Kai, having taken the time his body needed, finally found himself feeling fully restored. Following that, two additional days of careful recovery were prescribed to ensure that his body was in the best condition before resuming his daily routine. And now, at long last, the lingering weariness had completely faded. Kai was ready to return to his usual active self.
The morning of his first outing since recovering, Kai stepped outside the orphanage with two close companions, Layla and Aran. They were both as excited as he was to leave the confines of the orphanage and breathe in the fresh, open air. As they strolled along the path, Kai's attention was caught by a familiar figures waving them down in the distance. It was none other than Tang Wulin and beside Tang Wulin stood his parents, who had come to see him off for the day.
After exchanging friendly greetings,
Tang Wulin's father, Tang Ziran, said, "Wulin, your Uncle Mang Tian is an outstanding blacksmith. I've told him about our circumstances as well as Kai's and he said that he can give you and Kai the opportunity to be apprentices under him. For two hours everyday, over the next three months, he will teach you both. If you guys can forge some simple things after three months, then you'll be able to earn some money."
Tang Wulin's father then prepared to leave for work. With a warm smile and a wave, he said his goodbyes to everyone, including the caretakers and children from the orphanage. He left with a reminder to Tang Wulin to behave and learn well, then bid farewell to his wife before heading off, his figure disappearing down the road.
With his father gone, Tang Wulin joined Kai, and together they stood next to Tang Wulin's mother, who had decided to take the two boys to the decided place: Mang Tian's Blacksmith Workshop.
Lang Yue, Tang Wulin's mom, looked in front of her at her son Tang Wulin and said, "Son, if you're unable to persevere through ten million difficulties, then mom will find some work to help you buy a spirit soul."
"No, I want to earn the money myself." Tang Wulin resolutely said as he continued assuring her that he can definitely do it.
Fundamentally, Glorybound City [or Jiangyin City] was large but there wasn't a need to use vehicles. After walking for approximately 30 minutes, Mrs. Tang, Kai and Wulin arrived in front of a somewhat, large workshop's door.
The exterior of the workshop seemed somewhat shabby. On top, three words were written,
"Mang Tian's Workshop."
Even when they were in front of the doors, the smell of metal assaulted their nostrils.
Lang Yue pushed the doorbell, and it was not long before the door opened. Standing in the doorway was a middle-aged man. The middle-aged man was tall and dark skinned. With his full beard, he appeared somewhat fierce and tough.
"Sister-in-law has arrived," his deep voice was low and forceful. Listening to it, Tang Wulin felt a little buzz.
"Uncle Mang Tian," he politely addressed his uncle, who he had met several times previously and so did kai greet properly but he didn't know what to address him as so he went by calling him 'Mr. Mang'
"En," Mang Tian expressionlessly nodded. Turning to Lang Yue he said, "Sister-in-law, you should return first, you can pick them up later."
"Big Brother Mang Tian, thank you for your troubles." Lang Yue, slightly unwilling, parted with her Wulin and Kai, both the innocent kids who were going to work to earn for themselves, taking one last look at them. She had something to say, but in the end she gritted her teeth and restrained herself.
"Come on in," Mang Tian said, gesturing for Tang Wulin and Kai to enter the workshop.
Tang Wulin and Kai stepped inside, taking in the cluttered space filled with metal components likely for soul machines. Mang Tian led him deeper into the workshop to a small inner room with a workbench.
"Do you know what forging is?" Mang Tian asked.
Both the kids shook their head. Mang Tian explained that he had initially hesitated to take him on due to his youth, but Tang Wulin's father insisted. "If you guys can't complete this task, both of you shouldn't think of coming back from tomorrow," he warned.
"We won't disappoint you and succeed." Tang Wulin and Kai replied confidently in unison.
Mang Tian pointed to a small metal table with a round lump of metal on it and handed Tang Wulin two heavy hammers. "Strike that lump a thousand times. If you can do it, I'll tell you about forging."
After Mang Tian left, Tang Wulin and Kai picked the hammers. Though they felt the weight of the hammers being a bit too much they still found them weight manageable. After taking in a deep breath, both the kids began swinging, the screen counting their strikes.
As they hammered away, they felt fatigue setting in slowly but pushed through, remembering their goal to earn money to support themselves and their family. With each hundred strikes, the soreness intensified, but they both persevered, sweating profusely and gritting their teeth. One has to know a simple person wouldn't be able to do so but Kai and Wulin both had their own factors to make them strong which includes blessings and Golden Dragon King Bloodline though sealed for Tang Wulin and a system to aid for Kai as well as Kai's 10☆ Physical Aptitudes.
Finally, they reached the goal of one thousand strikes. Both the two boys had finished their task. They exchanged a satisfied glance, pride evident in their smiles, and decided it was time to let Mang Tian know. As they walked toward him, they noticed he was sitting in his chair, eyes closed, completely absorbed in his music. Unsure of how to get his attention, they tried calling out his name, but he remained oblivious. Kai and Tang Wulin exchanged a mischievous look, silently agreeing that a gentle poke might be in order. They leaned over and tapped him on the back.
In an instant, Mang Tian jumped up from his seat, startled out of his peaceful music reverie. His chair tipped, and he stumbled forward in surprise. The sight of the two boys standing there with amused smiles only added to his irritation. However, his expression softened as he realized who they were, though he quickly donned a stern facade.
"What is it?" he asked in a gruff tone, feigning irritation. "Why are you disturbing me? If you haven't finished your task, you'd better head back home. Don't waste my time."
But Kai and Tang Wulin merely pointed to the machine that was tracking their hammer strikes. Its display showed the completed count: exactly one thousand strikes. Mang Tian's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected them to finish so quickly or to take on the challenge with such resilience. Still, unwilling to let his shock show, he adopted a calm demeanor and nodded.
"Fine," he said, "but I'll need to see it with my own eyes. I want you both to do it again, here in front of me."
The test Mang Tian had given them was just a way to tactfully decline them. His relationship with Tang Ziran was pretty good, so he couldn't directly refuse. After all, he didn't want to instruct these two six year old children who he deemed unsuitable for forging.
But before his eyes…
"Hammer it a few more times for me. Don't stop unless I tell you to." Mang Tian said heavily.
Without hesitation, the boys accepted the challenge, picking up their hammers once more. This time, Mang Tian watched closely as they began the arduous task again. Despite their fatigue from the first round, Kai and Tang Wulin tackled the task with renewed determination. As each hammer blow rang out, Mang Tian found himself even more impressed.
"Bang, bang, bang…" Each strike was done without any technique, or even leverage. They were relying purely on strength to hammer the metal lump!
After only a few times, Mang Tian was able to ascertain with his own eyes, based on his past experience, that these two children's strength was sufficient to completely pound the metal lump.
Were they innately born legendary genius?
By the end, their arms were trembling from the effort, and they were drenched in sweat as Mang Tian in shock forgot to stop them.
Mang Tian was genuinely impressed. He realized the inner strength, resilience, determination and endurance that the two kids had were beyond what he had anticipated and that enlisting the fact that both the kids were just Six Years Old who had awakened their martial souls a few days ago.
Recognizing their potential, Mang Tian knew he couldn't let this talent go unacknowledged.
Wiping a bit of sweat from his own brow, he gave a nod of approval. "Not bad," he muttered, though the pride in his voice was unmistakable. "You've both shown great promise today."
After gathering their things, Mang Tian led them outside. He took it upon himself to personally escort Kai back to the orphanage and Tang Wulin to his home, determined to share the news of their impressive performance. He knew that the caretakers and parents would be proud to hear about the accomplishments of these young boys while he didn't care for the consent of the kids carrying them like bags wrapping his arms on their waists and rushing to Tang Wulin's home and Kai's orphanage.
As both kids stared blankly feeling their soul out of their body on the way as Mang Tian rushed with full speed, a sudden voice from Gaia System rang in his mind as message popped in blue screen:
[Kai, I hereby congratulate you on successfully becoming the disciple of Rank-5 Blacksmith: 'Master Craftsman' Mang Tian. Now you have officially begun the path of Blacksmith and are ready to accept the Quests for Blacksmith progression and Tasks.]
Kai was delighted and surprised to hear that. He was now capable of getting quests. Though he had indeed expected the Quest-Reward function of the system to exist, he didn't think much of it before as neither the system had explained of it to him much nor did he get a quest before.
Just then another message popped up:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
| Blacksmith Chain Quest [Quest 1] |
| Task: Become a [Rank-1 Blacksmith] and also help [Tang Wulin] to become a [Rank-1 Blacksmith] within same time as you.
| Requirement to Complete Task: [Take 1 of 15 kinds of metal to purify. The examiner will grade the examinee based on the metal he/she chooses and the degree of purification. If his/her score surpasses 60, then he/she will earn the title of a rank 1 blacksmith.]
| Time Duration: [Three Months]
| Reward: [50 Points of Spiritual Power], [Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer] & [Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Training - 1st Part]
| Penalty: [3 Days of Full Body Paralysis] & [No Reward on Reaching Rank-1 Blacksmith]
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kai had two emotions, he was overjoyed as well as worried, as he was getting the basic yet one of the most essential technique of Clear Sky Clan --> Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer as well as 50 points of Spiritual Power while he would get nothing if he couldn't complete within three months and just as he was pondering in his thoughts, Mang Tian had already brought them to Tang Wulin's home and dropped Tang Wulin. After giving the news of Kai being selected, he headed to take Kai to the orphanage to tell his caretakers about the news.
Both the caretakers and Tang Wulin's parents were thrilled to hear Mang Tian's glowing report. The pride in their eyes was evident, and they expressed their gratitude to him for guiding the boys so well.
That night both the families, i.e. Tang Wulin's family and all members of the orphanage, grouped together with Mang Tian enjoyed the night party happily. After some fun talk among those of same age and Mang Tian's words of motivation as well as cheers for the all the young kids everyone spent a happy time. At almost late night, everyone headed back home in their bed to sleep.
Kai on other hand was still looking at his Status Window and new quest with look of interest, joy and a bit of worry.
And so Kai, a bit bored, looked at the info of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer and the training.
[ Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer ]
[ The Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer is a forging technique from the Clear Sky Clan, known for its ability to fully harness strength and remove impurities from metal. Each strike builds upon the last, creating cumulative power. This technique channels magical power from the lower legs through the body, culminating in a powerful strike. As the hammer bounces near its peak, it spins to use the rebound force for the next blow, allowing up to eighty-one consecutive strikes to shape raw iron. In combat, the technique allows for temporary power accumulation, with each hit exceeding the previous one, culminating in a massive release after eighty-one strikes. However, its main drawback is the lengthy buildup required, making it impractical in fast-paced combat situations. ]
Though Kai knew about the technique already, he just wanted to confirm it though there is also the fact that Kai didn't know much about the Training Method.
[ Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Training ][ The training for the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer is designed to instill the core qualities of resoluteness, perseverance, and unwavering spirit in disciples of the Clear Sky Clan. The training is divided into three parts, each focusing on essential aspects of mastery. ]
[ The 1st Part of Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Training: Common Hammer Form, Nine By Nine, Eighty-One Swings, the Tempering Strength Path ]
[ This foundational part emphasizes the importance of rhythm and technique. Disciples practice the "Common Hammer Form" by performing eighty-one swings in a structured sequence of nine sets of nine in order to refine metal ores to remove their impurities during forging. This repetitive practice not only builds physical strength but also refines coordination and precision, enabling the disciple to temper their skills through discipline and focus. ]
Once again, after looking at his Status Window, Kai viewed his Quest and then with a excited face as he thought to himself that, 'I should just forget about the worry and should give my best after all the life is full of impossible factors and... yeah, I have already obtained a lot and even if I am not able to earn this technique as I am unable to complete the quest, I can obtain it after joining the Tang Sect though it would take too much time. Well, that doesn't mean I should give up, 'Chillax' and work hard buddy.'
After that with excited and fully energetic will, kai went to sleep. At the same time, the Status window Shines as connected to someone else other than Kai, deep within a place filled with life and light. The figure was not male but more of female and was filled with motherly love and care as she looked at Kai. She was no one other than [ Gaia ]. She then said, "You are still the same as in your past life kid... Don't worry and do your best, You will never fail no matter what path you choose as it always will be the path of good. No matter how you wish to live, I won't let you suffer like you suffered in your past life and enjoy to the fullest."
At the same time a distant voice came from the Gaia system's System Window, which was in front of [ Gaia ] and not Kai. The voice said:
[It's okay, I know you care for him but let him grow by himself as well. You have already done enough by allowing others around him to have averagely high power to cultivate while their fate shouldn't even have reached till there. Help him but don't make him over-dependant on your doting.]
[ Gaia ] replied with a nod, "As you say, Supreme, [ Lord Nexaroth ]."
To Be Continued...
[ Gaia ]: [ Gaia once Mother Earth, now embodies the planetary consciousness of Douluo Planet, a nurturing force intertwined with nature and life. She dotes on Kai, as the last human from Earth who ever thought for the Earth's planetary existence and tried protecting Earth, as her own child and has given a fragment of her power in form of system to help him grow strong or to help him live happily as he wishes to. ]
[ Nexaroth ]: [ Nexaroth weaves the fabric of reality with threads of both order and chaos. This entity thrives on the balance between creation and destruction, manifesting in countless forms across universes. Its presence inspires awe and fear, as it dances through dimensions, shaping worlds with a flick of its essence. ]