The Weight of a Secret and a New Forge
The connection was more than spiritual; it was visceral. As Yao Xuan's consciousness brushed against the Thousand Refined Gold, it was not like sensing an object, but like feeling the presence of his own limb. The metal thrummed with a quiet, familiar energy, a part of his very life force now irrevocably woven into its structure. It was no longer a tool; it was an extension of his will.
Mang Tian's voice, though filled with paternal pride, was grave. "To be honest," he began, his gaze intense, "if I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes, I could never have believed that an eight-year-old could achieve Thousand Refining. This is a miracle. It speaks to your strength, your comprehension, and your unyielding diligence. In the art of forging, you are, without a doubt, an unheralded genius of the Douluo Continent. Congratulations!"
He paused, letting the weight of his praise settle before his expression turned stern. "However, Yao Xuan, you know the saying: 'The tallest tree in the forest catches the strongest wind.' This achievement of yours must remain a secret for now. We will reveal it when you join an intermediate academy in a larger city, where you will have the stature to withstand the attention and scrutiny. Do you understand the wisdom in this?"
"I understand, Master," Yao Xuan replied, his nod calm and assured. For him, the System's acknowledgment was the true validation; a medal or public recognition was superfluous.
Mang Tian then turned to Tang Wulin, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Wulin, what you witnessed today stays within these walls. This is not a secret to be shared with your parents or anyone else. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Master," Tang Wulin answered, his young face set with solemn responsibility. "I will not speak a word of it to anyone."
As the conversation continued, Yao Xuan's mind dipped into the system space.
'Yes.'
'View.'
A silvery interface materialized in his mind's eye.
[Quest Name: Mastering Forging (Side Quest)]
[Quest Description: You have stepped into the world of forging as a Level 3 Master. Do not rest on your laurels. Your next goal is to advance to Level 4 within three years.]
[Time Limit: 3 years]
[Quest Reward: Gold Evolution Points +1000]
[Failure Penalty: Gold Evolution Points -300]
'A Level 4 Blacksmith requires First Grade Thousand Refining...' Yao Xuan's thoughts raced, calculating. 'Tang Wulin took three and a half years. With my talent and the System, three years is more than achievable.' The reward was staggering—a thousand evolution points was a king's ransom that could dramatically accelerate his bloodline growth. The penalty was severe, but failure was not an option he would entertain.
'Accept!'
The System's chime was still fading when Mang Tian's voice brought him back to the workshop. "Yao Xuan, this piece of Thousand Refined Gold is yours," he declared, his smile genuine. "In our craft, there is a rule: the first breakthrough piece belongs to the forger, regardless of who provided the material. Besides, it has accepted your blood sacrifice. It will answer to no other hand. Do not refuse."
He gestured to the gleaming metal. "Furthermore, now that you perform Thousand Refining, your old tungsten steel hammers are no longer sufficient. You should use this gold to forge a new pair of hammers. As your blooded metal, its affinity with you is supreme, and there is a high chance it will develop unique properties through the process."
"Thank you for your generous gift, Master," Yao Xuan said, bowing deeply. "I accept it gratefully."
"It is nothing less than you deserve! You must be exhausted from today's effort. Go home and rest. I excuse you from any assigned forging for the next week. Use this time to consolidate your insights and begin the work of forging your new hammer."
"Understood, Master." Yao Xuan carefully lifted the dense block of gold. "May I leave this in my forging room for now?"
"Of course, it is yours to dispose of as you see fit," Mang Tian replied with a dismissive, proud wave.
As Yao Xuan carried the metal away, Tang Wulin fell into step beside him, his voice brimming with admiration. "Brother Xuan, you're incredible! To complete Thousand Refining... I admire you so much! And happy birthday!"
"Thank you, Wulin," Yao Xuan said, a tired but warm smile on his face. "By the way, you're nearing the breakthrough to level 9 Soul Warrior, aren't you?"
"Yes! I think I'll break through in another month or two. I have ten months left to reach level 10 and attempt the breakthrough to Soul Master. I believe I can do it!" Tang Wulin's eyes shone with determination. "Thank you for your guidance and encouragement all this time, Brother Xuan!"
"That's the spirit. Believe in yourself, and you will definitely succeed." Yao Xuan placed the Thousand Refined Gold into his personal storage cabinet with a solid thud. He turned and gave Tang Wulin an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Brother Xuan! Um... could I... take a closer look at the Thousand Refined Gold you forged?" Tang Wulin asked, his curiosity overcoming his awe.
"Of course. But be careful," Yao Xuan cautioned. "After the refinement, its density has increased tremendously. It must weigh close to three hundred kilograms now. I'm quite tired, so I'll be heading home first. Goodbye, Wulin."
"Goodbye, Brother Xuan!" Tang Wulin called out respectfully, watching Yao Xuan's retreating back until he disappeared from view. Then, he turned, his gaze falling upon the masterpiece resting in the cabinet—a block of metal that was not just an object, but a legend in the making, and a secret he would proudly carry.
Yao Xuan stepped out of the studio, the cool evening air a relief against his skin. The fatigue was a heavy cloak around his shoulders, but beneath it thrummed a profound satisfaction. One hundred Gold Evolution Points were now his, and a new, grand quest lay ahead. But more than that, he had taken a monumental step on his path. His thoughts, as always, drifted to a certain silver-haired girl. He couldn't wait to go home, to see Na'er, and to share in the quiet, ordinary peace that made all his extraordinary struggles worthwhile.