Was that really the Chaotic Wind Hammer Technique?
"Third Uncle, I don't know whether this is the Chaotic Wind Hammer Technique or not. My father taught it to me."
And just like that, Tang San officially became a member of Shi San's blacksmith shop, beginning a full and fulfilling life.
The academy's classes held little of importance for him — the Great Master's guidance was far more useful than the basic theory the academy instructors taught.
He had also read through the book the Great Master had given him carefully. Just as he had expected, the method of cultivating Soul Power proposed by the Great Master closely resembled the circulation routes used in internal energy training. Of course, it was still only the Great Master's theoretical design, and there was still a considerable gap compared to true internal energy cultivation methods, let alone the
Each morning, Tang San would follow his routine of cultivating his Purple Extreme Demon Eye as the rising sun cast its first light. He attended classes normally in the morning, worked at the blacksmith shop in the afternoon, and listened to the Great Master's teachings in the evening. At night, he cultivated the Mysterious Heaven Skill. Every single day was absolutely packed for him.
At Shi San's blacksmith shop, Tang San had won everyone's approval in remarkably short order. Shi San handed over the task of refining metals to him, and in his spare time, Tang San used various discarded scraps to refine on his own, launching his great enterprise of crafting Hidden Weapons. Of course, he only manufactured individual parts at the blacksmith shop — the real assembly would have to wait until he returned to the academy.
Relying on her formidable strength and
At Nuoding Junior Soul Academy, one term lasted an entire year. Throughout that time, students were not permitted to go home, though family members could visit. Tang San had looked forward to his father's arrival more than once, but by the time the entire term drew to a close, there was still no sign of
As for Spirit Hall, not long after Tang San had undergone his Soul Master evaluation, people from Spirit Hall had come to Nuoding Academy and sought out the Great Master. The Great Master never told Tang San what they had discussed, and Tang San hadn't asked. But judging by the smile on the Great Master's face — wider than usual — Tang San guessed that the relationship between Spirit Hall and the Great Master had probably improved quite a bit.
"Xiao Wu, the break starts tomorrow. Are you going home?" Tang San asked while packing his belongings.
An entire academic year had passed, and he could finally go home to see his father. This afternoon at the blacksmith shop, he had already requested time off from Shi San. He had even purchased a brand-new forging hammer, planning to bring it back as a gift for his father.
Ever since Tang San had joined Shi San's blacksmith shop, the quality of the weapons and equipment it produced had risen a full grade, and business had improved accordingly. Tang San's wages had now reached five Silver Soul Coins per month — more than half the subsidy earned by a Soul Master.
Xiao Wu leaned against the bed, a hint of loneliness flickering in her eyes, a stark contrast to her usual lively and cheerful demeanor. "I'm not going home. I suppose I'll just stay at the academy."
Tang San paused. "It's been a whole year. You're not going to go back and see your family?"
Xiao Wu's eyes suddenly lit up. "Xiao San, your home isn't far from the academy, is it? How about I tag along with you and come visit? What do you say?
Tang San smiled faintly. After a year of knowing her, he understood Xiao Wu fairly well. This little girl was lively and restless, always seeming to crave chaos wherever she went. When she put on her gentle act, she looked every bit like an adorable porcelain doll. But once she lost her temper, the title of "Big Sister Xiao Wu of Nuoding" was no idle joke. Countless students throughout the academy had already learned that the hard way.
"My home is terribly poor. There's nothing fit to offer you."
Xiao Wu planted her hands on her hips and glared at Tang San with wide eyes. "You save every bit of your monthly subsidy — so stingy — and you're afraid you can't entertain me?"
Tang San calmly extended his right hand. "Speaking of the subsidy, I just remembered. Someone still owes me six Silver Coins, doesn't she?"
Xiao Wu froze for a moment, a touch of embarrassment coloring her fair, rosy cheeks. A monthly subsidy of one gold coin was certainly no small sum, but she was truly extravagant with her money — anything that caught her eye she bought on the spot, never considering whether it was actually useful. She already had her own bedding now and no longer needed to share with Tang San. Having never learned to manage her finances, she had gotten into the habit of borrowing from Tang San the moment she ran out of money.
"It's just six Silver Coins, isn't it? I'll pay you back when I get my allowance. You still haven't said — are you going to let me come with you or not?"
Tang San smiled. "If you want to come, then come. But my father doesn't have the best temper."
Xiao Wu waved it off without a care. "I'm so adorable — your father is bound to love me." As she spoke, she struck a sweet pose and batted her eyes at Tang San.
Others might have been fooled by her appearance, but Tang San had witnessed her volcanic eruptions far too many times. He could only shake his head in helpless resignation, completely unmoved by her act. "You can save the beauty trap for someone else. It's a good thing you're only seven — if you were a little older, you might genuinely have the makings of a fox spirit."
(End of Chapter)