Douro Continent

Chapter 56 Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique (Part 4)

The other work-study students around them all looked on with envy, but it was just envy. Tang San's victory over Xiao Chenyu that day was deeply etched in their minds; even Wang Sheng admired him greatly. He admitted that even if he obtained a spirit ring, he might not be able to defeat him.

Xiao Wu asked curiously, "What are the benefits of becoming a Soul Master? It's not just about having an empty title, is it?"

Tang San chuckled and said, "There are some benefits, at least we can eat better from now on. Soul Masters receive a monthly subsidy of gold soul coins."

"One gold soul coin? That's a lot." Xiao Wu now understood the importance of money. Although Xiao Chenyu had said that he would cover the food expenses for the work-study students from now on, it was always better to have money in her own hands than for others.

As she spoke, Xiao Wu jumped off the bed and ran excitedly outside.

"Xiao Wu, where are you going?"

"I'm going to register as a Soul Master too! One Gold Soul Coin can buy so many delicious things!"

"There's no need to rush."

"How can you not be in a hurry? Have you forgotten that today is the end of the month? Go now, and you might be able to get two gold soul coins, including next month's."

"But could you put your shoes on before you go?"

"Well……"

Xiao Wu went to the Spirit Hall in a flurry of activity. Tang San chuckled inwardly, thinking that Grandpa Matthew would probably be shocked again, after all, Xiao Wu was a genuine Beast Spirit Battle Spirit Master. Her innate conditions were far superior to his own pseudo-full spirit power.

No longer needing to work as a part-time student, Tang San immediately recalled the crisp clanging sound in his mind. Village Chief Jack had once said that attending the intermediate Soul Master Academy would be a considerable expense, and many things at home would need replacing; earning more money was naturally beneficial. Moreover, this was also his father's request. More importantly, only at the blacksmith's shop could he have the opportunity to arm himself. Through the process of forging his own hidden arrows, Tang San discovered that when a hidden weapon was entirely crafted by himself, his familiarity with it became much stronger.

"Tang San, I apologize for what happened that day. You're not still angry, are you?" Just as Tang San was pondering, Wang Sheng came to his side and said sincerely.

Seeing Wang Sheng's honest smile, Tang San shook his head and smiled, "How could that be? I've already forgotten. Brother Wang Sheng, I have to go out for a bit and might not be back until tonight."

Wang Sheng nodded and said, "Go ahead. By the way, congratulations on becoming a Soul Master."

Tang San smiled and said, "It won't be long before you break through too."

As Tang San walked out of Notting Academy again, he felt a little tired. He hadn't had a proper rest since returning with Grandmaster today, and he had fought several battles with Xiao Chenyu and his group. Even though his Xuan Tian Gong had reached the second level, he still felt tired.

However, he still had to go to the blacksmith's shop; he could always start working tomorrow. Tang San's biggest fear right now was that they wouldn't hire him as a blacksmith.

Upon arriving at the blacksmith shop, Tang San went straight inside. A wave of heat hit him as soon as he entered, as was the case in any blacksmith shop, although Tang San's family's dilapidated blacksmith shop was much cooler.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a spacious hall. To the right of the hall hangs a variety of forged ironware. This isn't just about farm tools; there are also numerous suits of armor and weapons. After all, Soul Masters are a minority in this world, and weapons are essential. Naturally, weapons are much more expensive than farm tools.

Seeing these weapons, Tang San couldn't help but recall the work he had done in his previous life. Back then, the mechanical hidden weapons manufactured by the Tang Clan were practically the mainstay of the entire Tang Clan's income. The Tang Clan had many rules; although they sold mechanical hidden weapons to the outside world, they only sold non-toxic ones and some ordinary goods. The true secret techniques were never sold. Even so, the hidden weapons produced by the Tang Clan were still in high demand and short supply in the martial arts world.

If I opened a factory in this world that manufactured hidden weapons, what kind of income would I have?

"Little boy, what are you doing here? If you're buying something, call your parents. Get out of here, it's dangerous." Just as Tang San was thinking, a loud voice interrupted his thoughts.

Looking up, he saw a burly man with a bare upper body staring at him. His dark skin was covered in bulging muscles, making him look extremely strong. He was holding a large casting hammer in his hand, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

"Uncle, hello. I'd like to ask if you need any apprentices here." Tang San was young, but his voice was clear and crisp. Although the blacksmith shop was filled with the sounds of hammering steel, everyone could hear him clearly.

Most of the blacksmiths stopped what they were doing and looked at Tang San with kind smiles. Blacksmithing is one of the lowest professions, and blacksmiths are mostly from poor backgrounds who rely on strength and skills to make a living. Although they may look rough, most of them are extremely kind.

The burly man who had spoken earlier sized Tang San up and down a few times, then said, "Little kid, stop fooling around. Let's go. It's not safe here. Do you look like a blacksmith? Besides, we don't hire apprentices as young as you here. You probably can't even lift a casting hammer. Haha."

Tang San then realized that he was still wearing his neat school uniform. "Sorry, uncle, I'll come back later." With that, he turned and ran outside.

The blacksmith shop was very close to Notting Academy. When Tang San returned, he had already changed back into his original clothes, which were covered in patches. In this outfit, he wouldn't need to wear makeup even if he went to eat at a local restaurant.

As soon as he entered, Tang San didn't look for anyone else, but went straight to the burly man from before, "Uncle, do you think I'm fit to be an apprentice?"

The burly man was stunned when he saw Tang San's patchwork outfit. "Little kid, are you kidding me?"

Tang San honestly replied, "Of course not. Uncle, it's like this. I'm a work-study student at Notting Academy, and I have time every afternoon. My father is the village blacksmith. I've been learning casting from my father since I was little, and I wanted to come here to earn a living."

(End of this chapter)