Jian Yu found the cultivation technique manual and he began to read through it with the utmost attention.

"The first step on the path of cultivation is to absorb spiritual energy. It is everywhere around us and is the crudest form of energy that exists in between  Heaven and Earth. Thus, to become Immortals, the first step is to absorb the spiritual energy that roams about between Heaven and Earth.

First, you have to sense the spiritual energy around you. Enter the Anatta mental state of selflessness through meditation to comprehend spiritual energy. With comprehension, there will be enlightenment and you will be able to sense it. When you sense it, absorb it through the meridians on the body. Cycle it through the meridian channels and condense a strand of qi in the dantian. That will represent the first stage of qi condensation."

After that, Jian Yu read through  the mnemonics and instructions that would assist him in this first step and dedicated his time to memorise them. After he did so, he shut off the connection between him and the cultivation manual, refusing to read any further as he felt it was unnecessary to read about anything prior to the first stage of qi condensation. Unlike those chosen to join the sects in the city, he would lack resources. Hence, he had to put in more effort and more time into his cultivation. Every second counts.

Jian Yu wiggled around on his bed to find the most comfortable place to sit before beginning to meditate, finally settling on sitting down cross-legged in the lotus position. He focused his all into sensing the spiritual energy around him.

All encompassing. Everywhere.

Jian Yu repeated these words in his mind endlessly. He was afraid he would forget himself and sleep instead. That was something he can't afford.

Morning came and Jian Yu got up after the incessant knocking on the door by his father. His meditation had been unsuccessful. Nonetheless, it was all within expectations that somebody of his caliber would fail. However, he had to make it a routine to try as hard as he can to match the speed of the more fortunate ones in the sects.

"I need to ask somebody for more details on getting a profitable job. Father will do," Jian Yu still hadn't decided on what occupation he should make an effort to be although he had a rough idea.

"Father, should I be an alchemist, blacksmith or talisman crafter?"

Initially confused by his son's question as he headed down the stairs, he answered with a dull response.

"Blacksmith. You're not cut out for the other two."

Not even bothering to explain, he headed straight down to prepare breakfast before going off to fish again.

Meanwhile, Jian Yu was left in his room pondering over his father's words. After much consideration, Jian Yu just went with his father's recommendation. After all, he didn't know much about the other two, only that they had harsh requirements. After eating his breakfast, Jian Yu left to find a smithy which had a free position for him to fill in.

As he gazed at the streets beyond his gate, he took a deep breath and put on his most nonchalant face before stepping out. He had to show others he was indifferent and didn't care about what others thought of him. Otherwise, they'd just step on him and remind him of his upsetting talent.

"Is that Jian Yu? He doesn't look sad at all! Is he really that Jian Yu that cares about reputation more than his life?"

"That really is Jian Yu. I won't ever forget his face. That fucking face that told me that I'd look better bald. Fuck, do I look like I want to be an eminent monk in my life?"

As Jian Yu roamed about searching for a smithy that offered good money and a solid position, he had heard various remarks that pleased him inwardly.

"Hehe, my acting skills are the best under the heavens. If I want to imitate a sheep, all I have to do is snap my fingers and they'd welcome me into their herd!"

Of course, he didn't dare say his thoughts aloud for it would stain his reputation further. After all, he is still the Jian Yu who cared about reputation. It's just that he had other goals in mind as of now that he had prioritized. Fixing his reputation will come after those goals are accomplished.

An hour later, Jian Yu came upon the Red Iron smithy. It was a relatively well known smithy for having good finished products yet not overpricing them. Jian Yu heard that the owner was searching for a helper which he would gladly take up the role as.

As he walked in, he was greeted by the faint smell of iron that was left drifting around the smithy.

"Umm, hello? Uncle Xie? I heard that you're hiring a helper? I'm willing to take that position," Jian Yu said after noticing the big, burly man who was hammering down on a piece of metal.

However, his presence went unnoticed as the man was completely engrossed in his work. Jian Yu took no offense and simply waited for the man to finish his work. He needed to show that he was well mannered and suited to work there after all.

Another hour passed before the sounds of hammering died down. It was then that the man who was naturally Uncle Xie noticed a young boy near the entrance of his smithy. Of course, he knew the instant he laid eyes on the boy that he wanted to take up the position of a helper in his smithy. However, this boy didn't look one bit tough or strong as he stood there with an amiable smile plastered on his face.

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"Good afternoon Uncle Xie, I'm Jian Yu. I noticed that you wanted a helper. As such, I'm here to start working as your helper."

"Do you have any experience working in a smithy before?"

"No, I have not but that will not stop me from learning under your tutelage."

Uncle Xie didn't even bother to listen to Jian Yu anymore after that. He had initially intended for some middle aged workers with some experience of working in a smithy or perhaps those younglings who were suited for a life of blacksmithing. However, the kid in front of him didn't even seem the slightest bit qualified.

"Grab that piece of metal over there. Bring it here and refine it like I just did to the best of your ability. You can use anything you find in here to help you refine it."

Uncle Xie pointed to a small chunk of metal on a shelf not far from him. It was the same kind of metal he was hammering when Jian Yu had entered. It was basic iron. A relatively popular metal to refine for a variety of purposes. For one, it was used as a test metal for youngsters to forge with to check on their talent towards blacksmithing.

Jian Yu had watched through the man's earlier display of skill intently as he had decided on firmly getting this job. He had to put in enough effort to show he wasn't replaceable. Thankfully he had done so. If he hadn't, he probably would not even have the slightest idea on what to do.

While Jian Yu was smiling wryly in his mind, he walked over and grabbed the metal while replaying the scene of Uncle Xie hammering down on the hammer in his mind endlessly. He tried his best to etch down every moment into his memory right before the anvil.

Jian Yu placed the iron onto the anvil and walked back to the shelf to grab a pair of hammers that laid there collecting dust. All this was done slowly so that he could recall the refining process much longer.

Uncle Xie's eyebrows twitched at this sight.

"This boy is wasting my time! I only wanted to give him a chance to show me what he's got as it would be unfair if I didn't but now he's just pushing it!" The man thought as he quickly slammed the wall with his burly arm.

*Bang*

"Hey, boy! Start hammering already!"

However, Jian Yu still moved at the same pace back towards the anvil. Just as Uncle Xie was about to shout at him again, Jian Yu suddenly raised his arm high and slammed down onto the chunk of metal. His arms swinging about at the metal amateurly. He barely knew what he was doing but he took on a look of resolve.

"I will copy what he did to the best of my ability!" He thought as he adjusted his posture to emphasise more strength onto his arms.

Jian Yu continuously hammered down on the chunk of metal with all of his strength. Gradually, Jian Yu adjusted himself so that he would look every bit the professional Uncle Xie was. However, that was just the looks. His muscles were aching and feeling sore already. Yet, he didn't stop hammering. He didn't know when to. He just knew he had to keep hammering.

As Uncle Xie watched on, he grew increasingly interested in Jian Yu. He could tell that Jian Yu had no prior experience in blacksmithing yet he could easily learn from others in a short amount of time. The main point of interest in Jian Yu was his resolve to see things through and his tenacity to help him through it all. Both of these aspects were hard to find in youngsters his age and yet this ordinary kid had them both.

"Hmm, this kid is a good seed to nurture..."

An hour later, Jian Yu collapsed with hammers in hand. Uncle Xie immediately moved to catch him before he fell onto the dusty floor of his smithy. By this point of time, admiration filled his eyes when he gazed upon Jian Yu. Before Jian Yu collapsed, he was basically hammering the metal with just the weight of the hammer. There was no more strength to spare. All he could do was lift his arm up and let it fall onto the metal.

Uncle Xie moved to remove the signboard that read "Hiring helper" from the entrance of his smithy.

...

Jian Yu woke up in his bed to the pain in his arms. As he laid there admiring the moon through his window, he remembered something. It had something to do with him hammering down relentlessly at a chunk of iron in the Red Iron smithy.

"Ah, the job!"

Jian Yu moved slowly to get up from his bed and moved his way down the stairs step by step carefully. He saw his father rocking about in his rattan chair.

"Father! Can you go to Red Iron..."

"Look who woke up!"

There in the guest room was Uncle Xie drinking the tea that his father had brewed. Realisation came upon Jian Yu at the sight.

"Thank you Uncle Xie for bringing me back home."

Uncle Xie waved his hand telling Jian Yu to not mind it as he took a sip from his cup of tea.

"U-umm, Uncle Xie, what did you think of my performance? Did I get the job?"

A faint smile worked it's way onto Uncle Xie's face as he heard the words he was waiting for.

"I can tell you don't have any prior experience blacksmithing as your initial movements were that of a complete amatuer."

Jian Yu immediately felt his heart stop at these words.

"However, your resolve that can't even stop those arms from stopping make me truly admire you. Additionally, you're a quick learner. I saw that you copied my style of refinement with the short amount of time provided. Good job."

A warmth filled his Jian Yu's heart at these words which caused him to feel much more relaxed yet more anxious as well. He still hadn't gotten his answer.

"This book contains the information you need to know about the various metals which are available in my smithy. Everything you need to know about smelting and refining are in the book as well. As a blacksmith, you should know everything in this book by heart. I'll give you half a year of time to rest up and memorise the information in the book."

Uncle Xie took out a book personally written by him. There were some torn pages here and there but it still showed off the hard work that he put into writing this book. The book was placed onto the table in front of him right before he stood up and walked out.

Jian Yu's worries had vanished after Uncle Xie left. He was hired! He had a job and he was not as useless as he was before! Amidst his happiness, he hastily grabbed the handwritten book and forced it up, hoping to carry it back to his room.

"Heavy!"

*Thud*

"Jian Yu, are you okay?!"

Jian Yu's father yelled out. He was informed that his son had overexerted himself in a test and will need rest for a few months.

Jian Yu had dropped the book immediately after receiving it. Jian Yu felt a bout of helplessness as he recalled the pain in his arms. However, the words of Uncle Xie echoed in his mind as he wanted to show off his resolve to his father. Gritting his teeth, Jian Yu picked up the book and walked back up to his room with heavy steps.

Pain wracked his arms as he tried to move quickly before he gave in to the torture he brought upon himself. He dropped the book onto his bed and lied down next to it.

"Alright, time to study like mad."