"As long as the quality is sound..."
"Third Brother's skill at artifact forging is only beginning to mature, but he is steady by nature and highly adept at consecration and refinement. His grasp of materials is exceedingly meticulous. As for the structure, with my guidance, there will be no problem."
With matters put so plainly, how could Yu Ci disagree?
He could also see that Xu Yang was deliberately putting his weight behind Third Master Xu. Since he was both an old acquaintance and someone who had passed on his craft, Yu Ci was happy to help him along.
"I trust Sect Master Xu. Yuanjun should feel the same."
"Excellent."
Xu Yang clapped his hands and called back, "Third Brother, use the 'Heart-Piercing Thorn.'"
Third Master Xu bowed toward them, then immediately set to work. He knew this opportunity was hard-won, and his expression was solemn and focused.
He took a chunk of raw metal ore and dipped it alternately into the Water-Fire Eye several times before placing it on the anvil and hammering it. In no more than a few strikes, its rough shape emerged—a spike, something like a short blade.
Xu Yang and Yu Ci walked over together, pointing out details concerning the materials, techniques, and other key points. Xu Yang truly seemed intent on teaching Yu Ci a trick or two, lest such fine conditions go to waste.
As Yu Ci listened, he watched Third Master Xu's methods. With Xu Yang's guidance, he could see that Third Master Xu's techniques were steady and precise; only his cultivation was lacking, forcing him to rely on a greater variety of tools. Yet his qi flowed on without pause, and his essence, qi, spirit, tools, and materials all merged into a seamless whole. He was truly giving it his all,