Su Zhe took a deep breath, his body flickering as he stepped into a Seven Star Stance, energy coursing through him like a roaring tide.
His blood surged within, as though waves crashed in his veins, circulating endlessly.
The Flood Dragon Breathing Technique, Flood Dragon Stance, and Flood Dragon Diving Method—these three techniques formed a set designed to transform his body.
Under their effects, Su Zhe's movements became extraordinarily fluid and his body resilient beyond compare.
With a move called "Dragon Soars to the Skies," Su Zhe leapt high into the air, mimicking a flood dragon breaking through the waves to pierce the heavens.
With "Raging Seas Upended," he spun mid-air, generating a momentum so immense it seemed to overturn rivers and oceans.
With "Breaking Waves Charge," his movements mirrored a vessel slicing through turbulent waters, unstoppable in its course.
Altogether, there were nine moves in the set.
Su Zhe possessed the innate strength equivalent to the "Force of an Ox," passed down through the craftsman guild's lineage.
His strength was exceptional—his arms alone could lift a thousand pounds.
According to an old saying: "The greatest strength in the world is divided between the dragon in water and the elephant on land."
The Flood Dragon Diving Method aimed to emulate the transformation of a flood dragon into a true dragon, inheriting the aquatic dragon's unparalleled power.
Strength feeds speed, and the greater the strength, the faster one becomes!
After a single night of training, Su Zhe had grown increasingly proficient with the Flood Dragon Diving Method, his progress astonishing.
“Whew!”
He exhaled deeply, marveling at the profound ingenuity of the technique.
"In terms of intricacy, this Flood Dragon Diving Method far surpasses the Wild Ox Rock-Splitting Hammer Technique by dozens of times!"
"Even though I’ve gleaned some insights from the silk manuscript and inherited the memories of a nameless warrior’s minor success in this technique, reaching even a minor mastery on my own will take some time."
Su Zhe opened his eyes, his breathing steady as he retracted his aura.
Though his proficiency in the technique was rudimentary, it was enough to bring a smile to his face.
"Should I face Huang Mazi again," Su Zhe thought, recalling an earlier adversary, "even three of him combined couldn’t lay a finger on me now."
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
But today wasn’t about testing his newfound prowess—it was his first day at the Craftsman Hall of the Blacksmith Guild. Tardiness would displease his master.
Hearing the rooster crow, Su Zhe washed quickly, donned clean clothes, bade farewell to his uncle and aunt, and set off with a basket of dried fish strapped to his back.
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The Blacksmith Guild bustled as Su Zhe entered, passing through the forge into the Martial Hall. This was where inner disciples gathered, and where each hall within the guild had its representation.
The Inner Gate—a world apart from the Outer Gate. Though only separated by a wall, the differences in status, treatment, and standing were as vast as the heavens and earth.
To the outer apprentices, Su Zhe's presence was dazzling.
“That’s Su Zhe—the one who shone so brightly during the Bone-Testing Ceremony!”
“Even Yu Yi, a Class-A prodigy, can’t compare to him.”
“Yu Yi’s talent is remarkable, but Su Zhe has the bearing of a beast. He’s already become the personal disciple of Hall Master Sun. His rise was meteoric!”
The whispers filled the air as the outer apprentices marveled at Su Zhe. His sudden ascent naturally invited comparisons with Yu Yi, a long-revered genius.
But unlike Yu Yi’s aloof, stone-faced demeanor, Su Zhe’s charm was undeniable. His lively, affable nature won people over effortlessly, while Yu Yi’s coldness left him isolated.
As Su Zhe walked past, Yu Yi ground his teeth in silent frustration, his expression dark.
“Yu Yi,” Su Zhe greeted with a radiant smile, “you don’t look too well. Remember, training begins with the body—don’t overwork yourself!”
“Su... Brother Su, I’m fine, thank you.”
Yu Yi’s anger simmered beneath the surface, but Su Zhe’s easygoing familiarity made confrontation impossible. The phrase “one does not strike a smiling face” had never been more apt.
Su Zhe gave a casual wave and continued on, leaving Yu Yi clutching a bundle of dried fish in confusion. Though tempted to discard the humble gift, Yu Yi found himself tucking it away instead.
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“Su Zhe!” A booming voice broke through the chatter.
Looking toward the source, Su Zhe raised an eyebrow.
Striding toward him was a giant of a man—nearly two meters tall, with the physique of a bull and skin tanned like leather. His presence was so overwhelming that others instinctively stepped aside.
“I’m Guo Ju, the senior brother of the Craftsman Hall,” the man said in a rumbling voice, his tone straightforward. “Master instructed me to guide you today.”
Su Zhe cupped his fists respectfully. “Junior Su Zhe greets Senior Brother Guo. I am grateful for your guidance.”
With practiced ease, Su Zhe pulled out a handful of dried fish from his basket and offered it. “A small token from home—please don’t find it lacking.”
Guo Ju hesitated but eventually accepted, smiling sheepishly. “Alright then, I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Guo Ju's sincerity was evident, and his easygoing nature quickly put Su Zhe at ease. It didn’t hurt that Guo Ju’s sheer strength and commanding presence made him an ally worth having.
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As they toured the guild grounds, Guo Ju explained the structure and functions of the guild, from its various halls to its hierarchy. Su Zhe absorbed it all, greeting every inner disciple they passed with a friendly smile—and, of course, a piece of dried fish.
By the time the tour ended, the sun was setting, and Su Zhe’s basket was nearly empty.
Back at the Craftsman Hall's residence, Guo Ju mentioned the third personal disciple, Xiao Xunhuan, the second brother.
“Where is Second Brother? I’ve yet to meet him.”
Guo Ju sighed deeply. “That rascal is likely at the Yuanyang Pavilion... enjoying himself again.”
Su Zhe blinked. “Isn’t that a brothel?”
Guo Ju nodded, his face a picture of helplessness. “Master does care—he beats him every chance he gets—but Xiao always claims it’s for some ‘half-price special.’”
Su Zhe’s lips twitched. Second Brother Xiao Xunhuan: Legendary Wandering Libertine.
The personalities of his two senior brothers were now firmly etched in Su Zhe’s mind.