Chapter 539: Four-Word Battle Armor Prototype (6k)

Under the high-temperature scorching of the Fire Dragon King, these two soul-forged metals quickly showed a tendency to melt.

Tang Wulin didn't miss the opportunity, he brought the two metals together and began to hammer them with focused concentration.

The once-paused clinking hammering sound rang out again, and this time it was different from before, obviously having a rhythmic melody.

Unlike spirit forging and soul forging, which directly raise the quality of a single metal, fusion forging obviously places a greater emphasis on skill.

At this stage, the proportion of the techniques mastered by the soul forger in the forging process will suddenly increase.

Merely performing spirit forging on spirit metal is still manageable; this can be done relying on cultivation or hard work. But performing fusion forging on soul-forged metal requires a much higher level of forging skill.

Most soul forgers, lacking an excellent teacher for guidance, will be stuck at this step for a long time.

Fortunately, having Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu as top-tier soul forger teachers, Tang Wulin fundamentally lacks no superb forging skills; for him now, although some forging techniques cannot yet be fully mastered, most forging techniques can still be used without problem.

At the very least, completing a single forging of soul-forged alloy poses no problem.

As Tang Wulin's twin hammers continuously struck the two soul-forged metals, the two metals that were gradually melting also began to fuse with each other.

The volume of the two metals began to shrink rapidly, gradually evolving toward a single piece of metal.

Tang Wulin suddenly realized that, for him, performing fusion forging at the soul-forging level might actually be more easy and natural than performing fusion forging at the spirit-forging level.

The reason is that the soul-forged metal has already been thoroughly transformed by him; almost all soul-forged metal produced by his hands will carry the characteristics of the Dragon God bloodline.

And metals that all contain the Dragon God bloodline have extremely high compatibility with each other, making it very easy for them to fuse together.

This is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Tang Wulin, meaning that, unlike soul forging, his first formal attempt at fusion forging at the soul-forging level today will go very smoothly, possibly even more smoothly than his first forging of spirit metal alloy.

Of course, such a thing as deep meditation, which is akin to striking it rich, will most likely not happen a second time; having this experience once already leaves Tang Wulin extremely satisfied, and one should not be too greedy in life.

"Dang!"

With another pleasant ringing sound, a pillar of light rose, and the two metals on the forging platform before Tang Wulin thus completely fused together, a dazzling nine-colored light shone on the forging platform, and a resounding dragon's roar echoed throughout the forging chamber, as if the metal on the forging platform were cheering.

Fusion forging completed, this also signifies that Tang Wulin is qualified to officially advance to an eighth-level soul forger.

In fact, the requirements to become an eighth-level soul forger are somewhat stricter than this, but Tang Wulin's situation is truly exceptional, so Zhen Hua, in his capacity as the continent's top soul forger and president of the Soul Forger Association, opened a back door for him, allowing him to officially advance to eighth-level soul forger upon completing soul-forging-level fusion forging.

After all, speaking honestly, even if Tang Wulin now asked Zhen Hua for a ninth-level soul forger title, that is, the title of God Artisan, Zhen Hua would be willing to grant it.

This kid's forged soul-forged metal already surpasses his teacher, its overall quality exceeding even his heavenly forging; the level of the soul-forged alloy he produces is beyond what Zhen Hua can even imagine.

"Papapa..."

Tang Wulin let out a long sigh of relief; just as he opened his eyes, he heard a round of applause, and upon looking back, he saw Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu looking at him with quite gratified expressions.

Zhen Hua exclaimed, "You're still under twenty, right? At this age, being able to become an eighth-level soul forger puts you nearly ten years ahead of where I was, and even almost a hundred years ahead of that crazy old man beside me—no wonder you're my most proud disciple."

"Damn it! I only advanced late because I started late! And don't think I don't know—this kid Tang Wulin only returned to this era a few months ago; you never taught him before, and you've only been a soul-forging teacher for a few months, yet you have the nerve to boast about his achievements? Besides, given Tang Wulin's talent, even if you randomly replaced you with any eighth-level soul forger as his teacher, it wouldn't be any slower than your instruction!"

Zhen Hua gave a hehe laugh.

"Hey, you can't control me—one day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father. Anyway, I am indeed Tang Wulin's teacher, and he has indeed learned many forging techniques from me; he also respects me as his master, that's enough—go ahead and bite me."

"How come I never noticed you were so shameless before?"

Seeing Zhen Hua's playful, smiling face, even Feng Wuyu lost the mood to argue with him; he let out a long sigh, turned toward Tang Wulin, looked at this young man with an upright stance, and couldn't help but smile.

"But no matter what, congratulations, Tang Wulin."

"Mm."

Tang Wulin warmly watched the end of Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu's quarrel, and respectfully bowed to the two of them.

"Thank you both teachers for your careful guidance."

Often, talent alone cannot represent everything; with the guidance of a qualified teacher, his study of soul forging is absolutely twice as effective with half the effort.

The proof is that, before returning to this era, he had been stuck at the threshold of a sixth-level soul forger for a full five years; yet as soon as he arrived in this era, in less than half a year he rocketed straight up from a fifth-level soul forger to an eighth-level soul forger like a rocket.

Know that on this continent, the number of fifth-level soul forgers exceeds that of eighth-level soul forgers by more than a hundredfold; the vast majority of soul forgers cannot cross this huge level gap in their lifetimes, yet he crossed it easily in just half a year.

Among these, the power of the Dragon God bloodline certainly played a very important role, but without the earnest guidance of these two mentors, Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu, Tang Wulin would need to spend at least dozens of times more time to achieve such growth.

His current excellence stems from standing on the shoulders of these two predecessors.

Seeing his behavior, Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu actually felt a bit embarrassed.

As Feng Wuyu just said, in their eyes, Tang Wulin's ability to achieve such astonishing results relies more importantly on his own talent.

Although eighth-level soul forgers are few on this continent, there are still a dozen or so; but Tang Wulin's kind of prodigious talent appears only once in ten thousand years across the entire land.

Therefore, they actually feel that they are somewhat unworthy of this bow from him.

But looking at the sincerity in Tang Wulin's eyes, they also understand that this child's gratitude toward them comes from the heart.

At this moment, whether it's the joke-loving Zhen Hua or the hot-tempered Feng Wuyu, both feel that their inner selves have softened considerably.

They both thought that accepting this disciple was not a loss.

Even if Tang Wulin didn't have such a level of talent, just based on his character, they would find it hard not to feel fondness toward him.

Zhen Hua smiled, stepped forward a few paces, extended his hand, placed it on Tang Wulin's shoulder, and spoke gently to him:

"Alright, don't get so excited over a stage victory; don't you remember? You haven't finished your mission yet today."

"Mm, I understand."

Tang Wulin took a deep breath, and his expression also turned serious.

He turned his body around, once again facing the soul-forged alloy before him that glowed with nine-colored light.

The three had already been preparing for today's matter several days earlier, so the volume of the two rare metals selected this time is not small; consequently, the soul-forged alloy forged from these two rare metals is much larger in volume than ordinary soul-forged alloy.

Tang Wulin intends to use this piece of soul-forged alloy to attempt forging a prototype of Huo Yutong's four-word battle armor.

The task of a soul forger has always been not merely refining metal; crafting the outer shell is also part of their work.

However, Tang Wulin does not plan to start immediately, after all, forging a prototype of the four-word battle armor differs greatly from forging soul-forged alloy.

Although Tang Wulin is today also making his first attempt at fusion forging at the soul-forging level, this step actually isn't that different from forging spirit metal alloy before; he just needs to grasp that feeling and keep in mind the teachings and warnings of Zhen Hua and Feng Wuyu.

But forging a prototype of the four-word battle armor is truly a first-time endeavor; Tang Wulin has no experience or confidence in it, so he needs to first watch Zhen Hua give him a demonstration.

Zhen Hua came to Tang Wulin's side, took out a piece of metal from the Storage Soul Conductor Device, and placed it on the forging platform.

Upon seeing this piece of metal, Tang Wulin's heart involuntarily jumped.

The aura emanating from this piece of metal is fundamentally different from that of the soul forging he crafted.

If one says the aura emitted from his soul-forged metal is a strong qi and blood power, deriving its strength from bloodline power, then the piece of metal Zhen Hua produced gives the impression of a traditional Soul Master expert.

If we must give an example, the metal Tang Wulin forged is like himself, mainly characterized by bloodline power, whereas Zhen Hua's piece of metal is more like Huo Yutong, whose cultivation mainly relies on soul power.

This reminded Tang Wulin subconsciously of the instruction Zhen Hua had given him earlier.

"So-called Heaven Forge is when a forge master draws upon the power of the laws between heaven and earth to thoroughly temper the metal, completely rewriting its origin, allowing it to undergo a complete transformation."

"If soul forging infuses metal with a soul, elevating a lump of metal into a living being, then Heaven Forge makes it into a powerhouse."

"To give an imperfect analogy, soul forging for us humans is like birth, while Heaven Forge for us is like the awakening of one's martial soul at age six, the most crucial step on the path to becoming a powerhouse."

These were the words Zhen Hua spoke when teaching Tang Wulin soul forging back then; perhaps because Tang Wulin's forging talent was astonishing, this Divine Artisan never hid anything from him, regardless of whether it was currently appropriate to learn, and would explain seriously whenever it was brought up, and Tang Wulin's questions would always receive a full answer.

Therefore, at this moment when Tang Wulin saw the metal he produced, without him needing to emphasize it specially, Tang Wulin could understand that this is a Heaven Forge‑level metal, a miracle only this Divine Artisan Zhen Hua could accomplish.

Zhen Hua noticed Tang Wulin's gaze and gave him a slightly proud smile.

"Are you ready? I'm about to begin."

"Mm."

Upon hearing his voice, Tang Wulin snapped out of his reverie, lightly nodded, and instead of retreating, he stepped even closer toward Zhen Hua, finally stopping at the closest distance that would not disturb Zhen Hua's forging.

Seeing this behavior, Zhen Hua couldn't help but reveal a wry smile.

To be honest, he also very much wanted to observe Tang Wulin's forging up close.

Tang Wulin's forging differs from both his and Feng Wu Yu's; indeed, across the entire forging world, no second person forges like him. Although Zhen Hua cannot forge as he does, observing his forging method is still helpful for Zhen Hua, allowing him to learn much.

It's just a pity that his strength is insufficient; just now, when Tang Wulin was performing soul forging, the aura emanating from his body already made him feel extremely oppressed, and he could clearly sense that if he approached Tang Wulin, he would surely be harmed. As a result, Tang Wulin, unlike him, did not retreat but instead closed the distance as much as possible to gain as much insight as he could.

Otherwise, why would strength be considered a good thing? At this moment, Zhen Hua truly felt a bit envious of Feng Wu Yu, that crazy old man.

Taking the twin hammers from his Storage Soul Conductor Device, he lifted them lightly twice, Zhen Hua drew a deep breath, expelled all distracting thoughts from his mind, and fixed his gaze on the forging platform.

In an instant, Tang Wulin noticed that the aura of this middle‑aged man before him had changed.

His former carefree attitude vanished, replaced by utter focus, as if the only things existing in this world were him and the Heaven‑forged metal before him.

Next, he began to swing the hammers.

The two forging hammers began to strike the Heaven‑forged metal, producing a pleasant, clear sound, unlike Tang Wulin's violent frenzy like a storm; instead, it resembled playing a moving melody.

Yet, as he listened to this "song," Tang Wulin's eyes gradually showed surprise.

His current level owes more to the various conveniences brought by his Dragon God bloodline; in terms of forging skill and proficiency, he is actually not especially qualified.

At this moment, merely listening to Zhen Hua's forging sounds made him feel refreshed and delighted; he could clearly sense that, with Zhen Hua's continual strikes, the Heaven‑forged metal before him would soon come under his control, as if the metal had already merged with him.

Truly deserving of being the continent's foremost forger—he is indeed extraordinary.

Tang Wulin couldn't help but feel a genuine admiration, feeling unable to avert his gaze.

Likewise unable to look away was Feng Wu Yu, observing from nearby; he let out an unwilling hum, yet his heart was filled with admiration.

Even if his strength could leave Zhen Hua far behind, and even if Zhen Hua's age is only a fraction of his, when it comes to forging ability, there still exists a chasm between him and Zhen Hua as vast as a heavenly moat.

After all, his type is actually similar to Tang Wulin's; he too relied on his own formidable strength to bully his way up to the rank of Eighth‑rank Forge Master, and when it comes to pure forging technique, he ranks among the lowest of the Sage Artisans.

Zhen Hua becoming the continent's first Divine Artisan at such a young age is no fluke; he shattered countless records during his growth. Compared to Tang Wulin he lags somewhat, but against other forge masters his talent is overwhelming.

As the two forge masters watched Zhen Hua's forging process in a dazed, enamored state, the results began to show.

Gradually, the outer shell of a shoulder guard appeared before the three of them.

This shoulder guard emitted a faint golden glow; although still enduring Zhen Hua's hammering, it had already begun to emanate an immensely powerful aura.

Finally, as the last hammer fell, Zhen Hua exhaled deeply, set down the forging hammer, wiped his sweat, looked at Tang Wulin, and smiled at him.

"How is it? Have you learned it?"

"I'm not sure."

Tang Wulin shook his head.

After all, the prototype Zhen Hua forged differs greatly from the one he wants to forge, and besides, their forging methods differ enormously, so he is unsure whether he actually learned it.

But there is one thing Tang Wulin is certain about.

"But I can learn a great deal from your forging process."

"Hahaha, that satisfies me."

Zhen Hua laughed satisfiedly, stretched his arms wide, and winked at Tang Wulin.

"So now it's your turn; I believe in you."

Although Tang Wulin encountered many setbacks and failures while learning soul forging, this kid has succeeded every time in crafting spirit‑alloy and soul‑forged alloy; Zhen Hua believes that this heaven‑defying talent will surely create another miracle.

"Good."

Tang Wulin drew a deep breath, recalled the feeling he had just gained from observing Zhen Hua's forging, and turned toward the soul‑forged alloy.

Zhen Hua watched his appearance and nodded satisfiedly.

Entering the state so swiftly—no wonder it's this kid.

If he maintains this state, he might actually finish it in one go.

Tang Wulin stood still in place, gazing at the metal before him.

Neither Zhen Hua nor Feng Wu Yu urged him, knowing that for Tang Wulin, pre‑forging contemplation might even be more important than the forging itself.

Feng Wu Yu approached Zhen Hua's side and asked in a low voice:

"Do you think he can complete the work of forging the prototype of the four‑word battle armor? The wedding is only a little over a week away—do we really have enough time? Or should you help him?"

Zhen Hua gave him a white‑eye look.

"Crazy old man, when you were young, didn't any girls like you?"

Feng Wu Yu stared for a moment, then his face flushed red as he shouted:

"You, you, you don't slander me! Besides, what does that have to do with whether Wulin can complete the forging?"

"Yeah, there's no relation."

Zhen Hua smiled gently, his gaze toward Tang Wulin filled with emotion.

"So whether he can finish it or not has nothing to do with whether he wants me to help."

Feng Wuyu was stunned again.

"What do you mean? Why are you speaking so mysteriously? Just say what you mean."

Zhen Hua gave him a speechless look.

"I've said it this far, and you still don't get it? No wonder no girl likes you. This is a gift Tang Wulin prepared for his new bride; what matters isn't whether it can be finished in the end, but this sentiment—this sentiment is best completed by his own hands. Having me intervene would taint this sentiment, wouldn't it?"

"Er..."

Feng Wuyu blinked, realizing that indeed seemed to be the case.

He was momentarily unconvinced, let out two snorts, gave Zhen Hua a white-eye, and said:

"What are you getting all cocky about? You don't even have a wife yet."

Zhen Hua: "..."

Seeing Zhen Hua's darkening expression, Feng Wuyu couldn't help but burst out laughing.

He's always been teased by this guy, but this time he finally got his own back.

He looked at Tang Wulin and said emotionally:

"Mm, you're right. This is their newlywed couple's affair; all we can do is silently help them from behind the scenes."

Tang Wulin didn't notice his two teachers' interaction; right now he had focused all his attention on the metal before him, completely blocking out everything else.

For the battle armor he was forging for Huo Yutong, he wanted it to have three modes.

After all, unlike him, whose gap with his three martial souls is huge, Huo Yutong's combat is clearly more versatile; the strengths of her three martial souls aren't actually that different, so boosting just one wouldn't perfectly match her power.

If it were another blacksmith standing here, this might be impossible, but for Tang Wulin alone, it's a task that can be accomplished.

Because the soul-forged alloy he produced has almost all the advantages of metals—its adaptability to mental power, its compatibility with ice element, and its affinity with divine power are all excellent.

Moreover, this metal carries his aura, and as a companion to Huo Yutong's fused martial soul, his aura matches hers perfectly, so he doesn't need to worry much about how to match her power, leaving plenty of room for other designs.

Recalling how Zhen Hua had forged the prototype of the four-word battle armor, Tang Wulin took another deep breath, adjusted his aura, and brought his condition to its peak.

Then he flung his eyes open, and the clinking sounds of hammering once again echoed throughout the forging room.

He actually knew as well that, with only a week left, for him to personally forge a four-word battle armor prototype would be extremely difficult.

But this must be done by him; he wants to pour all the emotions he has held in his heart over the past ten years into this four-word battle armor.

He hopes this gift will bring Huo Yutong the most beautiful memories.

Thus, starting that day, the time Tang Wulin spent in the forging room increased dramatically.

He tried over and over, experiencing failure each time.

Huo Yutong seemed to sense something from his changes, said nothing more, and just gave him an encouraging glance each time they parted.

Thus, amid the clinking sounds in the forging room, ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

The day of the wedding arrived.

(End of chapter)