After the announcements, the courtyard gradually emptied.
Inside the main hall, Liu Ming, Wang Yan, Zhao Qing, and the six newly appointed Commanders gathered. The atmosphere was calm but focused.
Wang Yan broke the silence. "We need to establish a few shops," he began, his voice steady. "We already have some resources, and we can get more through our clients. But to maintain steady supply, we have to build trade relations."
Liu Ming nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm… we'll need items that attract customers," he said.
Wang Yan's gaze swept over the group.
"Weapons," he replied simply. "For combat, or even basic needs—they're always in demand. That's what we should focus on."
Zhao Qing added, "And for that, we'll need skilled blacksmiths."
Wang Yan's eyes sharpened slightly. "We have to go to Gengxin City."
The six commanders exchanged glances, understanding immediately.
Zhao Qing spoke again, confirming the name. "Gengxin—the City of Metal."
Wang Yan nodded lightly. "Mm. Then the plan is simple. Zhao Qing and I will go to Gengxin City. Liu Ming, you stay here with the base. Organize the Guards and oversee the setup of the shops."
Liu Ming's expression was calm, confident. He gave a small nod.
"Of course. We'll make sure everything runs smoothly," he said.
One of the Commanders added, "We'll support you, Chief. The shops, the Guards—we'll handle it together."
Wang Yan glanced at them, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Good. Then it's settled."
The roles were clear and the path was set.
.....
At dawn, Wang Yan and Zhao Qing left the base, their packs ready and their steps steady.
Liu Ming and the six Commanders remained behind, overseeing the Guards and preparing the shops.
Three days after leaving the base, Wang Yan and Zhao Qing reached the towering walls of Gengxin City.
The city was unlike any they had seen—an industrial hub built around metal and fire. Everywhere they looked, hammers rang against anvils, sparks fell like rain, and the scent of molten metal hung thick in the air.
This was known as the City of Metal, a place where the finest smiths and craftsmen gathered, and where every weapon and piece of equipment carried the weight of expert hands. Gengxin City's economy revolved around the production of smithing goods, and its reputation as the continent's foremost blacksmith center was well earned.
From afar, the city walls looked iron-gray, as though forged rather than built, hinting at the sheer scope of its industry.
Here, they had come to secure what the Storm Guards needed most—reliable access to weapons, materials, and the skilled hands capable of refining them.
Gengxin City was not just a destination. It was the heart of metal and craftsmanship.
.....
Wang Yan and Zhao Qing entered Gengxin City and moved straight toward the inner districts.
Their purpose was already decided.
They needed a stable supply of weapons and forged materials for the Storm Guards.
In this city, one name stood above most others in the field of blacksmithing— a figure known for his skill and complete focus on the craft. "Lou Gao"
If they wanted to begin at the highest point available to them, this was the most direct choice.
Without delay, they headed toward his workshop.
Wang Yan and Zhao Qing arrived at Lou Gao's workshop. The sound of hammers striking metal echoed through the streets of Gengxin City.
The outer gate was guarded by apprentices. Their request was delivered, but there was no immediate answer.
They waited for hours. The heat of the forge, the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal, the smell of molten steel filled the air. Still, nothing happened.
Wang Yan exchanged a glance with Zhao Qing. No words were needed. They understood. Lou Gao did not grant meetings lightly.
They left and returned the next day. The same routine repeated. Hours of waiting, yet no meeting.
By the third day, a brief message allowed them entry. The workshop was alive with activity—sparks flying, molten metal glowing, the air thick with smoke and heat.
At its center stood Lou Gao. His hair was streaked with grey, his hands steady and sure, every strike deliberate. He did not look up as they approached.
Wang Yan spoke, calm and direct, stating the purpose of their visit: trade, long-term cooperation, and supply of materials for their growing organization.
Lou Gao's eyes flickered briefly toward them, but his hammer never paused.
"You are unknown," he said finally, without lifting his gaze. "I do not trade with strangers." It was principle.
Wang Yan nodded once. "Understood," he said quietly.
He turned, signaling Zhao Qing to follow. They left the workshop, the steady rhythm of forging still echoing behind them.
After leaving Lou Gao's workshop, Wang Yan and Zhao Qing understood that meeting him had been impossible for now. Lou Gao's refusal was expected, and they knew patience was required.
Their goal shifted immediately: find capable blacksmiths in the city who could supply weapons for the Storm Guards.
The first day was spent surveying the city, observing forges, small workshops, and independent craftsmen. They watched blades being tempered, weapons being sharpened, and armor being forged. Every strike of the hammer and every fold of the metal was carefully noted.
The second day, they began approaching individual blacksmiths, asking questions about materials, techniques, and past work. Their focus was clear—weapons, quality, and combat readiness. They quickly identified several skilled artisans, though none were as legendary as Lou Gao.
By the third day, after careful observation, Wang Yan and Zhao Qing finalized three craftsmen who met their standards. The craftsmen agreed to supply weapons under specific conditions—quality and consistency were non-negotiable.
Over the next four to five days, Wang Yan and Zhao Qing stayed with the craftsmen. They observed the forging process in detail and assisted whenever possible.
Zhao Qing, in particular, began experimenting with basic refinements himself. Despite having no prior experience in metalwork, his results were highly impressive. The craftsmen could not help but praise him:
"Your handling is precise… your strikes are controlled," one said. "For a newcomer, this is extraordinary."
Wang Yan noticed why. Zhao Qing's Thunder Beast Martial Spirit had strengthened his physique, giving him perfect endurance, strength, and control, making him naturally suited for forging heavy weapons and performing precise refinements.
During these days, they also gathered vital information about rare metals, learning which ores were most valuable, which alloys produced the strongest weapons, and which materials could be sourced reliably.
Wang Yan and Zhao Qing moved through Gengxin City, visiting workshops and markets, searching for metals suitable for forging weapons of exceptional quality.
In a small, dimly lit shop, a glimmer caught their eyes. On a low shelf lay a metal far stronger than iron, dense and smooth. When tapped, it gave a sharp, ringing resonance.
Neither had seen anything like it before. The shopkeeper admitted quietly, "I've had it for years… stronger than iron or steel, but I've never known its origin, and I've never been able to forge anything special from it."
As they were about to negotiate a purchase, a measured voice interrupted:
"Brother, may I examine this metal?"
Three men entered. The central figure stood tall, broad-shouldered, radiating authority without arrogance. Two others flanked him, calm and attentive. Wang Yan instinctively assessed them: central figure level 74, companions 65 and 66.
Wang Yan and Zhao Qing were confident in their strength—77 and 68—so there was no fear. Still, the central figure's presence was undeniable.
End of Chapter.