The Next Day—
The rhythmic clang of metal striking metal rang out crisply in the courtyard, each strike precise, practiced, and powerful.
Sparks danced through the air as Bai Luoluo, dressed in a sleeveless blacksmith's robe, worked tirelessly over a forge.
Her brows were furrowed in deep concentration, a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead, and her massive contraption-in-progress rested beside her like some half-finished war machine.
Hei Long watched from the archway for a moment, intrigued.
He'd never seen this side of her before—no arrogant glares, no scoffs of superiority—just pure, focused craftsmanship.
He walked forward slowly.
"Careful," Hei Long said casually, "if you strike too deep into the bronze core there, you'll ruin the balance when the Spirit Qi flows into the stabilizer."
The hammer froze mid-swing.
Bai Luoluo blinked.
"…You know weapon mechanics?" she asked, incredulous, turning her head sharply toward him.
