The Great Song Dynasty's Soul-Forging in Progress

"Instinct? Where does 'instinct' come from? Where does 'instinct' arise from? Your 'chaotic struggle' is like a dragon wagging its tail..." Master Huiming's long, snow-white eyebrows twitched slightly, a faint, knowing smile appearing on his lips, but he didn't elaborate or press the matter further. He turned his gaze to Qin Tiedan, who was still indignantly wiping away bloodstains, and then looked at Qin Tiehua, whose face was pale but whose back remained straight, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

"You two young benefactors are sincere, courageous, and exceptionally spirited—rare talents indeed. However, the world is treacherous, and mere courage may not be enough to protect yourselves and those you cherish in the long run." His voice was gentle, yet each word struck like a hammer blow to the three men's hearts. "I do possess a rudimentary set of martial arts to strengthen muscles and bones and regulate qi and blood, along with some basic principles of self-defense. I will be traveling to the Great Longevity Temple to spread the Dharma soon. If you three young benefactors do not mind its simplicity, you are welcome to visit the temple in your spare time, where I may exchange ideas and discuss matters with you."

Da Wanshou Temple? Isn't that just a dilapidated temple near Wangjiagang?

Alright then, let's go back and tidy up that dilapidated temple first. Helping others is helping ourselves!

Wang Zhonghua was overjoyed! This was like a dream come true! Not only could he systematically learn the advanced martial arts of this era to strengthen his body and protect himself, but he could also use this opportunity to forge a good relationship with Shousheng Temple and the unfathomable Master Huiming—the value of which was immeasurable! He immediately bowed deeply, saying, "Master, you are merciful! I am deeply grateful and will certainly follow your teachings and frequently visit you!"

Qin Tiedan realized what was happening and quickly clasped his hands in thanks, his voice booming, "Thank you, Master! I'll definitely come!"

Qin Tiehua also bowed gracefully and said in a clear voice, "This humble woman also humbly requests the master's guidance, hoping for the master's mercy."

Master Huiming nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, lingering for a moment on Wang Zhonghua's face, as if sensing something. He said gently, "Excellent. The cause begins today; let us see what the future holds."

These words seemed to have a deeper meaning, but I will not say more.

A disturbance unexpectedly led to such a fortunate opportunity.

Wang Zhonghua, Qin Tiedan, and Qin Tiehua were unaware of the implications of Master Huiming's invitation. They could never have imagined that they would later be able to study martial arts and cultivate themselves under this master, a man renowned throughout the capital for his mastery of both martial arts and Buddhist teachings. Not only would their physiques strengthen daily and their fighting skills advance by leaps and bounds, but their minds would also become clearer, often experiencing moments of sudden enlightenment and profound understanding in difficult situations. This master-disciple bond would become one of their strongest supports amidst countless turbulent waves in the future, inextricably linking the name "Shousheng Temple" with their destiny, and even foreshadowing their future reunion at the distant Xiangguo Temple in Bianjing.

Still shaken, Yao and her companions felt somewhat relieved after the situation calmed down and they had gained an unexpected opportunity. They had no desire to stay any longer, so after donating money for incense oil, they led their group down the mountain to return home. Behind them, the bell of Shousheng Temple rang out softly, echoing through the twilight and mountain mists, clear and far-reaching.

On the way back, Wang Zhonghua remained silent. Although Qiu Laohu had been repelled today, the venomous look in his eyes made him realize that this matter was far from over. The other party was a local tyrant with a large following; it was easy to dodge a direct attack, but difficult to guard against a hidden one.

For the sake of those you care about, you must have your own strength!

He pulled Qin Tiedan aside and whispered, "Brother Tiedan, we can't let this go. Qiu Laohu won't give up. We can't always rely on others; we need our own brothers."

Qin Tiedan slammed his fist on his chest, the sound echoing for miles: "Brother, what do you say we do? I'll listen to you!"

Wang Zhonghua's sharp gaze swept over the ragged, heavily laden laborers at the ferry crossing, who had suffered endless exploitation. He said in a deep voice, "Go and contact those trustworthy laborers at the ferry crossing who have been oppressed by Qiu Laohu, as well as the poor young men you know. Don't make a fuss, just secretly coordinate. Say it's for mutual support and to avoid being bullied. First, gather a group of people together, and the name... will be 'The Brotherhood'!"

Qin Tiedan's eyes lit up: "Great idea! I'm good at this! Leave it to me!"

That night, in the blacksmith's shop, the fire in the furnace was still burning. Wang Zhonghua laid out a sketch filled with strange symbols and structures in front of the old Qin and Qin ironwork.

"Uncle Qin, iron painting, Uncle Qin, I want to try the steelmaking method mentioned in the ancient notes, using different ores, adding some charcoal powder when blowing air. It might take dozens of tries, but if it works, the knife will be three times sharper." Wang Zhonghua pointed to the blueprints. "I call it 'steel.' It requires different ores, and... a special air blowing method to raise the furnace temperature."

Old Qin frowned, looking at the ideas he had never seen before: "Steel? Blowing air? The ancient Chinese seem to have had this concept. Blowing air, does that mean blowing air? We'd have to modify the bellows and do many experiments. This... this won't work. It's a method passed down from our ancestors..."

"Uncle Qin," Wang Zhonghua said firmly, "What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand. Our ancestors' methods are good, but we can make them even better. Tiehua is meticulous and can help record the changes in heat and ore ratios. Let's explore and experiment together. If we succeed, the knives we forge will be sharper, and the plowshares will be more resilient—that will be an extraordinary skill! Once we achieve it, it will benefit the country and its people for generations to come. But we can't rush it. 'A craftsman must first sharpen his tools if he wants to do his work well.' I have eighty taels of silver here for you to use first. If you need more, just ask me. And..."

Qin Tiehua gazed at Wang Zhonghua's profile, gleaming in the lamplight, and listened as he described the unknown yet alluring future. The wish she had made before the Buddha grew ever clearer. She nodded vigorously, the black mole at the corner of her mouth appearing even more charming, her eyes exceptionally bright: "Brother Zhonghua, we'll try it with you!"

"Yes, I used to be a blacksmith in the army. I injured my bones while fighting against the Western Xia and had to go back to farming. I'll find a few old buddies, and we'll try it together!"

Wang Zhonghua was overjoyed: "Uncle Qin, please invite any of your old friends who have a skill. I don't earn much, but I will find a way to earn more. If you don't believe me, give it a try. I want to make the lives of my relatives and friends better and better."

The crackling fire illuminated the focused faces of the three men. The lingering fragrance of incense from Shousheng Temple still lingered, and undercurrents were already stirring in Wangjiagang. In this small blacksmith shop, an exploration that could change the future was quietly beginning. Wang Zhonghua's plan was unfolding step by step, starting with the everyday life of the people, weaponry, and even the most basic materials.

The turmoil at Shousheng Temple was like a poisoned thorn, deeply embedded in Wang Zhonghua's heart, so unforgettable. The venomous, wolfish look in Qiu Laohu's eyes as he left made him clearly realize that relying solely on a small food stall and scattered martial arts in this dog-eat-dog world, he was ultimately just fish on a chopping board, ready to be devoured without a trace.

To protect the people he cares about most, he must learn the "Three More" of the Olympics—faster, higher, stronger! Accumulate wealth faster, have higher combat power, and stronger connections, like a tripod, quickly solidifying his position.

Since I've come into this world, I must leave something behind and change something.

Don't believe me? Let's try it!