Just as Kai was enjoying his success another notification appeared in his mind, startling him with its blue glow. It was indeed the Gaia system, congratulating him with a new wave of updates:
[Congratulations, Kai! You have unlocked your first Martial Technique!]
[As you have also reached the Spirit Sea realm, unlocking access to the Gaia System Shop.]
This announcement was equally thrilling. A [SHOP]!!! Really???
One has to know many MCs in stories/mangas indeed had the very shop that made them more powerful compared to most of those not containing any such.
The shop's opening felt like a vast new world of possibilities, where he could finally begin to acquire various things that could enhance his growth and power. It was almost as though the shop itself was a reward for his dedication, offering new ways to strengthen himself and learn new skills. Kai began to smile muggily.
Just as Kai is caught up in his smug thoughts, their senior brother, Long Ge, arrives. Long Ge, the first disciple under their master Mang Tian, sees Kai smiling weirdly and immediately questions him: "Master, why is Kai smiling like that?" He approaches Mang Tian and Wulin, the second and third disciples, who are currently absorbed in forging. Mang Tian is guiding Wulin, who is hammering away with fiery determination, aiming to purify the metal beyond 70% in pursuit of his dream to become a Rank-1 Blacksmith. Wulin, though passionate, is a bit distracted by Kai's odd behavior.
Mang Tian and Wulin, both along with brother Long, looked at Kai with a weird face while Mang Tian explained, "It's because Kai was successfully able to hammer the ore ten thousand times and was successfully able to purify up to 80%."
Hearing this brother Long praised Kai with a lot of shock in face but gulping it he happily congratulated Kai on his success while Tang Wulin felt a bit more of burning passion though admiration for kai was evident in his eyes.
Mang Tian, their stern but caring master, noticing Wulin's distracted state and doesn't hesitate to reprimand him, smacking him on the head and scolding, "You brat, stop diverting your focus! That is why Kai was able to reach rank-one blacksmith faster than you. See yourself? You're getting distracted so easily. Work back!" Accepting his master's criticism, Wulin nods sheepishly and resumes hammering, trying to channel his energy into his task.
Mang Tian, taking in deep breath, with a joyful face, encourages Wulin, saying, "Don't worry, Wulin. You can do it." brother Long Ge, supportive as ever, joins in with an enthusiastic, "Yes, you can do it. Passion!" Both Mang Tian and Long Ge chant "Passion!" with such fervor that Wulin, in a burst of a lot of embarrassment but with motivation and hot-headedness, yells back, "PASSION!" With this encouragement, though his soul was crying for this embarrassment, he lifts his hammer, ready to strike the ore with determination.
But just as Wulin is about to bring down his hammer, a devilish laughter rings out.
'HAHAHAHA... HAHAHA...'
It was Kai's laughs that attracted everyone's attention. It was due to Gaia's words:
[Additionally, you have earned 100 points for unlocking the Shop feature, with a bonus of 500 points for reaching this milestone before becoming a Soul Master.]
The laugh was also the reason causing Wulin to hesitate, Wulin's focus broken. The hammer slips from his grip, missing the ore entirely, and instead strikes Mang Tian's leg with a resounding thud. Mang Tian yells in pain and, in a hilariously exaggerated reaction, leaps two meters into the air, hitting his head on the ceiling. His head comically gets lodged into the ceiling above, which happens to be his own soundproof sleeping room, with his neck stuck and his body dangling below.
From his awkward position, Mang Tian lets out a yell, but then, in a humorous show of pride, tries to shrug off the pain, pretending as if nothing has happened. He descends with an air of forced dignity, trying to maintain a tough exterior despite his obvious injury. Both Long Ge and Wulin give him sidelong glances, trying to stifle their laughter as they then turn their gazes to Kai, who is still grinning like a devil.
Kai's grin has done more than just distract Wulin—it has unleashed a whole sequence of chaos. Mang Tian, in a fit of frustration, decides to give both Kai and Wulin a light smack on their heads, causing a "potato-sized bump" to appear as punishment for their antics. Kai protests, but he knows he's at fault, and he reluctantly accepts the reprimand. Mang Tian is about to raise his voice when brother Long steps in, holding his master's mouth to prevent further shouting, while Wulin, with Kai's help, grabs Mang Tian's legs to calm him down.
With the chaos subsiding, Kai decides to make his exit, rushing out to take a breather, leaving behind the lingering humor of the moment. Wulin, after recovering from his laughter and light scolding, resumes his work at the forge, determined to keep up with his training.
The 600 points given to him left him momentarily speechless. Six hundred points!!! This was like giving him key to the resources that most Soul Masters would only dream of so early in their journey. The Gaia system had essentially rewarded him for his hard work and early achievement as Kai looked at the Shop Window:
| [Gaia's Shop] |
| Martial Arts Box: Contains rare martial arts techniques or manuals to improve skills. (500 points) |
| Spirit Power Potion: Boosts spirit power absorption rate by 50% for 1 week; Refreshes Monthly(100 points) |
| Spirit Power Potion: Increases Spirit power absorption rate by 90% for 3 days; Refreshes Monthly(100 points) |
| Recovery Pellet: Heals minor injuries and fatigue by 30%; stacks up to 99. (50 points)Energy |
| Recovery Edible: Replenishes moderate energy levels; stacks up to 99. (30 points) |
| Soul Power Boost Edible: Lightly boosts soul power for emergency use (Usually Combat); stacks up to 9. (30 points) |
| Weekly Gift Box: Contains random items or consumables; Refreshes Weekly. (20 points) |
After the messages faded, Kai couldn't help but marvel at what he had achieved. But he knew that each milestone was not an endpoint; rather, it was the beginning of an even more rigorous secrets of the Gaia system.
Afterwards he awaited for Tang Wulin, who was filled with compassion and thus asking him all sorts of question till they reach the Public Training ground where they focused back to normal daily routine. At night in bed, before sleeping, Kai's sights turned to the training regimen : the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique. It was a technique legendary for its transformative effects, but it was also infamous for the sheer dedication and physical endurance it required. Determined to learn and master it, Kai made up his mind to dedicate the entire week to it, knowing that such a powerful technique would be invaluable to his path as a fighter and blacksmith.
For the next week, Kai committed himself to mastering the first part of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique, known as the "Common Hammer Form, Nine by Nine, Eighty-One Swings, Tempering Strength Path." This first stage emphasized rhythm, balance, and technique, and was designed to not only build strength but also instill precision, discipline, and an unyielding focus.
The "Common Hammer Form" of the technique's first part, known as Nine by Nine, Eighty-One Swings, the Tempering Strength Path. This first stage that he had obtained emphasized rhythm, balance, and technique, and was designed to not only build strength but also instill precision, discipline, and an unyielding focus and through forging that it is.
The Nine-by-Nine routine required Kai to perform a structured series of eighty-one hammer swings divided into nine sets of nine. Each swing had to flow into the next seamlessly, creating a rhythm that was as essential as the force behind each strike. According to what the description explained, the key to the technique was not only to complete the swings but to execute each one with utmost control and consistency. The technique required not only strength but also perfecting his focus and balance, channeling power efficiently through his body into each swing.
As Kai was ready to practice the technique, Wulin focused heavily in working on his way to pave his path i.e., become a Rank-1 Blacksmith by fulfilling the requirements.
On the first day, Kai set himself up at the training grounds with a heavy metal rod as a substitute for the Clear Sky Hammer, feeling the weight and the resistance in his arms. He had actually asked his master to give him the heaviest hammer available in the Workshop according to the limit of his strength and surprisingly, what everyone in workshop including Kai himself, Kai's strength what almost 800 pounds unbelievable for a 6-years-old kid. This fueled more energy into brother Long, Tang Wulin and Mang Tian himself for further progress.
Though it took some persuasiveness, Kai was successfully able to ask his master for a 1250 pounds hammer. He wrapped his hands around the metal handle, positioning himself squarely, as Gaia's voice guided him through the steps in his mind.
"One," he counted aloud, feeling the strain in his shoulders as he swung down hard. The force resonated through his arms and shoulders, the vibration traveling down to his core. After the first strike, he brought the hammer back to the starting position, feeling the weight drag him slightly off balance.
"Two," he swung again, focusing on maintaining a steady grip and keeping his stance firm. It didn't take long for Kai to feel the ache in his muscles, as each swing added pressure on his body, testing his endurance in a way he hadn't felt before.
By the end of the first set of nine swings, Kai was breathing heavily, feeling the intense strain in his forearms and shoulders. But he was determined to keep going. He took a brief pause, gathering his strength, and then resumed with the next set.
Swing… reset… swing… reset. Each movement needed to be controlled. The weight of the hammer wanted to pull him off balance, but he quickly learned that if he didn't stay centered, his strikes would lack the intended precision.
By the end of the first day, Kai was exhausted. The eighty-one swings left him drenched in sweat, his arms trembling with fatigue. But beneath that exhaustion, he felt a sense of satisfaction, a knowledge that his body was adapting to the weight and rhythm, even if slowly. The Gaia System's instructions emphasized that this initial stage was necessary to build the proper foundation for the technique.
On the second day, as Kai returned to the training grounds, his muscles still sore, he realized he couldn't rely on strength alone. His body had to learn the technique's rhythm and allow the weight of the hammer to work with him rather than against him. He reminded himself that this wasn't just about swinging—it was about achieving unity between mind and muscle.
He began his set, focusing on the steady flow of movement. This time, he noticed how each swing seemed to carve a path through the air, the hammer's descent sharper, more refined. He paid attention to his breathing, coordinating it with each strike. Inhale… exhale… swing. The rhythm was forming in his mind, becoming part of his body's natural motion.
Halfway through the day, he could feel his arms settling into a natural cadence. His body was remembering each movement, syncing the power in his legs, torso, and arms to create a unified motion. Despite the physical strain, he felt energized, understanding how each part of his body contributed to the technique's essence.
As the days passed, Kai continued to refine his movements. By the third day, he no longer had to think consciously about each swing. His body had begun adapting, allowing him to channel his energy more efficiently. He became aware of subtle details—the way his muscles contracted as he swung, the rhythm of his breath, the stability in his stance. With each set of swings, he was tempering not only the imaginary metal in front of him but also his own body.
By the fourth day, Kai found himself nearing a breakthrough. The technique was transforming from a series of individual strikes into a single, cohesive flow. His mind was becoming quiet, each swing feeling almost instinctual. The hammering had a meditative quality now, as if the repetition itself was bringing him closer to a deeper understanding. Each strike felt sharper, the force more concentrated. Kai could feel the impurities—hesitation, imbalance, wasted movement—being refined away as he hammered.
By the fifth day, he could feel the difference in his strength and focus. The training was intense, and his muscles had grown accustomed to the weight and repetition, allowing him to concentrate on the precision of each strike. It was no longer just physical training; the rhythm of the hammer was becoming part of his mind. With each repetition, he felt his confidence grow, and each strike became cleaner and more powerful than the last.
On the sixth day, Kai noticed a transformation in his perception. The hammer no longer felt like an external tool, but an extension of his body. He could sense the rhythm in his core, as if the hammering was a heartbeat—steady, strong, and full of intent. Each strike resonated through him, creating a connection between himself, the hammer, and the world around him. He felt a calmness in this process that was both strange and empowering.
That night, as he lay in bed, his mind replayed the day's training. He could feel the echoes of each swing reverberating in his muscles. Teach Mang Tian's words at the first day after their acceptance as Mang Tian rang in his mind, the words about the importance of rhythm and discipline lingered in his thoughts, and he realized the training wasn't only building his physical strength—it was also shaping his mind, forging him into someone capable of wielding true power. Though small words Kai had almost forgotten of this fact during the driving thirst to completely master this technique.
On the seventh and final day, Kai returned to the training grounds with a sense of anticipation. This was the day he aimed to fully understand the basics of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique. His body felt strong, his mind focused, and he was ready to give everything he had to master this stage.
He began his swings, feeling each strike in his core. The hammer moved in perfect harmony with his body, each swing precise and controlled. His muscles had adapted to the rhythm, his breath flowed naturally, and he found himself moving effortlessly through the sets. This time, there was no hesitation, no wavering. Each swing was purposeful, his movements smooth and fluid.
As he reached the final set of nine swings, Kai felt a surge of energy. He struck with everything he had, feeling the power resonate through his arms, shoulders, and legs in one harmonious movement. Each swing was stronger than the last, building to a crescendo of force and precision. When he completed the eighty-first swing, he felt a profound sense of accomplishment. His muscles were burning, his breath heavy, but he had mastered the basics.
The first part of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique, the Common Hammer Form, had instilled in him a new level of discipline and mastery over his body. He understood now why this foundational part was so important; it wasn't just about swinging a hammer—it was about building the strength, control, and focus necessary to wield power responsibly and effectively.
As he completed his training at the end of the week, Kai felt a deep sense of fulfilment. The journey was far from over, and he knew that mastering the entire truly perfect Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique would require even more dedication and resilience.
The Gaia System chimed in, congratulating him on completing the first part of the training:
[Congratulations, Kai! You have unlocked learnt first Martial Technique to Mastery!]
Kai's heart swelled with pride as he stood there, breathing deeply. This 7 days' time of week had not only built his strength and refined his skills but also given him insight into the path ahead. The technique, as Kai practiced, taught Kai patience, discipline, and resilience. He happily laid on ground panting heavily enjoying his success.
To Be Continued...