Chapter - 12: The Official Rank-1 Blacksmith Trial and Badge!

It was not only Kai who had progressed a lot, but even Wulin had also broken through to Peak of Soul Level 5 and had refined successfully a Metal ore to 73% Purity in one turn. And so as both Kai and Wulin were now eligible to be official Black smith, Teach Mang Tian wrote a letter and sent it to the East Sea City through Long Ge in order to get the judge and the official badges of Rank-1 Blacksmith.

Three days later, Teach Mang received a call from brother Long about a few things. When he heard that he got somewhat pumped up. His eyes shining with fiery light.

Without telling Kai and Wulin, who were beside him, he took a decision which was to to train Kai and Tang Wulin intensively and he said it was not a choice he took lightly as both the kids asked him in confusion. As a respected Soul Ancestor and seasoned blacksmith, Mang Tian had high respect and reputation within the Jiangyin City. He went to Red Mountain Junior Soul Master Academy himself to request their, Kai and Wulin's, academic leave for some special task. His imposing presence as a Soul Ancestor made the academy administrators easily grant his request as the administrators respected his status and power...

On their first day at the blacksmith forge, Mang Tian stood before Kai and Tang Wulin, his gaze stern but not unkind. The other kids from the orphanage and academy had gathered nearby, eager to see how their friends would fare under Mang Tian's watchful eye.

"Listen closely," Mang Tian began, his voice carrying authority. "For the next seven days, you two will focus solely on refining metal ores. The goal is to achieve an 80% purity level in a single refinement, something that requires discipline, skill, and strength. I expect full focus and commitment from both of you. And remember no matter hoe much I say and what I say, it may even be the basics that you may have already experienced... you have to understand once again. Have a open, creative as well as developing mind that adapts and learns from the surroundings."

Kai and Tang Wulin exchanged determined glances, the weight of Mang Tian's expectations settling over them. They both had experience refining ores, but this challenge was on another level. The precision required for such a high level of purity with each refinement being more better and less time consuming than the previous meant that there was no room for error. They had to refine each strike, every ounce of their strength and control, to create perfect harmony and to adapt to our states.

Mang Tian took them through the steps slowly at first. "When refining, every hammer strike must follow a rhythm. This rhythm is what removes impurities from the metal, allowing its core essence to come forth. Kai, Wulin—you must feel this rhythm in your muscles, in your very breath."

Kai tightened his grip on the hammer, feeling its familiar weight. He adjusted his stance, focusing on his breathing, as he had learned during his training with the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique. Tang Wulin, too, was focused, his eyes narrowed as he lifted his hammer.

"Remember, this is not about force alone," Mang Tian continued. "It's about technique, control, and patience. Hammer with intention, not just brute strength."

They both struck the metal, letting their hammers fall with force and precision. The clang echoed through the forge, each strike adding to the rhythm Mang Tian had spoken of. But after a few minutes, their arms began to tremble, and beads of sweat dotted their brows. The intensity of focusing every strike on purity alone was draining.

After the first hour, Mang Tian called for a break. The other kids had come over to check on their progress, giving encouraging nods and pats on the back.

"Doing great, Kai!" Lei la cheered, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Wulin, don't let Kai show you up!" Aran teased, his playful grin easing some of the tension from their intense training.

Kai laughed lightly, though he was clearly exhausted. "Thanks, guys. We're just getting started."

Mang Tian allowed the brief interaction but quickly called Kai and Tang Wulin back. "Break's over. Time to get back to it. You're here to hone your craft, not to entertain an audience."

Kai and Tang Wulin returned to their places, steeling themselves for the next round. Mang Tian began instructing them on advanced techniques, showing them how to strike at specific points to encourage even heat distribution throughout the metal.

"Focus on the edges, then gradually work toward the center," he explained, his own hammer coming down to demonstrate. His movements were fluid, almost graceful, each strike resonating with purpose.

Kai and Wulin followed suit, mimicking his movements. They found that striking the edges first gave them better control over the metal, allowing them to shape and purify it more effectively. But the focus required to maintain this technique was exhausting, both mentally and physically. After a while, their hands began to cramp, and their arms grew weary, but Mang Tian didn't allow them to stop.

"Keep going," he instructed firmly. "This kind of endurance training is essential if you want to succeed as blacksmiths. Every time you think you can't go on, remind yourself that metal doesn't give in—neither should you."

Kai felt his muscles protesting, every fiber of his being begging for a break, but Mang Tian's words rang in his ears. With each swing, he could feel himself getting closer to that elusive rhythm. Tang Wulin was similarly focused, his determination evident in his clenched jaw and steady gaze.

As the week went on, the training became even more intense. Mang Tian introduced them to different ores, each with its unique impurities and resistance. Some metals were soft, responding to each hammer strike easily, while others were dense and unyielding, forcing Kai and Tang Wulin to adjust their technique to coax the impurities out.

"You're learning to read the metal," Mang Tian told them as they struggled with a particularly stubborn piece of ore. "Each metal has its own personality, its own language. You need to listen to it, understand how it wants to be refined. Only then can you bring out its true potential."

Tang Wulin took a deep breath, lifting his hammer. "I think I get it now," he said, his voice barely audible over the steady rhythm of the forge.

Kai nodded, feeling a similar understanding dawn within him. The process was no longer just about physical strength; it was about connecting with the material, working with it rather than against it.

On the fifth day, Mang Tian introduced the two to timed exercises, pushing them to complete the refinement within increasingly shorter periods. "Refining metal to 80% purity isn't enough," he said. "You have to do it efficiently. Time is a factor in blacksmithing, especially when you're working with other craftsmen or preparing materials for combat. Precision and speed must go hand in hand."

Kai and Tang Wulin struggled with this new demand. They had become accustomed to taking their time, focusing on each strike. Now, they had to maintain that same level of precision while working faster. The strain was immense, every fiber of their being tested as they raced against the clock.

By the end of the sixth day, Kai and Tang Wulin were reaching new limits. They had begun to refine the metal at a higher purity level within shorter times, their techniques becoming more refined, their movements sharper. Yet, the exhaustion in their faces was clear. Every break they had, they collapsed onto the floor, barely able to lift their arms. But Mang Tian had one more lesson planned for the final day.

On the seventh morning, as Kai and Tang Wulin arrived at the forge, Mang Tian was waiting with two large blocks of dense iron ore. "Today's test will determine if you've truly understood what it means to be a blacksmith," he announced. "You're going to refine these to 80% purity within an hour."

The challenge was daunting. Kai and Tang Wulin exchanged looks, each one feeling a mixture of excitement and dread. The metal before them was tough and unyielding, demanding the highest level of skill and endurance they had developed over the week.

The other kids gathered nearby, their eyes wide with anticipation. Lei La, Aran, and the rest had seen how much effort their friends had put in and were cheering them on.

"You guys can do it, Kai and Wulin! Show that iron who are the boss!" Lei La shouted, clenching her fists in encouragement.

Tang Wulin grinned, lifting his hammer. "Let's do this, Kai. We've trained too hard to back down now."

They began hammering, each swing resonating through the forge. The weight of the week's training, the countless hours of refining technique, and the strength they had built all culminated in this final test. Every strike they made was deliberate, calculated, and synchronized. They had learned to feel the rhythm of the metal, to coax the impurities out with precision and patience.

Halfway through, the strain was evident on their faces, beads of sweat streaming down as they pushed through the exhaustion. Mang Tian stood nearby, watching intently, a rare glint of pride in his usually stern eyes.

As the clock ticked down, Kai and Tang Wulin moved in perfect harmony, their strikes growing in intensity and speed. The metal began to change, its color shifting as the impurities were removed. They could feel the purity rising, inching closer to their goal.

Finally, as the last seconds ticked away, they struck their final blows. Kai and Tang Wulin stepped back, panting heavily, their muscles aching and their bodies covered in sweat. But when they looked at the blocks of iron ore, they saw the fruits of their labor—a gleaming, refined metal that shone with an unmistakable luster.

Mang Tian approached, inspecting their work with a practiced eye. After a long, silent moment, he nodded in approval. "You've done it," he said, his voice tinged with a rare warmth. "This metal has reached 80% purity. You two have proven yourselves as blacksmiths."

The other kids erupted into cheers, rushing over to congratulate Kai and Tang Wulin. Lei La hugged Kai, her eyes shining with pride. "You were amazing out there! All that training really paid off."

Kai smiled, though his exhaustion was clear. "Thanks, Lei La. We couldn't have done it without you guys cheering us on."

Wulin grinned, his heart swelling with pride. He looked at Mang Tian, feeling a new sense of respect and gratitude for his mentor. Kai and Wulin, turning to Mang Tian, said, "Thank you, Master Mang Tian. We couldn't have done it without your words and teaching."

Mang Tian nodded, a occasional smile breaking through his stern expression. "You both have the potential to become great blacksmiths. Remember, this is only the beginning. The path of a blacksmith is long and demanding, but if you continue to put in this level of effort, there's no limit to what you can achieve."

Kai and Tang Wulin nodded, their exhaustion fading as a sense of accomplishment filled them. They had survived the grueling week, proving their worth as blacksmiths and of them mastering their basics.

The day after their grueling week of training, Kai and Tang Wulin were finally ready to face the official Blacksmith Trial. Although they had proven themselves in Mang Tian's forge, this test would make their accomplishments truly official, placing the coveted Rank-1 Blacksmith badge within reach. Kai and Wulin were both eager and nervous, the air charged with tension as they waited in the forge with Mang Tian, who was quietly supportive yet visibly proud of his two young apprentices.

A loud knock on the door signaled the arrival of the official Blacksmith Trial In-Charge. Mang Tian's expression shifted slightly, a glimmer of rivalry lighting up his eyes as he went to open the door. In walked a sturdy man, slightly shorter than Mang Tian but with an undeniable presence. His build was solid, his arms crossed as he surveyed the forge with a critical eye. His gaze lingered on Mang Tian before turning toward Kai and Tang Wulin, assessing them with a sharp, almost calculating stare.

"Cen Yue," Mang Tian greeted with a slight nod, his tone respectful but tinged with familiarity. "Long time, old friend."

"Old rival, you mean," Cen Yue corrected with a smirk. "I hear you've got two prodigies on your hands. Well, let's see if they've earned their reputation."

The intensity in Cen Yue's eyes made the room feel heavier. Kai could feel his pulse quicken as Cen Yue's gaze settled on him and Wulin. He could tell that this trial was no formality; it would be a true test of strength and skill.

"Before we start," Cen Yue said, raising an eyebrow at the two boys, "let's see what they're made of. I want to see a demonstration of their raw strength. It's essential for a blacksmith, after all. Can't forge metal without the power to shape it."

Kai and Wulin exchanged glances, each of them feeling the weight of the moment. They had both trained hard, and their strength had improved remarkably thanks to their rigorous regimen and the enhancements they'd received. The Basic All-Rounder Potion that Kai had taken had boosted his strength significantly, as had the small doses of strengthening and Soul Power potions he had shared with his friends, Wulin, and Mang Tian.

"Wulin," Mang Tian's voice broke through Kai's thoughts, "you're up first."

Tang Wulin nodded, his face set with determination. He stepped forward and took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders and flexing his hands. Mang Tian handed him a heavy metal weight, designed to measure the raw pounds of pressure he could exert. The others watched with bated breath as Wulin steadied himself and wrapped both hands around the weight. With a steady pull, he lifted it from the ground, his muscles straining but holding firm. The gauge on the side of the weight glowed, indicating the strength being measured.

"700… 800 pounds," Cen Yue read out, a hint of shock in his tone. "What the heck... Just how in the hell at thi-Nevermind. You've gained impressive strength in both arms, Wulin. That's a solid foundation for any blacksmith."

Wulin's face broke into a proud grin as he put the weight down, glancing over at Kai with a competitive glint in his eyes.

"Your turn, Kai," Mang Tian said, handing him an even heavier weight.

Kai stepped forward, his heart pounding. He had felt the growth in his strength over the past week, but this was the first time he was about to demonstrate it officially. He gripped the weight, letting his fingers settle around the cold metal. With a deep inhale, he pulled it off the ground, his muscles tensing as he held it steady. The gauge lit up brightly as the numbers climbed higher than anyone had expected.

"1,000… 1,200… 1,500 pounds with his right hand," Cen Yue announced, his voice now tinged with disbelief. "And 1,000 pounds with his left hand. That's…remarkable."

Mang Tian smiled, clearly pleased. Cen Yue, however, was visibly stunned. "1,500 pounds with his dominant hand? That's the kind of strength you'd expect from a seasoned blacksmith with atleast 3 to 4 years of training and atleast One Soul Ring, not a kid. What have you been feeding these two, Mang Tian?"

Mang Tian chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Nothing but hard work, dedication, and a little extra help from Gaia's gifts."

Cen Yue's expression softened as he looked at Kai and Tang Wulin, his respect evident. "I'll admit, I'm impressed. But strength alone doesn't make a blacksmith. This trial will test your precision, endurance, and control. If you pass, you'll earn the Rank-1 Blacksmith badge, not just as an accessory, but as a title you've truly earned."

He motioned them over to the forge, which was set up with different types of ores and metals, each requiring various degrees of precision and refinement to reach the 70% purity mark needed to pass. Cen Yue explained the rules clearly, outlining that they would need to demonstrate control and skill in refining a piece of ore within a time limit.

"Your objective is to reach more than or exactly 70% purity with this metal ore," Cen Yue said, placing a gleaming, dense block of metal before them. "You have exactly one hour to complete the refinement. If either of you slips below the threshold or damages the metal, you fail."

Kai felt the pressure mount as he picked up his hammer, glancing over at Tang Wulin, who had his own look of determination. This was it—the culmination of all their training.

"Remember what we practiced," Mang Tian murmured encouragingly. "Rhythm and control."

The forge was bathed in the warm, amber light of the roaring flames. The air was thick with the scent of molten metal and the rhythmic clang of hammer against ore. Kai and Tang Wulin stood side by side, their hands gripped tightly around their hammers, sweat pouring down their faces as they focused on the task before them. The metal ore in front of them was dense and resistant, its impurities locked within, waiting to be purified. The trial was clear: refine this metal to more than 70% purity in the shortest time possible, and prove their skills as true blacksmiths.

Wulin had already started, his strikes methodical and steady. With each swing, he poured all his strength into the metal, hitting it with a consistent rhythm. The clang of his hammer rang out in a steady beat, almost like a heartbeat in the forge. He'd already struck the metal several thousand times, each blow knocking out impurities and refining the ore little by little. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his focus never wavered. The task at hand required perseverance, and he was determined to give it his all.

His left arm, though slightly weaker than his right, was still able to strike with a force that reverberated through the metal. The combination of his strength and rhythm worked wonders, the impurities beginning to rise to the surface of the metal with every hit. The heat in the forge intensified, the sweat on his body now mingling with the soot of the forge. He could feel his body beginning to tire, but he couldn't afford to stop—not until he reached the desired purity.

The clang of Wulin's hammer slowed after the 10,000th strike. He was breathing heavily now, his arms sore from the relentless hammering. His hammer came down one last time, and the result was clear. He stepped back, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. The metal had reached a purity of 83%.

Wulin wiped his forehead, his hands shaking slightly from exhaustion. He had done his best—he had pushed himself to his limits. Looking at the metal ore, he could see the shimmering glow of the refined material, its surface now smoother and more uniform. It was a good result, far better than what most blacksmiths could achieve in a short amount of time. But Wulin knew that it wasn't enough. Not yet.

Beside him, Kai was still hammering away, his strikes steady and focused. Kai's strength had been extraordinary ever since he'd consumed the Basic All-Rounder Potion. He was physically stronger, his muscles much more refined, and his endurance had skyrocketed. The hammer in his hand felt lighter than it ever had before, the rhythmic strikes flowing with precision and power.

As Wulin stepped back to catch his breath, Kai didn't stop. His focus remained unwavering, his hands working in perfect synchrony as they had been trained to do. The metal ore before him had already been refined considerably by his previous strikes, but it wasn't enough. Kai knew that his goal was not only to reach 70% purity but to surpass it. To push the boundaries of what was possible.

With every strike, the impurities were forced out more effectively, the heat of the forge swirling around the metal as it began to take shape. The rhythmic clang of Kai's hammer grew louder, more powerful. The steady beat of each strike carried the weight of his determination, his desire to achieve perfection. He wasn't going to stop until the metal gleamed with purity.

After reaching 10,000 strikes, Kai paused for only a brief moment, his grip tightening on the hammer. He had felt the metal's resistance soften slightly under the pressure of his strikes, and he knew it was time to take it further. Without hesitation, he activated the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique.

The first set of nine strikes was slow and deliberate, each blow focusing on the edges of the metal. The ore responded immediately, the impurities shifting and rising to the surface with the power of each hit. Kai could feel the metal yielding to the rhythm of his hammer, its structure beginning to shift as the first set of strikes took effect.

The second set came almost naturally. Nine more strikes, each one more fluid than the last. Kai's body moved almost without thinking as his hands followed the rhythm of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique. The ore seemed to pulse with every swing, the impurities gradually being worked out. The heat in the forge intensified, the fire seeming to match the intensity of Kai's focus.

With each set of nine strikes, Kai's control over the metal grew. He could feel the impurities being slowly but surely removed, the ore responding to his technique as if it were a living thing. The metal was becoming more uniform, more pure, as his hammer strikes echoed through the forge. Each swing was a refinement, each blow pushing the metal closer to perfection.

As Kai entered the final set of nine strikes, the metal gleamed with an almost unnatural luster. The impurities had been driven to the surface and expelled, leaving behind a piece of metal that shone with a purity Kai had never seen before. The heat of the forge still blazed around him, but Kai didn't notice it. His focus was entirely on the metal before him, on the hammer in his hand, on the rhythm he had established with each strike.

With the final swing, Kai felt the technique complete. The hammer connected with the metal one last time, and the ore seemed to shimmer as if it had been completely transformed. He stepped back, his body still humming with the energy of the technique, and watched as the metal before him was revealed in its new form. The impurities had been all but eliminated, the metal now gleaming with an astonishing 96% purity.

Kai's breath came in short bursts as he wiped the sweat from his brow. His body was sore, every muscle aching from the intensity of the hammering, but he could see the results before him. The metal gleamed with a brilliance that was unlike anything Wulin had achieved. It was a stunning display of mastery—Kai had pushed the limits of what was possible with his own strength and the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer technique.

Wulin, still standing beside him, took a step forward, his eyes wide with admiration. He could hardly believe the transformation in the metal. "Kai… you did it. You really did it."

Kai gave a tired but satisfied smile, his hands still gripping the hammer. "I wasn't going to stop until I reached perfection."

Wulin could see the exhaustion in his friend's eyes, but also the pride. This wasn't just about passing the test—it was about proving to themselves that they were capable of achieving greatness. Kai had taken the extra step, using the technique to refine the metal beyond what anyone had thought possible.

Cen Yue, who had been observing from the side, walked over to inspect the two pieces of metal. He nodded, clearly impressed by both boys' efforts. He reached for the piece Kai had refined and examined it closely, his eyes widening in shock. "96% purity? That's… extraordinary. Even for a seasoned blacksmith, that's an exceptional result."

Kai and Wulin exchanged a look of quiet satisfaction. They had passed the test, but for Kai, it wasn't just about the badge or the recognition. It was about pushing himself, refining his skills, and proving that with hard work and focus, anything was possible.

Wulin clapped him on the back, grinning. "Next time, I'll catch up to you!"

Kai laughed, feeling the warmth of camaraderie and achievement. They had both given their best, and in the end, that was all that mattered.

"Congratulations," Cen Yue said, handing the badges to each of them. "These badges mark you as official Rank-1 Blacksmiths. Wear them with pride."

Kai and Wulin's faces lit up as they held their badges. They had earned these through sweat, and unwavering determination. Without hesitation, they pinned the badges onto their shirts, unable to contain their excitement.

"We did it!" Wulin exclaimed, his eyes shining with joy.

Kai laughed, his own face breaking into a wide smile. "Finally! All that hard work paid off."

To Be Continued...