The news of Li Qiyeâs achievement traveled across Duality.
Numerous speculations arose along with indignation and jealousy. The majority assumed that it had to do with âfateâ. Otherwise, someone with Li Qiyeâs power couldnât lift the hammer. Fate was the only plausible explanation.
âHmph, a flower stuck in a pile of manure.â A student said with indignation: âItâs one thing for First Sister or Senior Brother Lin to have this fateful connection, but a woodchopper with no cultivation to speak of? Itâs so unfair for him to have this type of luck.â
âFate is indefinite, it wouldnât be called fate if there were guidelines about it.â Another smiled wryly.
âSo what? He can only pick up the hammer, not like heâll create an invincible weapon.â One bitter soul stated.
âRight.â Many friends agreed with this: âThis doesnât mean that heâll be able to craft an ultimate weapon. There are the material requirement and flame control, a powerful cultivation too.â
âPower is more important than anything else.â An upperclassman said with a serious expression: âThe best materials and tools with the master cauldron still arenât enough if the blacksmith is weak. Blacksmithing is a profound art, fate canât make up for the other deficiencies.â
âI think Li Qiye doesnât know anything about blacksmithing.â An expert blacksmith shook his head: âHe wanted to use the remnant materials, it just doesnât make any sense. They were left behind by the top masters, meaning that they were nothing more than useless impurities.â
He paused for a bit before continuing: âPlus, itâs not just one session either. Therefore, the materials are mixed and random, not to mention that the mastersâ flames were different too. Itâs impossible to harmonize the leftovers, this is just a foolâs daydream.â
The ones nearby nodded and agreed with this persuasive logic. His reasoning was sound and carefully thought out in accordance with the rules of blacksmithing.
âHaha, just wait and see then.â One student looked eager to gloat as if he could see the day of Li Qiyeâs failure already.
The majority of students agreed that using the dregs to create a weapon was impossible.
***
Li Qiye paid zero attention to the clamors outside. The old servant also only did his duty without asking, gathering the waste materials on top of the peak.
He thought that it was strange indeed but assumed that this wasnât a whimsical idea. Li Qiye must have had a plan.
At his age, he knew when to speak and when to not worry about unimportant matters.
A few days later, a guest came to the temple to see Li Qiye. Fan Bai immediately reported this to Li Qiye.
The guest was an old man wearing a simple robe without any decoration. It was exceptionally clean.
Of course, a meticulous observer would find that the seams and lines of this robe were sewn perfectly.
His complexion was gray but still looked quite spirited and brimming with life, akin to an eighteen-year-old. He hid his aura yet still had the aura and style of a master - always in control.
The first impression people would get was that he was missing something - perhaps a special deer to ride on. He simply looked like an immortal.
When he walked in the temple and saw the old servant, he bowed his head deeply as a greeting.
The old servant shook his head, not bothering to respond. The old man stopped and looked over at Li Qiye who was sitting on his chair, looking drowsy and lazy. He didnât bother to look at the old man.
The old man has heard the teachers talk about Li Qiye but to see the guy in person was a different story.
After all, he was just too ordinary. This word actually failed to describe how common he looked. The guy could be found on any street in the holy ground.
Of course, the old man knew better than to be arrogant right now. Why would the old servant be respectful and follow an average man?
He noticed the bronze ring worn by Li Qiye and started thinking. Numerous possibilities popped up in his head; he just didnât know which one was correct.
All of this shouldnât have occurred on this guy, at least when taking his appearance into account. He knew that there were more than meets the eyes and that he didnât have all the answers.
Nonetheless, he was experienced and decisive. He took a deep breath and prostrated to show the utmost reverence.
âHow should I properly address you, Sir?â He asked.
A third party would be shocked to see this prestigious old man kneeling before Li Qiye.
He was feeling very nervous. The bronze ring alone had immense significance but he knew that there were other more important factors.
âYoung Master is fine.â Li Qiye casually said.
âI was ignorant and didnât know about your arrival, hence the lack of reception.â The old man stood up and said.
âItâs best not to bother with those boring customs. If I wanted a treatment like that, I wouldnât have come to Duality.â Li Qiye waved his hand.
âI understand.â The old man nodded respectfully. During the nod, he couldnât help staring at the ring.
âWant this ring?â Li Qiye chuckled.
âOf course not, Iâm only curious, Young Master. This ringâ¦â He had an awkward expression, not knowing what to say next.
Others wouldnât give the ring a second glance. However, those in the know took it very seriously. It was strange that he didnât receive any information on how Li Qiye got it.
He didnât think that Li Qiye was unworthy either. Maybe this was how it should be. Nonetheless, curiosity still got the best of him because the ring could affect many things.
âI bought it from a broken down shop, just playing around since it was cheap.â Li Qiye said.
The old man smiled wryly; this âcheapâ ring could give orders to the world. Li Qiye made it sound as if it wasnât worth a single coin.
In reality, Li Qiye actually did think so. He only wanted to mess around with people.
âRegardless of how you obtained it, Young Master, your words are my orders and I shall obey, doing everything I can.â The old man said.