Clang! Clang! Clang!
The clang of metal echoed through the cramped smithing shop, sharp and rhythmic like the heartbeat of something ancient.
Beneath the pulsating glow of forge fire, a young boy stood shirtless, his skin glistening with sweat. he raised a heavy hammer above his head and with a trembling arms, then brought it down hard onto the glowing strip of iron resting on the casting anvil.
The sparks flew all over like small stars in the dark room. The heat from the fire behind him was strong, burning the air and making it challenging for him to breathe. The whole shop was smelling like smoke, metal, and sweat.
Lin Wei's hands were rough and full of blisters. Every single swing of the hammer felt painful, but he did not care. He was not working just to help out—he wanted to validate something. He wanted to show he was determined.
The metal started altering form under his hammer. It was almost ready.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
A refreshing breeze blew in, which caused the fire flicker smoke to moved aside for a moment. Someone stepped inside the shop.
But Lin Wei did not notice at that moment because he was too busy, His eyes were fixed on the iron. His heart was beating fast. His whole body moved with the rhythm of the hammer.
Lin wei, the old man called out in a calm but firm voice, that is enough for today.
Lin wei paused halfway through the swing, then slowly dropped the hammer. Grandpa, he responded, I was almost done.
His grandfather, Master Fei, walked closer. Though he moved with a slight limp, his demeanor was strong, like something that has been worn down by time but still standing tall.
You have been working way too hard these days, Master Fei said. I understand why. But you will need your strength for what is ahead.
Lin wei looked down, ashamed. I need to finish these tools and melt down the scraps. I will depart in two days. The journey will takes almost a month to reach the other city and....
I am aware, Master Fei interrupted gently. You will be leading the merchant crew to sell those metals. You want the journey to go smoothly. You want a sufficient amount to buy a proper gifts for your bride and her family. That is good. That's honorable. But overworking yourself now won't help later.
Lin wei nodded, saying nothing.
Master Fei placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. You are doing all of this for your wedding. That is a noble reason. But don't forget to rest and prepare your heart too.
He paused for a moment before continuing, I remember when the city lord and I stood side by side in the days way back. He was a brave man. I saved his life… but the price I paid was great.
Lin wei listened quietly. He had heard bits of this story before, but his grandfather rarely talked about it in full.
I was once a cultivator, Master Fei continued, his voice low. I could draw in spiritual Qi, use it to strengthen my body, enhance my senses, and live longer than most. But during that battle, I sustained an injury deep in my core. It damaged my meridians which are those special paths in the body where Qi circulates, you might not be familiar with what am talking about because of your own inability to cultivation but maybe in the future a miracle might occur.
He looked away, his eyes distant. Since that day, I have not been able to cultivate again.
Am sorry for that grandpa
Master Fei chuckled and shook his head. Don't be. That same day, the city lord promised me something in return. He betrothed his only daughter to my grandson. That's you. And fate has been kind because the two of you grew up together and actually care for each other.
Lin wei smiled faintly. She is one of those who ever saw me as more than just a blacksmith's helper.
That love will guide you through what lies ahead, Master Fei said. But remember, the world of cultivation is filled with dangers. Power can bring pride. And pride can bring ruin. I won't always be here to guide you.
Diamandis looked into his grandfather's eyes, then nodded slowly. "I understand."
Good. Now go. Clean up, visit your bride to be. Speak with her about your journey. Let her know you will return stronger and ready for the wedding.
Lin wei placed the hammer down, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths. He stepped away from the forge, wiping soot from his arms.
I will go now, he said. Thank you, Grandpa.
Master Fei nodded once again. Go on. And remember that marriage is more than tradition. It is a path. One you walk together. Like cultivation, it requires patience, discipline, and trust.
As the sun began to set outside, shading the sky with shades of gold and crimson, Lin wei stepped out of the smithing shop. The warm wind brushed against his skin. He would go see her, the girl he had always loved and tell her about the long journey ahead.
And when he returned, they would be married.
But first, he had a promise to keep, a task to complete, and a future to earn.