A month passed in the blink of an eye. When the heavy stone door slowly opened amid a deep rumble, Yang Tong reappeared outside the refining chamber.
She walked calmly toward the refining platform, her divine sense spreading like invisible ripples. Yet the instant it touched the objects on the platform, her figure paused ever so slightly.
A warm-hued red jade box lay quietly on the refining platform, beside it a dark-gold metal warhammer. Faint spiritual light flowed across its ten-foot-long handle.
The heavy hammer appeared plain and unadorned, but upon closer inspection, one could see one hundred and eight spiritual patterns densely engraved across its body. Each was carved to precisely the right depth, echoing the others to form a perfect whole.
"Not bad."
Yang Tong reached out and grasped the hammer's handle, her fingertips lightly brushing over the spiritual patterns. A trace of surprise flashed through her eyes. "The one hundred and eight spiritual patterns were engraved evenly and meticulously, and the patterns you selected complement one another well. Your talent has truly exceeded my expectations."
She turned the heavy hammer over in her hand, examining it as the dark-gold hammerhead reflected her cold features.
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke slowly. "I have never accepted male disciples, but this time, I can make an exception and take you as a registered disciple. Once you officially become a fourth-rank artifact refiner, you may perform the formal ceremony of discipleship."
"I shall abide by Master's decision."
Zhang Tie bowed respectfully, his tone deferential yet composed. "Since I finished the refinement ahead of schedule, I also refined an additional magical treasure." He pointed at the red jade box.
Yang Tong waved expressionlessly, and the jade box opened at once.
The moment she saw what was inside, her pupils