Douluo Dalu 3: The Legend of the Dragon King

Chapter 10: I will protect you in the future

The qualifications of a genius naturally differed depending on a persons age.

A six year old child who was able to swing a metal hammer a thousand times, he was absolutely worthy of being called a genius.

However, Mang Tian didnt tell him to stop. Instead, he stood to the side and silently watched Tang Wulin continue hammering.

His movements were direct, and powerful. However, there wasnt any mitigation of the rebounding force in his technique, all of it was taken in by his arms.

Fifty times, eighty times, one hundred times.

Sweat began pouring forth once again and the aching he felt now far surpassed the aching from before. Both of his arms heated up. Each time he exerted himself, his scalp began to swell. However, Tang Wulin still continued to grit his teeth and bear the pain as he never stopped hammering.

After hammering it 150 times, Tang Wulins body began to sway. His vision was hazy, both of his arms were swollen and aching to the point that they felt foreign to him, yet he continued to persevere with clenched teeth.

I can persevere. I can overcome this test. I am a man. Perseverance will lead to victory.

Tang Wulin couldnt even count the number of times he had swung the hammer when Mang Tian finally called for him to stop. If Mang Tian hadnt supported him, he would have collapsed onto the floor.

As he took the hammer from his hands, Mang Tian clearly saw Tang Wulins hands had been worn out by the hammer and had became swollen.

The fierce blacksmithing master was finally moved. It was not only due to Tang Wulins innate talents, but his perseverance too.

His strength could still be trained later, but for such an unwavering determination to appear in a six year old child, it was truly too precious.

You two have raised a good child. Ill accept him as my disciple. From tomorrow onwards, have him come over everyday at the same time as today. Once youre home, smear this ointment on his arms. When Lang Yue came to pick up Tang Wulin, she was greeted with Mang Tians gentle expression as he passed over a bottle of ointment.

After an hour of rest, Tang Wulin had already regained his vigor. It was just that his arms ached too much to raise them.

Mang Tians explanation of forging still lingered in his mind.

What is forging? Forging and casting are entirely different. Casting only requires a mold, and afterwards, the use of machinery to grind out the desired shape. That is casting. As for forging, it requires a blacksmith to personally hammer the metal from start to finish. Of course, you could use a machine to pound the metal and forge it, but metal is a living thing. A machine will never be able to grasp the veins of the metal. Thus, all first-rate machine components were forged by a blacksmith. A good blacksmith is a true craftsman that possesses a status no less than that of a Spirit Master.

Spirit Master and Machine Master, those were the dreams of all young boys.

Ouch. Tang Wulin cried out in pain when Lang Yue pulled on his hand.

It was only then that Lang Yue discovered the wound on her sons palm.

Heavens! He, he did this to you? Tears  were streaming down from her eyes. She had never expected that her son would suffer so much in only two hours.

Tang Wulin shook his head and replied, He didnt do anything! Uncle Mang Tian tested me and I passed. Arent I strong mom? Dont cry! It doesnt hurt.

Lets go home. Lang Yue said as she wiped her tears away with eyes full of sorrow.

Theres really nothing wrong mom. In fact, Im really happy. I passed Uncle Mang Tians test. Arent you happy for me? Isnt this the sense of achievement that dad talked about?

Im happy, Im really happy. Lang Yue patted her sons head and once more, glistening teardrops appeared in her eyes.

As soon as they returned home and crossed the doorway, Tang Wulin saw Naer sitting to the side. With a bounce, he immediately ran over to her while Lang Yue went to the kitchen to cook dinner.

Naer, did you know? I passed Uncle Mang Tians test today so I can learn how to forge from him now. Wait for big brother to earn some money with forging, then I can save money to buy a spirit soul. I can also buy food for you. With the temperament of a child, he had already forgotten the pain in his arms as he spoke of his accomplishment to Naer.

Naer earnestly listened, but her eyes occasionally revealed a trace of blankness.

Naer, you really dont remember anything about your family? After he finished talking about his accomplishment, he asked the question which had been lurking in his mind.

Naer shook her head. I really dont remember. I only remember that my name is Naer.  Everything else is fuzzy. Big Brother Lin, am I stupid?

Tang Wulin hastily replied, No. Of course youre not stupid, Naer. It doesnt matter if you cant remember. This is your home now. My mom and dad are your mom and dad. Youre my little sister.

Naer stared at him, as she gradually revealed a sweet smile. This was the first time she had smiled since she had came to their house.

Wow! Your smile is really pretty, Naer. Ill tell you a secret then; big brother will work hard to become a Soul Master, then Ill be able to protect you in the future. All right?

Yes.

When Tang Ziran returned, dinner was already prepared.

Zi Ran, come with me. Go ahead and eat first, children. With a serene appearance, Lang Yue shot a glance at Tang Ziran before heading to their room.

Tang Ziran distractedly looked at his son with an inquiring look. In return, Tang Wulin shrugged, indicating that he didnt know whats going on with his mother either.

Tang Ziran hastily followed Lang Yue into their room, then Lang Yue closed the door.

Well eat first, Naer. Arent you hungry? Accounting for how many snacks they had eaten before, Lang Yue made sure to cook lots of food today.

Naer clearly had no resistance when it came to eating. She nodded and began to eat heartily.

After she ate for a while, she noticed that Tang Wulin wasnt acting the same as the day before.  She raised her head and looked at him, and discovered that he was miserably turning and twisting his body with a pained face.

Big brother, whats wrong? Naer crisply asked.

My arms are really sore after my test. I cant raise them at all. Tang Wulin had been unusually hungry lately; with the addition of his work after school, one can only imagine his longing for food now

Naer blinked a few times. Ill feed you then.

Yes! Alright! Tang Wulin said in exultation.

With shaky movements, Naer clumsily fed Tang Wulin one spoonful after another.

Two children, one six years old and the other five and a half years old, enjoyed each others company with the naivety of youth. In this small house, the atmosphere made the lights appear gentler as well.

Naer, Youre the best