In the furnace, the scorching flames burnt fiercely, with molten iron occasionally melting and falling to the bottom, mixing with the ash.
"This really is a backward technique, not even comparable to the feudal era."
"But it can forge a sword comparable to alloy steel, and that's the application of Inner Energy."
Jiang Ding muttered to himself.
Several hours later, the flames died out. Jiang Ding pried open the clay furnace and with his Inner Energy protecting his hands, he took out a plate-sized lump of glowing rough iron onto a felt mat.
He didn't need a hammer; gathering his Inner Energy, countless fine Sword Qi formed, and he struck with his palm.
Ding!
Sparks flew everywhere as the plate-sized iron lump was forcefully indented with an imprint several inches deep from his palm.
The Zhenzi Martial Arts infused within it, many fragile parts mixed with a lot of ash and unburnt charcoal turned to powder under the stirring of the tremendous force, rustling as they fell.
