Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Chapter 1: Master Blacksmith

In the bustling town of Xianyang, nestled amidst the verdant valleys of Axina, the rhythmic clang of hammers echoed through the air. Within the heart of the town stood the modest workshop of Master Jiang, a renowned blacksmith known for his skill with the forge. Amidst the billowing clouds of smoke and sparks, a young boy toiled tirelessly beside his father, his hands calloused from years of labor.

Jiang Feng, with eyes as bright as the morning sun, watched with fascination as his father wielded molten metal with practiced ease. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the horizon, Master Jiang extinguished the flames of the forge and turned to his son with a weary smile.

"Feng, my son," he said, his voice tinged with pride, "you have shown great promise today. But remember, true strength comes not from the muscles, but from the heart and mind."

With those words echoing in his ears, Jiang Feng retired to his humble dwelling for the night, his dreams filled with visions of grandeur and adventure. The next morning dawned bright and clear, the sky a canvas of azure blue. Jiang Feng rose with the sun, eager to resume his apprenticeship under his father's tutelage.

But as he approached the workshop, a commotion caught his attention. A group of travelers, their cloaks billowing in the morning breeze, had gathered outside the blacksmith's forge. Among them stood a tall, imposing figure clad in armor adorned with intricate designs. Curiosity piqued, Jiang Feng edged closer, listening intently to their conversation.

"We seek the master blacksmith, Jiang," the leader of the group declared, his voice commanding attention. "We require his expertise in the crafting of a weapon of great importance."

Master Jiang emerged from the workshop, his gaze assessing the strangers before him. "I am Jiang," he replied, his tone measured.

"What manner of weapon do you seek?"

The leader stepped forward, a gleam of determination in his eyes.

"We require a blade of exceptional quality," he explained. "A weapon worthy of a warrior destined for greatness."

Jiang Feng's heart quickened at the mention of warriors and destiny. Could this be the opportunity he had been waiting for? With a nod of agreement, Master Jiang ushered the travelers into his workshop, Jiang Feng following close behind. For hours they labored together, the rhythmic clang of hammer against metal filling the air as they forged the blade

As the sun dipped below the horizon once more, casting long shadows across the workshop, the masterpiece was unveiled. A sword of unparalleled beauty, its blade shimmering like the surface of a tranquil lake, rested in Master Jiang's hands. The blade glowed in the sun, with its sharp edge that could sunder an army of thousands.

The leader of the travelers approached, his eyes alight with satisfaction. "This is truly a work of art," he declared, accepting the sword with reverence.

"With this blade in hand, I shall fulfill my destiny and carve my name into the annals of history. I shall call you Storm Bringer!"

The man wearing a cloak examined the blade in his hand with intense focus, his eyes reflecting his ambition and a cold, calculating demeanor. As he stood in the room, an eerie chill filled the air, likely due to his imposing presence. The three other individuals behind him appeared unfazed, suggesting that they were accustomed to his intimidating aura and showed no reaction.

Master Jiang stood to the side and captured everything without saying much. The cloaked man had paid a hefty price to forge 'Storm Bringer'. The resources used to create it were astronomical, consisting of 100 grams of dark gold iron, the beast core of a level 10 demonic beast called the Sky Howling Vulture, along with its bones and essence blood. Finally, the weapon was cooled with 100-year-old Nether Springs water.

"As per our agreement, 500 medium-grade spirit stones, the blood essence of a level 6 Sun Burning Lion, and a beast core of the 6th rank"

The cloaked man calmly threw a bag over to Master Jiang. Only he knew the true identity of the blacksmith standing before him, which was quite shocking. However, things had changed since the old empire and both of them were not the same as before.

With a solemn nod of gratitude, the travelers departed into the fading light, leaving Jiang Feng and his father alone once more. As the last echoes of their footsteps faded into the distance, Master Jiang turned to his son with a knowing smile.

"Feng, my son," he said, his voice filled with pride, "one day, you too will craft weapons that shape the course of history."

As his father turned away, Master Jiang patted his son Jiang Feng on the shoulder. Jiang Feng's eyes shone with excitement. Although he had helped his father with sword making in the past, this was the first time they were creating a sword of such grandeur. Just the thought filled him as much passion for the future.

"Feng, please tidy up. I'm going out for a walk and I'll bring back dinner."

Master Jiang's voice echoed through the busy street, leaving Jiang Feng dumbfounded. However, he quickly got to work without giving it a second thought. 23 miles away from the bustling city, on a distant hill, three cloaked men stood as if they were waiting for someone. The leader of the trio seemed less relaxed than before, but he wasn't too nervous either.

"Kia Young of the Radiant Blade Monastery greets master blacksmith Jiang. It is my honor that you welcome this decon with your presence, Flame General, Demon Hammer"

The cloaked man stepped forward with a smile and bowed. As he did, the wind gently blew and Master Jiang appeared out of thin air, lightly landing before the trio. Although the leader of the trio was not surprised, the other two were deeply taken aback.

"The old empire is no more, and I am not the same as before. I have long since abandoned that name. Speak, what is the purpose of the Radiant Blade Monastery in this backwater place?"