Feng Zhenghao

Feng Shayan was somewhat surprised. She knew that for an artifact refiner to craft an item, they needed to condense the Samadhi True Fire, which consumed a large amount of Qi and vital energy.

Besides that, a substantial amount of materials was required, specifically those with age. Even then, the failure rate was not insignificant, making it difficult to continuously produce finished products.

This was also why, despite the Feng Family having their own dedicated artifact refiners, Magic Tools were still scarce.

The person before her had crafted a Magic Tool for her just ten days ago, and now they could craft another. Moreover, judging by their tone, the success rate was quite high.

Although the Magic Tools this person crafted weren't particularly powerful, they were exceptionally suited for her. This kind of suitability was precious for an Otherworldly Person.

"Little Ode, Shayan didn't handle this matter properly this time. As your older brother, you should be more understanding. Uncle can see you're a talented individual. Our Tianxia Group is in great need of people like you!"

Feng Zhenghao walked in with a smile, gesturing for Feng Shayan to leave.

"Don't mind what people outside are saying. Listen to your uncle's advice and stay."

Seeing the main character enter, he knew his plan was working.

After all, societal opinions and the evaluations within the Otherworldly Person community were merely fleeting clouds to him, a traveler in this world.

However, these things exerted considerable pressure on the reputation of the Tianxia Group.

During these past ten days, besides using "Life Extraction" to recover his vitality, he hadn't been idle. The trending news was something he had deliberately orchestrated.

He not only bought trending topics but also donated 10 million to build momentum, all to create public opinion.

The rest of his time was spent continuously learning about the distribution of powers in this world and information related to artifact refiners. He needed more information to complete his plan.

The identity of an artifact refiner and the Magic Tools were undoubtedly his best bargaining chips.

Of course, if he had no value, he would be discarded like worn-out shoes!

But if he could demonstrate value far exceeding that of an ordinary cadre, or even that of an ordinary artifact refiner, then he would gain the right to negotiate.

This was a game, a gamble, and he was betting on the value of an artifact refiner!

Now, he had succeeded, just like this!

"Uncle Feng has spoken, so this nephew will certainly follow your teachings. However, regarding my artifact refining..."

He said this as he stood up and bowed, his smile both humble and shy.

"You young people should attend more hero gatherings! Ode, you too, it's time you went out and saw the world. How about this, I'll help you figure out a way to get a spot in the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony."

Feng Zhenghao looked at the bowing youth before him and couldn't help but sigh. This kid wasn't simple. It seemed the public opinion was indeed orchestrated by him.

"Nephew thanks Uncle Feng here. I'm planning to refine a Magic Tool for Young Master Feng this time. If everything goes smoothly, it should complement Young Master Feng's cultivation technique."

He remained bowed and did not stand up.

"Is that so? That's very thoughtful of you! Then I must thank you on behalf of Xing Tong, Ode."

Seeing that he remained bowed, Feng Zhenghao's eyes narrowed. This person was not only adaptable but also someone who wouldn't act without a clear benefit.

Before he entered, the person had addressed him as "Miss Feng" with a cold and indifferent tone. But as soon as he entered, he seized the opportunity, addressing him warmly as "Uncle."

[Notification: You have obtained the qualification to participate in the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony. Please rush to the competition area in Dragon Tiger Mountain, Jiangxi, within 3 days.]

"It is my honor to help Young Master Xing Tong solve his problems. Here are the materials needed. Please review them, Uncle Feng. Also, I would like to exchange for a defensive cultivation technique. I ask for your fulfillment, Uncle."

Upon receiving the notification, he immediately straightened up and bowed, handing over a list. This time, none of the materials were recognized by the Paradise; they were all ordinary materials.

However, he also submitted an application to exchange for the Golden Bell Shield cultivation technique using his contributions!

"Golden Bell Shield, huh? Ode, you've already sensed Qi?"

Feng Zhenghao glanced at the exchange application, somewhat taken aback.

He remembered when he first met the young man, his body was completely empty. While his vital energy and spirit were full, there wasn't a trace of Qi sense.

Now, in just over ten days, he had developed Qi sense? This was interesting.

"Yes, I had some insights while refining artifacts a while ago, and in the past few days, I've developed a slight Qi sense. I'm ashamed to say, this nephew is twenty-four years old and has only just sensed a tiny bit of Qi."

If not for that 100% Life Essence, he would never have obtained Innate One Qi.

"Truly a heroic youth, Ode! This Golden Bell Shield will be Uncle's welcome gift to you. As long as you achieve good results in the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony, after all, you are also a cadre of our Tianxia Association!"

Feng Zhenghao patted Wang Changle's shoulder forcefully. He could sense that the young man indeed had a faint trace of Qi within him. This person was quite honest.

[You have accepted the side quest: The Chairman's Investment]
Mission Difficulty: LV4

Mission Description: Represent the Tianxia Association faction and participate in the 'Luo Tian Grand Ceremony' as a cadre of the Tianxia Association.

Mission Information: Deliver one Magic Tool and achieve at least a Top 32 ranking.

Mission Deadline: End of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony.

Mission Rewards: Golden Bell Shield cultivation technique (already obtained)

Mission Penalty: 6000 Reputation Points, or equivalent Paradise Coins (if Paradise Coins are insufficient, equipment will be deducted. If still insufficient, mandatory execution will be imposed.)

Feng Zhenghao didn't give him time to refuse and left with a chuckle.

This guy was truly an old fox. This mission, on the surface, seemed like Wang Changle was the one profiting.

But for his Tianxia Association, and even for Feng Zhenghao himself, it was not a loss at all.

He gained fame and managed to overrule objections to protect a capable subordinate, earning praise for his righteousness and appreciation for talent.

The investment was made upfront, but it required him to hand over a Magic Tool, and the reputation points were tripled compared to before.

If he met the requirements, not only would the Tianxia Association's reputation soar, but it would also show that Feng Zhenghao valued talent and possessed unique insight, earning him widespread acclaim.

Finally, it shut him up, leaving him no room to go back on his word or negotiate.

Truly worthy of being the Association Head, and one of the newly appointed Ten Elders!

Not long after Feng Zhenghao left, he immediately received the Golden Bell Shield cultivation method.

[You have obtained the Golden Bell Shield cultivation method]

Golden Bell Shield (Cultivation Method)

Origin: Under One Person

Blue: 58

Type: Skill Book (Cultivation Method)

Usage Requirements: Innate One Qi unlocked. 10 Stamina.

Passive Effect, Lv1: Stamina +1.

Active Effect, Lv1: Upon activation, consumes 10 Qi per minute. Automatically negates physical damage equal to Stamina * Level.

Description: When circulating the energy, the body becomes like King Kong. Upon reaching great mastery, one can achieve a golden body.

Price: 6000 Paradise Coin

After learning it, he could feel the Qi within his body slowly circulating from his 'tailbone' towards 'Yao Shu'.

[You have learned the skill Golden Bell Shield]

Activating the Golden Bell Shield, a layer of gold foil covered his entire body. He picked up a fruit knife and poked his chest. The blade bent but couldn't penetrate. He then stabbed towards his throat.

"The defense of each part is almost the same. As long as the Innate One Qi is sufficient, damage below 12 points is basically immune. Coupled with this Armor of Toughness, this defense is more than enough."

After testing the defensive power of the Golden Bell Shield, he had a better understanding. Ordinary blades would find it difficult to harm him.

During these ten days of rest, he had reflected on the battle in Sakura Garden more than once.

That battle was the most brutal he had experienced since entering Paradise, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a fight for survival.

Before the battle, he had meticulously planned. He had also made extensive preparations through Cthulhu Lore and even summoned a Black Goat Cub.

During the battle, he faced mortal danger multiple times, used up all his recovery items, and even his permanent summon was killed once. He himself survived with barely any health left.

Even so, he had given his all and only narrowly won.

These experiences made him realize that the battles he would face in the future would only become more perilous, and the enemies he encountered would only grow stronger.

After all, to obtain the rewards and privileges of Paradise, one had to pay an equivalent price.

However, before this, he had been thinking about how to be a mage or a summoner. But after this battle, he finally understood.

A pure ranged spellcaster could become a Contractor and join a team to compensate for their weaknesses, perhaps becoming a mage or a support mage.

But for someone like him, a Hunter, he was destined to be a loner without a team or teammates.

Yet, he had to survive in bloodshed and slaughter, carrying out dangerous hunting missions. In such a situation, he could not simply be a spellcaster.

He definitely couldn't be a spellcaster without any melee capabilities!

Even a Violator as powerful as the old snake-man, who possessed numerous summons and various strange spells.

But what of it? Once cornered by a skilled opponent, he was still suppressed to the point of helplessness.

Therefore, if he, Wang Changle, wanted to survive in subsequent worlds and complete hunting missions.

He needed to compensate for his weaknesses—he needed sufficient melee abilities.

As Kakashi had said, his combat awareness and combat proficiency were not high.

So he needed defense, strong enough defense to compensate for his lack of melee prowess.

Only sufficient defense could guarantee the safety of his casting space.

Considering his attributes, his Stamina had already reached 12 points. Stamina was also a favored attribute and was bound to be continuously increased in the future.

That's why he chose the Golden Bell Shield, a type of augmenting defensive skill. Now, with the Lv1 passive, his Stamina had reached 12 points.

Combined with this Armor of Toughness, if he had a shield, he was confident he could be a tank!