Hammer practice

The mere mention of Gu Yue left Xie Xie a little deflated.

Over the past week, he had fought Gu Yue more than once or twice. Though he still refused to concede out loud, deep down he already knew he really could not beat her as he was now. Gu Yue's six elements shifted too quickly and in too many ways, yet somehow never fell into disorder. Just when he thought she would use fire, she might switch to wind the next instant; just when he thought she meant to trap him, ice might follow instead. With the boost from her First Soul Skill, Elemental Tide, he would gain no advantage even if he dragged the fight into a contest of endurance.

Tang Wulin glanced at him and said, "All right, it's getting late. Everyone, hurry up and meditate. I'm going to see my teacher tomorrow, so I won't be at the academy."

The Intermediate Academy gave its students one day off each week to spend as they pleased. Classes, special training, and individual hammer practice had packed Tang Wulin's week to the brim, leaving his Sky Dragon Iron forging assignment untouched. In truth, he had long since begun to worry about it. Since Mang Tian had arrived as well, he naturally intended to use his day off to finish the assignment.

Early the next morning, after breakfast, he left the academy and headed straight for Mang Tian's workshop in Eastsea City.

Before he even reached it, he heard the hammering from inside.

Clink, clink, clink.

The rhythm was unhurried but steady, the most familiar language shared between iron and fire.

Tang Wulin's eyes immediately lit up.

"Teacher!"

He unlocked the door and went inside, heading straight for the forging room. Mang Tian stood before the Forging Platform, his hammer