Yin De Sect, Chen Xingfeng

Chapter 24: Yin De Sect

Inside the Great Mercy Divine Palace of the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect, there was a sect ranking list.

Mingtai Immortal Sect, Lingxi Immortal Sect, Xuanji Immortal Sect... and many other sects were listed, even the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect itself. Due to the Great Mercy Divine Palace's system, the rankings of these sects often fluctuated, rising and falling.

However, the Lingxi Immortal Sect consistently held a position within the top three!

Within the Lingxi Immortal Sect, the Xi family was a highly influential clan, and Xi Yuan's father was one of the leaders of the Lingxi Immortal Sect.

Precisely because of this, the status and strength of Yang Xingming, who could become Xi Yuan's Guardian, were imaginable.

When Ning Ri received a greeting from Yang Xingming, everyone's thoughts immediately began to churn...

At Yang Xingming's words, they couldn't help but inwardly speculate about Ning Ri's identity and background—

In this Cultivation World, was there any prominent family surnamed Ning?

However, they were mistaken.

Yang Xingming admired Ning Ri solely for his swordsmanship and diligence. For someone like him, they could already disregard the other person's identity, background, and origins. Therefore, his admiration for Ning Ri was purely admiration.

Of course, this was only possible if Ning Ri asked nothing of him or Xi Yuan. If Ning Ri had overtly or covertly asked Yang Xingming to arrange his entry into the Lingxi Immortal Sect or sought other rare treasures, Yang Xingming would not have adopted such an attitude.

At this moment, Ning Ri replied to Yang Xingming's inquiry, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Yang. This junior did try to enter the Lingxi Immortal Sect, but my talent was insufficient, and I was unable to join. It is truly a regret. Now, this junior is a disciple of the Heaven Defying Sect!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xingming's eyes revealed a hint of surprise. "You actually went to the Heaven Defying Sect?"

Ning Ri nodded.

Yang Xingming continued, "Then, does this mean the Heaven Defying Sect sent you for this Craftsmanship Tower trial?"

Ning Ri nodded, then chuckled sheepishly, "An elder in the sect asked me to come and observe the artifact refining techniques of the prodigies from the various immortal sects. He said the mission wasn't important; gaining more experience was what mattered."

Yang Xingming smiled along, revealing nothing, but a flicker of interest appeared in his eyes...

Xi Yuan, standing beside them, said, "Big Brother, they really have no taste. Should I tell my dad? Someone who hasn't even reached Third Stage Qi Refining can stay in Lingxi, but I think you could too."

Last time, Xi Yuan had also suggested Ning Ri go directly to the Lingxi Immortal Sect.

Ning Ri had refused outright before. He didn't know how powerful the Xi family was within the Lingxi Immortal Sect, but just looking at Xi Yuan's demeanor, he knew this was the child of a leader.

He didn't dare to agree casually, fearing that a single wrong move might lead to his demise.

Now, hearing Xi Yuan bring it up again, Ning Ri laughed and continued to refuse, "Xi Yuan, it's okay. Big Brother has already joined the Heaven Defying Sect and can't leave. It wouldn't be honest."

"We're still good friends. When Big Brother has time in the future, I'll come find you to play."

Xi Yuan said helplessly, "Alright."

Then, his eyes lit up. "But can I also come to the Heaven Defying Sect to find you?"

Previously, Xi Yuan had wanted to ask Ning Ri where he lived, clearly intending to continue learning swordsmanship from him. Ning Ri had said he had no fixed abode at the time. Now that he knew Ning Ri was at the Heaven Defying Sect, he naturally wanted to go there to find him.

But when Ning Ri heard this, he let out a small sound...

Was the Heaven Defying Sect a suitable place for children?

Perhaps?

Having interacted with the Heaven Defying Sect for a few days, he found the sect to be quite good, the people were nice, the atmosphere was pleasant, and they even knew to assign tasks to the nearby villagers. Li Cheng, who was setting up steles, Xun Zang, who was questioning his heart, Zhou Hai, who loved to get free rides while subtitling, and the anomalous Disciple Token—all seemed only slightly peculiar.

Children were unlikely to be easily influenced in a short period. It wasn't as if after visiting, they would think setting up steles was cool and then go back to the Lingxi Immortal Sect to set up large steles, right?

Thinking this, Ning Ri felt he could agree to Xi Yuan.

Going to the leader's house was not an option.

But building a good relationship with the leader's child was quite beneficial.

However, as soon as Yang Xingming heard this, his smiling and silent demeanor shifted. He patted Xi Yuan's shoulder and said, "Little Yuan, be good. Big Brother has to cultivate himself, and it's very hard work. Don't disturb him."

"In the future, you should cultivate diligently. When you break through to Foundation Establishment, on the day of celebration, you can invite Big Brother to be a guest. At that time, you can also ask Big Brother to visit your cave abode."

At the end, Yang Xingming deliberately emphasized "be a guest." This seemed to be said to Xi Yuan, but it was actually directed at Ning Ri, so that Ning Ri wouldn't misunderstand and think he was going to the Xi family to perform swordsmanship.

The distinction was significant.

Based on Yang Xingming's experience, he had already guessed that with Mo Cuidao, a perfectionist, in the Heaven Defying Sect, there would be no shortage of skilled artifact refiners. Yet, even so, they had sent Ning Ri out this year. It was likely that Ning Ri's artifact refining talent was astonishingly good, otherwise, it would be impossible for him to be here with his Third Stage Qi Refining cultivation.

Coupled with Ning Ri's diligent personality, who seemed intent on polishing a set of sword techniques thousands of times over, Yang Xingming could foresee that Ning Ri's future achievements as an artifact refiner would certainly not be low...

However, Yang Xingming's careful choice of words was clearly wasted on Ning Ri. Ning Ri didn't pay attention to the word "guest." He was just thinking—

Heavens, is the Heaven Defying Sect that terrifying?

Why say that?!

"Okay..." Xi Yuan didn't know what the two adults were thinking. He just said, "Then, Big Brother, are we going to refine artifacts together later?"

Ning Ri wasn't entirely sure either. "Probably..."

Just then.

Jiang Wu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly stepped forward.

Everyone was startled.

Immediately after, Jiang Wu sneered, "Refine artifacts together? You, a little brat, dare to participate in this trial??? Do you know everyone here is at Foundation Establishment? Do you think you, ah... mmmph mmmph mmmph..."

As soon as these words were spoken, Ning Ri's expression changed drastically.

What the heck?

Are you that brave, bro?!

The man and woman beside him were also dumbfounded.

Jiang Wen was so scared he was about to lose his mind. He punched Jiang Wu hard, silencing him, and said in utter terror, "Elder Xingming, my brother isn't reckless and doesn't intend to offend. He just..."

Yang Xingming waved his hand. "It's fine. I felt something was off about him when I came in. You guys went to the [Yin De Sect], didn't you?"

Hearing this, Ning Ri's heart stirred—

[Yin De Sect]?

Is that the anomalous name?

Jiang Wen's mournful face slightly relaxed, and he quickly replied, "Yes!"

Yang Xingming looked at Jiang Wu a couple more times. "He was possessed by [Fear Anomaly]. It's nothing serious. How many times has your brother acted up since leaving the [Yin De Sect]?"

Ning Ri heard this and his heart stirred again—

Fear Anomaly?

What is that?

Jiang Wen, however, showed a look of joy upon hearing this and immediately answered, "Six times."

Yang Xingming nodded slightly. "That's about right."

"Xiao Yuan, this is what I told you about before, the appearance of someone possessed by [Fear Anomaly]. Fear and dread will affect their actions."

Ning Ri was stunned when he heard this—

This guy is so brave, yet he's afraid and fearful?

Yang Xingming noticed Ning Ri's expression, as if seeing through his thoughts, and chuckled, "When possessed by Fear Anomaly, one feels fear and distrust towards the entire world. At such times, this is the only way they can vent their inner fear and bolster their courage."

"It's like how some people talk loudly when walking alone at night; it's all to boost their spirits."

Ning Ri pondered.

So that's how it is.

So, Fear Anomaly brings fear and dread. What about joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness?

For example, Joy Anomaly, always joyful?

If there's a Joy Anomaly, then are there also Ceremony Anomalies, Filial Anomalies, Urgent Anomalies, Shell Anomalies, and Victory Anomalies?

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

Just as Ning Ri was about to become a "Little Anomaly"...

A muffled voice suddenly came from outside the door:

"Xingming, you came personally?"

"You want my old man's reward that badly?"

As soon as the voice fell.

Everyone turned their heads and saw an old man in a blue-gray robe walking in. His face was deeply wrinkled, looking like dried tree bark. His hands were broad and thick, and his aura was unfathomable.

The newcomer was none other than the Master of Craftsmanship Tower, Chen Xingfeng.

In previous years, it was only the stewards of Craftsmanship Tower who received people for artifact refining tasks. Chen Xingfeng himself never made an appearance.

But now that Yang Xingming and Xi Yuan had arrived, Chen Xingfeng came personally.

This was precisely why Ning Ri and the others had to wait for so long.

When Chen Xingfeng appeared, Ning Ri said to everyone, "Greetings, Master Xingfeng!"

Even Xi Yuan followed suit.

Yang Xingming cupped his fists towards Chen Xingfeng and said, "Master Xingfeng, you jest. My family head said your reward is not important. What's important is for Xiao Yuan to learn from you and broaden his horizons."

Ning Ri, standing nearby, felt these words sounded strangely familiar...

"Heh heh." Chen Xingfeng chuckled and said, "In that case, let's go. Everyone is here anyway."

With Chen Xingfeng's words, everyone quickly moved to another room on the same floor—

The [Refining Room].

Inside the room, four iron racks were set up. Within the racks were black stones emitting high temperatures that made the skin feel hot. These were refining furnaces.

The word "furnace" (炉) in refining furnace referred to a blacksmith's forge in the mortal world, unlike the furnace for pills. Ning Ri felt that a blacksmith's forge looked a bit like a charcoal stove for barbecuing.

The iron platform before them was similar. Ning Ri felt that if he placed a barbecue grill and some chicken wings on top, he could start grilling immediately.

These five refining furnaces were for Ning Ri, Xi Yuan, Jiang Wen, and that man and woman.

It was only now that Ning Ri knew the background of that man and woman.

The man was from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect, named Liang Shuyou.

The woman was from the Xuanji Immortal Sect, named Jin Le.

When Ning Ri learned that Liang Shuyou was from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect, he looked at him a couple more times. The other party was completely unremarkable, which surprised Ning Ri. He had thought everyone from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect would look like a nouveau riche.

Jiang Wen's younger brother was supposed to participate as well, but because he was possessed by an Anomaly, he had to stay outside.

Upon entering the Refining Room, Chen Xingfeng had the five people each go to a refining furnace. However, Xi Yuan was special, with Yang Xingming following behind him.

Chen Xingfeng stood in the center of the five furnaces, his expression solemn, and said in a deep voice, "According to last year's rules, you could each have your own private refining room."

"However, in previous years, I wouldn't have personally presided."

"So, if you want a private refining room, I can arrange for someone to do so."

"Does anyone want one?"

The crowd immediately shook their heads vigorously...

Ning Ri had collected so much intel that he had already summarized a few points.

Chen Xingfeng held a very high status; his presence caused Luoxia City to completely revolve around him. Even the street signs in the city specifically pointed to the Craftsmanship Tower.

Chen Xingfeng's mission was extremely difficult; no one had ever completed it from beginning to end. Yet, despite this, disciples from major sects came every year.

Coupled with Chen Xingfeng's special status...

It was clear that the surface of this mission was artifact refining, but in reality, it was about getting acquainted with Chen Xingfeng.

Pleasing Chen Xingfeng was the main objective!

However, Chen Xingfeng hadn't presided in previous years, so it was fine for the participants to refine artifacts individually.

Now...

Chen Xingfeng was standing right in front of them, and they still wanted private refining rooms?!

Wasn't that putting the cart before the horse?

Chen Xingfeng nodded slightly, his aged face impassive, but he paused before continuing solemnly, "Good, since you don't intend to have private refining rooms, I will explain my rules."

"This time, while you are refining, I will provide random explanations."

"You need to concentrate. No matter who I'm explaining for, don't let my explanations disturb your state of mind, understand?"

"The total duration for this artifact refining session is six hours. Within these six hours, each person has three chances to refine. If all fail, you can only leave."

"If you succeed, you can choose to stay and listen to my explanations, or you can leave and rest outside."

"Understood?"

As soon as he said this, Jiang Wen, Liang Shuyou, and Jin Le all showed expressions of ecstatic joy: "Master Xingfeng, understood!"

Although Ning Ri wasn't particularly happy, to fit in, he also exclaimed with joy.

After exclaiming, he thought to himself—

With Chen Xingfeng personally guiding them, it seemed he had stumbled upon a masterclass this time!

Chen Xingfeng's voice was deep and still serious, and he slowly said, "Good, in that case, each of you pick up the Jade Slip next to your refining furnace and look at the refining blueprints I've given you. Refine according to the blueprints, a complete set of Magic Treasures."

"Yes!"

Everyone immediately began looking at the blueprints.

Ning Ri, however, didn't look at the blueprints. He glanced at Xi Yuan—

His understanding of this world was still in its nascent stages, but he had a clear grasp of Xi Yuan's status...

He felt that Chen Xingfeng would be different this year, personally leading them and presiding over the refining; he would also choose "random explanations" precisely because of Yang Xingming's words, "Let Little Yuan learn from Master Xingfeng..."

In other words, all of them were benefiting from Xi Yuan's good fortune.

And as Ning Ri expected, after Chen Xingfeng finished speaking, he walked directly to Xi Yuan, who was picking up a Jade Slip, and said, "If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me."

Xi Yuan thanked him, "Thank you, Master Xingfeng."

Chen Xingfeng, who had been serious the entire time, showed a slight smile, "You're welcome."

Ning Ri: "..."

Damn, you're not even pretending anymore!

All these new rules were for Xi Yuan!

Chen Xingfeng's action was like a judge in an Olympiad asking students to do problems, and then the judge coming down and telling the student:

If you don't understand the problem, ask me!

At this moment, Ning Ri suddenly felt very fortunate—

Thank goodness.

Young Master Yuan likes my knife!

Just then.

The other three had already begun refining...

With a rumbling sound, the heat in the refining room immediately surged, and the entire world became scorching hot...

Seeing this, Ning Ri also immediately started, but then, he suddenly discovered that the Panel had abruptly popped up. As it appeared, he was stunned in place, showing an expression of disbelief—

"Ah? This is impossible!"