The clock slowly ticked by. It was normal for the Thousand Refinements to take a few hours, but the relentless storm of Tang Wulins twin hammers had already reduced the Blue Coppertite to one-third of its original size in only a quarter of an hour. Its blue hue grew brighter and brighter while the ripples on its surface began to slow down and stabilize.

Hes almost done?

So fast!

The Stacked Hammers effect may have helped Tang Wulin, but it was his strength, judgement, and understanding of the metal that allowed him to finish so quickly.

Having already become one with his hammers, Tang Wulins concentration could not be broken. Surprisingly enough, he was actually beginning to resemble his hammers.

Bang bang bang!

The final hammer strike descended, and an azure halo that was a third of a meter in diameter burst from the Blue Coppertite, fusing back into the metal a moment later and disappearing.

A halo emerged! Cen Yue cried.

Only metals at the second-grade and above could release a halo. Furthermore, the appearance of a halo signified the degree to which spirit was imbued into the metal. This was the origin of the name, Half-Spirit Refinement.

That halo just now wasnt an ordinary second-grade halo! Cen Yue wiped cold sweat from his forehead. Did this boy just forge a first-grade metal? Is he trying to astonish us even more?

Mu Chens eyes lit up. He raised one hand to stop Tang Wulin and used his other to grab the metal. You dont need to do anything else. Were ending the test here. Youve succeeded at Thousand Refining a second-grade Blue Coppertite and officially passed the fourth rank test.

Since Tang Wulin could forge a second-grade Blue Coppertite, they didnt even need to check if he could do the same with lesser metals.

It isnt of the first-grade? Cen Yue asked Mu Chen.

Mu Chen shook his head. It falls a bit short, but its nearly there. Youll make a lot of money off of this Blue Coppertite the next time you accept some tasks. Go back and prepare for the Grand Banquet of the Sea and Sky. It begins in one month.

But... teacher, dont I still need to attend class? Tang Wulin asked.

Mu Chen said, You dont need to worry, the association will help you take care of that. You need to spend the remaining time forging. Ill continue to teach you once a week. It seems like I need to start teaching you the technique needed to forge first-grade metals.

Tang Wulin smiled. Yes, thank you, teacher.

Ill go with you. Mu Xi took the initiative to accompany him back to the academy.

After the two left the Blacksmiths Association, Mu Xi suddenly pinched Tang Wulins cheek.

Ow! Senior disciple sister, what are you doing? Tang Wulin complained.

Mu Xi snorted. Im checking if youre even human. Isnt everyone supposed to be equal? You dont have another face, so how are you able to progress so quickly?

Senior disciple sister, I dont have a second face, Tang Wulin said in embarrassment.

Mu Xi suddenly became all smiles. I know. Can I talk to you about something? If no one ends up being better than me at the Skysea Alliance Tournament, can you let me win? Ill give you the prize money too, and then youll have the money for both first and second places. Ill even give you the metals that are awarded as well. How about it?

Tang Wulin stared at her in a daze. Okay.

Okay? Mu Xi thought she misheard him. He agreed so easily?

Hey, do you even understand the significance of the Skysea Alliance Tournament? How can you agree so easily?

Tang Wulin said, Its just fame. The difference between first and second place cant be that large anyway. If I can earn more money by giving up first place for second place, then Im all for it!

Im convinced nowyou really only think about money! Mu Xi smacked the top of his head lightly. Im just joking with you. If I stole first place from you, dad would kill me!

A trace of a smile appeared on Tang Wulins lips. Teacher wouldnt do that. He actually looks at you with doting eyes. Im serious, senior disciple sister. If no one is better than you, Ill give you first place. Ill be taking that prize money though.

Tang Wulins earnest insistence left Mu Xi in a daze. I dont want you to do this for my dad.

With her intelligence, she immediately realized what Tang Wulin intended. He was doing a favor to Mu Chen.

Tang Wulin shook his head. Its not what youre thinking. Teacher once said that the tallest tree in the forest will be ravaged by the wind. Im still very young, so what do you think would happen if I reveal that Im already a fourth rank blacksmith? Im still a long ways from three rings and Spirit Refinement, so what does first place even mean to me? If I just take second place, then I can keep a low-profile while earning some money.

Mu Xi curiously asked, Can you tell me why you need so much money?

Tang Wulin forced out a bitter smile. My cultivation path is a bit different from other people. I need a lot of heavenly treasures to continue evolving my martial soul. My strength comes from that evolution. You know that my martial soul is Bluesilver Grass. Take a look!

Tang Wulin raised his right hand and summoned his golden scales.

The sight of the golden scales left Mu Xi speechless. She slowly raised a finger and tapped on the scales, creating a sharp metallic tone.

This is why youre in class zero? This is the source of your strength? Mu Xi asked in disbelief.

Tang Wulin nodded.

Arent you afraid Ill tell my dad? Mu Xi asked suspiciously.

I dont intend to hide this from teacher! Tang Wulin said.

Forget about it, then! Mu Xi nodded at Tang Wulins answer in satisfaction. Ill look out for you in the academy from now on. If anyone dares bully you, just tell me their name.

Tang Wulin didnt know whether to laugh or cry. Senior disciple sister, what are you saying? I dont get into fights anyway.

You dont get into fights? Who was it that sent his roommates flying out of their second-floor window on the first day, hm? I can't seem to remember...

Me

Oh, right, do you like Zixin? Mu Xi asked suddenly.

Tang Wulin was blindsided by this question, and his face immediately went beet red before he waved his arms in denial. N-No! No, I dont! I dont

Hahaha! Look at how flustered you are! Arent you usually super calm? I understand. Youre confused about the matters of the heart and are trying to deny it, but its clear that you like her! Just what are you learning at such a young age? Mu Xi pinched his face over and over.

Tang Wulin was distressed. I really dont! Senior Sister Zixin is just a really nice person, and we frequently run into each other during our morning jogs. Even if I did like her, it would be because shes so pretty and gentle. I can appreciate those qualities, you know! Dont go having any weird thoughts!

Mu Xi raised her eyebrows. So youre saying that Im not pretty or gentle enough for you to like and you dont appreciate me?

Tang Wulin was still a ten-year-old child, so how could he hope to win an argument against a developing young lady? Mu Xi was fourteen years old this year and was far more mature than him.

I-I Tang Wulin gawked at her, speechless.

Isnt that right though? Youre not gentle at all!

Tang Wulin had to admit Wu Xi was pretty, but he would never say so out loud.

After pinching Tang Wulins face a bit more, Mu Xi was satisfied.

Bullying him is even more fun than being cold to him! Her mouth curled into a wicked smile.

They soon arrived at the academy and Tang Wulin let out a sigh. He flew back to his dorm while rubbing his aching cheeks, the sound of Mu Xis witch-like cackling chasing after him.

The Skysea Alliance Tournament?

Tang Wulin mentioned the tournament during lunch and immediately caught Xie Xies ear. He hadnt realized just how much Xie Xie knew about the tournament!