Chapter 28: Come, Let's Go Experience the Beautiful Pavilion |
"Is the Wood Generation Method really the best for artifact refining?"
Yulou watched earnestly as the Patriarch manipulated the spirit fire. Soon enough, the flames stimulated the inherent spirituality of the Black Jade Oil Bead's base material, black jade.
Whether Foundation Establishment cultivators were immune to heat or the Patriarch simply didn't mind it, he grabbed the Black Jade Oil Bead barehanded, retrieved a spirit seed from his storage bag, and began to catalyze it.
"Look, this is the most unique step of refining with the Wood Generation Method. After stimulating the artifact's original spirituality, you use a spirit seed as a bridge to connect them.
"If you want a superior refinement, you must also consider the type of spirit seed—whether it aligns with the inherent traits of the artifact and its base material.
"However, your Black Jade Oil Bead is relatively simple. You don't need to be too picky when refining a mid-grade magical artifact. After all, it's impossible to elevate it to high-grade. This white elm spirit seed will suffice."
The Patriarch truly taught him everything. He wasn't like Hongmei, who only told Yulou what to do without explaining the reasoning behind it.
Whenever asked, Hongmei would just tell him it wasn't time for him to learn yet, showing no intention of imparting all his knowledge.
"Black Jade Oil Bead and white elm wood? Why does that sound so incompatible?"
"What do you know? The Wood Generation Method is quick and simple, but it has its quirks. It is very difficult to achieve a high level of compatibility between the newly grafted spirit wood and the original base material.
"It can only enhance functionality. In terms of sheer power during magical combat, the improvement is minimal.
"So, while it might seem like we're just making do, even with the utmost effort, the end result would only differ slightly."
As the ancestor of the Wang Clan, the Patriarch's artifact refining attainments were truly extraordinary.
While scolding Yu'an, he catalyzed the spirit seed, swiftly refining new restrictions into the white elm spirit wood and completing the process.
Accepting the refined artifact from the Patriarch, Yulou realized it could no longer be called a Black Jade Oil Bead.
It should probably be called a Black Jade Bead Staff.
The short handle crafted from the white elm spirit wood was only about five or six inches long. Fixed to one end of the wooden grip was the original Black Jade Oil Bead.
"Of the six new layers of restrictions I've added, two are for manipulation. By activating these two layers, you can control it with just a tiny bit of magical power and divine sense.
"Another two layers are dedicated to controlling the Black Jade Oil Bead. In other words, to use the bead's original functions, you only need to channel power into those four layers of restrictions.
"The final two layers are activation restrictions. This is the biggest change I made during the refinement.
"Once you trigger these two layers, the Black Jade Oil Bead will detonate instantly. If you face an overwhelming enemy during magical combat, you can use it as a single-use artifact.
"After the explosion, immediately follow up with another artifact to deliver a fatal blow. An ordinary Qi Induction cultivator would undoubtedly die!"
Looking at the black jade staff in Yulou's hand, Wang Xianmao seemed extremely satisfied.
"Ah? Single-use? But this is a mid-grade magical artifact!"
Both Yulou and Yu'an were dumbfounded. Was the Wang Clan really this wealthy?
"So what if it's a mid-grade magical artifact? Staying alive is the most important thing. I've seen far too many unlucky cultivators die because they hesitated during magical combat.
"You both need to understand that although this world is governed by the Immortal Alliance, it is completely normal for cultivators from different sects and factions beneath the Alliance to fight and kill each other.
"When it's time to run, you run. If you can avoid striking, don't strike. But when you do strike, you must use thunderous, deadly methods without a single shred of hesitation!
"The Wang Clan's family rules teach you how to endure temporary slights to secure long-term gains. But wait until you reach Qi Refining and learn our secret magical combat arts; then you'll understand that we lack no thunderous methods!" the Patriarch instructed.
Of course they didn't lack them! How did Wang Rongyuan fight one against three, crushing three high-level Qi Refining cultivators of the same tier in less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea?
Was it his cultivation base?
Was it his magical artifacts?
Was it his secret arts?
No, he relied on the Wang Clan's legacy of magical combat!
To survive for a thousand years in a wretched place like Wunan, the Wang Clan definitely had some serious skills!
Otherwise, Wang Xianmao wouldn't be the manager of the Ghost Market Auction.
The status and prestige of the Wang Clan of Anbei Kingdom did not exist because of the Anbei Kingdom. Rather, the Anbei Kingdom, along with its prestige and status, existed entirely because of the Wang Clan!
"Yu'an, take a look at this turtle shell."
Looking somewhat exhausted, the Patriarch handed the refined Golden Horn Mud Turtle Shell to Yu'an.
Yulou's Black Jade Oil Bead was simple to refine using the Wood Generation Method, but Yu'an's turtle shell possessed dual metal and bone properties, and Hongmei had only refined three layers of restrictions into it.
Sitting in the artifact refining room, the Patriarch had spent four hours refining it with his spirit fire.
It was fortunate that it was merely a mid-grade magical artifact; had it been a high-grade one, the chances of Wang Xianmao blowing it up during refinement would have skyrocketed.
After all, the Wang Clan's inheritance in the fire artificing path was lacking, and the Patriarch did not possess a fire spirit root.
In truth, Hongmei was the most suited to refine the turtle shell, but his skills with spirit-bone materials were not particularly outstanding, which was why he had held off on refining it.
Uncle Rongyuan's judgment was correct. Hongmei had gifted the turtle shell to Yu'an precisely because he knew the Wang Clan was proficient in spirit-bone refining methods, making it an easy favor to grant.
"Seventeen layers! There really are seventeen layers! Patriarch, thank you, Patriarch!"
Holding the turtle shell, Yu'an examined it affectionately, barely able to resist the urge to activate it and test it out right then and there.
However, being only at the second layer of Qi Induction, he couldn't possibly wield a magical artifact with a full seventeen layers of restrictions.
"Alright, you two head back first. I still need to refine that Immortal Alliance female cultivator's magic seal."
Yulou and Yu'an rose, bowed respectfully, and then took their leave.
——
Stepping out of the artifact refining room and observing the flow of people on the street, Yu'an's eyes shifted as an idea struck him, and he turned to Yulou.
"Brother, why don't we browse the Huang Clan's Hundred Treasures Workshop for a bit?"
Yulou thought for a moment before replying.
"That works. This is the property of the Hongdengzhao sect master's family, and it's located inside a magic treasure. There shouldn't be any rogue cultivators bold enough to stir up trouble here."
Having received his older brother's approval, Yu'an walked briskly ahead, complaining.
"You're just too cautious. We've been in Clear Stream Market for half a month, and there hasn't been a single trace of rogue cultivators inside the market, has there?"
"Just because there haven't been any recently or today doesn't mean there won't be tomorrow. It's just that with the Clear Stream Grand Gathering approaching, no rogue cultivator dares to provoke Hongdengzhao right now."
Yulou led his younger brother into a shop that sold magical robes.
Since both of them were wearing the uniforms of Forge Peak Residence clerks, they looked rather impoverished. When the attendant at the magical robe shop saw them, he merely cast a sweeping glance and said,
"You can look, but don't touch. If you aren't buying, don't ask questions. The descriptions are listed below the items."
This was the first time in Wang Yu'an's life that he had been looked down upon so blatantly. He wanted to speak up but forcefully held his tongue.
It was all due to their family teachings!
What should you do when provoked?
First, mentally mark the provocateur. As long as your interests aren't harmed, endure it. Endure until the situation becomes clear before making a response.
The Wang Clan absolutely forbade its descendants from acting like idiots!
"Brother, is this the exact situation the family taught us about, where we get underestimated while traveling abroad?" Yu'an asked quietly.
"He isn't underestimating us. We genuinely can't afford anything here.
"This magical robe made from silver-backed spirit silkworm silk costs two hundred and thirty spirit stones. Even if we sold ourselves, we wouldn't be able to afford it!"
Yulou read the magical robe's description, clicking his tongue slightly in astonishment.
This silver spirit gold-embroidered silk magical robe was only at the level of a low-grade magical artifact, yet its price was no lower than an ordinary mid-grade magical artifact.
Showing off was indeed a universal need for all cultivators who hadn't yet ascended to immortality. Many cultivators were more than willing to spend extra spirit stones just to look impressive.
"Let's change shops. It's too expensive. Looking around when we can't afford a single thing just feels depressing."
Yulou wanted to laugh. Yu'an was still too young.
At that thought, he raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Come, let's go experience the Beautiful Pavilion."
Yu'an was somewhat expectant, but out of respect for the Patriarch's admonitions, he replied awkwardly, despite his heart fluttering with excitement.
"Ah? Brother, the Patriarch said the female cultivators there practice the Charm Art. Is it really appropriate for you to take me there?"
As long as Yulou said it was appropriate, he would go!
If the Patriarch asked about it later, Yulou would take the blame and the beating.
Yu'an had it all clearly calculated.
He could easily gift the six-layer restriction Purple Copper Bead to his older brother.
For the sake of their brotherhood, that was a trivial matter.
But when it came to getting beaten, shouldn't the more favored older brother take priority?
After all, I, Wang Yu'an, have already suffered a ten-hit combo from Uncle Rongyuan.
You, Wang Yulou, haven't taken a beating yet!
"Hahahaha, not bad. At least you know what's important,"
Having successfully teased the kid, Yulou laughed merrily.
Yu'an's little face immediately slumped.
You were teasing me?
I got excited for nothing!
I put you in my heart as a brother, but you treat me like a toy!
I thought you were actually going to take me!
Yulou's Black Jade Oil Bead had been easy to process using the Wood Generation Method, but Yu'an's turtle shell possessed the dual attributes of metal and bone, so Hongmei had only managed to lay down three layers of restrictions.
The Patriarch had sat in the artifact refining room, forcibly tempering it with spirit fire for four solid hours before he finally finished.
Fortunately, it was only a mid-grade magical artifact. Had it been a high-grade one, the chances of Wang Xianmao accidentally blowing it up during the refinement process would have drastically increased.
After all, the Wang Clan's inheritance in the fire-attribute artificing path was lacking, and the Patriarch himself didn't possess a fire spirit root.
In truth, the most suitable person to refine the turtle shell was Hongmei. However, Hongmei's skill with spirit bone materials wasn't particularly outstanding, which was why he had put off the refinement.
Uncle Rongyuan's judgment was spot on. Hongmei had gifted the turtle shell to Yu'an precisely because he knew the Wang Clan excelled at bone-refining techniques. It was meant to be an easy favor.
"Seventeen layers! There really are seventeen layers! Thank you, Patriarch!"
Holding the turtle shell, Yu'an examined it affectionately, wishing he could refine and play with it right this instant.
However, he was only at the second layer of Qi Induction. He absolutely could not wield a magical artifact with a full seventeen layers of restrictions.
"Alright, you two head back first. I still have to refine that Immortal Alliance female cultivator's magic seal."
Yulou and Yu'an stood up, bowed respectfully, and took their leave.
Stepping out of the artifact refining room and watching the flow of people on the street outside, Yu'an's eyes darted around before he turned to Yulou.
"Brother, should we go browse the Huang Clan's Hundred Treasures Workshop?"
Yulou thought for a moment and replied,
"Sure. It's a business owned by the family of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's sect master, and it's located inside the magic treasure itself. No rogue cultivator would be brazen enough to cause trouble here."
Receiving his older brother's approval, Yu'an walked briskly ahead, grumbling playfully,
"You're just too cautious. We've been in Clear Stream Market for half a month, and hasn't it been completely devoid of rogue cultivators?"
"Just because there haven't been any lately, or none today, doesn't mean there won't be any tomorrow. It's simply because the Clear Stream Festival is approaching, and no rogue cultivator dares to pluck the tiger's whiskers of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect."
Yulou led his younger brother into a shop selling magical robes.
Because both were wearing the attendant uniforms of the Forge Peak Residence, they looked rather shabby and poor. The shop assistant merely cast a fleeting glance at them and declared,
"You can look, but don't touch. If you aren't buying, don't ask questions. The descriptions are written below."
This was the first time in his life Wang Yu'an had been slighted like this. He wanted to speak up, but forcibly swallowed his words.
It was a family teaching!
What should one do when provoked?
First, carefully mark the provocateur. As long as your own interests aren't damaged, endure it. Endure until the situation is clear before reacting.
The Wang Clan absolutely forbade its descendants from acting like impulsive fools!
"Brother, is this the kind of situation the family taught us about, where we get looked down upon while traveling outside?" Yu'an asked in a hushed voice.
'He's not looking down on us; we genuinely can't afford anything.'
"This magical robe made from silver-backed spirit silkworm silk costs two hundred and thirty spirit stones. Even if we sold ourselves, we wouldn't have enough to buy it!"
Yulou read the magical robe's description, silently clicking his tongue.
This Silver Spirit Gold-Embroidered Silkworm Robe was merely at the level of a low-grade magical artifact, yet its price was no lower than that of an average mid-grade magical artifact.
Showing off was truly a universal need for all cultivators who hadn't yet achieved immortality. Many were more than willing to spend extra spirit stones just to look impressive.
"Let's try another shop. It's too expensive here. Looking at all these things we can't afford just makes me feel bad."
Yulou felt a bit amused; Yu'an was still too young.
Raising an eyebrow, he said with a grin,
"Come, let's go experience the Beautiful Pavilion."
Yu'an looked expectant, but he still maintained a healthy respect for the Patriarch's warnings. Fidgeting slightly, his heart completely swayed, he replied,
"Ah? Brother, the Patriarch said the female cultivators there practice the Charm Art. Is it really appropriate for you to take me there?"
As long as Yulou said it was appropriate, he would go!
When the Patriarch inevitably asked about it later, Yulou would take the blame and the beating.
Yu'an had calculated everything perfectly.
He could easily gift the six-layer Purple Copper Bead to his older brother.
Their brotherly bond was strong; that was just a minor detail.
But when it came to taking a beating, shouldn't the more favored older brother take priority?
After all, Wang Yu'an had already suffered a ten-hit combo from Uncle Rongyuan.
Wang Yulou hadn't taken a beating yet!
"Hahahaha, alright, at least you have some sense of propriety."
Having successfully teased the kid, Yulou laughed merrily.
Yu'an's little face rapidly slumped.
'You were just messing with me?'
'I got excited for nothing!'
'I hold you in my heart as a brother, and you treat me like a toy!'
'I actually thought you were going to take me!'