The Anvil's Verdict
The afternoon sun cast long shadows as Yao Xuan, after ensuring Na'er was safely home, changed into his simple work clothes and made his way to Mangtian Studio. The familiar scent of hot metal and oil greeted him, a smell that had become as comforting as the orphanage's kitchen.
"Yo, Yao Xuan, you're here."
Brother Long, taking a break near the entrance, looked up and offered a warm, familiar smile. He moved forward and gave Yao Xuan a friendly clap on the shoulder.
"Good afternoon, Brother Long," Yao Xuan replied with a respectful nod. "Is Master free at the moment?"
"He's in his workshop, taking a rest. What's on your mind? Need to see him about something?" Brother Long's curiosity was genuine.
"Yes," Yao Xuan confirmed. "This morning, I successfully fused with a soul spirit and broke through to the Soul Master level. Master mentioned before that once I mastered Hundred Refining and reached Soul Master, I could begin learning the Thousand Refining technique. I wanted to inform him."
Brother Long's eyes widened slightly, a flash of pure, unadulterated admiration crossing his features. "Oh? You've already broken through to Soul Master! Congratulations! Come, I'll take you to him." As he led the way, a faint, wistful sigh echoed in his heart. He had started forging at twelve, only began learning Thousand Refining at twenty, and succeeded at twenty-five. This junior brother of his was attempting it at seven and a half. The gap was astronomical, but he felt no jealousy, only a deep respect for the prodigy walking beside him. 'A born blacksmith,' he thought with resignation.
Upon entering Mang Tian's private workshop, Yao Xuan bowed deeply. "Teacher, I have successfully broken through to the Soul Master realm."
Mang Tian, who had been examining a piece of metal, turned. His stern eyes softened imperceptibly. "Soul Master realm? Good. Very good!" He set his tools down. "With that breakthrough, your strength should have increased further. You are ready to attempt Thousand Refining. But first, we must test your foundation."
He led Yao Xuan to a specialized apparatus in the corner. It consisted of a square metal platform, a thick cylindrical metal target on top, and behind it, a tall, clear cylinder filled with a slender column of mercury.
"This measures the pure physical force of a strike," Mang Tian explained, handing Yao Xuan a standard 100-pound testing hammer. "Use only your right arm. No soul power. Let's see what you're made of now."
"Yes, Teacher."
Yao Xuan took the hammer. His right hand, small but calloused, gripped the spiraled handle firmly. He settled into a solid horse stance, his breathing evening out. For a moment, he was perfectly still. Then, with a smooth, powerful motion, he raised the hammer high, channeling the strength from his core, through his shoulder, and down his arm. The hammer fell in a devastating arc, cutting the air with a sharp whoosh.
BOOM!
The impact was not just a sound but a physical shockwave that made the entire workshop tremble. A faint metallic ringing hung in the air. The mercury column in the cylinder shot upwards with startling speed, and the digital display beside it flickered before settling on a number.
"Nine hundred and sixty kilograms?" Mang Tian's voice was a disbelieving whisper. His jaw went slack, his eyes wide with sheer astonishment. "How is this possible? Is the instrument faulty?" This was a strength that dwarfed most adult blacksmiths four times over. He remembered testing Yao Xuan half a year ago; the boy's nearly 500 kilograms of strength had already marked him as a monster. For it to almost double in such a short time defied all logic.
"Master," Yao Xuan said, his tone calm and reassuring. "After my breakthrough, I did feel a significant increase in my physical power. I believe the instrument is functioning correctly. May I try again?"
Mang Tian could only nod mutely, his gaze fixed on the machine.
Yao Xuan repeated the motion. The hammer fell with the same earth-shaking finality.
BOOM!
The workshop shuddered once more. Mang Tian, instinctively, covered his ears. The display now read 964 kilograms.
"Good... Good... Very good!" Mang Tian finally found his voice, the words bursting forth with unrestrained pride and joy. "Now, try your left hand."
Switching the hammer to his left hand, Yao Xuan repeated the process. The result was another thunderous impact and a reading of 932 kilograms.
"Nine hundred and thirty-two kilograms! Excellent!" Mang Tian's smile was now a broad, unreserved beam. The balance between his disciple's hands was phenomenal—a mere 3.5% difference. For a blacksmith, such symmetry was a priceless gift, ensuring unparalleled stability and control during the delicate forging process. He felt a surge of profound gratitude for the fate that had brought this boy to his workshop.
"Good. Very good. With a thousand kilograms of strength... your physical power is more than sufficient for Thousand Refining." Mang Tian took a deep breath, mastering his excitement. His expression settled into one of focused instruction. "Now, I will explain the secrets of the art to you."
He turned to a metal storage shelf and retrieved a small, dense ingot that gleamed with a soft, inner golden light. He placed it on the anvil before Yao Xuan with a reverent touch.
"This," Mang Tian said, his voice dropping to a solemn whisper, "is the beginning."