Revenge (4,000 Words, Please Vote Monthly)

The sun rose and the moon set; spring passed and autumn came.

In the blink of an eye, another eight years had passed.

Linglong Immortal City.

A small courtyard tucked away in a secluded corner.

"Phew... another day."

Chen Sheng walked into the courtyard.

He slowly took off the guard robe bearing the City Guard Patrol Mark.

Then he casually hung it on a crude wooden rack.

Not long after arriving in Linglong Immortal City,

Chen Sheng had relied on his Qi Condensation Perfection cultivation

to successfully join the Patrol Team on Linglong's outskirts.

He had not done so to "earn Spirit Stones."

That was not the purpose of his trip.

It was mainly to discard his identity as an alchemist and avoid leaving unnecessary traces.

At the same time,

the Patrol Guard

had the legitimate right to remain in the city for long periods, move about freely, and keep watch over every subtle development.

Once Chen Sheng possessed this identity,

all manner of basic information would naturally gather around him.

The silent workings of this massive Immortal City, the details of its various guards,

and even certain hidden gaps unknown to others

would gradually become known to him.

This could not have been more ideal for Chen Sheng's planning.

From the very beginning, Chen Sheng had given up on using channels such as Wind Rain Tower to specifically gather intelligence.

As the saying went, geese left shadows as they flew, and people left traces as they passed.

The more secretive the matter one wished to carry out,

the less one could afford to leave traces of actively seeking information.

If you investigated others,

others could investigate you as well.

These intelligence organizations profited from both sides.

Through such channels, Chen Sheng might be sold out before he even took action.

Chen Sheng trusted only himself.

And he had more than enough patience!

For eight years,

through three thousand days and nights of rotations, patrols, pleasantries, and silence.

Chen Sheng had worked diligently.

In the eyes of his colleagues, he had become the hardworking, quiet, stagnant-cultivation good old Captain Chen.

Chen Sheng's understanding of Linglong Immortal City had grown ever deeper.

The selection of patrol routes, the activation of the Defense Formation, the fastest possible response time...

He knew every detail by heart.

At this moment,

the plan in Chen Sheng's heart had quietly taken shape.

He pushed open the door.

Entering the dimly lit inner hall,

Chen Sheng picked up a coarse clay teapot and brewed himself a cup of the most ordinary Spiritual Tea.

He slowly settled into the smooth Bamboo Lounge Chair, letting out a comfortable groan.

For once, Chen Sheng closed his eyes without meditating or regulating his breath.

He simply "rested his eyes for a while," like a true old man whose vigor had been drained away by the years.

As he grew older,

Chen Sheng's energy was gradually declining.

Even the body of a Body Refinement Cultivator could not withstand the ravages of time.

He murmured inwardly, almost with a sigh:

"Come to think of it, I'm already one hundred and ten years old."

"Time passes too quickly. Without realizing it, fifty years have passed since Chen'er disappeared..."

Countless memories flashed through his mind.

Chen Sheng exhaled a breath of stale air, and with a thought, he said:

"Time to get to work."

Chongyun Treasure Artifact Pavilion.

Its entrance was grand and imposing.

This was a business of the Chongyun Lin Clan.

Over the past several decades,

the Lin Clan had flourished greatly, producing two Foundation Establishment cultivators in succession.

They now had four Foundation Establishment cultivators in total, while their Ancestor, Lin Tunan, was even at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

One Foundation Establishment cultivator was stationed here year-round.

Lin Zhenbei.

He was also a major figure within the Lin Clan.

Lin Tunan's nephew and the Lin Clan Grand Elder.

Besides being an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was also the Lin Clan's only Second-grade Artifact Refiner and enjoyed considerable prestige in Linglong Immortal City!

Chen Sheng arrived here.

He looked over the displayed Dharma Artifacts.

They were dazzling and varied, each gleaming with spiritual light.

An Attendant dressed in neat clothing stood nearby, wearing a modest smile.

Chen Sheng stepped forward and cautiously explained his purpose:

"This old man wishes to commission a Top-grade Puppet."

"These are my requirements."

As he spoke,

he handed over a jade slip.

It contained his requirements for the Puppet.

Upon hearing this, the Attendant's eyes immediately lit up.

He did not take the jade slip. Instead, he respectfully offered a cup of Spiritual Tea.

"Please wait a moment, sir."

"I'll invite the manager over."

Before long,

a middle-aged manager dressed in fine robes slowly approached. He was astonishingly at the Qi Condensation Eighth Layer.

He looked Chen Sheng up and down before speaking:

"My name is Lin Xuan."

"You wish to commission a Top-grade Puppet, sir?"

Chen Sheng hurriedly bowed, adopting an extremely humble posture:

"That is correct. This old man is Chen Yuanfu, a Patrol Captain in the city."

"Alas, the Descendants in my family are incapable. I fear that after my death, there will be no one to protect them."

"Even if I must exhaust my life savings, I wish to leave behind a Dao Protecting Item to safeguard my household."

"Then, even if this old man dies and his Dao fades, I can close my eyes in peace."

As he spoke,

Chen Sheng handed over the jade slip in his hand.

Lin Xuan accepted the jade slip Chen Sheng offered. Sweeping it with his spiritual sense, he frowned.

"Deep Sea Profound Silver for the frame, Top-grade Tree Gum for the joints, a reserved piloting space, enhanced close-combat defense, and it can only undergo Bloodline Recognition..."

"Tsk, tsk. Your requirements are far more complicated than those of an ordinary Top-grade Puppet, sir. Several of the consumable materials are second-grade, and the difficulty has increased by more than several times!"

Lin Xuan glanced at Chen Sheng, his gaze becoming somewhat playful.

"This Puppet of yours is too difficult to make."

"I'm afraid Master Zhenbei will have to handle it personally."

"As for the price... it won't be cheap."

He paused, observing Chen Sheng's reaction.

Chen Sheng swallowed, looking quite hesitant. Even his voice sounded somewhat dry.

"A First-grade Dharma Artifact requires a master's personal work as well?"

"Then... how many Spirit Stones would it cost?"

Lin Xuan raised a hand and gestured a number.

"At least eight thousand Spirit Stones."

Chen Sheng suddenly drew in a sharp breath, and his body even swayed.

"Eight... eight thousand?!"

His voice trembled noticeably.

At that price,

one could buy a Second-grade low-tier Dharma Artifact.

For a "Patrol Captain," it was undoubtedly an astronomical sum.

Lin Xuan seemed quite satisfied with the effect. The corner of his lips rose slightly as his tone softened and he began to explain:

"Exactly."

"Both Deep Sea Profound Silver and Top-grade Snake Gum are materials used to refine second-grade Dharma Artifacts."

"If there were no need to create a core for spiritual-sense control, this Puppet would practically be a second-grade Dharma Artifact."

"With such demanding requirements and such rare materials, only a master can make it. Naturally, the price is extremely high."

"However..."

His tone shifted. He lowered his voice, carrying a hint of temptation.

"If you are willing to lower your requirements, replace them with Deep Sea Cold Iron and Tung Oil Gum, and remove the bloodline core,"

"while retaining only a basic cockpit, it would still be a first-grade Top-grade Puppet."

"I could refine it myself, and I guarantee its power would be impressive."

"And I would charge only the cost price—three thousand five hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones. What do you say?"

Lin Xuan looked eagerly at Chen Sheng, as though hoping he would agree.

He had never made such a Top-grade Puppet before!

Chen Sheng heard this.

Yet he fell silent for a long while.

At this moment,

Chen Sheng sneered inwardly.

Lin Xuan was so young, yet he dared boast that he could refine a Top-grade Dharma Artifact.

It seemed the Lin Clan truly was flourishing!

Chen Sheng would not forget how the Lin Clan's prosperity had come about.

Outwardly,

Chen Sheng rubbed his hands together helplessly.

As though he were locked in a fierce inner struggle.

Finally,

Chen Sheng suddenly raised his head, gritted his teeth, and spoke with some difficulty:

"Thank you for your kindness, Mister Lin!"

"But an ordinary Top-grade Puppet might not be able to keep those disappointing Descendants safe."

"This old man has drifted through life and managed to save up a little family wealth. For the continuation of my descendants, I would not hesitate to spend every last coin!"

"Let it be made according to the original requirements. I must trouble the master!"

His voice trembled with the resolve of someone staking everything.

As though he had emptied his entire fortune.

The regret on Lin Xuan's face deepened, as though he had missed out on something.

"Very well. Pay one-quarter of the deposit first."

"Come back in ten days. Master Zhenbei will have an opening then."

Chen Sheng nodded. "Thank you, sir."

Deep within the Treasure Artifact Pavilion, in the artifact refining workshop.

The furnace blazed fiercely, and waves of heat rolled through the room.

An elderly man with white hair and beard, yet brimming with vigor.

It was none other than Lin Zhenbei.

He was refining an artifact.

"Bzzz—clang!"

The final hammer strike fell.

Accompanied by a clear and melodious dragon's roar.

The sword suddenly burst with radiant light, and surging Sword Qi filled the entire workshop.

Lin Zhenbei stroked his silver beard in satisfaction, his face full of pride.

"It's done!"

"This sword is already a fine-grade work. It shall be one of the highlights at the next trade fair."

Lin Xuan stood to one side.

He had been holding his breath as he watched.

Now, his face broke into a broad smile as he praised him.

"Second Great-Uncle's skill is divine!"

"The spiritual power infusion is so flawlessly integrated, and the sword blank is overflowing with spirituality. It far surpasses ordinary Second-grade low-tier Dharma Artifacts."

"It seems the customer who ordered this sword is truly fortunate!"

Lin Zhenbei was in high spirits. He sheathed the sword and placed it in its case before turning around.

"Right, let's discuss business."

"Where is that special Top-grade Puppet?"

"Has the deposit been paid?"

A trace of interest flashed through Lin Zhenbei's eyes.

"Yes, the deposit has already been received."

Lin Xuan respectfully handed over the jade slip.

"The material requirements are exacting, and the design is strange. No one but you, Second Great-Uncle, can make it."

Lin Zhenbei accepted the jade slip and immersed his divine sense in it for a moment.

His brows alternately relaxed and furrowed.

"Deep Sea Profound Silver, Top-grade Tree Gum... with space reserved for a pilot?"

"Wonderful! This person certainly came up with an unusual idea. It is called a puppet, but it is actually Humanoid Armor."

"With it in battle, even a cultivator at Body Refinement Perfection would find themselves outmatched."

"At the Qi Refinement stage, it truly could serve as a family's vital offensive and defensive weapon for decades. A rare design indeed!"

"Since the deposit has been received, very well."

Lin Zhenbei nodded, stroking his beard.

"I still have a batch of Hundred Refinements Fine Gold to melt. It will likely take another five days."

"Notify that person. Five days from now, at Wu Hou Wei Shi, have him come here for a detailed discussion."

Lin Xuan bowed and accepted the order.

"Yes, Second Great-Uncle. This grandnephew obeys."

Five days later.

Chen Sheng received a message from the Treasure Artifact Pavilion.

He still felt somewhat uneasy.

"We agreed on ten days. Why did they send word today?"

He slowly exhaled two breaths of turbid air.

Doing his utmost to suppress the sudden surge of shock and suspicion.

He calmed his mind.

He once again put on an aged, respectful, fearful expression.

Only then did Chen Sheng head for the Treasure Artifact Pavilion.

Not long after.

At the Treasure Artifact Pavilion.

Chen Sheng merely nodded to Lin Xuan, who was guiding him.

Then he was brought to the rear courtyard.

—the Core Artifact Refining Area.

Several exquisitely crafted small refining furnaces had been arranged here, and the heat was noticeably more intense than in the front hall.

Before the furnaces stood Lin Zhenbei, his white hair like silver, his hands clasped behind his back and a faint Body Protecting Spiritual Light surrounding him.

The profound aura unique to Foundation Establishment cultivators invisibly shrouded the surroundings, his robes fluttering without wind.

Nearby.

Besides Lin Xuan, the steward who had led Chen Sheng here.

There were also seven or eight Artifact Refiners of varying ages.

They were all outstanding descendants of the Lin Clan.

Exceptionally talented First-grade High-tier Artifact Refiners.

They had all heard of that "special puppet."

At this moment.

Their faces held traces of curiosity.

They eagerly prepared to observe.

"This humble one greets Master Zhenbei!"

Chen Sheng hurried forward and bowed deeply, his manner utterly humble.

Lin Zhenbei's expression was calm, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, no need to be so polite, nor do you need to be nervous."

"I invited you here today because I wished to hear your detailed thoughts on the key mechanisms of this puppet."

"Your concept for this Humanoid Armor has quite a few clever touches."

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng looked as though he had been overwhelmed by favor.

He hurriedly explained his ideas.

At first, Lin Zhenbei listened patiently and nodded from time to time.

But gradually.

The faint appreciation on his face faded, replaced by a touch of coldness and boredom.

He could tell.

This "Captain Chen" knew absolutely nothing about artifact refinement.

The ideas he proposed.

Were shallow, laughable, and utterly worthless.

The several Lin Clan Artifact Refiners nearby exchanged glances, the corners of their mouths unable to stop from curling upward.

"Enough."

Lin Zhenbei waved a hand, the warmth in his voice fading.

"Let us stop here. Your ideas... this old man understands them."

He no longer looked at Chen Sheng.

His gaze shifted to the materials that had long been prepared.

"Since the materials are all ready, the time is just right."

"This old man will open the furnace now and refine this artifact for you. It is merely a First-grade Top-tier Puppet."

"It will also let this old man revisit his old craft."

"The juniors of the clan may take this opportunity to observe as well. I hope you will not mind."

His words were calm, yet they carried an innate air of condescension.

Chen Sheng immediately spoke with proper tact.

"How could I dare?"

"To have the master personally take action is already an immense blessing for me."

Lin Zhenbei gave a cold "Mm."

He did not spare Chen Sheng another glance.

Chen Sheng obediently retreated to the darkest corner, standing there honestly with his hands hanging at his sides.

Lin Zhenbei walked directly toward the central refining furnace, which was engraved with profound runes.

The other Lin Clan Artifact Refiners also consciously spread out.

They formed a semicircle beyond the safe distance.

Their attention was completely focused on Master Lin Zhenbei.

They had lost interest in the humble client in the corner.

The artifact refinement began quickly.

Lin Zhenbei was, after all, a Second-grade Artifact Refiner.

The refining process proceeded incomparably smoothly.

In only two hours.

The furnace fire receded, and a puppet had basically taken shape.

A faint look of satisfaction appeared on Lin Zhenbei's face.

"It's done!"

His tone was relaxed.

As though he had merely completed an insignificant task.

The Lin Clan Artifact Refiners observing nearby all revealed admiring, awed smiles.

Someone could not help but praise him softly.

"Magnificent!"

"The timing of the Profound Silver Cold Quenching was perfect to the finest degree!"

"The fusion of the tree gum and Profound Silver was flawless!"

"As expected of the Great Elder. A First-grade Top-tier Dharma Artifact is effortless to him!"

Amid everyone's praise.

Lin Zhenbei became even more pleased with himself.

It was at that very moment.

Chen Sheng, whom everyone had forgotten.

Quietly approached Lin Zhenbei as well.

Chen Sheng wore a flattering smile, seeming as though he intended to clasp his hands in congratulations.

At the instant when everyone's guard was at its lowest.

Rumble—

A terrifying torrent of energy.

Swept outward like raging waves upon an Angry Sea.

Blinding white light filled everyone's vision.

Inside Chen Sheng's Storage Bag.

The ten Huntian Thunders he had gradually collected.

Prepared over many years.

Each was comparable to the full-force strike of a Foundation Establishment early stage cultivator.

And in this special location, within this enclosed space, their power was amplified to the utmost limit.

At this moment.

Chen Sheng detonated them all at once without holding anything back.

Scorching shockwaves flooded the Core Area of the rear courtyard.

The refined-steel furnace was twisted and torn apart!

The walls, the ground...

Every tangible thing wailed and shattered.

At the center of the explosion.

All the Lin Clan descendant Artifact Refiners.

Did not even have time to groan.

Their bodies were torn apart.

Burned into nothingness!

Lin Zhenbei had not been able to react either.

He had no time to activate any defensive Dharma Artifact.

Under the violent impact.

The Body Protecting Spiritual Light that symbolized Foundation Establishment cultivators burst like a soap bubble.

Like Chen Sheng, he was completely shattered to pieces.

Four thousand words, two chapters' worth of content, delivered in one go without dragging things out. Please vote with your monthly tickets.