I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.

“Brother, if you wish to borrow this mirror for your research, that’s no problem at all! However, I have a small condition...” After much suspense, Du Long finally uttered these words.

Ou Yezi’s eyes lit up. As long as the request wasn’t immediately refused, there was still hope. He hurriedly asked, “Little brother, whatever your conditions may be, just name them. If it’s within my power, I will do everything I can!”

“Well, Brother Ou Yezi, this isn’t the right place to discuss matters. How about we find a restaurant where I treat you, and then we can talk in detail?” Du Long teased but still did not reveal his condition.

“That’s fine! But this meal should be on me since I’m older—it’s only proper for the senior to treat first,” Ou Yezi said, though his heart was tangled with anxiety. He forced down his eagerness and quickly offered to host the meal.

“Alright! We’re just meeting up for a meal, it doesn’t matter who treats,” Du Long said without fuss, nodding in agreement.

The group left the Treasure Pavilion. When Ou Yezi saw Du Long’s flashy lion mount, his eyes brightened again. He realized this young man always managed to surprise him—truly a mysterious fellow!

In a refined private room at the World Triumph Grand Hotel...

“Brother Ou Yezi, you know this mirror is priceless. If I just lent it out and it got lost one day, how would I face you? I couldn’t be pestering you all the time! So, I’ve come up with a sort of unconventional solution,” Du Long began to explain as they waited for their dishes.

“You speak well, little brother! What kind of unconventional solution is this?” Ou Yezi pressed eagerly.

“Here’s the situation: you know I recently acquired a territory, and the Emperor just appointed me as the Cavalry Commander of the Fifth Rank, allowing me to build an army of ten thousand within my land. I’m a man who wants the best in everything, so I want to create a legion unlike any other in this world. That means I need weapons and equipment no one else has, and I trust only someone like you, an expert, to handle this...” Du Long finally revealed his purpose.

“Well...” Ou Yezi hesitated. Just to study a special material, going so far as to produce weapons for an entire army? He wouldn’t be foolish enough to agree to such a thing.

“Brother Ou Yezi, don’t worry. I wouldn’t expect you to forge thousands of weapons alone. I heard your disciples have good forging skills. I want you to gather them—I’ll establish a secret armory in my territory and recruit blacksmiths. Your disciples can supervise quality control,” Du Long quickly added, sensing Ou Yezi’s reservations.

Unfortunately, his explanation hadn’t fully persuaded the stubborn old man. At this moment, a voice from the spirit of the ring whispered in Du Long’s mind: “I’ve given you a blueprint—a design for a special weapon. Show that old man that, and tell him you have several more blueprints for even more complex weapons. I don’t believe he’ll resist!”

Without hesitation, Du Long pulled a complex blueprint from the Serpent Ring’s space and handed it to Ou Yezi, who looked at it with puzzlement.

“Brother Ou Yezi, this is a weapon design I plan to produce in the future. You can take a look—it’s relatively simple compared to others. If you’re willing to help me, I have even more advanced blueprints to share!”

Ou Yezi casually began to examine the blueprint, but soon his expression shifted from indifference to seriousness, then to profound shock.

“Little brother! This blueprint seems to be missing the most critical component’s design. Are you sure you have the complete set?” Ou Yezi asked eagerly, eyes fixed on Du Long.

After receiving confirmation from the spirit of the ring, Du Long confidently replied, “Of course, I have the crucial designs. But I believe you understand the value of this blueprint.”

“Indeed, I do! I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Such precious weapon designs shouldn’t be shown lightly, especially not in front of master forgers like myself,” Ou Yezi answered sheepishly.

“In fact, this blueprint isn’t the most intricate one I have. I possess several others that are more detailed and would create weapons of even greater power. Brother, please look at this weapon’s formation design!” Guided by the spirit’s advice, Du Long pressed on, producing another design.

Taking the second blueprint, Ou Yezi trembled with excitement just from a brief glance. The paper shook in his hands.

“If this weapon can be forged, it would be terrifyingly powerful! Little brother, are you absolutely sure you have the full detailed plan?” Ou Yezi stammered, his gaze filled with hope.

Without explaining, Du Long produced yet another blueprint. Ou Yezi barely noticed the young men nearby and eagerly snatched it, studying it intently.

As he examined the incomplete design, Ou Yezi’s expressions changed wildly—astonishment, shock, then joyous laughter. Reflecting on his own lifelong research, he felt insignificant compared to whoever created these blueprints and even shed tears of frustration.

Though Du Long and the others wanted to laugh, they refrained out of respect. This was a master at the peak of the forging art—how could they mock such a figure?

After a long while, with all dishes arrived, Ou Yezi finally tore his eyes away from the blueprints. His gaze glinted sharply, clearly having made an important decision.

“Little brother, I understand that such precious blueprints can’t be shown casually. My whole life is devoted to forging, and your two designs today have inspired me beyond belief. Just a glance has enlightened my craft greatly. To think such miraculous weapons exist! For a life without regrets, I swear to follow my lord to the death!” Ou Yezi stood and bowed deeply.

“Brother Ou Yezi!” Du Long hurried up and steadied the great forging master with both hands. “With your words, we’re family now! I, Du Long, promise we’ll be brothers across generations, and I will never force you to do anything against your will!”

“Very well! It’s settled then. After tonight’s feast, I’ll gather my disciples, and we’ll arrange a time to head to Fengli Commandery together,” Ou Yezi said, clearly pleased with Du Long’s assurance.

As a dedicated master of forging, Ou Yezi did not want to lose his freedom and become a mere manufacturing machine for the rest of his days.

With the negotiations complete, the feast became carefree. Though they had just met, Du Long and Ou Yezi drank and laughed as if lifelong friends.

Princess Fire Phoenix and Xia Qinglian toasted Ou Yezi twice, then sat nearby smiling quietly. Ou Yezi’s burly apprentice drank no wine, eating solemnly beside them.

Curious about the big fellow, Du Long asked, “Brother Ou Yezi, how skilled is this disciple named Iron Bull in forging?”

Sighing as he set down his cup, Ou Yezi replied, “My disciple has average talent for forging but excels remarkably in martial cultivation. He possesses immense natural strength, and at only twenty-seven years old, he’s reached mid-level Qi Sea rank. His personality is serious and honest. Whenever I go out, he insists on accompanying me to protect his master.”

“Master Ou Yezi’s kindness is like a mountain! Iron Bull is willing to serve you for life!” Iron Bull answered in a gruff voice.

“You see, Iron Bull is an orphan. Once while I was traveling, I happened upon him and realized his excellent constitution—a promising martial cultivator—so I took him under my wing and trained him carefully. Unfortunately, he has little interest in forging; otherwise, I would have passed on my entire legacy to him,” Ou Yezi said with a fond but regretful gaze.

“It’s my fault, Master, for disappointing your expectations!” Iron Bull quickly admitted.

“No, it’s not your fault. Everyone can’t excel in all areas. Perhaps forging just isn’t your destiny,” Ou Yezi replied gently.

“Brother, Iron Bull’s steady nature would suit the army well. If forging’s not his path, why not let me take him into the military and see if he can make a name? With his mid-level Qi Sea strength, he could easily rise to a general’s rank,” Du Long suggested with a smile.

Ou Yezi’s eyes sparkled. “I think that’s feasible! Worth a try regardless.”

“Haha! Then it’s settled. Iron Bull, get your things with your master. In a few days, we’ll head to Fengli Commandery together!” Du Long laughed excitedly. Honestly, he was lacking capable subordinates.

The evening banquet was filled with joy. After agreeing to meet in three days, Du Long parted ways with Ou Yezi and his disciples. Mounted on the great lion, Princess Fire Phoenix finally found the chance to ask, “My lord husband, I have several questions today. Could you please enlighten me?”

A sudden chill ran through Du Long’s heart. It seemed some of his secrets had been unintentionally revealed. He forced a smile and replied, “Heh heh! My princess, ask whatever you wish. Your husband will answer everything truthfully!”

************************************************************************

In the blink of an eye, "Profound Heavenly Dragon Sovereign" has surpassed one hundred chapters, updating daily without fail—one hundred and one chapters in total!

Today is New Year’s Eve, and tomorrow is the first day of the lunar new year. I, Hailong, will take a three-day break from the first to the third day. My mother is celebrating her sixtieth birthday, and I’ll be busy. I won’t have time or mood to write, and any forced words wouldn’t be good. It’s better to take a short leave.

After one hundred days without a single break, I believe everyone will understand.

Here, I wish all my readers a Happy New Year, success in your work, prosperous business, wealth, and all the best in everything!!!