Qingxu Doesn't Quite Understand

"It's done! It's done! It's really a flying sword!"

"The quality is actually not bad, it's completely sufficient for disciples in the Spirit Condensation Realm!"

"If this method can refine more powerful magic artifacts, won't it be possible to continuously turn precious materials into magic artifacts?"

"I understand! The most crucial part is here, where the restrictions for flying swords can be directly engraved! How is this done?"

"This way, only magic artifacts can be refined. For more complex magic treasures, the restrictions are engraved from the inside out... Hiss, not necessarily. If you want to make a certain type of magic artifact, you can pre-make a mold and engrave it. Engraving from the inside out is not impossible."

"Brilliant!"

"Hiss, why didn't I think of this before! Has my lifespan truly been wasted?"

Inside the Affairs Hall.

Li Ping'an had already moved to the edge of the crowd, with a group of Immortals marveling around the 'assembly line'.

In just this short while, Li Ping'an had already received five or six telepathic messages.

The Sect Master sent: "Ping'an, with such a marvelous method, why didn't you have your father mention it earlier?"

Li Ping'an really wanted to retort, "Are you blaming me?", but due to his current low magic power, he could only offer the Sect Master a bitter smile.

The Sect Master sent again: "This was my oversight, hahaha! We'll put it away once everyone has had a good look."

Li Ping'an cupped his hands in a salute.

Elder Yan Sheng then sent: "With this method alone, you have made a great contribution to the sect!"

The voice of Wang Zaizhi's master sent: "Young friend Ping'an, Zaizhi has offended you many times before, please forgive him."

Another unfamiliar voice sent: "I am the Sect Master of Kuiyuan Sect. Today, I wish to establish a good connection with you, young friend. If you have free time in the future, you are welcome to visit Kuiyuan Sect for a few days. Kuiyuan Sect will offer generous gifts."

They were already trying to poach him.

"Quickly put it away," Elder Xiao Yue sent. "Your magic artifact is too crude and lacks any concealing restrictions. Those few Sect Masters have already taken note. Do you know how many spirit stones this refining method could earn the sect annually... I was blind before, I never knew your father had such ingenuity."

Li Ping'an looked at his father, only to find that his father had no intention of stepping forward.

Feeling that he had showcased enough for now, Li Ping'an raised a finger and pointed forward.

These twelve large magic artifacts simultaneously stopped operating.

Elder Yan Sheng waved his pipe, and several Outer Sect Elders immediately stepped forward, placing these magic artifacts into the twelve storage artifacts Li Ping'an had previously produced, and then returned the storage artifacts to Li Ping'an.

The Immortals once again formed a semicircle.

But at this moment, the gazes of the sect disciples towards Li Ping'an were filled with disbelief.

Li Ping'an stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said loudly:

"This disciple refined numerous magic artifacts using this very method.

"These twelve magic artifacts were all modified by my father. The precious materials used were all purchased by my father with his monthly allowance from the sect. My father has already instructed me to find an opportunity to offer these magic artifacts to the sect.

"Today, this disciple presents these items to wish the sect eternal prosperity, the Dao a long rainbow, and the disciples a smooth immortal path."

Most of the Immortals' eyes held gentle smiles.

The Inner Sect Elder stroked his beard and nodded, then turned directly to the Sect Master.

The Sect Master of Myriad Cloud Sect stood up and walked forward.

"Excellent! My Dao heart is greatly pleased. Today, we must drink heartily!"

The Sect Master then said:

"Let the matter of the previous combat be put aside!

"How can a momentary dispute between young disciples compare to such a marvelous refining method?"

The Immortals of Kaiyun Peak quickly bowed: "As the Sect Master commands."

The Sect Master smiled: "Junior Brother Dazhi, what are your thoughts?"

"Everything is as Senior Brother Sect Master decides!"

Li Dazhi, who had been silent, wanting his son to shine, could no longer hide. He said with a serious expression:

"The method Ping'an presented today was actually a bit rushed. This method still has many areas that need improvement.

"My son and I were originally making a living doing this in the mortal world. We never expected to receive immortal destiny and enter the sect to cultivate. After much thought, we finally managed to combine cultivation and craftsmanship.

"Since entering the sect, my Master has treated me like his own son, never showing any disdain for the worldly scent of commerce I carried. He taught me immortal techniques and protected my ascension. The Elders and stewards have shown great care to my son and me, and the disciples of each peak have treated us with courtesy. My son and I are immensely grateful.

"Today, we offer this refining method to the sect, not seeking rewards or fame, but simply wanting to contribute to the sect. I ask the sect to treat it kindly!"

The Sect Master's eyes were filled with emotion, and all the Immortals present couldn't help but look sideways.

Li Ping'an chuckled inwardly.

After spending a long time cultivating in the mountains, most Immortals were still simple-minded and indifferent to fame and fortune;

His father's acting was also at a level of natural flow.

However, it was also possible that his father truly felt this way... that was hard to say.

Li Ping'an held the twelve magic artifacts and stepped forward, solemnly handing them to Elder Yan Sheng.

In the bamboo forest behind the main peak.

Daoist Master Kongming watched Li Dazhi from afar, a hint of emotion in his aged eyes.

This final disciple possessed not only great fortune.

Myriad Cloud Sect Master's Decree:

'Within the sect, Origin Immortal Li Dazhi, disciple of the Ancestor, of noble character, has made numerous contributions to the sect since joining Myriad Cloud Sect. Today, he has offered a marvelous refining method, to generate new revenue for our Myriad Cloud Sect. He is hereby rewarded with five measures of spirit stones, one hundred boxes of precious materials, and twelve immortal treasures.'

'Li Dazhi has enduring fortune and proven talent, a rare gem within the sect. Therefore, he is appointed as the Deputy Hall Master of Marvelous Cloud Hall, holding the title of Outer Sect Elder. He may freely enter and exit the six inner halls as he pleases.'

'Inner disciple Li Ping'an, son of Dazhi, disciple of Qingxu, of noble character and diligent in cultivation, has made meritorious contributions today. He is rewarded with three measures of spirit stones, fifty boxes of precious materials, and six immortal treasures.'

'Li Ping'an is quick-witted and possesses supreme comprehension. The Sect Master has specially granted him free access to the Hall of Daoist Scriptures.'

Just two hours after offering the treasures, various rewards were delivered to Li Ping'an.

"Wow! So many spirit stones!"

Inside the Heavenly Immortal Cave Abode, Mu Ningning pounced on the three measures of spirit stones, stars appearing in her eyes.

Qingxu pondered carefully beside her.

She truly couldn't understand why her disciple could exchange those twelve ugly magic artifacts for so many rewards from the sect.

"Master," Li Ping'an approached, holding three immortal treasures, "Please keep these. Consider them a filial offering from your disciple."

Qingxu shook her head slightly. "These are rewards for you."

Li Ping'an said, "This disciple doesn't need so many immortal treasures. I kept two, and left one for Junior Sister Mu."

Qingxu said softly, "I am short of spirit treasures."

"Alright then," Li Ping'an smiled. "If this disciple obtains spirit treasures in the future, I will offer them to Master."

Qingxu asked, "Why did the sect reward you with so many things?"

"That's a bit complicated to explain."

Li Ping'an organized his thoughts and tried to be concise:

"To maintain such a large sect, especially to continuously provide monthly stipends to disciples, we need to constantly earn spirit stones from external sources.

"The set of magic artifacts my father offered to the sect today is actually presenting a new idea, allowing the sect to produce more magic artifacts with the same manpower and time.

"Of course, this is just the first step in earning spirit stones. My father will gradually implement further plans.

"As long as we can continuously produce high-quality, low-priced magic artifacts, we can earn more spirit stones in the market towns. Coupled with the protection of the three Golden Immortal Ancestors, Myriad Cloud Sect's foundation will become increasingly stable.

"That's why the sect gave such generous rewards."

Qingxu seemed to understand and nodded slowly. "So that's how it is... I'm going to cultivate. You can play with Ningning. You did very well in this grand competition."

Li Ping'an smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Master's guidance."

As Qingxu turned and floated into the inner cave, she was still murmuring:

"If only the grand competition were a few years later."

As soon as Qingxu left, Mu Ningning let out a cheer, "Senior Brother! So many spirit stones! I won't be able to use them all in a thousand years!"

Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head, unbuckling his belt and returning to the lounge chair, relaxing his previously tense mind.

He smiled, "Take as much as you want. Choose two immortal treasures later. This is called 'everyone gets a share'."

"I don't want them!"

Mu Ningning skipped over with her hands behind her back, her clothes fluttering slightly. She was clearly overjoyed at this moment, and said with a smile:

"I can't take favors for nothing. You don't need anything from me right now.

"When I really need spirit stones in the future, I'll come to you, Senior Brother, to borrow the spirit gathering formation."

"Do we need to be so formal between us?"

Li Ping'an smiled.

"I have no plans to go out in the next few years, so these spirit stones are of little use to me. If they were just for setting up a spirit gathering formation, it would indeed take a thousand years.

"If you like anything, you can ask an Outer Sect Deacon to procure it. Cultivation in the mountains is inherently tedious; you should find some fun for yourself.

"My father has been dragged away by a group of Elders to study that set of magic artifacts. I don't know if he can handle them."

"Senior Brother, how did you come up with all this?"

Mu Ningning sat on a nearby lounge chair, her slender, round legs resting on the armrests. Her eyes did not hide her admiration at all, and her pink lips uttered sounds of praise.

"When I came over, Master and the others were also discussing this matter, saying that set of magic artifacts could earn a lot of spirit stones for the sect.

"Hehe, you didn't see it at the time, the faces of those Immortals from Kaiyun Peak turned green. That Wang Zaizhi looked even more dejected, like a frost-bitten fruit.

"Such clever thinking is truly amazing!"

Li Ping'an smiled casually, not explaining further.

The first step towards industrializing artifact refining taken today at the Myriad Cloud Sect will undoubtedly have some impact on this world of cultivation.

For now, Father's standing within the sect has once again improved!

Whenever Li Ping'an recalled the Sect Master's slightly resentful gaze when he returned to his cave abode with his Master, he felt like laughing.

Originally, this kind of "assembly line production of magic artifacts" could have been kept secret for at least a few years.

But because of the Sect Master's confidence, several other sect leaders already know about it. If the Sect Master doesn't give them a piece of the pie, it won't be easy to smooth things over.

There's a price for everything.

If these friendly sects are involved, it could also enhance the Myriad Cloud Sect's influence among these righteous immortal sects.

It all depends on the Sect Master's choice.

"Actually."

Li Ping'an chuckled:

"This set of magic artifacts isn't fully perfected yet, and there's still a lot of room for improvement. It's already very difficult for my father and me to move forward alone; we need the collective effort of the sect.

"I had originally planned to reveal such a treasure only when Father reached the True Immortal realm. However, during the sect's grand competition, when Wang Zaizhi provoked me, I thought it over carefully and decided to suppress him with the Spirit Detonation Art. In doing so, I also presented this set of magic artifacts.

"Father will be quite busy from now on... Junior Sister, this is for you."

Mu Ningning took the jade slip Li Ping'an tossed over and blinked lightly, "What is this?"

"The complete Spirit Detonation Art."

Li Ping'an added a thought in his mind... the improved and simplified version.

Mu Ningning quickly said, "This magic incantation is too precious."

"It's just a magic incantation I created myself, what's so precious about it?"

Li Ping'an handed over two ring-shaped storage artifacts:

"Inside these are two hundred flying needle magic artifacts. You just need to master their control. The Spirit Detonation Art can be used before becoming an Immortal, but it consumes a tremendous amount of mental energy..."

Mu Ningning wasn't really listening to what Li Ping'an was saying anymore.

She held the jade slip to her chest, pursed her lips, and gazed at Li Ping'an's profile, ripples spreading through her heart.

It wasn't until Li Ping'an waved his large hand in front of her.

Mu Ningning quickly snapped back to attention, her pretty face flushing slightly. She turned and sat up straight in the lounge chair, looking down at the storage artifacts that had mysteriously appeared in her hands, and whispered:

"Then I'll accept it. Thank you, Senior Brother."

Seeing the beautiful woman, as delicate and fragrant as jade, Li Ping'an also took a few more glances.

While he wasn't exactly a seasoned player in matters of the heart, he had been around the block. He knew that striking while the iron was hot now would solidify their relationship.

Most importantly, he and his father now had a foundation in the Myriad Cloud Sect beyond the protection of the Ancestor, significantly increasing their sense of security...

Furthermore, Li Ping'an knew he couldn't remain indecisive forever.

If he kept things ambiguous and unclear, her feelings might gradually fade.

Li Ping'an pondered for a moment and then softly asked, "Junior Sister Mu, would you be willing to find a Dao companion to walk the path of immortality with in the future?"

"Yes," Mu Ningning replied, looking up at Li Ping'an, "I, I am willing."

"Mm, me too."

Li Ping'an lowered his head, coughed, and took out a bamboo slip, pretending to read it carefully.

Mu Ningning visibly froze for a moment, then bit her lower lip and turned to look in the other direction, studying the texture of the cave abode's stone walls.

She suddenly let out a soft laugh, then quickly suppressed it, seeming to be contemplating something. Her fingers tightly gripped the hem of her skirt, her fingertips turning white.

Master Qingxu's earnest teachings still echoed in Mu Ningning's ears.

Before, Senior Brother Ping'an had stayed in Flowing Cloud Temple, never venturing out, so the disciples in the sect didn't know how outstanding he was.

Now, during the sect's grand competition, Senior Brother Ping'an had gained fame with the Spirit Detonation Art and received a great reward for presenting magic artifacts. There would surely be those proud daughters of heaven who would develop feelings for him.

'Clear thoughts, clear thoughts!'

"That! Senior Brother!"

Mu Ningning suddenly sat up, turned to look at Li Ping'an, and tightly pursed her lips.

Li Ping'an, confused, asked, "What's wrong?"

"I, I... that..."

Mu Ningning looked away again and whispered:

"If I get stuck at a bottleneck in the future, can I... can I come to cultivate by your side?"

"Of course," Li Ping'an said with a smile, "As long as your Martial Uncle permits, you can come anytime. I'll even prepare another bedroom for you in the corner later."

'Senior Brother also has feelings for me!'

Mu Ningning's Dao heart trembled slightly. Finally, she gathered her courage, clenched her delicate fists, and her voice, higher than usual, became disjointed:

"Um, that, what I actually wanted to say was, if you're looking for a Dao companion, could you... that is, that is to say..."

A voice suddenly came from within the cave abode: "I agree, Ningning can come to us anytime."

Mu Ningning froze for a moment, her pretty face flushing and heating up at a visible speed. A soft whimper escaped her nose as she turned and fled.

Watching Mu Ningning's flustered retreating back, Li Ping'an couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Deep within the cave abode, by the hot springs.

Qingxu looked on with a hint of confusion.

When did Ningning become so impolite? Running off without even a word. And her magic power is fluctuating, her primordial soul is uneasy... could she be showing signs of qi deviation?

And why is her disciple laughing like that again?

Just then, Qingxu's immortal sense detected a white cloud, and a charming female immortal she recognized was descending towards them.

"Master, Elder Xiao Yue is here."

Li Ping'an's voice called out:

"Do you wish to meet this Elder?"