Elder Charlotte's eyes flickered sharply. The shock was like a stone dropped into a lake, sending ripples through his expression—but his deep, steady gaze quickly suppressed it, returning to calm.
He had lived for many years and seen countless geniuses. He understood better than anyone that every talented individual had their own opportunities—and their own secrets.
Forcing the issue wouldn't bring answers. At best, it would yield nothing; at worst, it would create resentment.
Although the boy before him was poorly dressed, his eyes were clear and resolute, and his spirit power was firmly at Rank Ten. That level of talent—combined with the resolve to travel alone over such a distance—earned Elder Charlotte's genuine appreciation.
"Spirit power Rank Ten, confirmed. No mistake."
Elder Charlotte withdrew his hand, a warm smile returning to his face as if his earlier shock had never happened.
"Little friend Lin Xia, although you haven't obtained your first spirit ring yet, becoming a Spirit Master from a Spirit Scholar is only a matter of time. I'll make things easier for you. Starting today, with this emblem, you may receive a monthly Spirit Master subsidy of one gold coin from the Spirit Hall."
Turning around, Charlotte retrieved a small emblem from a cabinet behind him. It was engraved with a crossed sword and hammer. He handed it to Lin Xia solemnly.
Lin Xia accepted the emblem. It still carried warmth, and its weight in his palm brought with it a deep sense of reassurance.
One gold coin.
Back in Nuoding City, that amount was enough for a work-study student like him to live frugally for several months.
Of course, Lin Xia wasn't so shortsighted as to be dazzled by a single gold coin. His reaction came purely from necessity—nothing more.
"Thank you, Elder Charlotte," Lin Xia said sincerely.
Watching Lin Xia put the emblem away, Elder Charlotte's gaze grew fervent once more. He leaned forward slightly, his tone filled with unmistakable intent.
"Lin Xia, your talent is something I've never seen in my lifetime. Innate Rank Eight, and reaching Rank Ten in just half a month—this speed is unheard of!"
"Join the Spirit Hall! With your aptitude, you'll receive the highest-level training, the best cultivation resources, and top-tier guidance for obtaining spirit rings! Your future would be boundless!"
Lin Xia's heart skipped a beat.
An invitation from the Spirit Hall carried tremendous weight.
Resources. Protection. Knowledge.
All the things he desperately needed.
But in his mind, the image of Bibi Dong's cold face beneath the Supreme Pontiff's Crown surfaced instantly—followed by Yu Xiaogang's lingering silhouette.
After a brief pause, Lin Xia took a deep breath, suppressed the stirring in his heart, and put on an apologetic, shy smile befitting his age.
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder. This junior naturally understands the prestige of the Spirit Hall. It's just… this junior has only just arrived in Gengjin City and still has some personal matters to take care of. I can't make such an important decision right away. May I… handle these small matters first, and then give you my answer?"
Elder Charlotte's eager smile faltered slightly. A trace of disappointment flickered through his eyes, almost imperceptible.
At his age, how could he not hear the refusal hidden within those polite words?
This child had a firm will—and his own path in mind.
Forcing a genius would only backfire.
Looking at Lin Xia's clear yet stubborn eyes, Elder Charlotte finally sighed. His smile grew a little fainter, but it remained gentle.
"Very well. It's good for young people to have their own ideas. Remember this—our doors are always open to you. Whenever you change your mind, come and find me, Charlotte. The Gengjin City Spirit Hall branch will always welcome you."
"Thank you for your understanding, Elder," Lin Xia said, bowing once more.
Elder Charlotte's attitude left a noticeably better impression of the Spirit Hall on Lin Xia.
Besides, it wasn't that he didn't want to join. Wasn't it only sensible to compare options?
And there was no rule saying he couldn't join more than one organization.
After bidding farewell to Elder Charlotte, Lin Xia left the solemn and majestic Spirit Hall, the weight of the gold coin subsidy making his steps feel lighter.
Out on the bustling streets of Gengjin City, Lin Xia first headed to a clothing shop.
He was truly tired of the strange looks people gave him.
Using part of the gold coin, he bought himself a simple but clean set of coarse cloth clothes and a pair of sturdy cloth shoes.
After changing, he still looked plain—but at least the "little beggar" image was gone, and he no longer stood out so much in the crowd.
With that taken care of, Lin Xia asked for directions to the Blacksmith Association and headed straight there.
The closer he got, the stronger the mixed scents of heat, metal dust, and sweat became.
The clanging of hammers echoed through the air like a heartbeat—powerful and rhythmic.
At last, Lin Xia stopped in front of a rugged, imposing building.
Unlike the refined elegance of the Spirit Hall, this place radiated raw strength.
Massive stone pillars were carved with hammer and flame totems. From the open gates, waves of heat rolled outward, accompanied by deafening clangs of metal and booming shouts.
Lin Xia steadied himself and stepped inside.
Beyond the entrance lay an enormous hall, more like a colossal open workshop.
Blazing furnaces stood like iron beasts, flames roaring as they illuminated the bronze skin and sweat-soaked faces of the craftsmen.
Beside huge anvils, shirtless men swung heavy hammers. Each strike sent sparks flying and produced thunderous sounds.
The air was thick with the scents of molten iron, coal, sweat, and metal.
In the corners, semi-finished weapons, armor, and farm tools were piled high in dazzling variety.
It made Lin Xia's mouth water once again.
His presence didn't attract much attention.
Merchants placing orders, laborers hauling ore, and youths trying their luck all came and went through this place.
Scanning the hall, Lin Xia spotted a middle-aged man in a leather apron directing several apprentices as they moved iron ingots. Lin Xia walked over and spoke politely.
"Uncle, excuse me. I'd like to join the Blacksmith Association. Who should I speak to?"
The man turned at the sound and looked Lin Xia up and down.
Though Lin Xia was now cleanly dressed, he was still very young and rather slender—hardly the build of someone who could swing a heavy hammer.
"Join the association?" The man frowned slightly, impatience creeping into his tone.
"Kid, how old are you? Do you know how hard blacksmithing is? This isn't a place for kids to mess around. Move along—don't cause trouble."
Lin Xia wasn't discouraged. He straightened his back and met the man's gaze directly.
"Uncle, I'm quite strong. And I… know a lot about ore. I want to serve the association and learn forging techniques, as well as basic knowledge about ores."
"Know about ore?" The man scoffed.
"You just said you wanted to learn the basics, and now you say you already know them?"
"Anyone can talk big! Kid, joining the association requires passing an assessment!"
"At the very least, you need to be able to swing a ten-jin hammer and forge a standard iron billet one hundred times, shaping it according to association standards. With your little body…"
He shook his head, clearly unconvinced.
Just then, an older yet vigorous voice rang out from the side.
"Old Li, what's all this noise about?"