Sorry, Wulin

Under Mu Chen's appreciative gaze.

After half an hour of effort, Zhao Tao's blacksmithing was nearing its end.

With the final hammer strike, spiritual lights rose, and the Thousand Refinement was complete.

"Congratulations, Zhao Tao, from today onwards, you are a Rank 3 Blacksmith Master!"

Looking at Zhao Tao, who had completed the Thousand Refinement before him, Mu Chen's eyes were filled with surprise and delight as he announced the test results.

"I have lived up to expectations. Thank you, President Mu, for personally testing me!"

Upon hearing Mu Chen's words, Zhao Tao smiled slightly and cupped his fists towards Mu Chen.

"Young man, there's no need for modesty!"

"Your Thousand Refinement standard just now is more than enough to qualify for Rank 4 Blacksmith Master."

"It would only require some time to become more familiar with a few more metals."

Hearing Zhao Tao's words, Mu Chen chuckled and asked with some curiosity, "Zhao Tao, who is your master? To teach such an outstanding disciple, your master must also be a grandmaster proficient in blacksmithing!"

"President Mu, I do not have a master yet."

Upon hearing Mu Chen's words, Zhao Tao smiled slightly and replied.

"No teacher? How, how is that possible!"

Upon hearing this, Mu Chen's eyes flickered with disbelief.

This child before him not only displayed such a high level of blacksmithing skill but also had no master!

At first, Mu Chen didn't quite believe Zhao Tao's words.

However, after carefully recalling Zhao Tao's blacksmithing process.

Mu Chen could confirm that the blacksmithing techniques Zhao Tao displayed were absolutely original and did not belong to any existing blacksmithing school.

This made Mu Chen certain that Zhao Tao's words were not mere jest!

In other words, his blacksmithing skills were all figured out by himself!

Such blacksmithing talent was truly terrifying, far surpassing his own!

Thinking of this, Mu Chen couldn't help but feel inferior.

His gaze towards Zhao Tao was not just appreciative, but also filled with a newfound eagerness!

"Zhao Tao, your talent is truly admirable!"

"While I don't want you to become overly proud, I still have to tell you—"

"You have broken the record on Douluo Continent and become the youngest Rank 3 Blacksmith Master!"

"The East Sea Blacksmith Association is proud of you!"

"If you encounter any difficulties, the association will certainly help you within reasonable limits."

Looking at Zhao Tao before him, Mu Chen spoke slowly, then continued, "At the same time, as an individual, I also want to ask, Zhao Tao, are you willing to take me as your master?"

"Although your talent is high, having guidance can still help you go faster and further."

"As an Eight-star Saint Craftsman, I am willing to share all my experience with you, to help you grow into a Saint Craftsman, or even the legendary Divine Craftsman, more quickly!"

"Of course, there's a little bit of my personal desire in this, which is that I hope to nurture a true Divine Craftsman, and in you, I see that hope."

After speaking, Mu Chen looked at Zhao Tao with anticipation, hoping for a positive reply.

After all, Mu Chen knew that with his own talent, he might never achieve the status of a Divine Craftsman in his lifetime.

His lifelong wish was to personally witness the birth of a Divine Craftsman.

"Take a disciple... I'm sorry, Wulin!"

Hearing Mu Chen's words, Zhao Tao smiled inwardly.

As a Reborn One, Zhao Tao naturally did not need Mu Chen's guidance.

However, if Zhao Tao refused, Mu Chen would have a high chance of noticing Tang Wulin, that little blacksmithing genius, and taking him as a disciple.

And this was something Zhao Tao did not want to see!

Indeed.

Zhao Tao harbored no great hatred towards Tang Wulin.

After all, like himself, Tang Wulin was a victim of Divine King Tang's ten-thousand-year plan.

But.

As a Transmigrator and Reborn One, Zhao Tao understood that he absolutely could not let Tang Wulin grow too quickly!

After all, Tang Wulin was also a pawn of Tang San, the "key" to initiating the ten-thousand-year plan.

The ultimate strength that Tang San's divine sense could exert largely depended on Tang Wulin's cultivation and power.

And to break Tang San's scheme, Tang Wulin's strength must be limited.

At the same time, the stronger Tang Wulin's strength became, the higher the degree of fusion with the Golden Dragon King bloodline.

In the future, stripping the Golden Dragon King bloodline from Tang Wulin would cause him greater harm, returning it to its rightful owner.

It might even cost him his life.

Precisely because of this—

Whether to disrupt Tang San's ten-thousand-year grand plan or to protect Tang Wulin's life.

Allowing Tang Wulin to grow slowly and delaying the speed at which he unlocks the Golden Dragon King bloodline's seal was a necessary choice!

And making Tang Wulin lose Mu Chen, a Saint Craftsman-level teacher, was undoubtedly a wise decision!

After all, Mu Chen was not only a Saint Craftsman but had also introduced Tang Wulin to Zhen Hua and Mu Ye.

Mu Ye's special training had also greatly increased the speed at which the Golden Dragon King bloodline awakened within Tang Wulin.

And this was something Zhao Tao could not accept!

As for face or anything like that, those who accomplish great things overlook minor details; why be hesitant?

"I am willing!"

With this thought, Zhao Tao made his decision and bowed to Mu Chen.

"Good, good, very good!"

"From today onwards, you are my disciple, Mu Chen's disciple!"

Receiving Zhao Tao's affirmative reply, Mu Chen's face was filled with smiles, and his gaze towards Zhao Tao was full of concern and affection.

"I have complete faith in your Blacksmithing talent!"

"However, to become a top-tier blacksmith, besides powerful Blacksmithing talent, you also need powerful Soul Power as support!"

"You don't need to worry about this at all!"

"The East Sea Blacksmith Association and I will cultivate you with all our might, preparing both cultivation resources and Soul Spirits for you!"

"Therefore, you can devote all your energy to Soul Power cultivation and Blacksmithing, without having to take on any time-wasting miscellaneous tasks!"

"If you lack any resources, just apply to me, your teacher!"

"The plan I have for you is to aim for Spirit Forging before the age of eighteen and Soul Forging before the age of twenty-seven. Do you have confidence?"

Looking at Zhao Tao with concern, Mu Chen laid out his plan.

"Of course!"

Upon hearing Mu Chen's words, Zhao Tao smiled slightly.

"Excellent! This is a copy of my Blacksmithing notes, containing my experience and insights on Thousand Forgings. I hope you read it carefully."

"Also, come to the Blacksmith Association every two weeks on your rest days, and I will personally guide your Blacksmithing."

"Additionally, this is the Level 3 Blacksmith Badge you deserve, and here is a Storage Soul Tool containing some basic cultivation resources. Consider it a welcome gift from your teacher!"

Looking at Zhao Tao's confident demeanor, Mu Chen nodded with satisfaction. He personally took out a Blacksmith Badge with three stars and pinned it to Zhao Tao's chest.

Afterward, he took out a small metallic booklet and a bracelet-like Storage Soul Tool, handing them to Zhao Tao.

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Taking the Blacksmithing notes and Storage Soul Tool from Mu Chen's hands, Zhao Tao smiled and expressed his gratitude.