The moon shone bright as the stars grew sparse, and the crowds gradually thinned.
After eating and drinking their fill, the three left Yuhao Grilled Fish and found an inn to rest for the night.
Seeing the classic combination of one man and two women, the inn receptionist's first thought was that some Soul Master's evil fire had flared up and become impossible to suppress. Internally, she condemned Zhao Xuanzhen as a beast—until the three booked three separate rooms, whereupon she once again roared inwardly that Zhao Xuanzhen was worse than a beast!
"Get some good rest. We'll go to the Forging Association tomorrow morning."
"Good night." "Good night, Zhao Xuanzhen!"
The three each entered their own rooms.
"Xun Word, Listen to the Wind."
Zhao Xuanzhen let out a soft breath. Instead of meditating to restore his mind, he released two wisps of Qingfeng and listened to the sounds from Na'er and Gu Yue's room next door. Half an hour later, they had washed away the dust of the journey and both entered meditation. The room became completely quiet.
He pushed open the window and leaped from the thirteenth floor of the inn. The gale supported Zhao Xuanzhen's body, allowing him to land as lightly as a speck of dust. Then he burst into motion, leaving a string of afterimages in his wake.
The gray iron building resembled a gigantic hammer thrust diagonally into the earth. Dark gold patterns on its thirty-story exterior formed a hammer-shaped relief, while the metallic glow embedded in the hammerhead flowed and shifted, dyeing the entire street with a cold metallic texture.
Heaven Dou City Forging Association.
In his mind, he ordered Soaring Serpent to conceal everything with Deceptive Power. Zhao Xuanzhen looked up at the enormous hammer, his black pupils having somehow turned brilliant gold. The Bagua Qimen God Plate rotated, drawing in streams of invisible air—the Heaven's Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Human Harmony of the Forging Association.
"Dry Gold Image, return to your place."
"Buzz--"
A bottomless dark fissure split open across the Divine Plate. Compared with Soaring Serpent's grand arrival, the awakening of the second Eight Deceitful God was far more subdued.
He was a boy of around ten, born with a sharply defined pentagonal face. His jawline was as sharp as if carved by blade and axe, broad shoulders supporting the muscle lines lurking beneath his clothes. His gray eyes resembled dark iron, and every movement he made carried a natural air of authority and righteousness.
The boy cupped his fists in salute and said in a sonorous voice, "Eight Deceitful God Jiu Tian greets the Master of Qimen."
"Hehe, Jiu Tian, you're so weak. Unlike me, who descended directly in my peak state..."
Soaring Serpent poked out his head with a smug grin, teasing his old companion.
Jiu Tian could not be bothered to respond to Soaring Serpent. His expression remained cold and hard. By Douluo Continent's standards, he was equivalent to a Level 21 Soul Grand Master, while Soaring Serpent stood at the cultivation limit of this plane—a Quasi-God.
The combat strength of the two Eight Deceitful Gods was worlds apart at the moment, but Jiu Tian understood that Zhao Xuanzhen must have other plans for awakening him in his juvenile stage.
"Jiu Tian, I need you to join the Forging Association and ascend to become the next Godly Craftsman," Zhao Xuanzhen said bluntly.
"A Godly Craftsman under this world's rules is too important. There can be no mistakes. You are the Dry Gold Image, and after absorbing the Forging Association's Heaven's Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Human Harmony, you can be called a born seed of a Godly Craftsman."
"As you command, My Lord."
Jiu Tian accepted the order without complaint.
Zhao Xuanzhen gave a slight nod. He intended to make use of a transmigrator's advantage, preparing for the future and laying his plans in advance.
Controlling the Forging Association meant seizing the throat of Battle Armor. Moreover, only a Godly Craftsman could independently forge the Heavenly Forging Metal needed to create Four-Word Battle Armor. He needed someone he could trust completely.
Whether it was Tang Wulin, Mu Xi, or Forging Masters such as Yang Nianxia who came later, none met Zhao Xuanzhen's standards. Therefore, he had decided to send out the Eight Deceitful Gods, whose loyalty was absolute.
Jiu Tian was the Dry Gold Image, a god of imposing might, and he was the best fit for the rules governing Godly Craftsmen on Douluo Continent. He would take over Zhen Hua's position, shoulder the responsibilities of Godly Craftsman and Forging Master President, provide Zhao Xuanzhen with Heavenly Forging Metal, and lead the Forging Association to greater heights.
The Forging Association's three energies of heaven, earth, and man were inferior to those of the Spirit Pagoda, so Jiu Tian's early growth would be far slower than Soaring Serpent's. However, once he broke through to become a Godly Craftsman, the energy of Human Harmony would surge instantly, and Jiu Tian's cultivation would soar like a rocket until it reached the continent's limit—a Quasi-God.
In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the window as Zhao Xuanzhen slowly opened his eyes.
After a night of meditation, he was brimming with energy. His Soul Power had improved slightly, nearing level 33. The Darkgold Fearclaw Bear's left and right palm bones were of exceptionally high quality, but they were only thousand-year Soul Bones and had not brought much improvement to his Soul Power.
After washing up and changing clothes, Zhao Xuanzhen opened his door. The rooms on either side opened at the same time, and two beautiful figures, one in white and one in black, emerged.
Na'er wore a light blue half-skirt, fresh and elegant. Butterfly accessories with a soft texture adorned her outfit, lively and delicate. Her silver white long hair fell to her slender waist, while the lines of her graceful neck and collarbones Fully Displayed her elegance.
Gu Yue was no less beautiful. The colors of her skirt hem seemed to have blended shattered forest light and shadow, intertwined in emerald green and pure white. Its delicate, lustrous patterns carried the spiritual charm of nature. Her slender figure possessed an ethereal aura, fully displaying tranquility and gentleness.
At times like this, someone might ask: Na'er and Gu Yue were so beautiful, but what about Zhao Xuanzhen, who accompanied the two girls?
Zhao Xuanzhen was also a handsome young man renowned throughout the surrounding villages!
People favored beautiful things, and Zhao Xuanzhen was no exception. With two peerlessly beautiful Young Girls by his side, even the air around him seemed much fresher.
"Welcome, the three of you."
As the three entered the Forging Association's main entrance, a sweet-looking young girl greeted them proactively.
"We are from the Spirit Pagoda. We seek Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua."
Muye was unknown to outsiders, so Zhao Xuanzhen directly presented his identification and requested to see Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua. As the Direct Disciple of Sky Phoenix Douluo, Leng Yaozhu had always trained Zhao Xuanzhen for the position of next Deputy Tower Master. His authority within the Spirit Pagoda was extremely high, one rank above the Branch Tower Masters of the Eighteen Heavenly Pillars.
The young girl's expression turned solemn as she respectfully said, "Honored Spirit Transmission Tower Deacon, the Godly Craftsman holds a Public Lesson once every month. He is currently teaching a Thousandfold Forging course to Forging Masters under twenty in the first-floor hall. Could you wait for a while?"
"Alright. We'll wait in the hall."
"Certainly. Please follow me."
The young girl led the way. Seeing this, hidden currents stirred in Gu Yue's eyes. Zhao Xuanzhen's power and status were plain to see. Getting close to him had indeed been the right choice!
The first-floor hall of the Forging Association was quite spacious, and everything inside was made of metal. The Godly Craftsman's Public Lesson was sought after by countless Forging Masters, and the hall was packed with people.
"Thousandfold Forging metal requires a Forging Master's strength, Soul Power assistance, and mental strength control. Not one of the three can be lacking..."
A middle-aged man in his thirties stood at the podium. His hands were broad and slender, his skin as crystalline as jade. A hammer-shaped badge with a gold base hung from his chest, bearing nine stars that represented his ninth-rank Second Profession level.
A Ninth Rank Godly Craftsman Forging Master—there was only one across the three continents. He was the Forging Association's president, Zhen Hua!
"Using this method greatly improves the success rate of Thousandfold Forging... That concludes today's lesson. If there is anything you do not understand, you may ask."
Looking at the young faces below, Zhen Hua smiled. He showed no impatience at all despite explaining Thousandfold Forging techniques. Young people were the future of the Forging Association, and as the leader of Forging Masters, a Godly Craftsman had the duty to help them lay a solid foundation.
"Godly Craftsman, I have a question. I would like to forge metal on the spot and seek your guidance."
Jiu Tian, who had entered the hall earlier, spoke in a voice like a ringing bell, immediately drawing the attention of every Forging Master.
Na'er secretly tugged at Zhao Xuanzhen's sleeve and whispered, "That Pentagon Young Hero doesn't look ordinary at all!"
"Don't just make up nicknames for people..."
Zhao Xuanzhen spoke up for the Eight Deceitful God. Still, Jiu Tian really did have a square, angular face. Na'er was only telling the truth...
"I like your courage. Come up!"
Zhen Hua laughed heartily. There were few Forging Masters who dared forge metal in front of a Godly Craftsman and so many peers. With his frank and cheerful personality, he greatly admired Jiu Tian and was willing to give the young man a chance to display his skills.
With a slap on a button, the original podium transformed into a forging platform. More than ten kinds of rare metal were laid out for the choosing.
Under hundreds of searchlight-like gazes, Jiu Tian held his head high and strode through the crowd. He stepped onto the forging platform and picked up two black pieces of metal. They felt cold as frigid jade, and fine speckled patterns glimmered under the Soul Guidance lamps.
Rare metal, Tianxing Iron.
Whose disciple is this child? He isn't wearing a badge, so I can't tell his Forging Master rank. Is he planning to forge two pieces of Tianxing Iron at once...? Zhen Hua thought to himself.
Jiu Tian took a deep breath and tossed the two pieces of Tianxing Iron into the forge to heat them. The air mingled with the scorching smell of flame and metal's distinctive rusty tang. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his iron-gray eyes were perfectly clear.
His palms flipped, and two gilded forging hammers appeared. The cloud patterns densely covering their hammerheads moved with lifelike vitality, while the indentations on the handles that fit his palm prints seemed to grow from the same flesh as his hands. Jiu Tian spread his feet slightly and tensed his spine. With every breath, the rise and fall of his chest gradually synchronized with the dancing tongues of flame in the forge.
Dry Gold Hammer—the Martial Soul Jiu Tian had chosen to reveal before everyone, one that also suited a Forging Master's identity!
With the preparations complete, Jiu Tian removed the Tianxing Iron. His twin hammers crossed through the air, trailing two golden afterimages. Before the hammerheads even fell, the wind pressure tore through the air first and smashed heavily against the edges of the metal.
"Clang!"
The piercing ring of metal striking metal made the air tremble. The two pieces of Tianxing Iron suddenly caved inward, sparks scattering like a Meteor Shower. A circle of golden-red radiance spread across the iron, ripples expanding from the impact points as the air currents violently rolled outward!
"Good boy!"
Zhen Hua shouted, a sharp gleam bursting from his eyes. With the vision of a Godly Craftsman, he could see Jiu Tian's extraordinary nature after only one strike.
As the Dry Gold Hammer fell, Jiu Tian resonated with the Tianxing Iron, entering a marvelous state of fusion. Forging Master and rare metal became one!
Using his waist and hips to twist, Jiu Tian unleashed his twin hammers, their shadows merging into an unbroken dark cloud.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The strikes began dull, then gradually turned into clear bell-like chimes. With every hammer blow, the Tianxing Iron continuously contracted, impurities steaming out as its core grew denser. A deep-sea blue emerged from within, and the rudimentary form of Thousandfold Forging appeared.
Everyone below the platform was a Forging Master under twenty. Those capable of forging Thousandfold Forging metal were all outstanding talents. Seeing how mature Jiu Tian was despite his youth, they could not help cheering loudly.
Jiu Tian had no attention to spare. His world had narrowed to the two pieces of metal before him. The Dry Gold Hammers rose again. At times, the twin hammers were light as feathers, stirring ripples across the iron's surface; at others, they were heavy as a mountain range, making the forging platform creak.
Soul Power turned into thin streams that seeped into the iron cores with every strike. The metal blocks shrank at a visible rate, faint silver threads flowing within as starlight flickered in their depths.
Twin Thousandfold Forged Tianxing Iron—success!
Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua strode forward quickly, ignoring the scorching heat of the metal as he picked it up and examined it over and over. He praised, "Perfect Thousandfold Forging. Your forging level is at the peak of the third rank. Even the Thousandfold Forging metal of veteran Forging Masters in the association may not surpass yours.
Youngster, what is your name? How old are you this year? Which Saint Craftsman do you study under?"
Zhen Hua instinctively assumed Jiu Tian was a disciple carefully trained by some Saint Craftsman. Otherwise, he should not possess such outstanding forging ability at this age.
"Jiu Tian, ten years old. I have no teacher. I comprehended everything on my own. I heard that a Godly Craftsman was teaching in Heaven Dou City, so I came here specifically to learn."
"Ten years old, and no teacher!?"
Jiu Tian's answer struck right at Zhen Hua's heart. His wide mouth split into an irrepressible grin, and the more he looked at that square, upright face, the more he liked it!
This is what we Forging Masters should look like!
Zhen Hua cleared his throat and restored his Godly Craftsman's dignity. "Jiu Tian, your talent is unprecedented. I intend to take you as my disciple and impart the true essence of forging to you. Are you willing?"
"It would be an honor."
Jiu Tian revealed a faint smile. He had hoped to use his own ability to attract Zhen Hua's attention, enter the Forging Association's core, receive the best training, and quickly become a Godly Craftsman.
"Good!"
Zhen Hua heavily patted Jiu Tian's shoulder. This Godly Craftsman had lived alone his entire life and had never found a junior worthy of inheriting the Godly Craftsman Position. Jiu Tian had appeared at exactly the right time!
Unpolished jade and a fully developed Forging Master were entirely different. Level 21 Jiu Tian appealed to Zhen Hua far more than Level 80 or 90 Jiu Tian would have.
A youth completing Thousandfold Forging with twin hammers, then being accepted as a disciple on the spot by a Godly Craftsman—once word spread, it would undoubtedly become a good story!
Mu Chen, Mu Chen, weren't you showing off about taking in a genius disciple? Now I have one too! Zhen Hua smugly savored the thought for two and a half seconds, then brushed his hand across the Storage Soul Tool at his waist and took out two white forging hammers. Smiling, he said, "Jiu Tian, this is your gift for becoming a disciple—the Spiritual Forging Cloud Gold Hammers."
Before I reached Soul Forging, I always used them to forge metal. From now on, they are yours!"
"Thank you, Teacher."
Jiu Tian put away the Spiritual Forging Cloud Gold Hammers. The next moment, the young girl and Zhao Xuanzhen's group of three arrived before Zhen Hua.
Zhao Xuanzhen smiled. "Godly Craftsman Senior, we are from the Spirit Pagoda. We are looking for Body Sect Master Muye. Illusion Brain Douluo wrote a Secret Letter."
"Illusion Brain Douluo..."
Zhen Hua came to a realization. The Heavenly Forging Metal for modern Four-Word Battle Armor had all come from his hands, so naturally he remembered Illusion Brain Douluo Han Tianyi.
Although Han Tianyi had left the Body Sect and joined the Spirit Pagoda in pursuit of the ultimate illusion domain, his relationship with the Body Sect was not strained. When he had come to Zhen Hua to commission Heavenly Forging Metal, he and Muye had even drunk together.
"Come with me. Jiu Tian, you too. I've taken a Direct Disciple, so that fellow Muye must bleed a little."
Zhen Hua led the four children into the Godly Craftsman's private Small Canteen and shouted, "Muye, get out here!"
A somewhat thin middle-aged man appeared, wearing a white chef's hat. He said irritably, "What are you doing here? It's not mealtime yet!"
"Illusion Brain Douluo sent someone with a letter." Zhen Hua gestured toward Zhao Xuanzhen beside him.
"A letter?"
Muye scratched his head in confusion. In this age of technology, they could simply use Soul Guidance Communication if there was something to discuss. Why had Han Tianyi become more old-fashioned with age?
"Senior of the Body Sect, Old Han's Secret Letter is here."
Zhao Xuanzhen handed over the letter. Muye accepted it and found Han Tianyi's unique Spiritual Imprint upon it. At the same time, he sensed a blood essence fluctuation as scorching and surging as the sun. His gaze shifted to Zhao Xuanzhen, his face filled with scrutiny.
"Youngster, your blood essence is abundant. Did you come from body cultivation?"
"More or less."
"We'll have a talk later, just us men. Let me read the letter first."
The Spiritual Imprint only served to verify the sender's identity, and Muye easily broke it open. Two bold, dragon-like characters were written prominently on the white paper.
True Self.
"Ah, True Self... Hm? True Self!!"
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