Borrowing Wine to Steal a Talent

Night had deepened. Inside the large house of the Wang Clan Martial Academy, candlelight flickered.

Wang Yue sat at the table, repeatedly stroking the silver Cloud-Piercing Armor in his hands. Its plates gleamed with a cold sheen beneath the candlelight, their patterns like flowing clouds—exquisite yet tough.

He drew a deep breath, fixed his gaze on the extraction button for the Sturdy talent on the panel, and silently commanded, Extract the first-tier talent Sturdy.

The moment the words fell, the Cloud-Piercing Armor in his hand suddenly grew faintly warm. An invisible energy flowed through his palm into his body, instantly spreading through every limb and bone.

Wang Yue could clearly feel as though his body had been immersed in warm water, faintly heating up. The muscles and bones beneath his skin trembled slightly, as though undergoing a gentle tempering.

He closed his eyes and carefully sensed the changes within himself. A moment later, he opened them, the corners of his lips lifting despite himself. "The effect is indeed quite good."

He stretched out a hand and gently pinched the skin on his arm. He could distinctly feel that his skin had become far more resilient. This change was actually comparable to the cleansing his body had undergone when he condensed his tenth strand of Blood Qi.

Of course, he had not gone mad enough to test his defense with a sharp weapon. With his own strength, what flesh and skin could withstand his chopping? Yet merely through a martial artist's perception of his own body, he could determine that the Sturdy talent's enhancement could offset a considerable amount of force from ordinary punches and kicks.

At that moment, a notification suddenly appeared on the panel: Talent extraction cooling down. Remaining time: 5 days.

"Five days of cooldown?" Wang Yue pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up. He immediately circulated his Blood Qi, sending two thick streams of Blood Qi through his meridians and into the panel.

Sure enough, as the Blood Qi flowed in, the cooldown timer on the panel rapidly decreased. Within only a few breaths, "5 days" became "0."

Extract the first-tier talent Speed! Wang Yue gave the command again without hesitation.

This time, the energy entering his body was no longer gentle. It carried a trace of stinging pain, as though countless fine needles were combing through his tendons and veins. Wang Yue gritted his teeth and endured it. He could clearly feel as though some heavy restraint had been stripped from his body, making him much lighter. Even his breathing felt several degrees smoother.

He abruptly rose to his feet and sprinted toward the open space outside the small house. His footsteps made almost no sound as they landed, and his speed was roughly ten percent faster than before!

Among all martial arts under heaven, only speed is unbreakable! Wang Yue was overjoyed. This seemingly insignificant increase in speed was an enormous advantage in actual combat. Whether dodging attacks, seizing the initiative, or fleeing, it could prove useful.

"You brat, still making a fuss this late at night?" A familiar voice came from behind him. Wang Shuo, dressed in a gray long robe, walked down from upstairs. Looking at Wang Yue running through the open space, his eyes held a trace of helplessness.

"That inner armor is indeed made from good material, but it is not worth studying day and night without rest, is it?"

Wang Yue stopped and walked over to Wang Shuo. Rather than looking up at him, he continued stroking the Cloud-Piercing Armor in his hands and slowly said, "I want to systematically learn weapon forging from Master Liu Haibing. I can only study the inner armor he forged more, ponder his craftsmanship, but I still do not know how to build a good relationship with him."

Hearing this, Wang Shuo suddenly laughed heartily and patted Wang Yue's shoulder. "You brat, young as you are, you sure know how to scheme! Don't worry, leave this matter to me. Come, let's give each other a hand."

Wang Yue raised his brows, unable to tell what Wang Shuo was up to, but he still extended his hand as instructed and firmly grasped Wang Shuo's arm.

The next second, inner force suddenly erupted from Wang Shuo's body. A strand of condensed inner force slowly flowed along his arm and into Wang Yue's body. This was the signature power of an Energy Refining Realm martial artist.

In the past, Wang Yue would certainly have instinctively driven away that strand of inner force. But this time, he did not. Instead, he circulated the ten strands of Blood Qi in his body, letting them surge toward that strand of inner force like a tide, violently tearing and battering it.

Though inner force was strong, under the impact of Wang Yue's abundant Blood Qi, it swiftly dissipated through his meridians like melting ice and snow.

Wang Yue's expression did not change throughout, as though he had merely done something utterly insignificant.

Wang Shuo released his hand. A trace of approval flashed through his eyes as he smiled faintly. "That Liu Haibing may look rough, but his mind is actually as simple as can be.

"He has a hobby—he likes drinking, yet he cannot drink. The moment he drinks, he gets drunk, and once drunk, he likes spouting nonsense. Isn't that ridiculous?"

"He likes drinking but cannot drink?" Wang Yue's eyes instantly brightened. He immediately understood Wang Shuo's meaning. Wang Shuo wanted him to use wine to win Liu Haibing over!

"Master, do you have any good wine here?" Wang Yue hurriedly asked.

Wang Shuo smacked his lips and turned to head upstairs. Shortly afterward, he came down carrying a dark-red gourd. The words "Hundred Year Drunk" were carved upon it. Even unopened, it gave off a faint fragrance of wine.

"This is Hundred Year Drunk Fen wine from the century-old winery of Spirit Seeking Prefecture. It was cellared for a full hundred years. It is mellow on the tongue but packs a powerful aftertaste—a rare fine wine."

Wang Shuo handed the gourd to Wang Yue. "Take it. Give him this wine, and he will definitely see you in a different light."

Wang Yue accepted the gourd with both hands. It felt satisfyingly heavy in his grasp, and excitement surged in his heart. He promptly cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, Master!"

Master Wang Shuo looked at his disciple and muttered to himself, How had he grown so quickly? How long had I lingered at Blood Condensation—eight years, or ten?

Wang Yue's thoughts were entirely occupied with building a relationship with Liu Haibing and learning weapon forging. How could he have any mind left for sleep? He simply put away the Cloud-Piercing Armor, carried the wine gourd, and headed for the Essence Chamber in the clan chief's residence. Since he could not sleep, he might as well take this chance to cultivate the Blood Dragon Secret Method in the chamber and strive to break through to the fourth form soon.

In the night, Wang Yue's figure was as light as a civet cat. Before long, he vanished at the end of the alley.

Within the Essence Chamber, mist-like essence still drifted through the air. Wang Yue pushed open the door to a partitioned room, sat down cross-legged, and immediately circulated the Blood Dragon Secret Method. As the technique unfolded, the surrounding essence was steadily drawn into his body, transformed into Blood Qi, and used to replenish his cultivation expenditure. The sound of fists cutting through the air rang out in the chamber again, interweaving with the faint whispers of flowing essence.

Early the next morning, when the sky had only just begun to brighten, Wang Yue emerged from the Essence Chamber. A lingering aura of essence still clung to him. Though there was a trace of fatigue in his eyes, it could not conceal the vigorous glow of his full Blood Qi.

After a night of intermittent cultivation, the pathways of the fourth form of the Blood Dragon Secret Method had become increasingly clear. He was not far from mastering it.

The moment he stepped into the courtyard of the clan chief's residence, he sensed a gaze resting upon him. Looking up, he saw Wang He sitting beside a second-floor window, holding a cup of hot tea. Wang He's gaze swept lightly over him. He said nothing, but Wang Yue could read a trace of approval in his eyes.

This boy truly is not afraid of the distracting thoughts within the essence. Wang He mused inwardly. Wang Yue soaked himself in the chamber to cultivate every day, yet his progress changed with each passing day. Among the Wang Clan's younger generation, such temperament and talent could be called unparalleled.

A thought suddenly surfaced in his mind: if Wang Yue could be kept within the clan and prevented from going to the Dragon Transformation Sect, then perhaps the Wang Clan might rely on him to rise another step in the future, perhaps even free itself from its dependence on the Dragon Transformation Sect.

But the moment the thought arose, he forcibly suppressed it. Wang He gave a self-mocking smile. "What difference is there between staying in the Wang Clan and going to the Dragon Transformation Sect?

"Without the benefits and resources given to Dragon Transformation Sect disciples, yet still having to work for the Dragon Transformation Sect, he would only be delaying his future."

The Wang Clan was now a subordinate force of the Dragon Transformation Sect. Even if Wang Yue remained in the clan, he would ultimately still have to serve the sect. Since that was the case, it would be better to let him enter the sect, where he could at least receive better training.

Wang Yue did not notice Wang He's thoughts. He cupped his hands toward the second floor, then moved with light, flying steps toward the Forge Workshop in the western courtyard. He carefully protected the wine gourd in his arms, afraid that even a single drop might spill.

Bang! The wooden door of the Forge Workshop was pushed open. Liu Haibing was crouched beside the furnace, adding coal. When he saw Wang Yue enter, a trace of surprise flashed through his eyes. "You came early. You are much more diligent than that brat Wang Daoling."

He recalled Wang Yue's performance yesterday, then tried hard to remember the tone the sect elders used when praising disciples. Keeping a stern face, he said, "You can be taught."

Wang Yue held back a laugh, though an earnest smile appeared on his face. He quickly stepped forward, pulled the dark-red wine gourd from his robes, and gave it a shake. A rich aroma of wine instantly spread through the room. "Master Liu, thank you for your guidance yesterday. I specially brought a small gift and would like to ask you to have a taste."

Liu Haibing's gaze was instantly drawn to the wine gourd. His Adam's apple bobbed unconsciously, but his words remained stiff. "I still have to teach disciples weapon forging. It is not suitable to drink. It would delay matters."

"It is only a small drink or two. It will not delay much." Wang Yue feigned shyness as he placed the wine gourd on the table and smiled. "With Master Liu's drinking capacity, two cups of wine should be nothing to you. Could it be that you are afraid of getting drunk?"

"Afraid of getting drunk? When has Liu Haibing ever been afraid!" Liu Haibing was provoked, his brows rising as he shouted, "Bring cups! Today, I will drink two cups with you!"

Wang Yue rejoiced inwardly. He took out two celadon wine cups that he had prepared in advance. Wang Yue had even prepared the cups beforehand.

He picked up the wine gourd and carefully filled both cups. The wine was amber-colored and crystal-clear. Before it even touched their lips, its rich fragrance could already be smelled.

"For the first cup, I toast Master Liu's arrival at the Wang Clan. I will have to rely on your guidance in the future!" Wang Yue raised his cup with a respectful tone. Once he finished speaking, he tipped back his head and drained it. The spicy wine slid down his throat, carrying a faint sweetness in its aftertaste, while its strength quietly began to rise.

"Good! Straightforward enough!" Seeing this, Liu Haibing also raised his cup and drained it in one gulp. A look of satisfaction immediately appeared on his face. Though this Hundred Year Drunk Fen wine could not compare with the fine wines within the sect, it had a unique flavor of its own.

Wang Yue immediately poured another cup and raised it. "This cup is for Master Liu's demonstration of weapon forging for me yesterday. It made everything suddenly clear to me. Let me toast you again!"

With that, he drained another cup, though his eyes secretly observed Liu Haibing's condition. Fen wine had an extremely powerful aftertaste. He had to get Liu Haibing drunk quickly, or once the other disciples arrived, or Liu Haibing used Blood Qi to dispel the alcohol, he would have no chance to touch that Weapon Forging Hammer.

Liu Haibing felt thoroughly pleased by the words and did not refuse. He raised his cup again and drank.

"For this third cup, I toast Master Liu's exceptional teaching skill. Even Senior Brother Wang Daoling has been taught by you into a proper mold. Let me toast you again!" Wang Yue gave Liu Haibing no chance to react, filling another cup and drinking first as a sign of respect.

Liu Haibing was made dizzy by the praise. He wanted to stop Wang Yue from drinking so quickly, but when the words reached his lips, the four words "exceptional teaching skill" blocked them right back down. He could only helplessly raise his cup and drink again.

Cup after cup, Wang Yue praised Liu Haibing in ever-changing ways while constantly pouring wine. By the fifth cup, only Liu Haibing was still drinking. Each time Wang Yue raised his empty cup and pretended to drink, he was actually secretly pouring the wine into the charcoal ash behind him.

Before long, the dark-red wine gourd was empty. Liu Haibing's cheeks had flushed visibly red, and his eyes had become somewhat unfocused. Even his speech was slurred. "Good... good wine... More... bring another gourd..."

Wang Yue's heart tightened. The time had come! He quietly reached out and gently picked up the golden-glinting Weapon Forging Hammer hanging at Liu Haibing's waist. It felt cold in his hand, and the patterns on its body seemed to contain a strange power.

While cultivating in the chamber yesterday, he had already injected two strands of Blood Qi and reset the panel's extraction cooldown to zero. Now, holding the Weapon Forging Hammer, he silently commanded without hesitation, Extract the second-tier weapon-forging talent Hundred Forgings!

A golden radiance surged from the Weapon Forging Hammer into Wang Yue's body, instantly transforming into dense black shadows that flooded into his mind. Those shadows were actually Liu Haibing's decades of weapon-forging experience: from selecting materials and tending the fire, to the force used in hammering, the control of rhythm, the removal of impurities, shaping, and quenching. Every detail was incomparably clear, as though Wang Yue had experienced it himself.

Wang Yue's comprehension had already been extraordinary. Not only did these black shadows fail to leave him mentally dazed, he rapidly digested and absorbed them, grasping the essence of the Hundred Forgings talent. He could even vividly recall every detail of Liu Haibing's hammering techniques when forging Hundred Forgings refined iron.

At that moment, Liu Haibing suddenly narrowed his eyes and glanced at Wang Yue. The corner of his lips curled into an imperceptible arc. This little brat truly could not stop thinking about his Weapon Forging Hammer!

He appeared muddleheaded, but in truth, most of the alcohol's force had already been quietly dissolved by the Dragon Transformation Force within his body as he drank. His so-called drunken appearance was merely an act.

The sect had repeatedly taught him to be cautious when outside. How could he be so easily plied into drunkenness? He had only deliberately loosened his guard because he saw that Wang Yue's intentions were pure and that he sincerely wished to learn weapon forging, allowing him to get what he wanted.

Once Wang Yue had played with the Weapon Forging Hammer to his heart's content, Liu Haibing suddenly drew a deep breath. The Dragon Transformation Force in his body abruptly surged, and a condensed inner force circulated through his meridians, instantly surrounding and wiping out every remaining trace of alcohol. Wine vapor escaped from his pores, and his eyes instantly regained their clarity. There was not the slightest hint of drunkenness left.

Wang Yue was still immersed in the joy of digesting the Hundred Forgings talent when he suddenly saw a hand extend before him, palm up, clearly asking for the Weapon Forging Hammer back. His heart jolted. He gave an awkward smile and hurriedly handed the hammer back.

"Humph!" Liu Haibing took the Weapon Forging Hammer and hung it back at his waist. His expression darkened as he coldly said, "Come in with me!

He turned and walked toward the forging platform deeper within the workshop. "Today, you will hammer iron until you have had your fill. Otherwise, my name is not Liu Haibing!"