Sky Sea Grand Competition

Zhen Hua laughed upon hearing this, shaking his head as he said.

"Naturally, I am not asking you to fight for some empty reputation."

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

"But as the ancients said, one who sits in a well and looks at the sky sees only a small patch; they do not know the vastness of the ocean."

"The path of forging, like the path of a Soul Master, is exactly the same."

"Although you are now recognized as the number one of the new generation in the forging world, you must never underestimate the heroes of the world because of it."

"There is always someone better, and there is always a sky beyond the sky; maintaining a humble and enterprising heart is always for the best."

He paused, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes as he added.

"What's more, your Uncle-Master Mu Chen sent word a few days ago that he has taken on a new disciple, the same age as you, who is already a Level 4 Blacksmith and not far from comprehending Spirit Forging and stepping into the threshold of Level 5."

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

Wang Chuan understood immediately upon hearing this.

The person Zhen Hua was talking about was naturally Tang Wulin.

Possessing the subtle, transformative influence of the Golden Dragon King essence on his body, Tang Wulin indeed had a unique advantage in the path of forging, which required a robust physique and precise control of strength; it was no surprise that his progress was so rapid.

He shook his head helplessly, knowing that his master not only intended to motivate him but also genuinely hoped he would go out more and experience a broader world.

"Since Master has said so, this disciple will go and participate."

"I shall treat it as a trial."

"Good."

Zhen Hua nodded with satisfaction.

"I have already spoken with your Uncle-Master Mu Chen."

"The East Sea City Blacksmith Association has been allocated two spots for the youth forging competition, and it just so happens that you and your Uncle-Master's disciple will each take one."

"As for the specific details, you can go to East Sea City and find your Uncle-Master Mu Chen to arrange them later."

"Yes, this disciple understands," Wang Chuan replied.

Leaving Zhen Hua's office, Wang Chuan began to pack his things.

His comprehension and control of Fusion Forging had matured, lacking only the final practice and assessment.

He planned to return and officially challenge the certification for Level 6 Blacksmith after participating in the Sky Sea Grand Competition.

"You're leaving?"

Wu Sidu had arrived at the door of Wang Chuan's lounge at some point, leaning against the doorframe. Her voice was a few degrees lower than usual as she watched Wang Chuan packing his simple luggage.

"Yeah, Master wants me to go back to East Sea City to participate in the Sky Sea Alliance Grand Competition."

Wang Chuan didn't even look up, continuing to fold a few changes of clothes.

"Then..."

"Will you come back after the competition ends?"

There was a hint of imperceptible tension in Wu Sidu's voice.

During these months at the Heaven Dou City Blacksmith Association, she could stay away from the turmoil of Star Luo City and the expectations of her family. She didn't have to keep her nerves taut to play the "perfect genius," and she could practice as she pleased, bickering and getting annoyed with Wang Chuan...

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

It made her somewhat reluctant to see it end.

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

She was wearing a simple light purple training suit today, her long hair tied into a neat ponytail, losing some of her usual languor and gaining a touch of youthful freshness.

He walked over and naturally reached out to ruffle her hair, his movements so practiced it was as if he had done it many times before.

"Don't worry, I'm just going to participate in a competition; I'll naturally come back when it's over."

"There are still so many 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 and familiar ruffling on the top of her head, the inexplicable gloom in Wu Sidu's heart dissipated quite a bit. Her cheeks warmed slightly, and she gave a soft "Mm."

Immediately, as if remembering something, she looked up and asked:

"By the way, in two and a half years, it will be time for Shrek Academy to recruit students."

"...Are you going?"

Wang Chuan did not hesitate upon hearing this and shook his head.

"I'm not going."

Wu Sidu looked puzzled.

"Why?"

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

"It has the top-tier faculty, the most intense competitive environment, the richest cultivation resources, and I've heard the inner court even holds insights and secret realms left behind by countless predecessors..."

Wang Chuan scoffed, his tone carrying an undisguised sense of detachment:

"Forget it."

"Shrek... might not be suitable for me."

He did not offer further explanation; some concepts are deeply ingrained and cannot be clarified in just a few words.

To him, the paths provided by the Spirit Pagoda and the Blacksmith Association were clear and direct, aligning better with his needs and development plans.

His things were already packed. Wang Chuan picked up his small luggage bag, walked over to Wu Sidu, and reached out to ruffle her hair again, this time with a slightly heavier touch.

"Kid, I'm leaving."

"Remember what I told you: only by possessing sufficiently powerful strength can you truly take hold of your own life, rather than having it arranged by others."

"So, cultivate well."

Having said that, he stopped lingering, waved his hand, turned around, and strode toward the elevator at the end of the corridor, his back straight and decisive.

Wu Sidu stood where she was, gazing in the direction he had left, remaining motionless for a long time.

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

She clenched her fists tightly.

"Wang Chuan..."

She whispered the name, as if trying to carve it into her heart.

"I will become strong, strong enough to control my own destiny..."

"And then..."

She didn't speak the words that followed, but the light flickering in her eyes already said everything.

Taking the Soul Guidance Train, Wang Chuan soon arrived back in East Sea City. He did not return to the academy first, but instead went directly to the branch of the Blacksmith Association located in the city center.

"Uncle-Master."

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

Mu Chen looked at the youth before him, whose temperament had become increasingly composed and whose eyes were clear and bright, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he nodded repeatedly.

"Xiao Chuan, sit down, quickly."

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

"Seeing you today, you truly are a hero among youths, with an extraordinary bearing."

"You flatter me, Uncle-Master."

Wang Chuan smiled modestly and sat down in the guest chair.

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

Mu Chen waved his hand and moved to the main topic.

"I have already registered your spot for the forging competition at the Sky Sea Grand Competition."

"The competition will be held in Sky Sea City. Remember to come to the association before you depart so we can travel together; it'll be good to have some support on the road."

"Thank you for your trouble in arranging this, Uncle-Master."

Wang Chuan thanked him again.

"Oh, I told you, don't be so formal."

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

"By the way, now that you're back, do you intend to stay at East Sea Academy, or will you stay here at the association?"

"The association has guest rooms prepared specifically for Advanced blacksmiths; the conditions are quite good."

Wang Chuan pondered for a moment and replied:

"I think I'll go back to the academy to stay."

"I've been gone for half a year, and there are a few friends I haven't seen in a long time; it's a good chance to get together."

Mu Chen nodded in understanding.

"That's fine too; it's a good thing for young people to interact more."

"Then as you wish."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Chuan rose to take his leave.