Chapter 1, Douluo Continent, Otherworldly Tang San

Stand up, Tang Hao pointed to a large iron block measuring fifty centimeters on each side at the other end of the room, "If you want to become a blacksmith and learn forging from me, then you must first forge it with a hammer for ten thousand strikes. Only then will you have the qualification."

Tang Hao glanced at Tang San and said calmly, "Then let's participate. On which day?"

The sound of the bellows echoed, and flames erupted from the charcoal furnace, scorching the large iron lump. Although Tang San did not know how to forge, he often watched Tang Hao create farming tools, so he was familiar with the process

Having started practicing the Xuantian Skill at just over one year old, Tang San is now nearly six years old. He is still laying the foundation.

One of these two empires is the Heaven Dou Empire, where Tang San is located, and the other is the Star Luo Empire in the south

After a while, the door curtain of the inner room was lifted. A tall figure staggered out with somewhat unsteady steps

Forging is undoubtedly a tedious and exhausting process, yet Tang San regards it as a means of honing his body. Eleven days have passed, and he has been counting the number of times he has forged. He realizes that swinging the hammer solely with his physical strength is insufficient; he must rely on the assistance of the Xuantian Skill.

Tang San had only heard some vague concepts about Soul Masters, so he naturally would not let this opportunity slip away easily and asked, "What does Great Soul Master mean?"

His entire strength is approximately enough to wield around one hundred strikes. Whenever his energy is nearly depleted, he sits cross-legged on the ground to recover. As soon as his internal energy is restored, he immediately continues to strike.

If you have work, you should take it on first. I will do it in the afternoon. I am going to sleep for a while again

As the hammer struck, the iron hammer and the iron anvil collided, producing a crisp sound. This was Tang San's first strike, marking the beginning of the forging process

That is a child only five or six years old. Clearly, he often enjoys the warmth of the sun, as his skin displays a healthy wheat color. His short black hair appears neat, and although his clothing is simple, it is also clean

The Xuantian Baolu records only six types of martial arts, which are: the internal skill Xuantian Gong, the hand technique Xuanyu Shou, the eye technique Ziji Demon Eye, the capture technique Konghe Qinlong, the lightness skill Guiying Mizong, and the technique for using hidden weapons, Anqi Baijie

A glimmer of mockery flashed in Tang Hao's eyes, "Divine artifact? Even a mistress knows about divine artifacts. Then tell me, what is a divine artifact made of?"

"Alright, Dad." Tang San nodded.

The children of the same age as Tang San generally have fathers who are around thirty years old. Some even marry before reaching thirty. However, Tang Hao appears much older than them, resembling more of a grandfather to Tang San.

Born into this world in a state of nakedness, Tang San possesses the greatest wealth, which is his memory. As the most outstanding genius of the Tang Sect's outer sect, all the methods for manufacturing various mechanical hidden weapons are imprinted in his mind. After he initially stole the secret texts of the inner sect, he yearned for many years to experience them. During the learning process, he also memorized the highest text of the inner sect, the Xuantian Treasure Record. Tang San hopes to recreate the glory of the Tang Sect in this world.

That was a piece of common iron, containing numerous impurities, which is undoubtedly inferior to the piece with iron ore.

As soon as he entered the house, Tang San could already smell the enticing aroma of food. It was not the breakfast that Tang Hao had prepared for him, but rather the meal he had made for Tang Hao.

The tattered robe he wore was devoid of even a patch, revealing the bronze-colored skin beneath. His once reasonably handsome features were now obscured by a layer of waxy yellow, giving him a drowsy appearance. His hair was disheveled, resembling a bird's nest, and his face was covered in a beard that had not been groomed for an indeterminate number of days. His gaze was vacant and yellowed. Although a night had already passed, the strong smell of alcohol emanating from him still caused Tang San to furrow his brow.

However, his training was not in vain. Although he was unable to break through in the Xuantian Skill, his internal strength became more resilient through the forging of the iron lump, and its recovery speed seemed to be slightly faster than before

Tang Hao nodded and no longer paid any attention to the village chief

He was a middle-aged man, appearing to be nearly fifty years old. However, he was very tall and robust, though his attire was far from commendable

For a child of his size, climbing this one-hundred-meter-high hill is no easy task; however, strangely, when he reached the summit, he appeared unflustered and composed, exuding an air of contentment.

Old Jack seems to have gotten used to Tang Hao's attitude. "Tang Hao, the little third is almost six years old, right? He should participate in this year's awakening ceremony as well."

Tang Hao crafted the metal for the farming tools from the iron sent by the villagers. It was all impure pig iron, making it difficult to produce high-quality hidden weapons. At this moment, the piece of cast iron that Tang San referred to had just been delivered yesterday. What surprised Tang San was that this iron ore actually contained a certain amount of iron mother, making it perfectly suitable for forging hidden weapons

Tang Hao stood up. After consuming a considerable amount of porridge, his body finally ceased to tremble. He walked towards the inner room

Holy Soul Village, if one merely hears its name, it is undoubtedly a rather astonishing name. However, in reality, it is merely a small village with over three hundred households located to the south of Notting City in the Fasno Province. The reason it is named Holy Soul is that, according to legend, a Soul Sage level soul master emerged from here a century ago, thus earning its name. This is also the eternal pride of Holy Soul Village.

When the words "Great Soul Master" were mentioned, a clear expression of envy appeared in Jack's eyes

Tang San nodded. The profession of blacksmith was undoubtedly the most suitable for him to forge hidden weapons. "Father, you are getting older. In a few years, when I am a bit older, please teach me how to make kitchenware so that I can take over your work." Previously, he had only engaged in the most precise hidden weapon manufacturing, and he was actually not skilled in the simplest forging.

Tang Hao stood still. He turned his head to look at him. There was a noticeable hint of impatience between his brows.

Tang San learned from the villagers' conversations that in the Douluo Continent, there are no martial arts from his own world, but there exists something called a martial soul. It is said that everyone has their own martial soul, and only a very small portion of people can cultivate their martial souls, forming a profession known as Soul Master. The most noble profession in the continent is that of a Soul Master. The legendary Soul Sage who emerged from the Holy Soul Village a hundred years ago was a Soul Master, and the title of Soul Sage is conferred upon Soul Masters who reach a certain level.

However, as the only blacksmith in this village, Tang San's family should not have been so impoverished, yet... that meager income was mostly...

As dawn broke, a faint fish-belly white hue rose in the distant east. On a small hill, only about a hundred meters high, adjacent to the village of Shenghun, a slender figure had already appeared.

Tang San's perseverance surprised Tang Hao. In his view, even if his son possessed innate strength, it would be impossible for him to endure for more than three days. The hammer's handle was so rough to prevent slipping, and the constant swinging would inevitably cause great harm to his palms due to the friction. However, he noticed that although Tang San was engaged in genuine forging, his delicate little hands showed no signs of change. Not even a single blister had formed. Yet he found that Tang San, despite the rigorous forging, still had those tender little hands that appeared completely unscathed. Not even a single blister had formed.

Tang San is a person of unwavering determination; otherwise, he would not have been able to create the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus, the most advanced mechanical hidden weapon of the Tang Sect, relying solely on a tattered blueprint. This endeavor took him a full ten years.

Martial souls are divided into two main categories: weapon martial souls and beast martial souls. As the names suggest, those whose martial souls are based on tools are classified as weapon martial souls, while those whose martial souls are based on animals are classified as beast martial souls. Relatively speaking, weapon martial souls encompass a broader range, and the majority of people possess weapon martial souls. Furthermore, the proportion of weapon martial souls that cannot be cultivated is greater than that of beast martial souls.

The appearance of the purple aura was brief; by the time the pale white of dawn in the east was gradually covered by the rising sun, the purple aura had completely vanished

"Tempering steel through a hundred refinements," this phrase appeared in Tang San's mind, further solidifying his determination to complete this task of ten thousand strikes. He was already very close to this goal

This is not merely a physical exercise; the repeated consumption and recovery also serve as a significant refinement for his Xuantian Skill and willpower. Unfortunately, the bottleneck of the first level of Xuantian Skill resembles an indestructible barrier. Tang San's cultivation cannot be described as anything less than diligent, and his talent is sufficient, yet he is unable to break through to the second level.

It was not until a long time later that Tang San understood what had happened. He had not died, but he was no longer the same Tang San as before

Tang Hao extended a finger and waved it in front of Tang San, saying, "If you want to be a qualified blacksmith, remember my words: using top-quality materials to forge a divine weapon does not make you the best blacksmith; at most, you are merely a synthesizer. It is the ability to create a divine weapon from ordinary iron that defines a true master craftsman"

Upon arriving in this world, after the initial shock and fear, followed by excitement and now tranquility, Tang San has fully accepted reality. In his view, this is yet another opportunity granted to him by the heavens. Perhaps the greatest wish of his past life can be fulfilled in this one.

Every day before going up the mountain, Tang San would put rice in the pot and prepare the firewood. By the time he returned, the porridge would be ready.

The sound of rhythmic hammering began to resonate in the blacksmith shop, as Tang Hao and his son Tang San continued their mundane life. However, starting from this day, Tang Hao set up another forge in Tang San's room, allowing him to forge that piece of iron on his own. He did not offer Tang San a single word of guidance, but from that day on, Tang Hao drank less alcohol, and the food at home increased.

During his time at the Tang Sect, he had never left that place and had very little contact with the outside world. Originally as blank as a piece of white paper, he entered this world and became a child once again. There was nothing that he could not accept

However, Tang San still picked it up, channeling his Xuantian power throughout his body. Although he had not yet broken through the first level, he already possessed the strength of an adult.

Douluo Continent, Southwest of the Tiandou Empire, Fasnuo Province

Tang Hao grabbed the bowl on the table, unafraid of the heat, and gulped down the porridge into his stomach. His dark yellow complexion finally appeared to have gained a bit of luster.

After eleven days, Tang San had already struck the iron block over eight thousand times, and it had continuously shrunk to less than one-third of its original size. With the increase in physical training and food intake, his body had become noticeably sturdier, as if a force was gradually being infused from within him, resulting in a gradual decrease in the consumption of internal energy during the forging process. When he channeled all his internal energy, his strength also increased significantly. The combination of physical training and increased food intake had made his body more robust, as if a force was gradually being infused from within him, leading to a gradual reduction in the consumption of internal energy during the continuous forging process. When he channeled all his internal energy, his strength also increased significantly.

Approaching the stove, I skillfully stepped onto the wooden stool. Lifting the lid of the large iron pot, a fragrant aroma of rice wafted through the air; the porridge inside had long been cooked to perfection.

Tang Hao was slightly lost in thought, murmuring: "A blacksmith seems quite good too." He pulled over a worn-out chair and sat down directly in front of the block of pig iron, lazily saying: "Xiao San, tell me, what kind of blacksmith is the best blacksmith"

This world is called Douluo Continent, where there are two major empires, or it can also be referred to as two alliances. Within these two empires, a vast amount of territory is divided among vassals, and there are countless nobles with armed forces.

"Tang Hao, are you busy?" As Tang San was diligently engaged in his ten thousandth forging, he heard an elderly voice coming from outside

These two abilities are essential courses for the inner disciples of the Tang Sect. Although Tang San's Xuan Yu hand is still far from being fully developed, he is capable of protecting his palms from blistering.

In this world, blacksmiths can be considered one of the most lowly professions. Due to certain peculiar reasons, the top-tier weapons in this world are not forged by blacksmiths

"Father, it is time to eat," Tang San called out

To effectively use hidden weapons, the fundamental requirement is the integration of vision, strength, and mental focus. As the saying goes, when the mind is focused, the eyes are attentive, and when the eyes are attentive, the hands follow. Therefore, within the training methods of the inner sect of the Tangmen, the demands for vision and strength are exceedingly high

From childhood to adulthood, Tang San has never known what paternal love is. Tang Hao has always been indifferent towards him. In the beginning, he would occasionally cook some meals for him. However, as time went on, when Tang San began to take the initiative to cook, Tang Hao became even more neglectful. The family was so impoverished that they didn't even have proper tables and chairs. Eating became a problem, primarily because Tang Hao spent his meager income as a blacksmith on alcohol.

Tang Hao's daily routine is quite regular; he sleeps in the morning, spends the afternoon crafting some farming tools for income, and drinks alcohol in the evening

Tang Hao's gaze shifted to the pig iron. "Oh, is there iron essence in here?" He walked over, bent down to take a look, then turned his head to look at Tang San, "Do you want to become a blacksmith in the future?"

After completing these tasks, Tang Hao went to sleep in his room

Old Jack said, "Just three days from now, I will come to pick him up then." Looking at Tang Hao, it was evident that he wanted to imply that if it were up to you to send him, it would likely cause a delay

With a sigh of despair, the boy made a helpless expression that should not have appeared at his age. He shook his head and muttered to himself: "Still no good, my Xuantian Skill remains unable to break through the first level's bottleneck. It has been a full three months; what could be the reason? Even the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, which relies on the auspicious energy from the east and can only be cultivated in the early morning, has been making progress. If the Xuantian Skill cannot break through the bottleneck, my Xuan Jade Hand cannot be improved either. When I was cultivating before, there seemed to be no such situation between the first and second levels. The Xuantian Skill has a total of nine levels; why is the first level so troublesome? Could it be that this world is different from my original world?"

The children of the same age in the village often mocked him for this, yet Tang San felt quite satisfied in his heart. After all, this was the name he had used for nearly thirty years in another world. Just the familiarity of it had long made him fond of these two characters

As the iron ingot gradually turned red from the heat, he dragged over the iron hammer that Tang Hao usually used and placed it on the ground. This long-handled iron hammer was even taller than he was by a few inches, making it impossible for an ordinary five or six-year-old child to lift, let alone wield it for forging.

"Now, you can still change your mind," Tang Hao said lightly. He was already prepared to return to the inner room to continue sleeping.

Tang San pointed to a piece of raw iron in the corner that had a faint sheen: "Can I use this iron?" In his previous life, he was the most outstanding outer disciple of the Tang Sect, extremely familiar with the manufacturing of various hidden weapons. Of course, at that time, all the materials were provided by the Tang Sect. However, after arriving in this world, although he had practiced for a few years, his strength was still far from sufficient, and he had never considered giving up on the production of hidden weapons, which he excelled at. He had already begun attempting to forge some hidden weapons, but the materials had become a significant problem.

This is all that Tang San understands, for everyone possesses their own martial soul. Tang San also wishes to know what his martial soul is. Is it a weapon martial soul or a beast martial soul, and is it possible to cultivate it?

The first five are fundamental. Without a solid foundation, how can one truly harness the essence of the Tang Sect's hidden weapons

Father, please drink slowly. Here, let me pour you another bowl of porridge.

Regarding Tang Hao's attitude, Tang San has never harbored resentment towards him. In his previous life, he was an orphan, and in this life, although Tang Hao treats him poorly, at least he has a relative. For Tang San, this is already a great source of satisfaction. At the very least, there is someone here whom he can call father

Hello, Grandpa Jack. Tang San walked up to Old Jack and respectfully bowed to him. He always remembers those who have been kind to him.

Regarding becoming a Soul Master, Tang San is not particularly interested. However, he is determined to become a master of hidden weapons at the inner sect level of the Tang Sect, and how could he do without internal energy

The Fasno Province is located at the border between the two countries, while the city of Nodding, adjacent to the village of Holy Soul, is less than 200 miles away from the Starry Empire

Having arrived in this world for more than five years, the child before me is Tang San, who once jumped off a cliff to declare his resolve at the Tang Sect. When he awoke from his coma, he found that he could do nothing but feel warmth. However, the anticipated death did not come, and soon, he underwent a process of compression and integration to arrive in this world.

Tang Hao said coldly, "Is there something you need, village chief?" Old Jack was actually less than ten years older than him, yet he insisted on being considered a generation above, which always left Tang Hao feeling somewhat displeased

The boy slowly closed his eyes, simultaneously exhaling a long breath of turbid air from within. A stream of white vapor, like a flowing ribbon, was expelled from his mouth and then gradually dissipated.

Starting from the age of four, when Tang San was still too short to reach the stove, cooking became a daily task he had to undertake. Even if it meant standing on a stool to reach the stove.

Outside Shenghun Village lies vast expanses of farmland, where the grains and vegetables produced are supplied to Notting City. Although Notting City is not considered a large city in the Fasnu Province, it is situated very close to the border with another empire, making it one of the starting points for trade between the two great empires. As a result, Notting City thrives, and consequently, the living conditions of the common people in the surrounding villages are significantly better than in other areas. However, given its proximity to the border with another empire, it naturally serves as one of the trading hubs for merchants from both empires, contributing to the prosperity of Notting City and improving the livelihoods of the villagers around it.

Tang San once saw that a person's martial soul in the village was a hoe, which was clearly a type of martial soul that could not be cultivated. Nevertheless, even so, he was still faster than the ordinary villagers when plowing the fields

Indeed, Tang San's father, Tang Hao, is a blacksmith. He is the only blacksmith in the village

After sitting quietly for a while, the boy finally opened his eyes again. It was unclear whether it was due to the influence of the purple aura at the horizon, but a faint hint of purple shimmered in his gaze. Although this purple hue did not last long before it quietly faded away, when it was present, it was remarkably clear.

Tang San replied without hesitation, "Of course, we will use the best materials"

Tang San pondered for a moment and said, "The blacksmith capable of forging divine artifacts must be the best blacksmith, right?" He had heard from the villagers that divine artifacts existed in this world, although he did not know exactly what they were. However, with the character 'divine' attached, it must be quite remarkable

When he struck it with a thousand blows, the iron mass had already undergone a certain transformation, having shrunk a whole circle. Although it glowed red in the charcoal fire, one could still vaguely see that the impurities inside seemed to have diminished significantly

The Purple Extreme Demon Eye, when cultivated during the brief moment of the rising sun and the arrival of purple energy from the east, greatly enhances one's eyesight

Tang San, however, curiously asked: "Grandpa Jack, what is the Awakening Ceremony?"

In the inner room, Tang Hao, lying on the bed, turned over. Although his eyes were closed, there was still a hint of surprise on his face as he murmured, "How could he lift the hammer? Is he born with divine strength?"

This is Tang Hao, the father of Tang San in this world

The village chief is a kind-hearted person, and the villagers hold him in high regard. A few years ago, during the most difficult times for the Tang family, he frequently brought food over.

Father, I am willing to give it a try. Tang San's voice was clear and calm, yet it contained a sense of determination

"Just put in a little more effort, and we can finish today." Tang San swung the iron hammer vigorously in his hand, yet his heart was not at peace during this monotonous process. His understanding of this world was still quite rudimentary, after all, this was merely a small village.

At that moment, his eyes suddenly widened. In the gradually brightening fish-belly white on the horizon, it seemed as if a faint trace of purple energy flashed by. Without extraordinary eyesight and sufficient focus, one would absolutely be unable to detect its existence

What is the essence of the Tang Sect? It lies in hidden weapons, poison, and lightness of body. The most significant difference between the inner and outer sects of the Tang Sect is the method of using hidden weapons. The outer sect primarily focuses on mechanical devices, while the inner sect employs true techniques. Poison is generally used only by the outer sect; the hidden weapons of the inner sect's direct disciples rarely utilize poison, as they do not need it at all

Soon, seven or eight parts of a pot of porridge had entered Tang Hao's stomach. He let out a sigh and placed the bowl on the table. His drooping eyelids opened slightly as he looked at Tang San

Tang San's family resides on the west side of Shenghun Village. At the entrance of the village, three earthen houses can be considered the most rudimentary in the entire village. In the center of the main roof, there is a wooden sign with a diameter of about one meter, on which a simple hammer is painted. In this world, the hammer widely represents a blacksmith.

"Creating a divine weapon with ordinary iron?" Tang San looked at Tang Hao with some surprise. Usually, Tang Hao rarely spoke to him, and today was already one of the times he had spoken the most.

After his birth, Tang San spent nearly a year learning the language of this world. He still remembers that at the moment of his birth, although he could not yet open his eyes, he heard a deep male voice crying out in anguish. When he finally learned the language of this world and recalled it with his exceptional memory, he could only remember that the man seemed to be shouting, "San Mei, do not leave me behind," and that man was his father, Tang Hao. His mother in this world had already died during childbirth at that time.

It was not Tang Hao who required him to do this, but rather because if he did not, Tang San would hardly ever have enough to eat

It is unclear whether it is fate or mere coincidence, but in memory of his deceased wife, Tang Hao named him remarkably Tang San.

Old Jack said solemnly: "Each of us has our own martial soul, and around the age of six, we must undergo the awakening ceremony. Having a martial soul will enhance our abilities in certain aspects. Even the most ordinary martial soul can be of help. If you happen to possess an outstanding martial soul that can be cultivated, then you might even become a soul master. The awakening ceremony only takes place once a year, and I cannot let you miss it. It is the esteemed steward from the martial soul branch in Notting City who has come personally to assist the children in our village with their awakening. That steward is a soul master of the great soul master level."

Father" Tang San suddenly called out.

At this moment in the afternoon, Tang Hao was working, crafting agricultural tools, and merely responded with a hum.

Picking up two bowls that had more than ten cracks beside the stove, Tang San carefully filled them with porridge. He placed them on the table behind him, where the grains of rice in the porridge could almost be counted at a glance. For Tang San, who was in the midst of growing, this amount of nutrition was clearly insufficient. This was also the reason why his body was so slender.

Tang San, somewhat curious, walked out of his room and saw an elderly man who appeared to be in his sixties. He was tall and thin, yet full of vitality. His clothes were clean and tidy, and his hair was meticulously styled. In comparison to Tang Hao, he was simply two extremes.

Tang San did not want to lose this father, nor did he wish for his past to be known by others, so naturally, he would not tell Tang Hao that this was because he was practicing the Tang Sect's Xuan Yu Hand

The appearance of the purple aura caused the boy's mind to become completely focused; he even ceased to exhale, merely taking in gentle and slow breaths, while his eyes were fixed intently on the fleeting purple hue.

The Xuan Yu hand can make the palm extremely tough and isolate any toxins

The boy sat down on the mountaintop, his eyes fixed intently on the gradually brightening fish-belly white in the east. He inhaled slowly through his nose and then exhaled gently from his mouth, creating a wonderful cycle of continuous inhalation and subtle exhalation

In the Douluo Continent, individuals awaken their martial souls at the age of six. In a few days, Tang San will turn six. For some reason, he has a vague feeling that the reason his Xuantian Skill cannot break through seems to be related to this martial soul.

Tang Hao looked at him with some surprise, "Alright." As he spoke, he walked over, picked up the large iron block, and placed it directly onto the furnace next to the bellows. Once the charcoal fire was ignited, it could be forged.

He ignited the charcoal and pulled the bellows, beginning his work

It is time to go back. Tang San looked at the sky, and with his slender body, he leaped up and ran down the mountain. If someone were to see him at that moment, they would surely be astonished, their eyes wide open. With each step he took, he could cover nearly one zhang. The uneven terrain of the mountain posed no challenge for him; he effortlessly dodged obstacles and moved at a speed much faster than that of an adult.

"Little Three, come here, let Grandpa take a look." Old Jack waved his hand at Tang San

This person is Tang San's acquaintance, the village chief of Holy Soul Village, Old Jack