Legendary Armament Canon Chapter 1502 -: How Important It Is to Know a Craft (3)

Zhou Shu let out a sigh and casually remarked, “It’s not just the Ji family’s artifact of power. I wish to examine and handle the artifacts of power belonging to the other families as well.

“Everyone here is aware that the Zhu Rong Nine Families and their respective clan-protecting artifacts of power were all gifts from the Emperor, bestowed after our family ancestors rendered great service by his side.

“If you were in my position, wouldn’t you also desire to study them?”

The various family heads knitted their brows. They were not smiths and couldn't fully grasp Zhou Shu's intentions.

Yet, his reasoning seemed plausible.

“Lend it for a few days for comprehension?” The Ji family head’s brow furrowed. This matter involved his family's artifact of power, necessitating utmost caution.

The clan-protecting artifact of power was tied to the Ji family's very survival; he could not afford any misstep.

However, reconsidering, it wasn't entirely out of the question to allow the Dong family head to borrow it for a few days of contemplation. After all, as the Dong family head mentioned, how could an outsider possibly seize their family’s clan-protecting artifact of power?

It was simply impossible.

From a certain distance, he could reclaim his family’s artifact of power whenever he wished.

Furthermore, without his family's bloodline, activating their artifact of power was impossible.

“If you were to provide the third grotto-heaven divine weapon to my family in exchange for borrowing our family's artifact of power for comprehension, that would be acceptable. However…” The Ji family head’s gaze shifted. “The price for this grotto-heaven divine weapon cannot be this high. After all, my family’s clan-protecting artifact of power is considerably more valuable than a grotto-heaven divine weapon.”

The Ji family head harbored his own strategic considerations.

“Hmph, how petty.”

Across the way, the Yun family patriarch interjected. “Family Head Dong, my Yun family offers the same terms. Moreover, you may borrow the Yun family’s clan-protecting artifact of power for comprehension. You can analyze it for as many days as you desire!”

Mu Zhixing watched with admiration. Damn it. Comparisons truly are odious.

He had labored diligently within the Zhu Rong Heavenly Kingdom for a considerable period, yet he hadn't secured even a single clan-protecting artifact of power.

And now?

Zhou Shu had merely uttered a few words, and he had skillfully persuaded these family heads to relinquish their clan-protecting artifacts of power!

They had agreed to lend them, but whether he would ever return them after borrowing was highly debatable.

He certainly wouldn't return them!

These individuals from the Zhu Rong Heavenly Kingdom were truly oblivious fools!

Why don't I learn a few forging techniques later? This damned skill is far too popular!

Mu Zhixing couldn't help but curse inwardly once more. He had never envisioned forging to be so advantageous.

Had he known this earlier, he would have mastered a few forging techniques himself.

Of course, he also understood that other smiths wouldn't be capable of achieving what Zhou Shu had.

This wasn't a simple matter of acquiring a few forging techniques.

Even if he possessed forging skills, he would merely be an artisan. While popular, he couldn't compel the heads of the nine families to willingly hand over their clan-protecting artifacts of power.

Ultimately, it still hinged on the individual.

Mu Zhixing's eyes gleamed. I'm not doing too badly either. I've already struck a deal with King Zhou in advance. If he succeeds in obtaining the clan-protecting artifacts of power, I'll still receive a portion.

“Family Head Yun, are you deliberately provoking me?” the Ji family head demanded angrily. “Do you wish for a conflict? My family will stand with you until the very end!”

He had just proposed a price, only for the Yun family head to immediately outbid him. If this wasn't a targeted move, then what was it?

“Family Head Ji, it is only right that the highest bidder prevails. If you are unconvinced, you are welcome to continue bidding,” the Yun family head retorted with a sneer. “If you cannot afford it, then do not impede others from acquiring the grotto-heaven divine weapon.”

The family heads engaged in this bickering for over an hour.

In the end, the Ji family head emerged victorious, securing the final grotto-heaven divine weapon.

No, to be precise, it should be the right to purchase the final grotto-heaven divine weapon.

Ultimately, Zhou Shu had only uttered a few words. The family heads hadn't even glimpsed the grotto-heaven divine weapon, yet they had already engaged in a fierce contention.

The entire unfolding of events left Cao Yue utterly astounded, and even Mu Zhixing was deeply impressed.

The Cao, Mi, and Ji families had received Zhou Shu’s assurance. As long as they supplied the necessary forging materials, Zhou Shu would forge a grotto-heaven divine weapon for each of them.

Setting aside the Cao and Mi families, the Ji family was obligated to permit Zhou Shu to comprehend their clan-protecting divine artifact for a period of three years.

The Ji family head, casting a glare brimming with hostility towards the heads of the Cao and Mi families, observed that his expenditure had notably surpassed theirs. He questioned why, despite receiving identical items, their costs were lower, implying an issue of unfairness rather than scarcity.

Other family heads, who had missed the opportunity to purchase a grotto-heaven weapon, also voiced their displeasure. They wondered if wealth alone was the reason the Cao and Mi families secured these coveted weapons.

“Family Head Dong, considering the substantial price the Ji family head has paid, we believe your Dong family should extend the same equitable treatment to all,” a family head declared, his gaze pointedly shifting towards the Cao and Mi family heads.

“This…” Zhou Shu displayed a visibly troubled expression.

“We all insist on fair treatment. If this principle is not upheld, we will not stand for it!” the assembled family heads stated emphatically.

“Family Head Cao, Family Head Mi, please understand…” Zhou Shu conveyed with a hint of awkwardness. “My Dong family is relatively weak on its own and genuinely cannot afford to offend everyone present.”

The leaders of the Cao and Mi families let out dismissive snorts.

“It seems there are some individuals, lacking in capability yet unable to tolerate the success of others,” the Mi family head sneered. “Family Head Dong, I shall not complicate matters for you. Is it merely a matter of price? My Mi family has no objections. Should you harbor thoughts of exploiting my Mi family's position, you are dreaming. This grotto-heaven divine weapon will undoubtedly be mine!”

The Cao family head, his expression stern, remarked, “Ensuring equal treatment presents no issue. Family Head Dong, we will not cause you trouble. As long as you are willing to sell us a grotto-heaven divine weapon, my Cao family can readily meet this price.”

The progression of events unfolded more smoothly than Zhou Shu had anticipated. He expressed surprise that the Cao and Mi families so readily accepted the proposed condition.

This turn of events meant he could successfully acquire four of the nine divine artifacts.

However, the remaining five presented a somewhat more complex challenge.

Zhou Shu was acutely aware that pushing too hard could be as detrimental as falling short. He had already gained a considerable amount this time; any further demands might easily provoke suspicion.

The opportune moment had not yet arrived to shed his persona as the Dong family head, as this particular identity still held some strategic value.

“Esteemed everyone, as the agreement is reached, I now request that you provide the forging materials at your earliest convenience so that I may commence work without delay.”