Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 140 The Captain's Fortuitous Encounter: A Visit to the Grandmaster

The day after defeating Nie Feng, the second branch of the Nie family delivered the promised reward respectfully to Song Jing's temporary residence at the Zhuifeng Martial Arts School as quickly as possible.

The Star-Patterned Iron Essence, no bigger than an infant's fist, was dark in color but covered with naturally formed, mysterious and intricate silver patterns resembling the trajectories of stars.

It is extremely heavy and icy cold, as if you are holding a piece of meteorite iron from outer space.

Even though it was such a small piece, Nie Shuli couldn't hide the pain on his face when handing it over. He solemnly said, "Brother Song, this item was hard to come by. It's the only one left in my second branch's treasury. Its value is over ten thousand taels of silver, and it's priceless. Using this to temper weapons would be enough to elevate ordinary high-grade weapons to the ranks of masterpieces!"

Song Jing took the heavy metal; it was cold to the touch, but his heart was burning with passion.

He could clearly sense a strange, resilient, and vibrant energy fluctuation contained within it.

This is exactly what he needs right now!

The Crimson Wildfire Spear accompanied him in battle; though of excellent quality, it was ultimately an ordinary weapon, pale in comparison to the exquisite works of the top geniuses in the inner city.

Even rare and precious weapons are at a disadvantage from the start.

Nie Feng's "Fierce Wind Blade" was a masterpiece. If it weren't for his overwhelming strength and defense, as well as his carelessness and underestimation of his opponent, and the fact that his swordsmanship was countered, he would never have been able to win in a hundred moves. He might even have been forced into a bitter battle due to the disadvantage in weaponry.

However, when Song Jing carried the Star Pattern Iron Essence and wanted to find a master craftsman who could melt it down and perfectly integrate it into the Crimson Pattern Wildfire Spear, he encountered unexpected difficulties.

Within the inner city, skilled craftsmen capable of handling rare materials like Star Pattern Iron Essence are extremely rare.

They were either exclusive craftsmen employed by the four major families and three major martial arts schools, and were never lent out; or they were the most arrogant weapon-refining masters within the Pingtianmen branch, who only cared about contribution points or required a great deal of personal favor to be invited.

With Song Jing's current status as an outsider from the city and a nominal disciple of Pingtianmen, he has neither connections nor enough contribution points to ask a master craftsman in the mission hall to help him. The starting point is one hundred contribution points, so he can't even get close to that level.

He tried to inquire for several days, and the results he got were nothing more than "The materials are good materials, but we can't ask the master to help us", "Go to the Pingtianmen Mission Hall to post a bounty, but the contribution points are not a small amount", "Maybe we can ask the Commandant's Mansion?"

Suddenly, this precious star-patterned iron essence became a hot potato—visible but unusable.

Song Jing could only carefully put it away and continued to go to the Dingzi area of ​​the Pingtianmen branch every day to cultivate diligently, while also keeping an eye out for suitable missions in the Mission Hall that could quickly earn contribution points.

He also felt a vague sense of anticipation for the "opportunity" that Commandant Chen Yanzhou had mentioned.

Logically speaking, since I have been in Pingtianmen for some time and just defeated Nie Feng, causing quite a stir, the Commandant should have paid attention to me.

The news of defeating Nie Feng spread like wildfire among the younger generation in the inner city, naturally attracting the attention of top talents such as the Four Heroes of the Inner City.

However, their reactions varied.

Upon hearing this, Lei Zhen, ranked fifth, merely raised a thick eyebrow and said in a deep voice, "That kid from the outer city? He's got some skills. He managed to defeat Nie Feng head-on, so he's not bad. It's a pity I didn't meet him on the arena." His words revealed a hint of fighting spirit.

Zhao Yuanqing, ranked third, remained as gentle as ever, saying to those around him, "He is neither arrogant nor impatient, he hides his talents and remains unassuming, yet he can still surprise everyone at crucial moments. This young man has an extraordinary temperament and excellent talent; he is a rough gem worth polishing."

Meanwhile, Qian Rushan, ranked first, was sweating profusely in his own training ground. Upon hearing the report, he merely scoffed disdainfully, "Just a country bumpkin. What's so great about defeating Nie Feng, who's ranked low? In the martial arts competition, he didn't even have the courage to fight me; he surrendered outright. With such a mentality, even if he has some brute strength, he's not worth worrying about." In his mind, his true opponents were only a handful, such as Lei Zhen and Zhao Yuanqing. Song Jing? Not good enough.

Li Qingmei, ranked fourth, was toying with an exquisite hidden weapon when she heard this. Her beautiful eyes flickered, and a faint, enigmatic smile played on her lips. "Nie Feng? He's nothing but a self-important good-for-nothing. Being able to defeat him only proves that Song Jing is slightly better than a good-for-nothing, but he's still far from being truly capable." Her tone was gentle, yet carried an air of condescending indifference.

The opinions from the outside world were mixed, but Song Jing had no way of knowing them and did not care.

He knew that words were useless; only strength was the true passport.

Just when Song Jing was at his wit's end about advancing his weapon and could only devote all his energy to his daily arduous training, a turning point quietly arrived.

That day, he had just finished a lesson on the circulation of qi and blood at the martial arts academy when he was stopped by a martial artist dressed in the uniform of a military guard.

"Young Master Song Jing?" The guard's attitude was polite, yet carried a businesslike efficiency. "The Commandant requests your presence. Please follow me."

Song Jing felt a stirring in his heart, a vague premonition. Accompanied by his personal guards, he traveled unimpeded all the way to a quiet and elegant study deep within the inner city's Commandant's residence.

Chen Yanzhou was sitting behind his desk, flipping through a scroll, when he heard footsteps and looked up.

"You've arrived?" Chen Yanzhou put down the dossier, his gaze calmly falling on Song Jing. He looked him up and down, then nodded slightly. "Your aura is deep and your blood is vigorous. It seems that defeating Nie Feng has also tempered you, and your cultivation seems to be more stable. Not bad."

"Thank you for your praise, Commandant." Song Jing bowed.

"I am aware that you defeated Nie Feng and relieved the Nie family's second branch from their predicament," Chen Yanzhou said bluntly. "The Nie family's second branch is indeed trustworthy, having given you a piece of star-patterned iron essence, isn't that right?"

"Your Excellency is wise, that is indeed the case," Song Jing replied truthfully.

"Star-patterned Iron Essence is a good thing, enough to elevate your ordinary-grade spear to the ranks of fine items," Chen Yanzhou said slowly. "However, I also know that you come from the outer city and have no roots or connections in the inner city, nor do you have enough contribution points to invite the weapon refiners in Pingtian Gate. I'm afraid even the second branch of the Nie family can't get a real master to help you."

Song Jing remained silent; this was precisely his current predicament.

"Back in my day, I too came from a humble background, and I know all too well how difficult it is for you young people to cultivate. You may not lack talent or hard work, but what you lack most is opportunity and connections." Chen Yanzhou's tone carried a hint of reminiscence, but his gaze remained sharp. "Since you entered the Pingtian Sect, you have diligently cultivated without ceasing, and your temperament has been calm and composed, without arrogance or impetuosity."

Conserving strength and avoiding reckless actions in the martial arts competition was a wise move; fighting Nie Feng to keep one's promise demonstrated loyalty and righteousness.

What's even more commendable is your indomitable spirit and relentless drive to excel. I have witnessed all of this.

He paused, then continued, "I once said that if you could join the Pingtian Gate, you would receive a pleasant surprise. Now, that promise is about to be fulfilled."

Song Jing was startled and looked up at Chen Yanzhou.

"Within the Pingtianmen branch, there is a master weapon refiner named Wang Xuanwu." Chen Yanzhou's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable weight. "Master Wang is a true expert in the Bone Forging Realm, and he is a weapon refiner master whose name is well-known throughout the Hexi Road of our Great Zhou."

His skills have reached a state of perfection. There are countless exquisite items, even those that have been forged or refined by him, and even those that are treasures that third-realm experts in the Bone Forging Realm would want to possess.

Not to mention distant examples, the "Mountain-Splitting Axe" of Qian Rushan of the Qian family in the inner city, the "Azure Frost Sword" of Zhao Yuanqing of the Zhao family, and even several top-quality treasures in the Duwei Mansion, all have the work of Master Wang in his early years or recent years.

Although he rarely takes action personally now, he is so powerful that ordinary people simply cannot persuade him to come. Even if the heads of the four major families in the inner city were to come in person, they might not be able to give him face.

Song Jing was horrified upon hearing this.

A Bone Forging Realm expert!

Master of Weapon Forging!

Having handled so many famous soldiers, such figures were practically untouchable to him.

"I am an old acquaintance of Master Wang, and we have some connections," Chen Yanzhou said slowly, looking at Song Jing. "I have already used a favor to ask Master Wang for an opportunity for you. He agreed to help you by melting that Star Pattern Iron Essence into your spear to help it advance."

"This—" Upon hearing this, even Song Jing, with his usually composed demeanor, couldn't help but gasp with excitement and joy. He quickly bowed deeply, "Commander, your kindness is immense; Song Jing—does not know how to repay it!"

"No need for formalities," Chen Yanzhou waved his hand. "However, Master Wang also said that your piece of star-patterned iron essence is slightly insufficient in weight. If you want it to perfectly advance to the lower grade of fine quality, it's still a bit lacking. Forcing its integration will diminish the effect, and it might only reach 'quasi-fine quality,' somewhere between the peak of ordinary quality and fine quality."

He changed the subject abruptly: "I happen to have a small piece of star-patterned iron scrap I acquired years ago, which I've kept unused." With that, he took a smaller jade box from his desk drawer, opened it, and inside was a piece of dark metal, about the size of a fingernail, also covered in star patterns. "I'll give it to you as well, to complete your material set. Consider this a loan; if you achieve anything in the future, remember to return it."

Looking at the small but valuable scrap, Song Jing's gratitude was beyond measure. The Commandant not only used his connections to persuade the Grandmaster, but also personally paid for the remaining materials!

This kindness is far too great!

As for the captain saying it was a loan, he meant to encourage Song Jing and motivate him to move forward!

I don't want Song Jing to become addicted to the glamorous world of the inner city and lose himself.

"My lord—I—" Song Jing's voice was choked with emotion.

"Alright, a man shouldn't act like a little girl." Chen Yanzhou interrupted him, his expression turning serious. "Master Wang has a somewhat eccentric temperament and values ​​rules very much. He only intervened this time because of my kindness."

Remember, your attitude must be respectful, and you must not say much. Answer only what the master asks. Whether you can get him to pay more attention to your weapon depends on your own fate.

"Song Jing understands!" Song Jing replied solemnly.

"Come with me." Chen Yanzhou stood up and personally led Song Jing away from the Commandant's Mansion, heading towards a deeper part of the Pingtianmen branch, an area where ordinary disciples could not even approach, where the spiritual energy was more abundant and the palaces were more ancient and magnificent.

After passing through several checkpoints guarded by elite disciples, the two arrived at a secluded courtyard.

The courtyard looks ordinary, but as soon as you step inside, you feel the temperature rise noticeably. The air is filled with a faint, unique scent that is a mixture of various metals and flames, and you can also faintly hear the deep sounds of bellows beating and hammering.

In the courtyard, a tall, elderly man dressed in a simple gray robe, with meticulously groomed hair and beard, stood with his back to them, gazing intently at a furnace burning with a ghostly blue flame.

The old man didn't deliberately exude an aura, but even just his back view gave people a sense of imposing weight, as if he were one with the earth beneath his feet and the raging flames of the furnace. He was none other than Wang Xuanwu, a master of the Bone Forging Realm and a grandmaster of weapon refining.

"Old Wang," Chen Yanzhou stepped forward and greeted him politely.

Wang Xuanwu slowly turned around.

He had a lean face and his skin was bronze from being near the furnace for many years, but his eyes were exceptionally bright and sharp, as if they could see through metal and stone.

His gaze lingered briefly on Chen Yanzhou, and he nodded as a greeting. Then, his sharp, lightning-like eyes fell on Song Jing.

This gaze seemed to carry a tangible weight and penetrating power, making Song Jing feel as if his entire body, inside and out, had been thoroughly examined. Even the flow of his internal energy and the strength of his muscles and bones seemed to be completely exposed under this gaze.

He quickly lowered his head and bowed respectfully: "Junior Song Jing greets Master Wang."

"Hmm." Wang Xuanwu responded noncommittally, his voice low and hoarse, like two pieces of metal rubbing together, "Materials."

Song Jing hurriedly presented the small piece of scrap material given to him by the Nie family, along with the Crimson Wildfire Spear that had been re-wrapped in gray cloth, with both hands.

Wang Xuanwu didn't even look at Song Jing. He simply reached out and beckoned, and the gray cloth automatically dispersed, revealing a spear and two pieces of star-patterned iron essence flying into his hand.

He first flicked the gun barrel lightly with his fingers, producing a clear, resonant sound. Then he weighed the Star Pattern Iron Essence in his hand, a barely perceptible look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Red-patterned ironwood as the core, cold iron essence, wind copper winding silk, and black steel spearhead mixed with Qi-breaking gold sand—the forging technique is quite proper, not bad among ordinary items. Star Pattern Iron Essence—its condition is acceptable."

He raised his eyes and looked at Song Jing again, his gaze less scrutinizing and more indifferent: "I will give Commander Chen face. But let me make this clear: I am forging weapons for you because of our friendship. Your talent and effort may be acceptable, but your humble origins and shallow foundation mean that while talent and effort are important in the path of martial arts, resources, opportunities, and background are also indispensable."

Whether you can achieve anything in the future is another matter, given your current foundation. Don't think that acquiring a better weapon will make you anything special.

.

This may sound blunt and even harsh, but it is the truth.

In the eyes of someone of Wang Xuanwu's stature, Song Jing's current performance is far from enough to warrant his special regard.

"I understand. To have received your help, Master, is an immense opportunity. I am deeply grateful and would never dare to have any improper thoughts." Song Jing adopted a very humble posture and spoke sincerely.

"Good that you understand." Wang Xuanwu said no more, turning to face the furnace. "Three days from now, at noon, come here to collect the gun. Do not disturb them during this time." With that, he waved his hand, indicating that the two could leave. From beginning to end, he hadn't even asked Song Jing what style he wanted the gun to be forged into, as if he already knew everything.

Chen Yanzhou gave Song Jing a wink, and the two quietly left the courtyard.

"That's just how Master Wang is; he's not very interested in anything outside of weapon crafting. But since he's agreed, he'll definitely do his best."

On the way back to Qi, Chen Yanzhou said to Song Jing, "You don't need to take his words to heart. He's seen many geniuses, so his standards are naturally high. How far you can go ultimately depends on yourself."

"Yes, I will remember." Song Jing nodded. He was not discouraged by Wang Xuanwu's indifference; on the contrary, he became even more clear-headed.

Yes, he is still very weak now, and in the eyes of truly powerful people, he is nothing more than an ant.

It was a stroke of luck to get this opportunity; it was a gift from the Commandant.

He must seize every opportunity to become stronger!

"Clown," Chen Yanzhou stopped and looked at Song Jing with a deep gaze, his tone carrying a rare, earnest meaning, "I'm helping you because I admire your heart and potential. But on a deeper level, I hope you won't feel inferior because of your humble origins, and that you won't lose the courage and confidence to strive for excellence."

He looked into the distance and seemed to see countless figures struggling at the bottom of society: "In this world, the vast majority are poor, ugly, and ordinary people."

They may not lack talent or perseverance compared to their peers, but they are often limited by resources, narrow-minded, and defeated by a deep-seated inferiority complex and resignation.

Having come through childbirth myself, I know its hardships and how difficult it is to break free from these invisible shackles.

"I hope that you can truly forge your own path."

"Not only for yourself, but also to tell this inner city, to tell everyone in the world who comes from a similar background to you," Chen Yanzhou's voice suddenly became powerful and resolute, carrying an undeniable determination, "Even from humble backgrounds, outstanding individuals can emerge! Even from the bottom, one can stand tall! You don't need to inherently believe that you are inferior to those born with a silver spoon in their mouths! Your confidence should be earned through your own fists and your own strength, not through the charity and recognition of others!"

"If you succeed, you will be that spark. Though it may not start a prairie fire immediately, at least it will allow those who follow to see a glimmer of light, to see a possibility. This may be more important than how much you three achieve."

Upon hearing these heartfelt words, Song Jing felt as if a flame had ignited in his chest, and his blood was surging.

He took a step back, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Chen Yanzhou, remaining there for a long time.

"I will remember your words today, Commandant, forever! If I achieve anything in the future, I will live up to your expectations and the reputation of my humble origins!"

Three days passed slowly amidst anxious anticipation.

At noon on the third day, Song Jing arrived at the small courtyard on time.

Because of his past memories, he knew that when dealing with seniors, especially those who were highly respected and capable, it was essential to show them basic courtesy and respect. Arriving early was the most respectful thing he could do at the moment.