In the furnace, fiery red molten metal flowed slowly under the control of Ryan Bennett's Fire God power, writhing like fire serpents trying to escape in all directions, yet unable to break free from the invisible grasp of Ryan Bennett's hands.

"It's time to set the mold, William!" Peter Bennett reminded from the side.

Ryan Bennett nodded, quickly selected a standard sword mold and placed it into the pool, then slowly poured in the molten metal. Not long after, this step of the process was complete.

The next step: cooling!

As cold water was poured into the mold, there was a loud "bang"—the mold burst open. Ryan Bennett, thrilled, reached into the pool and fished out a gleaming, radiant sword!

Although the hilt had yet to be decorated, it did not diminish the weapon's lethal aura. The blade's edge shone like the bright moon, leaving Ryan Bennett secretly amazed. The Fire God clan's forging technique was truly extraordinary. A blade that would normally require repeated hammering and tempering to become smooth and sharp had, under the control of Fire God energy, automatically formed a razor edge—exceptionally smooth and flawless!

"Haha, William's first creation has come into the world!"

Peter Bennett laughed heartily, then shouted, "Appraiser, come over and take a look—what grade is this sword?"

An elderly man with snow-white hair stepped out of a small wooden hut, bowed from a distance to Peter Bennett, then took the sword from Ryan Bennett's hand. As he examined it, he shook his head and said, "Unranked. It can only serve as a weapon for common soldiers on the battlefield—not even worthy of being called ninth grade!"

"Oh?" Peter Bennett laughed, "Even so, for William to forge such a sharp weapon on his first try already shows his natural talent. He's much better than my disappointing son Shawn Bennett. That boy's first attempt at forging produced nothing but a lump of scrap iron fit for a hoe! Hahaha!"

Ryan Bennett looked a bit embarrassed and asked with a smile, "Uncle, are weapons classified by grade?"

"Yes!"

Peter Bennett replied with a smile, "Ordinary weapons are unranked. Weapons crafted by master smiths are different—they range from ninth grade, the lowest, up to first grade, the highest. Our family's battle axe, Yaoyang, is a third-grade weapon—practically a divine artifact! In Liangcheng, there are two major auction houses and three great weapon registries, all with experienced appraisers."

As he spoke, Peter Bennett patted Ryan Bennett's shoulder and said, "William, when you feel your weapons are good enough, you can take them to the auction house for appraisal. Once they're graded, even a ninth-grade weapon can sell for dozens of taels of silver—enough to support an ordinary family for ten years."

Ryan Bennett nodded, his heart filled with hope. It seemed that forging was not only a way to strengthen oneself, but also a great way to make money!

After bidding farewell to Peter Bennett, although he was excited, he couldn't resist the exhaustion from a sleepless night. Returning home, Ryan Bennett collapsed into bed and fell into a deep, dreamlike sleep.

Chapter Five: Michael Bolton

Late at night, the shouts of the guards outside the house rang out: "Hey, you there! Where do you think you're going? Get out here! I know you're hiding in there!"

Ryan Bennett jolted awake, opening his eyes alertly. The Fire God power within him circulated, his senses spreading out like a spiderweb. He could vaguely sense a powerful presence that flashed by in an instant!

Sure enough, someone had come!

Rolling out of bed, Ryan Bennett dressed in a flash, grabbed the iron sword he had forged himself from the bedside, and pushed open the door. He saw several guards holding broadswords and lanterns, respectfully asking, "Young master, have you seen a boy in black?"

Ryan Bennett frowned. "No."

"Alright, then we won't disturb your rest!"

The guards moved on to search elsewhere. Ryan Bennett was now wide awake. He had just sensed that the presence had disappeared toward the back of the main hall—the direction of the ancestral hall. Could something be happening over there?

Sword in hand, Ryan Bennett leapt over the wall like a drifting leaf. After a few agile movements, he arrived in front of the ancestral hall. Clearly, after cultivating the Fire God power, Ryan Bennett's abilities had greatly increased—even he was surprised by his own speed.

"Swish!"

A shadow flashed by and slipped into the ancestral hall.

Ryan Bennett immediately shouted, "Who's there? Stop!"

But the dark figure didn't stop, instead dashing straight into the ancestral hall.

Just as Ryan Bennett entered the hall, the shadow suddenly turned and threw a punch. A blood-red aura enveloped his fist, and a powerful force nearly suffocated Ryan Bennett!

"Bang!"

The heavy punch missed Ryan Bennett, but halfway through was knocked back by a shockwave. A blazing wall of fire had already formed in front of Ryan Bennett.

The black-clad youth was startled. "Whoa? That was a fast wall of energy!"

Having missed his strike, the masked youth immediately gathered his energy, spreading his arms wide. His body was as sturdy as a mountain, with a tiger's back and a bear's waist. Wisps of pale blue energy quickly gathered on his fists. He roared, "Kid, let's see how you handle this move!"

"Ha! Xingtian's Three Rages!"

In a flash, the black-clad youth threw three punches in rapid succession, each one fiercer and more domineering than the last, each carrying blood-red energy. A powerful aura surged through the ancestral hall!

Ryan Bennett opened his hand, Fire God power surging into both fists, and met the attack with three punches of his own!

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Their iron fists collided, the dull crashes echoing like thunder. The black-clad youth remained unscathed, while Ryan Bennett was sent flying by the tremendous force!

"Boom!"