The appointment of a personal disciple was a momentous occasion for the Blacksmith Guild. It was not a privilege granted lightly, nor a process completed overnight.
As a newly inducted personal disciple, Su Zhe received a reward of fifty taels of silver and a distinctive token—the Master’s Token. This token would grant him unimpeded access to the inner sect and authority equivalent to that of a guild elder, allowing him to command inner disciples.
The sky darkened as twilight descended. The formalities of Su Zhe’s entry into the Forgeheart Hall and familiarization with the inner workings of the guild were postponed until the next day.
"Fifty taels of silver, just for being named a personal disciple... not bad!" Su Zhe mused as he felt the weight of the silver in his pocket, a sensation he could only describe as satisfying.
Taking out the Master’s Token, Su Zhe marveled at its craftsmanship. It was forged from a unique material, its surface a dark golden hue with swirling patterns of golden clouds etched along its edges. The intricate design gave the illusion of the clouds rising skyward.
The front of the token bore the bold inscription "Personal Disciple," the strokes emanating an aura of immense strength and shining brilliantly. On the back were the words "Blacksmith Guild Forgeheart Hall," written in a stately script that exuded dignity and authority.
The black and gold interplay, coupled with the meticulous details, gave the token an air of mystery and prestige. Holding it, Su Zhe could feel its weight—not just its physical heft, but its significance.
Suddenly, a low hum echoed as the Creation Immortal Cauldron within Su Zhe stirred, projecting glowing text into the air:
* Name: Master’s Token
* Grade: Tier Two Mortal Weapon
* Description: Crafted with black iron as the base and tempered with pure gold, forged through the tireless efforts of Master Sun Tiexin. During its creation, the "Bullforce Hammer Technique" reached the Great Accomplishment stage, imbuing the token with the strength of a bull.
* Requirements for Use: Bullforce Technique at the Mid-Accomplishment stage.
* Equipped Talents:
* Strength Amplification: Adds the strength of one bull (Tier Two, basic strength boost).
* Effortless Mastery: Enhances forging skill.
* Special Unlocks:
* Insight into Mortal-tier weapon materials.
* Memory fragments of the Bullforce Hammer Technique at Great Accomplishment.
Su Zhe’s eyes widened in amazement. "A Tier Two Mortal Weapon? The cauldron didn’t even recognize my eight-pound hammer as a proper Mortal Weapon, but this token is Tier Two? Truly, Master’s craftsmanship is extraordinary."
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Su Zhe had been studying the Creation Immortal Cauldron over the past few days and understood its capabilities. With a thought, he activated the cauldron’s power.
The eight-pound hammer previously residing within his immortal aperture dropped into the cauldron, leaving the aperture vacant. Su Zhe focused his will, and golden light enveloped the Master’s Token.
With a soft whoosh, the token flew into the aperture. Su Zhe’s body trembled as vivid images filled his mind.
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A deep voice narrated: "The path of the Martial Craftsman refines weapons through martial prowess. Weapons forged this way surpass ordinary tools. Martial weapons are categorized into grades: Mortal, Treasured, Spirit, and Profound, ascending in quality."
A lecture followed, with Master Sun Tiexin demonstrating the properties of materials. He held up a piece of black iron. "This deep black metal has a faint red sheen and is exceptionally heavy. It requires extreme heat to smelt, possesses magnetic properties, and is the ideal choice for heavy weapons."
Next came gold. "Gold symbolizes wealth, but in forging, it also harmonizes material properties..."
The memories continued with Sun Tiexin hammering glowing red black iron, each strike resonating like thunder. His hammering technique, fluid yet powerful, exhibited the essence of the "Bullforce Hammer Technique." Each strike contained immense force, enough to crush through armor or any defensive technique.
"Master’s strikes are terrifying," Su Zhe thought, overwhelmed by the sheer power in the visions.
The memory fragments clarified the Bullforce Hammer Technique’s progression:
* At the Minor Accomplishment stage, one’s physique becomes robust, as though infused with the vitality of a bull.
* At the Mid-Accomplishment stage, one masters the concept of "Effortless Mastery," channeling strength seamlessly.
* At the Great Accomplishment stage, one achieves "Strength of One Bull," equating to 1,200 pounds of force in a single strike.
Su Zhe felt a surge of understanding. "Equipping this token grants me the strength of one bull. If I master the Great Accomplishment stage, I’ll possess two bulls’ worth of power!"
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Returning to the guild’s outer workshop, Su Zhe encountered Master Chen. "Su Zhe, congratulations on becoming a personal disciple!" Master Chen greeted him with a mix of awe and joy.
After exchanging pleasantries, Master Chen handed over several large bundles. "Everything you requested—40 pounds of refined iron, 60 pounds of brass, 80 pounds of pure tin, and four taels of gold."
Su Zhe inspected the materials, nodding in satisfaction. "Thank you, Master Chen."
Carrying nearly 200 pounds of supplies effortlessly, Su Zhe departed, eager to unlock his second immortal aperture. His path as a Martial Craftsman had only just begun.