The forest around us was quiet, with shafts of sunlight breaking through the canopy and casting shifting patterns on the ground. Beside me, Grandpa Dugu Bo grumbled, his expression somewhere between amused and exasperated.
"Remind me again why you needed me to recruit a blacksmith in the middle of nowhere," he said, stepping over a root.
I smirked, brushing a low-hanging branch out of my way. "Because you're my only option. Dugu Xin and Liu Erlong have been training like maniacs since I beat them, and I can't ask anyone else. Besides, this isn't just any random blacksmith. The man we're looking for is unique."
Grandpa raised an eyebrow. "Unique how?"
"He's a man who's lost everything except his son," I said with a gleam in my eye. "I'll offer him a way out, give him purpose… and in return, I'll exploit him until he's got nothing left to give." My grin turned wicked.
Grandpa's lips twitched into a smile, though there was a flicker of something else in his eyes. "Remind me to never get on your bad side, Bei."
The path eventually led us to the outskirts of a small village. As we stepped into the clearing, the simple homes and modest fields came into view. Villagers stopped what they were doing to stare, their expressions wary and curious.
"They're probably not used to seeing Spirit Masters around here," Grandpa muttered, adjusting his robes.
"No, they're probably captivated by my good looks," I replied, flashing a grin. Grandpa rolled his eyes, but I caught the slight curve of his lips.
Despite the lighthearted exchange, a pang of guilt tugged at me as I noticed the stark contrast between us and the villagers. Their clothes were patched and worn, their lives clearly defined by struggle. My thoughts drifted back to the forest twelve years ago, to the moment Grandpa found me and changed my fate. I owed him everything.
Grandpa interrupted my thoughts, addressing a woman nearby. "Excuse me. Can you point us to the Village Head's residence?"
The woman hesitated, her gaze flickering between us before she pointed toward a slightly larger house at the center of the village. "That way."
"Thank you," Grandpa said with a nod.
We approached the residence and knocked. Moments later, an elderly man opened the door. He looked up at us, his face lined with age and wisdom.
"Good day," he said, his voice raspy but kind. "I'm Jack, the head of Holy Spirit Village. How can I help you?"
I stepped forward, offering a polite smile. "Good day, Elder Jack. We're looking for a blacksmith who recently moved here. He lives alone with his newborn son."
Jack's brow furrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. "And who might you be?"
"Oh, I'm his nephew," I said, letting my voice take on an innocent tone. "We're family, and I wanted to visit him."
The old man's shoulders relaxed, and he nodded. "Ah, I see. His house is just outside the village, near the edge of the forest. Follow the path east, and you'll find it."
"Thank you," I said with a warm smile.
As we turned to leave, Grandpa chuckled softly. "I don't remember teaching you how to lie so well."
I laughed, waving him off. "Natural talent, Grandpa."
We followed the path as directed, the village's sounds fading behind us. The house came into view soon enough, a modest structure with smoke rising from the chimney. Despite its simplicity, there was something sturdy and enduring about it.
My demeanor shifted as we approached. "The man will probably avoid fighting because of his son and his injuries, but be ready just in case," I said, my tone serious. "If we do fight, there's no guarantee we'll win without being seriously hurt. So stay sharp, Grandpa."
Grandpa's eyes narrowed slightly. "Who the hell is this blacksmith for you to be so cautious?"
I didn't answer, reaching the door and knocking firmly. There was a moment of silence before it swung open, revealing a sturdy man with unkempt hair and bloodshot eyes. He held a bottle in one hand, and his posture screamed irritation.
"What do you want? I'm not buying anything," he growled.
His gaze shifted to Grandpa, and recognition flickered in his eyes. His grip on the door tightened, his expression darkening. "Fuck off!"
He moved to slam the door, but I wedged my foot in the gap, stopping it. "It'd be a pity to leave after coming so far to talk to you," I said smoothly. "Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Hao."