Chapter 99 Casting Dispute

The casting industry can essentially be divided into two major systems.

Soul casting is the most primitive form of casting, originating from the Eight Tribes, focusing on crafting individual, powerful weapons. Simply put, these are treasures that communicate with the soul.

Industrial casting, on the other hand, is a human innovation, such as modified motorcycles, Zeppelin airships, rune firearms, and large rune cannons. These generally have lower operational difficulty.

Patu specializes in soul casting, so naturally, he chose what he was best at. If his opponent also specialized in soul casting, it would make for an easier win: "Earlier, Master Anbolin used industrial casting. Let's change it up and do something simple—the flying rings of the Garuda clan from the Eight Tribes!"

The flying rings are a throwing-type, returning weapon used by the Garuda clan, rarely encountered by humans. Patu intended to deflate the opponent's confidence.

The soul artifacts they were competing with were not true "soul artifacts"; they fell far short of being powerful treasures. Even with the top-notch casting techniques of the Eight Tribes, only a few could create genuine treasures.

For example, Yin Fu possesses a genuine treasure. If she were to unleash its power, it would be formidable, even for the Gandharva lineage which has been passed down for a millennium.

Human soul artifacts mostly serve to transmit soul energy and function like runes without causing rejection.

Patu's creations were merely good weapons.

Choosing one's specialty already gave a significant advantage. Patu, somewhat proud, did not pick obscure soul artifacts but instead chose the flying rings of the Garuda clan from the Eight Tribes.

The quality of the flying rings depends on their rotation, which is the core of their lethality. This is a very niche skill; the thickness, angle of the edges, and overall quality must be precise. A minor mistake can render them useless, making them much more challenging than other weapons. Crafting the kind used by Garuda warriors is unrealistic; if they could manage it, they would be masters.

Patu had a particular fondness for this, wanting to show off his skills, so he had studied and practiced extensively.

Everyone was watching Han Shangyan's expression, noticing his calm demeanor despite Patu's choice of an obscure casting technique.

"Patu, Senior Brother, go for it!"

"Han Shangyan, Senior Brother, go for it!"

Both sides cheered like schoolchildren, young people loving the excitement.

Both chose Hammer No. 5, and the competition began.

As Luo Yan's most accomplished disciple, Patu chose his specialty, the flying rings. He expected a fair fight, but just as they started, several junior casters from the sidelines noticed a subtle change in their expressions.

Starting the furnace, selecting materials, and melting them—these steps were fine, showing they were both top performers in their respective Holy Sanctuaries. However, when it came to forging...

Han Shangyan's movements were more fluid, his entire routine smooth and effortless. The difference seemed minor, but it was clear he was more at ease. Han Shangyan wore a confident smile.

He was well-prepared. The decline of the Rose Foundry was justified. He had studied their main opponents, including their specialties. While he might not have fully mastered them, he knew Patu's capabilities well.

Patu frowned slightly, subconsciously speeding up his movements. But every time he sped up, his opponent was always faster.

The clanging sounds interfered with each other, a rhythmic battle. The soul energy of the casters was not about sheer power but about assisting and refining details during the process.

Both were trying to control the rhythm, dragging their opponent into their own tempo.

Patu's forehead was damp with sweat. He aimed to catch the opponent off guard but found himself caught off guard instead, becoming increasingly agitated.

Crack...

In his attempt to control the rhythm, Patu applied too much force, causing a crack in the edge of the flying ring.

The match ended; mistakes were a significant taboo in casting.

Han Shangyan smiled slightly, stopping his hammer, "You lost, little brother Patu. You need to improve your fundamentals. Casting should never be rushed. We're just sparring and exchanging ideas. You're taking this too seriously."

Han Shangyan's condescending remarks left Patu's face flushed red. He glanced at the opponent's half-finished work... it was inferior to his own. Even if it were completed, it would still be subpar.

Luo Yan's expression darkened. He had repeatedly told this youngster to stay composed, but he never listened, always boasting. Despite having higher skill, he was easily swayed by emotions.

Such instability is a significant flaw in any profession.

"This level..." Patu tried to defend himself.

"Patu! Step down!" Luo Yan barked coldly.

"Haha, hurry down, rookie. Your fundamentals are weak. How dare you call yourself a soul caster?"

"Is he letting us win on purpose? Otherwise, anyone would avoid such a basic mistake. Haha!"

Laughter erupted from the judges' side. Patu, gripping his hammer, was furious but dared not defy Luo Yan's order. He slammed the Hammer No. 5 onto the casting table and stormed off, face livid.

Luo Yan felt embarrassed. Today, he would thoroughly train these youngsters. He directly pointed to the next contestant: "Ding Hui, you're up for the second round!"

A young man with a broad, honest face stepped forward: "I choose industrial casting—the second-generation flame gear."

The Rose Foundry's two main directions: if Patu was the strongest in soul casting, Ding Hui was the strongest in industrial casting.

On the opposite side, many were eager to showcase their skills before their mentor. This enthusiasm highlighted the gap between the two sides.

"The Rose Foundry is going down," Mo Tong whispered.

Yin Fu pinched him, "You're part of the Rose Foundry too."

Mo Tong pouted, "I'm Mahoraga, just passing through."

Han Shangyan randomly picked another contestant. Luo Yan realized the disparity was significant. Although he knew the Judges had been thriving, he hadn't seen a direct comparison until now. The sudden head-to-head revealed a considerable gap.

Two consecutive losses silenced the Rose Foundry side. Even Luo Yan was unsettled. The problem was not just losing but losing badly. Any opponent could easily defeat their best two. Who else could he send?

"They've said the Rose Foundry is finished, yet they refused to admit it."

"Admit weakness or face character issues!"

"These two are probably their best. The rest aren't worth mentioning."

Han Shangyan was elated, imagining how this victory would solidify his position as the master of the Foundry upon returning to the Judges.

Looking at his master... his master's expression still seemed very calm.

Anbolin smiled slightly, "Lao Luo, you're not being fair. At this point, you still haven't brought out your best disciple. Are you looking down on us at the Foundry?"

Luo Yan's face turned ashen. These were already the best he had—one excelled in soul artifacts, another in rune engineering, and only Su Yue was left as the final ace.

"There's one more match, Lao Luo," Anbolin said with a smile. "Find a decent student for this one."

Luo Yan was seething with anger. He could argue with Anbolin all he wanted, but had the guy taken the wrong medicine today, trying to humiliate him like this???

"Master Luo Yan, let me give it a try." It was a female voice.

Su Yue stepped forward voluntarily.

"Does Rose's casting department have no men? Ha ha."

"Hey, beautiful, why don't you transfer to our Foundry? Staying at Rose has no future!"

Su Yue, such a beauty, always drew attention wherever she went. The Foundry crowd started hooting, and Anbolin made no effort to restrain them; he just smiled and watched.

Actually, he had some interest in the Zeppelin, but that wasn't the main reason he was here. His sole purpose was to find that person. He had searched the entire Foundry and found nothing, which meant there was only one possibility: the person was from Rose.

Rose's facilities were inferior, and in the past, some had secretly transferred to the Foundry. Considering the use of a pseudonym, it was highly likely that was the case. This led to today's competition.

He wouldn't leave until he forced that person out.

A hint of hesitation flashed in Luo Yan's eyes. These were his most valued disciples, and he knew their strengths well.

To be honest, Su Yue was indeed excellent. In industrial casting, her theoretical scores had always been the highest in the institute. However, her casting skills were still slightly inferior to Ding Hui's. Being a girl, casting was physically demanding, and she was at a disadvantage in strength. That was why he hadn't initially chosen Su Yue.

But the remaining students were roughly on par with Su Yue. Since she had volunteered, there was no need to embarrass his beloved disciple.

Whoever lost was going to lose anyway.

The hesitation in Luo Yan's eyes quickly vanished. Today, Rose was likely to suffer a crushing defeat: "Alright!"

Su Yue walked onto the stage cheerfully. She wore a half-length blouse that revealed her snake-like waist and navel, paired with short hot pants. As she stood on the casting platform, she tied her long hair back with a rubber band, looking efficient and capable.

Her confident movements, fiery figure, and slightly tanned skin made her look sexy and wild. Even Han Shangyan, who was focused on performing, was momentarily distracted.

Damn, can't beat us with skill, so now you're using seduction?

Even Mo Tong swallowed hard. Human women might be common, but they were truly sexy. Suddenly remembering Yin Fu was nearby, he quickly composed himself.

"Han Shangyan Senior Brother, since you excel in industrial casting, let's compete in that." Su Yue smiled and challenged Han Shangyan directly.

No need to say we picked first. I'm not taking any advantage; I chose your strongest area.