family head appeared genuinely moved. “Precisely! My Peng family is prepared to sacrifice everything for this grotto-heaven divine weapon. Which among you can claim such devotion?”

He regarded Zhou Shu with newfound conviction. “I was mistaken in my previous judgment of him. Now, I realize he is a man of integrity, a true confidant! Henceforth, my Peng family must forge a strong bond with the Dong family and support each other mutually.”

“Family Head Dong, that logic is flawed, is it not? Did we not mutually agree that the highest bid secures the item?” a disgruntled family head protested. “This is not a transaction involving women. What relevance does sincerity hold? A higher price is the undeniable truth!”

“Indeed! As you yourself stated, the highest bidder prevails!” another family head concurred.

It had been countless years since a grotto-heaven divine weapon had graced the Zhu Rong Heavenly Kingdom. How could they possibly permit this artifact to fall into the hands of another?

“We are prepared to offer even higher prices now. The final grotto-heaven divine weapon rightfully belongs to us. Family Head Dong, you cannot possibly disregard the established rules, can you?”

The family heads who had failed to secure a grotto-heaven divine weapon directed glares at both Zhou Shu and the Peng family head.

Having already obtained what they desired, Family Head Cao and Family Head Mi observed the unfolding scene from the sidelines, as if watching a theatrical performance.

Another spectator was Mu Zhixing, who also observed the proceedings.

Mu Zhixing’s gaze flickered about, his intentions seemingly not entirely transparent.

Witnessing Zhou Shu manipulate these individuals, his envy intensified. “They are assisting Zhou Shu in counting his earnings, even after he has seemingly deceived them! They are practically compelling Zhou Shu to accept their wealth! Are there truly such simpletons in existence?”

“Alas…” Zhou Shu sighed, casting an apologetic glance at the Peng family head. “Family Head Peng, our bond is one of deep camaraderie. My initial intention was to assist you, but alas, observe the circumstances…”

A slight stiffness crept onto the Peng family head’s face, yet he still managed to reply,

“Family Head Dong, regardless of your final decision, I deeply feel your friendship. From this moment forth, you are my sworn brother. Should you require anything, consider it yours to command, and I shall spare no effort to assist you!”

The others merely pursed their lips. “If you lack the funds, so be it. What is the point of forming friendships? Who cannot utter such perfunctory words?”

“Family Head Dong, we are all friends here. Business is business, and it need not impinge upon our camaraderie. My family is prepared to enhance our offer by an additional 10%,” stated one family head.

“An additional 10% is not necessary,” Zhou Shu replied, shaking his head. “The matter is thus: through my comprehension of the art of forging, I have gained some proficiency. However, the path of forging is vast and its depths immeasurable; I have merely grasped the initial threshold. There remains a great deal for me to learn.

“Each of our nine families possesses a sacred artifact that protects the clan. These primordial divine artifacts embody the principles of the universe. If I can glean even a fraction of understanding from them, it would significantly benefit my forging endeavors…”

The Ji family head’s brow furrowed. “Family Head Dong, what exactly are you implying?”

“It is a simple request. I was merely contemplating whether it would be convenient to borrow your Ji family’s divine artifact for a few days, so that I may attempt to comprehend its secrets,” Zhou Shu explained with a smile. “If my forging skills can achieve further improvement, I might be capable of crafting one or two more grotto-heaven divine weapons within a century. By then, there will be no need for everyone to contend so fiercely; each of you shall possess one.”

“You wish to borrow my family’s divine artifact?” The Ji family head’s expression turned grim.

Zhou Shu found himself feeling a bit exasperated. Why couldn't these people grasp what he was saying? All he desired was to borrow it. Could they comprehend that simple request?

"Patriarch Ji, what is the meaning of this?" Zhou Shu inquired with forced patience. "How could I possibly desire to take possession of your family's divine artifact? I merely wish to borrow it for a few days to study."

"Patriarch Ji, if your concerns are about security, you are welcome to stay within the Dong family's grounds. You may retrieve the artifact once my comprehension is complete."

"How could the clan-protecting divine artifact of your esteemed family be easily seized by an outsider?"

"Patriarch Ji, perhaps you are unaware, but once craftsmen like us become engrossed in forging, our fascination with creation takes over. We feel compelled to study any divine weapon we encounter, let alone a primordial divine artifact of such significance."