An Unusual Feeling

"You must remember that the Artifact Refining Tower before you is the very foundation upon which our Hundred Refining Sect was established!"

The towering blue-gray pagoda stood more than a hundred zhang tall, its ancient, weighty body faintly covered in intricate talismanic patterns that flowed with a steady aura capable of making one's heart tremble.

At the stone gate beneath the tower stood Elder Xuan Qiuluo, the elder on duty. His beard and hair were white, and he wore coarse hemp robes. His face was kindly, yet he possessed an authority that brooked no doubt. His gaze swept across the more than eighty outer disciples standing solemnly below, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching every ear.

"This tower is connected to the Earth Lung Spirit Flame. Its formations are profound and extraordinary.

"Other than essential matters such as instructing new disciples and conducting sect examinations, even True Disciples must pay ten low-grade spirit stones per day to borrow a refining chamber!

"The fact that you are able to enter this tower today to take part in this minor competition is an opportunity. You must give it your all and not disappoint the sect's expectations!"

Elder Xuan Qiuluo spoke earnestly, every word striking their hearts like a hammer. This elder was not only on duty in the tower, but also a renowned senior artifact refiner of the Hundred Refining Sect. He had personally forged a half-step supreme-grade dharma artifact, so his words carried tremendous weight.

He stroked his snow-white beard hanging to his chest, nodded faintly, and continued, "All right, the time has come. Follow the numbers indicated on your tokens and enter your assigned refining chambers in order.

"This minor competition will test three of your foundations: ore identification, ore refinement, and artifact blank forging! The time limit is