"Senior Brother... Senior Brother?"
Li Ping'an groggily opened his eyes and turned to look at Mu Ningning, who had gently nudged him a few times.
How long had he slept? It was already dark.
Li Ping'an looked around. Beside him, only his master stood with her hands behind her back. The enormous cloud platform that had served as the spectators' stands was now reduced to the single patch beneath him.
The Heaven Ranking arena had already descended back into the valley.
The disciples from every peak had long since returned to their respective peaks.
Elder Yan Sheng and another elder with white hair and beard stood not far away, watching Li Ping'an with smiles.
Only then did Li Ping'an remember that he still had to prove that the artifacts he had used were forged by himself.
Mu Ningning reminded him softly, "Senior Brother, the two elders have been waiting for quite a while."
"I'll go over now."
Li Ping'an straightened his collar. After sleeping, he felt refreshed and clear-headed, with an indescribable sense of clarity running from his soul to his Dao Body.
He turned to look at Mu Ningning, who intended to go with him.
"Junior Sister, don't come with me. This isn't anything fun today."
"I already heard about it!"
Annoyance flickered in Mu Ningning's Peach Blossom Eyes. She even held up the Message Transmission Jade Talisman in her hand and huffed.
"My master said that if the immortals of Kaiyun Peak bully disciples of our Colorful Cloud Peak, I should use this jade talisman to call them over and argue.
"Can't they even accept losing in the sect tournament? Do they really have to keep clinging to this?
"Senior Brother, don't worry. We have reason on our side, so what are we afraid of? Our Colorful Cloud Peak has never lost an argument!"
Qing Su pursed her lips and nodded nearby.
Li Ping'an could practically see the tiny soul manifestation of his master waving her fists and shouting, "That's right! That's right!"
He laughed helplessly. "Fine. If you want to come along, then come. But Kaiyun Peak and Colorful Cloud Peak are both grounds of the Myriad Cloud Sect. Don't let such a trivial matter create bad blood. Today, don't say a word, and don't use your jade talisman to call anyone over. I'll handle it."
Mu Ningning puffed out her cheeks and muttered, "I'll listen to you. I'm only worried that others might bully you."
"Who in the sect could bully me?"
Li Ping'an walked forward with a smile, swaying his head as he said:
"My father, Li Dazhi."
Qing Su looked over.
Li Ping'an immediately added, "My master, Immortal Qing Su."
Qing Su lifted her chin with a smile, clearly quite pleased by the way Li Ping'an introduced his family background.
Mu Ningning covered her mouth and giggled, then hopped onto the white cloud beneath Qing Su's feet and followed behind her own Martial Uncle.
Li Ping'an hurried over to Elder Yan Sheng. The elder took the initiative to grab his arm, and the two headed toward the Affairs Hall while speaking through voice transmission.
Elder Yan Sheng asked solemnly, "Are you confident you can handle today's situation?"
"Rest assured, Elder," Li Ping'an replied with a smile through voice transmission. "When I used that secret art to suppress the disciples of Kaiyun Peak yesterday, I had already thought of how to deal with what came after. If anything, I was worried they would not make trouble."
"Oh?"
Elder Yan Sheng fixed his small eyes on Li Ping'an and continued through voice transmission.
"The Sect Leader is watching this matter. Though most guests have left, several sect leaders are still here. With a sweep of their Immortal Sense, there is no way to hide this.
"Do not act on youthful impulse. If you have no way to deal with this, I can cover for you a little."
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder. I accept it gratefully."
Li Ping'an immediately frowned and asked in a low voice:
"Could Elder invite several Inner Sect Elders to seal off the Affairs Hall? Keep those sect leaders from investigating?"
"Why?"
"Today, I will not merely hand over the preliminary version of the Spirit Detonation Art to the sect."
Li Ping'an said solemnly:
"My father has spent three years pondering a method of artifact forging. He recently had a flash of inspiration and gained an insight. Today, through my mouth, my father wishes to offer counsel to the sect. This concerns the sect's spirit stone business."
Confusion filled Elder Yan Sheng's eyes.
Had any other Light Condensation Realm disciple spoken such words, Elder Yan Sheng would definitely have arranged for several Deacons to cleanse that disciple's Dao heart.
But it was Li Ping'an speaking now...
"You proceed slowly to the Affairs Hall."
Elder Yan Sheng transmitted:
"I will report to the Sect Leader. The Sect Leader previously intended to settle this matter before the experts of those friendly sects, lest anyone accuse our Myriad Cloud Sect of acting unfairly."
Li Ping'an cupped his hands. "Thank you for your trouble, Elder."
"A small matter." Elder Yan Sheng transformed into a streak of Rainbow Light and shot toward the summit of the Main Peak.
The other Outer Sect Elder curiously glanced at Li Ping'an. He had no idea what Elder Yan Sheng and this young disciple had whispered to each other, so he merely followed Elder Yan Sheng's instructions and slowed the cloud by more than half.
Li Ping'an had assumed that the Affairs Hall would soon be sealed off.
Yet what he never expected was that Elder Yan Sheng would leave in haste, return in haste, and say to Li Ping'an:
"The Sect Leader said... seal it off for what? What is there here that cannot be told to outsiders? This matter should be explained openly and clearly, lest the immortals of friendly sects see us as a joke!
"Ping'an, just show them what you have. Since the Sect Leader has said so, what concerns do you still have?"
Li Ping'an: ...
And that was not all.
As Li Ping'an descended toward the front of the Affairs Hall, a white cloud carrying five middle-aged cultivators—three men and two women—slowly descended into the hall. A group of immortals hurriedly made Daoist salutes and addressed them as "Sect Leaders."
Dark lines covered Li Ping'an's forehead.
That was right. Not only had his Sect Leader not sent the leaders of the other sects away, he had directly brought them here!
Just as Li Ping'an decided that even if he got scolded today, he would not reveal his "artifact-forging production line" and risk exposing trade secrets—
A familiar voice transmission entered his ears, saying:
"Elder Yan said you wish to present the sect with the art for detonating artifacts, and that it can improve the sect's spirit stone business.
"Come, show these sect leaders the bearing of disciples from our Myriad Cloud Sect!
"I previously promised you several treasures. If you perform well today, how about I promise you several more?"
Li Ping'an looked toward the middle-aged male cultivator seated in the place of honor within the hall, surrounded by immortals. He now knew who had transmitted to him yesterday, and he immediately lowered his head in a Daoist salute.
Since the Sect Leader had said so, he would obey as a disciple should.
He would simply display it later.
In any case, this "trial version of industrial artifact-forging standards" would eventually be obsolete.
Several hundred people had gathered in the Affairs Hall. Most were sect members who had come to watch the excitement, while some disciples had come to collect their tournament rewards.
The spectators formed a semicircle, marking out the "place of debate."
Two groups stood within the circle. On the left were several True Immortals and disciples from Kaiyun Peak. On the right stood Li Dazhi, Wei Yanzi, Mu Ningning, and several female immortals from Colorful Cloud Peak.
Li Ping'an stood at the center of the semicircle, with his Heavenly Immortal master behind him.
After the Sect Leader of the Myriad Cloud Sect and the leaders of several friendly sects took their seats, they did not speak again.
An aged Inner Sect Elder rose and slightly cupped his hands toward the gathered sect members and disciples.
This elder carried considerable authority. He glanced at the people from Kaiyun Peak and at Wang Zaizhi, whose face was flushed red as he dared not raise his head, then declared:
"Regarding the immortals of Kaiyun Peak refusing to accept the result of the sect tournament, we shall settle the matter here.
"The immortals of Kaiyun Peak have raised three points.
"First, why was a young disciple of Flowing Cloud Temple allowed access to profound immortal arts of the sect?
"According to sect rules, only Inner Sect Disciples who have reached the Void Refinement Realm may, under their masters' instruction, cultivate the Cloud Soaring Illusionary Form.
"Is there an explanation for this?"
"Yes!"
Wei Yanzi immediately stepped forward. He cupped his hands in Daoist salutes toward three sides and declared:
"Reporting to Elder, Ping'an's cultivation of immortal arts was approved by an elder of the Merit Transmission Hall.
"Ever since I became an immortal of Flowing Cloud Temple, I have never told outsiders that although Ping'an's aptitude is insufficient and he began cultivating as an adult, making his progress relatively slow, he possesses an exquisitely clear Dao heart and astonishing comprehension. In merely one year, he thoroughly understood and mastered the prerequisite arts of the Cloud Soaring Illusionary Form.
"He wished to learn it, so I personally guaranteed him the right to cultivate it.
"Surely everyone saw during the tournament that Ping'an possesses exceptional talent in the path of arts, Talismans, and formations!
"How could the sect fail to value such a disciple?"
Wei Yanzi felt utterly satisfied!
He had held those words in for a full two and a half years!
The surrounding immortals nodded one after another.
Li Ping'an had only suffered in this tournament because he had entered the sect merely three years ago, leaving his cultivation far behind that of the other disciples. If he possessed mid-stage Void Refinement Realm cultivation, then with immortal arts, talismans, formations, and the Spirit Blast Art, claiming one of the top three positions on the Heaven Ranking would have been as easy as taking something from his pocket.
The Inner Sect Elder presiding over the matter looked toward the immortals of Kaiyun Peak. "Do you have any objections to this explanation?"
Wang Zaizhi's master hurriedly said, "None."
The Inner Sect Elder continued, "Second, why did the sect give one disciple so many artifacts? According to sect rules, the spirit stones and precious materials a disciple can obtain are far from sufficient to forge so many artifacts. During the battle, Ping'an used several hundred artifacts."
Li Ping'an stepped forward with cupped hands. "Elder! Please ask the third question first. Allow this disciple to report on the second afterward."
"Very well."
The elder nodded. "Third... this is somewhat absurd. Several immortals of Kaiyun Peak claim that you value methods over the Dao, neglect the root for the branches, and could easily corrupt the sect's customs."
Li Ping'an smiled. "This disciple's cultivation is merely too shallow. I have never once neglected cultivation. Junior Sister Mu, who knows me well, can testify to that."
Mu Ningning was not timid before a crowd. Upon hearing this, she immediately jumped forward, saluted the elder with cupped hands, and declared:
"This disciple has known Senior Brother Ping'an for a long time. Regarding cultivation, I am deeply ashamed.
"Senior Brother Ping'an comprehended the method of the Zhou Tian cycle while still in the Qi Refining Realm. Afterward, he cultivated every day with unwavering perseverance. Even after I took a master and received her careful instruction, Senior Brother Ping'an's cultivation progress always remained ahead of mine.
"To say that Senior Brother Ping'an values methods over the Dao is utter nonsense!"
The Inner Sect Elder stroked his beard and smiled. When speaking to Mu Ningning, even his voice became much gentler. "You have courage. Stay to the side and listen."
"Yes!"
Mu Ningning saluted again and returned behind the female immortals of Colorful Cloud Peak. Her clenched little fists were slick with sweat.
The elder asked, "Immortals of Kaiyun Peak, do you have any objections?"
"None," Wang Zaizhi's master sighed. "Yesterday, we were merely angered for a moment and thus committed such a foolish act. It truly was improper to make things difficult for a disciple. We ask Elder to punish us."
The Inner Sect Elder slowly nodded. "Since you have admitted your mistake, then this matter..."
"Wait!"
An Outer Sect Elder frowned and said:
"Should the second matter not receive some explanation?"
The hall instantly became so silent that a needle dropping could be heard.
Li Dazhi, who had been smiling at the side, slowly lost his smile. He frowned at the elder and was about to step forward.
"Disciple!"
Li Ping'an took two steps forward and directly made a Daoist salute toward the Sect Leader.
"I have a new method of artifact forging to present to the sect! It can also explain why this disciple was able to produce several hundred artifacts for use in battle!"
The elders, immortals, and disciples all reacted differently.
They had originally come merely to watch some excitement, but after hearing Li Ping'an's words, many of them frowned slightly.
They truly feared that this disciple was too young and might make a fool of himself shortly.
As Li Dazhi watched his son's figure, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Though he did not wish to steal his son's spotlight, it was indeed time for him to speak.
"Sect Leader! The method my son Ping'an presents today will certainly open everyone's eyes!"
"Hahaha!"
The Sect Leader's hearty laughter echoed through the hall.
"Junior Brother Dazhi, I know that Ping'an is highly perceptive, but do not boast too much. If Ping'an fails to open our eyes later, I will punish you!"
He had directly prepared a way out for Li Dazhi and his son.
Li Dazhi bowed slightly and said with a cupped-hands smile, "Rest assured, Sect Leader. It certainly will not disappoint... Ping'an, demonstrate the artifact-forging method you came up with by chance."
"Father, you were the one who taught it to me."
Li Ping'an smiled and sighed. Then he swept his wide sleeve, and twelve ring-shaped Storage Artifacts floated before him, slowly spreading apart.
Li Ping'an declared, "I require the assistance of twelve disciples. The lower their cultivation, the better!"
Everyone around them looked at one another, unable to make sense of it. Only Mu Ningning immediately stepped forward.
"I'll do it!"
A sword cultivator carrying a sword on his back stepped out. It was Gu Qingcheng of Sword Cloud Peak, whom Li Ping'an had met during the tournament.
The moment Gu Qingcheng stepped forward, more than a dozen disciples followed, all with cultivation in the Void Refinement Realm or Hezhen Realm.
Li Ping'an cupped his hands toward the disciples, then had each of them stand behind a Storage Artifact. He opened the Storage Artifacts and took out twelve strange-looking artifacts in turn, each one rather large.
Li Ping'an rolled up his sleeves and busied himself for a while, setting up two "conveyor belts" and connecting the twelve large artifacts one after another.
After that, Li Ping'an inserted spirit stones into each artifact. The restrictions on them all lit up.
Li Ping'an explained proactively:
"These are restrictions modified from methods used to forge formation bases. As long as spirit stones are embedded within them, these twelve artifacts can operate on their own. If one does not wish to expend spirit stones, they can also be altered to run on immortal power or magical power."
An Outer Sect Elder suddenly gave a soft cry. "Are these not the forging furnace and pill furnace I gave Martial Aunt Dazhi back then?"
Li Dazhi smiled. "You gave them to me, so you cannot ask for them back now. At most, I'll treat you to drinks twice later!"
The elder laughed heartily. "Wonderful, wonderful!"
Li Ping'an declared, "Reporting to Sect Leader! These twelve artifacts were all modified by my father, and most came from the various Outer Sect Elders of our sect!"
With that, Li Ping'an walked to the first cauldron-shaped artifact, took an ordinary precious material known as Meteorite Iron from his sleeve, and handed it to Gu Qingcheng.
"Please place the material into the furnace."
"Alright."
Gu Qingcheng did as instructed and watched tongues of flame bloom from the great cauldron as the material rapidly melted.
His task was already complete.
Li Ping'an waited a while longer, then pointed a finger at the great cauldron. The two "conveyor belts" slowly began to turn.
The silver molten iron was completely drawn out by the pot-shaped artifacts hanging from the conveyor belts and swayed its way into the second large artifact, which resembled an "earthen stove."
Mechanical clattering came from within the second artifact. Flickers of fire appeared inside as it began repeatedly tempering these precious materials.
This was the treasure Li Dazhi and Li Ping'an, father and son, planned to present to the sect today—the trial version of a fully automated standard artifact-refining assembly line!
This artifact-refining method consisted of ten main steps:
Material melting, tempering, shaping, hammering, fire treatment, engraving, spirit enhancement, edge honing, inlaying, and spirit sealing.
After that came two further steps, mainly for inspecting the artifact's quality and giving it preliminary packaging.
Li Ping'an had not deliberately intended to give the credit to his father.
Although he had designed this "production line," his old father, a fitter by trade, had painstakingly built it bit by bit. Li Ping'an was only responsible for solving several key technical issues.
With the simple operation of these twelve disciples—or merely as they stood nearby in a daze and watched—a mid-to-high-quality mundane flying sword, embedded with a spirit stone, slowly took shape.
To help the sect's immortals understand the specific meaning of an "assembly line," Li Ping'an had directly placed enough precious materials in the material-melting cauldron to forge more than a dozen flying swords. He then calmly stepped back several paces, closed his eyes, and waited.
His task was complete.
The stage ahead could be left to Old Li.
Before you continue