Chapter 45: Bia Zhen and Fang Lili *

When the metal cooled enough to handle, Jiang Feng began hammering it into shape. His strikes were steady but tentative, lacking the fluid confidence of a seasoned blacksmith. Yet, despite his inexperience, he persisted. Each blow was deliberate, and with every strike, the rough metal began to transform into something recognizable.

The blade took form after repeated hammering. Jiang Feng then filed and polished the edges, working with precision and care, even if it wasn't perfect. He crafted a simple grip from nearby materials, functional and sturdy. Finally, after two hours of labor, he held up the finished product, a modest dagger with clean lines and a sharp edge presented itself. It wasn't flawless, but it was undeniably his creation.

The master blacksmith approached, his weathered hands taking the dagger from Jiang Feng. He inspected it closely, testing its balance with a practiced hand, running his thumb along the edge with a critical eye. After a long moment, he nodded slowly and handed it back. "It's rough," he admitted, his voice steady. "But it'll do. You've got the basics, and you've got potential. Come back tomorrow, and I'll see if you're worth keeping around."

Jiang Feng let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Relief and pride swirled within him. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly. His heart swelled as he left the shop with a smile, the dagger clutched tightly in his hand. It wasn't just a blade, it was proof of his hard work over the years assisting his father and it finally came in handy. Northern Moon had thrown its first test at him, and he had passed.

Yet, as he strode away, he failed to notice the subtle shift in the dagger. The metal began to emit a faint warmth, an almost imperceptible heat that absorbed the spiritual energy in the air. Unbeknownst to him, the quality of the dagger began to rise with every step he took.

Something else stirred within him, unnoticed. His muscle strength increased incrementally, his bones subtly fortified. Even his completed blood purification advanced further, an unforeseen benefit that came as a ripple effect of his effort and connection to the Skyforge Flame and his blacksmith's bloodline.

Oblivious to these changes, Jiang Feng's thoughts were elsewhere. Elation filled him as he hurried toward the Lin Courtyard, eager to share the news with the old man. The city buzzed with life around him, its towering buildings casting shadows across the streets as people hurried to and from.

The familiar hum of the bustling city should have calmed him, but Jiang Feng found his mind wandering back to memories of his father. He recalled the days spent in their humble forge, the clink of metal ringing out as they worked side by side. His father's departure after forging a powerful sword had been a turning point for Jiang Feng, a moment of loss but also growth. It was during that time he had awakened the Skyforge Flame seed, sparking his father to start his cultivation and embarked on the road of reverse cultivation.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Maybe it's time to start practicing on Father's forge table," he mused to himself, absently brushing his fingers against the ring where it was stored. "If I balance my training at the courtyard and in the workshop, I might improve faster."

His musings were cut short when a loud voice interrupted him.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, idiot!"

Startled, Jiang Feng snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see a tall, broad-shouldered youth clad in yellow robes standing before him. Behind the young man were three others, their gazes dripping with disdain.

"Apologies," Jiang Feng said with a polite nod. "It was my mistake." He stepped aside to continue on his way, but the four youths shifted, deliberately blocking his path again.

'What's with these guys?' he thought, irritation sparking as he glanced between them.

One of the three sneered. "Aren't you one of those newcomers who just arrived in the city? You're from some backwater, aren't you?"

Jiang Feng sighed inwardly. He hadn't even bumped into anyone, and yet here they were, eager to stir up trouble. He maintained his composure, nodding slightly. "That's correct. I'm on my way home now, so if you'll excuse me—"

He attempted to step around them again, only to be blocked a second time.

"Hey, no need to rush off," the yellow-robed youth interjected with a smirk, his tone oozing with fine mockery. "Let us show you around. My name's Bia Zhen, from the illustrious Bia Clan. I'm pretty famous around here, you know. How about this—introduce me to some of the pretty girls from your group, and I might consider taking you under my wing."

The smirk widened as Bia Zhen slung an arm around Jiang Feng's shoulders in a mock show of camaraderie.

Jiang Feng's patience wore thin as he wanted to do nothing but to go back to the courtyard and start practicing. Shaking off the arm, he took a step back, his expression calm but firm. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll have to decline."

He turned to leave, but Bia Zhen's voice cut through the air, sharp and threatening. "Don't be disrespectful, kid. I could have my people wipe out your group anytime I want."

This time, when the three lackeys moved to block his path, their intentions were clear. Jiang Feng stopped in his tracks yet again. The air around him heating up, causing faint waves of warmth to radiate outwards as his voice dropped to a dangerous low. "Get out of my way."

The calm in his eyes was unnerving, a quiet intensity that sent a chill down the spines of Bia Zhen's lackeys.

'This kid... hmm he's killed before alright,' Bia Zhen thought, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. He took a step forward, undeterred. "What's with the glare? What's your name, kid?"

Before Jiang Feng could respond, a soft but commanding voice rang out. "Bia Zhen, bullying the weak again? You're such a disgrace."

The tension shifted as everyone turned to see a young woman approaching. Her black hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail, and she wore elegant blue robes. Behind her stood several men and women, all dressed in fine attire, their smiles mocking as they regarded Bia Zhen.

The crowd, previously indifferent, now paused to watch the unfolding scene.

Bia Zhen's expression darkened with fury, his face contorting with visible disdain and hate. "Fang Lili," he spat. "This isn't your place to meddle. I suggest you leave before I make you regret it."

But Fang Lili only smiled, her composure unwavering as she stepped closer. "And miss the chance to watch you embarrass yourself? I wouldn't dream of it."

Looking at the slim Fang Lili, Jiang Feng noticed the cold glint in her eyes as she glared at the now livid Bia Zhen. Even his lackeys, standing behind him, directed daggers at their supposed leader, creating quite the spectacle. Jiang Feng hadn't expected trouble on his first day out, let alone to find himself caught between two groups with such palpable animosity.

"What does my business have to do with you, Fang trash?" Bia Zhen spat venomously, his twisted expression betraying his rising fury. "When the Obsidian Waterfall Realm opens, we'll see if you still dare to strut around in front of me like some arrogant bitch!"