C22 Artifact Refining Master

After seeing her sister off, Lin Xi continued her cultivation of the Heaven Rank Heart Method. As night fell, Lin Xi abruptly awoke from her meditation. She had just attempted to execute the One-sword Spell with the Myriad Dao Sword within her sea of consciousness, but before its power could be fully unleashed, the Myriad Dao Sword shattered.

Ultimately, the Myriad Dao Sword remained incomplete. Although Lin Xi had previously succeeded in condensing the purest Myriad Dao Sword Intent within her, the sword was still merely a mold filled with intent, lacking a fully forged sword body. It would require rare treasures from heaven and earth to complete.

During her last visit to the Myriad Flower Chamber of Commerce, Lin Xi had inquired about these necessary materials. However, the exorbitant prices quoted by the chamber's manager—a top-grade Blazing Gold Crystal, a thousand-year Dragonspine, several thousand-year Golden Scales, and a bottle of Dragon Blood—left her feeling hopeless. The cost was over a million Spirit Crystals!

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Lin Xi's mind, and she murmured, "The Celestial Azure Academy should have an Artifact Refining Master department, right?" Without hesitation, Lin Xi dashed out of the palace in search of Sima Shangqing.

Sima Shangqing looked at her with mild surprise. "You're also an Artifact Refining Master?"

Lin Xi sheepishly scratched her head. "Not exactly, but I have some knowledge."

Sima Shangqing was taken aback; Artifact Refining Masters were exceedingly rare among cultivators. "Out with it, what else have you been keeping from me?" she demanded, eyeing Lin Xi with narrowed eyes.

With a radiant smile, Lin Xi replied, "That's all, really. I've been so focused on my cultivation that I overlooked this aspect."

Pleased, Sima Shangqing recognized Lin Xi's strength and her additional skill in artifact refining. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere special."

Chatting away, Sima Shangqing led Lin Xi on a swift journey through the academy. They soared over several peaks before arriving at a grand palace, its structure predominantly crafted from iron plates, where they came to a stop.

The Celestial Azure Academy certainly has a department for Artifact Refining Masters, but it attracts very few students each year. As a result, it seldom gains public attention. Since you're interested, I'll have a word with Hall Master Zhao of the Artifact Refining Hall and getting you in won't be an issue.

Sima Shangqing explained while she vigorously knocked on the massive iron door.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Lin Xi suddenly inquired, "By the way, Mentor Sima, does the academy provide the materials needed for an Artifact Refining Master to forge a spirit weapon?"

Sima Shangqing smiled faintly, "Absolutely. Although the Artifact Refining Hall has few students each year, it's certainly a department with substantial investment."

She went on to say, "Furthermore, our Artifact Refining Hall has a partnership with the Myriad Flower Chamber of Commerce. They purchase the high-quality spirit artifacts crafted by our students at a good price."

Lin Xi's eyes sparkled as he continued, "So, if I want to create my own spirit weapon, about the materials..."

Sima Shangqing quickly grasped Lin Xi's intention, "You sly kid, I was wondering why you brought this up. If a student wants to forge a personal spirit weapon, the academy will provide the materials. However, there's only one spot available each year, chosen through an internal selection within the Artifact Refining Hall. If you truly have the talent, then go for it."

Before long, the hefty iron door slowly opened, and a portly man in work clothes emerged.

Upon seeing Sima Shangqing, the man paused, slightly taken aback, "Mentor Sima, what brings you to my Artifact Refining Hall today?"

Sima Shangqing replied with pride, "Fatty Zhao, how many new disciples has your Artifact Refining Hall welcomed this year?"

Hall Master Zhao Sheng chuckled heartily, "Hahaha, well, Mentor Sima, this year our Artifact Refining Hall has been blessed with three prodigies."

"They're only seventeen and have already reached the rank of a third-grade Artifact Refining Master!"

Sima Shangqing ushered Lin Xi forward, "My disciple here is also an Artifact Refining Master and is eager to study under your guidance."

Hall Master Zhao examined Lin Xi, his expression shifting, "Since when did Mentor Sima start taking on Artifact Refining Masters as disciples?"

Sima Shangqing chuckled, "Not at all, I only just discovered it myself, so I brought him over to you."

Hall Master Zhao patted his stomach and gave Lin Xi a quick once-over, "Come on in with me."

Following Hall Master Zhao, Lin Xi entered the iron-clad palace.

Inside, the light was dim, and the sounds of metal forging reverberated throughout.

"So, kid, what level of Artifact Refining Master are you?" Hall Master Zhao inquired, settling into his chair.

Lin Xi replied with an even tone, "I'm not ranked at all, I haven't been certified yet."

At that, Hall Master Zhao's face darkened, "You little rascal, are you playing games with me?"

Lin Xi grinned, "I can forge spirit artifacts, though. I've just never had the time to go through the grading certification."

Hall Master Zhao eyed Lin Xi with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, wondering if Sima Shangqing had sent him for a laugh.

With a furrowed brow, Hall Master Zhao realized he had made a commitment. Sending Lin Xi back to Sima Shangqing now could lead to dire consequences he dared not contemplate!

"Well then, how about this: you can assist a student and learn for now. The other elders of the Artifact Refining Hall are away for the Artifact Refining Master's Assembly happening in five days, so we can't conduct the rating and certification assessment. Go ahead and start learning."

Saying this, Hall Master Zhao summoned a towering figure, a man named Soong Zhi.

"Soong Zhi, this young man just arrived today. Have him work as your assistant and show him the ropes."

Soong Zhi grinned broadly, "Sure thing, Hall Master!"

Lin Xi then followed Soong Zhi to a room where a blast of heat greeted them upon entry.

The room's furnace roared with intense flames.

"Hi, I'm Soong Zhi, a fourth-grade blacksmith," Soong Zhi introduced himself, removing his heavy gloves to shake hands with Lin Xi.

Lin Xi returned the smile and the handshake, "I'm Lin Xi."

"Great. I'm currently forging a High Rank Spirit Artifact, the Purple-gold Profound Spirit Spear. Just watch and observe for now," Soong Zhi instructed before donning his gloves again.

The grades of spirit artifacts ranged from Common, Beginning Rank, Intermediate Rank, High Rank, Profound Rank, Heaven Rank, King Rank, Monarch Rank, Saint Rank, to Divine Artifact.

Soong Zhi retrieved a glowing, red-hot iron from the furnace. He placed the iron on the anvil and, with a hefty swing of the massive hammer beside him, he struck it with a rhythmic cadence. The shape of the iron on the anvil gradually transformed under his blows.

Lin Xi stood by silently, observing the process.

After an hour had passed, Soong Zhi performed a second round of forging. He then selected a smaller hammer for the finer work on the now malleable iron.

Another half-hour elapsed, and the Purple-gold Profound Spirit Spear was beginning to take form. The next phase involved using spiritual force for the intricate Spirit Pattern Engraving.

Despite Soong Zhi's large frame and powerful hands, he handled the delicate engraving knife with deep concentration. A layer of purple spiritual energy enveloped him, emanating from the Purple Cloud Powder on the knife—a necessary adhesive for engraving spirit artifacts.

A weapon, if not inscribed with spirit patterns, remains merely a common armament. However, to etch spirit patterns requires not only techniques passed down for centuries but also the soul of a true artisan.

Crafting a spirit weapon is a task that demands precision and care.

Watching Soong Zhi, completely absorbed in his craft, Lin Xi shook her head slightly. In her eyes, the process of forging a spirit weapon was overly complex and burdensome.