At the topmost level of the Star Plucking Auxiliary Tower, Yu Ci sat cross-legged in the center of the room.
Having left Old Master Zhu, he went to seek out Uncle Lu De. With the connection to Old Daoist Yu Zhou in place, even though it was their first meeting, asking Uncle Lu De to forge a sword weapon wasn't a difficult task. Not to mention, the sword embryo, materials, and even the sword-forging technique were all prepared; now, all that was left was to wait.
A single round of visits had settled all matters, but it also meant taking on a significant burden. Of course, there was also that infuriating homework... Outside the window, the sky was a clear azure, and the light exceptionally bright. Taking a deep breath, the cosmic qi flowed through his body, cleansing and unblocking his meridians. This was the essence of the Mysterious Truth from the Outer Realm of the Nine Heavens, which, after permeating the layer of the gang wind, intertwined with the cosmic qi of this world. The ancestors of the Lichen Sect had grandiosely drawn the earth's energy to this place, creating a Tri-Element Convergence and forming a prime cultivation site.
Such a domain could not possibly be enjoyed by a single individual. Hence, the Star Plucking Auxiliary Tower was cleverly divided into independent spaces using corridors and winding railings, each established with prohibitive spells to prevent interference. The space felt expansive, and the design was truly remarkable.
In this environment, with the protection of the Power Guardian Saint, Yu Ci was not worried about exposing his secrets. He took out an item and spread it before him.
It was a piece of red gauze.
Old Master Zhu had tasked him to refine his three magical instruments to a level above the Five Heavens Refinement within a year. To others, this was undoubtedly a challenge. For Yu Ci, it was also a challenge, but not without a "way out."
After all, Yu Ci practiced the "Primordial Root Qi Method."
The five or six heavens standard that Old Master Zhu demanded was commonly used by Nature-Connecting Cultivators, which was somewhat low compared to his current cultivation level. The usual refining periods of ten or eight years differed fundamentally from his ability to commit fully, compressing a decade's work into one year was not an impossible task; it was just a matter of quantity.
Increasing efficiency was imperative.
But at the current stage, there was another issue. Out of the three magical instruments, which should he choose to refine?
He had no shortage of magical instruments that he could use, but opportunities like this one for secluded cultivation atop the Star Plucking Tower, to fully refine with great effort, were rare. The gap in the level of refinement among the magical instruments this time might create a significant divide, affecting various aspects of offense and defense against enemies in the future. The choice at this moment was critical.
The Divine Bronze Mirror was probably his most highly refined treasure, with an astonishing origin. Unfortunately, it employed a "one method per instrument" approach, which involved too much estimation and did not quite meet Old Master Zhu's requirements.
The Tao Scripture Master Three Treasure Seal, crafted by Uncle Lu De, was still a blank slate, allowing Yu Ci to paint upon it as he wished. It had already reached a refinement of two heavens.
The Golden Green Palace Cord, obtained from the lair of ghostly beasts, was most effective in attacking the Divine Soul. Its level of refinement was somewhat lower than that of the Tao Scripture Master Three Treasure Seal.
The other magical instruments freshly acquired from the Sword Garden were of no lesser quality. For instance, the Chaos Nine-Hole Soul-Scattering Smoke Pot obtained from Xiao Fuyun could release a disorienting smoke that ensnared Yin Spirits. Its power was formidable, being an artifact refined to sixty-four layers and ten celestial tiers, which would be much easier to re-refine.
Wen Shifei's collection boasted even more exquisite items, though he seemed particularly 'enchanted' by the "Flying Shuttle," amassing a variety of shuttle-shaped treasures. Among them, the Shadow Thunder Ghost Flame Shuttle alone numbered fifteen. Regrettably, most were refined using the secret methods of the Demonic Sect, which Yu Ci had yet to master.
Additionally, there was the "Sundry Wind Eight-Flame Flag," a palm-sized triangular banner that, when unfurled, seemed to brush one's face with a gentle breeze, yet concealed within it was a sinister flame. It could be used both offensively and defensively and was quite formidable. This artifact had been refined to sixty-nine layers, ranking it, in Yu Ci's experience with magical instruments, only behind the briefly glimpsed Great Hole True Symbol and the damaged Phantom Demon Golden Tower, making it the highest in refinement layers. It likely belonged to the Vacuum Walking Cultivator who met his end at the source of the Boundary River.
These magical instruments, laid out before one's eyes, were enough to dazzle and bewilder. However, Yu Ci had already made up his mind, having selected two items early on.
One was the Tao Scripture Master Three Treasure Seal. With the Jade Divine Cave Spirit Seal as a precedent, this Dharma Seal, merely refined to twelve layers, seemed pitifully insignificant. Yet, it was the only artifact Yu Ci had been refining from the very beginning, and its ease of use was his greatest asset. Moreover, it was crafted from Beidou Stone by Uncle Lu De himself, ensuring both material and design were of exceptional quality. Its potential for further development was not to be worried about; indeed, it was a magical instrument that could serve him for a lifetime.
The other was the Double Hook Palace Tassel. This silk tassel had a mysterious origin, capable of transforming between a hook and a palace tassel, and was particularly effective against Yin Spirits. Once its refinement layers were increased, its power would undoubtedly rise. The only issue was its provenance; Yu Ci suspected it might have been left by the Rakshasa Ghost King of old. Although it had been discarded, who knew if parading it around would draw the unpredictable ire of that famously capricious God Lord.
Nevertheless, when compared with the similar effects of the Chaos Nine-Hole Soul-Scattering Smoke Pot, the threat from the Eastern Yang Orthodox Sect was about the same. The Golden Green Palace Cord offered an additional advantage: it was more in tune with Yu Ci's rhythm of seizing the slightest opportunity. Hence, it ultimately won out, and Yu Ci, drawing inspiration from storytelling and unofficial histories he had heard in his youth, named it the "Immortal Bind Rope."
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The last selection did not require much hesitation from Yu Ci; he chose the several pieces of red gauze he wore. Setting aside other considerations, the God Slaying Sting and the Primordial Formless Sword alone were treasures that cultivators of this realm would vie fiercely for, perfectly complementing Yu Ci's own studies. The path to mastery began with the red gauze, rendering the Sundry Wind Eight-Flame Flag utterly insignificant by comparison.
But aside from the half-completed Gods Impelling Method, which of the remaining veils would he choose—the Hundred Spirits Transforming Radiance Veil, the Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil, or the newly-acquired Dragon Slaying Transforming Radiance Veil?
In relative terms, the "Hundred Spirits Transforming Radiance Veil" was of a slightly lower tier; its cultivation required reliance on external objects. Although Yu Ci had already cultivated the first heavenly layer of it, it was the first to be eliminated from consideration. The "Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil" sought strength from within oneself and seemed more approachable to start with, yet it necessitated the nurturing of a Heart Demon, veering halfway into the Demonic Tao. In contrast, the "Dragon Slaying Transforming Radiance Veil" was closer to the righteous path of the "God Slaying Sting," but it was exceedingly profound and cultivating it might not be as smooth as one would hope.
Ten Yin or Dragon Slaying?
Yu Ci pondered over and over, and in the end, he chose the "Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil."
Vital energy poured forth, and the red veil unfolded, its intricate and delicate patterns crisscrossing like a uniquely colored tapestry.
The choice of the "Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil" was made not only for the reasons previously mentioned but also because Yu Ci was confident in his own mental fortitude. With the "True Purple Smoke Warm Jade" by his side and the lingering "Qi of the Heavenly Dragon True Form," he had the ability to suppress and dissipate the evil energy of the Heart Demon. Another consideration was his current level of cultivation—it was indeed difficult for him to grasp the profound meanings within the "Dragon Slaying Transforming Radiance Veil," and he was not fond of the Hundred Spirits version of the "God Slaying Sting" found in the "Hundred Spirits Transforming Radiance Veil." Therefore, as a compromise, the "Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil" emerged as the best choice.
Initially, when he lent this veil to Meng Wei for healing, he had already cultivated six layers of it. However, later on, when studying the art of "Heavenly Flying Stars" at the Sect's Mountain Gate and focusing on the cultivation of the "Tao Scripture Master Three Treasure Seal," he had set this artifact aside. It had only been brought out again in Return Village for comparison with the "Dragon Slaying Transforming Radiance Veil" and had not been attended to since. Now, as he picked it up again and began to cultivate the Rune Patterns, Yu Ci found it... all too easy!
Before even drawing the talisman, the true essence of the Talisman was already in his heart. With the "Inner Void of the Heart" as a receptor, and the "Qi of the Heavenly Dragon True Form" as a foundation, the "Life Death Talisman" in the center of the dark sea's isolated island flipped uncertainly, causing the surrounding runes to split and form, flickering indistinctly. The various "Divine Power External Appearances" were likewise.
Yu Ci's attention was naturally drawn to the brightest spot. It was a wisp of semi-transparent mist, circling around the external form of the fish-dragon, breathing in and out from its mouth and nose with a hissing sound, exceedingly mystical.
"This is the 'Divine Power External Appearance' corresponding to the 'Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil.'"
Now, with the "Inner Void of the Heart" as the vessel and the "Qi of the Heavenly Dragon True Form" as the support, any act of Refining Artifacts would have a "Divine Power External Appearance" within it.
The isle's environment manifested as the Divine Bronze Mirror; on the foreheads of the fish-dragons, the seal "Daoist Master's Treasure" was etched. The Immortal Bind Rope transformed into two sharp claws for the fish-dragon, while the veils of Hundred Spirits and Ten Shades simply turned into mist, encircling the fish-dragon, making everything crystal clear at a glance.
With this, control became ever more intuitive.
In the realm of reality, the Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil shimmered with a lustrous glow, its surface undulating like waves. The hundreds of characters woven in shadowy lines across it began to emerge one by one. Yu Ci, however, paid them no heed. His fingers lightly brushed the surface of the crimson veil, his vital energy flowing in and out. Initially, there was a hint of gravity, but after two or three Rune Patterns had split and passed, it was as smooth and natural as drifting clouds and flowing water. The veil was constantly manipulated as if by countless hands, unable to maintain its spread-out shape, bending and bunching, constantly changing form, yet the shimmering light grew ever more dazzling.
Finally, Yu Ci clenched his fist and inhaled deeply. The radiant light on the Ten Yin Transforming Radiance Veil began to retract, and the characters faded from view.
At this point, the seventh layer of the talisman refinement had been infused. In theory, it was not yet fully complete without a final nurturing step, but in practice, the refinement was successful!
Looking back out the window, he noticed a change in the angle of the sunlight—approximately... two hours had passed?
Yu Ci was speechless in astonishment.
He suddenly realized something: he had given away the Jade Divine Cave Spirit Seal too early. Having set the theme prematurely, he had forgotten to mention to Old Master Zhu his formation of the "Life Death Talisman" and the Seed True Golden Talisman. Moreover, he had completely forgotten to bring up his Lifebound Divine Ability "Analysis," which pertained to the profound study of talismans.
If Old Master Zhu were still basing his estimates on Yu Ci's previous level, he would be wildly off the mark. It was April, when flowers bloomed everywhere and greenery was layered upon the landscape, the finest weather of the year.
"So cold!" exclaimed Sun Fu, an exclamation incongruous with the season, but it would be wrong to accuse him of lying. At that moment, he was within the Nine Heavenly Gang wind layer, over a thousand miles above the ground, where an ordinary person would freeze into an ice block in an instant.
The Gang wind was like a knife, and even for a cultivator like him, adept at Vacuum Walking, it posed a significant threat. Yet, there was a smile on his gaunt face, and the faint green light in his hands cast a ghastly hue on his eyebrows and beard, making him look like a fiendish specter.
Despite his bizarre behavior, there was nothing he did that he couldn't speak of openly.
Half a year had passed since the incident at the Sword Garden, and all the shock had subsided into a turbulent undercurrent surrounding the Broken Realm Mountain Range, seldom ceasing. At this time, the Lichen Sect, taking advantage of being the local authority, sealed off the mountain area, and by dividing and conquering, they bargained with several major sects of this realm, playing one against the other, all in the name of quietly dividing the spoils.
For Sun Fu, these maneuvers held no significance, but his employer was discontented, and thus his business thrived.
"Back in the day, the Primordial Demon Sect summoned the Demonic Cataclysm, and in an instant, the Shangqing Sect's ten thousand years of foundation were destroyed. Today, I shall follow suit and give you a minor catastrophe to sample, shall I?"
With that, he loosened his grip, and the fist-sized green light fell, vanishing into the Gang wind in a blink. "This Heavenly Demon Poison Lure is worth a Twelve-Heavens Artifact, but my payment is two... what a bargain!"
Sun Fu chuckled to himself and swiftly retreated. However, just as he had covered two li, a Sword Howl surged through the Gang wind, and he felt a warmth on his neck; his head flew off into the air.