It worked! It worked! It really is a flying sword!
The quality is actually quite good. It's more than enough for Gathering Spirit and Light Condensation Realm disciples!
If this method could refine more powerful artifacts, wouldn't it be able to continuously turn precious materials into artifacts?
I understand it now! The key lies here—this directly imprints the restrictions used for flying swords all at once! How did they do this?
This way, it can only refine artifacts. For more complex magical treasures, the restrictions are imprinted from the inside out... Hiss, not necessarily. If one wanted to make a certain kind of artifact, one could prepare imprinted molds in advance. It isn't impossible to work from the inside out.
Wonderful!
Hiss, why hadn't I thought of this before? Had I truly wasted all those years of my life?
Inside the Affairs Hall.
Li Ping'an had already stepped outside the crowd, while a group of immortals surrounded the "assembly line," clicking their tongues in amazement.
In just this short while, Li Ping'an had already received five or six voice transmissions.
The Sect Leader said, "Ping'an, why didn't you have your father tell us in advance that you possessed such a brilliant method?"
Li Ping'an truly wanted to reply, How is that my fault? But given his current weak cultivation, he could only offer the Sect Leader a bitter smile.
The Sect Leader sent another voice transmission. "I was rash in this matter, haha! Once everyone has had their fill of looking, put it away."
Li Ping'an cupped his hands in a Daoist salute.
Elder Yan Sheng sent him a voice transmission as well. "This method alone has rendered a great service to the sect!"
Then came the voice of Wang Zaizhi's master. "Little Friend Ping'an, Zaizhi offended you greatly before. Please be magnanimous."
There was also an unfamiliar voice. "I am the Sect Leader of the Kuiyuan Sect. Today, I am willing to form a good connection with you, little friend. If you have time in the future, come visit my Kuiyuan Sect for a few days. My Kuiyuan Sect will receive you with generous gifts."
Even the poachers had arrived.
"Put it away quickly," Elder Xiao Yue transmitted. "Your artifact is far too crude, and it has no concealment restrictions. Those Sect Leaders have already memorized it. Do you know how many more spirit stones this refining method could earn the sect every year... I was blind before. Your father actually possesses such ingenuity."
Li Ping'an looked toward his father and found that Li Dazhi had no intention of stepping forward yet.
Feeling that the demonstration had been sufficient, Li Ping'an raised a finger and pointed ahead.
The twelve large artifacts stopped operating at the same time.
Elder Yan Sheng waved his pipe, and several Outer Sect Elders immediately stepped forward. They packed the artifacts into the twelve Storage Artifacts Li Ping'an had previously taken out, then returned the Storage Artifacts to him.
The immortals formed a semicircle once more.
But now, the looks in the eyes of the sect members and disciples as they watched Li Ping'an were filled with disbelief.
Li Ping'an stepped forward, made a Daoist salute, and announced loudly:
"This disciple used this method to refine many artifacts.
"These twelve artifacts were all personally modified by my father. The precious materials used were all acquired by my father within the sect through his monthly allowance. My father has already instructed me to find a suitable opportunity to present these artifacts to the sect.
"Today, this disciple offers these items in the hope that our sect may flourish forever, that the Dao of the clouds may soar like a rainbow, and that all sect members and disciples may have unimpeded immortal paths."
Most of the immortals smiled warmly.
The Inner Sect Elder stroked his beard and nodded, then directly turned to look at the Sect Leader.
The Sect Leader of the Myriad Cloud Sect rose and walked forward.
"Good! My Dao heart is greatly pleased. We must drink heartily today!"
The Sect Leader continued:
"Let the matter of the previous sparring contest pass like this!
"How could a momentary clash of youthful pride between disciples compare to such a marvelous artifact-refining method?"
The immortals of Kaiyun Peak hurriedly saluted. "We obey the Sect Leader's command."
The Sect Leader smiled. "Junior Brother Dazhi, what do you think?"
"I leave it entirely to Sect Leader Senior Brother's judgment!"
Li Dazhi, who had remained silent so that his son could enjoy more of the spotlight, could no longer hide. He said solemnly:
"Ping'an's presentation of this method today was actually somewhat rushed. There are still many areas where it needs improvement.
"My son and I originally made our living this way in the mortal world. We never expected to encounter an immortal opportunity one day and enter the sect to cultivate. After much painstaking thought, we finally combined cultivation and workshop production into one.
"Since entering the sect, my master has treated me like his own son. He has never looked down on the worldly smell of copper upon me. He taught me immortal arts and protected my path to ascension. The elders and Deacons have shown my son and me great care, while the members of every peak have treated us with courtesy. My son and I are deeply grateful.
"Today, we offer this artifact-refining method to the sect not for reward or fame, but simply because we wish to contribute something to the sect. I only ask that the sect treat it well!"
The Sect Leader's eyes were full of emotion, and every immortal present looked at Li Dazhi anew.
Li Ping'an secretly laughed.
After cultivating in the mountains for so long, most immortals were still rather simple-minded; there were also many who cared little for fame and profit.
His father's acting had reached the point where it seemed entirely natural.
Then again, perhaps his father really did think that way... That was hard to say.
Li Ping'an carried the twelve artifacts forward and solemnly handed them to Elder Yan Sheng.
Within the Bamboo Forest on the Back Mountain of the Main Peak.
Daoist Kongming watched Li Dazhi's figure from afar, and a touch more emotion appeared in his aged eyes.
This closed-door disciple possessed more than just great fortune.
A decree from the Myriad Cloud Hall Sect Leader:
'Li Dazhi, an Origin Immortal of the sect and an Ancestor's disciple, possesses noble character and has made many contributions to the Myriad Cloud Sect since joining it. Today, he offers a marvelous artifact-refining method to expand the sect's sources of income. He is specially awarded five cubic measures of spirit stones, one hundred chests of precious materials, and twelve Immortal Treasures.'
'Li Dazhi possesses long-lasting fortune and has always demonstrated exceptional talent. He is rare and valuable talent to the sect. He is therefore appointed Vice Hall Master of the Marvelous Cloud Hall, granted the title of Outer Sect Elder, and permitted to enter and leave the sect's six halls at will.'
'Inner Sect Disciple Li Ping'an, Son of Dazhi and disciple of Qing Su, possesses noble character and cultivates diligently. He has rendered merit through his offering today and is awarded three cubic measures of spirit stones, fifty chests of precious materials, and six Immortal Treasures.'
'Li Ping'an is quick-witted and possesses extraordinary comprehension. The Sect Leader specially permits him to enter and leave the Hall of Daoist Scriptures at will.'
Only two hours after the offering of treasures, all manner of rewards had been delivered before Li Ping'an.
"Wow! So many spirit stones!"
Inside the Heavenly Immortal Cave Abode, Mu Ningning threw herself onto the three cubic measures of spirit stones, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Qing Su stood nearby, pondering carefully.
She truly could not understand how her disciple had traded those twelve ugly artifacts for so many rewards from the sect.
"Master," Li Ping'an said as he approached carrying three Immortal Treasures, "please keep these. Consider them this disciple's filial offering to you."
Qing Su gently shook her head. "These were awarded to you."
Li Ping'an said, "This disciple has no use for so many Immortal Treasures. I kept two, and I also set one aside for Junior Sister Mu."
Qing Su softly said, "I lack spirit treasures."
"Then fine," Li Ping'an said with a smile. "When this disciple acquires spirit treasures in the future, I will bring them to honor Master."
Qing Su asked, "Why did the sect reward you with so many things?"
"It is somewhat complicated to explain."
Li Ping'an organized his words and tried to be as concise as possible:
"To sustain such a large sect, especially to continuously provide monthly allowances to its members and disciples, it must constantly earn spirit stones from outside.
"The set of artifacts my father presented to the sect today actually offers a new way of thinking. It allows the sect to produce more artifacts with the same manpower and in the same amount of time.
"Of course, this is merely the first step in earning spirit stones. My father will gradually handle the follow-up.
"As long as we can continuously produce affordable, high-quality artifacts, we can earn more spirit stones in the Market Towns. Combined with the protection of the three Golden Immortal Ancestors, the foundation of the Myriad Cloud Sect will become increasingly stable.
"That is why the sect gave such generous rewards."
Qing Su seemed to understand and slowly nodded. "So that is how it is... Your master is going to cultivate. You may play with Ningning. You performed very well in this grand competition."
Li Ping'an smiled. "It was all thanks to Master's guidance."
As Qing Su turned and floated toward the inner cavern, she was still murmuring to herself:
"It would have been better if the grand competition had been held a few years later."
The moment Qing Su left, Mu Ningning cheered, "Senior Brother! So many spirit stones! We won't be able to use them all even in a thousand years!"
Li Ping'an smiled and shook his head. He untied his sash, returned to his reclining chair, and relaxed the mind that had been tense all this time.
He said with a smile, "Take as much as you like. Later, choose two Immortal Treasures for yourself. Everyone who sees it gets a share."
"I don't want them!"
Mu Ningning skipped over with her hands behind her back. The lapels of her clothes trembled slightly. She was clearly delighted beyond measure, and she smiled as she said:
"Taking someone's things leaves you indebted, and you don't have anything to ask of me.
"When I really lack spirit stones in the future, I'll come mooch off your Spirit Gathering Formation, Senior Brother."
"Do we need to be so polite with each other?"
Li Ping'an smiled.
"I do not plan to leave the sect for the next few years, so these spirit stones are of little use to me. If they are truly only used to set up Spirit Gathering Formations, it really would take a thousand years to spend them.
"You can ask the Outer Sect Deacons to purchase whatever you like. Cultivating in the mountains is dull to begin with, so you have to find some enjoyment for yourself.
"My father was dragged off by a group of elders to study that set of artifacts. I wonder whether he can handle them."
"Senior Brother, how did you come up with all this?"
Mu Ningning sat on a reclining chair beside him, her slender, rounded calves resting on the armrest. She made no attempt to conceal her admiration, and several sighs of praise escaped her pink lips.
"When I came over, Master and the others were discussing this too. They said that set of artifacts could earn the sect a great many spirit stones.
"Hehe, you didn't see it then. The faces of those immortals from Kaiyun Peak had turned green. Wang Zaizhi looked even more miserable, like fruit struck by frost.
"Such ingenuity is truly amazing!"
Li Ping'an laughed freely but did not explain further.
The first step toward industrialized artifact refining that he had taken in the Myriad Cloud Sect today would surely have some effect on this cultivation world.
At the very least, his father's standing within the sect had risen another level!
Whenever Li Ping'an recalled the slightly resentful look in the Sect Leader's eyes when he followed his master back to the cave abode, he wanted to laugh.
Originally, this method of "assembly-line artifact production" could have been kept secret for at least a few years.
But because of the Sect Leader's confidence, several friendly sect leaders had learned of it. Unless the Sect Leader cut them in for a share, it would probably be difficult to settle the matter.
One had to give something up to gain something.
If those friendly sects were allowed to participate, it could also increase the Myriad Cloud Sect's influence among these righteous immortal sects.
It all depended on how the Sect Leader chose.
"Actually."
Li Ping'an smiled.
"This set of artifacts has not yet been fully perfected. There is enormous room for improvement later. My father and I alone will find it very difficult to keep moving forward, and we will need the collective wisdom and effort of the sect.
"I originally intended to reveal this treasure only after my father became a True Immortal. But during this sect grand competition, Wang Zaizhi provoked me. After thinking it over carefully, I decided to use the Spirit Detonation Art to suppress him, and naturally took the opportunity to offer this set of artifacts as well.
"My father will have plenty to keep him busy next... Junior Sister, this is for you."
Mu Ningning took the Jade Talisman Li Ping'an tossed over and blinked softly. "What is this?"
"The complete Spirit Detonation Art."
Li Ping'an silently added half a sentence in his heart... The improved, simplified version.
Mu Ningning hurriedly said, "This art is too precious."
"It is merely an art I created myself. What is so precious about it?"
Li Ping'an handed over two ring-shaped Storage Artifacts.
"There are two hundred flying needle artifacts inside. You only need to master controlling this kind of artifact. The Spirit Detonation Art can be used until you become immortal, but it places an enormous strain on the mind..."
Mu Ningning could no longer hear what Li Ping'an said afterward.
She pressed the Jade Talisman to her chest and looked at Li Ping'an's profile with pursed lips, while ripples spread through her heart.
Only when Li Ping'an waved his large hand before her face did she return to her senses.
Mu Ningning hurriedly recovered, her pretty face slightly flushed. She turned and sat upright in her reclining chair, lowered her head to look at the Storage Artifacts that had somehow appeared in her hands, and softly said:
"Then I'll accept them. Thank you, Senior Brother."
Seeing the beauty before him, soft and sweet as jade, Li Ping'an could not help looking at her a few more times.
He was not exactly a veteran in matters of love, but he had lived through enough to know that if he struck while the iron was hot, he could solidify the relationship between them.
More importantly, he and his father now had a foundation in the Myriad Cloud Sect beyond the protection of the Ancestor, and their sense of security had increased considerably...
Moreover, Li Ping'an knew that he could not keep making no indication forever.
If he continued to be ambiguous and vague about such matters without explaining them, her feelings might gradually fade.
After thinking briefly, Li Ping'an softly asked, "Junior Sister Mu, would you be willing to find a Dao companion to walk the immortal path with in the future?"
"Yes," Mu Ningning answered, looking up at Li Ping'an. "I... I would be willing."
"Yes, so would I."
Li Ping'an lowered his head and coughed, then took out a bamboo scroll and pretended to read it carefully.
Mu Ningning was visibly stunned. Then she lightly bit her pink lips, turned to look toward the other side, and studied the patterns in the stone walls of the cave abode.
She suddenly laughed, then pursed her lips to hold it back. She seemed to be struggling with something, and her two fingers tightly pinched the edge of her skirt until her fingertips turned white.
Her master Qing Xu's earnest teachings still echoed in Mu Ningning's ears.
Senior Brother Ping'an had stayed within the Flowing Cloud Temple before, never leaving through its gates, so the other disciples did not know how outstanding he was.
Now that Senior Brother Ping'an had become famous in one stroke through the Spirit Detonation Art during the sect grand competition, and had received great rewards from the sect for offering his artifacts, there would surely be gifted young women who developed thoughts about him.
Be direct with your thoughts, be direct with your thoughts!
"Um! Senior Brother!"
Mu Ningning suddenly sat upright and looked at Li Ping'an from the side, tightly pursing her lips.
Li Ping'an was puzzled. "What is it?"
"I, I... um..."
Mu Ningning looked to the side again and softly said:
"If I encounter a bottleneck in the future, could I... could I cultivate by your side?"
"Of course," Li Ping'an said with a smile. "As long as your Martial Uncle permits it, you can come whenever you wish. Later, I will open another bedroom for you in the corner."
Senior Brother has feelings for me too!
Mu Ningning's Dao heart trembled softly. At last, she gathered her courage, clenched her small fists, and spoke several notes louder than usual, her words stumbling over one another:
"Yes, um, what I actually wanted to say was, if you want to find a Dao companion, could it... I mean, could..."
A voice suddenly came from within the immortal residence: "I allow it. Ningning may come here anytime."
Mu Ningning froze for a moment. Her pretty face visibly reddened and grew hot, and a soft whimper escaped her nose. She turned and fled in a panic.
Watching Mu Ningning's flustered retreating figure, Li Ping'an could not help but laugh.
Deep within the immortal residence, beside the hot spring.
Qing Su was somewhat puzzled by this.
When had Ningning become so rude? She ran off without even saying goodbye, and the spiritual power within her was in turmoil, her primordial spirit unsettled. Could this be a sign of qi deviation?
And what was her disciple laughing about again?
Just then, Qing Su's Immortal Sense caught sight of a white cloud. A seductive female immortal who looked familiar to her was riding it down toward this place.
"Master, Elder Xiao Yue is here."
Li Ping'an's voice carried over:
"Would you like to meet this elder?"
Before you continue