Chapter 579: The Blacksmith Association and the Excitement of Lou Gao

As Su Ming pondered, he realized how to persuade Lou Gao to bring the Blacksmith Association into the Spirit Hall's fold. Since both empires undervalued blacksmiths, perhaps Spirit Hall could be the one to truly appreciate them.

If Lou Gao agreed, Su Ming would appoint him as the Hall Master of the Spirit Hall's Blacksmith Hall. After all, Taino, despite his efforts, didn't match Lou Gao in skill or experience.

Su Ming and his group stood before Gengxin City's gates. While they waited to pass inspection, Su Ming took in the "City of Metals." The city walls had a steel-gray hue, making them seem as if they were entirely constructed from metal. Even from outside, one could feel the city's metallic aura.

Once inside, the city's air was thick with the scent of metal, creating an atmosphere unique to Gengxin. Taino explained, "I once came here with my father for training at the Blacksmith Association, so I'm quite familiar with Gengxin City. It's the city with the most blacksmiths, and it's really only here that blacksmiths are properly respected."

Su Ming asked curiously, "Then why is the Power Clan based in Tian Dou City instead of near Gengxin? Of the four single-attribute clans, only yours is in the Heaven Dou Empire, while the other three are in the Star Luo Empire."

Taino shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure, but perhaps the fewer blacksmiths in Tian Dou City allowed the Power Clan to stand out more, giving us a better advantage to make a living."

Su Ming doubted this explanation. The Power Clan didn't seem to enjoy any special treatment in Tian Dou City, so whether it was due to Titan's pride or some other reason, it was strange they weren't closer to Gengxin. As both a renowned master craftsman and Vice President of the Blacksmith Association, Titan would've had far more opportunities here.

After moving through the bustling city, the group soon reached the imposing building of the Blacksmith Association, occupying an area as large as the Soto Arena. A hammer and chisel symbol, rather than words, marked the building's facade.

"Here we are," said Taino. "This is the main headquarters of the Gengxin Blacksmith Association."

As Taino led the group to the entrance, a man named Ren Yuan stepped out, surprised to see so many people, especially some dressed in the distinctive attire of the Power Clan.

"Hey, Taino, what brings you here? Where's your father? And wait… why are the representatives from all four single-attribute clans here?"

Sensing a strange vibe, Ren Yuan looked suspicious.

Taino's face fell at the mention of his father, but he quickly composed himself. "Ren Yuan, we're here on urgent business with Master Lou Gao. Is he in his office on the fifth floor?"

Ren Yuan nodded but looked wary. "He's there, but what are you all here for? If you can't explain, I can't let you through."

Growing anxious, Taino pleaded, "Ren Yuan, this really is urgent…"

Su Ming stepped forward, understanding Ren Yuan's caution. "Could you kindly let Master Lou Gao know that we're here on behalf of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, regarding the blueprints for soul tools? He'll understand."

Ren Yuan's gaze shifted to Su Ming, slightly reassured by his polite manner. "Very well. Please wait here."

As Ren Yuan walked away, Niu Gao's temper flared. "Did you see that? Even without Old Gorilla, he knows who we are and still won't let us in! If it weren't for White Bird holding me back, I'd have knocked him down myself!"

Upstairs on the fifth floor, Ren Yuan cautiously knocked on Lou Gao's office door.

A gruff voice answered, "Who is it? I told everyone not to bother me unless it's urgent!"

Ren Yuan quickly replied, "President, all four single-attribute clans are here and said they're here on urgent business. One of them specifically asked me to relay a message to you, saying it would explain everything."

Lou Gao, puzzled, asked, "What message?"

Ren Yuan responded, "They mentioned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan… and soul tool blueprints."

"What did you just say?"

In a flash, Lou Gao flung open the door, his eyes wide with excitement as he grabbed Ren Yuan's shoulder. Ren Yuan, stunned by the reaction, wondered who could stir such a reaction from the president—a young stranger claiming ties to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? This had to be someone important.

Without waiting, Lou Gao bolted down the stairs, his mind racing. Was this the person Ning Fengzhi had mentioned—the one who provided the soul tool blueprints? He'd only been told that someone close to the clan would eventually seek him out, though Ning Fengzhi had kept the identity a mystery.

Recently, he'd immersed himself in the intricacies of creating soul tools, pushing thoughts of this promised visit to the back of his mind. Yet here they were, and his heart raced at the prospect of finally meeting this mysterious individual.