I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 581: The Tiger in Pig’s Skin

Chapter 581: The Tiger in Pig’s Skin

Adam followed the middle-aged Qi smith through the association tiled corridors until they emerged in a gathering hall.

The flavor of different steaming teas swirled around individuals harboring the same anvil symbols on their chests.

The number and color of stars surrounding it varied, but he noticed one with six shining golden stars sipping from his cup as his colleagues talked him up about Qi infusion techniques. A few displayed their newly crafted blades and armors, beaming after receiving the man’s praises.

He raised a brow at the warm atmosphere as his guide halted before the aged leader.

"He passed the test under my supervision. However, I’m unsure about his level. Mind assessing his craft, elder Zhao Longyan?"

"Oh? That’s rare coming from you." The aged leader’s brown eyes sparkled as he gestured toward Adam. "Show me your item, child. I’ll give you the most honest assessment."

Adam watched the bald man’s wrinkles part to let out a genuine smile. But he sighed.

"I’m fine with one-star elder." He cupped his fists and presented the short throwing knife. "I’m not arrogant enough to claim anything more before an expert of your caliber."

He rolled his eyes in his mind as the man picked up the knife.

The shame of presenting such a flawed item to anyone burned his cheeks, even more so when Zhao Longyan frowned.

’Just say it’s average and let me leave.’

However, the knife’s dark frame caught the lamps’ flickering lights as Zhao Longyan’s expression grew solemn.

"I can’t believe it," he muttered as he ran his thumb on the not-so-sharp blade. "The forging is flawless, but the balance and sanding are off. The decorations are exquisite, but the enchantment is ordinary."

His eyes narrowed on Adam’s figure, doubt and awe melding in them before the metallic surface clanged as he knocked on it.

His frown deepened as he felt the cracks inside vibrate. Something wasn’t right. How could an item combine such perfect and horrible skills? Did the child over-perform in aesthetics? Even he considered the brown-red lines breaking the dark color a fine yet technical addition.

No, there was more to it. Despite the flaws, the child revealed he understood the item’s purpose: lethality, practicality, and stealth. This was apparent in its non-reflective color and the metallic ring crowning the handle.

Heart hastening, he glanced at the middle-aged man who brought Adam, noting his confused nod.

"You did right." He turned toward Adam and smiled. "You have a bright future, child. It might sound abrupt, but why don’t you become my disciple? I’ll guide you on your journey, and I’m sure you’ll surpass me one day."

Adam’s lips twisted, and his eyes rolled.

He had foreseen it after noticing the elder’s eyes sparkle a little more each second. Zhao Longyan valued his understanding and potential more than the item. What a troublesome situation...

He shook his head and sighed.

"Elder, I have a certain standard for myself. I wouldn’t feel right accepting such a position until I’ve reached an acceptable level. It would be disrespectful to both you and craftsmanship."

The middle-aged man frowned and pointed a finger at him.

"Do you know how many dreams of becoming a six-star Qi smith’s apprentice? Think carefully, little one. You might not have another opportunity."

The other smiths nodded, their eyes narrowed into slits.

Some of them still dreamed of receiving this offer from Zhao Longyan. Hearing the kid’s refusal felt like a shaming slap across their faces, but the master’s too.

Against their expectation, Adam remained silent, the determined glint flashing in his eyes the only answer they received.

Upon seeing it, Zhao Longyan raised his palm to stop them from interfering. He stepped toward Adam, his aged yet muscular body towering before him.

"A pity, little friend." He returned the throwing knife and produced a one-star brown smith robe from his spatial ring. "But I’ll respect your decision. I wish you luck on your path."

"Thank you for understanding, elder." Adam stored the items in his spatial ring and cupped his fists. "Goodbye to all of you."

He left without another word, sighing in relief. Although he had attracted some attention, his skills weren’t the cause.

’I’d rather have them hate me than risk showing off.’ A sneer escaped his lips as he returned to Shen Wu’s house. ’What can this old dude even teach me? Dream of becoming his disciple? He should dream of becoming mine!’

As he huffed out of the association, the middle-aged man sat beside Zhao Longyan and poured him a cup of tea.

"That kid is still young. His confidence will soon collapse, and he’ll return begging."

However, Zhao Longyan remained silent as he observed the subtle movement of his tea. A moment later, he picked up the cup, drank, and exhaled slowly.

"This child..." A concealed drop of sweat trailed down his brow. "Is stronger than me."

He gripped the middle-aged man’s shoulder and shook his head, indicating him to remain composed.

"I don’t know what he’s hiding, but his craftsmanship is excellent, too. No... He cracked the knife’s inner structure intentionally. He’s a tiger trying to pass for a pig. I don’t know how or why, but keep it to yourself."

He saw the middle-aged man’s wide eyes and raised brows.

"I’ll warn the sect leader the moment he leaves his mountain. Monitor him in the meantime. If he’s clean, we might witness the birth of a second seven-star Qi smith!"

After all, he was but the mere second in charge. The real association’s president was none other than the only seven-star Qi smith in the sect, the sect leader himself.

As for how he deduced so much? His body shuddered each time he remembered the faint traces of Qi it absorbed when he stood before the kid. This affinity... what was it even? It felt like he could wield all the elements without limits. But was it possible?

More questions engulfed his mind before he dismissed them all. The leader will have more answers than him. Instead, a smile crept over his face, and his fists tightened around the middle-aged man’s shoulder.

"Remember: no one must know. We can’t let anyone snatch this talent!"