The Wizard: Starting with the Omniscient Cube

Chapter 35 Basic Forging Techniques, Basic Perception

Lin Wei then met with Celia, Ham, and others.

The group didn't change much; they smoothly integrated into Rose City and started a rum-related business, barely able to afford some of the resources Lin Wei needed for his cultivation.

"Lord Linwei, the amount of meat you eat in a day is equivalent to that of three hundred soldiers," Celia said, sticking out her tongue.

"Haha, if you don't have enough money, ask Drake. If that kid doesn't have any money either, just use the savings he brought from the territory. I also brought back 70,000 gold coins last year, which should last for at least half a year," Lin Wei said with a laugh.

"That's not enough. Everything outside is going up in price, especially the meat that knights need for training. It's gone up the most."

Lin Wei paused for a moment, then said, "Then I'll try to make some money. Tell me about the intelligence we've gathered on the mainland over the past year."

Ham replied, "In addition to the stable appearance of the Gates of Hell in the west this year, a large-scale outbreak of typhoid fever has also occurred in the north, causing great headaches for the northern kingdoms. Our eastern kingdoms, on the other hand, are still shrouded in the zombie crisis."

"Ugh, things are chaotic everywhere these days..." Lin Wei said helplessly. "What about the South? It seems relatively stable there?"

"The Central Divine Court is in the south, and it is indeed more stable there. Lord Lin Wei, is it possible that we might move there in the future?" Celia asked with some anticipation.

"I'm not going," Lin Wei decisively refused.

He had no confidence whatsoever in dealing with the divine agents; the Swan Prince alone was enough to give him a run for his money.

"You guys keep working, take a break, I'm going out for a stroll."

Lin Wei planned to meet the Nightingale Knight. She was a merchant knight, a wealthy woman, and fairly honest; she wouldn't cheat her friends out of their money. Perhaps she could help.

At the underground boxing gym where he attended the knight auction for the first time, Lin Wei met the Nightingale Knight, whom he hadn't seen for a year. She was still as slender and beautiful as ever.

"Speak, what do you want? If the gatekeeper hadn't told me you were here, I wouldn't have left my cultivation state." The Nightingale Knight crossed his long legs and sneered, "And how did you end up looking like Duke Rose's son, Drake?"

"Of course I'm short of money. How do you earn your money?" Lin Wei said succinctly. "As for my appearance, this look is safer."

"I'm not short of money, but all my money is hard-earned. I have to prepare for the knight auction every three months, handle all kinds of goods in Rose City, and..."

"Stop, stop, stop, I understand."

The Nightingale Knight is a chosen worker, self-sufficient and able to support himself. Lin Wei can't do that at all. He can try to earn some money, but it would take up too much of his cultivation time and wouldn't be worth it.

"Forget it, I'll just stick to blacksmithing," Lin Wei sighed.

"Huh? Don't tell me you can forge too? Knights are exceptionally strong, but forging is a craft that requires patience and perseverance; it's not something you can master overnight." The Nightingale Knight sat up straight.

"I know some."

"Then forge something for me to see, so I can assess your forging skills."

The Nightingale Knight led Lin Wei to an inside blacksmith shop, letting Lin Wei do as he pleased.

One hour later.

The lark gazed at the exquisitely crafted horseshoe and the small shield, lost in thought.

"You said you've mastered archery to the fourth level, and your forging skills are also extraordinary. This level is at least the level of the strongest blacksmith in the Earl's territory. The most famous old blacksmith in Rose City is no match for you."

The Nightingale Knight was completely convinced.

"I'm quite diligent," Lin Wei said modestly. He was very pleased to be praised by the knowledgeable Nightingale Knight.

The Nightingale Knight rolled his eyes at Lin Wei and said seriously, "I have a batch of equipment orders here, with a deadline of three months and a reward of 6 gold coins. Are you interested? I'll guarantee the quality."

"This is the most cost-effective order I have on hand. The others either have too tight a deadline or the compensation is not commensurate."

"No problem, I'll take it, thanks." Lin Wei grinned.

Anyway, he usually grinds for experience points in blacksmithing anyway. Making equipment just requires adding certain techniques, and it's already good enough that he can make extra money.

"As long as the quality of this batch of equipment is not a problem, your forging skills can begin to spread. Under my guidance, you will have a steady stream of good orders. You will even reach the level of a craftsman, where any piece of equipment you forge will be something that lords dream of."

"Haha, I'll give it a try."

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while before hurriedly saying goodbye.

Lin Wei took the equipment specification list and asked Celia and the others to prepare the corresponding ores so they could continue their cultivation.

Three months later.

Lin Wei put down his spear, and a message appeared before his eyes.

[Forging +4, after being tripled by the Deep Blue Surface, experience points +12]

[Forging: Tier 3 → Tier 4 (3/10000), Effect: Low-level Forging Skill]

[Basic Forging Skill: You possess basic metal heating and shaping abilities, enabling you to craft simple weapons and slightly improve their durability.]

"My forging has successfully advanced, and I've even gained a description for a low-level forging technique. Although it's low-level, it definitely has extra bonuses." Lin Wei was secretly pleased.

Lin Wei personally delivered the weapons to the Nightingale Knight.

"Hmm, all the weapon specifications are up to standard, and there isn't a single defective product." The Nightingale Knight was somewhat dumbfounded, looking Lin Wei up and down with her beautiful eyes.

"I'm quite serious," Lin Wei said with a smile.

He wasn't being modest; it was practically impossible to fail, and even the minimum guarantee was enough to gain experience points.

"Here, these are 8 gold coins, future master craftsman."

"Why is there an extra 2? It was supposed to be 6 gold coins." Lin Wei wondered.

"I was worried about the quality of the weapons, so I deliberately lowered the price to avoid having to pay extra to clean up your mess if you did a poor job."

Lin Wei was taken aback for a moment, then accepted it with a smile.

This nightingale knight is quite loyal; I knew I hadn't misjudged him. I'll repay the favor later.

"I'm leaving now, I still need to cultivate." Lin Wei waved and left.

"Go ahead." The Nightingale Knight shook his head slightly. "I lost 3 gold coins in total."

She picked up the delivery list from the drawer, which clearly stated a reward of 5 gold coins.

Before long, the reputation of a blacksmith in Rose City who could forge 100% of the pieces spread. His prices were fair and he was honest with everyone, attracting many orders.

……

More than half a year has passed, and it is still the Golden Harvest Festival in September. Lin Wei is 23 years old.

[Mantis Breathing Technique experience points +4, after being tripled by Deep Blue Surface experience points +12]

[Mantis Breathing Technique: Tier 3 → Tier 4 (7/10000), Effect: Low-level Perception]

[Low-level perception: Your senses are more acute, enabling you to detect subtle sounds and approaching danger]

Lin Wei had now transformed into a praying mantis, constantly waving his scythe-like arms, accompanied by a whooshing buzzing sound in the air.