Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor

The auction outside was still ongoing. Chen Ming split his attention between observing the auction items and discussing his views on blacksmithing development with Lou Gao. Although most of Chen Ming's ideas seemed somewhat fantastical to Lou Gao—things blacksmiths might never achieve—he couldn't dismiss them outright.

After all, Chen Ming demonstrated the spiritual essence of metal with his bare hands right in front of Lou Gao. To Lou Gao, this made Chen Ming's words undeniable truths. Any failure to understand was simply due to his lack of insight and inferior aptitude.

Despite being nearly eighty years old, Lou Gao sat humbly before Chen Ming, just as he had done as a young apprentice under his master, earnestly listening to Chen Ming's reflections and conjectures. He recorded every word as if it were sacred scripture, diligently writing it down in his notebook.

Through their discussion, Chen Ming was able to gauge Lou Gao's technical proficiency.

Surpassing the level of a Thousand Refinements but not yet reaching the Spirit Refinement.

In other words, if Lou Gao wanted to, his current skills were fully capable of refining metals to the level of Ten Thousand Refinements. However, after the Thousand Refinements stage, if one tried to forcefully increase the number of refinements without awakening the spiritual essence of the metal, not only would the metal's strength fail to improve, but various structural flaws within the metal would also begin to emerge as the refining process continued.

In terms of technique, Lou Gao had already reached the pinnacle. What he lacked was an understanding of the deeper spiritual aspects.

Chen Ming casually asked about Tang Hao and Tai Tan—two of the Divine Blacksmiths. Lou Gao fell silent for a moment before giving a response that was both unexpected and yet completely reasonable.

"The Clear Sky Clan possesses an innate talent for forging. The Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul can be considered the most perfect forging tool. A thousand years ago, the clan even built its foundation on blacksmithing."

"However, after the Clear Sky Clan became a sect, they quickly severed ties with the profession of blacksmithing and never returned to it."

"It was only about a hundred years ago that the Clear Sky Clan produced an invincible land warrior. Unlike others, this warrior did not disdain to forge but was instead a blacksmith himself. It was because of his influence that the Clear Sky Clan slowly reestablished some connection with blacksmithing. But even then, they never truly became blacksmiths again."

"Among the three Divine Blacksmiths, Tang Hao's skills are exceptional, largely due to the Clear Sky Clan's unique Clear Sky Nine Techniques and the Clear Sky Hammer's natural advantages in forging. However, regarding spiritual insight, he has not truly reached the level of a Divine Blacksmith. He was only included as one of the three Divine Blacksmiths out of respect for the Clear Sky Clan."

"As for Tai Tan, that old fellow's technical skill and spiritual insight do meet the standard of a Divine Blacksmith. But after achieving that status, he gave up on further progress. His techniques today are identical to what they were decades ago when he first became a Divine Blacksmith—arguably, they may have even regressed slightly."

"I am not boasting, but although we are all considered Divine Blacksmiths, there are levels even among us. Tang Hao and Tai Tan merely stepped into the realm of Divine Blacksmiths before ceasing to advance. Over the past few decades, I have been constantly striving toward new heights. Both my techniques and spiritual insight surpass theirs."

"If anyone in this era can take blacksmithing further within the current system, even if that person is not me, it certainly won't be Tang Hao or Tai Tan. They stopped growing long ago."

Chen Ming thought about it and felt that Lou Gao's remarks were indeed reasonable.

Tang Hao was arrogant and prideful. Even as a Divine Blacksmith, his entire life was dedicated to pursuing greater soul power. The fact that he became a Divine Blacksmith in the first place was largely due to his innate talent. Naturally, he would not abandon his pursuit of soul power to delve deeper into blacksmithing.

As for Tai Tan and the Strength Clan, while they relied on blacksmithing for their livelihood, Tai Tan himself did not exhibit much talent in the original story. Though he was called a Divine Blacksmith, he lacked both the exceptional skill and the passionate dedication required to excel.

Tai Tan and his clan likely saw themselves primarily as soul masters and a soul master family. Blacksmithing was merely a means of earning a living. If they ever found a more lucrative alternative, they wouldn't hesitate to abandon their ancestral craft. Such a person might be competent, but they could never be called outstanding.

Chen Ming handed the golden orb to Lou Gao, intending it as a deposit to secure Lou Gao's guidance in blacksmithing, which would support his deeper research in the future. However, upon hearing this, Lou Gao was displeased.

"Senior Chen, you're putting me in an impossible position! The so-called Divine Blacksmiths are nothing but mortals stuck at the threshold of spiritual awakening, unable to cross it in their lifetimes. But you, Senior, are born with the critical spiritual insight. With the mental strength you've demonstrated, even under the guidance of an ordinary blacksmith, you will one day surpass the realm of Divine Blacksmiths."

"I dare not claim to teach you. All I can do is offer you all my techniques, experiences, and insights in their entirety. In return, I only ask that when you eventually uncover the higher realms of blacksmithing, you allow this mortal to witness them."

At this point, Lou Gao steadied his breathing and forced a somewhat flattering smile onto his aged face.

"Senior Chen, do you have a faction or any plans to establish one? If possible, may this old man join it and contribute what little I can?"

Lou Gao was a man of principle. Even if a blade was held to his neck, forcing him to join a faction, he wouldn't so much as flinch. As one of the three Divine Blacksmiths of his time, he had his pride.

But when it came to the pursuit of higher levels of blacksmithing, the situation was entirely different. Even if no one invited him, Lou Gao would fight tooth and nail to be included if he knew such an opportunity existed.

He understood that actively seeking to join someone else's faction would make his position awkward and passive. However, Lou Gao simply could not let such an opportunity slip away—not even the slightest chance.

"Create a faction?" Chen Ming hadn't expected Lou Gao to bring this up now. But after some thought, he realized it wasn't such a bad idea.

A perfected blacksmithing system would immensely benefit soul masters, offering unparalleled enhancements. The more soul masters developed, the more they would rely on this system for support.

If Chen Ming led a faction to refine the blacksmithing system and produce foundational technologies like battle armor, spreading these innovations across the continent, it could earn him a wealth of faith power in the future.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Ming decided on a name for his faction.

"My faction shall be called the Hall of Souls. It will be built upon the foundation of soul masters, advancing toward the future, creating miracles for humanity, and ultimately achieving divine transcendence."

Of course, this reasoning was only superficial. The real reason was that, as a transmigrator, establishing the Hall of Souls in the Douluo world was practically second nature.

"Master Lou, would you be willing to join the Hall of Souls as an Elder?"

PS: Hall of Souls came from BTTH.