Shuhang took a deep breath and focused, letting the earlier encounter fuel his determination rather than his anger. Back at the forge, the rhythmic hum of work resumed with renewed intensity. Shuhang and his younger brother, Shou, worked side by side to fulfill the pending orders. With their combined efforts and unique abilities, the pace at which they crafted was nothing short of extraordinary.
Shuhang's mastery of Flame Control, a skill most considered basic, was unparalleled. Typically used for combat, this ability produced flames of around 500 degrees Celsius. However, Shuhang's understanding of combustion principles and flame dynamics allowed him to modify the technique. His flames could now reach an incredible 6000 degrees Celsius, enough to melt even the toughest metals in seconds. The cost of using such a high temperature was minimal, thanks to his innovations in ki efficiency.
Meanwhile, Metal Manipulation, another seemingly straightforward skill, was a cornerstone of their craft. By studying the principles of magnetism and metallurgy, Shuhang had transformed this ability into something remarkable. Together with Shou, he could mold molten metal with precision, creating complex shapes without the need for traditional tools.
The brothers also incorporated Psychokinesis into their work, using it to lift and position heavy materials with ease. Though this ability had its limitations—it was easily disrupted and energy-intensive—it was invaluable in managing multiple tasks simultaneously. By combining their talents, they turned a labor-intensive process into a seamless, almost magical operation.
However, Shuhang never allowed their reliance on skills to replace hard work. He emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals, guiding Shou through each step of crafting while honing his own abilities. The forge wasn't just a place of business; it was a training ground where they improved both their craft and their understanding of the world's principles.
As the hours passed, the orders began to take shape. The brothers moved with precision and coordination, their hands guided by skill and experience. By the time the last blade was sharpened, the day's toil was evident in the sheen of sweat on their brows.
When the work was done, the family gathered in a quiet corner of the smithy to rest. The air was filled with the scent of hot metal and the faint hum of cooling forges. Shuhang leaned back against the wall, his thoughts turning to his personal equipment.
His arsenal was impressive, even by the standards of Azure Sky City. His armor, built for protection, was paired with a shield so durable it surpassed even the armor's resilience. His main weapon, a horse cleaver, was a devastating blade that hid a deadly secret: it could shatter into countless razor-sharp shards, creating a storm of destruction controlled by his psychokinesis.
In addition, he carried six lances for long-range attacks and a dagger with a chain, perfect for capturing foes. His collection included explosive bombs—small but powerful—and even firearms modeled after modern weapons: an anti-tank rifle and a shotgun. While firearms were rare and seen as unconventional in this world, Shuhang had crafted them for specific situations where traditional weapons might fail.
Despite his impressive arsenal, Shuhang knew his limits. Carrying so much equipment was impractical, and without a spatial storage ring, he couldn't take all of it with him. Storage rings, enchanted with spatial runes, were valuable treasures. The smallest could hold as much as a suitcase, while the most expensive could house an entire castle. Shuhang longed for one but lacked the funds to acquire it.
As his thoughts wandered, his grandfather, Song Yu, joined him. Though in his forties, Song Yu's vigorous appearance and bright smile belied his age. He sat down beside Shuhang, patting him on the shoulder.
"What's on your mind, boy?" Song Yu asked, his voice warm and curious.
Shuhang hesitated before answering, "I've been thinking about working with the Black Moon Merchants. They're powerful, and their backing could help protect our family and business."
Song Yu nodded thoughtfully. "Black Moon is a good choice. They're one of the most influential merchant groups in the world. Even the Xiao Clan and the royal family tread carefully around them."
"I've done some research," Shuhang admitted, "but your experience means more to me. What do you think?"
Song Yu smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "You always think things through, unlike your father. That makes this old man happy, but it also reminds me how little I can help sometimes."
"Grandpa," Shuhang said earnestly, "your advice matters more than anything. Books and rumors can only take me so far. Your experience is priceless."
Song Yu chuckled and ruffled Shuhang's hair. "You're too good with words. Wuji could learn from you."
At the mention of his father, Wuji, the elder Song, who had been sitting nearby, turned with a mock scowl. "Hey, I'm nice to you, old man! Don't play favorites!"
Shou laughed at his father's antics, and the lighthearted exchange brought a rare moment of levity to the forge. In this simple, loving atmosphere, Shuhang felt the weight of his earlier frustrations lift slightly.
Returning to the topic, Wuji spoke up, his tone more serious now. "Black Moon really is the best choice. If you're thinking of expanding or protecting your inventions, they're the only ones strong enough to stand against plagiarists and schemers. But make sure you go prepared. They're shrewd negotiators."
Shuhang nodded, his resolve solidifying. His family's support, combined with his plans, gave him the confidence to take the next step. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but Shuhang was determined. He wouldn't let disrespect or injustice keep him down. One day, the Song family name would be known far and wide, and no one would dare to look down on them.
Shuhang spent half an hour contemplating the best product to present to the Black Moon Merchants. Guns were immediately off the table; they were his trump card and revealing them too soon would mean losing his unique edge before he could secure a significant foothold. Instead, he decided to focus on something practical, something that would impact the lives of ordinary people and generate widespread interest: a bicycle.
Bicycles were simple to make yet revolutionary in their utility. Unlike horses, which required food, care, and training, bicycles relied solely on the rider's strength, making them an affordable and sustainable form of transportation. Shuhang envisioned this as the first step in a grander plan. After bicycles, he could progress to buses, trains, and perhaps even planes. With his magical abilities to manipulate metal and control fire, experimentation and prototyping would be easier and faster than anything possible in his old world.
The only hurdle was energy. While spirit stones could theoretically power advanced machines, they were prohibitively expensive and impractical for widespread use. For now, the bicycle's simplicity and reliance on human energy made it the perfect starting point.
Shuhang got to work immediately, crafting two prototype models: a standard bicycle and a sportier version. Drawing on his memories of biking every morning in his past life, he ensured that the designs were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By the end of the hour, both models were complete, their sleek forms gleaming under the forge's light.
When he presented the bicycles to his family, they were visibly impressed. Though they had seen incomplete models before, these were fully functional and ready for a test ride.
"Big brother, is this finally a real bicycle?" Shou asked, his excitement evident. The younger boy had always been curious about the strange contraptions Shuhang described. Their family had never owned a horse, donkey, or any other riding animal due to prioritizing savings for foundational techniques, so the idea of a personal vehicle was thrilling.
"Yes," Shuhang said with a smile. "Even if the partnership doesn't work out, we can start making and selling these ourselves. I'm sure they'll be a hit."
"Don't jinx it by saying negative things," Wuji rebuked, frowning. "Speak your good intentions aloud and keep your worries to yourself."
"He's right," their grandfather agreed. "Don't invite trouble with your words. Go now, and we'll pray for your success."
As Shuhang prepared to leave, Shou tugged at his sleeve. "Can I come with you, big brother? I want to see the Black Moon's place."
"Next time, little brother. This is something I need to handle alone," Shuhang said, ruffling Shou's hair. He bid his family farewell, steeling himself for the task ahead.
---
Walking through the city toward the Black Moon Merchants' headquarters, Shuhang's initial confidence began to waver. Thoughts of betrayal and danger crept into his mind. The Black Moon Merchants were known for their wealth and power, but with that came danger. What if they captured him, extracted his memories, and killed his family to cover their tracks? Each step felt heavier as the weight of these fears pressed down on him.
Just as he considered turning back, a melodic voice called out to him, "Shuhang, what's wrong?"
He turned to see a striking figure riding toward him on a white, winged horse. The woman was clad in slim silver-and-gold battle armor, accented with crystals that shimmered in the sunlight. Her long black hair framed a face with emerald-green eyes that radiated both warmth and strength. She was none other than Lady Wang Yue, a member of the prestigious Wang Clan branch in the city and an instructor at the Fighting School Shuhang and his friends attended.
Though her classes were far too expensive for him, she occasionally allowed him and his friends to spar with her students, recognizing their potential. Her humility and strength had always stood out to Shuhang, and despite the gulf between their stations, he couldn't help but admire her.
Her sudden presence was both comforting and nerve-wracking. I really should have brought Father or Grandpa with me, Shuhang thought, regaining his composure. If they had been by his side, he wouldn't have felt so overwhelmed. Still, her calm demeanor helped settle his nerves.
"Lady Wang Yue," Shuhang greeted with a respectful bow, masking his internal turmoil. "It's a pleasure to see you."
"What has you so troubled?" she asked, her tone gentle but inquisitive. "You don't usually look this hesitant."
Shuhang hesitated, unsure of how much to share. Finally, he said, "I'm on my way to meet with the Black Moon Merchants. It's… a big step for my family."
Yue's lips curved into a small smile. "A bold move, but a wise one. The Black Moon Merchants are not easily swayed, but they respect innovation. If anyone can impress them, it's you."
Her words gave Shuhang the boost of confidence he needed. "Thank you, Lady Wang Yue. I'll do my best."
"You'll do more than that, I'm sure," she said, her emerald eyes locking with his for a moment before she turned her horse. "Good luck, Shuhang. And remember, hesitation is the enemy of success."
Lady Wang Yue had always respected Shuhang, not just for his determination but for his innate talent in combat and weaponry. Despite lacking the resources her students had access to, he demonstrated impressive skill in close combat and creative usage of weapons. While he often lost in sparring matches against her students, Yue knew this was due to the disparity in their resources, not their talents. Many of her students came from wealthy backgrounds, armed with expensive techniques and equipment, while Shuhang relied on sheer grit, skill, and his self-made weapons.
Beyond his fighting abilities, Yue had been deeply impressed by the craftsmanship of his creations. Shuhang's ingenuity in forging weapons and tools often bordered on genius, a quality she seldom encountered, even among the best in her clan. It was one of the reasons she had once invited him to join her side. She had seen his potential and wanted to nurture it further. However, Shuhang had politely declined, citing his mistrust of clans.
Yue couldn't blame him. She was well aware of the darker sides of clan politics. Some of her own clan's younger members had bullied Shuhang and his friends, exploiting their wealth and influence to mock those who couldn't fight back. Despite her attempts to curb such behavior, she knew that resentment lingered. Shuhang's fear of becoming entangled in clan dynamics was not unfounded, and she respected his decision to avoid them.
Still, Yue couldn't ignore the fact that Shuhang liked her. His nervousness, the way he looked at her, and the slight blush that appeared whenever they spoke made it obvious. Yet, Yue chose not to use his feelings to manipulate him. She admired his sincerity too much for that and valued the trust he placed in her.
So, when she saw him that day, walking toward his meeting with the Black Moon Merchants, she couldn't help but feel both proud and curious. The Black Moon was a wise choice—powerful, independent, and above the influence of most clans—but gaining their sponsorship was no small feat. She encouraged him with genuine words of support, but her curiosity burned within.
"What will you present to them?" she asked, her emerald eyes sparkling with interest.
Shuhang hesitated, then gave her a sly smile. "It's a surprise, Lady Wang Yue. You'll see after my meeting."
Yue chuckled at his cheekiness, her amusement evident. "I'll hold you to that, Shuhang. Don't let me down."
As they bid farewell, Yue couldn't shake a lingering concern for his safety. The Black Moon might respect innovation, but they were also ruthless in business. If Shuhang's ideas were too valuable, they might try to take them by force. Yue decided to ensure he had some protection, even if he didn't know about it.
Turning her horse slightly, she whispered into the air, "Uncle, please keep the boy safe."
An affirmative response, calm and deep, echoed softly before fading into the wind. Yue smiled faintly, knowing her request would be honored. She watched Shuhang continue his journey with a mix of pride and hope, silently praying for his success.
As Shuhang arrived at his destination, the Black Moon building stood in stark contrast to the other shops in the noble district marketplace. The building exuded an aura of sophistication and dominance, effortlessly overshadowing its surroundings. Unlike the commoners' market, which was filled with individual stalls and shops offering necessities, the noble district catered to the elite, with grand storefronts and luxurious establishments.
The Black Moon building itself was a cube-shaped structure that appeared to be made of a glossy, opaque material resembling black glass. Its sleek, modern design was both intimidating and captivating, with the iconic Black Moon logo—a crescent moon with intricate runic patterns—illuminated at the top. The building had three stories, each floor representing a tier of exclusivity and wealth.
At the entrance, guards stood like immovable statues, their presence radiating power. Shuhang could immediately sense that these men were not mere muscle—they were cultivators of a level far beyond the foundation realm, their auras like faint flames in the air. Black Moon, after all, was not just a shop but a brand with a global reputation. Though it wasn't the absolute best in the world, it held a significant position in the market due to its expertise in dark attribute items. These included high-quality weapons, skill manuals, cloaks, carriages, and other niche products.
Black Moon's success wasn't accidental. The brand owned its entire supply chain, from rune masters to blacksmiths, ensuring quality and exclusivity in its items. While rumors of alliances with clans, kingdoms, and other brands floated among the populace, none of these arrangements were public knowledge. What mattered to the average citizen was that Black Moon was synonymous with power and prestige.
Shuhang had seen the building from a distance before, but standing before it now, he truly appreciated its grandeur. It was imposing yet inviting, a symbol of untouchable luxury.
Taking a deep breath, Shuhang stepped inside, careful to avoid lingering near the guards. Appearances in this world were deceptive, and powerful individuals often dressed plainly or appeared unassuming. The guards, accustomed to such cases, refrained from making assumptions, their expressions neutral but watchful.
Inside, Shuhang was greeted by a world of elegance. The air was subtly perfumed with a refreshing scent, and the lighting perfectly illuminated the room's opulent decor. Plush carpets lined the floors, and the walls were adorned with tapestries and artifacts that seemed to whisper tales of grandeur. Glass display cases showcased an array of exquisite items, from finely crafted weapons to intricately detailed cloaks.
Beautiful women and handsome men dressed in refined uniforms moved gracefully among the customers, their voices low and respectful as they catered to the elite clientele. The atmosphere was one of calm sophistication, designed to make even the wealthiest feel special.
A salesgirl approached him, her smile professional and welcoming. "Welcome, young master. How may I assist you today?" she asked with a slight bow.
Shuhang met her gaze with calm confidence, a skill honed from his past life. "I would like to meet the manager of this branch. I'm here to present a project of mine."
The salesgirl's eyes briefly flickered with curiosity. Despite his plain attire, his demeanor spoke of experience and composure. He didn't fidget or display the usual nervousness of someone unaccustomed to wealth. "May I have your name, young master, so I may inform the manager?"
"My name is Song Shuhang," he replied evenly. "I doubt the manager would know me, but I do know Black Moon appreciates unique products."
Understanding dawned on her face. Black Moon often entertained individuals who came with ideas for products, hoping to strike a partnership. This wasn't new to her, but something about Shuhang's tone and posture made her feel he wasn't just another hopeful dreamer.
"Understood, Young Master Song," she said with a polite nod. "Please, make yourself comfortable while I inform the manager."
With that, she guided him to a luxurious seating area. The seat was upholstered in fine velvet, and the table before him held an array of refreshments—delicate pastries, exotic fruits, and a pot of fragrant tea. Each item looked exquisite, the kind of indulgence that was well beyond the means of Shuhang's family.
As he sat down, Shuhang couldn't help but feel a pang of contrast between his current reality and this world of luxury. These treats alone were likely worth more than everything his family owned. Still, he didn't let it show. Maintaining his composure, he sipped the tea slowly, awaiting his opportunity to prove himself.