Three days later, in the backyard of the Wading Village blacksmith shop.
The forge burned red-hot. Bare-chested, Su Li held a massive iron hammer in his hand.
His Sword Spiritual Root operated around the clock, and the aether around him seeped through his pores into his meridians, constantly scouring this young body.
Saina approached carrying a bowl of cool water. She wore a coarse linen dress with an extremely low neckline.
Three days ago, when she had brought Su Li back to this yard, Old Buck and Aunt Martha had been utterly stunned.
Their rather plain-looking daughter had actually picked up a man from outside who was more handsome than even a noble lord.
Saina had insisted on protecting him, and Su Li's blacksmithing skills had won Old Buck over. Besides, Aunt Martha was someone who judged by appearances.
The old couple quickly accepted the fact. Their household happened to lack a strong laborer, and they had also been worrying over Saina's future marriage.
Su Li took the bowl from Saina and tipped his head back, gulping down a large mouthful.
"Drink slowly. Don't choke." Saina took out a piece of cloth and wiped away Su Li's sweat.
"How have you been feeling these past few days?" Su Li asked.
"Couldn't be better." Saina leaned against his chest. "Yesterday, I helped my father move iron ore. A basket in each hand—easy as anything. My father's jaw nearly hit the floor. He kept praising me for getting stronger."
Su Li silently calculated his progress.
The Sword Spiritual Root drew in aether with tyrannical speed. Over the past three days, the aether within his body had accumulated to a considerable amount.
At this rate, in three months at most, he would be able to forcibly break through the barrier and become