DOULUO: FIST OF CHAOS

Next day,

In a hotel of the capital city,

Huang Yong lay motionless, his face a blank canvas reflecting the depth of his disappointment. The journey to the capital city had fallen far short of his expectations.

After settling his bill and bidding farewell to the bustling cityscape, Huang Yong stepped out of the hotel and into the vast continent beyond.

As he disappeared into the horizon, a sense of both freedom and uncertainty washed over him. Although the capital city was full of luxury and fun it was insignificant compared to the endless possibilities that lay ahead.

Huang Yong's spirits began to lift as he eagerly anticipated his next destination, "Gengxin City".

The thought of exploring a new place filled him with a sense of excitement and adventure.

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In the heart of a land untouched by time, there lay the majestic "Gengxin City".

A marvel made entirely of shimmering metals that glistened like stars under the sun.

Towering spires of brass and shimmering silver reached towards the sky, forming a skyline that could dazzle even the most stoic of wanderers.

Each building was adorned with intricate filigree and embossed designs giving the city an aura of rich history.

As dawn broke, the city came alive with the sounds of clanging hammers and whirling gears.

Smoke billowed in graceful plumes from the many forges that lined the streets, painting the sky in hues of gray.

The aroma of hot metal and molten ore drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of the lush green foliage of nearby Groves, leading to a blend of scents that could only be described as the essence of Gengxin.

Huang Yong who has just reached this city roamed the bustling markets of Gengxin City, where artisans and craftsmen showcased their mesmerizing creations.

Every sword, knife, shield, and armor was unique, each with a distinctive feature and a tale to tell about its creation.

The primary purpose of Huang Yong's visit to Gengxin City was to commission the forging of several items.

He sought skilled artisans who could craft weapons and armor with specific qualities and designs, tailored to his exact specifications.

However, after witnessing the blacksmiths' masterful craftsmanship in Gengxin City, Huang Yong's desire to learn the ancient art of smithery intensified with each passing moment.

The rhythmic clanging of hammers against metal, the heat of the forge, and the intricate dance of the blacksmiths' hands captivated him, igniting a passion within him similar to the one he had experienced after his martial soul awakened.

Roaming the city, he came to a forge: the Black Flame Forge.

All the information Huang Yong had gathered pointed to it as the best forge to learn the art of smithing.

The forge belonged to Master Wang, a gruff but skilled blacksmith whose reputation was known throughout The Gengxin city.

Without a moment's hesitation, Huang Yong pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the dimly lit forge.

"Who dares disturb the flames?".

A voice thundered from within the forge.

Master Wang appeared from the shadow.

His hands covered in soot and grease, his face rough yet etched with wisdom.

"Who are you, and what brings you here?" Master Wang inquired

"I am a mere wanderer, a traveler in these lands, seeking to delve into the ancient art of smithery."

Huang Yong spoke.

Master Wang inspected Huang Yong for several seconds, his gaze piercing and unwavering. The blacksmith's expression seemed to convey a silent challenge, as if testing the sincerity of Huang Yong's request.

"The art of smithery is not a pursuit for noble brats like you," Master Wang declared, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. "Go learn how to dance at a ball, if that is what you truly desire"

Huang Yong's mouth twitched, his noble appearance offered him no advantage in the face of someone who cared little for wealth or status.

In the eyes of Master Wang, a master blacksmith, no amount of riches could compare to the power and beauty of his hammer and the glowing, red-hot iron.

"You must have mistaken me for a noble, Master Wang. I am no aristocrat, but a commoner who, by a twist of fate, has been blessed with the status of a Great Soul Master."

Master Wang fell silent, his gaze fixed on Huang Yong as he pondered the young man's words.

"Tell me your name and the reason behind your desire to learn smithery. There are many blacksmiths out there willing to teach smithery. Why come to me?"

Master Wang spoke, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.

"My given name is Yong, I have always held smithery in the highest regard, considering it the noblest profession for any man who seeks to transform his strength into creation."

"After coming to Gengxin City, I heard about your great achievements in the art of smithery. I have an immense admiration for your exceptional skills as a blacksmith. Your artistry and precision in crafting metalwork are truly inspiring. I would be honored if you would take the time to share your knowledge with me and teach me smithery."

" Learning from a master like you would be invaluable, and I am eager to absorb your wisdom."

"Enough, boy. You are quite the flatterer," Master Wang said

"Master Wang, I speak nothing but the truth," Huang Yong replied

"Don't think of me as a noble princess who will fall for your flattery,"

Master Wang retorted.

"Now, tell me the truth about your purpose for learning smithery."

"I wish to discover if the tales of divine weapons are truly real. If they are, then I want to forge one myself," Huang Yong replied, offering a plausible explanation that seemed to satisfy Master Wang

"Very well, you have convinced me. I will allow you to learn under me for fifteen days. If you show no talent for smithery, I will kick you out," Master Wang declared, his tone final.

Master Wang allowed Huang Yong to learn under him, but it came with the condition that he must show enough progress to convince Master Wang that he has the talent for smithery.

Master Wang led Huang Yong to the inner sanctum of the smithery.

From here, Huang Yong's new journey began, embarking on the path of mastering one of the ancient arts.

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Dear Readers,

I apologize for the delay in updating the story. My busy schedule has prevented me from writing as often as I would like.

To make up for this, I promise to do my best to update at least twice a week going forward.

Thank you for your continued support, even during the times when updates were infrequent.

I'm also eager to hear your thoughts and ideas for the story. Please feel free to share any suggestions you may have."