Chapter 242: President Lou Gao, I Think You Owe Me an Explanation, Don't You?
"Hmm."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, not refusing.
Along the way, through casual conversation, she had learned that Han Li had come to meet Lou Gao and that it was likely an important matter. She didn't want to slow things down because of her personal affairs.
After altering their appearances to be less noticeable, the two walked into the bustling city that gleamed with metallic hues.
The moment they passed through the city gates, enthusiastic shouts and the rhythmic clanging of hammers filled their ears. Looking around, they saw that nearly every shop along the main street was a blacksmith workshop.
Even though it was already evening, the forging hadn't stopped. Instead, under the glow of the furnaces, the blacksmiths swung their hammers with even greater vigor.
"The atmosphere here is fantastic."
Han Li sighed in admiration.
He could sense that while not everyone, at least most of the people here genuinely loved forging. Their faces glowed with excitement, a true community of iron wielding craftsmen.
Unfortunately, he had no personal interest in blacksmithing.
Of course, if someone here managed to forge a Gundam, that would be a different story.
After wandering the city for a bit, Han Li and Zhu Zhuqing headed toward a hotel one owned by the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce.
Upon presenting his emblem from headquarters, they were given the finest room available.
The soundproofing was excellent.
The constant clanging of metal finally disappeared.
The Next Day
After breakfast, the two didn't rush straight to the Blacksmith Association.
Instead, they had a formal letter of request sent under the name of the Chamber of Commerce.
After all, they didn't have a Divine Blacksmith on their side.
If they just barged in demanding to see Lou Gao, they'd probably be treated as troublemakers.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long.
Soon, the local branch leader of the Chamber of Commerce arrived, accompanied by a man in a black robe.
"Greetings, I am Si Long. My master asked me to come and escort you."
Si Long introduced himself before the branch leader even had a chance to speak, momentarily catching Han Li off guard.
'Why so enthusiastic?'
The branch leader leaned in and whispered something into Han Li's ear before stepping back respectfully.
'Ah, so that's why…'
Now Han Li understood why Si Long was so eager to please.
Since the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce had established a presence here, their purchases of metals and essential goods accounted for nearly 40% of the Blacksmith Association's income.
And that wasn't even including other trade deals.
With such a major financial impact, it was no surprise that after receiving the formal request, Lou Gao had sent his own disciple to welcome them.
Of course, it was also possible that Lou Gao just happened to be nearby.
Here in Gengxin City, Han Li's identity as the Chamber of Commerce's leader was probably more influential than his title as the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
He couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the irony.
After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, Han Li and Zhu Zhuqing followed Si Long toward the Blacksmith Association.
Along the way, Si Long kept enthusiastically introducing various metals and forged products, occasionally probing Han Li's identity.
Unfortunately for him, Han Li wasn't interested in either topic and only responded with polite smiles.
Eventually, Si Long realized he wasn't getting anywhere and quickened his pace.
Entering the Blacksmith Association
Upon reaching the fourth floor, a massive metal door stood before them.
Si Long hurried forward, skillfully knocking in a specific pattern while explaining:
"The fifth floor is the private forging area for Master Blacksmiths. My master is waiting for you upstairs."
Han Li nodded, but at the same time, his spiritual power silently seeped through the metal door, scanning the upper floor.
'Interesting… This alloy door effectively blocks spiritual probing from anyone below the Titled Douluo level. Even a Titled Douluo would have a very limited range inside.'
It seemed like the Blacksmith Association really did have some impressive technology.
'The real question is, how high is the production output of this alloy?'
As Si Long finished his knocking sequence, the door creaked open with the grating sound of metal gears.
A passage leading upstairs was revealed.
"You wait here," Han Li instructed the Chamber of Commerce branch leader before stepping onto the stairs with Zhu Zhuqing.
Si Long glanced at the branch leader, who didn't object.
Seeing that, Si Long quickly followed.
Meeting Lou Gao
The fifth floor was simple yet functional, entirely composed of forging chambers.
Right now, only one room had any activity.
Clearly, that must be where Lou Gao was working.
Si Long led them to a reception room converted from an old forging chamber.
"My apologies, honored guest," Si Long said, looking slightly embarrassed. "My master probably got impatient while waiting and started forging something. I'll go fetch him right away."
"No need to apologize," Han Li replied with a small smile. "Master Lou Gao's passion for forging is admirable."
Han Li was more than happy that Lou Gao was so absorbed in his craft.
If Lou Gao were easily distracted from forging, then Han Li wouldn't be too confident about his skills.
"Thank you for your understanding."
Si Long bowed before rushing out.
From the speed of his steps, he was clearly eager to retrieve his master.
Han Li casually glanced around the reception room.
Then his gaze froze.
Hanging on the wall was an item he knew all too well.
Just as Han Li was about to stand up and take a closer look, footsteps sounded from the doorway.
"You're the one sent by the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce headquarters? What business do you have with this old man?"
Han Li turned his head toward the voice. The speaker was a short and stout old man.
He stood no more than 1.6 meters tall, but his waistline was probably just as wide. His protruding ears, small eyes, and wild, unkempt short hair suggested that he hadn't washed in days.
He wore a loose fitting robe that seemed recently changed, but as he spoke, his hands habitually rubbed at the fabric, quickly dirtying it again. His plump face was covered in metal dust, which, combined with his scratching, made him look somewhat comical.
"Greetings, Master Lou Gao."
Han Li and Zhu Zhuqing stood up and saluted in unison, maintaining perfect etiquette despite the man's disheveled appearance.
Lou Gao squinted his small eyes as he sized them up before turning to his disciple.
"Alright, Si Long, go back downstairs and handle your tasks. I'll take care of things here myself."
Si Long hesitated for a moment, but upon meeting his teacher's serious gaze, he nodded decisively and backed out, even closing the door behind him.
Once Si Long's footsteps had completely faded, Lou Gao turned back to Han Li and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Now that it's just us, can you tell me who you really are?"
"Hah… Looks like Master Lou Gao isn't as indifferent to worldly affairs as the rumors say."
Han Li chuckled.
He wasn't surprised. After all, Lou Gao was still the president of the Blacksmith Association.
Even if his status wasn't at the top of the hierarchy, he still had to deal with other factions.
"This old man has lived for quite a few decades. You see enough things, and you start to understand how the world works."
"But let's be clear if you're here for forging, then everything is negotiable. If it's anything else, don't even bother. The Blacksmith Association does not get involved."
Lou Gao shook his head so vigorously that the flesh on his chubby face jiggled with the movement.
"Rest assured, President Lou Gao. This is strictly about forging nothing else."
Han Li's smile remained bright, but in reality, he had no interest in pulling Lou Gao into any grand schemes.
He didn't need to win over the entire Blacksmith Association he just needed a toolsmith.
Anything beyond that was not something he wanted to deal with right now.
"That's good. Now, tell me what you need me to forge. Oh, and before that who exactly are you?"
Now that forging was the only topic of discussion, Lou Gao immediately straightened his back.
When it came to forging, he feared no one.
"I like that confidence, President Lou Gao. As for me I am Han Li."
A faint glow enveloped Han Li's face as his disguise faded away.
This act was mainly for Lou Gao's benefit after all, his ability to disguise himself was a spirit bone technique, meaning he didn't need such a flashy display.
Moments later, his sharp and striking features were fully revealed.
"The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall? You're him?"
Lou Gao's eyes widened slightly.
Although he wasn't deeply involved in politics, as the leader of an association, he still kept track of key figures within the major factions.
"That's right. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm just here to commission some forging work."
Han Li's smile remained as warm as ever.
"Of course…"
Lou Gao awkwardly tugged at his chubby cheeks.
'Damn, I agreed too quickly! A commission from someone like him should've gone through official channels!'
If anyone found out about this private deal, it would be impossible to explain.
"Relax, President Lou Gao. No one will know."
Han Li added casually, as if reading his mind.
"If that's the case… fine. Show me what you need made. Or at least tell me your requirements first."
Lou Gao took a deep breath.
'He already knows my concerns, so refusing now would be pointless.'
Besides, even if he ignored the Spirit Hall entirely, he still couldn't afford to lose the business of the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce.
"Oh, right! Let me get it out…"
Han Li pretended to fumble around, flipping through a stack of blueprints he had summoned.
"Hm, not this one."
"No, not this one either."
"Ah, found it this should be the right one."
Han Li deliberately shuffled through the papers, accidentally revealing glimpses of the Flying God Claw and the Sleeve Arrow blueprints.
But when he finally pulled out the blueprint for the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus, Lou Gao's expression stiffened.
"President Lou Gao, is something wrong?"
Han Li looked up only to see Lou Gao staring directly at the blueprint.
Lou Gao's eyes flickered uncontrollably toward a spot on the wall.
"Holy Son… look over there."
It wasn't Lou Gao who spoke it was Zhu Zhuqing.
Following Han Li's silent signal, she raised a hand and pointed toward the wall.
"Hm?"
Han Li followed her gaze.
At first, he was puzzled.
Then, his expression darkened.
A suppressed fury laced his voice as he turned back to Lou Gao.
"President Lou Gao… I think you owe me an explanation, don't you?"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen