After passing through a gate, Tang Jian and Xiao Ding-Dongarrived at the backyard of the swordsmith's workshop.
As soon as they stepped into the backyard, Tang Jian felt a wave of heat wash over him.
Scanning the area briefly, he noticed two rows of neatly arranged houses on either side, totaling seven or eight rooms. All doors were wide open, emanating the incessant sounds of "clang-clang" from within, indicating the relentless hammering of metal.
"These are the forges where swords are crafted," Xiao Ding-Dong explained as she led Tang Jian towards a circular arched door at the back. "The ordinary swords sold on the first floor of the Yan Sword Shop all originate from here."
Through the open doors, Tang Jian glimpsed burly men, each focused intently on pounding iron blanks, their dedication rivaling that of true swordsmiths.
After traversing the arched door and walking another hundred steps, a vermilion-hued Xieshan Hall emerged ahead, flanked by two smaller side halls.
"This is where Master Chen Guang forges his swords, but the furnace is not lit today. The master should be in the pavilion over there. I'll take you," Xiao Ding-Dong said, peeking into the Xieshan Hall on tiptoes.
She then led Tang Jian around the hall and towards the rear.
Behind the Xieshan Hall stood a small garden filled with a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, several of which were in full bloom, their vibrant colors painting a lively scene.
At the center of the garden lay a serene pond, its surface reflecting the dark green of the aquatic plants that flourished within.
Across the pond stood a delicate three-story pavilion, secluded in tranquility despite its proximity to the bustling city.
As Tang Jian and Xiao Ding-Dong crossed the winding stone bridge over the pond and approached the pavilion, a tall young man happened to push open the door and step out.
With a prominent nose and slightly thick lips, he was not overly striking in appearance, but his fiery red hair was undeniably eye-catching.
"Xiao Ding-Dong, what brings you here?" he exclaimed, his eyebrows arching in surprise and delight upon seeing her.
Only then did he notice Tang Jian's presence and hesitated, asking, "And who might this be...?"
"Brother Yao, this is Tang Jian Da-Ge. The Miss sent him to assist Master Chen Guang as an apprentice," Xiao Ding-Dong said, tugging on Tang Jian's sleeve with a smile.
At the gesture, the tall youth's eyes twitched subtly.
"Tang Jian, this is Yao Bin Da-Ge, Master Chen Guang's sole disciple," Xiao Ding-Dong introduced, turning to Tang Jian.
"Brother Yao ," Tang Jian said, bowing slightly.
"No need for formalities," Yao Bin replied calmly.
"I'll leave Tang Jian in your care then. I have some matters to attend to at the manor, so I must take my leave," Xiao Ding-Dong said with a smile, waving goodbye before departing.
"Follow me," Yao Bin said to Tang Jian, his tone indifferent as he watched Xiao Ding-Dong fade into the distance.
Tang Jian, aware of the change in attitude but unfazed, followed Yao Bin through the threshold and up the stairs to the third floor, where they stopped at a door.
"Master, the apprentice arranged by the Miss has arrived," Yao Bin announced, knocking respectfully.
"Come in," a slightly hoarse voice replied from within.
Yao Bin pushed open the door and ushered Tang Jian inside.
Inside, Tang Jian found a middle-aged man with curly dark-green hair seated at a red lacquered round table, poring over a green-bound book.
His concentration was the same as when he had imbued the long sword with a soul.
Chen Guang did not look up at Tang Jian or speak, only setting down the book after finishing a page. "The Miss mentioned that you have some knowledge of sword-making?" he asked.
"I've worked as an ironsmith and heard tales about swordsmiths. When the Miss asked what I could do at the manor, I mentioned that," Tang Jian replied, folding his hands into his sleeves.
Yao Bin's eyes flickered with contempt at these words, his lips curving downward.
"Have you heard of the Divine Stele from Heaven?" Chen Guang suddenly asked, glancing at Tang Jian.
"No," Tang Jian's heart skipped a beat but quickly regained its rhythm. He shook his head.
As a swordsmith, how could one not know of the Divine Stele? The very existence of this stele bestowed upon swordsmiths their unique status in the world.
Yet, for ordinary people, it was but a fanciful tale. And given his current situation in a foreign land, he chose not to acknowledge his knowledge for safety's sake.
"Legend has it that tens of thousands of years ago, a shooting star descended from the heavens, transforming into the Divine Stele from Heaven upon touching the earth. Upon its arrival, an extraordinary force emanated from it, transforming the surrounding environment into a Yin-energy secluded realm, separating it from the outside world," Chen Guang explained, noting Tang Jian's neutral expression.
The name of the Yin-energy secluded realm was renowned, and Tang Jian had always yearned to visit it. For almost all swordsmiths, it was a holy pilgrimage destination.
Yet, entry was exceedingly difficult and rare.
Yao Bin, on the other hand, listened intently, his face filled with longing.
"Before the secluded realm formed, many had witnessed the Divine Stele. Some ingenious forebears grasped the art of alchemy, others the ways of cultivation, and still, others the craft of forging. These arts spread widely and evolved over millennia into what they are today," Chen Guang continued.
"Master Chen, I've heard of forgers before, but they don't seem as renowned as swordsmiths. Why is that?" Tang Jian asked innocently.
"Though our ancestors learned the art of forging from the Divine Stele, they discovered through long years of practice that only by crafting magical swords could one awaken the soul of the instrument, elevating it to the level of a spiritual weapon. Hence, people often speak of spirit swords but rarely of spirit knives, spirit spears, or spirit axes," Chen Guang replied, looking at Tang Jian.
"I see," Tang Jian said, his face lighting up with understanding.
"Sword-making, like cultivation, is a solitary journey up a mountain path, requiring perseverance and dedication. Many devote their entire lives to forging a single legendary sword. Though the Miss has sent you to be my apprentice, I must advise you: without immense courage and perseverance, do not waste your time on this path," Chen Guang said solemnly.
"I am alone and fear nothing. Please, Master, teach me," Tang Jian bowed deeply in respect.
"You are merely an apprentice. Do not address me as Master yet. For now, follow Yao Bin and learn from him," Chen Guang said noncommittally.
"Yes, Master," Tang Jian nodded.
"Well, Yao Bin, arrange him a place to stay and familiarize him with his surroundings. Tomorrow, we'll light the furnace, and you can lead him to prepare the materials," Chen Guang instructed the tall youth.
"Yes, Master," Yao Bin replied respectfully, leading Tang Jian away.
Exiting the pavilion, Yao Bin walked ahead in silence, and Tang Jian followed suit without speaking.
The two traversed the garden once more and returned to the Xieshan Hall.
Yao Bin turned towards the left side hall, withdrew a brass key from his sleeve, opened the door, and stepped inside.
Tang Jian followed suit, crossing the threshold into the hall.