Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 9: Joining the Blacksmiths' Guild?

A glint flashed in Elder Charlotte's eyes, and the shock was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples, but it was quickly suppressed by his deep eyes and returned to calm.

Having lived for so many years, he has seen too many geniuses and knows that everyone has their own opportunities and secrets.

Forcing an investigation may not only yield no results, but may also create enmity.

The child before him, though dressed in rags, had clear and determined eyes, and his soul power was a solid level ten. He admired the child's talent and his perseverance in traveling alone to this place.

"Level 10 soul power, confirmed."

Elder Charlotte withdrew her hand, her face regaining its warm smile, as if her earlier lapse in composure had never occurred.

"Young Lin Xia, although you haven't obtained your first spirit ring yet and become a spirit master from a spirit warrior, it should be soon. So, I'll do you a favor. From today onwards, you can use this badge to receive a spirit master subsidy of one gold spirit coin from the Spirit Hall every month."

Charlotte turned around and took out a small badge with a crossed sword and hammer design from the cabinet behind her, and solemnly handed it to Lin Xia.

Lin Xia took the badge, which was still warm to the touch. It felt slightly heavy in her hand, and a sense of security welled up inside her.

One Gold Soul Coin!

That would be enough for a work-study student like him to live frugally for several months in Nottingham.

Of course, Lin Xia wouldn't be so foolish as to be blinded by a single gold soul coin. The reason she's acting this way now is simply out of necessity!
"Thank you, Elder Charlotte."

Lin Xia expressed her sincere gratitude.

Elder Charlotte watched as Lin Xia put away the badge, his gaze turning ardent once more. He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying an undisguised invitation.

"Lin Xia, your talent is unparalleled in my life. Eighth level of Innate Realm and tenth level of Crescent Moon Realm. Such speed is unheard of!"

"Join our Spirit Hall! With your talent, you will receive the highest level of training, the best cultivation resources, and top-notch guidance in acquiring spirit rings! Your future is limitless!"

Lin Xia's heart skipped a beat.

The olive branch from the Spirit Hall carries immense weight.

Resources, shelter, and knowledge—these were what he desperately craved.

But the image of Bibi Dong's cold face hidden beneath the crown of the patriarch flashed through his mind, along with Yu Xiaogang's persistent figure.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Xia took a deep breath, suppressed the pounding in his heart, and gave a shy, apologetic smile befitting his age.

"Thank you for your kindness, Elder! I am naturally aware of the Spirit Hall's reputation. However... I am new to Gengjin City and have some personal matters to attend to, so I cannot make a decision immediately. Could you... allow me to finish these matters and then give you an answer?"

Elder Charlotte's fervent smile faltered slightly, and a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

Having lived for so many years, how could he not hear the refusal behind those tactful words?
This child is determined and has his own ideas.

Forced fruit is never sweet, especially for geniuses; excessive pressure will only backfire.

Looking into Lin Xia's clear yet stubborn eyes, he finally sighed, his smile fading slightly but still gentle.

"Very well, it's good for young people to have their own ideas. Remember, the gates of the Spirit Hall are always open for you. Whenever you change your mind, you can come to me, Charlotte. The Gengjin City Spirit Hall welcomes you to join us at any time."

"Thank you for your understanding, Elder!"

Lin Xia breathed a sigh of relief and bowed again.

Elder Charlotte's attitude improved his impression of the Spirit Hall considerably.

And it's not that he's unwilling to join the Spirit Hall; isn't it always better to compare different options before making a decision?

And it doesn't say you can't join two factions at the same time!
After bidding farewell to Elder Charlotte, Lin Xia felt much lighter on her feet as she held the heavy gold soul coin as a reward.

Without delay, Lin Xia left the solemn and majestic Spirit Hall.

Walking on the bustling streets of Gengjin City, Lin Xia first found a clothing store.

He was fed up with the strange looks he received from passersby. With a portion of that gold soul coin, he bought himself a simple but clean and well-fitting set of coarse cloth clothes and a pair of sturdy cloth shoes.

After changing into the new clothes, although they were still simple, they finally shed the image of a "little beggar" and blended into the crowd without being so conspicuous.

After doing all that, Lin Xia asked a passerby for directions to the Blacksmith Association and then went there directly!
The closer you get to the Blacksmiths' Guild, the stronger the smell of heat, metal dust, and sweat becomes.

The clanging and booming sounds of blacksmithing are like the pulse of the city, strong and rhythmic.

Finally, he stopped in front of a building with a rugged style.

This building lacks the exquisite beauty of the Spirit Hall, but it is full of a sense of power.

The massive stone pillars are carved with totems of hammers and flames. From the open gate, waves of heat rush out, accompanied by the loud clang of metal clashing and shouts of people.

Lin Xia composed herself and stepped inside.

Inside the door was an extremely spacious hall, more like a huge open-plan workshop.

The blazing furnace stood like a giant beast, its roaring flames reflecting the bronze skin and sweat of the craftsmen.

Beside the massive anvil, shirtless, burly men wielded heavy hammers, each strike sending sparks flying and producing a deafening roar.

The air was filled with the distinctive smells of molten iron, sweat, coal, and metal.

Various unfinished weapons, armor, and farm tools were piled up in the corner, a dazzling array.

Lin Xia's mouth watered again!

Lin Xia's appearance did not attract much attention.

People come and go here: merchants placing orders, laborers transporting ore, and young people like him who seem to be trying their luck.

He looked around and saw a middle-aged man in a leather apron, who seemed to be in charge, directing several apprentices to move iron ingots. Lin Xia stepped forward and spoke politely.

"Excuse me, sir, may I ask who I should contact to join the Blacksmiths' Guild?"

The middle-aged man who looked like the manager turned around when he heard the voice and looked Lin Xia up and down.

Although Lin Xia had changed her clothes, she was still too young and had a thin figure. She didn't look like someone who could swing a sledgehammer.

"Join the association?"

The middle-aged man frowned slightly, his tone tinged with impatience.

"Hey kid, how old are you? Do you know that blacksmithing is hard work? This isn't a place for kids to play in the mud. Go away, stop causing trouble."

Lin Xia was not discouraged. He straightened his back and looked directly at the other person.

“Uncle, I’m quite strong, and I know a lot about ores. I want to serve the association and learn forging techniques and some basic knowledge about ores.”

"Understand minerals? You already said you wanted to learn the basics, and you're talking about understanding them?"

The middle-aged man scoffed.

"Anyone can talk the talk, kid. If you want to join the association, you'll have to pass the test!"

"The most basic requirement is being able to swing a ten-pound hammer and continuously strike a standard iron billet a hundred times to create the basic shape required by the association! With your small frame..."

He shook his head, clearly not believing it.

Just then, a slightly aged but powerful voice came from the side.

"Old Li, what's going on? Why are you making such a fuss?"

(End of this chapter)