Method of Refining Spiritual Artifacts

"You were following me?"

Hearing Xu Ruolan's words, Chen Lin's face immediately turned angry, his voice growing much colder.

Xu Ruolan waved her hands repeatedly, "Fellow Daoist, please calm your anger. How would I dare to do such a thing as tailing someone? I merely overheard your conversation with that Zhang Mazi in Zhang's Business just now."

Chen Lin felt that was indeed the case; he had only been trying to trick her.

Since the other party had guessed he used a pill, Zhang Mazi and everyone else in the shop at the time had likely guessed it as well.

But it didn't matter. Once he returned, he would remain in seclusion. Anyone who intended to harm him would first have to get past Yu Yuehai.

"You want to buy pills, but unfortunately, I don't have any to spare. You should try asking the Five Great Families instead."

He didn't even have enough pills for himself. Recently, perhaps due to the core members of the Five Great Families preparing to flee, all sorts of materials had become extremely scarce. He hadn't been able to buy much of anything he wanted just now, though the materials for the Enlightenment Pill were plentiful.

This wasn't surprising. His Enlightenment Pill was an improved version by Yu Yuehai, using only low-grade materials, far from a normal Enlightenment Pill.

If not for the exaggerated headache side effect, this improved pill formula could be called a divine work.

Hearing Chen Lin's words, Xu Ruolan revealed a wry smile.

"Fellow Daoist, you jest. As a mere Rogue Cultivator at Qi Refining Level 3, how could I possibly compare to the Five Great Families? Moreover, even within the Five Great Families, only core disciples have the authority to obtain pills."

Chen Lin shrugged, "Then there's nothing I can do. I can't help you, Fellow Daoist."

With that, Chen Lin turned to leave.

After taking two steps, he hesitated. He wanted to remind her that this place had become very dangerous, but thinking about how he had to sever the red thread before he could escape, he sighed helplessly.

Xu Ruolan watched Chen Lin's departing back, her expression shifting unpredictably.

Finally, a determined glint flashed in her eyes, and she quickly pursued him.

Seeing this, Chen Lin stopped, his brow furrowed.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, I've already made myself clear. I don't have any pills. If you continue to pester me, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Although he had met her once before and felt some pity for her impending doom, her relentless pursuit had also made Chen Lin somewhat angry.

Xu Ruolan didn't offer any explanation. Instead, she directly produced an ancient scroll.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, this is my family heirloom, the method for refining a Spiritual Artifact. As long as you provide a pill that can help me break through to the mid Qi Refining stage, I am willing to trade this for it!"

Spiritual Artifact?

Hearing the name, Chen Lin couldn't help but be startled.

In the cultivation world, Magic Tools were divided into low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and supreme-grade.

Under normal circumstances, Qi Refining stage cultivators used low-grade and mid-grade Magic Tools, with a few disciples from major families possibly possessing high-grade Magic Tools.

As for supreme-grade Magic Tools, those were only usable by cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

By the Golden Core stage, they used Dharma Treasures instead of Magic Tools.

A so-called Spiritual Artifact was a special type of Magic Tool, often possessing unique effects and unable to be refined by ordinary methods. They were extremely rare.

Most importantly, Spiritual Artifacts could change size to a certain extent, making them easy to carry and use. This was the most significant difference between them and ordinary Magic Tools.

The fact that she possessed the refining method for a Spiritual Artifact proved that she was not an ordinary Rogue Cultivator; at least her ancestors must have been glorious.

Of course, it was also possible that she had obtained it by chance and it wasn't a family heirloom.

Chen Lin didn't care about the origin of the item. He took the scroll with surprise and unfurled it to examine it.

Xu Ruolan watched Chen Lin's expression nervously, holding a talisman with blue runes in one hand, ready to defend against Chen Lin killing her for the treasure at any moment.

Chen Lin's subtle movements did not escape his senses, but he didn't pay them any mind. After all, they weren't familiar with each other, and this was a lawless slum. Not being cautious would be abnormal.

The scroll, about two feet long when unfurled, contained many vivid illustrations in addition to some ancient cultivation texts.

After a brief perusal, it described a Spiritual Artifact called the 'Azure Flood Dragon Halberd,' detailing everything from material selection and refining steps to the inscription of formation patterns.

Furthermore, next to each refining step were notes and insights on refining written in the common script used by current cultivators, and from more than one person.

From this, it could be seen that this was indeed an inherited item.

"Are you truly sure you want to trade this item?"

Chen Lin re-rolled the scroll and looked at her.

To be honest, this was the first time he had seen such valuable information recorded on a scroll.

Most of this high-level information was stored in Jade Slips, which were not only secret but also easy to consult and comprehend.

But regardless, the value of the item could not be denied.

The refining data for a Spiritual Artifact was extremely valuable, even in the eyes of Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

For a small artifact-refining family, it could be considered a treasure to protect their lineage.

Xu Ruolan pursed her lips, her beautiful eyes showing deep reluctance, but she said with extraordinary firmness, "Yes, as long as you can provide a pill that helps me break through to the mid Qi Refining stage, this item will be yours!"

"Good!"

Chen Lin readily agreed.

Although the refining materials for this Azure Flood Dragon Halberd were things he had never heard of and were likely very rare, making it difficult to gather even ten sets.

But artifact refiners are not like alchemists; they are relatively common. After gathering the raw materials, one can find other artifact refiners to help with the crafting.

Even if it's not for personal use, selling it would yield a value far exceeding that of a First Origin Pill.

It's only in a closed place like Kaiyuan City, where pills are controlled by the Five Great Families, that their value is artificially inflated. Otherwise, seeking an equivalent exchange would be a pipe dream.

Since he agreed, Chen Lin didn't drag his feet. He immediately took out a small bottle from the pocket of his robe and poured out two First Origin Pills.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, I must state beforehand that although this pill can enhance cultivation, it's not specifically for breaking through realms. I can't guarantee if it will allow you to break through to the mid-Qi Refining stage."

He paused, then continued, "However, with my own aptitude, I only used two of these pills when breaking through to the mid-Qi Refining stage. I believe your aptitude is even better, so the chances are high."

Looking at the pills emitting a strong medicinal aroma, Xu Ruolan couldn't help but swallow.

Yet, she suppressed her urge and said sternly, "If it's just an ordinary pill to enhance cultivation, it can't compare to my item. Even two of them are too far off."

Chen Lin acknowledged that her point was valid and that the value difference between the two items was significant.

Still, he shook his head. "Fellow Daoist Xu, you must understand that not all items have a constant value. At this very moment, my two pills are worth this price. If you miss this opportunity, it will be very difficult for you to obtain similar pills again."

Seeing Chen Lin's resolute attitude, Xu Ruolan gritted her teeth and nodded. "Alright, two it is. Fellow Daoist, could you leave an address? If I need pills in the future, I might have to trouble you again."

"Heh, no need for that. If we miss this chance today, the possibility of us meeting again doesn't seem very high."

Chen Lin smiled faintly and refused her offer.

After handing over the pills and taking the scroll, he left without looking back.

Xu Ruolan stood in place for a moment, then cautiously glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, she also put away the pills and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, her aura changed drastically. She sneered out of the corner of her eye, about to say something, but then the jade pendant hanging on her chest flashed slightly, and she returned to normal.

She looked at the jade pendant, then up at the sky, and quickly departed with a worried expression.