The other Work-study Students around them had looks of envy in their eyes, though it was only envy. The scene of
Tang San chuckled. "There are some benefits, at least. We'll be able to eat better from now on. Soul Masters receive a subsidy of one Gold Soul Coin per month."
"One Gold Soul Coin? That's a lot." Xiao Wu now understood the importance of money. Even though Xiao Chenyu had said he'd cover the Work-study Students' meal expenses from now on, having money in one's own pocket was still better than relying on others.
As she spoke, Xiao Wu hopped off the bed and dashed excitedly toward the door.
"Xiao Wu, where are you going?"
"I'm going to register as a Soul Master too! One Gold Soul Coin—think of how much good food that can buy!"
"There's no need to rush that much, is there?"
"How can I not rush? Have you forgotten that it's the end of the month? If I go now, I might be able to get two Gold Soul Coins—this month's and next month's!"
"But couldn't you at least put on your shoes first?"
"Uh…"
Xiao Wu charged off to Spirit Hall in her usual whirlwind fashion. Tang San secretly chuckled to himself. That old grandfather
No longer needing to do his Work-study chores, Tang San's mind immediately drifted back to that crisp, rhythmic hammering. Village Chief
"Tang San, I'm sorry about that other day. You're not still angry, are you?" While Tang San was lost in thought, Wang Sheng came up to him, his face full of sincerity.
Looking at Wang Sheng's honest smile, Tang San shook his head and smiled. "Of course not. I forgot about it long ago. Brother Wang Sheng, I'm heading out for a bit. I might not be back until tonight."
Wang Sheng nodded. "Go ahead. Oh, and congratulations on becoming a Soul Master."
Tang San smiled. "It won't be long before you break through too."
Stepping out of Nuoding Academy once again, Tang San felt a faint weariness. He hadn't had a proper rest since returning with the Great Master today, and then he'd had to fight Xiao Chenyu and the others several rounds. Even though his
Still, the trip to the blacksmith's shop had to be done. He could always start working from tomorrow. What Tang San feared most right now was that they wouldn't take on a little blacksmith like him.
Arriving at the blacksmith's shop, Tang San walked straight in. The moment he stepped through the door, a wave of searing heat washed over him. Every blacksmith's shop was like that, of course, though the temperature in his own family's rundown shop was considerably lower than here.
The entrance opened into a spacious hall. On the right side of the hall hung a wide variety of finished ironwork. There wasn't just farm equipment here—most of it consisted of various kinds of armor and weapons. After all, in this world, Soul Masters were only a small minority, and weapons were still very much needed. And the price of weapons naturally far exceeded that of farm tools.
Seeing these weapons, Tang San couldn't help but think of the work he'd done in his previous life. Back then, the mechanical Hidden Weapons produced by the
If he were to open a Hidden Weapon manufacturing workshop in this world, what kind of income would that bring?
"Little kid, what are you doing here? If you want to buy something, bring your grown-up. Get out now—this place is dangerous." While Tang San was lost in thought, a booming voice interrupted his musings.
He looked up to see a bare-chested, powerfully built man staring at him. Beneath his dark skin, muscles bulged in every place, giving him an extremely solid appearance. He gripped a large forging hammer in one hand, and his forehead was slick with sweat.
"Hello, sir. I came to ask whether you need an apprentice." Tang San was young, and his voice was clear and bright. Even though the blacksmith's shop was filled with the sound of hammers striking steel, every person heard him plainly.
Most of the blacksmiths paused their work and looked at Tang San with kind smiles. Blacksmithing was one of the lowliest professions—its workers all came from poor backgrounds, making their living through strength and craft. They might look rough, but most were extremely good-hearted.
The man who had spoken earlier looked Tang San up and down a few times. "Little kid, don't joke around. Hurry up and leave. It's not safe in here. Does your outfit look like something a blacksmith would wear? Besides, we don't take apprentices as small as you. I doubt you could even lift a forging hammer. Ha ha."
Tang San then realized he was still wearing his neat school uniform. Indeed, dressed like this, how could he possibly work as a blackmith? "I'm sorry, sir. I'll come back again shortly." With that, he turned and ran back out.
The blacksmith's shop was very close to Nuoding Academy. By the time Tang San returned, he had changed back into his usual clothes—patch upon patch covering one another. In that outfit, he could have gone begging for meals without any costume whatsoever.
Stepping inside, Tang San didn't bother looking for anyone else and went straight back to the same large man. "Sir, do you think I look like I could be an apprentice now?"
The big man took in Tang San's tattered outfit and was momentarily stunned. "Little kid, you're not pulling my leg, are you?"
Tang San answered honestly. "Of course not. Sir, here's the thing. I'm a Work-study Student at Nuoding Academy. I have free time every afternoon. My father is the village blacksmith. I've been learning forging from him ever since I was little. I came here looking to earn my keep."
(End of Chapter)