Subsequent Repercussions

This scene was plainly visible to the Soul Masters and Forging Masters in the audience.

When the metal had radiated intense heat just now, the Soul Guidance Protective Shield around the arena had instantly risen and nearly failed to contain it. It had been the high-ranking Soul Masters in the VIP section who protected the ordinary citizens.

But at this moment, they had no time to think about that.

"Hey, look! That piece of metal is actually alive—it keeps bouncing over there! Is the profession of a Forging Master really this magical?"

"Yeah! Being able to make a piece of metal move like a living thing... is that what a Forging Master can do? Creating life—is that really something humans can accomplish?"

Some ordinary people stared at the dreamlike scene in astonishment.

Even they could tell that the metal Li Ziming had forged was extraordinary. Though they did not know exactly what made it extraordinary, it just felt incredibly impressive.

"Metal moving like a living creature—this is Soul-Forged Metal!"

"My heavens! How old is that young man? His forging skills have actually reached such a level!

I was already fifty when I luckily became a Saint Craftsman. Now I'm over seventy and still stuck at the level of a seventh-rank Forging Master! Comparing people really makes one furious."

"I remember that the previous record for an Eight-Star Saint Craftsman was set by Divine Craftsman Zhenhua when he was thirty. That was already unparalleled talent. But an Eight-Star Saint Craftsman at twenty-two! This has completely shattered the forging world's record."

"This child is truly extraordinary! Our clan must build a good relationship with him. Notify the clan head immediately and ask for further instructions."

"Investigate him. Go investigate him at once. I want all his detailed information—what are his interests? What does he like? Is he married? Which factions is he close to?"

"Notify the disciples participating in the Skysea Grand Tournament. They must win the championship and establish ties with Li Ziming!"

Those with even a little knowledge of the field understood even more clearly what a twenty-two-year-old Eight-Star Saint Craftsman represented.

According to the Forging Masters Association's accumulated experience over tens of thousands of years, the golden age for every Saint Craftsman to challenge the Divine Craftsman level was before the age of forty-five. This meant Li Ziming still had at least twenty years to strive for the rank of Divine Craftsman.

With his talent and comprehension, he was practically the next-generation Divine Craftsman of the future!

Even if he was not, he was still a genuine Eight-Star Saint Craftsman.

An Eight-Star Saint Craftsman was no insignificant figure.

If Li Ziming wished it, he could apply to the Forging Masters Association and become the president of the Forging Masters Association in any first-tier major city—as long as that city did not already have a Saint Craftsman stationed there.

For a time, powerful factions everywhere began moving beneath the surface.

Spirit Pagoda Headquarters, top floor

A middle-aged man had just hung up his Soul Guidance Communicator when he turned to look at the current Spirit Pagoda Master standing by the window—Qian Gu Dongfeng, the level-ninety-nine Spirit Transmitting Douluo.

"Pagoda Master, the information has been confirmed. It's true."

"Mm, I understand." After hearing his subordinate's report, Qian Gu Dongfeng pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Regarding Li Ziming, I originally intended to proceed gradually and slowly win him over. I had thought that even a genius like him would need at least five years of accumulation before challenging the rank of Eight-Star Saint Craftsman.

But I never expected it to happen so quickly. I misjudged him. Fortunately, investing in him now may not be help in his darkest hour, but it is not too late either. If I remember correctly, he is about to break through to eight rings, isn't he?"

"Yes, Pagoda Master."

"Notify every branch of the Spirit Pagoda. List Li Ziming as a high-ranking guest of our Spirit Pagoda, and raise his service priority to that of a Super Douluo. Treat him with courtesy whenever you see him in the future. At the very least, do not offend him.

I believe Sky Phoenix is currently in Skysea City. Have her contact him on behalf of the Spirit Pagoda. Tell him that, as an expression of congratulations, the Spirit Pagoda is willing to offer a hundred-thousand-year ferocious beast Spirit Soul as a gift to Saint Craftsman Li Ziming for his advancement."

"Also, transfer a batch of Rare Metals unique to the Star Luo Continent from the family treasury. Tell him they are a personal gift from me."

"Yes, Pagoda Master." The middle-aged man was first startled, then said hesitantly, "But... Pagoda Master, do we need to notify the council members for review and discussion before mobilizing a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Soul?"

"There is no need. They will agree. They are not fools, and they must consider their own disciples and followers as well." With that, he left.

Shrek Academy, Sea God Pavilion

Yun Ming set down the documents in his hand and said, "He truly is a peerless genius! Hmm... Skysea City? I remember Shen Yi was the one leading the team, wasn't she? Then let Zhuo Shi make a trip there. It will also be a good chance for him to meet his other disciple."

War God Hall

Chen Xinjie gave only a brief reply: "Notify the Eastsea Legion commander. Make contact with him!"

Heaven Dou City Forging Masters Association Headquarters

"Old Mu, you can see the situation now, right? Ziming has stirred up the entire Federation's factions. With Elder Ye alone over there, it may not be possible to keep things under control. I can't leave headquarters right now, so help him keep watch over the situation.

Besides, people from the other two continents will definitely know by now. I'm worried someone may try to harm him. Keep a close eye on things."

Zhenhua held a Soul Guidance Communicator as he instructed Mu Ye on the other end.

"Alright, don't worry. With me here, no one will be able to bully him." Mu Ye's reassuring voice came through from the other end.

"Mm." Hearing this, Zhenhua could not help but feel relieved.

After hanging up the communicator, Zhenhua looked at Mu Chen, who had been laughing heartily without stopping for the past twenty minutes, and an inexplicable anger rose in his heart.

"You're still laughing! Are you ever going to stop?!"

"What? My disciple has become an Eight-Star Saint Craftsman. Can't I, as his master, laugh?"

"You've got the nerve to say that? I'm over here making call after call to gather people, while all you do over there is laugh. Anyone who didn't know better would think I was his master."

"What can I do?" Mu Chen smiled helplessly. "Who would have thought that Ziming would reveal, in front of so many people, that he could perform Eight-Star Soul Forging—and succeed on his first try?

Besides, how could I have as many connections as you, Senior Brother, a Divine Craftsman?"

Zhenhua curled his lips at Mu Chen's shameless words.

"Still, while this has made him famous, it may not necessarily be a good thing. The War God Hall, the Spirit Pagoda, and even people from other factions have completely set their sights on him. They will try every possible way to draw him in.

Open attacks are easy to evade, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. He is still young. I don't want him to be dragged into those schemes and intrigues so early, hindering his growth.

Right now, the most important thing for him is to improve his cultivation, then focus on forging and prepare to challenge the rank of Divine Craftsman. He should not be distracted by other matters."

Although Zhenhua seemed to be complaining that Li Ziming should not have revealed his ability to perform Eight-Star Soul Forging so early, he could not stop a smile from curling his lips.

He had not expected Li Ziming to cross the threshold into Eight-Star Saint Craftsman so quickly—and succeed.

Honestly, it had given him an enormous surprise.

"He became a Saint Craftsman at twenty. I wonder whether he can become a Divine Craftsman before thirty." Zhenhua could not help beginning to envision the future.