The next day, Ethan was reviewing the cart loaded with the list of materials he had requested and confirming prices."Thick ceramic jars, clay seals, wooden supports, high-quality charcoal..." he murmured while inspecting each item.
After instructing the servants to take the materials to the basement, he headed towards the blacksmith and goldsmith recommended by Zhao Ren to place the specific orders. He needed to order two thin metal pipes, a sheet of copper or wrought iron for a small boiler, and a coil. He wasn't looking for anything refined or complex, just the individual pieces.
Zhao Ren took the reins of the cart, skillfully guiding it through the city streets. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze constantly scanned the surroundings, as if always assessing potential threats or alternative routes.
On the way, Ethan observed the city for the first time. The main streets were paved with stone, and the dirt alleys were traversed by merchants and citizens. There were bustling markets where traders shouted their products, workshops with blacksmiths and carpenters working in plain sight of passersby, and restaurants with spicy aromas wafting through the air.
The architectural style was of ancient grandeur: wooden and stone buildings with curved roofs, adorned with intricate reliefs.
After several minutes, the cart had left the city center and approached the artisan district, a street lined with workshops. There were carpenters, goldsmiths, and blacksmiths working openly, the sound of metal being struck and the scent of freshly cut wood filled the air.
At the end of the street, they found a medium-sized forge. It didn't go unnoticed, but neither did it stand out excessively. A wooden sign hung at the entrance with the name engraved in bold characters:"Serene Forge"
The owner of this forge was Zhang Wei, though most knew him as Old Zhang. In his youth, he had founded the workshop and gained a solid reputation for his reliable and sturdy work. He was still in charge of the place, alongside his two sons and apprentices, Zhang Tie and Zhang Jin.
Ethan disembarked from the cart and walked firmly through the workshop's entrance. As soon as he stepped inside, a wave of heat enveloped him. In the background, the rhythmic strikes of a hammer against hot metal echoed, accompanied by the crackling of burning coal in the forge.
A young man was sitting behind the counter, organizing accounts in a ledger. On the sides, wooden shelves displayed everyday tools: hoes, hoops, hammers, nails, and iron hinges, essential pieces for the local farmers and artisans. In a more discreet corner, there was a pair of swords, but their quality was mediocre compared to the weapons of the clans. It wasn't hard to deduce that the business was more focused on providing tools for mortal families and workers than on making high-level weaponry.
Noticing the entrance of two people, Zhang Tie immediately stood up. He carefully observed their attire: a well-dressed young man accompanied by a servant. No doubt, high-profile clients that he could not afford to offend."Welcome! How may I assist you?" he asked in a respectful tone.
Before Ethan could respond, Zhao Ren stepped forward and spoke naturally, his attitude imposing but without arrogance."My young master is looking for blacksmith Zhang Wei for a custom order."
Zhang Tie nodded immediately and pointed to the back of the workshop."My father is at the forge. Please, follow me."
With quick steps, he led them through the workshop, where the air was filled with the smell of molten iron and burning coal. In the back, near an anvil blackened by years of use, a middle-aged man with a short beard and somewhat graying hair was hammering a red-hot metal bar. His work-hardened muscles and firm posture made it clear that, although he was no longer young, he still retained his skill.
Noticing the presence of visitors, he set the hammer aside and removed his leather apron before turning toward them."Father, this gentleman wishes to place a special order," announced Zhang Tie respectfully.
The blacksmith observed Ethan with an analytical gaze. While it wasn't uncommon to receive orders from young men from wealthy families, most sought weapons or pieces of armor, not regular blacksmith work."I am Zhang Wei. What do you need, young master?" he asked in a deep but polite voice.
Ethan, maintaining a calm expression, nodded slightly."I need some custom metal pieces."
Old Zhang raised an eyebrow, curious."What kind of pieces?"
Ethan took out a scroll where he had sketched the approximate designs."I require two thin metal pipes, one straight and the other spiral-shaped, that can connect to a ceramic jar. Also, a sheet of copper or wrought iron that can be molded into an adjustable lid, with an opening."
Zhang Wei took the scroll and studied it carefully. His eyes scanned each stroke of the design, especially pausing at the spiral pipe. He furrowed his brow and scratched his beard thoughtfully."Hmmm... this isn't something people ask for every day. The spiral pipe will be a bit complicated to make, and working with copper sheets isn't easy."
Ethan maintained his calm expression."I just need the pieces to fit well and be durable."
Old Zhang nodded slowly and folded the scroll before placing it on a workbench."The spiral pipe will take more time, and copper isn't cheap."
Ethan took out a bag of silver coins and placed it on the table with a precise motion."Half now, half when the work is finished."
Zhang Wei took the bag, weighing it in his hand with a calculating look. After a moment of silence, he nodded."Alright, it should be ready in three days."
Ethan slightly inclined his head in agreement and turned to leave. Zhao Ren followed him without saying a word. As they left the forge behind, Ethan analyzed the next steps. The preparations for the construction of the distillery were complete.
Upon leaving the forge, Ethan climbed into the cart and instructed Zhao Ren to take a turn around the city. Though he possessed the memories of his predecessor, he needed to validate the information for himself.
The artisan street served its purpose as a production hub. Carpenters were working on furniture, while other shops offered agricultural tools and household items. In some larger establishments, weapons such as swords, spears, and knives were on display. In a world where violence was a constant, access to weaponry seemed more of a necessity than a privilege.
The social structure was based on security and strength. Wealthy families and merchants hired guards for protection, while mercenaries organized in groups for hunting and exploration. Stories of mercenaries stumbling upon rare spiritual herbs and ascending were common. Though these cases were exceptional, they weren't impossible. Not everyone had spiritual roots or the resources to cultivate, so such stories served as inspiration for some.
However, opportunities went hand in hand with dangers. In the wilderness, demonic beasts posed the greatest threat. These creatures, unlike ordinary beasts, had an innate affinity for spiritual energy, granting them physical abilities superior to those of humans. Their attacks on mercenaries, merchants, and even entire cities were a constant reminder of the world's risks.
Despite their danger, demonic beasts were also a valuable source of resources. Their meat, skin, bones, and spiritual cores were highly valued materials, traded in cities of cultivators.
As Ethan entered through the restaurant door, he was greeted by a lively scene. The interior was spacious, with wooden beams carved with intricate patterns. The aroma of roasted meat, spices, and liquor floated in the air, blending with the sound of laughter and animated conversations. Above, private balconies allowed higher-status diners to enjoy their meals with more privacy.
A well-dressed waiter approached immediately and, with a slight bow, guided them to a table near a first-floor window with a view of the street. Ethan didn't hesitate to place his order."Bring me lacquered duck, beef noodle soup, steamed dumplings, and sweet and sour pork. Also, some rice and a jar of good wine."
The waiter nodded efficiently and withdrew. Ethan leaned slightly in his seat and, by instinct, brought his hand to the bridge of his nose, trying to adjust glasses that weren't there. An automatic gesture, engraved in his memory after years of wearing them.
He clicked his tongue silently. Although his vision was good enough in this world, he didn't quite feel himself without them.
"Sit down," he ordered Zhao Ren, not taking his eyes off the table.
Zhao Ren, who had remained standing behind him like a guard, hesitated for a moment. However, upon noticing Ethan's calm gaze, he obeyed and sat across from him. Though he was his servant, their relationship went beyond a simple master-servant bond. They had known each other since childhood, and if there was anyone Ethan could trust without hesitation, it was him.
As they waited, the restaurant's hustle and bustle blended with the conversations of nearby diners."Did you hear? A disciple from the Sect of a Thousand Bones massacred an entire village."
Ethan kept a neutral expression, but his mind immediately registered the name.
"Shhh, don't say nonsense," another man at the table replied nervously."According to official news, the village was attacked by a demonic beast. The county has already mobilized cultivators to deal with the problem."
"Bah, nonsense!" the first man snorted in annoyance."The nearby villages witnessed the scene and swear it was a cultivator dressed in black. His technique was related to bones; it was clearly those lunatics."
His companions tried to calm him down, but the man seemed too upset to stop.
Ethan did not immediately react, but memories began to surface in his mind. The Sect of a Thousand Bones was one of the four main sects of the Yun Dynasty, but unlike the other three, its reputation was stained with blood.
The Jade Sword Sect represented unmatched swordsmanship, cultivating fencing techniques. The Iron Tiger Sect prioritized strength and endurance, forging their bodies into weapons. The Fire Lotus Sect mastered the path of fiery spiritual energy.
But the Sect of a Thousand Bones… it was different.
While the other sects cultivated strength by constantly integrating spiritual energy into their bodies, the Sect of a Thousand Bones followed the demonic path. Their disciples also used the lives of mortals and cultivators as fuel for their progress. For them, the human body was nothing more than raw material; blood, marrow, and bones were ingredients refined into cultivation tools or living weapons. Their techniques could extract the very essence of an enemy, molding it into bone talismans or into flesh puppets that obeyed without free will.
Rumors spoke of disciples carrying weapons forged from human spines. But they weren't just tavern rumors. For centuries, the lands of the Yun Dynasty had been witnesses to their atrocities, and although the other sects tried to eradicate them more than once, the Sect of a Thousand Bones had proven to be a force difficult to extinguish.
They could face the fragile alliance of the three orthodox sects, plagued by internal struggles and conflicts of interest, without fear. As for the Yun Dynasty, their stance was clear: as long as the balance of power was maintained, some sacrifices were acceptable. They did not interfere in the sects' wars, because if all suffered losses, their control over the domain would only solidify further.
Ethan drummed his fingers on the table. He dismissed the concern for the moment. He was still far from being able to get involved in the matters of high-level cultivators. For now, his priority remained the same: to develop himself.
The aroma of the freshly served lacquered duck interrupted his thoughts. Without further delay, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.