Embersteel: Legend of the Warrior BlackSmith

Foundation Stage

Master Jiang carefully poured the fragrant tea into the delicate porcelain cup, his hands steady with a mix of solemnity and tenderness. As the warm steam rose from the cup, he offered it to his son, a symbolic gesture of respect and perhaps a poignant farewell.

Originally, Master Jiang had planned to initiate his son into the art of cultivation upon reaching the age of sixteen. This timing was chosen to allow his son to acclimate to the intense heat of the forging flames, a skill he had been diligently imparting. However, fate took an unexpected turn with the resurgence of the enigmatic Celestial Shadow Church, prompting Master Jiang's untimely departure. Adding to this upheaval was the premature awakening of his son's flame seed, a rare occurrence that demanded his urgent attention.

The realm of cultivation held countless enigmas and inexplicable phenomena, from peculiar physiques and extraordinary bloodlines to divine bones and beyond. Witnessing the spontaneous awakening of a flame seed without the aid of a Formation Core was an unprecedented event for Master Jiang, one that necessitated his full dedication before his departure.

"Feng, though I've once mentioned that blacksmiths are classified into different types and levels, I've never gone too deep into it because you weren't ready yet. But I will have to leave in three days and I don't know when I will be coming back"

Master Jiang let out a deep sigh as he placed 500 medium-grade spiritual crystals, a beast core, and blood essence on the table before them. Jiang Feng was taken aback by what he heard. His father's words hit him hard; the implication was clear. "I have to leave," he said, not "we have to leave," indicating that he wouldn't be accompanying him.

"Father you're not taking me along with you?" Jiang Feng placed the teacup down as he asked with concern.

"No, not this time around. There is a sect, called the Flowing Light Sect, find it and start from there. If you are strong enough in the future, we will surely meet again. But if you're unable to reach that step then it is better to live a good life here in Axinyang"

Master Jiang didn't offer further explanation. He began sorting through his thoughts while Jiang Feng processed the information. After a short while, Master Jiang opened his hand, revealing a green ball of flame. The flame emitted no heat as it slowly burned in his hand, casting a green glow around the room. Jiang Feng had seen this flame several times when his Dad forged weapons and armor for the townspeople.

"This is my Flame Seed Green Dust. Flame seeds have 9 levels, each level extremely harder than the next to reach. Not all blacksmiths can condense a flame seed thus choosing to use the natural flame of heaven and earth or beast flame. This flame can be used for forging, pill concoctions, and assist in battles if strong enough."

"Similar to flame seeds, the process of cultivation consists of nine levels, beginning with the Foundation Stage and progressing through the Essence Condensation Stage, and so on. Over the next three days, it is crucial to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and tonight, I will provide a comprehensive explanation of the significance of cultivation and why it is essential," Master Jiang declared as he extinguished the green flames with a graceful gesture.

"Okay Dad, I will do my best" A resolute light flashed in Jiang Feng's eyes as he listened closely to his father's words.

"The Foundation Stage, also known as Zhù Jī, marks the beginning of a cultivator's journey. During this stage, practitioners focus on fortifying their physical bodies, accumulating spiritual energy, and undertaking processes such as purifying the blood, cleansing the bones, and opening the nine major meridian channels. Additionally, they work on strengthening both their internal organs and their bones."

Master Jiang used his finger to draw the body of a cultivator on top of the table while he pointed at a few areas of the body while explaining. Jiang Feng seemed to instantly understand what was being said which inward shocked Master Jiang as he became excited. 'Could it be that the codex had shown up in his mental sea but it just hasn't realized it?'

The ancient codex that he referred to was the treasured legacy of the Eternal Flame Order, lost to history for over 300,000 years. As Master Jiang pondered this, a fierce determination ignited in his eyes, giving birth to a daring plan. Typically, practitioners would begin by absorbing spiritual energy to purify their blood, allowing their muscles to gradually gain explosive strength over time. The opening of the meridians would come last in this process.

But if Jiang Feng's talent was paired with the codex maybe he could let Jiang start opening his meridians first even though they were the most fragile. But it would be a gamble because if the codex wasn't with him, he may very well destroy his Son's future for cultivating. Shortly after considering the facts he decided to gamble based on the fact that even without starting to cultivate the flame seed had awaken-there must have been a reason behind this.

He explained the pros and cons to his son who took a deep breath to think about it. Jiang Feng trusted his father deeply so it didn't take long for him to make up his mind and hope for the best. Seeing how determined his son was, Master Jiang felt heartache. He then pointed to the figure on the table tracing along the body parts and began to explain.

"This is Ren Meridian (**, Rèn Mài) also known as the conception vessel. It runs along the front of the body and is associated with the yin aspect of energy."

"This is the Du Meridian (**, Dū Mài) also known as the governing vessel. It runs along the back of the body and is associated with the yang aspect of energy. We will attempt to open these two first"