NOVEL WEB Chapter 29: A New Path
Master Jiang, who served as Ling Yi's guide in the art of forging, held the esteemed position of an intermediate blacksmith. In terms of craftsmanship, he was unparalleled in the Northern Rivertown and its neighboring towns.
However, the mention of the 'Three Great Artisans' might seem unimpressive due to their middling position within the seven ranks of blacksmiths.
Yet, it is crucial to understand that this world belongs to soul masters, where everything is measured by the power of soul mastery.
In Ling Yi's impressions from the original timeline, Lou Gao, one of the Three Divine Artisans and President of the Blacksmith Association, invested ten years in studying a peculiar metal alloy, creating two items deemed as divine artifacts: the "Eight Treasures Celestial Soft Armor."
This armor, notable for its extraordinary elasticity, allows a soul master with a beast martial soul to double their size while using their martial soul, without any loss in defensive capabilities.
Most importantly, its resilience can withstand the sixth soul skill of a power-attack-oriented soul master!
What does this signify? In the Suimu Principality’s sovereign state, the Heaven Dou Empire, a soul master above level thirty earns the baron title from the empire, while reaching level forty grants a viscount title!
Although for higher titles, being a soul king alone doesn't suffice, it still underscores the soul master's esteemed status.
If we loosely align the ranks of blacksmiths and soul masters as follows:
Novice Blacksmith — Soul Scholar
Intermediate Blacksmith — Soul Master
High-level Blacksmith—Great Soul Master
Artisan Blacksmith—Soul Elder
Master Blacksmith—Soul Exalted
Grandmaster Blacksmith—Soul King
Divine Blacksmith—Soul Emperor
Of course, this is just a rough estimation by Ling Yi himself. In reality, it can't be measured so simply and roughly.
Returning to the levels of blacksmiths,
Blacksmiths, according to their craft, specialize in different areas; some forge blades and swords, others craft armor, while some invent exotic devices. Regardless of their specialty, a certified masterpiece from their hands can provide essential support in battles for Soul Elders of the first rank!
Moreover, although it may take years for a blacksmith to forge a qualified masterpiece, the number of works they can create in a lifetime is quite impressive.
Thus, in a sense, a blacksmith's status is higher than that of the average Soul Elder.
In times of demand, their worth can be comparable to a Soul King!
"Therefore, it's essential to uphold the identity of a blacksmith, as an outward label," Ling Yi calculated in his heart.
Master Jiang's letter, along with the identity of the other master, brought Ling Yi a moderate surprise.
"I wonder if Master Huang might have any reliable comrades?"
Suddenly, Ling Yi thought of the retired veteran who had taught him weapon usage techniques for a year, and also... Yan Bin!
"Things are good on Yan Bin's end," Ling Yi thought as he turned his head to look through the narrow gap of the carriage window, taking in the slowly changing landscape outside. "When we parted yesterday, he asked me to pass along greetings to Lu Yi, who works at the Wuhun Hall in the 'Wood City.'"
"Master Jiang, Master Jin, Deacon Yan Bin... They each represent different branches—blacksmiths, the military of the [Water and Wood Principality], and the [Wuhun Hall], respectively..." As he thought of this, Ling Yi's face maintained the look of sadness and reluctance suited for farewells, mingled with the excitement of the unknown journey ahead, but a glint of joy flashed in his eyes as he gazed outside:
"As expected, the 'Six Degrees of Separation' theory holds true even in this foreign world, in general situations at least."
"The 'Six Degrees of Separation' posits that any two strangers are never more than six intermediaries apart. In other words, through up to five middlemen, you can meet any stranger."
It doesn't matter how much strategy or effort is needed; at least, with the right plan, even meeting the current Pope Clement and his mentor, the present Grand Advisor, 'Angel Douluo' Qian Daoliu, isn't impossible for Ling Yi.
Of course, just like the books in villages that humorously state the steps needed to reach provincial and national libraries are mere steps, theory remains theory, and reality is reality.
In reality, Ling Yi is quite distant from the central stage on the Douluo Continent, where the [Wuhun Hall], [Clear Sky Clan], and the two empires exist. As time passed and the scenes outside became less familiar, the expression of uncertainty on Ling Yi's face gave way to curiosity. He unconsciously leaned closer to the window, his eyes narrowing as he peered through the gap with renewed interest.
Turning back, he glanced at the Ethan family—one adult and two young ones—with a complex mix of disdain, arrogance, and wistfulness on their faces. Ling Yi flashed them a harmless smile.
Even when he turned to look out the window, Ling Yi’s smile remained, only now it seemed filled with keen interest.
His mind continued to work through certain thoughts.
Currently, Ling Yi knew little about 'Woodcrest City' or the "Leaf Junior Spirit Academy", having only gleaned bits and pieces from Yan Bin’s sparse comments.
Unfortunately, Yan Bin was not a graduate of the "Leaf Junior Spirit Academy"; he had merely mentioned it casually in conversations with colleagues and former classmates.
Therefore, Ling Yi’s first priority upon enrollment was to familiarize himself with the Academy's environment, get to know its teachers and students, and understand its educational style and general direction...
Given this line of thought, although he had arrived at the Academy more than half a month early, time still felt somewhat pressed for Ling Yi.
After all, Ling Yi still had the letter given by Master Jiang in his possession; he couldn't possibly wait until classes started to seek out Old Master Jin Gang, could he?
Ling Yi’s current identity was that of a poor child from a rural village, able to study in the capital city of the "Waterwood Principality" thanks to the convenience of being a 'work-study student.' The Academy would likely offer work-study opportunities that would allow him to earn a small income to supplement his living expenses.
But with Ling Yi’s moderately competent blacksmithing skills and the opportunity Master Jiang provided to connect him with one of the ‘Three Great Craftsmen' of the "Waterwood Principality” to learn forging techniques, it wouldn’t make sense to easily let this opportunity pass him by.
‘...’ Ling Yi used the corner of his eye to observe the Ethan Pike trio, analyzing their expressions and body language from the start of their journey until now to deduce their standing and social dynamics at the Academy.
Sometimes, Ethan Lillian seemed to show hints of resistance and fear on her face, while Ethan Annuo seemed to harbor a smoldering indignation, as if he had grievances that he dared not voice…
Ethan Pike... exuded a calmness, a stillness tinged with indifference, yet at the edges of his eyes and lips, there lingered a subtle hint of self-motivation, as if preparing to hold his head high.
"Clearly, these young lords and ladies, in a capital academy filled with the heirs of great figures, aren't living too comfortably," Ling Yi mused as he gazed at the green trees and shrubs passing by through the gap in the carriage window, his eyes filled with contemplation.
"Therefore, I need a new identity in the city, something that may not be grand, but presentable enough among my peers."
"I just wonder how much weight Master Jiang’s returning apprentice carries in Old Master Jin's eyes," he pondered.
"Fortunately, all I need is a chance, an opportunity to meet," he reassured himself.
Over the course of a year, Ling Yi had balanced his studies between soul power, physique, weaponry techniques, and meditation improvements—accomplishments that others could only achieve one of with immense effort—while also elevating his forging skills to that of an intermediate blacksmith.
Yes, on par with Master Jiang's current level!
This year, Ling Yi was seven years old, having only delved into forging for a year, whereas Master Jiang was forty-nine, with nearly forty years of experience.
Such differences in talent are beyond the measure of reason, he realized.
No wonder Master Jiang wrote personally to recommend Ling Yi to his former master.
(End of Chapter)
