Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of metal hitting another metal rang loudly through the small blacksmith shop, sharp and steady.
Under the glowing light of the forge, a young boy stood shirtless. His skin was shiny with sweat. He raised a heavy hammer with shaky arms and slammed it down hard onto a red-hot strip of iron on the anvil.
Sparks flew around like tiny stars in the dark room. The heat from the fire behind him was intense, making it hard to breathe. The whole place smelled of smoke, hot metal, and sweat.
Lin Wei's hands were rough and covered in blisters. Every time he swung the hammer, it hurt but he did not care. He was not just helping out, he was trying to prove something. He wanted to show his determination.
The shape of the iron began to change under his hammer. It was almost ready.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
A cool breeze flowed in, making the fire flicker and pushing the smoke aside for a moment. Someone stepped inside.
But Lin Wei did not notice. He was focused completely on the iron. His heart was racing. His body moved with the rhythm of the hammer.
"Lin Wei," an old man's voice called.
The voice was calm but firm. "That is enough for today."
Lin Wei froze, mid-swing, and slowly lowered the hammer.
"Grandpa," he said, "I was almost finished."
His grandfather, Master Fei, walked in. Though he had a slight limp, he still stood tall and proud like something weathered by time but not broken.
"You have been working too hard lately," Master Fei said. "I understand why. But you will need your strength for what is coming.
Lin Wei looked down, embarrassed.
"I need to finish these tools and melt the leftover metal. I leave the day after today. The journey to the other city will take nearly a month, and…"
"I know," Master Fei gently interrupted. "You will be following the merchant group to sell our metalwork. You want everything to go smoothly. You want to earn enough to buy proper gifts for your bride and her family. That is good. It is an honorable goal. But wearing yourself out now will not help you later."
Lin Wei nodded but stayed quiet.
Master Fei placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You are doing all this for your wedding. That is a good reason. But do not forget to rest, and also prepare your heart."
He paused, then continued.
"I remember when the city lord and I used to fight side by side, long ago. He was a brave man. I saved his life… but I paid a heavy price.
Lin Wei listened silently. He had heard parts of this story before, but his grandfather rarely spoke of it in full.
"I used to be a cultivator," Master Fei said, his voice softer. "I could gather spiritual energy, strengthen my body, sharpen my senses, and live longer than most. But in that battle, I took a deep wound. It damaged the paths in my body—called meridians—where the energy flows. You may not fully understand, since you have not been able to cultivate but maybe someday, a miracle might happen."
He looked away, his eyes distant.
"Since then, I have not been able to cultivate."
"I am sorry, Grandpa," Lin Wei said quietly.
Master Fei chuckled and shook his head.
"No need. That same day, the city lord made me a promise. He offered his only daughter's hand in marriage—to you, my grandson. And fate was kind. You both grew up together and actually care for each other.
Lin Wei gave a small smile.
"She is one of the few people who ever saw me as more than just a blacksmith's helper."
"That love will help you on the road ahead," Master Fei said. "But remember—the world of cultivation is dangerous. Power can lead to pride. And pride can lead to destruction. I won't always be around to guide you."
Lin Wei looked into his grandfather's eyes and nodded slowly.
"I understand."
"Good. Now go. Clean yourself up. Visit your bride to be. Talk to her about your journey. Let her know you that you will return strong and ready for the marriage ceremony.
Lin Wei set the hammer down, breathing deeply. He stepped away from the forge, wiping soot from his arms.
"I'll go now," he said. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Master Fei nodded again.
"Go. And remember that marriage is not just tradition. It is a path you walk together. Just like cultivation, it takes patience, discipline, and trust.
As the sun began to set outside, painting the sky in gold and red, Lin Wei stepped out of the shop. The warm wind brushed his skin. He was going to see her—the girl he loved and tell her about the long journey ahead.
And when he returned, they would be married.
But first, he had a promise to keep, a task to finish, and a future to earn.