Sky Sea Grand Competition

Zhen Hua laughed at his words and shook his head.

"Of course I'm not asking you to compete for some empty reputation."

"Your achievements and potential have long surpassed those of your peers by far."

"But as the ancients said, one who sits at the bottom of a well knows not how vast the sea is."

"The path of blacksmithing and the road of a Soul Master are both the same."

"Although you are now publicly recognized as the foremost figure of the younger generation in the blacksmithing world, you must not look down on the outstanding talents of the world because of it."

"There are always greater people beyond people, and greater heavens beyond heaven. It is always good to maintain humility and a striving heart."

He paused, a teasing glint flashing through his eyes as he added,

"Besides, your Martial Uncle Mu Chen sent word some days ago. He has taken in a new disciple, the same age as you, who is already a Level 4 Blacksmith. She is not far from comprehending Spirit Forging and stepping into Level 5."

"Be careful not to let someone surpass you while you aren't paying attention."

Wang Chuan understood at once.

Zhen Hua was naturally talking about Tang Wulin.

With the gradual transformation of his body by the Golden Dragon King's essence, Tang Wulin possessed uniquely endowed advantages on the path of blacksmithing, which required both a powerful physique and precise control of strength. His rapid progress was hardly surprising.

Wang Chuan shook his head helplessly. He knew that his master was both trying to motivate him and sincerely hoping that he would travel more and experience a broader world.

"Since Master has said so, then I'll take part."

"I'll treat it as a chance to gain experience."

"Good."

Zhen Hua nodded in satisfaction.

"I've already spoken with your Martial Uncle Mu Chen."

"The Eastsea City Blacksmith Association has received two slots for the youth blacksmithing competition. One will go to you, and the other to your martial uncle's disciple."

"For the specific arrangements, go find your Martial Uncle Mu Chen in Eastsea City when the time comes."

"Yes, Master. I understand," Wang Chuan replied.

After leaving Zhen Hua's office, Wang Chuan began packing his belongings.

His comprehension and control of Fusion Forging had already neared maturity. All that remained was the final practical work and assessment.

After participating in the Sky Sea Grand Competition, he planned to return and formally attempt the Level 6 Blacksmith certification.

"You're leaving?"

At some point, Wu Sidu had arrived outside Wang Chuan's lounge. Leaning against the doorframe, her voice was a little softer than usual as she watched him pack his simple luggage.

"Mm. Master wants me to return to Eastsea City and take part in the Sky Sea Alliance Grand Competition."

Without looking up, Wang Chuan continued folding several changes of clothes.

"Then..."

"Will you come back after the competition ends?"

An almost imperceptible tension colored Wu Sidu's voice.

During these past few months at the Heaven Dou City Blacksmith Association, she had been able to escape the turmoil of Star Luo City and her family's expectations. She did not need to keep her nerves taut at all times while playing the role of the "perfect genius." She could cultivate as she pleased, bicker and sulk with Wang Chuan...

This simple, free, even somewhat "willful" life had given her a long-lost sense of ease and authenticity.

She was reluctant for it to end.

Wang Chuan stopped what he was doing and turned to look at the girl by the door.

Today, she wore a simple light-purple training outfit, her long hair tied into a neat ponytail. She seemed less languid than usual and carried more of a young girl's freshness.

He walked over and naturally reached out to ruffle her hair, the motion so practiced that it seemed as though he had done it many times before.

"Don't worry. I'm only going to take part in a competition. Of course I'll come back once it's over."

"There are still plenty of rare metals here waiting for me to 'wreak havoc' on, and I haven't had enough of Uncle Mu's cooking yet."

Wang Chuan smiled, his tone soothing.

Feeling the warmth from above and the familiar touch in her hair, the inexplicable gloom in Wu Sidu's heart faded considerably. Her cheeks warmed slightly, and she softly responded, "Mm."

Then, as if she had remembered something, she looked up and asked,

"By the way, Shrek Academy will begin accepting outside students in two and a half years."

"...Are you going?"

Wang Chuan did not hesitate. He shook his head.

"No."

Wu Sidu looked puzzled.

"Why?"

"With your talent as a Soul Master, isn't Shrek Academy the best choice?"

"It has the best teachers, the fiercest competitive environment, and the richest cultivation resources. I heard that the Inner Court even has insights left behind by countless seniors and secret realms..."

Wang Chuan gave a derisive snort, his tone carrying undisguised detachment.

"Forget it."

"Shrek... may not suit me."

He offered no further explanation. Some beliefs were too deeply rooted to be made clear in just a few words.

To him, the paths offered by the Spirit Pagoda and the Blacksmith Association were clear and direct, better suited to his needs and plans for development.

Having finished packing, Wang Chuan picked up his small travel bag and walked over to Wu Sidu. He reached out and ruffled her hair again, this time with slightly more force.

"Kid, I'm leaving."

"Remember what I told you. Only with sufficient strength can you truly take control of your own life instead of letting others arrange it for you."

"So cultivate well."

With that, he did not linger. He waved his hand, turned, and strode toward the elevator at the end of the corridor, his back straight and decisive.

Wu Sidu remained where she was, staring in the direction he had left for a long time without moving.

Wang Chuan's final words echoed in her ears, and a certain thought in her heart became incomparably clear and firm.

She clenched her fists tightly.

"Wang Chuan..."

She murmured his name, as though she wanted to carve it into her heart.

"I'll become stronger, strong enough to control my own Fate..."

"And then..."

She did not say the rest aloud, but the light shining in her eyes already explained everything.

Traveling by Soul Guidance Train, Wang Chuan soon arrived in Eastsea City once more. He did not return to the academy first, instead heading straight for the Blacksmith Association branch in the city center.

"Martial Uncle."

Inside Mu Chen's office, Wang Chuan respectfully bowed.

Mu Chen looked at the young man before him, whose bearing had grown increasingly steady and whose eyes were clear and bright. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he nodded repeatedly.

"Xiaochuan, come, sit."

"I've long heard your master praising you to the skies."

"Seeing you today, you truly are an outstanding young hero with extraordinary bearing."

"You flatter me, Martial Uncle."

Wang Chuan smiled modestly and sat in the guest chair.

"There's no need for such politeness between us."

Mu Chen waved his hand and got to the point.

"I've already registered you for the blacksmithing competition at the Sky Sea Grand Competition."

"The competition will be held in Skysea City. Remember to come to the association before departure. We'll travel there together, so we can look after each other along the way."

"Thank you for taking the trouble to arrange it, Martial Uncle."

Wang Chuan thanked him again.

"Ah, I told you not to be so formal."

Mu Chen smiled. "Your master is my senior martial brother, so you are like my own disciple."

"By the way, now that you've returned, do you plan to stay at Eastsea Academy or here at the association?"

"The association has guest rooms specially prepared for advanced blacksmiths. The conditions are quite good."

After thinking briefly, Wang Chuan replied,

"I'd rather stay at the academy."

"I've been away for half a year and haven't seen several friends in a long time. It will be a good chance to get together."

Mu Chen nodded understandingly.

"That works too. It's good for young people to interact more."

"Then do as you wish."

After chatting for a few more moments, Wang Chuan rose to take his leave.