Who is being conquered?

"Don't be scared, child, I'm here."

This brought a sliver of relief to Bai Jun's heart. With a loud bang, he easily kicked open the door.

Although she seemed like a foolish, airheaded girl with nothing but looks, Su Shang was still a genuine Cloud-Riding General who had passed the assessment. Furthermore, she had been practicing swordplay with Su Yi since childhood. Even if she couldn't compare to geniuses like Yan Qing, her skill level among her peers was remarkably high.

Moreover, the sparring session this morning showed that her foundation was very good; she just lacked some training and combat experience. It was precisely for this reason that Bai Jun had felt at ease leaving her in the workshop. His original intention was to temper her state of mind through methods like beast-taming chess and see what her limits were.

But now, it seemed... he hadn't found her upper limit, but rather seemed to have discovered her lower one.

The burly, pitch-black Golden Automaton was wildly smashing and destroying things in the workshop with the disciplinary staff in its left hand. Su Shang, instead of being heroic as imagined, was instead like a startled cat, suspended from the ceiling by some unknown means. Clinging to the beam, she shivered in mid-air. The moment she saw Bai Jun, she reacted as if seeing catnip, shouting out all the grievances that had been accumulating in her chest:

"Waaah, Bai Jun, you're finally here! Hurry and save me!"

"Continue, child, I won't disturb you."

Bai Jun's expression was hard to describe. He turned around, preparing to close the door again. However, the rampaging Golden Automaton seemed to notice the commotion at the door and instantly locked its menacing gaze onto Bai Jun and his companions.

Bai Jun didn't react, but the others beside him looked tense, as if facing a great enemy. They all blocked in front of him. "Master Hundred Refinements, this place is very dangerous. For your safety, you should withdraw first."

"How many times have I told you not to call me by that title? It always feels so embarrassing... Never mind, all of you, get out of the way. I'll handle this now."

Bai Jun sighed, suddenly tied up his hair, and then moved past the crowd in front of him to the very front.

Just as they thought he was about to draw the long saber at his waist, they saw his left hand suddenly pull a black and white handgun with a gilded barrel from thin air and aim it at the approaching Golden Automaton in the distance.

He pulled the trigger, and the muzzle immediately roared with a ferocious burst of flame.

The next second, a deep crack appeared in the steel-forged body. Scattered parts were completely destroyed as the core was pierced. With a crackling sound from the core's drive, a deafening roar echoed, and the automaton promptly broke down and collapsed onto the ground.

A hundred martial arts, this is the "Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire."

Ever since he had last discovered that the Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire was showing signs of being usable, after a full half-night of research by Bai Jun, he had finally found the secret to using it—which was to tie up his hair and mentally chant "Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire."

Although the process and method of use were very abstract, its power more than made up for it. A casual shot was as powerful as Yan Qing's fully-powered flying sword.

And it wasn't just that; the power of the Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire seemed to increase with the user's mental focus. Bai Jun hadn't tested the specific increase, as he was afraid of blowing up his own house. However, with its already immense base power, further increases were unimaginable.

If he had the chance in the future, Bai Jun would definitely unleash a big one.

This effortless maneuver stunned the others who were watching from behind. They never expected that Master Hundred Refinements, who looked tall and slender and not like a combatant, could unleash such terrifying power with such ease.

Don't just say the weapon is powerful. The divine weapons and treasures of the Xianzhou are all selective about their owners. Besides, how could someone with average strength wield such a powerful weapon?

"Wh-what kind of weapon is that? So cool, so powerful!"

"As expected of Master Hundred Refinements, he easily accomplished what we couldn't!"

Ignoring the gazes of respect and admiration, Bai Jun put away the Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire and walked directly under the ceiling beam, impatiently urging Su Shang, who was still trembling up there, "How long are you planning to hang there?"

Su Shang's body stiffened. She looked down with tear-blurred eyes. Once she confirmed that the terrifying Golden Automaton had been dealt with, she finally jumped down with peace of mind. The moment she landed, she swung her small fists at Bai Jun.

"You scoundrel, you have no humanity—!"

Su Shang, who had been like a pitiful little cat just moments ago, was now completely different. This typical display of being fierce at home made Bai Jun purse his lips helplessly. However, Su Shang wasn't putting much force into it; her soft punches felt like a massage, so he let her continue complaining.

Master Gongshu arrived belatedly after the commotion had subsided. Upon entering the workshop, he first looked towards Bai Jun, and only after confirming he was alright did he feel at ease.

Then he looked around the workshop. The scene of chaos, like fallen leaves swept by an autumn wind, made his heart clench, but at least the damage was somewhat acceptable. However, when he saw the large hole in the chest core of his hard-researched "Rongzhu," his heart sank.

"You're here."

Standing next to the Golden Automaton, Bai Jun waved at Master Gongshu when he saw him approach. The latter quickly walked over after hearing his voice. "Ah, Master Hundred Refinements, it's good that you're alright."

"This Golden Automaton... is it your project?"

This time, Bai Jun didn't mind his title and instead examined the Golden Automaton's steel-forged, pitch-black body. He then tapped its hard exterior with his hand and asked with a frown.

"That's right, this is precisely my project—"Rongzhu" model. It was replicated by me based on surviving rubbings from ancient alliances. Although it's just a model, its performance still far exceeds most commercially available combat-type Golden Automatons."

Master Gongshu struck a pose as usual, raising an eyebrow as if hinting for Bai Jun to praise him.

"It's quite good, but don't make it again next time. Your project has been rejected."

Master Gongshu was about to rejoice upon hearing the first half of the sentence, but the words that followed sent him back to hell. After a significant change in his expression, he forced a stiff smile and rubbed his hands, trying to plead his case further: "Wh-why, Master Hundred Refinements..."

"The regulations of the Crafting Department clearly state that the Grand Craftsman is not allowed to undertake projects that far exceed the project creator's level. Your 'Rongzhu' is the most typical example. If I weren't here, could you and your disciples truly guarantee subduing the 'Rongzhu'? If there were casualties within the Crafting Department, could you, as the Grand Craftsman, bear the responsibility?"

"Furthermore, the Xianzhou Alliance strictly limited the size of Golden Automatons three hundred years ago. If you don't believe me, go back and check the old newspapers. Cut your losses early to avoid wasting time and energy."

Bai Jun glanced at him, ignoring Master Gongshu's look of existential doubt, and calmly walked into the workshop, finding a position that was barely usable.

This small workshop was slightly cramped compared to how it looked from the outside. The not-too-big, not-too-small courtyard was neatly lined with clean stoves. Beside the stoves were stacks upon stacks of iron blanks, and various sword molds and hammers hung on the walls.

Bai Jun casually picked up a small hammer, weighed it, and found it acceptable. Then, he snapped his fingers, and the stove instantly ignited with crimson flames.

"Don't just stand there, come help me. Go and carry the iron blanks over."

"Ah? I-I got it."

While adjusting the flame size, Bai Jun suddenly called out to Su Shang behind him. Su Shang, belatedly responding, quickly picked up a stack of iron blanks and handed them over.

Bai Jun moved the iron blank to the side of the concave water trough. Then, as the flame's temperature reached its peak, he threw it into the furnace for forging. The scorching flames rose, making the surrounding air extremely hot. After the iron blank was completely heated to a red color, Bai Jun picked up the forging hammer to proceed with the next step of hammering.

The main purpose of this step was to remove sulfur elements and excess carbon elements from the steel, increasing the steel's elasticity and toughness. Bai Jun half-turned his body, his feet firmly planted on the ground, his legs exerting force, and his waist twisting back. The forging hammer was already brought back invisibly, and with a loud clang, the hammer heavily landed on the red-hot pig iron.

The piece of iron, which had been red-hot just moments ago, collapsed by nearly a third under the hammer blow, its deformation extremely obvious.

Amidst the flying sparks of iron and fire, the forging hammer struck the iron block repeatedly. Every time the iron block was hammered to half its original thickness and began to flatten, the forging hammer in his hand would strike its edge, causing it to flip. This way, the iron block evenly received his hammering, rather than simply being smashed into a flat iron disk.

Watching the solemn figure wielding a hammer before the furnace, Su Shang gradually became like everyone else around, too surprised to speak. Only Master Gongshu, standing nearby, nodded occasionally, exclaiming with great admiration, "Master Bai Ye's demeanor while forging is still such a pleasure to behold..."

"Master Bai Ye... Right, who exactly is this Bai Ye you're talking about?" Su Shang snapped back to reality and asked Master Gongshu.

"Bai Ye? Naturally, he's the pinnacle of all artisans on the Xianzhou, reaching the highest level in the realm of creation... Huh? Why is it you?"

Master Gongshu's eyes widened in surprise when he noticed the question came from the seemingly clumsy girl beside Bai Jun. "Wait a moment... Aren't you Master Bai Ye's apprentice?"

"Not at all, I'm his friend."

"Ah, I knew it. How could that esteemed master possibly take on an apprentice who looks so clueless?" Upon hearing Su Shang's explanation, Master Gongshu was not angry but pleased, as if a certain knot in his heart had been untied, bringing him relief.

Su Shang's smile was on the verge of cracking. Suppressing the urge to send this guy flying with a single sword strike, she patiently continued, "Is Bai Jun really that amazing?"

Master Gongshu raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with displeasure. "Of course! Master Bai Jun was the chief artisan in the last Grand Forging of Bai Ye, and he's also an artisan recognized by both Master Huai Yan and Lord Yan Ting. The last person to receive such an honor was that Ying Xing."

In his enthusiasm, Master Gongshu couldn't help but lift his head proudly, as if he were the one who had received such an honor on the ceremonial platform that day.

Upon hearing "Grand Forging of Bai Ye," Su Shang finally recalled something. It was probably a few years ago when she overheard her mother discussing the Grand Forging of Bai Ye with some aunts. She remembered them saying that the Bai Ye of this year was a very young and handsome young man... Could they have been talking about Bai Jun?!

While the two were chatting, the surrounding artisans suddenly gasped in awe, as if they had witnessed something incredible.

Su Shang and Master Gongshu turned their heads, only to see a dust-covered Bai Jun walking away from the forging platform. He wiped the dust off his clothes with the back of his hand and asked, "Ahem... Where can I wash my hands? I need to clean up."

"You... you're already done forging? I'll take you there."

Seeing Bai Jun nod, even Master Gongshu couldn't help but swallow, quickly leading Bai Jun to the washroom.

After Master Gongshu left with Bai Jun, the onlookers couldn't suppress their curiosity and immediately crowded around the forging platform, staring at the finished product and swallowing in awe.

"My goodness, even though it's just a pair of armguards, to complete so many steps in such a short time, and entirely by hand without any mechanical assistance, it's incredible..."

"After polishing, he even had the time to give it a shine..."

"Is this the work of Bai Ye? I feel like we're not even from the same dimension..."

Su Shang also curiously leaned forward, standing on tiptoe. She saw a pair of finished armguards lying quietly on the forging platform.

The black surface exuded a bright metallic luster. Each metal plate was meticulously polished, with smooth and even edges that could even reflect the surrounding light. The streamlined silhouette perfectly conformed to the curve of the arm, appearing both sturdy and flexible.

So beautiful...

This was Su Shang's first thought. Although the Great Void Sword Art didn't require any protective gear, and she had never been interested in armor before, this thought quietly arose from the depths of her heart when she saw the armguards lying there.

Just as humans instinctively pursue strength and beauty, Su Shang also held a genuine desire for it.

At this moment, Bai Jun, having finished cleaning up, slowly walked back. Hearing his footsteps, the artisans who had gathered to admire the armguards scattered like birds and beasts. Only Su Shang remained, staring blankly at the armguards. Seeing this, Bai Jun walked up to her with a mischievous smile and asked, "What do you think?"

"Beautiful... Waaah! When did you get back!"

Su Shang shyly pushed him away, then pretended to be nonchalant, turning her face away. "Actually, it's just so-so. I don't think it's particularly good-looking."

"Eh? Alright, it seems I still have a long way to go."

Bai Jun smiled faintly, as if in deep thought, and put the armguards into a beautifully crafted sandalwood box. He yawned, "Let's go. The purpose of this trip has been achieved, and I need to go back and catch up on sleep."

"Oh, got it."

Su Shang mumbled and trotted after him.

Chapter 62: "Mask of a Thousand Faces" (4k)

It must be a good day today.

「Noble Moral Acclaim +10」

「100/100」

「100 points of Noble Moral Acclaim have been accumulated. Do you wish to initiate a draw?」

「Yes/No」

That's right. The rampaging Golden Automaton casually dealt with in the Crafting Department had provided a full 10 points of moral value, successfully allowing the long-dormant system to accumulate enough moral points and enter the much-anticipated draw phase once again.

Seeing the unfamiliar yet familiar system screen before him, Bai Jun finally remembered the established fact that he had a system. Although the system was usually as good as non-existent, he was exceptionally delighted to know that he could finally make a draw, as if his unintentional accumulation had finally yielded great rewards.

He focused his consciousness on the "Yes" button. Immediately, a panel composed of countless items and skills spun before his eyes, with the roulette-style font constantly changing.

The pointer continued to spin, eventually slowing down and landing on the item section, specifically on a mask with an elegant, streamlined design that outlined the agile silhouette of a fox, colored in red and white.

"Congratulations on obtaining the item 'Mask of a Thousand Faces'."

Opening the system panel, Bai Jun silently read "Confirm Reception" for the newly added prompt, "Mask of a Thousand Faces."

The next moment, something seemed to surge into his body. Bai Jun subconsciously calmed his mind, carefully experiencing the wondrous sensation of something being completed or filled, and a hint of daze appeared on his face.

But soon, he slightly opened his eyes. This time, the item provided by the system wasn't as difficult to appease as the Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire. By simply thinking "Mask of a Thousand Faces" in his mind, he felt the hard touch of an object in his hand.

Looking down, a small and exquisite fox mask had appeared in his hand. Bai Jun didn't know the effect of this item, but his expression was still quite strange.

Because on the surface of this mask... how could he feel a slight warmth?

Furthermore, there was a faint scent of perfume, tinged with danger and a hint of allure, making it feel as if it had just been taken from a young girl's embrace!

No, it must just be an illusion. How could the dignified system give him something snatched from someone else?

However, before he could test the mask's specific effects, a confused voice came from behind him.

"Bai Jun, why did you stop?"

Su Shang nudged Bai Jun, who had suddenly halted his steps ahead of her. She curiously moved closer to him and noticed the fox mask in his hand. "Huh? When did you get a mask...?"

She was quite certain she had been following closely behind Bai Jun, her gaze fixed on his back the entire time, and she definitely hadn't seen him take the time to retrieve a mask from anywhere.

"Mm, I've had it on me since this morning. Do you want to see it?"

Bai Jun showed no signs of panic. Instead, he calmly tossed the mask to Su Shang, whose clear eyes were blinking in curiosity.

Su Shang caught it just in time. She looked at the exquisitely crafted mask, its detailed patterns etched onto the surface seeming to subtly shift with the light and shadow. After a brief exclamation of "So pretty!", she handed it back to Bai Jun.

However, after Bai Jun took the fox mask back, he sensed something was slightly off.

The mask's original scent seemed to have changed. If he had to describe it, it was as if the alluring and dangerous rose fragrance had transformed into the elegant and fresh scent of orchids. And... why did this scent feel so familiar to Bai Jun?

Then, amidst Su Shang's bewildered expression, Bai Jun suddenly walked in front of her, bent down, and buried his face in her hair.

"Waaah? Wh-what are you doing!"

Her shriek rose by an octave. Su Shang, her face flushed red, pushed Bai Jun away with a shy gaze.

"It's the same... cough, never mind, you smell so good, sister."

After confirming that the mask changed its scent according to its previous owner, Bai Jun gave a thumbs-up with a poker face, his clear eyes acting as if he hadn't just performed such a bold action.

In reality, he had only wanted to verify his guess, but it seemed his method was a bit too aggressive.

"I apologize."

He bowed solemnly and seriously to Su Shang, whose cheeks were flushed.

Su Shang's eyes were drawn to him as if by a magnet. She saw Bai Jun's face wearing an expression of disappointment, a look of sadness that made her chest tighten. She quickly told him, "No!"

"Huh?"

"N-no, I mean, you didn't do anything wrong, it's not your fault..."