Chapter 98 Whoever is stronger is the boss

Mentor Luo Yan is someone who values his reputation, and his expression was not looking good. During the discussion yesterday, he had agreed to only bring a few students for observation. He only brought Patu and a few of the most outstanding ones, adding three more from the Rune Department on Li Sitan's recommendation, making it about eight or nine people in total. But he never expected the other side to bring so many.

Anbolin, that old fox, seems to be well-prepared.

To be honest, both being the most professional foundries in Aurora City, the Judgment Foundry and the Rose Foundry have collaborated extensively. Once, the Rose Foundry dominated the Judgment Foundry, but in recent years, the Judgment Foundry has caught up, especially after Anbolin invented the Flash Hammer Technique, which gained him significant fame. Since then, the Judgment Foundry has even started to overshadow the Rose Foundry.

This has always made Luo Yan feel resentful. The two sides have been competing secretly, with mixed results.

Today, having to seek help from Anbolin for the core component already made Luo Yan somewhat frustrated. Unexpectedly, he suffered another setback, making him even more depressed. If he had known this would happen, he would have brought half of the foundry!

After briefly introducing Anbolin to Patu and the others, Luo Yan wanted to get started quickly: "Old An, time is precious. Let's get going."

Anbolin nodded slightly and stepped onto the casting platform. Two students behind him carried a large tool chest to the front of the platform.

The blueprints were already studied yesterday, and Anbolin was confident. Now, opening the tool chest, he picked up a special heavy hammer, pointed at the top and rounded at the bottom, resembling a cone.

"The Flash Hammer Technique is my creation, tailored to my own sense of touch. While it's difficult for others to learn, many of its hammering techniques are similar to ordinary hammering methods," said Anbolin, who was here both to help and teach. Of course, he was also very interested in the technology of the Zeppelin. Today, they would forge this component, and without the blueprints developed by the Rose Foundry, his technique alone wouldn't suffice: "No matter how things change, the essence remains the same. Watch carefully and grasp as much as you can. You don't need to learn everything; even understanding some aspects and integrating them into your own techniques is a success."

"Yes, Mentor Anbolin!" The dozen or so students from the Judgment Foundry responded in unison, treating the Rose Foundry's workshop as if it were their own.

Patu and the others frowned slightly, feeling that these people were not respecting their hosts. However, since Luo Yan hadn't spoken up, they didn't dare to act recklessly and focused their attention on Anbolin's casting platform, watching intently.

But honestly, given their level, it was really hard to understand. The Flash Hammer Technique was fast, and while the techniques were similar, one needed to keep up with both eyes and hands.

On the casting platform, Anbolin's heavy hammer moved sometimes heavily, sometimes lightly, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. It felt like using hammers numbered two through nine, following a unique rhythm, almost like an art form.

Luo Yan watched attentively. At their level, there was no such thing as stealing techniques. Everyone had their own style and wouldn't abandon their habits just for a particular hammering method. Instead, they would integrate the best parts into their own techniques.

This Flash Hammer Technique was truly beautiful. A single hammer could produce the characteristics of eight different hammer sizes without any pauses or unnatural transitions. Such skill was probably unique to Anbolin in all of Aurora City.

Thirty minutes passed, and a complex mechanical core gradually took shape on the casting platform.

The students from the Judgment Foundry burst into cheers and applause.

Seeing the problem that had troubled him for so long finally solved, Luo Yan's expression improved slightly, and a smile appeared on his face: "Old An, you've really done us a great service."

"It's nothing." Anbolin wiped his sweat and examined the completed core: "The soul energy conversion core of the Zeppelin is incredibly complex. I admire your ability to develop the blueprints."

"We've been researching with Old Li and the others for half a year now. We couldn't let it go on without any results."

"Indeed, Luo Brother, but let me be frank. You can't handle this alone with just the Rose Foundry." Anbolin smiled meaningfully: "Although I haven't seen the complete blueprints, based on the complexity of this soul energy core, I think the entire project requires at least Level 6 craftsmanship. Your Rose Foundry doesn't have enough manpower. When I saw the blueprints yesterday, I had this idea, and today's practical operation confirms it further."

"I suggest that the Rose Foundry should collaborate more deeply with our Judgment Foundry. Think long-term. If we replicate the complete technology of the Zeppelin, it will be a huge boost for the rune crafting industry of the League of Blades! In such a significant matter, you shouldn't be so protective!"

Knowing that Anbolin wouldn't help without expecting something in return, Luo Yan had anticipated this and smiled: "The final blueprints haven't been finalized yet, and the most critical part is the rune engraving, which depends on Li Sitan and the others. And Old An, your conclusion is a bit too hasty. Our Rose Foundry has sixteen senior casting mentors and many students who have reached the standard casting level. When the need arises, we can mobilize the entire foundry. Completing a Level 6 Zeppelin is not a problem. Of course, the Judgment Foundry can join us."

"Oh, is that so, Old Luo? I know you're not convinced. Since we're mentors, why don't we let the kids compete? They're already here anyway."

He glanced at Patu and the others standing behind Luo Yan and smiled uncommonly: "I don't mean to belittle them, but compared to our Judgment Foundry's excellent disciples, they're not quite up to par."

Once Anbolin opened the door, the Judgment Foundry students behind him finally had a chance to show off.

"Master, we should merge the Rose Foundry sooner. Having two teams is a waste of resources. We should streamline and retain the best," Han Shangyan said, not loudly, but loud enough for everyone to hear clearly.

Before coming today, he had received instructions from Anbolin. When it comes to provocation, he is the master's trusted disciple.

The other Judgment Foundry students laughed: "I heard that the Rose Foundry is short on funding, unlike us."

"Our Judgment Foundry is truly a team of experts. Standard casters? We have plenty."

Their chatter added a hint of tension to what was supposed to be a friendly exchange.

Luo Yan's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

He had already disliked these Judgment Foundry students for their lack of manners upon entering. Now, they dared to mock him openly.

But before Luo Yan could react, Anbolin smiled and said: "Old Luo, they're just kids, not very polite. Don't take it personally. But what they say is true. On the matter of the Zeppelin, your Rose Foundry is indeed too shortsighted. Both the Judgment and Rose Foundries belong to the Holy Sanctuary, working for the future of the League. The stronger one should lead, rather than letting pride hold back the entire rune crafting industry. Don't you agree?"

"Old An, 'a rabble' describes a large group," Luo Yan realized that Anbolin was intentionally pushing his buttons and was determined not to give up. He was holding back his anger.

"Then let's have a competition?"

"How?"

"Simple," Anbolin said. "Pick a few students randomly. It can be rune industry or soul artifacts. The topic is your choice. One-on-one, see who casts faster and better. The first side to win three rounds wins."

Offering to choose the topics was quite bold.

Luo Yan narrowed his eyes. The other side must be confident to make such a claim. Although Patu and the others were his prized students, he wasn't sure they could guarantee a win: "The matter of the Zeppelin isn't something I can decide alone..."

"Old Luo, don't misunderstand." Anbolin smiled and interrupted him: "We're all from the Holy Sanctuary. No bets, just a simple exchange. As for the Zeppelin, we can discuss it later."

That cunning old fox!

The more he said this, the more wary Luo Yan became. Even though he claimed it was just an exchange, losing would tarnish the Rose Foundry's reputation and make them seem overly protective.

"They won't dare to compete. The Rose Foundry has declined, and they know it."

"Today, I finally see what the Rose Foundry is like. It's shameful to be associated with them!"

"There is only one foundry in Aurora City, and that's the Judgment Foundry!"

"Master, why fear them? Let's compete!" Before Luo Yan could respond, Patu and the young ones behind him were already impatient.

If one doesn't dare to be bold, they aren't young.

"Compete in casting, and we'll show them who's the boss!"

Although the Rose Foundry Department doesn't have as much fame as the Rune Department, it still has its pride and is one of Rose's trademarks. To be trampled on by the Arbitration Department, which they've always looked down upon, is truly unbearable.

"Old An, you certainly have the leisure for this. Let them have a match then," Luo Yan said, already committed to the idea. He smiled slightly and looked at his most accomplished disciple, Patu, behind him: "Patu, you go first!"

Anbolin smiled and glanced at his disciples behind him: "Han Shangyan."

Being the first one called by Anbolin, Han Shangyan felt a small surge of excitement. Last time, due to that 'Wang Ruoxu' incident, he had searched the Arbitration Department thoroughly but found no trace of anyone, causing him to be cold-shouldered by Anbolin for quite some time. It was only with the help of a few junior brothers who vouched for him that he was barely allowed to return to the foundry and continue as the supervisor. Still, Anbolin remained unsatisfied with him.

This time, Anbolin bringing him along felt like a tremendous opportunity to Han Shangyan. Having him compete first was giving him a chance to redeem himself.

Finally, the heavens have opened their eyes; he must win, and win convincingly!

He quickly calmed his excited heart. By the time he reached the stage, Han Shangyan's face was filled with confidence. He looked at Patu, the first competitor from the other side, with disdain: "Industrial casting or soul artifact casting, pick any topic you want."