Kyrian remained completely still before the furnace.
The crimson flames slowly enveloped the ordinary iron ingot, causing its darkened surface to gradually take on a reddish glow. Heat spread through the metal, penetrating layer by layer, transforming its internal structure.
Sun Luguo did absolutely nothing. He simply watched, his eyes fixed on the metal, his breathing calm and steady. He was like a statue, motionless and patient.
Silence once again filled the workshop. The only sounds were the crackling of the flames and the occasional sharp pop caused by the metal expanding as it absorbed heat, a high-pitched sound, almost musical, like the crackling of a bonfire.
After nearly a minute, Kyrian could not help but ask,
"Is it ready yet?"
Sun Luguo smiled without even taking his eyes off the furnace, his lips curling into a patient smile.
"No."
A few more moments passed. The ingot turned bright red, then orange. The color spread slowly from the center toward the edges.
