At first, the two elders truly couldn't believe it. Such a complex forging technique — and it had actually been independently developed by a young man barely past twenty? Just hearing about it sounded impossible. It was simply insane.
However, when the two leading elders looked carefully at Chu Feng and saw that he didn't seem to be lying, and then recalled everything that had happened to him, they believed him.
Impossible things had already happened to Chu Feng far too many times. By now they understood — it wasn't that what Chu Feng did was inconceivable. It was that Chu Feng himself was an inconceivable person.
"If he's already this capable with no teacher to guide him, imagine how much more formidable he could become with proper instruction?"
"Young friend Chu Feng, if you have this kind of potential, you must never waste such talent."
"Although you're not a member of my Forging Department, if you ever have questions about the art of weapon forging, you can come find me anytime. I'll hold nothing back in teaching you."
Elder Xiahou's gaze toward Chu Feng was filled with admiration and genuine affection — he truly wanted to nurture the young man's growth. After all, if Chu Feng were to achieve greatness, he wouldn't just be a source of pride for Elder Xiahou alone, but for all of Greenwood Mountain.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Elder Xiahou. In truth, if not for your Weapon Forging Cauldron today, I might not have succeeded in forging a half-finished King Weapon. So Elder Xiahou, you truly did me an enormous favor. I'll remember this kindness." As he spoke, Chu Feng returned the Weapon Forging Cauldron to Elder Xiahou.
He wasn't being sycophantic — those were his honest words. Because the cauldron really had made a tremendous difference.
Even without it, Chu Feng might still have managed to forge a half-finished King Weapon, but it would have taken significantly longer — at least another full day, and possibly even more.
The fact that he'd managed it in a mere twenty-four hours was thanks in no small part to this cauldron.
"Chu Feng, a precious cauldron belongs in the hands of a hero. Keep it — I'm giving it to you." But Elder Xiahou pushed the cauldron back into Chu Feng's hands.
"Elder Xiahou, this gift is far too generous. I truly cannot accept it." Seeing this, Chu Feng hurriedly tried to refuse — he could sense that the cauldron was an immensely valuable treasure.
But just as he was about to force the cauldron back into Elder Xiahou's hands, he was stunned to discover that the elder, who had been standing right in front of him, had vanished.
From high above in the sky, Elder Xiahou's voice drifted down gently: "Accept it, young friend Chu Feng. This is merely a small token of my goodwill."
Hearing that voice from the heavens, Chu Feng managed to remain fairly composed. But the other disciples present were anything but calm.
Elder Xiahou had gifted his personal Weapon Forging Cauldron to Chu Feng. Setting aside the cauldron's immense value, the act itself was an extraordinary show of favor. It was enough to make anyone envious.
After this, Chu Feng had intended to invite Elder Wei to his palace to properly entertain him.
Instead, Elder Wei insisted on inviting Chu Feng to the Alchemy Department, saying there was something he wanted to discuss.
Recalling that he too had matters to talk over with Elder Wei, Chu Feng didn't refuse and followed him to the Alchemy Department.
The Alchemy Department was nestled deep within the mountains. Not only were the scenic surroundings beautiful, but the medicinal fragrance in the air was equally pleasant.
The medicines here didn't carry that nauseating smell one might expect. Instead, they emitted a delicate fragrance — aromatic without being overpowering, truly delightful.
Most importantly, breathing in that medicinal scent left one feeling refreshed and invigorated. It was wonderfully comfortable.
After arriving at the Alchemy Department, Elder Wei gathered several elders together and announced that Chu Feng had joined the department as a new member.
Furthermore, to ensure everyone was convinced of Chu Feng's merit, Elder Wei specifically recounted the outcome of the forging competition between Chu Feng and Liu Bingqi that had just taken place.