"How about this? Within ten years, I guarantee you’ll become a Blacksmith." Fabredis gripped his fists excitedly, staring intently at Qian Jin. At his age, achieving the rank of a Fifth-level Blacksmith meant he was certain to become a true Blacksmith within a decade! If that happened, the Warrior’s Guild would finally have a Blacksmith who was also a Warrior, meaning they wouldn't have to tread so carefully around the Blacksmiths’ Guild anymore.

A Blacksmith? Qian Jin scratched his head. While he didn't exactly know what a Blacksmith entailed, it sounded like a position of great standing among smiths. Becoming one would clearly be excellent. But, taking on a master…

Qian Jin frowned slightly. Old Black, the aging blacksmith in the Endless World, might have a terrible temper, and his methods of teaching metalwork could even be described as rough and barbaric, but the old man’s heart was genuinely good, and he had treated Qian Jin fairly well. To apprentice under someone else now… it felt… wrong.

"Hoo…" Qian Jin composed himself, meeting Fabredis’s gaze. "I can feel that you truly wish the best for me. However, I must regretfully decline your offer. The reason is simple: I already have a master in the art of forging."

Lucas’s eyes went wide as he stared at Qian Jin, regarding him as if he were an idiot. He was inwardly astonished: How could someone so brainless exist in this world? Did he understand what he was refusing? A Blacksmith! He was turning down his own path to becoming a Blacksmith! A master? At this point, one should sell out their own father just for the chance to become a Blacksmith!

Franklin stared blankly at Qian Jin, his shock no less intense than Lucas's. Someone was willingly severing the path leading directly to the rank of Blacksmith.

Fabredis’s thick lips parted slightly in surprise, making small clicking sounds as he studied Qian Jin. "Do you have any idea how much your decision right now will change your future?"

Qian Jin shrugged with a helpless smile. "Perhaps if I accepted your proposal, I could become an influential figure in the future. But I cannot change my allegiance; my master has been very good to me. Without him, I probably wouldn’t even have money for food right now, let alone think about becoming a Blacksmith."

"Interesting. You are becoming more and more interesting to me." Fabredis’s smile radiated sheer delight. His powerful physique slowly rose, and he clapped a large, strong hand onto Qian Jin’s shoulder. "Boy, alright! Not forgetting one's roots. You truly are a Warrior. How about this: Since you cannot take a master and pursue the path of a Blacksmith, then the path of a Warrior is even more crucial for your future. Why don't you come visit my home tomorrow? For someone your age, possessing the ability of Fifth-level Dou Qi without being a Bloodline Warrior is truly remarkable. Come to my place, and I’ll offer you some guidance…"

A card, about half the size of his palm, was slipped into Qian Jin’s tunic. Fabredis turned and left with a smile, leaving Qian Jin staring after him in surprise.

Fifth-level Dou Qi? Qian Jin secretly clenched his fist. The fact that a night of forging metal had broken through and elevated his Dou Qi by another level was something even his teachers didn't know. Yet, this man could discern it with a single glance. Auckland City truly held such a powerful figure.

"Qian Jin! Congratulations!" As soon as Fabredis was out of sight, Franklin rushed forward, shouting happily. "Congratulations! You actually earned guidance from Mr. Fabredis! It seems your days of shining in school aren't far off."

"Fabredis?" Qian Jin looked confusedly at Franklin. "Shopkeeper, are you well acquainted with him? Who exactly is he? I noticed both you and Lucas seemed rather fearful of him."

Franklin shook his head repeatedly, looking deeply enigmatic. "Well, since you don't know, it's not for me to say. Mr. Fabredis… does not like people speaking too much about him."

Qian Jin took the Fourth-Grade Dou Stone, imbued with Dou Energy, and toyed with it in his hand, curling his lip dismissively. Everyone in this world had their own secrets. Compared to the mystery of Fabredis’s identity, this Fourth-Grade Dou Stone in his hand was far more captivating.

A Dou Stone. A slight, smug curve touched Qian Jin's lips. He truly hadn't expected to acquire his very own Dou Stone so early. If he stood at the center of the Dou Spirit Grand Array in the future, the boost to his Dou Qi would be even more pronounced.

With the Dou Stone gripped in his hand, Qian Jin’s gaze landed on the leather pouch hanging from Xiao Changleiming’s waist. That was essential gear for any adventurer venturing into the wilds, used not only to store their spoils but also for simple first-aid supplies, and even throwing knives—perhaps even poisoned ones—for ambushes.

It could be said that this unassuming pouch hanging at the waist often represented the last line of defense for an adventurer’s life.

Previously, having nothing particularly worth storing, Qian Jin hadn't cared about having a decent pouch. Now, with a Dou Stone involved, things were different.

"Oh, Mr. Qian Jin fancies this pouch?"

Xiao Changleiming had spent years among the adventurers and possessed a keen eye for observing things. He quickly untied the main pouch from his waist and offered it over. "If you don't mind, I gift this pouch to Mr. Qian Jin."

Qian Jin let out two dry, unexpected laughs. He had anticipated that under such scrutiny, Xiao Changleiming would offer up a spare pouch, but he hadn't expected him to generously hand over the main one outright.

"Since you are so sincere, I won't be impolite," Qian Jin accepted the pouch without ceremony, placing the Dou Stone inside. He patted the leather with a smile and said cheerfully, "It’s not that I can’t afford a new pouch, it’s just that if I hang a brand-new one at my waist, others will immediately know… hehe…"

Xiao Changleiming blinked, somewhat surprised by Qian Jin’s subtle thoughtfulness. People generally preferred using older pouches because old gear suggested the user was an experienced hand—an old adventurer. If they went shopping later, a merchant seeing that pouch would know they weren't easily fooled and would be less likely to overcharge.

Any warrior, sooner or later, would need to buy things. This pouch would save Qian Jin’s purse from taking too many losses.

"Don't worry, now that I have accepted your treasure, I will diligently forge the fine iron for you."

Qian Jin stepped forward a couple of paces, waved with a grin towards Lucas, and deliberately rolled his shoulders, speaking in a coarse voice. "Mr. Lucas, if you please, move aside. I am about to employ my despicable 'False Forging Technique' again. I wouldn't want to tarnish your pure eyes."

Lucas’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot. Remaining here would only invite further ridicule. He shot Qian Jin a hateful glare, then quickly led his subordinates away from Franklin’s Forge.

Qian Jin held two large hammers, one in each hand, and smiled as he looked towards Franklin nearby.

In the backyard of the forge, the bellows hissed and roared incessantly. Soon, the rhythmic clang of metal hammers rang out louder and louder.

:Get up early to update and ask for votes B