The Eight Deceitful Gods, Jiu Tian, Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua, and the Ben Ti Sect Master, Muye

# Chapter 29: Eight Deceitful Gods Jiu Tian, Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua and Ben Ti Sect Master Muye (4K)

The moon was bright, the stars sparse, and the flow of people gradually dwindled.

The three of them ate their fill and walked out of Yuhao Grilled Fish, finding an inn to rest for the night.

The receptionist at the inn's front desk saw the classic combination of one man and two women, and his first thought was again that the soul master's wicked fire was rising and couldn't be suppressed. Inwardly he denounced Zhao Xuanzhen as a beast, until the three opened three separate rooms, at which point he roared again that Zhao Xuanzhen was worse than a beast!

"Rest well. Tomorrow morning we'll go to the Forging Association."

"Good night / Good night, Zhao Xuanzhen!"

The three each walked into their rooms.

"Xun Word, Listen to the Wind."

Zhao Xuanzhen let out a light breath. Instead of meditating to nourish his spirit, he released two wisps of clear wind, listening to the sounds from Na'er and Gu Yue's adjacent rooms. After half an hour, they had washed away the dust of the journey and both sunk into a meditative state, the rooms falling completely silent.

Pushing open the window, he leaped down from the thirteenth floor of the inn. A gale wind lifted Zhao Xuanzhen's body, making him like a grain of sand as he landed lightly, then instantly accelerated, leaving a chain of afterimages along the way.

The gray iron-colored building resembled a giant hammer thrust diagonally into the ground. On the thirty-story exterior wall, dark gold patterns outlined a hammer-shaped relief. The metal halo at the hammer's head flowed with light, coating the entire street in a layer of cold metallic texture.

Heaven Dou City Forging Association.

Commanding Soaring Serpent in his heart to use the Deceptive Power to conceal everything, Zhao Xuanzhen looked up at that giant hammer. His pitch-black pupils had unknowingly turned into brilliant gold. The Bagua Qimen God Plate rotated, devouring streams of invisible currents—the Heaven's Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Human Harmony of the Forging Association.

"Dry Gold Image, return to position."

"Buzz—"

The God Plate split open with a bottomless, dark crevice. Compared to Soaring Serpent's grand and imposing descent, the awakening of the second Eight Deceitful God was much more subdued.

A youth around ten years old was born with a sharply defined pentagonal face, his jawline as fierce as if carved by knife and axe. Broad shoulders propped up the dormant muscle lines beneath his clothes. His gray eyes were like black iron, and every movement revealed a natural majesty and integrity.

The youth clasped his fists in salute, his voice ringing with strength: "Eight Deceitful God Jiu Tian, greets the Master of Qimen."

"Hehe, Jiu Tian, you're so weak. Not like me, who descended directly in peak condition..."

Soaring Serpent sneakily poked out a head, looking at his old companion with a teasing grin.

Jiu Tian couldn't be bothered to acknowledge Soaring Serpent. His face was cold and hard. Judging by Douluo Continent's rank system, he was equivalent to a Level 21 Soul Grand Master, while Soaring Serpent was the cultivation limit of the plane—Quasi-God.

The combat power of the two Eight Deceitful Gods was now worlds apart, but Jiu Tian understood that Zhao Xuanzhen awakening him in his infant stage must have some other scheme.

"Jiu Tian, I need you to join the Forging Association and ascend to the next Godly Craftsman." Zhao Xuanzhen got straight to the point.

"The Godly Craftsman under this plane's rules is far too important. For me, it cannot afford any mistakes. You are the Dry Gold Image, and having absorbed the Heaven's Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Human Harmony of the Forging Association, you could be said to be a natural-born Godly Craftsman seed."

"As you command, My Lord."

Jiu Tian accepted the order without any complaint.

Zhao Xuanzhen nodded slightly, exercising the advantage of a transmigrator—preparing for rain before it comes, laying plans in advance.

Controlling the Forging Association meant gripping the throat of battle armor. Only a Godly Craftsman could independently forge the Heavenly Forging Metal needed to create Four-Word Battle Armor. He needed an absolutely trustworthy candidate.

Whether it was Tang Wulin, Mu Xi, or later forgers like Yang Nianxia, none of them met the standard in Zhao Xuanzhen's eyes. So he decided to deploy the Eight Deceitful God with maxed-out loyalty.

Jiu Tian was the Dry Gold Image, a majestic and fierce god, most suited to the Douluo Continent Godly Craftsman's rules. He would take over Zhen Hua's position, shoulder the responsibilities of Godly Craftsman and Forging Association President, provide Zhao Xuanzhen with Heavenly Forging Metal, and at the same time lead the Forging Association to further heights.

The three energies of heaven, earth, and man at the Forging Association were inferior to the Spirit Transmission Tower's, so Jiu Tian's early growth speed would be far slower than Soaring Serpent's. But once he broke through to Godly Craftsman, the Human Harmony energy would instantly surge, and Jiu Tian's cultivation would skyrocket like a rocket, all the way to the continent's limit—Quasi-God.

Early morning. Sunlight streamed through the window, and Zhao Xuanzhen slowly opened his eyes.

A full night of meditation left his spirit complete and energy abundant. His soul power had made a slight improvement, approaching Level 33. The left and right palm bones of the Darkgold Fearclaw Bear were of extremely high quality, but they were only thousand-year soul bones and hadn't brought much soul power increase.

After washing up and changing clothes, Zhao Xuanzhen pushed open his door. The rooms on both sides opened at the same time, and two graceful figures stepped out—one in white, one in black.

Na'er wore a light blue half-skirt, fresh and elegant. The soft texture was adorned with delicate butterfly accessories, lively and refined. Her silver-white hair fell to her slender waist, and the lines of her slim neck and collarbones fully displayed her elegance.

Gu Yue's beauty was no less. The colors of her skirt hem seemed to have crushed the light and shadow of the forest, emerald green and pure white interwoven. The delicate luster and texture carried the spiritual charm of nature. Her tall figure naturally possessed an ethereal quality, with quiet grace and soft beauty fully on display.

At a time like this, someone might ask—Na'er and Gu Yue are so beautiful, what about Zhao Xuanzhen accompanying them?

Old Zhen was also a Handsome Young Man famous in these parts!

The world loves beautiful things, and Zhao Xuanzhen was no exception. With two stunning young girls by his side, even the surrounding air seemed much fresher.

"Welcome, three guests."

As the three stepped into the Forging Association's main entrance, a sweet-faced young girl took the initiative to greet them.

"We're from the Spirit Transmission Tower. We're looking for Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua."

Muye was not known to outsiders, so Zhao Xuanzhen directly presented his identity credentials and requested to see Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua. As the Direct Disciple of Sky Phoenix Douluo, Leng Yaozhu had been grooming Zhao Xuanzhen toward the position of next Deputy Tower Master. His authority within the Spirit Transmission Tower was extremely high, a full rank above the Branch Tower Masters of the Eighteen Heavenly Pillars.

The young girl's expression turned serious. She said respectfully, "Esteemed Spirit Transmission Tower Deacon, the Godly Craftsman holds a Public Lesson every month. He is currently teaching a Thousand Forging course to forgers under twenty years old in the first-floor hall. Could you please wait a moment?"

"Mm. We'll wait in the hall."

"Very well. Three guests, please follow me."

The young girl led the way. Seeing this, a dark undercurrent stirred in Gu Yue's eyes. Zhao Xuanzhen's power and status were clearly evident. Getting close to him had indeed been the right choice!

The first-floor hall of the Forging Association was quite spacious, with everything made of metal. The Godly Craftsman's Public Lesson was sought after by countless forgers. The hall was packed with people, a dark sea of heads.

"Thousand Forging metal requires the forger's strength, soul power assistance, and mental strength control. None of the three can be lacking..."

The middle-aged man standing at the podium up front was in his thirties, with broad, slender hands and skin as translucent as jade. A gold-backed hammer-shaped badge hung on his chest, bearing nine stars, signifying his Ninth Rank Second Profession.

A Ninth Rank Godly Craftsman forger, the only one across the three continents, president of the Forging Association—Zhen Hua!

"Using this method, the success rate of Thousand Forging is greatly improved... That concludes today's lesson. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask."

Looking at the young faces below, Zhen Hua wore a gentle smile, showing no impatience despite explaining Thousand Forging techniques. The youth represented the future of the Forging Association, and as the Godly Craftsman leading all forgers, he had a duty to help them build a solid foundation.

"Godly Craftsman, I have a question. I'd like to forge metal on the spot and seek your guidance."

Jiu Tian, who had already entered the hall, spoke in a voice like a great bell, instantly drawing the attention of every forger present.

Na'er secretly tugged at Zhao Xuanzhen's sleeve and whispered, "That Pentagon Young Hero doesn't look like an ordinary person at all!"

"Don't go making up nicknames..."

Zhao Xuanzhen defended the Eight Deceitful Gods. Still, Jiu Tian did have a sharply angular, square face, so Na'er was just stating the facts...

"I like your courage. Come up!"

Zhen Hua laughed heartily. Few forgers dared to forge metal on the spot before a Godly Craftsman and so many peers. With his cheerful disposition, he admired Jiu Tian and was willing to give the young man a chance to show his skill.

With a slap of his hand on a button, the podium transformed into a forging station, displaying over a dozen rare metals for selection.

Under hundreds of gazes like searchlights, Jiu Tian strode confidently through the crowd, stepped onto the forging platform, and picked up two black pieces of metal. They felt cold as jade to the touch, with fine, star-like patterns glinting faintly under the soul lamp.

Rare metal—Tianxing Iron.

"This kid—whose disciple is he? No badge, so I can't tell his forging rank. And he's planning to forge two pieces of Tianxing Iron at once..." Zhen Hua mused inwardly.

Jiu Tian took a deep breath, tossed the two pieces of Tianxing Iron into the furnace to heat. The air was thick with the scorch of flames and the metallic tang of rust. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his iron-gray pupils were clear and sharp.

With a twist of his palms, two gilded forging hammers materialized. Cloud patterns densely packed on the hammerheads moved as if alive, and the grooves on the handles, fitting the lines of his palms, seemed to grow from his flesh. Jiu Tian spread his feet slightly, tensed his spine, and with each breath, the rise and fall of his chest gradually synced with the leaping tongues of fire in the furnace.

Dry Gold Hammer—Jiu Tian chose to reveal his martial soul openly, and it suited his identity as a forger!

With the preparations complete, Jiu Tian retrieved the Tianxing Iron. The twin hammers crossed through the air, leaving trails of golden afterimages. Before the hammerheads even fell, the wind pressure tore through the air first, slamming heavily onto the edges of the metal.

Clang!

The sharp ring of metal striking metal shook the air. The two pieces of Tianxing Iron caved in sharply, sparks flying like a meteor shower. A ring of gold-red spread across the iron blocks, ripples radiating from the impact point as the air surged and rolled!

"What a youngster!"

Zhen Hua shouted, a sharp light bursting from his eyes. With the eye of a Godly Craftsman, one hammer blow was enough to see Jiu Tian's extraordinary skill.

As the Dry Gold Hammer fell, Jiu Tian resonated with the Tianxing Iron, entering a wondrous fusion state where forger and rare metal became one!

Borrowing force from his waist and hips, Jiu Tian spun and let the hammers pour down. Hammer shadows merged into a dark cloud.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The striking sounds started dull, then gradually turned into clear, bell-like tones. With each hammer blow, the Tianxing Iron shrank continuously, impurities steaming away, the core growing denser and revealing a hint of deep-sea blue. The outline of Thousand Forging took shape.

Below the stage were forgers all under twenty. Those who could forge Thousand Forging metal were the cream of the crop. Seeing Jiu Tian's mature skill despite his youth, they couldn't help cheering loudly.

Jiu Tian had no time for distractions. The world shrank to the two pieces of metal before him. The Dry Gold Hammer rose again, the twin hammers sometimes light as a feather, stirring ripples across the iron surface, sometimes heavy as a mountain, making the forging platform groan and creak.

Soul power flowed like a trickling stream, seeping into the iron core with every strike. The iron blocks visibly shrank, silver threads faintly swirling within, and deep inside, starlight flickered.

Double Thousand Forged Tianxing Iron—success!

Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua strode forward quickly, ignoring the scorching heat of the metal surface. He picked up the pieces, turning them over and over to examine them, and praised, "Perfect Thousand Forging. Your forging level is at the peak of Rank Three. Even the Thousand Forged metal from our association's veteran forgers might not surpass yours.

Youngster, what's your name, how old are you, and which Saint Craftsman are you apprenticed to?"

Zhen Hua instinctively assumed Jiu Tian was a disciple carefully trained by some Saint Craftsman; otherwise, he couldn't have such excellent forging ability at this age.

"Jiu Tian, ten years old. I have no teacher—I learned entirely on my own. I passed through Heaven Dou City, heard the Godly Craftsman was teaching, and came specifically to learn."

"Ten years old, and no teacher!?"

Jiu Tian's answer hit Zhen Hua right in the heart. His mouth split into a grin he couldn't close, and the more he looked at that square, angular face, the more he liked it!

A forger should look like this!

Zhen Hua cleared his throat, restoring the dignity of a Godly Craftsman, and said, "Jiu Tian, your talent is rarely seen in this world. I intend to take you as my disciple and teach you the true essence of forging. Would you be willing?"

"I would be honored."

Jiu Tian revealed a smile. He had hoped to use his own ability to catch Zhen Hua's attention, enter the core of the Forging Association, receive the best training, and quickly become a Godly Craftsman.

"Excellent!"

Zhen Hua gave Jiu Tian's shoulder a heavy pat. This Godly Craftsman had lived alone all his life and had never found a junior capable of inheriting the Godly Craftsman Position. Jiu Tian's arrival was perfectly timed!

An unpolished piece of jade and a fully formed forger were two completely different things. A twenty-first level Jiu Tian was far more favored by Zhen Hua than an eightieth or ninetieth level one would be.

A youth forging double Thousand Forging with twin hammers, a Godly Craftsman taking a disciple on the spot—spread abroad, it would undoubtedly be a good story!

"Mu Chen, Mu Chen—you bragged about taking in a genius disciple, didn't you? Well, now I have one too!"

Zhen Hua savored his inner triumph for two and a half seconds, then swept his hand over the Storage Soul Tool at his waist, producing two white forging hammers. Smiling, he said, "Jiu Tian, this is your teacher's gift for taking you as a disciple—Spiritual Forged Cloud Gold Hammers.

I used these to forge metal before I reached Soul Forging. From now on, they're yours!"

"Thank you, teacher."

Jiu Tian put away the Spiritual Forged Cloud Gold Hammers. The next moment, the young girl and Zhao Xuanzhen came before Zhen Hua.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled. "Godly Craftsman Senior, we come from the Spirit Pagoda, seeking Ben Ti Sect Master Senior Muye. Illusion Brain Douluo wrote a secret letter."

"Illusion Brain Douluo..."

Zhen Hua understood. In recent times, the Heavenly Forging Metal for Four-Word Battle Armor had come from his hands alone, so he naturally remembered Illusion Brain Douluo Han Tianyi.

Although Han Tianyi had left the Ben Ti Sect and joined the Spirit Pagoda to pursue the ultimate in illusion domains, his relationship with the Ben Ti Sect was not strained. Back when he came to Zhen Hua to forge Heavenly Forging Metal, he had even shared drinks and laughter with Muye.

"Come with me. Jiu Tian, you too. I'm taking on a Direct Disciple, so that guy Muye has to bleed a little."

Zhen Hua led the four children into the Godly Craftsman's exclusive Small Canteen and called out, "Muye, get out here!"

A somewhat gaunt middle-aged man appeared, wearing a white chef's hat. He said irritably, "What are you doing? It's not mealtime yet!"

"Illusion Brain Douluo sent someone with a letter." Zhen Hua gestured to Zhao Xuanzhen beside him.

"A letter?"

Muye scratched his head in confusion. In this technological age, if something came up, you just called via Soul Guidance Communication. How was Han Tianyi regressing to old-fashioned methods!

"Ben Ti Senior, Old Han's secret letter is here."

Zhao Xuanzhen handed over the letter. Muye took it, and it was unmistakably Han Tianyi's unique spiritual imprint. At the same time, he sensed a surging Blood Essence Fluctuation as blazing as the sun. His gaze shifted to Zhao Xuanzhen, and he said with a probing look:

"Youngster, your blood essence is rich. Did you train through body refinement?"

"Something like that."

"We'll chat later, you and me. Let me read the letter first."

The spiritual imprint only served to verify identity. Muye broke it open with ease, revealing two bold, sweeping characters on the white paper.

True Self.

"Tch, True Self... Huh? True Self!!"