《After Three Years of forging Iron, he became a Martial Arts Master》 Chapter 1: Even a Novice Can Dream Big The Great Qian Martial Dynasty was divided into nine provinces. In Yangzhou, Tang Prefecture, Lushan County, lay the Blacksmith Guild. Beneath a fiery sky, the forge roared with blazing heat, filling the air with smoke and soot. "Strike while the iron is hot¡ªtemper it a thousand times!" "The heat must be precise! Only then can crude iron be forged into fine steel!" "Pull firmly, strike steadily¡ªlight taps, heavy blows!" "Do you lot even listen to me, or do you treat my words like hot air?!" A muscular middle-aged man, his arms bulging with veins, barked orders in a sweat-soaked shirt, punctuating his lectures with the occasional kick to the apprentices. "Yes, Master Chen!" Seven or eight teenage boys, shirtless and glistening with sweat, swung hammers down on red-hot iron atop anvils, their faces taut with exertion. Clang! Clang! Clang! As the rhythmic strikes rang out, one boy muttered under his breath, "A whole month of this... I''m starving, I can''t sleep, and every day it''s back-breaking labor. Do they even know what muscle breakdown is?!" Wiping the sweat from his brow, Su Zhe swung his six-pound hammer with precision, striking the curve of the iron perfectly. Half an hour of hammering had left his arms feeling like lead¡ªwhat began as an ache had devolved into complete numbness. Su Zhe hadn¡¯t originally belonged to this world. A month ago, an accident had transported his soul into the body of a 16-year-old apprentice who had worked himself to death. Back in his own time, Su Zhe had been admiring an ancient bronze cauldron in a museum. The cauldron was both archaic and exquisitely crafted, drawing him closer like a moth to a flame. Without warning, a mysterious radiance erupted from the cauldron, enveloping him completely. When he awoke, his modern life was gone. He was now a low-ranking apprentice in the Blacksmith Guild. At first, Su Zhe thought it was some elaborate prank¡ªlike he''d been dropped into a twisted version of The Truman Show. But reality sank in when he took his first lashings. Fortunately, his sudden shift in personality following the transmigration was dismissed as hysteria by those around him¡ªa common enough affliction in a feudal society riddled with poverty and despair. "Forge iron? I¡¯d rather forge a new life!" Su Zhe cursed silently, though his hammer never faltered, each strike more diligent than the last. Why the sudden enthusiasm? It stemmed from a pivotal discovery. One evening, while planning an escape, he accidentally spied Master Chen in the courtyard practicing martial arts. With one hand, the burly man effortlessly hoisted a stone block weighing hundreds of pounds, tossed it high into the air, and caught it as though it were a toy.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "That¡¯s more badass than Jackie Chan!" It was then that Su Zhe realized this world, though backward in technology, harbored the mystical path of martial cultivation. Warriors here wielded superhuman strength, capable of defeating dozens, even hundreds, single-handedly. Legends spoke of masters who could traverse the skies, shatter mountains, and even command life and death. From that day on, Su Zhe¡¯s desire to pursue martial arts took root. He would become a warrior.
As the iron on the anvil shrank in size and took shape, Su Zhe switched his six-pound hammer for a one-pound one. Clang! Clang! Though lighter, each strike landed precisely on protruding imperfections, smoothing them into form. Another half-hour passed, and the course, dark-gray iron was now a gleaming silver-gray, its surface polished and faintly luminous. The Blacksmith Guild divided its apprentices into three classes: Su Zhe¡¯s predecessor had spent three grueling years in the lowest rank before earning the title of upper-class apprentice. "Master Chen, three pieces of fine steel for your inspection," Su Zhe said respectfully, presenting a tray of polished iron. Master Chen examined the steel, nodding with approval. "Crude iron tempered into fine steel¡ªsmooth surface, flawless texture, and a faint glow. Excellent craftsmanship. Looks like your hysteria cured itself and knocked some sense into you!" "Your guidance is unmatched, Master Chen. Though I may be dull, even a stone can absorb the jade¡¯s essence under a master¡¯s tutelage," Su Zhe replied, his tone calm yet deferential. Flattery never hurt anyone, especially when done well. Master Chen chuckled, amused by Su Zhe¡¯s eloquence. Unlike the bootlickers he¡¯d encountered in his forty years, Su Zhe¡¯s praise was intelligent and sincere, making it oddly endearing. "See, this is what a good apprentice looks like! The rest of you, take notes! No initiative whatsoever!" he bellowed at the others, who could only grit their teeth and continue hammering. Most upper-class apprentices managed to forge two pieces of fine steel by the end of the day. Su Zhe, however, had recently begun producing three. "One gold nugget amidst dung makes the rest of the pile look even filthier," Su Zhe mused silently, smirking.
Later, Master Chen¡¯s usual coughing fits interrupted his scolding. Years of working in smoke-filled forges had left his throat in poor condition. "Master, your health concerns me deeply. I recently acquired some Grand Cave Fruits¡ªthey can be brewed into tea to soothe your throat." Su Zhe produced a shabby cloth bundle, revealing half a pound of dried fruit, known to modern readers as malva nut. Master Chen¡¯s eyes twinkled with recognition. "Half a pound of this stuff? That¡¯s worth ten coins. Generous of you, boy." "Merely a small gesture to repay your kindness," Su Zhe replied earnestly. Master Chen was no fool; he saw through Su Zhe¡¯s intentions but appreciated his forthrightness. "Alright, spit it out. What do you want?" "Master, I¡¯d never dream of breaking the rules. I simply wish to borrow the eight-pound hammer in the corner¡ªyour old apprentice¡¯s tool. It may help me build strength in my spare time." Master Chen¡¯s gaze softened, seeing shades of his younger self in Su Zhe. After a moment¡¯s reflection, he relented. "Fine, but don¡¯t overexert yourself. Blood loss is expensive to recover." "Thank you, Master!" For the first time in weeks, Su Zhe felt genuine gratitude. With the eight-pound hammer in hand, he left the guild, his heart pounding with excitement. In a secluded grove, he examined the hammer closely. Memories of the ancient bronze cauldron surfaced, and an ethereal glow filled his mind. [Item: Eight-Pound Apprentice¡¯s Hammer (Damaged)] As a peculiar slot appeared in the vision of his mind, Su Zhe whispered, "So this is how I¡¯ll defy fate?" The hammer began to shimmer as radiant light enveloped it, merging with Su Zhe¡¯s destiny. Chapter 2: The Wild Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer ¡°Success!¡± Su Zhe¡¯s heart raced with excitement. In his mind, he could clearly see the state of the bronze cauldron. When Su Zhe transmigrated to this world, he discovered that the bronze cauldron, once displayed in a museum in his previous life, had followed him through the journey. Whenever Su Zhe communicated with the cauldron, his consciousness would be transported to a unique dimension. ¡°The Cauldron of Creation: A mystical artifact born with celestial apertures, capable of gathering the essence of countless treasures and transforming the mundane into the divine.¡± The eight-pound hammer in his mind fell into a dark void, shrinking steadily until it clicked perfectly into one of the cauldron¡¯s slots. ¡°Boom!¡± Su Zhe felt a jolt through his body, as if his head were about to split open. A young figure, resembling Master Chen by about 70%, appeared in his mind. Holding an eight-pound hammer, he stood firm on a stance resembling a wild bull, exuding raw power. His alternating hammer swings stirred the air, each strike mimicking the relentless charge of a bull. Arms moved like whips, hammers like thunder. The youth¡¯s entire being embodied a mighty bull¡ªunshakable, unstoppable, a force of nature. ¡°You have acquired fragments of Master Chen¡¯s memories. You have learned the Wild Bull Stance and the Wild Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer Technique (incomplete, missing a lethal martial strike).¡± ¡°You have gained attribute bonuses: Herculean Strength and Diligence Makes Up for Deficiency.¡± Stretching his limbs, Su Zhe¡¯s joints crackled like fireworks. His once-slim frame now bore faint traces of muscle, his physique sturdier than before. At only sixteen years old, Su Zhe had grown up in poverty. Although years of blacksmithing had tempered his vitality, his strength had always been limited. Yet now, he felt his body transforming rapidly. Spreading his arms, he estimated his strength to be over 100 pounds. ¡°Stance! Hammer!¡± Taking a deep breath, Su Zhe planted his feet firmly in the Wild Bull Stance and began practicing the Wild Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer Technique. ¡°Feet grounded like stone; waist rotates to unify strength!¡± ¡°Shoulders and back move in tandem, releasing piercing force with every strike!¡± His arms swung powerfully, filling the air with a sharp whooshing sound as he cross-referenced his movements with the techniques embedded in Master Chen¡¯s memories.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Although the memories guided him, they weren¡¯t truly his. Su Zhe¡¯s body hadn¡¯t internalized the Wild Bull techniques, leaving only one path forward: relentless practice. From initial awkwardness to gradual fluency, each strike became more powerful, exuding the aura of an unyielding bull capable of shattering armies with its sheer ferocity.
Half an hour later, Su Zhe¡¯s shirt was soaked through with sweat, clinging to him like he¡¯d been pulled from a river. His legs trembled, and his arms felt too heavy to lift. Dizziness and weakness washed over him. ¡°The Wild Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer is decent, but¡­¡± Su Zhe frowned. ¡°This body is still too frail. Even with the Herculean Strength bonus, I can¡¯t sustain prolonged practice.¡± ¡°If only we could afford some restorative tonics. But even the cheapest vitality powder costs two silver coins¡ª200 copper.¡± ¡°Uncle spent 15 taels of silver to apprentice me to the Blacksmith Guild. Now, we¡¯re barely scraping by.¡± Wiping his sweat with the corner of his shirt, Su Zhe sighed. Martial arts training was divided into four levels: Proficiency, Mastery, Perfection, and Peak. Thanks to Master Chen¡¯s memories and his diligent attribute, Su Zhe had reached basic proficiency within an hour. However, martial arts demanded not just effort but sustenance. Three parts training, seven parts recovery. His immediate challenge wasn¡¯t mastering techniques but securing resources to replenish his vitality. ¡°Money. Even a hero is helpless without it. In this world, wealth makes you a master.¡± Su Zhe silently resolved to change his circumstances.
Born an orphan, Su Zhe had been raised by his uncle Su Yuan and aunt Lin Xia. Su Yuan, a humble fisherman, had taken Su Zhe in as his own child, honoring the memory of Su Zhe¡¯s late parents. Understanding the importance of martial arts in this world, Su Yuan had emptied their savings to apprentice Su Zhe to the Blacksmith Guild. There, one¡¯s future was determined by a bone-testing assessment after three years. Exceptional talents would become inner disciples, receiving focused training and a shot at prestige. Ordinary apprentices, however, would toil for six years before being taught martial techniques, bound to lifelong servitude to the guild. Despite the harsh terms, even servitude in the guild was far better than a fisherman¡¯s life¡ªtax-free, steady income, and a higher social standing. Su Zhe glanced at his hands, fists tightening. ¡°With the Cauldron of Creation, I can enhance my potential. Passing the bone test and entering the inner circle should be achievable. Once I succeed, I¡¯ll be able to lift my family from poverty and secure resources to advance further.¡±
Dragging his exhausted body, Su Zhe returned to the dilapidated Su family home in the fishing village. The three of them sat down for dinner: coarse rice, wild vegetable soup, a large plate of sweet potatoes, and a rare delicacy¡ªa three-pound grass carp. ¡°Eat more. Blacksmithing is tough work,¡± Su Yuan said warmly, placing a tender piece of fish belly in Su Zhe¡¯s bowl. ¡°Thanks, Uncle.¡± Su Zhe didn¡¯t hold back, devouring his meal ravenously. After today¡¯s training, his body desperately needed replenishment. Watching him eat, Lin Xia¡¯s face darkened. ¡°How can one boy eat so much? He¡¯s eating more than both of us combined!¡± Su Zhe kept eating, understanding her frustration. His aunt wasn¡¯t a bad person¡ªjust exhausted by years of hardship. Su Yuan, however, shot her a warning glance. ¡°Stop nagging. The boy¡¯s growing.¡± The tension subsided as Su Zhe excused himself to feed the chickens, leaving the couple to argue quietly. Outside, he scattered feed, smiling as the chickens clucked around him. Watching the warm light flicker from their home, Su Zhe felt a deep sense of gratitude. This home, this family, it¡¯s worth fighting for. When Su Yuan emerged later, sporting a fresh handprint on his cheek, Su Zhe stifled a laugh. ¡°Uncle, did Aunt hit you?¡± ¡°Nonsense! I disciplined her hand with my face!¡± Su Yuan grumbled, clearly embarrassed. Shaking it off, he grinned. ¡°Come on, boy. Let¡¯s catch some catfish tonight. Autumn¡¯s the season for fat ones. Maybe we¡¯ll get lucky and make a little fortune!¡± Chapter 3: A Crisis at the River – Battling the Beast Chapter 3: A Crisis at the River ¨C Battling the Beast Fishing. It demands patience. Under a sky scattered with stars, the moon hung high, illuminating the quiet Su River. A soft breeze whispered through the air, mingling with the rhythmic chirping of insects. The water shimmered in the moonlight, creating a dreamlike, serene atmosphere. Su Zhe let his mind still, matching the calm of the night. His hunger was sated, his body no longer weary. He could feel it¡ªa profound transformation stirring within him. Since achieving minor mastery of the Mighty Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer Technique, his blood surged with vitality. A faint heat coursed through his veins, gradually settling in his dantian, at the center of his being. Strength and speed... they were growing. He was certain of it. "This must be the evolution of a martial artist," he mused. "Though it''s a pity that Master Chen''s memories are limited to hammer techniques and smithing. The finer details are missing." He decided to wait until the Bone Transmission Ceremony to ask further questions. Both uncle and nephew remained silent. Su Yuan held his tongue to avoid scaring away potential catches. Su Zhe, however, had other matters on his mind.
Divine Fortune Cauldron Gazing at the text hovering above the bronze cauldron in his mind''s eye, Su Zhe sighed deeply. "Opening the second spiritual aperture might only require mundane materials, but... it¡¯s so expensive." In this world, a jin equaled ten liang, and a liang equaled ten qian. Each opened aperture on the cauldron functioned like an additional equipment slot, allowing Su Zhe to bond with a weapon. Bonded weapons granted fragments of their former masters'' cultivation memories, enhanced physical attributes, and special abilities. If he managed to unlock six apertures and equip six items¡ªno matter how humble, like these eight-pound hammers¡ªeven a cow wouldn¡¯t survive a single punch from him. But the cost was prohibitive. According to the market prices in Lushan County, this endeavor would demand at least 20 liang of silver. Where could he possibly find such money?
"Got a bite!" Su Yuan''s excited shout broke the stillness. "Big one! A real big one!" His face turned red with exertion as veins bulged on his arms. The fishing rod bent precariously under the strain, while the spool whirred as the line unraveled rapidly. "Damn it! This fish is strong! At least several dozen jin!"The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "If we keep this up, the rod and line might not hold." As a seasoned fisherman, Su Yuan knew the drill¡ªbaiting, casting, reeling in. Every movement was precise. But now, faced with a massive catch, he understood the importance of pacing. To tire the fish, he alternated between reeling in and letting the line go slack. But this fish was unnaturally powerful. Su Yuan gritted his teeth, but his equipment was failing. Wealthier fishermen used lines spun from high-quality silk or exotic beast tendons. Su Yuan, however, could only afford treated hemp rope, durable but unable to withstand such force. "Uncle, something¡¯s wrong!" Su Zhe shot to his feet, his senses honed since mastering the hammer technique. In the moonlight, he spotted two gleaming, fist-sized eyes staring intently at Su Yuan from the water.
The surface of the river roiled violently. ¡°Snap!¡± The fishing rod splintered under the strain, leaving Su Yuan stumbling backward and falling onto the slippery riverbank. The wet, polished mud offered no traction, and he slid toward the water¡¯s edge.
A monstrous roar tore through the night as a colossal creature leaped from the river. Its icy, menacing gaze locked onto them. The beast was a Zhu Po Dragon¡ªwhat Su Zhe recognized as a Yangtze alligator in his past life. Typically, these creatures grew no longer than five feet, with anything exceeding seven feet considered enormous. But this one... It was over ten feet long. A hulking predator over three meters in length, it rivaled some smaller saltwater crocodiles.
"Ah!" Su Yuan¡¯s face turned ghostly pale as the beast lunged. Its gaping maw, lined with jagged teeth, surged toward his leg. The foul stench of decay filled the air. ¡°It¡¯s over! This beast¡ªno, this demon¡ªmust have tasted human flesh!¡± Su Yuan¡¯s mind went blank, paralyzed with terror.
¡°Foul creature!¡± Su Zhe dashed forward, fish spear in hand, his eyes cold and resolute, radiating killing intent. The spear gleamed under the moonlight, striking like a dragon bursting from the depths. As the monster¡¯s jaws neared Su Yuan, Su Zhe¡¯s blood surged. Memories of his uncle¡¯s care over the years flooded his heart. With the Mighty Bull Stone-Crushing Hammer Technique guiding his movements, he drove the spear forward with devastating force. ¡°Bang!¡± ¡°Roar!¡± The beast howled in agony as the spear pierced its eye, an explosion of noxious fluid staining the riverbank. Momentarily blinded, the creature released Su Yuan and thrashed wildly. Its massive tail, like an iron whip, lashed out at Su Zhe. ¡°Thud!¡± The impact forced Su Zhe back ten steps, leaving deep imprints in the muddy ground. His muscles quivered, blood surging within, but his gaze remained calm. "If not for my Mighty Bull Stance, that strike could¡¯ve sent me flying ten meters," he thought grimly.
The beast roared, its remaining eye glaring at Su Zhe with seething hatred. ¡°You want my life? I want yours just as much!¡± Su Zhe retorted, his voice icy. With a sudden leap, he hurled his spear, channeling the full force of the Mighty Bull Technique. ¡°Crash!¡± The spear struck the beast¡¯s tough hide, but its tail intercepted the blow, snapping the weapon in two. ¡°Run, Zhe!¡± Su Yuan shouted, panic overtaking him. This Zhu Po Dragon was no ordinary creature. Its size and ferocity suggested it had feasted on humans, teetering on the edge of demonic evolution. But Su Zhe had no intention of retreating. Seizing the momentum, he launched himself onto the beast¡¯s neck. His legs clamped tightly around its writhing body. With a flash, an eight-pound hammer materialized in his hand. ¡°Die!¡± Hammer after hammer fell, breaking scales and tearing flesh. Blood and tissue splattered as the beast howled in pain. Its massive body thrashed violently, but Su Zhe held firm, his stance unshakable.
Three strikes later, the beast¡¯s struggles weakened. Raising the hammer high, Su Zhe delivered a final blow. ¡°Boom!¡± The creature¡¯s skull cracked, and cold blood gushed out, staining Su Zhe¡¯s face. His sharp features now carried a savage, almost primal intensity.
The battle ended. Su Zhe rose, his clothes in tatters, his thigh a bloody mess from the creature¡¯s scales. Yet his expression was eerily calm. The blood dripping from his body mingled with the foul-smelling gore, giving him the appearance of a crimson dragon. Through the blood-soaked haze, he felt a deeper connection with the Mighty Bull Technique. The battle had pushed his understanding to a new level. Glancing at the massive corpse, Su Zhe smirked. ¡°Uncle,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°We¡¯re rich!¡± Chapter 4: The Su Familys Sudden Fortune and the Birth of a Future Martial Master ¡°Struck it rich¡­¡± ¡°Ah! Xiao Zhe, are you¡ªare you alright?¡± Su Yuan finally snapped out of his daze and scrambled over to Su Zhe, frantically examining his nephew for any signs of serious injury. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Su Zhe reassured him. ¡°But¡­ Xiao Zhe, this crocodile-dragon was fully grown! Even three or five strong men couldn¡¯t take it down¡ªhow on earth did you manage?¡± ¡°Lately, I don¡¯t know why, but working the forge has been getting easier. It feels like my strength has grown a lot. When I saw you in danger just now, I didn¡¯t think much and just acted.¡± ¡°And that hammer¡ªwhere did it come from?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s an old hammer Master Chen gave me for practice. I had it strapped to my belt. Maybe it was too dark for you to notice earlier.¡± The uncle and nephew had narrowly escaped death, but Su Yuan was still in shock. The crocodile-dragon that had terrorized the area before was only seven feet long and required three men to slay. This one was even bigger¡ªeasily a match for five grown men. Su Zhe had been working at the blacksmith guild for three years, and his daily hammering had made him as strong as an adult, but he was still just a teenager. How could he possibly have the strength to beat such a beast? Yet here it was, slain by his hand. ¡°Could it really be?¡± Su Yuan muttered in disbelief, his mind racing. He distinctly remembered that Su Zhe hadn¡¯t been carrying any hammer earlier. The way it suddenly appeared felt almost¡­ magical. ¡°Master Chen said I have a knack for martial arts,¡± Su Zhe added. ¡°He called it a case of latent potential finally breaking through. Lately, I¡¯ve been feeling my strength grow really fast.¡± Su Yuan drew in a deep breath, his eyes brimming with excitement. ¡°A talent for martial arts? That must mean you have a special physique¡ªsomething far superior to ordinary people!¡± ¡°Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Our family is going to have a martial master!¡± Su Yuan could barely contain his enthusiasm, clapping Su Zhe on the shoulder with his rough, calloused hands. To common folk, a martial artist was like a demigod¡ªan existence to be revered. ¡°I heard about a boy in Lu County,¡± Su Yuan began, his voice growing more animated. ¡°Skinny as a starving ghost, not a scrap of meat on his bones, but the leader of the Canal Gang took him in, taught him martial arts, and his progress was incredible. At eighteen, that boy could send five or six grown men flying with just a flick of his arms.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Xiao Zhe must have a physique like that! Our family is truly blessed!¡± The idea brought tears to Su Yuan¡¯s eyes. He had worked tirelessly to raise Su Zhe, always hoping his nephew would achieve greatness. Now, it seemed that dream might finally come true. ¡°I knew it was worth it,¡± Su Yuan thought, his heart swelling with pride. ¡°Brother, Sister-in-law, I¡¯ve done right by you.¡±
The two then turned their attention to the massive crocodile-dragon. ¡°This creature¡¯s so big,¡± Su Yuan mused, ¡°that even if it¡¯s not a true monster, it¡¯s close. Its flesh and blood must be highly nourishing for a martial artist.¡± ¡°Remember Old Li? He caught a three-pound treasure fish a few weeks back and sold it to a martial artist for thirty taels of silver.¡± ¡°This crocodile-dragon weighs at least 150 pounds! We¡¯ll keep a few dozen pounds for you, and the rest we can sell. Even if it¡¯s not as valuable as treasure fish, the sheer quantity will make up for it¡­¡± Su Yuan¡¯s mind raced with possibilities, and a grin spread across his face. Surviving this ordeal felt like a blessing from the heavens.
When they returned to the village, Su Zhe carried the crocodile-dragon into the courtyard, nearly giving his aunt, Lin Xia, a heart attack. It took Su Yuan a full explanation to calm her down. But as he described the perilous encounter, Lin Xia¡¯s face turned pale, and she began scolding furiously. ¡°You reckless fool! The night is full of spirits and monsters, and you dragged Xiao Zhe into danger? If anything had happened to him, I¡¯d¡­ I¡¯d bite you to death myself!¡± She chased Su Yuan around the courtyard, wielding a broom with terrifying precision. Su Zhe could only stand there awkwardly, thinking, What a terrifying choice of words¡­
After venting her anger, Lin Xia turned her attention to Su Zhe. ¡°Are you hurt, Xiao Zhe? Let me see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, Auntie,¡± Su Zhe said with a smile. ¡°But my clothes got torn. Could you help patch them up?¡± ¡°Patch them? Forget it! Tomorrow, your uncle will buy new fabric, and I¡¯ll make you a whole new outfit.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve grown up¡ªable to slay dragons and all,¡± Lin Xia said, half laughing, half crying. The family then set to work processing the crocodile-dragon. Its tough scales were perfect for shoes or armor, and even its bones were valuable as medicine, said to strengthen the body and replenish vitality. That night, Lin Xia cooked a feast of crocodile-dragon meat. The aroma was tantalizing, and the meal did not disappoint. Though Lin Xia and Su Yuan could only eat a few pieces before feeling flushed and light-headed, Su Zhe devoured over ten pounds of meat, leaving nothing but an empty bowl. Afterward, feeling a surge of energy, Su Zhe picked up an eight-pound hammer and began practicing in the courtyard, his movements powerful and precise.
The next morning, Su Zhe woke early and brought ten pounds of meat to the blacksmith guild, while Su Yuan headed to the market with the remaining seventy pounds to sell. The rest, Lin Xia preserved for later use, knowing its nourishing properties would benefit Su Zhe as he trained. News of the crocodile-dragon quickly spread through the village, and Su Zhe became the talk of the town. ¡°A born warrior! With strength like that, he¡¯s sure to become a core disciple of the blacksmith guild!¡± ¡°Congratulations, Lin Xia! Your family¡¯s fortune has turned around!¡± Lin Xia beamed with pride, her smile never fading as the villagers showered her with compliments.
At the guild, Master Chen accepted the crocodile-dragon meat with a pleased smile. But as he examined Su Zhe more closely, his expression turned serious. ¡°Your breathing is stronger¡­ your blood vitality is overflowing. This is the hallmark of a body as robust as a raging bull.¡± Master Chen was so startled he dropped his teacup. Seeing the half-tea, half-wolfberry mix spill onto the floor, Su Zhe couldn¡¯t help but think, Master Chen sure takes his health seriously. Chapter 5: The Tale of Innate Talent and the Beastly Physique Master Chen¡¯s expression was... quite a spectacle. It carried a strange blend of shock and amusement, as if he¡¯d just seen a ghost. ¡°¡®Strength like a bull¡¯? What does that even mean?¡± Su Zhe, ever perceptive, caught onto the critical phrase immediately. Master Chen reached out, gave Su Zhe¡¯s frame a thorough squeeze, and began to explain: ¡°All things in this world follow the Dao. To excel in any craft is to be blessed by the heavens.¡± ¡°We blacksmiths have our Crafting Dao. Martial artists? They have their Martial Dao.¡± ¡°In martial cultivation, the foundation of everything is one¡¯s natural talent, which we call root aptitude.¡± ¡°Root aptitude is categorized into four main grades: A, B, C, and D. Each grade has three sub-levels¡ªupper, middle, and lower. Take me, for example. I¡¯m not worth mentioning¡ªjust a B-grade, lower-tier aptitude.¡± ¡°As for your own root aptitude, it takes a skilled martial artist trained in bone-reading to determine it. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have that expertise.¡± Instead of answering Su Zhe¡¯s initial question outright, Master Chen first delved into the fundamentals of root aptitude and talent, laying the groundwork for what was to come. Su Zhe came from humble beginnings. In the fishing village of the Su family, locals called martial artists ¡°lords¡± with awe-filled reverence. This moment, this chance to learn, was a rare opportunity indeed. ¡°Knowledge changes destinies,¡± Su Zhe thought, his expression earnest as he listened attentively. He even took the liberty of tidying up Master Chen¡¯s teacup and brewing a fresh pot of tea. Master Chen, noticing Su Zhe¡¯s humility and diligence, felt his initial annoyance fade, replaced by a deepening appreciation for the young man. Through Master Chen¡¯s explanation, Su Zhe gained a clear understanding. Root aptitude, he learned, was the foundation of martial cultivation. Without a solid foundation, building a towering success was impossible. Generally, those with D-grade aptitude lacked the potential for martial arts. A lifetime of effort might yield no more than a healthy body and robust vitality. C-grade aptitude was passable; after over a decade of grueling effort, one might become a formal martial artist. B-grade aptitude was exceptional. With it, one could bypass many hurdles¡ªthose at the lower tier could enter the Ironclad Guild¡¯s inner circle with the aid of bone-transference techniques. A-grade aptitude, however, was the pinnacle¡ªa rarity among rarities. In the Ironclad Guild, anyone with such talent would be nurtured with the guild¡¯s full resources. ¡°If even lower-tier B-grade aptitude suffices for inner-circle entry, my chances should be good.¡± Su Zhe mused privately, considering the situation. With the abilities he had inherited, the path forward seemed promising. ¡°As for ¡®strength like a bull,¡¯¡± Master Chen continued, ¡°it refers to a person¡¯s natural physique, also known as a beastly trait.¡± ¡°The Martial Dao stems from the wisdom of our ancestors, who observed the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. For instance, in our guild, there is the Wild Bull Shattering Rock Technique. It was created by mimicking the movements and postures of a wild bull.¡± ¡°Some people are naturally born with the ¡®strength like a bull¡¯ trait, making them highly suited to techniques like the Wild Bull Shattering Rock Technique. On the other hand, achieving mastery in the technique can also manifest such traits.¡± To illustrate, Master Chen tensed his abdomen, and with a subtle flare of his nostrils, two visible streams of white air burst forth. It was a demonstration of power. Strength like a bull, indeed! Su Zhe couldn¡¯t help but gape, a mix of awe and surprise on his face. ¡°Your root aptitude determines your talent for martial cultivation as a whole,¡± Master Chen concluded. ¡°But beastly traits? They¡¯re especially advantageous for specific techniques.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been my apprentice for three years now, diligent and honest. From what I see, your body is maturing, and your unique potential is beginning to reveal itself.¡± Master Chen¡¯s tone grew warmer, almost paternal, as he patted Su Zhe on the shoulder with approval. The outer blacksmith workshop boasted hundreds of apprentices, yet true standouts were few. With Su Zhe¡¯s apparent ¡°strength like a bull¡± trait, his chances of advancing to the inner circle were extremely high. Master Chen, typically aloof with apprentices, now regarded Su Zhe with newfound camaraderie. If Su Zhe entered the inner circle, it would only be a matter of time before he became a martial artist¡ªan equal to Master Chen in status.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°So, mastering a martial art can also lead to beastly traits...¡± Su Zhe pondered this revelation. ¡°But Master Chen could never guess the truth¡ªI¡¯ve already inherited his memories of the Wild Bull Technique. My mastery of it has advanced enough to display the ¡®strength like a bull¡¯ trait.¡± ¡°Sometimes, misunderstandings make relationships more harmonious,¡± he thought with a wry smile, letting the matter rest. Work in the blacksmith workshop began for the day. Su Zhe wielded his hammer with zeal, mentally declaring, ¡®Long live the working class!¡¯ He entered a state of complete focus, combining his inherited knowledge of blacksmithing and martial arts to temper raw iron into refined steel with unmatched precision. Master Chen, who berated and scolded other apprentices without hesitation, showered Su Zhe with praise. ¡°Hard work makes up for a lack of talent,¡± he said, watching Su Zhe¡¯s flawless technique. ¡°Your skill has improved leaps and bounds¡ªnearly catching up to mine!¡± ¡°All thanks to your teaching, Master Chen,¡± Su Zhe replied humbly. ¡°In both craft and character, I still have much to learn from you.¡± Master Chen chuckled. ¡°Fate brought us together. No need for such formality. With your ¡®strength like a bull,¡¯ your chances of entering the inner circle are nearly guaranteed. Once you¡¯re a martial artist, just call me Brother Chen!¡± And so, the day progressed, with Su Zhe hammering away, his aspirations growing ever closer to reality.
"Got it, Brother Chen. You''re in your prime¡ªcalling you ¡®Master¡¯ makes you sound ancient," Su Zhe replied with an easygoing smile. His tone was respectful yet perfectly balanced, striking just the right note. A few casual remarks, and suddenly the two were chatting like old friends, their camaraderie growing deeper with each exchange. "Unbelievable! Brother Zhe is a genius¡ªhe''s even melted Stone-Face Chen!" Han Yue''er, another apprentice, muttered under her breath, her admiration for Su Zhe soaring. Navigating human relationships is an art, and Su Zhe was clearly a master craftsman. The Ironforge¡¯s Strange Dynamics From that day onward, an odd scene unfolded in the forge. While Chen Shifu berated and occasionally even kicked the other apprentices into submission, his interactions with Su Zhe were a stark contrast¡ªfilled with laughter and encouragement. The other apprentices couldn''t help but cast Su Zhe pitiful and jealous glances, lamenting the unfairness of it all.
Having handed in three perfectly refined ingots of steel, Su Zhe left the forge amid envious stares. Training Ground Breakthrough Finding a quiet patch of wilderness, Su Zhe resumed his relentless practice of the Mighty Ox Stone-Crushing Hammer Technique. His movements were fluid and precise, like a flowing river. Bang! The eight-pound hammer flew from his hands, propelled by a force so intense it tore through the air, creating a faint whistling sound. A tree as thick as a man¡¯s arm snapped in two. "The Mighty Ox Hammer consists of three parts: the hammer technique itself, the stance technique, and a specialized breathing method," Su Zhe mused, eyes narrowing in thought. "These three form the foundation. Mastering them to the ¡®Minor Achievement¡¯ stage officially marks entry into the first rank of warriors." Chen Shifu, bound by duty, had refrained from teaching him the full hammer technique. Yet, out of genuine fondness for Su Zhe, he had provided a thorough grounding in martial theory. In the martial world, warriors were divided into nine ranks, with the pinnacle beyond them being the Grandmaster Realm. Legends spoke of grandmasters traversing a thousand miles in a day, shattering mountains with their fists and splitting rivers with their kicks. Their will was said to transcend mortality, reaching realms of unimaginable power. Thanks to the hammer technique¡¯s insights and his intense battle with the Boar Dragon, Su Zhe¡¯s understanding had deepened. "Perhaps in just a few more days," Su Zhe thought, his breathing slowing as he practiced the Mighty Ox Breathing Technique.
In this world, the path of a first-rank warrior, or "refining essence into qi," was all about tempering one¡¯s vital energy. By honing their blood and essence through practice, warriors could gradually transform it into qi. Mastering three-tenths of one¡¯s vital energy marked the "Minor Achievement" stage. Six-tenths signified "Moderate Achievement," and nine-tenths "Major Achievement." When the transformation was complete, a warrior reached the pinnacle of the first rank. "Finally, I''m making some progress," Su Zhe muttered, rolling his neck as his bones gave a crisp crack. Still, without undergoing the Bone Assessment Ritual, he couldn¡¯t openly reveal himself as a warrior. "Fortunately, at this stage, the energy is subtle and mostly hidden within. Unless a grandmaster examines me closely, no one will notice. Otherwise, I''d have to come up with some elaborate explanation about learning the Mighty Ox Technique prematurely." Smiling wryly, Su Zhe reminded himself to stay cautious. In this martial world, every step forward was hard-earned.
Homecoming Back home, Su Zhe devoured large portions of Boar Dragon meat, replenishing the energy lost through intense training. Meanwhile, his uncle, Su Yuan, finished his meal and carefully locked the wooden door. Retrieving a bundle wrapped in black cloth from his chest, he carefully unfolded it to reveal an oilcloth package beneath. "Seventy pounds of Boar Dragon meat earned us twenty taels of silver," Su Yuan recited, his voice trembling slightly with excitement. "The bones fetched another ten taels, and yesterday''s fish catch brought in 150 copper coins." He paused, the room falling silent. Gulp! The sound of Aunt Lin Xia swallowing her excitement echoed conspicuously in the quiet room. "We¡¯re rich! The Su family is rich!"
Su Zhe furrowed his brow. "Wait, Uncle, wasn¡¯t it supposed to be thirty taels? Why is it only twenty-five?" In the dim candlelight, Su Yuan¡¯s face darkened. "Hmph, what else could it be? That wretched Fish Tyrant, Huang Scabface! Damn it, such bad luck!" The thought of losing five taels to the local thug made Su Yuan grit his teeth in frustration. To him, it felt like being robbed at knifepoint. "Five taels, just like that!" Su Yuan¡¯s voice trembled. "Your cousin risked his life for that dragon, and Scabface snatched it away with a single word. How can I not feel like my heart¡¯s been ripped out?" Lin Xia quickly placed a soothing hand on her husband¡¯s chest. "Let it go, dear. Think of it as paying to avoid worse trouble."
Su Zhe¡¯s fists clenched under the table. The tyranny of those in power¡­ the despair of the common people. Even after taxes and countless fees, the villagers still had to endure oppression from local bullies who preyed on the weak. Life for the ordinary folk was painfully unfair. He let out a quiet sigh. "The rise and fall of kingdoms¡­ yet the suffering always falls on the people." For now, he kept his thoughts to himself. Chapter 6: Bone Testing and Transmission, The Three Titans ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry. I appreciate your concern,¡± Su Yuan said, trying to ease the tension. His tone was calm, but a trace of bitterness lingered. ¡°That scoundrel Huang Scarface has been acting like this for years¡ªwe¡¯re used to it. But this time, the harvest was just too big. Five taels of silver! Enough to feed the three of us for half a year.¡± Su Yuan tried to steady himself, gripping Lin Xia¡¯s hand to comfort her, though his clenched teeth betrayed his frustration. The Su family¡¯s daily food expenses totaled 30 copper coins, with Su Zhe alone accounting for 20, even with the free meal he managed to grab at the blacksmith guild each day. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the Canal Guild or the local authorities dealt with scum like Huang Scarface?¡± Su Zhe frowned, genuinely puzzled. Lu County was a remote, rugged place, its power structure shaped by the martial guilds tied to the 360 trades. Among these, the Blacksmith Guild reigned supreme, as weapons were essential for all martial artists. The Canal Guild, which oversaw the waterways, and the Wealth Guild, managing commerce, also wielded considerable influence. Su Zhe recalled a lesson from his time at the private academy. His teacher once said, ¡°The Great Qian Dynasty rules the land with martial strength, divinely ordained to unite the realm. Yet, it governs the Nine Provinces alongside the sects.¡± This succinctly captured the Great Qian¡¯s political order. Officially, the dynasty ruled the land, but in reality, local sects and clans held significant, often dominant, sway. Historical attempts by Emperor Taizu of Qian to eradicate the martial sects had led to decades of grueling conflict, dragging the empire into a quagmire. In the end, the sects and the court agreed to a tenuous power-sharing arrangement. In Lu County, the Canal Guild operated fishing markets known as ¡°fish corrals,¡± where fishermen could trade their catch¡ªafter paying taxes to the guild. On top of this, commoners faced head taxes, seasonal levies, and other duties imposed by the government. Local bullies like Huang Scarface were just petty criminals preying on the vulnerable, their actions too trivial to attract meaningful intervention. Su Zhe¡¯s confusion deepened. Shouldn¡¯t the guilds or the authorities clean up such pests? ¡°Na?ve boy,¡± Su Yuan sighed, shaking his head. ¡°The Canal Guild profits from running the fish corrals. We benefit too¡ªit¡¯s convenient, but they don¡¯t owe us protection. And as for the government¡­¡± His voice trailed into a bitter laugh. ¡°Unless someone dies, or we offer a bribe of ten taels, the constables won¡¯t even leave the yamen.¡± Su Yuan¡¯s lamentation turned poetic: ¡®The poor can¡¯t knock on the yamen¡¯s locked doors; The lowly have no place in court halls.¡¯ Su Zhe fell silent, the harsh logic settling heavily in his chest. It made grim sense. The Blacksmith Guild didn¡¯t rush to aid miners robbed en route to trade iron ore. Why would the authorities be any different? In Lu County, the government had long ceded practical power to the guilds. ¡°Don¡¯t brood over it,¡± Su Yuan said, fearing his nephew might act rashly. ¡°We¡¯ve gained unexpected wealth, but that always comes with trouble. You¡¯re young and full of fire, but keep your head. When you¡¯re a full-fledged martial artist, I¡¯ll have less to worry about.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I understand, Uncle,¡± Su Zhe replied solemnly. ¡°Money is insignificant compared to your safety. If something like this happens again, prioritize your life over silver. Once I¡¯m strong enough, I¡¯ll make them pay.¡± ¡°Good lad,¡± Su Yuan said, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°Even thieves have rules. Scarface won¡¯t fixate on us alone.¡± Su Zhe said nothing, though doubt lingered in his mind. Do thieves truly follow rules? If they do, why be thieves at all? That evening, Su Yuan brought out a bolt of fine fabric he had purchased, coaxing Lin Xia to make Su Zhe a new set of clothes. Her mood, soured by the lost silver, eased slightly as she took Su Zhe¡¯s measurements.
Two Days Later: The Blacksmith Guild¡¯s Ritual "Three parts training, seven parts nourishment"¡ªthe saying proved true. Thanks to a steady diet of crocodile dragon meat, Su Zhe¡¯s vitality surged. Combined with his mastery of the Wild Ox Hammer Technique at the foundational level, he swiftly advanced in his training, achieving a sixfold conversion of blood essence to qi¡ªa hallmark of a first-rank mid-tier martial artist. Today marked the Guild''s Bone Testing and Transmission ceremony, a momentous occasion. At dawn, the guild''s top-tier apprentices gathered at the martial training grounds. Su Zhe stood among over a hundred peers, all brimming with nervous excitement. Each master in charge of the apprentices had brought their finest students for the ritual. The ceremony was held within the Martial Hall, located in the guild''s inner sanctum¡ªa place forbidden to the outer sect apprentices on pain of crippling punishment. For many, it was their first glimpse of the guild¡¯s core. The hall''s imposing scarlet gates, studded with bronze nails, radiated authority. Above them, a plaque bore the gilded words Martial Hall in a bold, vigorous script that seemed to emanate the very essence of martial strength. ¡°Jade-green stone,¡± someone whispered, marveling at the stone slabs lining the path. ¡°They say it stays cool in summer, warm in winter. A piece the size of a fist costs two silver coins! And the entire path is paved with it!¡± ¡°Three years of sweat and toil. Today, I must enter the inner sect!¡± ¡°If only I could become a personal disciple of one of the Three Titans¡­¡± ¡°Dream on! With your face, you¡¯d be lucky to make the inner sect, let alone catch their eye.¡±
The apprentices¡¯ whispered hopes and banter filled the air. Su Zhe listened intently, piecing together details. The guild¡¯s leadership, known as the Three Titans, consisted of: The Titans'' presence at the ceremony was a rare and significant event. Should an apprentice possess extraordinary talent¡ªclassified as "Grade A"¡ªthe Titans might accept them as personal disciples, granting unparalleled status within the guild. Such disciples ranked above ordinary inner sect members and wielded authority rivaling that of the elders. ¡°Grade B aptitude is enough to enter the inner sect and become a disciple under a guild elder,¡± Su Zhe mused. ¡°But only Grade A could earn the Titans¡¯ favor directly¡­¡± Even Su Zhe, usually calm and composed, felt his pulse quicken. Resources meant survival and progress in this harsh world. His recent leap in strength owed much to the crocodile dragon meat, but he knew such fortuitous bounties were rare. Without access to resources, even the finest talents would struggle, he thought, his gaze fixed on the hall¡¯s entrance. If I¡¯m to unlock the second aperture of the Celestial Cauldron, I must ascend the guild¡¯s ranks. The doors creaked open, and three figures emerged from the inner sanctum. Su Zhe clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. Do I have what it takes to stand among the Titans¡¯ disciples? Chapter 7: The Peach Blossom Island Contest – Experiencing the Guo Jing Archetype The hall was imposing, radiating authority without overt displays. At its center sat Yang Dingtian, the venerable leader of the Ironforge Sect, his white hair and beard lending him an air of unshakable dignity. Though appearing in his fifties, his posture was straight, and his long robe commanded respect. Flanking him were two equally striking figures. Wang Shan, master of the Pole Star Hall, was a towering man over two meters tall, his broad shoulders and dark, weathered skin making him seem more beast than man. Clad in black, he exuded a raw, military presence. On the other side was Sun Tiexin, head of the Artisan Hall. His gray, close-fitting garb revealed arms rippling with corded muscle. His thick black eyebrows framed fierce eyes, and his bristling hair resembled the sharp bristles of a boar. The three sat upon grand armchairs, their presence intimidating even before they spoke. Behind them stood a row of elders, their faces as stoic as statues. Yang Dingtian¡¯s gaze swept across the assembled apprentices, his expression impassive but discerning. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority: ¡°This year¡¯s crop isn¡¯t bad. We¡¯ve attracted more talent than usual. The sect¡¯s growth owes much to you two.¡± Wang Shan and Sun Tiexin both inclined their heads humbly. ¡°We dare not claim credit,¡± they said in unison. Their roles were critical: Wang Shan enforced discipline and led external campaigns, while Sun Tiexin oversaw the crafting of weapons and tools essential for martial cultivation. Together, they had solidified the Ironforge Sect¡¯s dominance in Lu County. However, Wang Shan¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed, and he let out a low scoff. ¡°Quantity means nothing without quality. The Canal Sect recruited a Grade-A talent last year. Our sect hasn¡¯t seen a seedling of that caliber in decades. At this rate, we¡¯ll face a bleak future.¡± His gaze flicked over the apprentices like a predator sizing up prey. A few wilted under his scrutiny, their knees trembling. Among the group, Su Zhe, an apprentice with a calm demeanor, noticed Wang Shan¡¯s gaze linger momentarily on a stern-looking youth. ¡°Bah!¡± Sun Tiexin interrupted, his coarse voice booming. ¡°Even if we lose some profits, the Ironforge Sect will stand as long as I¡¯m here! We built this sect on craftsmanship, not reliance on prodigies.¡± To emphasize his point, he nonchalantly dug into his ear and flicked a glob of wax onto a nearby apprentice, who froze in disgust, not daring to move. Wang Shan shot Sun Tiexin a cold glare and shook his head with a sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve heard the rumors. The Swordsmith Manor in Tangfu Town is opening its gates wide, seeking the best talents in the land. Only those with exceptional gifts can gain entry.¡± He paused, his tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Explaining this to you is like playing music to a cow.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Sun Tiexin¡¯s eyes flared with anger. Though rough around the edges, he was no fool, and he took the insult personally. Just as he prepared to retort, Yang Dingtian¡¯s commanding voice cut through the tension. ¡°You are both pillars of this sect. Bickering like this will only invite ridicule. Sit down and behave!¡± Sun Tiexin clenched his fists but held his tongue. Turning back to the apprentices, Yang Dingtian addressed them: ¡°You have trained hard for three years. The time has come to test your abilities. Martial cultivation is a gift from the heavens, requiring both innate talent and determination. I may not be a master orator, but I¡¯ve honed my bone-assessment technique. Step forward, and let the evaluation begin.¡± One by one, the apprentices were called forward. Yang Dingtian would examine them with practiced hands, his movements deliberate yet efficient. Each session lasted only a few breaths before he announced the result. ¡°Rank C-Plus. Continue as an outer disciple for three more years,¡± he declared to one. The apprentice staggered as if struck, his dreams of rapid advancement shattered. ¡°Ridiculous,¡± Wang Shan growled, his disdain palpable. ¡°Even if you fail to enter the inner sect, receiving one tael of silver is more than generous. You should be grateful.¡± The mention of silver caused a stir among the apprentices. For these youths, who had often paid their way into the sect, one tael was a small fortune. Su Zhe watched as Yang Dingtian¡¯s hands moved over his body. The sect leader¡¯s fingers pressed, kneaded, and tapped his bones with precision. As he finished, Yang Dingtian paused, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Rank B-Minus. Interesting. You possess the ¡®Strength of an Ox¡¯ trait.¡± The hall erupted into murmurs. A ¡°Strength of an Ox¡± physique was rare, making Su Zhe an ideal candidate for training in the Artisan Hall¡¯s Mighty Ox Skill. Sun Tiexin¡¯s eyes gleamed momentarily, but he soon shook his head. ¡°His bone rank barely meets the standard for inner disciples. A pity.¡± Su Zhe¡¯s expression darkened. Deep down, he had expected better. His master, Chen, had passed on his bone enhancement technique to Su Zhe, which should have elevated his rank. That he barely made the cut implied his original aptitude was below even his master¡¯s. Still, Su Zhe suppressed his frustration and bowed gracefully. ¡°This disciple thanks the sect for the opportunity.¡± Yang Dingtian studied him for a moment longer. ¡°Your physique is unusual. Perhaps my technique has its limits. Train diligently in the inner sect.¡± With that, Su Zhe joined the successful candidates, earning whispers of congratulations from his peers. The evaluation continued, and soon, the hall erupted in astonishment. Yang Dingtian announced: ¡°Grade A! A rare talent indeed!¡± All eyes turned to the stoic youth Wang Shan had earlier noticed¡ªYu Yi. The sect leader¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°A Grade-A talent! With this, our sect¡¯s future shines brighter.¡± While others celebrated, Su Zhe remained composed. He thought, Grade A? Naturally, there are talents like this in the world. But Su Zhe isn¡¯t bound to a small sect or county. My path lies beyond. As the evaluations ended, Yang Dingtian¡¯s voice boomed again: ¡°Qualifying disciples, step forward!¡± Su Zhe, Yu Yi, and others advanced. ¡°The martial path values both aptitude and perseverance,¡± Yang Dingtian declared. ¡°Even prodigies can falter without diligence. To ensure your resolve, a final test awaits!¡± Sun Tiexin grinned wickedly, motioning to his disciples. They brought forth massive hammers, each weighing fifteen jin, slamming them to the ground with resounding booms. ¡°You¡¯ll learn the Stone-Crushing Ox Hammer Technique in one hour,¡± Sun Tiexin bellowed. ¡°Then, show me your endurance. Whoever lasts the longest earns my respect!¡± Su Zhe¡¯s heart sank. This was no ordinary test¡ªit was grueling even for seasoned practitioners. But his thoughts took a wry turn: Is this the Guo Jing exam? I should¡¯ve memorized the Nine Yin Manual beforehand! Chapter 8: Mastering the Barbaric Bull Hammer, Achieving Grace in Heft! The room was filled with astonishment, save for Su Zhe, whose calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the other apprentices. They were dumbfounded by the sheer weight of the hammer. These apprentices, who had yet to officially step into the martial path, were used to swinging six-pound hammers during their blacksmith training¡ªenough to strengthen their vitality but still manageable. But a fifteen-pound hammer? That was a different beast entirely. Lifting a hundred pounds in a single burst of strength might be achievable for many. Yet practicing martial techniques with a fifteen-pound hammer required not only brute force but also sustained endurance¡ªa challenge far beyond their current capabilities. "One can easily lift a one-pound hammer," Su Zhe thought to himself, "but holding it aloft for even ten minutes can make one''s arms feel detached." Having spent three years forging metal, Su Zhe knew the difference all too well. Yet, deep inside, he felt a glimmer of excitement. Every year, the apprentices were tested and taught martial techniques by one of the Ironclad Guild¡¯s legendary leaders. Each leader specialized in a unique martial art: Who would be the instructor this time? None of the apprentices knew until the moment of revelation. And to Su Zhe''s delight, fortune favored him. Sun Tiexin stepped forward, a massive hammer in hand, his presence commanding attention. "Lady Luck must be on my side!" Su Zhe thought, suppressing a grin. Bang! Sun Tiexin slammed the hammer into the ground, his voice booming: "The Barbaric Bull''s Stone-Splitting Hammer Technique is all about overwhelming strength. But strength must come from unity¡ªyour waist and horse stance aligned, your power drawn from the ground. Yet raw strength alone will fail you; the essence lies in conserving energy, striking with ten parts of power while retaining eight or nine parts within. Like an old ox, enduring and inexhaustible." As he spoke, Sun Tiexin lifted a hammer weighing over a hundred pounds. In his hands, it seemed weightless, moving with ease and grace. His arms lashed like whips, the hammer flying through the air like a cannonball. The mere swish of its motion cracked the air, sending shockwaves reverberating.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Su Zhe watched in awe, his mind racing. "To think the gap between a master and an apprentice could be so vast... The alignment of waist, shoulders, the release and withdrawal of power¡ªeverything I thought I knew is so crude in comparison!" In his mind, the fragmented memories of his mentor, Master Chen, surfaced. Chen had once trained with an eight-pound hammer, reaching only the intermediate stage of the Barbaric Bull Technique before switching to a lighter weapon. Now, comparing those memories to Sun Tiexin''s performance, Su Zhe felt an epiphany brewing. Sun Tiexin''s movements were relentless, like waves crashing against a shore¡ªeach strike building on the last, unyielding and indomitable. The hundred-pound hammer might as well have been a feather. By the time he finished demonstrating the nine forms of the hammer technique, the surrounding area had been swept into a whirlwind of raw energy. Some weaker apprentices were physically blown off their feet, landing yards away. "An unstoppable force..." Su Zhe muttered, his disbelief giving way to admiration. In his past life on Blue Star, he had dismissed tales of legendary warriors like Xiang Yu or Zhang Fei as exaggerations. Yet witnessing Sun Tiexin¡¯s mastery firsthand, Su Zhe felt his skepticism crumble. "Perhaps the records of warriors defeating thousands singlehandedly weren''t myths after all..." Boom! Sun Tiexin hurled his hammer at a man-sized boulder in the distance, shattering it into powder. "Did you see clearly?" Sun Tiexin asked, his voice calm yet intimidating. The apprentices, heads bowed, dared not respond. Sun Tiexin snorted. "No matter. Pick up your hammers and start practicing!" Ten apprentices, trembling with determination, stepped forward to lift the fifteen-pound hammers. Su Zhe, however, was brimming with anticipation, his mind ablaze with the images of Sun Tiexin¡¯s demonstration. The hammers felt impossibly heavy to the others. Arms shook, sweat poured, and movements were clumsy at best. Each attempt at mimicking the technique was laughably far from Sun Tiexin¡¯s fluid execution. "This is torture..." one apprentice whimpered, tears streaming down his face as pain wracked his entire body. Soon, one by one, they collapsed, their strength utterly spent. Only Su Zhe and Yu Yi¡ªa proud apprentice with unparalleled natural talent¡ªremained standing. Yu Yi gritted his teeth, his arms screaming in agony, but his pride refused to let him falter. "I am the most gifted in the Ironclad Guild! I won''t lose to anyone, especially not Su Zhe!" Yu Yi whispered fiercely, his sweat-drenched body trembling with exhaustion. Meanwhile, Su Zhe¡¯s movements began slow but grew increasingly fluid and precise. His hammer carved arcs through the air, each swing more powerful than the last. ¡°How... How is he still going?!¡± Yu Yi¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. The other spectators were equally stunned. Su Zhe¡¯s rhythm had reached a level far beyond mere mimicry¡ªit was mastery. Even Guild Leader Yang Dingtian, initially unimpressed by Su Zhe, now watched with awe. ¡°This boy¡­ He¡¯s achieved the basic mastery of the technique in a single session?¡± By the time Su Zhe¡¯s hammer came crashing down, splitting the stone floor beneath him, there was no doubt. He had reached the intermediate stage of the Barbaric Bull Hammer Technique. Every onlooker fell silent. Even Yu Yi collapsed, muttering a hoarse ¡°Thank you...¡± before fainting outright. As Su Zhe opened his eyes, feeling the boundless strength coursing through his body, he realized the room was watching him with a mixture of fear and reverence. Sun Tiexin roared with laughter, clapping Su Zhe on the shoulder. ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve got it! Grace in Heft, and the Restraint of Power! Remember this¡ªmastery is about knowing when to hold back.¡± Su Zhe nodded, a quiet determination in his gaze. This was just the beginning. Chapter 9: Su Zhe the Aspiring Blacksmith! A Disciple of the Craftsmens Hall ¡°Mastering a martial technique in one go and reaching intermediate proficiency¡ªso this is the power of the innate talent Strength of the Beast?¡± A single thought arose in the minds of all present. In martial cultivation, one¡¯s aptitude is a reflection of their potential. But aptitude isn¡¯t limited to physical traits alone. Comprehension is another critical element, though its intricacies are enigmatic and beyond definitive explanation. Yet Su Zhe had effortlessly embodied the perfect union of talent and comprehension, leaving no room for doubt. Standing nearby, Wang Shan noticed Yu Yi¡¯s condition. In a flash, he appeared at Yu Yi¡¯s side and administered a pill. Yu Yi slowly regained consciousness. His gaze fell on Su Zhe, and his emotions churned¡ªa mix of admiration, frustration, and disbelief. ¡°Incredible. Truly, the heavens favor our sect. Not only do we have a genius with Grade-A aptitude, but also one with unparalleled comprehension,¡± Yang Dingtian murmured, his narrowed eyes brimming with pride as he stroked his beard. ¡°Yu Yi, Su Zhe, would either of you be interested in becoming personal disciples?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. Both Wang Shan and Sun Tiexin nodded in agreement. Personal disciples! With the approval of the sect¡¯s three leaders, this title carried immense honor and privilege. ¡°Unbelievable! This kid¡¯s made it big!¡± exclaimed Master Chen, his chest heaving with excitement. For an outer apprentice trainer like him, guiding a student directly into the inner sect would yield significant rewards. But for one to be accepted as a personal disciple? That was a windfall beyond imagination. Master Chen¡¯s heart raced as he quickly stepped forward to bow to the three leaders. ¡°Su Zhe was trained under my supervision at the blacksmith¡¯s workshop,¡± he declared, his voice brimming with pride. The other trainers looked on, envy and jealousy flashing in their eyes.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Why couldn¡¯t it have been me? Did Master Chen save an entire dynasty in his past life to deserve such fortune?
¡°I am willing to become a disciple under Hall Master Wang,¡± Yu Yi declared, his steps unsteady as he rose to his feet. ¡°Approved,¡± Wang Shan replied with a nod. The crowd shifted their attention back to Su Zhe. Su Zhe glanced at the three leaders. Based on his observations, Yang Dingtian and Wang Shan held significant authority within the sect, their influence undeniable. However, Sun Tiexin, though less involved in politics, presided over the Craftsmen''s Hall, the very foundation of the sect¡¯s power. His invisible sway made him arguably the most influential figure. Moreover, Su Zhe¡¯s keen eyes noticed the nuances: Yang Dingtian was inscrutable and shrewd, concealing his true intentions. Wang Shan, fierce and decisive, appeared to have his own agenda. Sun Tiexin, on the other hand, exuded a straightforward and hearty demeanor. Yet Su Zhe knew better than to trust appearances. In a world rife with danger and intrigue, no fool could rise to lead the Craftsmen''s Hall. His path became clear. "The incomplete Mighty Ox Hammer Technique I¡¯ve learned still lacks advanced forms and killing moves," Su Zhe mused. "If I join Yang Dingtian or Wang Shan, their sword and blade techniques will likely clash with my innate affinity." "Besides, having a craft is crucial for survival in this world. Skilled blacksmiths, especially those capable of forging martial weapons, are well-connected and highly valued." Realizing the importance of strategy over brute force, Su Zhe made his decision. Bowing respectfully, he addressed Yang Dingtian and Wang Shan. ¡°Chief, Hall Master Wang, I deeply admire both of you. To achieve even a fraction of your greatness would be a dream come true for this disciple.¡± ¡°However, I am drawn to the path of forging. I have sworn to pursue the pinnacles of martial and crafting arts. I hope you can forgive this decision.¡± His words were measured, giving due respect while subtly stating his intentions. Yang Dingtian smiled warmly. ¡°A thoughtful choice. Though young, you show admirable composure and ambition.¡± Wang Shan cast Su Zhe a glance but remained silent.
¡°Excellent! From today onward, you are my personal disciple,¡± Sun Tiexin boomed, laughing heartily. His massive, calloused hand slapped Su Zhe¡¯s shoulder with the force of a sledgehammer. Su Zhe winced, feeling as though his bones might shatter.
The appointment ceremonies concluded. Yu Yi, with his Grade-A aptitude, joined Wang Shan''s Breaking Army Hall. His future seemed boundless, yet his pride was dimmed. In his heart, a shadow loomed. By all logic, Yu Yi¡¯s superior aptitude should have placed him leagues above Su Zhe. Yet Su Zhe¡¯s effortless mastery of the Mighty Ox Hammer haunted him, evoking a faint fear. ¡°Root quality is everything,¡± Wang Shan assured him. ¡°Tomorrow, I will begin teaching you the Fierce Tiger Blade. Master it within a year, and you will surpass all.¡± ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Yu Yi¡¯s confidence began to return. Meanwhile, Su Zhe remained unperturbed, unaware of Yu Yi¡¯s inner turmoil. To him, Yu Yi¡¯s obsession was laughable¡ªirrelevant even.
The sect announced the induction of two new personal disciples, causing a stir among its members. Master Chen, especially, was overjoyed. With the sect¡¯s reward of silver, gold, and medicinal pills, his fortunes soared. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that casually training Su Zhe would lead to such a windfall?¡± he marveled, gazing at the treasures before him. ¡°Su Zhe truly is my lucky star!¡± Master Chen¡¯s heartfelt sigh spoke volumes about the unpredictable twists of fate. Chapter 10: The Masters Token - Awakening the Second Immortal Aperture
The appointment of a personal disciple was a momentous occasion for the Blacksmith Guild. It was not a privilege granted lightly, nor a process completed overnight. As a newly inducted personal disciple, Su Zhe received a reward of fifty taels of silver and a distinctive token¡ªthe Master¡¯s Token. This token would grant him unimpeded access to the inner sect and authority equivalent to that of a guild elder, allowing him to command inner disciples. The sky darkened as twilight descended. The formalities of Su Zhe¡¯s entry into the Forgeheart Hall and familiarization with the inner workings of the guild were postponed until the next day. "Fifty taels of silver, just for being named a personal disciple... not bad!" Su Zhe mused as he felt the weight of the silver in his pocket, a sensation he could only describe as satisfying. Taking out the Master¡¯s Token, Su Zhe marveled at its craftsmanship. It was forged from a unique material, its surface a dark golden hue with swirling patterns of golden clouds etched along its edges. The intricate design gave the illusion of the clouds rising skyward. The front of the token bore the bold inscription "Personal Disciple," the strokes emanating an aura of immense strength and shining brilliantly. On the back were the words "Blacksmith Guild Forgeheart Hall," written in a stately script that exuded dignity and authority. The black and gold interplay, coupled with the meticulous details, gave the token an air of mystery and prestige. Holding it, Su Zhe could feel its weight¡ªnot just its physical heft, but its significance. Suddenly, a low hum echoed as the Creation Immortal Cauldron within Su Zhe stirred, projecting glowing text into the air:
  • Name: Master¡¯s Token
  • Grade: Tier Two Mortal Weapon
  • Description: Crafted with black iron as the base and tempered with pure gold, forged through the tireless efforts of Master Sun Tiexin. During its creation, the "Bullforce Hammer Technique" reached the Great Accomplishment stage, imbuing the token with the strength of a bull.
  • Requirements for Use: Bullforce Technique at the Mid-Accomplishment stage.
  • Equipped Talents:
    • Strength Amplification: Adds the strength of one bull (Tier Two, basic strength boost).
    • Effortless Mastery: Enhances forging skill.
  • Special Unlocks:
    • Insight into Mortal-tier weapon materials.
    • Memory fragments of the Bullforce Hammer Technique at Great Accomplishment.
Su Zhe¡¯s eyes widened in amazement. "A Tier Two Mortal Weapon? The cauldron didn¡¯t even recognize my eight-pound hammer as a proper Mortal Weapon, but this token is Tier Two? Truly, Master¡¯s craftsmanship is extraordinary."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Su Zhe had been studying the Creation Immortal Cauldron over the past few days and understood its capabilities. With a thought, he activated the cauldron¡¯s power. The eight-pound hammer previously residing within his immortal aperture dropped into the cauldron, leaving the aperture vacant. Su Zhe focused his will, and golden light enveloped the Master¡¯s Token. With a soft whoosh, the token flew into the aperture. Su Zhe¡¯s body trembled as vivid images filled his mind.
A deep voice narrated: "The path of the Martial Craftsman refines weapons through martial prowess. Weapons forged this way surpass ordinary tools. Martial weapons are categorized into grades: Mortal, Treasured, Spirit, and Profound, ascending in quality." A lecture followed, with Master Sun Tiexin demonstrating the properties of materials. He held up a piece of black iron. "This deep black metal has a faint red sheen and is exceptionally heavy. It requires extreme heat to smelt, possesses magnetic properties, and is the ideal choice for heavy weapons." Next came gold. "Gold symbolizes wealth, but in forging, it also harmonizes material properties..." The memories continued with Sun Tiexin hammering glowing red black iron, each strike resonating like thunder. His hammering technique, fluid yet powerful, exhibited the essence of the "Bullforce Hammer Technique." Each strike contained immense force, enough to crush through armor or any defensive technique. "Master¡¯s strikes are terrifying," Su Zhe thought, overwhelmed by the sheer power in the visions. The memory fragments clarified the Bullforce Hammer Technique¡¯s progression:
  • At the Minor Accomplishment stage, one¡¯s physique becomes robust, as though infused with the vitality of a bull.
  • At the Mid-Accomplishment stage, one masters the concept of "Effortless Mastery," channeling strength seamlessly.
  • At the Great Accomplishment stage, one achieves "Strength of One Bull," equating to 1,200 pounds of force in a single strike.
Su Zhe felt a surge of understanding. "Equipping this token grants me the strength of one bull. If I master the Great Accomplishment stage, I¡¯ll possess two bulls¡¯ worth of power!"
Returning to the guild¡¯s outer workshop, Su Zhe encountered Master Chen. "Su Zhe, congratulations on becoming a personal disciple!" Master Chen greeted him with a mix of awe and joy. After exchanging pleasantries, Master Chen handed over several large bundles. "Everything you requested¡ª40 pounds of refined iron, 60 pounds of brass, 80 pounds of pure tin, and four taels of gold." Su Zhe inspected the materials, nodding in satisfaction. "Thank you, Master Chen." Carrying nearly 200 pounds of supplies effortlessly, Su Zhe departed, eager to unlock his second immortal aperture. His path as a Martial Craftsman had only just begun. Chapter 11: Shedding Mortality, Becoming Immortal – Disaster Strikes at Home The Cauldron of Creation roared to life, emitting waves of ethereal radiance. Through Su Zhe¡¯s Niwan Palace, streams of light wrapped around a lump of refined iron. Moments later, the iron dissolved into his Sea of Consciousness, fusing with the mystical cauldron. Su Zhe repeated the process with other metals¡ªiron, copper, silver¡ªfeeding them all into the cauldron. ¡°Gold, silver, copper, iron, tin¡ªunlocking immortal apertures through these five metals. This cheat ability is absurdly practical,¡± he muttered, shutting his eyes. BOOM! The cauldron trembled slightly. Suddenly, divine melodies filled the air, like the ringing of temple bells and the resonating chants of monks. A pure, overwhelming power surged through Su Zhe¡¯s Sea of Consciousness, washing over him in waves. The profound echoes cleared his mind, elevating his spirit. Thousands of strands of ethereal energy flooded into his body. Moments later, the Cauldron of Creation stilled, its surface now adorned with the image of a second immortal aperture. Simultaneously, the cauldron''s size expanded from one cubic meter to five. ¡°It¡¯s done!¡± Su Zhe exclaimed, elated. He quickly equipped the Eight-Pound Hammer and the Master Craftsman¡¯s Seal.
[User: Su Zhe] [Realm: First Grade, High Tier] [Innate Talent: Grade B (Base), Grade B+ (With Equipment)] [Equipment: Eight-Pound Hammer, Master Craftsman¡¯s Seal] [Martial Arts: Barbarian Ox Style (includes Ox Stance, Stone-Cracking Hammer Technique, Barbarian Ox Breathing Method)] ¨C Intermediate Mastery [Attributes: Herculean Strength (First Grade), Diligence Makes Up for Clumsiness (First Grade), Strength of One Ox (Second Grade), Effortless Precision (Second Grade)]
Su Zhe¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief at the information projected from the cauldron. His awareness returned to reality, and an unpleasant stench immediately assaulted him. Looking down, he saw his body coated in a foul black sludge. The acrid smell was nearly unbearable. ¡°This... impurity?¡± he murmured, his excitement giving way to calm analysis. In his past life, Su Zhe had read enough novels and seen enough dramas to piece things together. His thoughts raced as realization struck.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°So, my baseline talent before equipping items was only Grade B-, likely worse¡ªmaybe even Grade C. But now, after refining with the Eight-Pound Hammer and Master Craftsman¡¯s Seal, my baseline is permanently boosted to Grade B.¡± ¡°What does this mean?¡± Su Zhe¡¯s mind raced, a flash of brilliance illuminating his thoughts. It meant that with every immortal aperture he unlocked, his baseline talent would improve. Shedding mortality to embrace immortality¡ªthis cheat has limitless potential! The black sludge coating his skin was the impurities from his mortal body, purged during the transformation. The cauldron refined his physique, eliminating imperfections and elevating his innate abilities. ¡°What fortune! What immense fortune!¡± Su Zhe muttered, his emotions surging like tidal waves. His ¡°cheat¡± might seem subtle now, but its effects would compound exponentially. His talents, once subpar, would eventually surpass even the so-called geniuses with Grade A abilities. The requirements for unlocking the third aperture appeared next: Gold: Two Taqs Black Iron: Twenty Jin Pure Silver: Two Liang Refined Copper: Thirty Jin Refined Tin: Forty Jin ¡°The cost for this third aperture is at least five times that of the second!¡± Su Zhe grimaced. Materials like pure gold weren¡¯t just rare¡ªthey were practically monopolized by the martial sects in the region. Refining one liang of pure gold required ten taels of ordinary gold, and the process was heavily controlled. ¡°Even if I pour all my resources into this, it won¡¯t be enough. For now, I¡¯ll have to rely on the Craftsman¡¯s Guild for help.¡± Though disheartened, Su Zhe wasn¡¯t entirely without hope. He had just joined the guild as a direct disciple, earning fifty taels as a welcome gift. However, after spending twenty taels on the second aperture, he realized the path ahead was far more arduous. ¡°Never mind,¡± he sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been poor for so long; another stretch won¡¯t kill me.¡±
Returning to the Su Family House in the village, Su Zhe felt a rare sense of joy. ¡°I wonder how Uncle and Auntie will react when they hear I¡¯ve become a direct disciple! They¡¯ll be so proud!¡± He rinsed off in the river before approaching the familiar mud-brick home, a smile tugging at his lips. Despite being a transmigrator, Su Zhe¡¯s memories had fused seamlessly with his host¡¯s. Uncle Su Yuan and Aunt Lin Xia, though flawed and poor, had always treated him with unwavering kindness. ¡°Strange,¡± Su Zhe muttered, noticing the door shut tight in broad daylight. ¡°Uncle! Auntie! I¡¯m home!¡± he called, pushing the door open. Inside, Su Yuan lay shirtless on the table, his body riddled with bruises. Aunt Lin Xia was gently applying medicinal oil to his wounds, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°Ah¡ªgentler, please!¡± Su Yuan hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°Endure it!¡± Lin Xia scolded, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. ¡°Uncle! Auntie! What happened?¡± Su Zhe strode forward, his face pale with anger. Startled, Su Yuan quickly grabbed a patched jacket to cover himself. Despite his battered face, he forced a smile. ¡°Xiao Zhe, you¡¯re back? It¡¯s nothing, just fell while fishing.¡± Lin Xia hesitated, clearly wanting to speak, but Su Yuan shot her a sharp look, silencing her. Su Zhe wasn¡¯t fooled. The bruises weren¡¯t from a fall¡ªthey were from fists. His hands clenched into trembling fists, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior. ¡°Who did this?¡± he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. Chapter 12: A Night of Death Beneath the Black Moon Su Zhe felt as though his heart was being torn apart. Kneeling before Su Yuan, he composed himself and spoke slowly: "Uncle, not only have I become an inner disciple of the Blacksmith Guild, but I am also now a personal disciple of the Craftsmanship Hall." "I know you don¡¯t want to burden me with trouble, but... seeing you like this pains me. If you won''t tell me, I¡¯ll investigate on my own." His tone was calm but unwavering. An inner disciple? A personal disciple? Su Yuan exchanged a glance with his wife, Lin Xia. For common folk like them, such titles were lofty concepts beyond their understanding. Lin Xia, however, broke into an excited smile. "Xiao Zhe, does this mean... you¡¯ve become a martial lord?" Su Zhe nodded. A martial lord! To Su Yuan and Lin Xia, the significance of these words was crystal clear. In a neighboring village over a hundred li away, a retired martial lord had returned home to buy 100 mu of fertile farmland, marry 18 concubines, and elevate his family into the ranks of local elites. That was the life of a martial lord! "It was Huang Mazi!" Lin Xia blurted out, her pent-up anger erupting. "Xiao Zhe, it was Huang Mazi who did this to your uncle!" She went on in a rush, her eyes reddening as she recounted the events: "Your uncle had sold his catch at the fish market and was returning when he spotted Huang Mazi skulking about. He tried to avoid him, but Huang Mazi saw him and demanded five taels of silver!" "When your uncle refused, Huang Mazi attacked. If it weren¡¯t for his cries drawing other fishermen, Huang Mazi would have beaten him to death!" Su Yuan sighed deeply but remained silent. Suddenly, the sound of splintering wood broke the tense atmosphere. "Crack! Crack! Crack!" Lin Xia and Su Yuan turned toward Su Zhe, only to gasp in shock. Su Zhe had gripped the leg of the wooden table beside him, his face calm. With a casual squeeze, a chunk of the table was crushed into splinters. When he released it, the wood had turned to fine powder that fell silently to the floor. "What... what immense strength! Is this the power of a martial lord?"This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The couple stared at him, their hearts racing. "Xiao Zhe," Su Yuan said hurriedly, his concern evident. "Don¡¯t be rash. I¡¯ll recover. If you kill someone, you¡¯ll bring trouble upon yourself. Now that you¡¯ve achieved this status, don¡¯t throw your future away." Although Su Yuan wasn¡¯t aware of the privileges a personal disciple of the Craftsmanship Hall enjoyed, Su Zhe knew full well. Even if evidence of a killing were found, no county official would dare arrest him without first consulting Sun Tiexin, the Hall¡¯s master. However, Su Zhe didn¡¯t explain. Instead, he asked: "Uncle, you said you saw Huang Mazi acting suspiciously. Did you see clearly what he was doing?" Su Yuan shook his head after a moment of thought. "I only saw him and his men coming out of the reed marshes. I don¡¯t know what they were up to... Maybe those bastards heard we came into some money and decided five taels wasn¡¯t enough..." Despite racking his brain, Su Yuan couldn¡¯t recall any useful details. Su Zhe frowned. Something didn¡¯t add up. Huang Mazi had ruled the area for years, extorting people but always stopping short of outright murder. Why this sudden escalation? "Money to avoid disaster¡ªso we thought," Su Zhe mused, his lips curling into a cold smile. "But it seems this man is courting death." This couldn¡¯t continue. If Huang Mazi dared extort a third or fourth time, their lives would never find peace. Su Zhe had plans to buy a house in the county for his uncle and aunt, but leaving a threat like Huang Mazi unchecked felt unsafe. His thoughts were interrupted when Su Yuan, clutching five taels of silver, began dressing to go out. "Uncle, what are you doing?" "That scoundrel demanded the money by tonight. If we don¡¯t pay, who knows what he¡¯ll do? I can¡¯t fight him, so we have no choice but to comply," Su Yuan said, trembling with frustration. "Uncle, let me handle this." Su Zhe gently took the silver from his uncle¡¯s hands and helped him sit back down. "But Xiao Zhe," Su Yuan protested, "you¡¯ve just started your path as a martial lord. You can¡¯t afford to provoke someone like him, especially since Huang Mazi used to be an inner disciple of the Canal Gang before he was expelled. His men are skilled fighters too. Don¡¯t act rashly¡ªlive to fight another day." Su Zhe smiled reassuringly. "Uncle, I won¡¯t act impulsively. Stay home and rest. I¡¯ll handle this and ensure he doesn¡¯t trouble us again. Trust me, I¡¯ll settle this peacefully." Lin Xia nodded in agreement. "Let Xiao Zhe go. He knows what he¡¯s doing." Reluctantly, Su Yuan agreed but warned, "Above all, avoid conflict. Be cautious." Before leaving, Su Zhe placed ten taels of silver on the table. "Aunt, use this to hire a doctor for Uncle. I¡¯ll be back soon." As Su Zhe departed, Su Yuan watched him go, a mix of pride and melancholy filling his heart.
The night was dark, and the wind howled. Su Zhe moved swiftly; his feet wrapped in cloth to hide his tracks. Following his uncle¡¯s directions, he soon found a large, isolated estate. The mansion was impressive but eerily out of place, surrounded by desolate fields. Rumor had it Huang Mazi had driven out its original owners to use the property for his illicit dealings. Two thugs loitered at the gate, smoking and chatting. "Is there a job tonight?" "Yeah. Boss wants someone in the fishing village dead by midnight. With the rain, it¡¯ll be easy." "Boss doesn¡¯t kill often. Who is it?" "Don¡¯t know. Some guy named Su. Gave the boss five taels recently. Guess his luck ran out." They chuckled, unaware of the shadow lurking above them in the trees. Listening to their words, Su Zhe¡¯s expression turned icy. "So, they fear my uncle might expose them... Regardless, none of them leave here alive tonight." With a sudden leap, Su Zhe descended silently behind them. "Who¡ª" Before the first thug could react, Su Zhe¡¯s eight-pound hammer crashed down, splitting his skull with a sickening crack. The second thug froze in terror, opening his mouth to scream, but Su Zhe¡¯s hand clamped over it. With a swift motion, he crushed the man¡¯s chest, shattering his ribs and rupturing his organs. As the man¡¯s life ebbed away, Su Zhe whispered coldly, "Breathe deeply... the dizziness will pass soon." Ten breaths later, he dropped the lifeless body and stepped into the courtyard, bolting the gate behind him. Chapter 13: Erasing All Traces, Acquiring the Treasure Su Zhe wrapped his head in a tattered cloth, leaving only his eyes visible. Under the cover of darkness, he crept forward. The gang led by Huang Pockmark was little more than a band of bullies who ruled over local fishermen. Their numbers, even at full strength, totaled just seven. With two already dealt with, only five remained. It didn¡¯t take long for Su Zhe to locate four of them in one of the side rooms, excluding Huang Pockmark. The room was dimly lit by an oil lamp, and the men were idly passing time, puffing on tobacco pipes and playing dominoes. ¡°Man, we¡¯ve got to keep watch until midnight? This is hell. I¡¯m beat...¡± ¡°Stop complaining. The boss wants loose ends tied up, and that¡¯s that.¡± ¡°Who¡¯d have thought the boss would even get mixed up with river pirates? Hah! That poor fool, whether he saw us dealing with the pirates or not, he¡¯s dead meat just to be safe.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just get it done quickly. We don¡¯t want trouble hanging over us. You know the boss doesn¡¯t let things slide...¡± Their banter revealed boredom as they waited for their midnight orders to head to the fishing village. Su Zhe¡¯s brows furrowed as he listened. River pirates? So, Huang Pockmark is working with them... Huang Pockmark had always been a ruthless bully, squeezing the locals but knowing where to draw the line. The government and the transport guilds turned a blind eye to his antics as long as he kept things manageable. Occasionally, when trouble escalated, he had enough bribes in place to smooth things over. But river pirates were another matter entirely. The infamous Black Shark Gang terrorized the region. Striking swiftly and disappearing like phantoms, their raids left villages desolate, survivors few and far between. Even the transport guilds and government vessels weren¡¯t spared, making the Black Sharks public enemy number one. Rumor had it that the Black Sharks¡¯ leader, "Black Shark," was a warrior of extraordinary prowess, on par with the three heads of the Iron Forge Guild. Despite relentless efforts, the gang remained a scourge, their martial skills allowing them to endure and evade destruction. If Huang Pockmark is colluding with the Black Sharks, it¡¯s treason of the highest order! Su Zhe pieced it together: Huang Pockmark had been seen meeting the pirates in the riverside reeds, prompting him to silence witnesses by any means necessary. For a moment, Su Zhe felt a grim sense of humor at his uncle¡¯s bad luck in stumbling upon such a secret. From their conversation, Su Zhe gleaned even more critical information: The transport guild and other factions had recently orchestrated a costly campaign to corner the Black Sharks. A bloody battle followed, leaving the Black Shark leader wounded and many gang members either dead or scattered.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Strangely, Huang Pockmark had made contact with some of the survivors, acquiring something from them in secret. Not even his closest men knew the details. Su Zhe¡¯s patience wore thin. He gripped a small stone between his fingers, flicking it with precision. Whizz! The stone extinguished the oil lamp, plunging the room into darkness. ¡°What the hell?!¡± one of the men yelped. Su Zhe struck like a shadow in the night. Thud! Thud! Thud! Four muffled sounds later, the once-healthy men slumped to the floor like sacks of pulp. A moment later, Su Zhe emerged from the room, wiping blood off his eight-pound hammer with a scrap of cloth. ¡°Only one left,¡± he muttered, heading upstairs. Huang Pockmark¡¯s lackeys, while adept at thuggery, were not true martial artists. With Su Zhe¡¯s advanced first-tier cultivation and his heavy weapon, they had stood no chance. Stealth and surprise had ensured none escaped. As Su Zhe reached the second floor, he came face-to-face with a hulking figure descending the stairs. Huang Pockmark¡¯s pockmarked face, framed by greasy hair, contorted in irritation as he muttered curses under his breath. At his waist hung a gleaming saber. ¡°It¡¯s midnight, and I don¡¯t hear a peep from those lazy bastards. Do they think I¡¯m joking? I¡¯ll gut the lot of them if they¡¯ve slacked off. If they botch this job and anger the boss, they¡¯ll wish they were never born...¡± Both men froze as their eyes met. Huang Pockmark¡¯s scowl deepened, his gaze taking in Su Zhe¡¯s masked face and the borrowed clothes of his underlings. ¡°Who the hell are you?!¡± Before Huang could react further, Su Zhe¡¯s voice cut through the tension like a blade. ¡°Pockmark Huang! The Black Sharks trusted you with such a critical task, yet your carelessness has exposed everything. At your age, shouldn¡¯t you know better?¡± The accusation, delivered with cold authority, sent a shiver down Huang¡¯s spine. Yet his years as a hardened criminal kicked in. Narrowing his eyes, he demanded, ¡°Who sent you? The boss? Or the Black Sharks?¡± Su Zhe snorted. ¡°Idiot! Do you recognize this?¡± Feigning to reach into his robe, Su Zhe suddenly lunged. Boom! ¡°Here¡¯s your answer!¡± The eight-pound hammer slammed into Huang¡¯s abdomen with the force of a rampaging ox. Huang¡¯s roar of pain filled the room as he staggered, blood spraying from his mouth. But even injured, Huang was formidable. Snarling, he drew his saber in a swift arc, its edge gleaming with deadly intent. The slash seemed to split the very air. Su Zhe¡¯s instincts screamed danger. Still, Huang¡¯s injuries slowed him, giving Su Zhe just enough time to counter. His hammer intercepted the blade, sending sparks flying. Seizing the moment, Su Zhe unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes. His Raging Bull Hammer Technique filled the air with deafening roars as the heavy weapon battered Huang relentlessly. ¡°Who... are you?¡± Huang growled, barely holding his ground. Su Zhe didn¡¯t answer. A final, devastating blow shattered Huang¡¯s defenses, the hammer crushing his skull with a sickening crunch. Breathing heavily, Su Zhe stood over the lifeless body, blood dripping from his weapon. Searching Huang¡¯s belongings, he found nothing... until he checked inside a shoe. Hidden beneath the insole was a thin silk scroll. Unrolling it, Su Zhe¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Inferior Treasure Technique: Dragon¡¯s Descent into the Sea?¡± Even a brief glance revealed the martial arts profound intricacy, far surpassing his own hammer technique. Though incomplete, it was a treasure worth its weight in gold. Carefully stashing the scroll, Su Zhe cleaned the scene. He threw the bodies into a deep cesspit behind the house, ensuring no trace would remain. After thoroughly disguising his tracks, he plunged into the river, swimming through winding channels before returning to the village. As he reflected on his actions, Su Zhe smirked grimly. ¡°A cesspit that deep and foul... even the worms will struggle to leave anything behind.¡± For the first time, Su Zhe felt the weight of a killer¡¯s path¡ªbut he was determined to tread it well. Chapter 14: The Blade of Malevolence and the Art of the Flood Dragon When it came to disposing of bodies, Su Zhe had considered simply burning them. But anyone with experience in such matters knew better. Burning left charred remains¡ªand the smell? Pungent enough to curl even the hardest stomachs. Worse, the sprawling compound of Huang Mazi was mostly wooden. If a fire spread uncontrollably, the thick smoke would draw attention from miles around. A bonfire here could easily be as alarming as the burning of straw fields in the countryside¡ªa spectacle no one could miss. "Xiao Zhe, you''re back?" Lin Xia emerged from the main hall, supporting Su Yuan. It was well past midnight, yet Su Yuan and his wife remained awake, waiting for Su Zhe''s return. "Uncle, your health is frail. Why haven''t you gone to bed?" Su Zhe asked, his gaze softening as he noted the flickering candlelight in the room. They had left it burning for him. "I''m not tired... not tired. Did everything go smoothly?" Su Yuan''s voice was tinged with worry. "Yes, Uncle," Su Zhe reassured. "Everything¡¯s settled. Huang Mazi took the money and backed off. He¡¯s scared of the Blacksmith Guild''s influence, so this matter is behind us now." He paused briefly before adding, "But I overheard something¡ªHuang Mazi might be colluding with river bandits. It¡¯s possible he¡¯ll turn to piracy." Su Zhe''s tone turned grave. "Regardless, this incident is resolved. As for the bandits, that¡¯s a dangerous matter¡ªone that could bring disaster. Uncle, Auntie, please, say nothing about tonight to anyone. Treat it as a secret buried in your hearts." "No matter who asks, deny everything." The mention of river bandits turned Su Yuan and Lin Xia pale. Ordinary folk living humble lives, they knew well the ferocity of the bandits who roamed Lu County¡¯s waterways¡ªso notorious they rivaled the region¡¯s top factions in power. These brigands were ruthless killers, feared by all. Su Yuan, though bullied by Huang Mazi, felt it was a blessing just to survive this ordeal unscathed. For struggling villagers, grudges meant little; they only hoped to eke out a stable existence. After reassuring the couple, Su Zhe watched them retire to their quarters, blowing out the candlelight as they left. He lingered, observing Su Yuan''s slightly stooped back as he disappeared into the shadows. Su Zhe made a silent vow. "Once I establish myself at the Artisan''s Hall, I''ll bring Uncle and Auntie to the county town. That way, I can better protect them if anything happens." Returning to his room, Su Zhe lit a fresh candle and unwrapped his spoils. Gold: ten taels. Silver: a hundred taels. Deeds to several plots of land and property. These immovable assets alone could be sold for hundreds of silver taels¡ªa fortune by any measure. Yet Su Zhe knew better than to draw undue attention by trying to liquidate registered property.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. "As expected, murder and plunder remain the most lucrative ventures," Su Zhe mused wryly. His haul bolstered his confidence in opening his third celestial aperture. From the bundle, he drew out two treasures: a malevolent blade and an ancient silk scroll, both dearly valued by Huang Mazi. Summoning the powers of the Celestial Cauldron of Creation, Su Zhe focused his mind. The mystical cauldron shimmered, revealing the true nature of the items.
The Blade:
  • Name: Malevolent Blade
  • Grade: Second-Tier Mortal Weapon
  • Requirements: Mastery of the Tiger''s Wrath Blade Art (Intermediate Level)
  • Traits:
    • Aura of Malevolence (Second-Tier): Exudes an intimidating presence, capable of shaking an opponent¡¯s resolve.
    • Special Effect: Contains memory fragments of intermediate and advanced techniques of the Tiger''s Wrath Blade Art.
The Scroll:
  • Name: The Art of the Flood Dragon
  • Grade: Second-Tier Martial Treasure (Records Lesser Advanced Martial Art)
  • Requirements: A practitioner with strength of at least a thousand pounds.
  • Traits:
    • Flood Dragon¡¯s Grace (Second-Tier): Enhances water-based mobility.
    • Dragon Cloud Step (Second-Tier): Increases speed and agility.
    • Special Effect: Grants memory fragments of The Art of the Flood Dragon (Intermediate Level).
Su Zhe''s eyes lit up with excitement. The scroll, though limited to an intermediate level, was inscribed on a unique silk material¡ªa clear indication of its exceptional value.
"This silk... I don¡¯t recognize it," Su Zhe murmured. Despite his expertise in various martial materials, the scroll¡¯s fabric defied identification. Testing its strength, Su Zhe exerted a thousand pounds of force, but the silk remained unyielding. It wasn¡¯t until he pushed harder, applying the full extent of his strength¡ªtwelve hundred pounds¡ªthat the material emitted faint tearing sounds, yet still did not break. "To think that a mere medium for recording martial techniques is crafted from such extraordinary material... Even a fragment of this technique is worth a king¡¯s ransom," Su Zhe marveled. Through the Celestial Cauldron, he discovered an intriguing truth: the scroll itself qualified as a treasure and could be equipped within the apertures of the cauldron. "This means that if I encounter other profound martial techniques in the future, as long as their mediums are recognized as treasures, I can directly obtain their essence!" Su Zhe¡¯s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "No matter how great someone¡¯s talent or comprehension, they can''t compare to me¡ªI can directly inherit the memories of the original owner!" His excitement, however, was tempered by frustration as he turned to the Malevolent Blade. "Unfortunately, this second-tier mortal weapon requires mastery of the Tiger''s Wrath Blade Art. And where on earth am I supposed to learn that?" The blade¡¯s immense potential tempted him, but it would remain out of reach without the necessary skill. For now, Su Zhe equipped the scroll in one of his apertures, meeting its strength requirement with ease.
Within his consciousness, he envisioned the mythical transformation of a serpent into a flood dragon. It devoured, grew, and finally gained the chance to ascend as a true dragon. This journey¡ªfraught with storms and tribulations¡ªsymbolized life¡¯s ultimate breakthrough. The technique''s essence crystallized in Su Zhe¡¯s mind: "Flood dragons seek the sea to glimpse the divine. Ascend to the heavens to chase the shadow of the Way." Once mastered, the user would move like a dragon in water, swift and elusive. On land or sea, they would embody unparalleled grace and speed. Moreover, the technique scaled with the practitioner¡¯s strength¡ªthe greater their power, the faster their movement. "Perfect!" Su Zhe exclaimed, his grin broadening. "It¡¯s as if this technique was designed for me. With my overwhelming strength, this will make me unstoppable!" Shaking his head, Su Zhe laughed. "Looks like fate is forcing me down the path of extreme specialization. Well, if that¡¯s what the heavens decree, who am I to argue?" Chapter 15: The Earnest Senior Brother and the Roaming Second Brother Su Zhe took a deep breath, his body flickering as he stepped into a Seven Star Stance, energy coursing through him like a roaring tide. His blood surged within, as though waves crashed in his veins, circulating endlessly. The Flood Dragon Breathing Technique, Flood Dragon Stance, and Flood Dragon Diving Method¡ªthese three techniques formed a set designed to transform his body. Under their effects, Su Zhe''s movements became extraordinarily fluid and his body resilient beyond compare. With a move called "Dragon Soars to the Skies," Su Zhe leapt high into the air, mimicking a flood dragon breaking through the waves to pierce the heavens. With "Raging Seas Upended," he spun mid-air, generating a momentum so immense it seemed to overturn rivers and oceans. With "Breaking Waves Charge," his movements mirrored a vessel slicing through turbulent waters, unstoppable in its course. Altogether, there were nine moves in the set. Su Zhe possessed the innate strength equivalent to the "Force of an Ox," passed down through the craftsman guild''s lineage. His strength was exceptional¡ªhis arms alone could lift a thousand pounds. According to an old saying: "The greatest strength in the world is divided between the dragon in water and the elephant on land." The Flood Dragon Diving Method aimed to emulate the transformation of a flood dragon into a true dragon, inheriting the aquatic dragon''s unparalleled power. Strength feeds speed, and the greater the strength, the faster one becomes! After a single night of training, Su Zhe had grown increasingly proficient with the Flood Dragon Diving Method, his progress astonishing. ¡°Whew!¡± He exhaled deeply, marveling at the profound ingenuity of the technique. "In terms of intricacy, this Flood Dragon Diving Method far surpasses the Wild Ox Rock-Splitting Hammer Technique by dozens of times!" "Even though I¡¯ve gleaned some insights from the silk manuscript and inherited the memories of a nameless warrior¡¯s minor success in this technique, reaching even a minor mastery on my own will take some time." Su Zhe opened his eyes, his breathing steady as he retracted his aura. Though his proficiency in the technique was rudimentary, it was enough to bring a smile to his face. "Should I face Huang Mazi again," Su Zhe thought, recalling an earlier adversary, "even three of him combined couldn¡¯t lay a finger on me now."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. But today wasn¡¯t about testing his newfound prowess¡ªit was his first day at the Craftsman Hall of the Blacksmith Guild. Tardiness would displease his master. Hearing the rooster crow, Su Zhe washed quickly, donned clean clothes, bade farewell to his uncle and aunt, and set off with a basket of dried fish strapped to his back.
The Blacksmith Guild bustled as Su Zhe entered, passing through the forge into the Martial Hall. This was where inner disciples gathered, and where each hall within the guild had its representation. The Inner Gate¡ªa world apart from the Outer Gate. Though only separated by a wall, the differences in status, treatment, and standing were as vast as the heavens and earth. To the outer apprentices, Su Zhe''s presence was dazzling. ¡°That¡¯s Su Zhe¡ªthe one who shone so brightly during the Bone-Testing Ceremony!¡± ¡°Even Yu Yi, a Class-A prodigy, can¡¯t compare to him.¡± ¡°Yu Yi¡¯s talent is remarkable, but Su Zhe has the bearing of a beast. He¡¯s already become the personal disciple of Hall Master Sun. His rise was meteoric!¡± The whispers filled the air as the outer apprentices marveled at Su Zhe. His sudden ascent naturally invited comparisons with Yu Yi, a long-revered genius. But unlike Yu Yi¡¯s aloof, stone-faced demeanor, Su Zhe¡¯s charm was undeniable. His lively, affable nature won people over effortlessly, while Yu Yi¡¯s coldness left him isolated. As Su Zhe walked past, Yu Yi ground his teeth in silent frustration, his expression dark. ¡°Yu Yi,¡± Su Zhe greeted with a radiant smile, ¡°you don¡¯t look too well. Remember, training begins with the body¡ªdon¡¯t overwork yourself!¡± ¡°Su... Brother Su, I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡± Yu Yi¡¯s anger simmered beneath the surface, but Su Zhe¡¯s easygoing familiarity made confrontation impossible. The phrase ¡°one does not strike a smiling face¡± had never been more apt. Su Zhe gave a casual wave and continued on, leaving Yu Yi clutching a bundle of dried fish in confusion. Though tempted to discard the humble gift, Yu Yi found himself tucking it away instead.
¡°Su Zhe!¡± A booming voice broke through the chatter. Looking toward the source, Su Zhe raised an eyebrow. Striding toward him was a giant of a man¡ªnearly two meters tall, with the physique of a bull and skin tanned like leather. His presence was so overwhelming that others instinctively stepped aside. ¡°I¡¯m Guo Ju, the senior brother of the Craftsman Hall,¡± the man said in a rumbling voice, his tone straightforward. ¡°Master instructed me to guide you today.¡± Su Zhe cupped his fists respectfully. ¡°Junior Su Zhe greets Senior Brother Guo. I am grateful for your guidance.¡± With practiced ease, Su Zhe pulled out a handful of dried fish from his basket and offered it. ¡°A small token from home¡ªplease don¡¯t find it lacking.¡± Guo Ju hesitated but eventually accepted, smiling sheepishly. ¡°Alright then, I won¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡± Guo Ju''s sincerity was evident, and his easygoing nature quickly put Su Zhe at ease. It didn¡¯t hurt that Guo Ju¡¯s sheer strength and commanding presence made him an ally worth having.
As they toured the guild grounds, Guo Ju explained the structure and functions of the guild, from its various halls to its hierarchy. Su Zhe absorbed it all, greeting every inner disciple they passed with a friendly smile¡ªand, of course, a piece of dried fish. By the time the tour ended, the sun was setting, and Su Zhe¡¯s basket was nearly empty. Back at the Craftsman Hall''s residence, Guo Ju mentioned the third personal disciple, Xiao Xunhuan, the second brother. ¡°Where is Second Brother? I¡¯ve yet to meet him.¡± Guo Ju sighed deeply. ¡°That rascal is likely at the Yuanyang Pavilion... enjoying himself again.¡± Su Zhe blinked. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a brothel?¡± Guo Ju nodded, his face a picture of helplessness. ¡°Master does care¡ªhe beats him every chance he gets¡ªbut Xiao always claims it¡¯s for some ¡®half-price special.¡¯¡± Su Zhe¡¯s lips twitched. Second Brother Xiao Xunhuan: Legendary Wandering Libertine. The personalities of his two senior brothers were now firmly etched in Su Zhe¡¯s mind. Chapter 16: Have You Witnessed the Blacksmith Guild at the Fourth Watch? ¡°Second Senior Brother truly is a man of unparalleled elegance!¡± Su Zhe pinched his nose and spoke with feigned admiration. ¡°What elegance? I don¡¯t know about that, but Junior Brother, you must never follow his example,¡± came the reply. ¡°I joined the inner sect and climbed step by step to become a direct disciple. Due to my mediocre aptitude, Master believed my potential was limited.¡± ¡°But Junior Brother Xiao, with his Grade A roots and natural talent for the smithing arts, had every chance to fulfill Master¡¯s lifelong ambition. Yet, he yearned for the chaos of the mortal world¡­ Such a waste of his gifts!¡± Guo Ju shook his head, his frustration palpable. The mention of Xiao Xunhuan brought a bitter pang to his heart. After their day-long conversation, Su Zhe came to understand Guo Ju¡¯s story. Guo Ju, possessing Grade B+ aptitude, was decent but far from exceptional. Yet his diligent nature and steady progress after entering the inner sect earned him a place as a direct disciple under Master Sun Tiexin. Honest and principled, Guo Ju revered Sun Tiexin as a father figure, obeying him without question. Seeing their Master place such hope in Xiao Xunhuan only to have it squandered filled Guo Ju with regret. When Master wasn¡¯t around, Guo Ju took it upon himself to mentor Xiao Xunhuan. Unfortunately, his straightforward demeanor often left him outwitted by Xiao, who escaped discipline time and again. ¡°Master¡¯s ambition?¡± Su Zhe latched onto the clue and asked, puzzled. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You¡¯ll understand once you visit the Craftsmanship Hall,¡± Guo Ju replied, steering the conversation away. ¡°Junior Brother Su, as another direct disciple with exceptional talent¡ªblessed with the rare Beast Mark¡ªyou mustn¡¯t follow in Second Senior Brother¡¯s footsteps and squander your potential!¡± Su Zhe nodded earnestly. ¡°I understand and will not disappoint Master or you, Senior Brother.¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Guo Ju¡¯s worry eased at this response. Over the day, his impression of Su Zhe had greatly improved.
The Craftsmanship Wing ¨C Western Quarters Su Zhe sat in his room, examining his aptitude. [Aptitude: Grade B (Base), Grade B+ (With Equipment)] His aptitude, once Grade B-, had been steadily improving since opening his second spirit aperture, and today, it had advanced to Grade B. Equipped with the Flood Dragon Silk, he felt the transformative power of the Heavenly Creation Cauldron refining his body. ¡°Flood Dragon Silk enhances strength and speed in harmony. The dragon¡¯s power is unparalleled, and even the flood dragon, lesser than a true dragon, possesses immense strength. This technique complements my Mighty Bull Technique perfectly. Perhaps the two methods can synergize, hastening my progress to mastery!¡± This realization lit a spark of inspiration in Su Zhe, who immediately set out to refine his techniques under the moonlight. In a secluded field, he practiced tirelessly. The force of his hammer strikes reverberated like thunder, each blow precise and powerful. His footwork, based on the Flood Dragon Steps, was fluid and unpredictable, combining speed and agility. From the shadows, Guo Ju watched silently. He had followed out of concern, worried that Su Zhe might stray like Xiao Xunhuan. Instead, what he saw moved him deeply. ¡°At last, a junior brother who is diligent and driven,¡± Guo Ju thought, his heart swelling with relief. As dawn broke, Su Zhe¡¯s training bore fruit. He felt his blood surging through his body, vigorous and unyielding. Even the morning dew evaporated from his clothes with a single flex of his muscles. ¡°Peak of the First Grade!¡± ¡°And the Flood Dragon Technique¡­ I¡¯ve reached entry-level mastery!¡± Excitement surged within him. Although mastering the Flood Dragon Technique was arduous, his progress was swift thanks to his natural aptitude and treasures.
The Craftsmanship Hall By morning, Su Zhe returned to the Craftsmanship Hall. Passing through its grand crimson gates, he inhaled the scent of molten metal and burning coal. Inside, disciples forged weapons with unrelenting focus, their strikes resonating with a martial rhythm. The sight was inspiring. Su Zhe, who had spent three years as an outer disciple hammering raw materials, now saw the higher-level techniques of inner disciples. The sophistication left him awestruck. ¡°Did you learn something?¡± The booming voice of Sun Tiexin broke Su Zhe¡¯s reverie. The disciples ceased their work, bowing toward their master. ¡°Greetings, Master!¡± Su Zhe joined the chorus, his respect evident. Sun Tiexin, seated on a grand iron chair, waved dismissively but regarded Su Zhe with a softer gaze. ¡°You¡¯ve been diligent,¡± Sun Tiexin said, nodding. ¡°Let¡¯s see how much you¡¯ve grown¡­¡± Chapter 17: The Secret of Treasure Arts—How Far Does Its Influence Reach? "This disciple has only just joined the Artisan Hall, and seeing the exquisite craftsmanship of the senior brothers fills me with admiration," Su Zhe said, bowing respectfully toward Sun Tiexin. "I feel like a mayfly glimpsing the vast heavens. My yearning for the path of craftsmanship has only grown stronger." The disciples of the Artisan Hall, hearing Su Zhe¡¯s heartfelt words, exchanged looks of approval. This junior brother... He seems to be a genuine artisan, unwavering in his pursuit of the craft. Such sincerity would make him quite likable within the Artisan Hall, where straightforwardness and dedication to craftsmanship were valued above all. Those with impure intentions found no place here. ¡°Hmm, not bad. Guo Ju, you¡¯ve done well with this recruitment task.¡± Sun Tiexin nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Su Zhe. ¡°Though I didn¡¯t meet you yesterday, I was observing. Damn it, you¡¯ve done well!¡± Sun Tiexin¡¯s sudden vulgarity contrasted with his stern demeanor, but it earned a laugh from the gathered disciples. Guo Ju, standing beside Su Zhe, received a nod of acknowledgment. He had dutifully reported every detail of Su Zhe¡¯s arrival and conduct¡ªmodest, diligent, and kind, even giving out dried fish as gifts. Despite Su Zhe¡¯s humble beginnings, he was earnest and hardworking. Yet Sun Tiexin sighed inwardly. This boy¡¯s aptitude is somewhat lacking. Although he bore the ¡°Beastly Aspect¡± physique¡ªa rare talent¡ªSun Tiexin couldn''t help but hope Su Zhe might fulfill his unyielding aspirations. My first disciple, Guo Ju, is diligent but lacks natural brilliance, his craft weighed down by practicality. My second disciple, Xiao Xunhuan, is talented in both aptitude and comprehension but is a rogue at heart. Now, this third disciple... Sun Tiexin sighed again, his hopes resting heavily on Su Zhe. "Junior Brother, I apologize for not welcoming you personally yesterday," Xiao Xunhuan¡¯s voice broke the silence. The long-haired youth, holding an enormous block of black iron, looked up with a charming smile. His striking features and effortless grace were in stark contrast to his current predicament¡ªkneeling on the ground as punishment. "Su Zhe greets Senior Brother Xiao!" Su Zhe quickly returned the gesture, struggling to suppress a chuckle. He had already heard of Xiao Xunhuan''s infamous reputation. "Enough!" Sun Tiexin bellowed, his bull-like eyes glaring fiercely. ¡°Yesterday, you spent the night at the Yuanyang Pavilion and had to be carried back drunk by a servant! If you dare corrupt your junior brother, I¡¯ll break your legs¡ªall three of them!¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. With a thunderous roar, Sun Tiexin crushed a nearby block of black iron into powder with his bare hands. The sheer display of strength left everyone, Su Zhe included, awestruck. This... this power... In Su Zhe¡¯s previous life on Blue Star, such a feat would be akin to a superhero¡¯s might. Swallowing his shock, Su Zhe silently vowed to tread carefully under such a master. ¡°Guo Ju, fetch his stipends from the Hall of Internal Affairs. Everyone else, get back to work! If I catch anyone slacking, there will be consequences.¡± Sun Tiexin¡¯s voice carried a weight that left no room for disobedience. "Yes, Master!" the disciples chorused before dispersing. "Today, I will impart some foundational teachings to my junior brother,¡± Sun Tiexin declared, glancing meaningfully at Su Zhe. "Pay attention and learn what it means to be a mentor." With a swift kick, he sent Xiao Xunhuan stumbling forward. Xiao Xunhuan, unperturbed, stood up with a grin. ¡°Master, rest assured. I¡¯ll be the most exemplary senior brother,¡± he said cheekily, following behind.
As they walked, Sun Tiexin began to explain the fundamentals of martial cultivation. Su Zhe listened intently, absorbing every word. ¡°In the martial path, progression is divided into nine grades. The first grade, the Blood Condensation Realm, involves refining vital energy into blood essence. Second-grade Bone Tempering strengthens the body¡¯s 206 bones, forming the foundation for Martial Bones. Third-grade Inner Strength channels energy back into the Dantian, cultivating the seed of inner strength...¡± Sun Tiexin¡¯s insights flowed effortlessly, each point illuminating the complex interplay of martial advancement. Su Zhe¡¯s understanding of this new world deepened significantly. He also learned more about his fellow disciples. Guo Ju had already reached the third grade, while Xiao Xunhuan, despite his wayward nature, was at the peak of the second grade. The Ironwork Guild¡¯s three leaders, including Sun Tiexin, were all at the pinnacle of the third grade, making them forces to be reckoned with. "Master, with your skill and status, any power in Tang Prefecture would welcome you with open arms. Why stay here, where your talents are underappreciated?" Xiao Xunhuan interjected; his tone indignant. ¡°Silence!¡± Sun Tiexin snapped, his glare silencing the outspoken disciple. But Su Zhe couldn¡¯t ignore the mention of "Treasure Arts." His heart raced. So, it¡¯s true. Treasure Arts are the key to breaking through! Feigning curiosity, Su Zhe asked, ¡°Master, what are Treasure Arts? How do they differ from ordinary techniques?¡± Sun Tiexin didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Martial techniques are classified into Ordinary, Treasure, and Spirit Arts, each further divided into superior, intermediate, and inferior levels. For a martial artist to break through from the third grade to the fourth, Treasure Arts are essential for opening the meridians. My Bull-Crushing Hammer, despite its power, is merely an advanced Ordinary Art. Without Treasure Arts, my path forward is blocked.¡± Hearing this, Su Zhe¡¯s palms grew clammy. The Treasure Art I obtained... it¡¯s a blessing and a curse. If others discover it, my life will be in jeopardy. "Master, rest assured," Su Zhe said, masking his unease with sincerity. "One day, I will find a Treasure Art to aid your breakthrough." Sun Tiexin laughed heartily, unaware of the storm brewing in Su Zhe¡¯s heart. The Treasure Art he possessed was no ordinary prize¡ªit was a magnet for chaos. Chapter 18: Is This Kid Born to Be a Blacksmith? Although Sun Tiexin was well into his years, his straightforward nature blinded him to the oddities surrounding Su Zhe. "The Baogong technique is far more valuable than I imagined," Su Zhe mused silently. "Even so, if given another chance, I¡¯d still keep it for myself. It¡¯s a risky choice, sure, but I¡¯ve covered my tracks well. It¡¯ll take a while before anyone suspects me." With his newfound advantage¡ªa mysterious golden finger that granted him incredible progress¡ªSu Zhe had already ascended to the pinnacle of the First Rank within a mere week. "Once I reach the Third Rank and can protect myself, I¡¯ll consider presenting the Baogong to Master. Strengthening my connection with him is the safest bet," Su Zhe reflected. Calming his turbulent emotions, he resolved to bide his time, keeping a healthy distance even from Master Sun Tiexin. After all, his current strength was insufficient to truly trust anyone in the Crafting Hall.
That day, Sun Tiexin devoted himself to teaching Su Zhe. Under his guidance, Su Zhe gained a profound understanding of both martial and crafting techniques. Sun offered meticulous advice on Su Zhe¡¯s Wild Bull Hammer Technique, a method he had mastered to perfection. "Hard work pales before the wisdom of a good teacher," Sun said, delving deep into the nuances of controlling one¡¯s strength. He broke down the technique¡¯s foundation¡ªThe Strength of a Bull¡ªinto digestible insights that made Su Zhe feel like a veil had lifted from his mind. Inspired by Sun¡¯s instructions, Su Zhe quickly grasped the essence of the teachings, surprising even the grizzled old master. Sun Tiexin, often frustrated by his other disciples, found a refreshing joy in mentoring Su Zhe.
Of his senior disciples, Sun had mixed opinions. The eldest, Guo Ju, was diligent but slow-witted, making every teaching session an exercise in frustration. The second, Xiao Xunhuan, was sharp and quick to learn but lacked patience, often leaving Sun exasperated. Yet Su Zhe struck a perfect balance between the two. Though his natural aptitude for cultivation was considered below average¡ªa mere "Lower Tier Grade B" constitution¡ªhis resilience and work ethic stood out. Coupled with his innate Bull-like Vitality, Su Zhe''s progress was a pleasant surprise. "During the bone-melding ceremony, he had barely reached the mid-level of the hammer technique. In just three or five days, he¡¯s nearly achieved mastery," Sun marveled. "His vitality is even more robust than that of an ordinary First Rank martial artist at their peak. Damn it, have I stumbled upon a hidden gem?"A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
As days passed, Su Zhe continued to impress. Guo Ju delivered Su Zhe¡¯s monthly allotment¡ªfifteen taels of silver, four packs of medicinal bath powder, and twenty vitality pills. Living alongside his fellow disciples in the Crafting Hall, Su Zhe found camaraderie in their shared meals and training sessions. The hall¡¯s atmosphere was one of friendly competition, even over food. Every member had cultivated the Wild Bull Technique, giving them immense appetites. The slender yet muscular Xiao Xunhuan could devour meals like a beast, while the hulking Guo Ju, standing at two meters tall, treated ten bowls of rice as a mere appetizer. Su Zhe, though smaller at 1.8 meters, held his own in this "feast of gluttons," much to the amusement of his senior brothers. In the evenings, Su Zhe would soak in a steaming medicinal bath. The herbal infusion, combined with the vitality pills, worked wonders on his body, mending even the most imperceptible training injuries. Reflecting on his humble beginnings in a small fishing village, Su Zhe couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Back home, even the thought of such luxury would earn him a scolding from his aunt.
Seven days passed in a blur. By then, Su Zhe had nearly touched the threshold of the Second Rank but couldn¡¯t quite cross it. The bottleneck was his Wild Bull Technique, which lacked just one final breakthrough. Even so, his crafting skills had advanced at a monstrous pace. Using a 15-pound hammer, Su Zhe flawlessly forged hundreds of pounds of basic materials¡ªblack iron, fine copper, refined tin, and more. His rapid improvement stunned his fellow disciples. "I spent six months just getting the basics right," one senior lamented. "And the Five Metals Forging Method took me a year to master." "Xiao Xunhuan took three months. But Su Zhe? Seven days?!" "It¡¯s like he¡¯s a reincarnated blacksmith who skipped drinking from the River of Forgetfulness!"
Sun Tiexin observed all this with astonishment. Every day, Su Zhe exceeded expectations, forcing Sun to reevaluate his original judgment. "This kid was born for this," he thought. Despite Su Zhe¡¯s success upending the hierarchy, the atmosphere in the Crafting Hall remained lively. No one harbored resentment¡ªonly admiration. One day, Sun called out to Su Zhe. "Su Zhe." "Yes, Master!" "You¡¯re a breath away from mastering the Wild Bull Hammer Technique. Normally, I¡¯d make you hone it over six months, but you¡¯ve upset all my plans with your progress. So, I¡¯ll teach you the Thousand-Tempering Technique. If you can successfully forge a weapon-grade martial implement, your hammer technique will achieve mastery!" The hall fell silent. The Thousand-Tempering Technique? A task only attempted by the most advanced disciples? The disciples were thunderstruck. Su Zhe, however, clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. "Yes, Master. I won¡¯t let you down." Chapter 19: The Thousand Tempering Technique – A Prodigy Like No Other! The words Thousand Tempering Technique echoed in Su Zhe''s mind, sending a shiver down his spine. Having spent several days at the Artisan Hall, Su Zhe was no stranger to the technique''s significance. The Thousand Tempering Technique¡ªa method rooted in relentless refinement. Weapon artisans infused their unique martial methods into the forging process, hammering the embryonic weapon repeatedly until it transformed into a martial blade. "This technique could help me perfect the Savage Bull Hammer Technique? The heavens favor me today!" Su Zhe¡¯s heart surged with excitement. He quickly bowed to his master, Sun Tiexin. "Many thanks, Master, for imparting this knowledge." Sun Tiexin nodded, then motioned for someone to bring a fifty-pound forging hammer. Dust clung to its surface. Sun Tiexin brushed it off and remarked, "Your current fifteen-pound hammer is far too light. This fifty-pound hammer I used in my early years should suit you better." He then prepared materials: a block of black iron, a slab of refined copper, and a fragment of pure gold. The gathered disciples of Artisan Hall, catching wind of their master preparing to forge a martial weapon, set aside their tasks to observe. Sun Tiexin was a near-legend, just a step shy of becoming a Grandmaster Smith. His skill level was unmatched across the county of Lu. Watching him forge was more enlightening than months of solitary practice. Sun Tiexin steadied his stance, his movements precise and calculated. Power flowed seamlessly from his waist to his shoulders and into his arms. "Clang!" The first strike fell, resounding like a bell. The molten materials stretched under the force, melding together into a flat, elongated strip. "The Thousand Tempering Technique, also called the Method of a Thousand Refines, is the essence of martial weapon crafting," Sun Tiexin began, his voice steady. "Unlike ordinary blades, martial weapons¡ªeven the most basic mortal-tier ones¡ªstand leagues apart. Why? Because we artisans are warriors, wielding extraordinary strength and infusing it into our craft. Each hammer strike is a temper." He raised his arm again, the hammer striking with thunderous force. His movements were like a storm, his blows unrelenting. Su Zhe¡¯s pupils constricted as he caught a faint, blood-red aura radiating from his master. It coalesced into the shape of a savage bull, snorting and pawing at the air. "That¡¯s a Beast Force Manifestation," his senior brother, Guo Ju, explained, seeing Su Zhe''s astonishment. "It¡¯s the hallmark of mastering a beast-mimicking martial art. This isn¡¯t just ¡®strong as an ox.¡¯ Compared to this, all other techniques are child¡¯s play."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Sun Tiexin¡¯s blows fell like crashing waves. The hammer, though fifty pounds, appeared weightless in his grasp, a mere extension of his body. Each strike was a rumble of thunder, shaking the workshop and sending sparks flying. After a hundred strikes, the three materials merged perfectly, forming a crude weapon embryo. On its surface, a faint line emerged¡ªa weapon vein, sharp and distinct like a dragon etched in steel. "One hundred tempers form one vein," Sun Tiexin explained. "Three hundred tempers create three overlapping veins¡ªa single layer. Shape it, quench it, and you have a first-tier mortal weapon." He continued, his strikes as consistent as a drumbeat. "Two layers¡ªsix veins¡ªmake a second-tier weapon. Three layers¡ªnine veins¡ªmark the peak of the third tier. At a full thousand tempers, the weapon reaches the pinnacle of third-tier craftsmanship." With practiced precision, Sun Tiexin completed nine hundred strikes. The weapon embryo bore nine dragon-like veins, radiating a fearsome aura. He quenched it in cold water with a hiss, steam rising in plumes. What emerged was a simple, yet awe-inspiring saber¡ªa third-tier mortal weapon. Though unsharpened, its edges gleamed with a deadly brilliance. To demonstrate its strength, Sun Tiexin raised an ordinary blade and struck the newly forged saber. "Clang!" The mundane blade shattered instantly, while the third-tier saber remained unscathed. Turning to Su Zhe, Sun Tiexin asked, "What insights have you gained?" Eyes bright with understanding, Su Zhe responded, "To master the Savage Bull Hammer Technique, every strike must push my limits. If each blow approaches the strength of a bull, then through sheer repetition, I¡¯ll shatter my barriers and ascend to mastery!" His words stunned his peers. This junior disciple¡¯s comprehension was extraordinary! "The Savage Bull Hammer Technique progresses in stages," another senior, Xiao Xunhuan, murmured. "Minor mastery grants ¡®strength akin to an ox.¡¯ Intermediate mastery allows ¡®weightless precision.¡¯ True mastery embodies the strength of a full bull. But to comprehend it so quickly¡­ What a prodigy!" "Impressive insight," Sun Tiexin praised. "Come, show us what you¡¯ve learned." Su Zhe stepped forward, gripping the fifty-pound hammer. Though his mastery was only at the intermediate level, his gaze burned with determination. "Do you think Junior Brother can forge a vein on his first try?" Guo Ju whispered to Xiao Xunhuan, grinning mischievously. Xiao scoffed. "Forge a vein? Don¡¯t joke. Even with monstrous talent, he¡¯d need weeks of practice! A single temper requires a strike of 1,200 pounds¡ªtrue bull strength. At intermediate mastery, he¡¯d need dozens of blows just for one temper. It¡¯s impossible." "Then let¡¯s wager," Guo Ju challenged. "If he succeeds," Xiao mused, "I¡¯ll outfit him in the finest robes Artisan Hall can offer. But it won¡¯t happen." All eyes turned to Su Zhe. Ignoring the chatter, he gripped the hammer tightly. "One bull¡¯s strength, huh? Well then¡­" A smirk tugged at his lips. "Allow me to demonstrate." He raised the hammer high, his breath steady, his mind recalling Sun Tiexin¡¯s demonstration. With a roar, he struck. "Boom!" The sound was deafening, the ground trembling beneath him. The materials quivered, groaning under the sheer force. "One temper," Sun Tiexin murmured, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "1,200 pounds¡­ impossible!" Su Zhe had done it. On his first attempt, he had wielded the strength of a bull. A feat that defied all expectations. "A true prodigy of the artisan path," Sun Tiexin declared, his voice filled with pride. Chapter 20: The First Forge—A True Dragon Emerges from the Artisan Hall! ¡°My word¡­ Could it be? Junior Brother¡­ is truly the reincarnation of our ancestral founder?¡± Guo Ju, a towering man of over two meters, stood dumbfounded, his massive frame frozen like a statue. He muttered these words with a trembling voice, disbelief etched on his rugged face. Reincarnation of the founder¡­ What began as a casual jest between Guo Ju and Xiao Xunhuan, marveling at Su Zhe¡¯s absurdly rapid progress, now seemed eerily plausible to the gathered disciples of Artisan Hall. While tales of people born with extraordinary strength were not unheard of, even the strongest could barely muster 800 or 900 pounds of force. Breaking past a thousand pounds might raise eyebrows but wouldn''t astonish to this degree. Yet Su Zhe had exhibited the raw might of one ox force¡ª1,200 pounds¡ªrendering even natural-born prodigies like paper before him. Sun Tiexin, their master craftsman, watched the scene, his lips trembling as he murmured, ¡°Could it be¡­ I¡¯ve really stumbled upon an unpolished gem?¡± Su Zhe, however, paid no heed to the chatter around him. Empowered by the ¡°Blade at Ease¡± technique, Su Zhe felt a surge of enlightenment toward the way of craftsmanship. The forging hammer, weighing 15 pounds, felt as light as a feather in his hands. With each swing, he exerted his full strength, seamlessly combining his inherent physical power with the one ox force granted by his training and equipment. Every strike channeled the principles of the Thousand Tempering Technique, maximizing the potential of his body. Thus, each hammer blow landed with a crushing force of 2,000 pounds, shaking the forge as though struck by a falling mountain. ¡°Boom! Boom! Boom!¡± The anvil shuddered incessantly under his strikes, sending vibrations rippling through the hall like rolling thunder. Sweat poured from Su Zhe in torrents, yet his eyes burned with excitement. At the intermediate level, forging techniques focused on controlling power, mastering the balance of exertion and restraint. But at the advanced level, the goal was to extract every ounce of strength, pushing beyond all limits. One hammer strike¡­ Two strikes¡­ Three strikes¡­ Su Zhe¡¯s motions were tireless, methodical, relentless. Before long, a hundred hammer strikes had fallen, and on the embryonic blade being forged, a faint pattern began to emerge. ¡°It¡¯s done! A single pattern!¡± A disciple exclaimed, his voice breaking the tense silence.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. The First Forge had succeeded in imbuing a weapon with its initial spiritual mark. Su Zhe had achieved the impossible. ¡°Not bad at all! You¡¯ve finally lived up to my expectations!¡± Sun Tiexin¡¯s eyes narrowed in satisfaction as he nodded approvingly. Meanwhile, Guo Ju nudged Xiao Xunhuan with his elbow, prompting Xiao to glare at him bitterly. ¡°Why the push? Do you think I¡¯d deny my own junior brother¡¯s talent?¡± Xiao Xunhuan grumbled. Though clearly envious, he forced a smile. ¡°I knew all along that Junior Brother was a dragon among men. First Forge, one pattern¡ªit¡¯s nothing extraordinary for him! Why, I was just looking for an excuse to gift him a fine set of gear!¡± Though his words brimmed with bravado, Xiao¡¯s pride had clearly taken a hit.
¡°Not enough! I must achieve mastery in tempering techniques!¡± Su Zhe began to feel his strength ebb. Though he had a miraculous technique at his disposal, every strike taxed his body to the extreme. His recovery simply couldn¡¯t keep pace. Yet he was so close¡ªmere inches from the pinnacle of forging mastery. He couldn¡¯t stop now. ¡°Boom! Boom! Boom!¡± The hammer rang out like thunder on the forge. Sparks scattered like stars as iron met steel, filling the hall with a symphony of metallic rhythm. Two hundred strikes¡­ The second pattern emerged. Still, Su Zhe refused to stop. His arms trembled as if about to snap under the strain. The pain, the numbness, the burning¡ªit all blurred into a distant sensation. His arms no longer felt like his own, but mere extensions of the hammer he wielded. Beyond two hundred strikes, Su Zhe reached his absolute limit. Yet his unyielding spirit burned brighter than ever, fueled by sheer willpower. ¡°Not enough! First Forge, a finished blade!¡± ¡°I, Su Zhe, will forge three patterns and bring forth a true weapon of war!¡± The Thousand Tempering Technique was no mere method for tempering metal. Each strike also honed the craftsman¡¯s body, forging their spirit alongside the weapon. The residual medicinal power from the Blood Energy Elixir and the Dragon Boar meat Su Zhe had consumed began to stir under the pressure, revitalizing his depleted strength.
¡°Two hundred and ninety strikes¡­¡± A hushed voice broke the oppressive silence. Every eye in the hall was glued to Su Zhe. The average Artisan Hall disciple could manage ten strikes on their first attempt at the Thousand Forging Technique, a feat that already hinted at talent. Xiao Xunhuan, hailed as a prodigy, had reached ninety strikes, earning high praise. But Su Zhe? He had not only forged a single pattern¡ªunheard of in the region¡ªbut was now pushing toward three patterns in a single forging session, aiming to transform an ordinary weapon into a mortal-grade blade. Xiao Xunhuan¡¯s face turned ashen. His pride shattered into fragments; his supposed genius reduced to a cosmic joke in the face of Su Zhe¡¯s overwhelming talent.
Finally, with the three hundredth strike, a deafening roar erupted. The embryonic blade glowed with life; its surface marked by three distinct patterns that shimmered before merging into the blade itself. A mortal-grade blade was born.
Su Zhe staggered back, wiping the sweat from his brow. Though physically drained, his spirit burned brightly as he handed the completed blade to Sun Tiexin. ¡°Disciple Su Zhe, the weapon is complete. I humbly request your evaluation, Master.¡± His voice was steady, humble, and without arrogance. The gathered disciples stared in awe at the weapon¡ªa long saber with a peerless edge, its core resilient and unyielding, a masterpiece surpassing anything mundane. In silence, they realized: Su Zhe had not only accomplished the unimaginable but had done so with poise and grace, outshining them all without the need for boasting or fanfare. Perhaps this¡­ was the mark of a true master. Chapter 21: Mastery of the Hammer Technique, A Gifted Heavy Hammer Sun Tiexin received the ordinary saber with a steady hand. He spun the blade in an elegant flourish, sending a chill rippling through the air. "Not bad, not bad at all!" Sun Tiexin exclaimed with a grin. "Su Zhe, you''ve truly done me proud!" "Your first forging created a weapon¡ªha! This is a milestone for our Artisan Hall. With talent like yours, we''re destined for greatness!" At first, Sun Tiexin tried to maintain his composure, but his excitement quickly got the better of him. Forget the dignified demeanor of a master! His Artisan Hall had just produced a prodigy, a five-clawed golden dragon among mortals! "Master, you overpraise me," Su Zhe replied with a modest smile. "Congratulations, junior brother!" "Well done, junior brother! To forge a weapon on your first try¡ªyour future is boundless!" "Indeed! But don¡¯t forget your senior brothers when you rise to fame, alright? Remember, it was me who gave you a bowl of braised pork that time you were starving!" The Artisan Hall disciples crowded around Su Zhe, offering their hearty congratulations. The camaraderie of craftsmen, rough and straightforward, was evident in their unfiltered words and actions. Su Zhe could only smile wryly at their enthusiasm. "Smack!" Guo Ju¡¯s massive hand landed on Su Zhe¡¯s shoulder with a loud thud. He laughed uproariously. "Junior brother, you¡¯ve outdone yourself!" Guo Ju bellowed. "Xiao Xunhuan bet you wouldn¡¯t succeed on your first try, and now you¡¯ve not only succeeded¡ªyou¡¯ve forged a weapon! He¡¯s lost the bet and promised to get you a set of top-quality attire!" Feigning surprise, Su Zhe turned to Xiao Xunhuan. "Second Senior Brother, this is too generous; I can¡¯t possibly accept." The so-called ¡°top-quality attire¡± was no simple garment. It would far surpass Su Zhe¡¯s coarse linen robes in both quality and cost. Naturally, Su Zhe had to put on a show of reluctance.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Xiao Xunhuan glared daggers at Guo Ju before sighing deeply and addressing Su Zhe with a complicated expression. "We¡¯re all brothers here. No need for such formalities. With your talent, I¡¯m genuinely happy for you. As for the attire, skipping a few visits to the Yuanyang Pavilion is a small price to pay. Consider it a gift from me." Before Su Zhe could protest further, Guo Ju interrupted with a grin. "Exactly! Back in the day, the title of Artisan Hall¡¯s greatest talent passed from one to the next¡ªit¡¯s tradition! This is just Xiao Xunhuan acknowledging the new prodigy!" Xiao Xunhuan was livid, practically jumping in frustration, as if he wanted nothing more than to throttle Guo Ju on the spot. Su Zhe, observing the scene, thought to himself, this senior brother isn¡¯t as simple-minded as he seems. Crude on the surface, but sharp underneath. He¡¯s managed to leave Xiao Xunhuan with no room to argue. Unbeknownst to Su Zhe, Guo Ju had his reasons. Xiao Xunhuan¡¯s cunning ways had often left Guo Ju at a disadvantage. But this time, using Su Zhe as a foil, Guo Ju had delivered a satisfying blow. And oh, how sweet it felt!
"Enough bickering," Sun Tiexin interrupted, waving a hand to silence the group. "Su Zhe, your mastery of the Barbaric Bull Hammer Technique is cause for celebration." "Achieving mastery in hammer techniques means you¡¯ve reached the second-tier Forged Bone Realm. This is a critical stage in your cultivation. If you encounter difficulties, consult your senior brothers. Avoid straying from the right path." Su Zhe nodded. The advice sounded oddly generic¡ªlike a teacher reminding a student that every grade in school was "the most important." Sun Tiexin then raised the weapon Su Zhe had forged, a glint of approval in his eyes. "You¡¯ve progressed faster than I anticipated. With your beast-like physique and exceptional comprehension, you should stabilize your foundation for three to five days. Once you¡¯ve done so, I¡¯ll teach you the combat techniques of the Barbaric Bull Hammer." Combat techniques! Su Zhe¡¯s heart raced with excitement. The complete Barbaric Bull Hammer Technique, with its embedded martial techniques, was a superior foundational skill. Without the combat techniques, its power was mediocre at best¡ªcomparable to the mid-tier techniques of other local factions. But mastering the combat techniques elevated it to a league of its own. "I¡¯m looking forward to it, Master," Su Zhe replied, bowing deeply.
As the day wound down, a cart from the Internal Affairs Hall arrived at the Artisan Hall, carrying several chests. "Su Zhe, please sign here," an attendant said respectfully, handing over an inventory list. Su Zhe checked the contents, signed his name, and carried the chests to his quarters. Inside his room, he couldn¡¯t help but grin as he opened the chests. "Having the support of a guild is truly a blessing. With this, I¡¯ve gathered everything I need for the Third Immortal Aperture!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he prepared for the next step in his journey. Chapter 22: Transcending Mortality, Forging the Divine [Third Immortal Aperture Requirements: Two taels of pure gold, twenty catties of black iron, two taels of fine silver, thirty catties of refined copper, and forty catties of refined tin.] According to valuation, the cost of opening the third Immortal Aperture would typically amount to a little over 100 taels of silver. However, these Five Base Metals¡ªessential materials for crafting martial weaponry¡ªwere classified as restricted goods and seldom available on the open market. On the black market, acquiring them would require at least 250 taels of silver and no small effort. After all, the terms "value" and "price," while seemingly synonymous, have entirely distinct implications. Fortunately, within the Blacksmith Guild, Su Zhe could purchase these materials directly through the Internal Affairs Hall as a personal disciple. Since guild artisans occasionally forged private weapons for personal use, no one found his requests unusual. After spending a total of 180 taels, Su Zhe managed to gather everything needed to open the third Immortal Aperture. In the past half-month, Su Zhe had amassed a significant fortune. Most of it came from his victory over Huang Mazi. Unfortunately, the numerous property deeds he acquired from Huang couldn''t be easily liquidated into silver. His current wealth consisted of around 180 taels of silver and 10 taels of gold. Opening the third Immortal Aperture had drained all his silver reserves, leaving him with only the gold. Ten taels of gold were equivalent to 100 taels of silver¡ªor one tael of pure gold. "Let¡¯s open the Third Immortal Aperture!" In the western wing of his courtyard, Su Zhe summoned the Cauldron of Creation. Radiant light burst forth as the divine cauldron absorbed the heavenly treasures and mortal metals. The gathered materials shrank rapidly, merging into the sea of consciousness where the Cauldron of Creation resided. Intricate, mystical patterns interwove upon the cauldron''s surface, forming the foundation of the third Immortal Aperture. To aid this process, Su Zhe picked up the "Fifty-Weight Forging Hammer" that Master Sun Tiexin had once used during his early training.
Name: Fifty-Weight Forging Hammer Grade: Second-tier Mortal Weapon Description: Made primarily of black iron and supplemented with dense alloys, this hammer is compact yet extraordinarily sturdy and durable. Tempered through countless strikes and imbued with the essence of a third-tier warrior¡¯s internal energy, it increases the user¡¯s physical strength. Equipment Requirement: Mastery of Ox-Cracking Hammer Technique Equipment Attributes: Enhances innate physicality and blacksmithing aptitude. Special Properties¡ªDual Ox Strength (Second-Tier: Grants the strength of two oxen) and Ingenious Craftsmanship (Second-Tier: Elevates forging techniques to their essence). Special Gains: Bull Hammer Martial Killing Moves and Mortal Weapon Forging Techniques. ¡°This surpasses the effectiveness of the Master¡¯s Emblem,¡± Su Zhe mused, a spark of excitement lighting his eyes. With each Immortal Aperture, his capabilities grew exponentially:This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
  • First Aperture: Dragon Soaring in the Seas silk scroll.
  • Second Aperture: Master¡¯s Emblem of Craftsmanship.
  • Third Aperture: Fifty-Weight Forging Hammer.
As Su Zhe equipped the hammer, his body trembled. Bones crackled, reverberating with the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, filling his ears. When he extended his arms, his strength surged to the equivalent of four oxen:
  • One ox from mastering the hammer technique.
  • One ox from the Master¡¯s Emblem.
  • Two oxen from the Fifty-Weight Forging Hammer.
This totaled a staggering 4,800 catties of physical force. Simultaneously, vivid memories of forging techniques and Bull Martial Arts Killing Moves emerged within Su Zhe¡¯s consciousness.
  • Bull¡¯s Horn Charge: A focused, single-point hammer strike akin to a charging bull.
  • Bull¡¯s Stomp: An advanced stance technique that anchors the practitioner to the ground, channeling earth¡¯s force into explosive bursts.
  • Bull¡¯s Hide Transformation: A breathing method that circulates qi and blood to toughen the skin, boosting durability, recovery, and stamina.
¡°Remarkable killing moves,¡± Su Zhe marveled. "Although Bull Martial Arts is considered a mortal-grade technique, my mastery makes it far more potent than even the entry-level Dragon Soaring in the Seas. ¡°This proves a simple truth: True mastery comes from the practitioner, not the technique. In the hands of an expert, even a humble leaf can become a deadly weapon.¡± Sinking deeper into his thoughts, Su Zhe felt a surge of admiration for martial prowess and craftsmanship. The memory of a bull hammer technique¡¯s unrelenting strength fueled a newfound ambition within him.
As he examined the Cauldron of Creation, new text appeared: [Third Immortal Aperture: Refining Treasures, Forging the Body.]
  • Effect: Permanently assimilate a treasure to gain its attributes. Assimilated effects are one-tenth as potent as equipped effects. Requires Five Base Metals; effectiveness depends on the treasure¡¯s grade.
¡°Permanent assimilation?¡± Su Zhe frowned. ¡°The reduced effect makes it less enticing, but it does solve the issue of limited aperture capacity.¡± He considered the treasures he currently possessed:
  • Eight-Pound Hammer: One tael of gold to refine permanently.
  • Fiend Saber: Six taels of pure gold (requires mastery of Fiend Tiger Blade Technique).
  • Dragon Silk Scroll: Six taels of pure gold.
  • Fifty-Weight Forging Hammer: Six taels of pure gold.
¡°Such outrageous costs!¡± Su Zhe cursed. ¡°And if I haven¡¯t mastered the prerequisite technique, like the Fiend Saber, it can¡¯t even be refined!¡± Left with no other choice, Su Zhe decided to test the process with the Eight-Pound Hammer. Placing it alongside one tael of gold into the Cauldron of Creation, he activated the refining process. Radiant energy surged as the cauldron emitted ripples of multicolored liquid. These streams flowed through his meridians, strengthening his body. The enhancements were subtle but undeniable. ¡°This is just the beginning,¡± Su Zhe murmured. ¡°In time, when I possess wealth and power, this feature will unleash unimaginable potential.¡±
Satisfied for now, Su Zhe left the workshop. Outside, his peers, Guo Ju and Xiao Xunhuan, noticed his departure but didn¡¯t follow. Even Xiao Xunhuan, known for his carefree demeanor, began training late into the night. ¡°Hard work beats talent,¡± he muttered, determined not to be left behind.
Meanwhile, on the desolate outskirts, another figure moved stealthily. Yu Yi of the Broken Army Hall closed his courtyard gate and dashed into the wilderness like a tiger descending from the mountains. ¡°My blade techniques are now at the intermediate level,¡± Yu Yi thought, suppressing a grin. ¡°When I meet Su Zhe, I¡¯ll shock him!¡± In his mind, he envisioned Su Zhe¡¯s stunned reaction. ¡°Prepare yourself, Su Zhe!¡± Yu Yi chuckled inwardly. "Soon, you''ll witness the gap between genius and mediocrity!" With that, he vanished into the night, his ambitions burning brightly. Chapter 23: This Blade Technique—Su Has Seen It Before! Su Zhe''s eyelids lifted slightly, and the robust flow of energy surged within his body. It felt as though beams of light might shoot from his eyes at any moment. He was just about to pick up his hammer to train when he noticed Yu Yi approaching, wielding a simple blade. "Brother Yu, your diligence is impressive!" Su Zhe said with a smile, nodding in greeting. Yu Yi, seeing Su Zhe, showed no surprise. His normally stern face softened slightly as he raised his hand in salute. He then spoke, "Not at all, Brother Su. My master has been teaching me this blade technique. Though I''ve practiced hard for a while now, I''m still short of perfection." He paused, a hint of admiration in his tone, before continuing, "Brother Su, without even joining the Artisan¡¯s Hall, simply by watching Hall Master Sun demonstrate once, you''ve already refined your hammer technique to an intermediate level. That is true martial talent!" As he spoke, Yu Yi¡¯s brow twitched ever so slightly. Su Zhe was naturally gifted, his physique perfectly suited for the Barbaric Ox Hammer Technique. But Yu Yi was no ordinary cultivator¡ªhe was a top-tier prodigy. In recent months, Wang Shan, his mentor, had been intentionally nurturing him, providing him with countless pills and resources. Talent combined with abundant resources allowed Yu Yi¡¯s blade technique to improve at a meteoric pace. In just half a month, his progress surpassed what many inner sect disciples could achieve in years of dedicated practice. In Yu Yi¡¯s eyes, Su Zhe, while talented, lacked the innate foundation to keep up. Though Su Zhe¡¯s early progress was impressive, surely, after the past fortnight, Su Zhe''s cultivation had stagnated. Meanwhile, Yu Yi had surged ahead, catching up, if not overtaking. Yet, to his surprise, Su Zhe''s face betrayed a look of astonishment. "How has Yu Yi advanced in his blade technique so quickly?" Su Zhe thought to himself. "This¡­ Could it be that his innate potential isn¡¯t just ordinary top-tier, but rather supreme-grade?" Su Zhe silently calculated. He had equipped himself with numerous mortal-grade weapons just to raise his physique to mid-tier top-grade. But even with this enhancement, Su Zhe admitted to himself that it would be impossible for him to master a martial technique in just half a month. This confirmed one thing: Yu Yi¡¯s natural talent was downright terrifying. "Brother Yu, you are truly a once-in-a-generation genius!" Su Zhe exclaimed; his voice tinged with genuine admiration. Hearing Su Zhe¡¯s praise, Yu Yi couldn¡¯t help but feel a small surge of pride. It wasn¡¯t that Yu Yi was unused to flattery¡ªdisciples of the Breaking Army Hall often lauded his talents, though their opinions mattered little to him. But Su Zhe was different.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The pressure Su Zhe brought to Yu Yi was immense, enough to make him momentarily forget Su Zhe¡¯s supposed deficiencies. For the first time, he considered Su Zhe a rival. Observing Yu Yi¡¯s slightly smug expression, Su Zhe found himself at a loss. "What¡¯s with that look? Ah, youth," Su Zhe thought, shaking his head inwardly. Though sixteen or seventeen was considered adulthood in this world, by modern standards, they were still boys at heart. Immaturity in a society with low productivity was hardly unusual. "Since Brother Yu has achieved so much, I must strive harder and learn from your example," Su Zhe said with a slight smile. "But forgive me, Brother Yu¡ªI must resume my training now." "Of course, Brother Su," Yu Yi replied with a nod. Gripping a fifty-pound forging hammer, Su Zhe began his practice. His stance firmed, his arms lifted the hammer, and his movements radiated raw power. With the force of four oxen coursing through him, even a simple swing of the hammer kicked up a storm of dust and debris. The ground trembled beneath him. Su Zhe paid no mind to whether Yu Yi might steal glances at his training. After all, the Barbaric Ox Hammer Technique relied on brute force to crush all techniques. Without reaching a foundational level of strength, even watching it a thousand times would be fruitless. "Barbaric Ox¡¯s Horn Thrust!" Su Zhe¡¯s eyes gleamed with a cold, sharp light. Harnessing the strength of four oxen, his movements became fluid yet terrifying. The hammer, wielded with near five thousand pounds of force, flew from his hand with a deafening roar. Even Su Zhe¡¯s martial attire couldn¡¯t withstand the strain; his bulging muscles shredded the fabric with audible snaps. "Boom!" The hammer soared a hundred feet before slamming into the ground, creating a massive crater three meters wide. Yu Yi¡¯s eyes widened, and he drew in a sharp breath. This destructive power¡ªjust a single strike¡ªwas enough to ensure that, even with his blade technique perfected, if he were struck, his tombstone grass would surely grow three feet high by next year. "Could it be¡­ that his hammer technique has already reached mastery?" The thought sent a chill through Yu Yi¡¯s heart. Su Zhe, meanwhile, seamlessly transitioned into another move. With a leap, he closed the distance to the crater in an instant, his movements blending the ferocity of the Barbaric Ox and the agility of a dragon plunging into the sea. Landing with both feet, he stomped down hard. "Boom!" The earth groaned as the hammer, embedded in the ground, was launched back into Su Zhe¡¯s hand. Without hesitation, Su Zhe slammed it into the ground again. "Crack!" A resounding noise echoed as the earth split, forming a jagged fissure over thirty feet long. "Again!" Su Zhe continued his relentless training. Yu Yi stood frozen, his mouth agape, unable to utter a word. Mastery. This was indisputable mastery of the hammer technique! Yu Yi, who had thought himself knowledgeable in martial arts after Wang Shan¡¯s intensive teachings, could hardly believe his eyes. Su Zhe¡¯s technique didn¡¯t just reach mastery¡ªit far exceeded it, delivering a level of power unimaginable to the average practitioner. A freak of nature. A monster. Su Zhe, meanwhile, finished his routine and wiped the sweat from his brow. Examining the numerous craters he¡¯d left behind; he nodded in satisfaction. For the first time, he felt truly "superhuman." "Brother Yu, are you all, right?" Su Zhe asked, noticing Yu Yi¡¯s pale complexion. Snapping back to reality, Yu Yi stammered, "I¡¯m fine¡­ doctor." "Doctor?" Su Zhe blinked in confusion. Yu Yi, realizing his slip, flushed with embarrassment and quickly corrected himself. "I mean, Brother Su¡­ Have you mastered the hammer technique?" "Finally," Su Zhe admitted with a sigh, "but it took much effort. I can¡¯t compare to you, Brother Yu." Yu Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. He wanted nothing more than to throttle Su Zhe on the spot. "Brother Su, you¡¯re nothing short of a divine being," Yu Yi muttered bitterly. "Your mastery isn¡¯t ordinary. Once you master the final martial kill technique, the Barbaric Ox Hammer will surely reach its peak." Su Zhe smiled faintly. "Martial cultivation is never simple. I¡¯ll rest for now. Brother Yu, why not demonstrate your blade technique and let me learn from you?" Su Zhe sat down, consumed a vitality pill, and began recovering his energy. Yu Yi, though shaken, clenched his teeth and stepped forward. "Clang!" His blade left its sheath, the motion as swift as a tiger pouncing on prey. A frigid red aura of bloodlust spiraled around him, and as he struck, gusts of wind howled like a blade storm. Watching from the sidelines, Su Zhe¡¯s eyes widened in shock. This technique¡­ He had seen it before! The tyrant of the rivers, Huang Mazzi, had wielded this very blade technique! Chapter 24: A Simple Boy Duped into Sharing a Martial Art ¡°Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade!¡± Su Zhe furrowed his brows, muttering to himself. Before him, Yu Yi wielded a plain saber, executing a relentless stream of attacks. Each strike, each retreat, exuded ferocity and a murderous aura. The techniques mirrored those of Huang Mazzi, move for move. Like a sudden thunderclap, realization struck Su Zhe. ¡°I get it! I finally get it!¡± ¡°Yang Dingtian¡¯s Serpent Sword, Wang Shan¡¯s Tiger Saber, and Sun Tiexin¡¯s Ox Hammer!¡± ¡°To outsiders, these might sound like nicknames, but the truth is clear: Wang Shan¡¯s so-called Tiger Saber is none other than the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade!¡± Su Zhe¡¯s mind raced with clarity. Huang Mazi¡¯s techniques were unmistakably the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade. And Wang Shan¡¯s techniques? Also, the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade. Within the Blacksmith Guild, the three signature martial arts weren¡¯t guarded with absolute secrecy. However, unless explicitly authorized by the three leaders, the versions taught to others were incomplete, capped at a level below mastery. Teaching the guild¡¯s martial arts outside its ranks? That was treason¡ªa crime punishable by death. ¡°But Huang Mazi was with the Canal Gang. How did he learn the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade?¡± ¡°And his skill level is beyond mere dabbling¡ªit¡¯s at the advanced stage, even surpassing Yu Yi. This isn¡¯t normal¡­ Could it be that the ''Flood Dragon Oceanic Arts'' connect back to the Blacksmith Guild? Perhaps even to Wang Shan?¡± Su Zhe¡¯s sharp intuition rapidly pieced together possibilities. Of course, it was also plausible that someone else from the Blacksmith Guild¡¯s Po Jun Hall had taught the technique to Huang Mazi. But one thing was clear: the mastermind behind this was closely tied to Po Jun Hall. Meanwhile, Yu Yi finished his saber practice, sheathing his blade with a contented exhale. He felt invigorated¡ªthis session had deepened his understanding of the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade. ¡°At this rate, forming the strength of a tiger won¡¯t take long.¡± ¡°Most of Po Jun Hall¡¯s inner disciples don¡¯t even reach the advanced stage.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Yu Yi¡¯s murmurs were tinged with satisfaction at his progress. But when he turned and spotted Su Zhe watching, his confidence deflated like a pierced balloon. Yes, he was a prodigy¡ªbut here stood a monstrous talent beyond imagination.
¡°Brother Su, forgive my crude display¡ªit must have been laughable to you.¡± Yu Yi sat beside Su Zhe, resting his saber. ¡°Not at all! This saber technique is incredibly fierce, brimming with murderous intent. Even as an observer, I could feel chills running down my spine.¡± ¡°Brother Yu, this blade suits you perfectly. Given time, even Hall Master Wang may not be your match!¡± Su Zhe¡¯s sigh of admiration and look of awe left Yu Yi beaming. Though reserved by nature, Yu Yi couldn¡¯t help but let a smile creep onto his face. Compliments from a genius like Su Zhe? They felt like a badge of honor. ¡°Brother Su, you jest! Your mastery of the Ox Hammer surpasses mine by far. My meager skills are not worth mentioning.¡± Despite his humility, Yu Yi¡¯s elevated brows betrayed his delight. Su Zhe chuckled inwardly. The young man was too transparent. ¡°Not the same, not the same. The hammer is a heavy weapon, broad and forceful. I study it primarily to aid in crafting. But your saber technique¡ªit¡¯s chilling, gripping. Before the blade even strikes, it paralyzes the enemy with fear.¡± ¡°Martial arts are ultimately meant for killing. In that regard, I can¡¯t compare to you, Brother Yu.¡± ¡°Should dangerous tasks arise in the future, I¡¯ll count on you. As for crafting weapons or armor, just leave it to me.¡± Su Zhe¡¯s words were perfectly pitched, flattering yet humble. Yu Yi was stunned. This wasn¡¯t just praise¡ªit was Su Zhe expressing camaraderie and respect. ¡°Brother Su¡¯s generosity puts me to shame,¡± Yu Yi thought, chastened. ¡°Very well! If you¡¯re willing to entrust me with killing, I¡¯ll entrust you with forging!¡± The two exchanged smiles, sealing their bond. ¡°Your saber technique is truly marvelous¡ªpowerful and artistic. Observing it gave me insights into my own hammer practice. Unfortunately, watching it once isn¡¯t enough.¡± Yu Yi immediately rose, downed a Qi and Blood Pill, and drew his saber. ¡°If it aids you, Brother Su, I¡¯ll practice again. Watch closely!¡± With a leap, Yu Yi resumed his drills.
As Yu Yi practiced into the night, Su Zhe keenly observed, memorizing every move of the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade. By dawn, Su Zhe had bid Yu Yi farewell and returned to his room, the entire technique committed to memory. ¡°From a combat perspective, this saber art far surpasses the Ox Hammer.¡± Su Zhe began practicing the Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade. With his natural talent, even his first attempts showed promise. The Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade offered three stages:
  • Initial mastery granted a ferocious presence akin to a tiger¡¯s shadow, radiating fear.
  • Advanced mastery infused one¡¯s blood energy into the blade, creating an aura that could shatter an opponent¡¯s resolve.
  • Complete mastery allowed a temporary explosive strength of 2,500 pounds¡ªdevastating but fleeting compared to the sustained power of the Ox Hammer.
As Su Zhe trained, he noticed an unexpected benefit: the saber art accelerated the refinement of his bones, aiding his progression in the second stage of martial cultivation. ¡°The Tiger Slayer¡¯s Divine Blade is a treasure,¡± he mused. ¡°With my aptitude, reaching mastery won¡¯t take long.¡± After cleaning up, Su Zhe headed to the Blacksmith Guild¡¯s Artisan Hall, his mind brimming with plans for the future.
Meanwhile, at Wang Manor, the mood was anything but calm. ¡°What?! Huang Mazi is missing? How long?¡± Wang Shan¡¯s thunderous roar shook the study. His burly frame loomed over the trembling steward. ¡°For a week now, my lord. We¡¯ve searched the outer courtyard thoroughly. No signs of a struggle, but no trace of him either¡­¡± The steward¡¯s voice cracked with grief. ¡°That fool is dead, so be it! But my treasured art¡ªmy path to the fourth stage of martial cultivation¡ªis gone!¡± Wang Shan¡¯s chest heaved with fury; his eyes bloodshot as he slammed a fist onto the desk. Chapter 25: The Forge Manor Quota—The Artisan Hall Demands One Wang Shan was at his wit¡¯s end. A suffocating frustration churned in his chest, leaving him no outlet for relief. To ascend to the fourth rank, he had meticulously prepared two strategies. Now, with Huang Mazi missing, one of those paths was irrevocably severed. Rage boiled in Wang Shan¡¯s heart. "It seems... my only hope now lies with that boy, Yu Yi," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists. Wang Shan was a man of ambition, a calculating leader. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and steadied his emotions. When he opened them again, his resolve was firm. Huang Yuan, Huang Mazi''s elder brother, stood nearby, his face clouded with sorrow. He knew his younger brother¡¯s nature all too well. Their success to date had relied heavily on Wang Shan¡¯s support. Now, with his brother missing and presumed dead, Huang Yuan could only feel despair. "Even the valuables in his courtyard are gone," Huang Yuan added gravely. Valuables... gone? Wang Shan frowned, his jaw tightening. "That¡¯s no surprise," he growled. "Even the treasure manual for the Flood Dragon Technique has vanished. Why would gold and silver remain untouched?" ¡°Damn it! That was my money! Curse that thief!¡± A dangerous glint flashed in Wang Shan¡¯s eyes¡ªa predatory gleam that spoke of his desire to hunt down and destroy whoever had dared cross him. "Investigate!" he barked. "Search every martial artist near the fishing village from these past days. Leave no stone unturned. Let none escape!" Wang Shan¡¯s hatred for the thief ran bone-deep, rooted in three unforgivable offenses: First, stealing the treasure manual he had schemed so hard to obtain. Second, cutting off his financial lifeline. Wang Shan¡¯s rise from obscurity to prominence had required significant funding, and his operations relied on covert agents like Huang Mazi, who handled dealings with the River Gang and extorted the local fishing folk. This seemingly minor connection had generated substantial income over the years¡ªincome now permanently lost. Third, the audacity. Killing his men so brazenly was nothing short of a direct provocation against Wang Shan himself. He licked his lips, the gesture grotesque, as if savoring the thought of his enemy kneeling before him, flesh stripped piece by piece, bones ground to powder. "Understood!" Huang Yuan saluted before retreating from the room.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Wang Shan sighed, shifting his focus. "The Forge Manor apprentice selection is of utmost importance. With Yu Yi in play, success is almost guaranteed." Feeling slightly reassured by his backup plan, Wang Shan rose and made his way to the Blacksmith Guild¡¯s council chamber.
The council chamber, one of the guild¡¯s three inner sanctums, was strictly off-limits to ordinary disciples and elders without explicit summons. Inside sat Yang Dingtian, the guild master; Wang Shan, head of the Breaking Army Hall; and Sun Tiexin, head of the Artisan Hall. "Iron Bull," Wang Shan began, addressing Sun Tiexin, "what¡¯s so urgent that you called us here?" Yang Dingtian glanced at Wang Shan before turning his attention to Sun Tiexin, who was smiling broadly. The Artisan Hall leader reached under the table and retrieved a gleaming saber. "Take a look at this masterpiece!" Sun Tiexin announced proudly, handing the weapon to his peers. Both Yang Dingtian and Wang Shan, though not smiths themselves, were well-versed in weaponry. "This blade... Its cold aura is palpable, and its balance of toughness and sharpness is impeccable. Has Xiao Xunhuan improved his forging techniques again?" Yang Dingtian asked, running his fingers along the blade. A spark of inner energy struck the saber, which sang with a clear resonance. "Impressive," Wang Shan agreed. "But why would Xiao Xunhuan or Guo Ju, both capable of forging second-grade weapons, bother with a first-grade weapon?" Sun Tiexin chuckled, his eyes glinting with delight. "Guess again!" he exclaimed, his booming laughter filling the chamber. The other two exchanged puzzled glances. "This blade wasn¡¯t forged by Xiao Xunhuan or Guo Ju," Sun Tiexin declared triumphantly. "It was forged by my apprentice¡ªSu Zhe!" "Su Zhe?" Yang Dingtian and Wang Shan echoed in unison, momentarily confused. Then recognition dawned. "That¡¯s the boy who made a splash during the Bone Resonance Transfer, outperforming even the prodigy Yu Yi!" Wang Shan muttered, his expression darkening. "Indeed!" Sun Tiexin confirmed. "This first-grade weapon is nearly at the level of a second-grade weapon. For his first attempt, no less! Su Zhe is a once-in-a-century forging genius!" Yang Dingtian and Wang Shan were stunned. "First attempt? A genius of this caliber?" "Impossible..." Wang Shan said bitterly. "Even Xiao Xunhuan took years of training before achieving this level." "Are you doubting me?" Sun Tiexin growled, glaring at Wang Shan like an angry bull ready to charge. Yang Dingtian raised a hand to defuse the tension. "Such talent is a blessing for our guild," he said thoughtfully. "What is it you wish for him, Sun Tiexin?" "A third-grade weapon as a reward," Sun Tiexin said without hesitation. "And... one spot for the Forge Manor apprenticeship!" "Ridiculous!" Wang Shan exploded. "The guild has only one recommendation slot. If it goes to Su Zhe, what about my apprentice, Yu Yi? The River Gang has their own prodigies. The Forge Manor values innate talent above all else, and Yu Yi has an A-grade bone resonance!" Sun Tiexin smirked. "The Forge Manor may prioritize talent, but they¡¯ve also said they will consider unparalleled forging geniuses. Don¡¯t think I¡¯m afraid of you, Wang Shan!" Yang Dingtian sighed, sensing a heated argument brewing. Summoning his inner strength, he silenced both men with a burst of energy. "A third-grade weapon for Su Zhe is acceptable," he declared. "As for the Forge Manor slot, there¡¯s still time. Let us observe both Yu Yi and Su Zhe further before making a final decision." Sun Tiexin grinned, satisfied. "Just wait," he said smugly, "until my apprentice earns his place at the Forge Manor. Then we¡¯ll see who gets the last laugh!" With that, he stormed out, leaving Wang Shan fuming.
Unaware of the brewing storm, Su Zhe remained engrossed in his work at the Artisan Hall. Hammering, forging, quenching, sharpening¡ªeach blow of his hammer rang like the sound of coins falling into a coffer. A pile of freshly forged weapons, seven or eight in total, rested nearby. More money... I need more money! Ever since learning of Huang Mazi¡¯s connection to the Breaking Army Hall, Su Zhe felt as though a blade hovered over his head, ready to strike. To secure his future and open his fourth celestial aperture, he needed wealth¡ªand fast.