Chapter 429 Royal Alloy !
In the bustling world of Yan Country, Han Guang stood as the prince of the largest alloy knife group. He was renowned for his expertise in alloy knives, and Xin Feiwen had just emphasized that black alloy was the most coveted material for crafting these exceptional blades.
Liu Yong, their stern leader, promptly issued an order, "When you return, procure some black alloy, around ten kilograms should suffice."
Without hesitation, one of his subordinates replied, "Okay, boss, I'll arrange it immediately."
Now armed with a deeper understanding of this remarkable alloy, they had abandoned their brutal cutting methods. Instead, they opted for the more refined approach of melting the alloy and then meticulously crafting it. With a melting point exceeding 2,000 degrees, the process was not as daunting as it might sound.
After a brief interval, Xin Feiwen returned to the workshop.
Liu Yong picked up the research report once again, absorbing its contents before reaching for his mobile phone to send a WeChat message.
In the grand office of the Universal Building, Han Guang was preoccupied. He was flanked by several key deputies, all engrossed in briefing him about the upcoming 11th Alloy Knives Exhibition.
"Mr. Han, it appears that all of the world's top ten alloy tool manufacturers will be participating," one of his deputies stated.
Han Guang's expression darkened, but he wasn't entirely surprised. The Yan Kingdom was a global manufacturing powerhouse and the largest market for various alloy knives. Foreign manufacturers naturally sought to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity, intensifying the pressure on Han Guang.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn a somber tone, Han Guang remarked, "The competition is fierce. It seems we're poised for a battle even before the exhibition commences."
Anxious, a deputy inquired, "Mr. Han, what should we do against such formidable rivals?"
With a sigh, Han Guang responded, "Give me some time to think. There are still twenty days before the exhibition."
"Actually, it's twenty-three days," corrected another deputy as they exited the room.
Alone once more, Han Guang furrowed his brow in contemplation. The pressure was immense, and he reached for a cigarette to soothe his nerves. This exhibition was a responsibility entrusted to him by his father, and he was determined not to let it falter. Particularly, he couldn't stand the aggressive tactics employed by foreign knife dealers.
Just as his thoughts swirled in a cloud of smoke, a WeChat message notification chimed on his phone.
Putting out his cigarette, Han Guang retrieved his phone and glanced at the screen. It was a message from Brother Yong, inviting him over with the promise of something significant.
With a newfound curiosity and a somewhat improved mood, Han Guang replied promptly, "Brother Yong, I'm on my way."
His office was some distance from the Universal Building, but Han Guang didn't deliberate or hesitate; he simply headed straight for Universal Enterprise Group.
He put away his phone and left his office immediately.
Meanwhile, within Universal Building, Xin Feiwen had already fulfilled Liu Yong's request by delivering a black alloy bar measuring 50 in diameter and 500 in length. This small bar had been meticulously crafted from a colossal 10-meter-long, 500-diameter bar that Bawang had provided.
Liu Yong observed the alloy bar with great fascination; it easily weighed more than a dozen kilograms. They had only requested around ten kilograms, so the unexpected surplus intrigued him. Even after enduring extreme temperatures during the melting process and exposure to air, the alloy remained free of oxidized skin, retaining its lustrous black sheen.
In admiration, Liu Yong mused aloud, "Truly a product of alien technology. The materials they use are extraordinary."
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door, and Han Guang entered, announcing, "Brother Yong, I've arrived."
Liu Yong warmly welcomed him, offering a seat and refreshments. They exchanged pleasantries, and as the conversation flowed, it became evident that Han Guang had temporarily forgotten the pressures of the upcoming Alloy Knives Exhibition.
After a while, Liu Yong broached the subject cautiously, "How have things been lately? I heard that the 11th International Alloy Knives Exhibition in Huahai City is just twenty days away."
At the mere mention of the exhibition, Han Guang's countenance darkened, and he wore a somber expression.
"Brother Yong, to be honest, the pressure is mounting. In comparison to well-established knife manufacturers in the West, we still have some catching up to do. Whether on an international or domestic scale, high-end alloy knife markets are predominantly saturated with imported products," Han Guang confided.
Liu Yong pondered this predicament and inquired further, "So, our domestic alloy knives are struggling not due to craftsmanship or design, but primarily due to the quality of the alloy material?"
Han Guang nodded, "Precisely. It all boils down to the material. Every year, we appeal to various sources for imported alloys, but they rarely provide us with the superior variants. As a result, we're forced to manufacture knives that, while top-notch, can only compete in the middle and lower-end markets."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHan Guang's face reflected his disillusionment.
In contemplative silence, Liu Yong considered the situation and proposed a glimmer of hope, "This situation might soon change. Our Universal Special Material Factory has developed an exceptional black alloy. It's the ideal choice for crafting alloy knives."
Intrigued, Han Guang inquired, "Do we truly possess an alloy suitable for crafting these knives? How does it compare to the imported ones?"
Liu Yong replied confidently, "I haven't closely scrutinized the imported alloys, but I can provide you with the performance test report of our black alloy. Take a look."
With mounting excitement, Han Guang perused the report. As a semi-professional well-versed in alloy intricacies, he absorbed the details with growing astonishment.
Confusion, disbelief, shock, and finally, elation—his emotions swirled through a rollercoaster of reactions. His heart raced with the revelation that such an alloy existed, custom-made for crafting alloy knives. Compared to imported alloys, it didn't even seem like the same material; it was far superior.
Closing the report, Han Guang took a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure.
"Brother Yong, is this black alloy truly genuine?" he asked with fervor.
Liu Yong nodded firmly and retrieved the small black alloy bar, presenting it to Han Guang.
"This is a sample of our black alloy. Consider it a gift from me. Take it back, process it into an alloy tool, and experience the difference firsthand."
With trembling hands, Han Guang accepted the alloy rod. He could feel its substantial weight, far beyond that of ordinary alloy.