Forging

The next day, Mo Hua didn't practice the Meltfire Array. Instead, he took some spirit stones and went to Chen's Forging Workshop to find Master Chen.

Master Chen was somewhat surprised to see Mo Hua, and he was even more surprised when he heard that Mo Hua really intended to refine a stove.

"You really plan to refine a stove?"

"Of course. But just a small one, about four feet tall. The materials don't need to be too expensive, just sturdy and durable," Mo Hua nodded.

Master Chen nodded in agreement. "Well then, if you were to refine a larger stove, we might not have enough manpower here. Since this seems to be for personal use and for the neighborhood, I'll select some affordable and good-quality materials for you."

Mo Hua happily said, "Thank you, Master Chen!"

"However," Master Chen glanced at Mo Hua and then behind him, puzzled. "Where are your parents? Forging a stove isn't a trivial matter. There should be adults involved."

Mo Hua patted his chest, "My dad entrusted this to me. Master Chen, just talk to me if you need anything."

Master Chen looked at Mo Hua, this little one, and nodded. "Indeed, children from poor families mature early."

After saying that, he frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, but continued, "Do you have the deposit? The materials for the stove cost one hundred and fifty spirit stones. The Forging process will take twenty days, requiring five spirit stones per day for Forging. The crafting fee is one hundred spirit stones. The deposit covers the material costs, so you need to pay one hundred and fifty spirit stones upfront. The crafting fee can be settled after the stove is finished."

"Yes, I have it."

Mo Hua took out a heavy storage bag from his chest, opened it, revealing sparkling and translucent spirit stones inside.

Even in an ordinary family of cultivators, this amount of spirit stones was considered a large sum. Yet, this child carried them so casually...

Master Chen accepted the storage bag with a complex expression, counted exactly one hundred and fifty spirit stones, then took out a spirit contract. He detailed the materials, costs, and delivery date for the stove.

The spirit contract was a recognized document in the cultivation world for establishing contracts. Each contract was unique, not easily destroyed or forged, serving as proof for transactions involving spirit stones and goods. In case of disputes, authorized cultivators or the Daoist Court could arbitrate.

Two copies of the spirit contract were made. Master Chen signed one, then handed it to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua signed his name on the other copy. Each kept one copy as proof of the crafting agreement.

Master Chen initially thought of having Mo Hua sign his father's name, but after a moment's thought, he refrained, thinking that since Mo Hua's parents entrusted him with this responsibility, his signature was equally valid.

Under the heavens, all beings were equal, regardless of cultivation level or age. Once signed, the spirit contract was binding.

"Mo Hua..."

Looking at the elegant and handsome handwriting on the spirit contract, Master Chen finally learned that the child's name was "Mo Hua." Upon closer inspection of his appearance, indeed, his lips were red, teeth white, and his features were picturesque, quite fitting for his name.

Note: Mo Hua means Ink Painting

Moreover, after negotiating such a substantial deal, ensuring half a month's livelihood was secured, Master Chen found Mo Hua increasingly pleasing to the eye.

"Young brother, the spirit contract is signed. We'll start crafting tomorrow. I'll make sure to finish it promptly for you. If you have time, you can come by to check on the progress or even learn about Forging. I usually don't allow apprentices from outside to observe, but you're different."

"Great! Thank you, Master Chen!"

Mo Hua was quite interested in Forging, although he might never refine a spiritual tool in his lifetime. However, learning the knowledge related to Forging was beneficial. Practical skills like Forging were not typically taught in sects.

Over the next few days, Mo Hua continued practicing the Meltfire Array as usual. During his free time, he would run to the Forging workshop to check on the progress of the stove's Forging and ask about Forging-related knowledge.

Master Chen was open and answered all his questions. After a few days of such interaction, Master Chen was both surprised by Mo Hua's high comprehension in learning and regretful due to Mo Hua's poor aptitude for Forging.

He had seen children with naturally weak constitutions before, but rarely had he encountered someone so physically weak that they couldn't even wield the forging hammer for Forging.

Otherwise, Master Chen would have seriously considered taking Mo Hua as his disciple.

Mo Hua spent these days observing the Forging process to learn basic knowledge and to correct the brush strokes and dimensions of the Meltfire Array.

Ordinarily, the array was drawn on paper, allowing for practice and corrections without consequences. However, now it had to be inscribed onto the stove. If he made a mistake, he couldn't just ask Master Chen to refine another one...

Therefore, Mo Hua needed to become very familiar with the construction of the stove and frequently check on the progress at the Forging workshop.

One morning, after finishing the porridge his mother personally brewed and practicing the array method, Mo Hua leisurely arrived at Chen's Forging Workshop before the sun climbed higher.

Upon arriving, Mo Hua found that the bustling workshop was unusually quiet today. There were no loud calls or the clanging sound of ironwork.

Walking into the backyard, Mo Hua saw Master Chen and several apprentices packing up. The Forging furnace was extinguished, its lid open, and there were ashes scattered on the ground.

"Master Chen, what happened?" Mo Hua asked.

Seeing Mo Hua, Master Chen apologized, "Little brother, I'm sorry. The forging furnace broke down. I'm afraid the stove you requested will be delayed."

"The forging furnace broke down?" Mo Hua was surprised.

Master Chen sighed, looking frustrated. "This forging furnace has been around for some years. It had some minor issues before, which I managed to fix temporarily. But today, it just wouldn't light up. Sigh..."

"Can't it be repaired?" Mo Hua asked.

Master Chen shook his head, "Previously, the external components of the forging furnace had problems, and I could manage repairs. But now, it seems the internal array formation is malfunctioning. There's nothing more I can do. I'll have to seek help from other forging masters. If we need a formation master to fix the array, it'll cost quite a few spirit stones..."

"Formation?" Mo Hua's spirits lifted. "Can I take a look?"

Master Chen was taken aback. "Look at what?"

"I want to see the array formation," Mo Hua said.

"Do you understand formations?" Master Chen asked in disbelief.

"I've learned some formations from my sect and teacher. Let me see if I can help in any way. At the very least, I can check if the array formation is the issue," Mo Hua explained.

Master Chen hesitated but considering that the forge was already broken beyond repair and there was nothing to lose, he agreed, "Alright then. I'll have them completely dismantle the forging furnace so you can inspect the array inside."

After saying this, Master Chen and the apprentices began dismantling the Forging furnace piece by piece.

The Forging furnace was over two meters tall, made of various refined irons, and was extremely heavy. However, the apprentices, who had decent physical talents for Forging, were able to handle it without too much difficulty.

Mo Hua was very self-aware and didn't even consider offering to help.

Once the forge was dismantled, Mo Hua could see densely packed array formations inscribed on the upper part of the furnace. The array formations were a dark red color, partially obscured by black ashes, but Mo Hua could still identify them as a complete fire-type array formation inscribed inside the Forging furnace.

It was precisely the Meltfire Array that Mo Hua had been drawing every day, but hadn't yet completed...

(End of the Chapter)