36. An Hour
The incident was actually quite simple.
Leng Yuli was using her usual method to dismiss the Mo family members seeking her help, and the black-clad swordsman happened to witness it.
He probably didn’t know that Leng Yuli was all talk and no substance. He just wanted to embarrass her, so he deliberately brought her a uniquely damaged weapon to repair.
However, to his surprise, the girl’s theoretical knowledge was astonishing. She accurately diagnosed the problem with the sword, deduced how it had been damaged, and even pointed out several hidden flaws.
This was something even the people from Haifeng Hall hadn’t mentioned. The Leng family’s skills were truly remarkable.
But he wouldn’t let her off so easily.
Perhaps the girl was just bluffing.
She might be able to identify the problem, but that didn’t mean she knew how to fix it.
And this time, he was right.
Leng Yuli, under her grandfather’s tutelage, had a solid theoretical foundation, but when it came to practical application, she was still lacking.
When she used her usual excuse, the black-clad swordsman, his suspicions confirmed, decisively called over the surrounding crowd, hoping to see the “Master Leng” in action.
She was in a difficult situation.
And just as she was at a loss, she saw Gong Yiling in the crowd and shot her a desperate look.
Mmm.
Got it!
Helping a beautiful girl in distress, in a sense, could be considered… an act of justice.
“Ah Leng, I need to discuss something with you, about your grandfather’s condition.” Gong Yiling, acting as if she hadn’t noticed their predicament, walked straight in and pulled Leng Yuli towards the exit.
The black-clad swordsman wouldn’t let her leave so easily. He immediately called out, “Wait, she’s still repairing my weapon.”
“She’s helping you, right?” Gong Yiling turned her head and glared at him. “If you’re asking for help, you should have a proper attitude. Which is more important, your weapon or her grandfather’s health?”
Her words were cleverly phrased, with a hint of accusation.
After all, the Leng family had sent her here under the pretext that her grandfather was seriously ill and only the younger generation of blacksmiths was available.
Now, using this excuse, which the Mo family knew, she turned the tables, making the black-clad swordsman seem unreasonable.
“Then how long will you need? Surely you’re not going back to the Leng family?”
“Oh, no need for that.” Gong Yiling suddenly turned and smiled at Leng Yuli. “Ah Leng just needs to talk to the messenger and understand the situation. Half an hour to an hour should be enough.”
Hearing this, Leng Yuli’s eyes widened in surprise.
Her expression clearly said—What are you doing?
Gong Yiling returned a reassuring look—Don’t worry, I have a plan.
The black-clad swordsman, unaware of their silent exchange, quickly thought it over.
—Half an hour? What can they possibly do in half an hour? I’ll give them this time.
“Family matters are important. Then I’ll wait here for Master Leng.” The black-clad swordsman cupped his hands, showing due respect. “I hope Master Leng will return as promised.”
“Mmm.”
With that, Gong Yiling pulled Leng Yuli away.
When they returned to Gong Yiling’s residence, Leng Yuli asked anxiously, “Why did you say that?”
“If I don’t let him see your skills firsthand, such troubles will keep coming. I can help you once, but not every time.”
Although that was true… Leng Yuli muttered, “But you know I can’t forge.”
“That’s why I asked for an hour.” Gong Yiling winked at her. “It’s just a simple repair. An hour is enough.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t be so surprised.” Gong Yiling said, “You already know what’s wrong with the sword and how to fix it, right?”
“I know, but…” Leng Yuli frowned. “I don’t know how to forge… ah.”
“So,” Miss Gong gently patted her shoulder, her eyes confident. “In just one hour, I’ll teach you.”
—
—
One hour, two hours… for an ordinary person to learn how to forge or repair an artifact in two hours was impossible.
But… Miss Gong wasn’t ordinary, and neither was Leng Yuli.
Born into a blacksmithing family, yet completely inept at spiritual arts, her innate physical strength was more suited for martial arts, which also meant she had no aptitude for forging.
But… was that possible?
—Of course it was.
Gong Yiling watched as the girl tied her long hair into a ponytail, changed into a practical outfit, and swung her giant hammer like a thunderbolt, striking a spiritual artifact that Gong Yiling had damaged in the same way.
“Spiritual energy is just a gentle tool for guiding the artifact’s spirit. Since all things have a spirit, there’s more than one way to command them.”
“You only have two hours. You need to find a way to tame this sword with your strength.”
“The secret is simple. It’s just a longsword. If you look closer, it’s just a tool that needs your help.”
“Since it needs your help, why should you cater to it? Just shape it into what you want it to be.”
Gong Yiling’s words were another interpretation of the book’s profound teachings.
This method was all about a certain feeling, not a sudden flash of inspiration, but more like finding a mystical rhythm with the hammer.
It had taken her about an hour to learn how to tame the object in her hand. She didn’t know if this girl could do it.
If she couldn’t, she would have to come up with a backup plan.
However, just as she was thinking this, she saw a unique aura emanating from Leng Yuli.
This aura was domineering, as if everything should submit to it, yet it wasn’t arrogant, but more like a regal presence that commanded respect.
And with this feeling, her movements became more and more skilled, the speed and power of her hammering even surpassing her own.
This feeling… what was going on?
