Within the Great Mercy Divine Palace of the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect, there was a sect ranking list.
The Mingtai Immortal Sect, Lingxi Immortal Sect, Xuanji Immortal Sect... and many other sects were prominently listed. Even the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect itself was on it. Due to the Great Mercy Divine Palace's mechanisms, these sects' rankings often fluctuated, rising and falling.
Yet the Lingxi Immortal Sect had always held firmly to one of the top three positions!
Within the Lingxi Immortal Sect, the Xi Family was a major lineage of decisive importance. Xi Yuan's father was one of the people in power at the Lingxi Immortal Sect.
For that very reason, Yang Xingming's status and strength could easily be imagined, given that he was able to become Xi Yuan's guardian.
The moment Ning Ri received such greetings from Yang Xingming, everyone's thoughts began to stir...
Because of Yang Xingming's words, they could not help speculating inwardly about Ning Ri's identity and origins—
Was there some great lineage in the Cultivation World with the surname Ning?
However, they had guessed wrong.
Yang Xingming appreciated Ning Ri solely because of his saber techniques and diligence. To someone like him, another person's identity, background, and origins no longer mattered. Thus, his appreciation for Ning Ri was simply pure appreciation.
Of course, that was built upon Ning Ri having no ulterior demands toward him or Xi Yuan. Only then could he appreciate Ning Ri so purely.
If Ning Ri had openly or secretly asked Yang Xingming to arrange for him to enter the Lingxi Immortal Sect, or sought other heavenly treasures, Yang Xingming could not possibly have treated him this way.
At that moment, facing Yang Xingming's question, Ning Ri replied, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Yang. This junior did go to the Lingxi Immortal Sect, but my aptitude was lacking, and I was unable to enter Lingxi. It truly was regrettable. Now, this junior is already a disciple of the Heaven Defying Sect!"
Upon hearing that, a strange light flashed in Yang Xingming's eyes. He asked in surprise, "You actually went to the Heaven Defying Sect?"
Ning Ri nodded.
Yang Xingming continued, "Then does that mean the Heaven Defying Sect sent you here for this Craftsmanship Tower trial?"
Ning Ri nodded. Then he smiled awkwardly and said, "The elders in the sect told me to come and observe the refining methods of the geniuses from the major immortal sects. They said the mission was not important; broadening my horizons was what mattered."
Yang Xingming smiled as well. He did not reveal anything, but a trace of keen interest appeared in his eyes...
Xi Yuan, standing nearby, said, "Big Brother, they really have no eye for talent. Do you want me to tell my father? Some people can stay in Lingxi even without reaching the Third Stage Qi Refining. I think you can too, Big Brother."
Last time, Xi Yuan had also suggested that Ning Ri go directly to the Lingxi Immortal Sect.
Ning Ri had refused outright before. He did not know just how powerful the Xi Family was within the Lingxi Immortal Sect, but merely from Xi Yuan's bearing, he knew this was the child of someone in charge.
He did not dare agree carelessly. He feared that if he accidentally did something wrong, he would be walking the road to his own death.
Now, hearing Xi Yuan bring up the old matter again, Ning Ri laughed heartily and continued to refuse. "Xi Yuan, it's all right. Big Brother has already joined the Heaven Defying Sect, so I can't leave the sect. That would be dishonest."
"We're still good friends. When I have time in the future, Big Brother will come play with you again."
Xi Yuan said helplessly, "All right."
Then his eyes suddenly lit up. "But does that mean I can go to the Heaven Defying Sect to play with you too?"
Previously, Xi Yuan had wanted to ask Ning Ri where he lived. It was obvious that he still wanted Ning Ri to teach him saber techniques. At the time, Ning Ri had said that he had no fixed residence. Now that Xi Yuan knew Ning Ri was at the Heaven Defying Sect, he naturally wanted to go there to find him.
But upon hearing that, Ning Ri hesitated...
Was a place like the Heaven Defying Sect suitable for children?
Maybe it was?
After interacting with the Heaven Defying Sect for several days, he felt that the sect was actually quite good. Its people were good, the atmosphere was good, and it even knew to assign work to the nearby villagers. Li Cheng, who installed monuments; Xun Zang, who conducted Heart Questioning; Zhou Hai, who added subtitles and loved mooching free rides; the strange Disciple Token... when all was said and done, they were only somewhat peculiar.
It would be hard for a child to be influenced in a short time. He could not possibly make one trip there, think that installing monuments was cool, then return and erect huge monuments all over the Lingxi Immortal Sect, could he?
Thinking that way, Ning Ri felt he could agree to Xi Yuan's request.
Going to the household of someone in charge was out of the question.
But building a good relationship with the child of someone in charge was not bad at all.
Yet the instant Yang Xingming heard this, his expression changed. He had been smiling silently at the side, but now he immediately patted Xi Yuan on the shoulder and said, "Little Yuan, be good. Big Brother needs to cultivate too, and that is very tiring. Don't disturb him."
"Cultivate diligently in the future. When you break through to Foundation Establishment, invite Big Brother over as a guest on the day of your celebration. Then you can also ask Big Brother to visit your cave abode."
At the end, Yang Xingming deliberately emphasized the words "as a guest." It sounded as though he was speaking to Xi Yuan, but he was actually speaking to Ning Ri, lest Ning Ri misunderstand and think he was supposed to go to the Xi Family to perform saber techniques.
The difference was enormous.
With Yang Xingming's experience, he had already guessed it. The Heaven Defying Sect had a madman as obsessive as Mo Cuidao, so it absolutely did not lack people skilled at refining. Yet even so, they had still sent Ning Ri out this year. Ning Ri's refining talent was likely terrifyingly good. Otherwise, there was no way he could stand here with only Third Stage Qi Refining cultivation.
Coupled with Ning Ri's diligent character, one that seemed determined to polish the techniques of a single saber art tens of thousands of times, Yang Xingming could already foresee that Ning Ri's future achievements as a refiner would definitely not be low...
However, Yang Xingming's careful wording was clearly like making sheep's eyes at a blind man. Ning Ri did not notice the words "as a guest." He merely thought—
Good heavens, was the Heaven Defying Sect that scary?
Was there really a need to say it like that?!
"All right..." Xi Yuan did not understand what the two adults were thinking. He only asked, "Then Big Brother, are we going to refine together later?"
Ning Ri was not too sure either. "Probably..."
Just then.
Jiang Wu, who had remained silent nearby, suddenly strode forward.
Everyone was stunned.
Then Jiang Wu sneered. "Refine together? A little brat like you dares participate in this test??? Do you know that everyone here is at Foundation Establishment? You think you're also, ah... mmph mmph mmph..."
The moment those words came out, Ning Ri's expression changed drastically.
What the hell?
Brother, are you really this brave?!
The man and woman at the side were also dumbfounded.
Jiang Wen was so frightened that his soul nearly fled his body. He punched Jiang Wu hard, silenced him, and then said in utter terror, "Elder Xingming, my younger brother did not mean to offend you in reckless ignorance. He merely..."
Yang Xingming waved his hand. "No matter. I already felt something was wrong with him when I came in. You went to the Yin De Sect, didn't you?"
The moment those words came out, Ning Ri's heart stirred—
The Yin De Sect?
Was that the strange name?
The misery on Jiang Wen's face eased slightly, and he hurriedly said, "Yes!"
Yang Xingming looked Jiang Wu over a few more times and said, "The Fear Anomaly has entered his body. It is nothing serious. After leaving the Yin De Sect, how many times has your brother acted up?"
Hearing that, Ning Ri's heart stirred once more—
Fear Anomaly?
What was that?
Upon hearing this, delight appeared on Jiang Wen's face. He immediately answered, "Six times."
Yang Xingming nodded faintly. "That is about right."
"Little Yuan, this is what I mentioned to you before—the appearance of the Fear Anomaly entering the body. Fear and terror will affect their behavior."
Hearing that, Ning Ri froze—
This guy was so bold, yet he was afraid and terrified?
Yang Xingming noticed Ning Ri's expression. As though he had seen through his thoughts, he smiled and said, "When the Fear Anomaly enters the body, their hearts will become filled with fear and distrust toward the entire world. At times like that, they can only vent the fear in their hearts and bolster their courage through this method."
"It is like how some people enjoy speaking loudly when walking alone at night. It is all to embolden themselves."
Ning Ri fell into thought.
So that was how it was.
Then, if the Fear Anomaly brought fear and terror, what about joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness?
For example, would the Joy Anomaly make someone joyful all the time?
If there was a Joy Anomaly, then were there also a Classic Anomaly, Filial Anomaly, Urgent Anomaly, Clam Anomaly, and Winning Anomaly?
Just as Ning Ri turned into a little meme anomaly—
A deep, muffled voice suddenly came from outside the door:
"Xingming, you actually came in person?"
"Do you want this old man's reward that badly?"
The instant the voice fell.
Everyone turned to look, only to see an elderly man in blue-gray robes walk in through the doorway. His face was covered in deep furrowed wrinkles, like withered tree bark. His palms were broad and huge, and his aura was unfathomably deep.
The arrival was none other than Chen Xingfeng, the master of Craftsmanship Tower.
In previous years, the one receiving everyone for their refining tasks had only been a steward of Craftsmanship Tower. Chen Xingfeng had never personally appeared.
But Yang Xingming and Xi Yuan had come, so Chen Xingfeng came personally.
That was why Ning Ri and the others had needed to wait here for so long.
When Chen Xingfeng appeared, Ning Ri and the others immediately said, "Greetings, Master Xingfeng!"
Even Xi Yuan followed suit and called out.
Yang Xingming, meanwhile, cupped his fists toward Chen Xingfeng and said, "Master Xingfeng, you jest. The Family Head said Master Xingfeng's reward is not important. What matters is letting Little Yuan learn from Master Xingfeng and broaden his horizons."
Ning Ri, standing nearby, felt that those words sounded strangely familiar...
"Hehe." Chen Xingfeng chuckled. "Since that is the case, let us go. Everyone is here anyway."
Once Chen Xingfeng spoke, everyone soon moved to another room on the same floor—
the Refining Room.
Inside the room stood four iron frames. Within them were pitch-black stones that radiated a scorching heat capable of making one's skin burn. These were Refining Furnaces.
The "furnace" in Refining Furnace referred to an ordinary mortal blacksmith furnace. It was somewhat different from the furnace of an alchemy cauldron. Ning Ri felt that a blacksmith furnace looked a little like a charcoal grill.
The iron platforms before them were much the same. Ning Ri felt that if they put a grill rack and some chicken wings on top, they could start roasting immediately.
These five Refining Furnaces were for Ning Ri, Xi Yuan, Jiang Wen, and the man and woman.
Only now did Ning Ri learn the backgrounds of the man and woman.
The man came from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect and was named Liang Shuyou.
The woman came from the Xuanji Immortal Sect and was named Jin Le.
When Ning Ri learned that Liang Shuyou came from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect, he looked at him twice more. The man was utterly ordinary, which surprised Ning Ri. He had thought everyone from the Golden Strategy Immortal Sect would look like walking piles of gaudy gold.
Jiang Wen's younger brother had originally been meant to participate as well, but because the Fear Anomaly had entered his body, he could only remain outside.
When they entered the Refining Room, Chen Xingfeng had the five of them stand before separate Refining Furnaces. However, Xi Yuan was a special case, with Yang Xingming following behind him.
Chen Xingfeng stood in the center of the five furnaces, his expression solemn. In a deep voice, he said, "According to the rules of previous years, each of you could have your own separate Refining Room."
"However, I would not personally preside over things in previous years either."
"So if you want separate Refining Rooms, I can have people arrange them for you."
"Does anyone want one?"
Everyone immediately shook their heads without the slightest hesitation...
Ning Ri had gathered so much information that he had already drawn several conclusions.
Chen Xingfeng's status was extremely high. His existence made all of Luoxia City revolve around him, and even the city's road signs had special directions leading to Craftsmanship Tower.
Chen Xingfeng's task was extremely difficult. No one had ever completed it, from the past until now, yet disciples from major sects still came every year.
Combined with Chen Xingfeng's special standing...
It was obvious that this task appeared to be about refining, but in essence, it was about becoming familiar with Chen Xingfeng.
Currying favor with Chen Xingfeng was the truly important matter!
However, Chen Xingfeng had not presided over things in previous years, so it was fine for each participant to refine separately.
But now...
Chen Xingfeng was standing right before them. Who still wanted to refine separately?!
Would that not be putting the cart before the horse?
Chen Xingfeng nodded slightly. His aged face revealed nothing, but after pausing, he spoke slowly and sternly. "Very well. Since you do not intend to refine separately, I will explain my rules."
"This time, I will give random explanations while you refine."
"You must remain focused. No matter whom I am explaining, do not let my explanations disrupt your state of mind. Understood?"
"This refinement will last six hours. Within those six hours, each person will have three chances to refine. If all three fail, you can only leave."
"If you succeed, you may remain and listen to my explanations if you wish, or you may leave to rest outside."
"Do you understand?"
The instant those words came out, Jiang Wen, Liang Shuyou, and Jin Le all revealed wildly delighted expressions. "Master Xingfeng, we understand!"
Although Ning Ri was not particularly happy, he followed with an equally ecstatic line for the sake of fitting in.
Afterward, he thought inwardly—
Chen Xingfeng was personally giving guidance. Looks like I picked up a masterclass this time!
Chen Xingfeng's voice remained low, his expression still stern as he said unhurriedly, "Very well. In that case, each of you, pick up the jade slips beside your Refining Furnaces. Look at the refining blueprints I have given you and refine according to them—a complete set of magical treasures."
"Yes!"
Everyone immediately began examining the blueprints.
But Ning Ri did not look at his blueprint. He looked at Xi Yuan—
His understanding of this world was still rather hazy, but he had already gained a clear understanding of Xi Yuan's status...
He felt that Chen Xingfeng's behavior this year differed from previous years—personally leading them, personally presiding over the refinement, and even choosing to give "random explanations"—all 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 favor.
And the truth was indeed exactly as Ning Ri expected. After Chen Xingfeng finished speaking, he walked directly to Xi Yuan, who was picking up his jade slip, and said, "If there is anything you cannot understand, you may ask me."
Xi Yuan thanked him, "Thank you, Master Xingfeng."
Chen Xingfeng, who had been solemn the entire time, revealed a trace of a smile. "No need to be polite."
Ning Ri: "..."
Damn, Elder, you are not even pretending anymore!
All these new rules were entirely for Xi Yuan!
Chen Xingfeng's move was like during a math olympiad competition, the judge asking students to solve problems, then personally coming down to tell one student:
If you cannot understand the question, ask me!
At that moment, Ning Ri suddenly felt immensely fortunate—
Thank goodness.
Young Master Yuan likes watching my saber!
Just then.
The other three had already begun refining...
With a rumble, heat waves immediately surged through the Refining Room, and the entire world became scorching hot...
Seeing this, Ning Ri immediately started as well. But then he suddenly discovered that the panel had abruptly appeared. The moment it did, he stood frozen in place, his face filled with disbelief—
"Ah? That's impossible!"
Before you continue