Xu Mingxian went out and bought over a dozen pieces of spirit iron, spending two spirit stones.
The prices of spirit iron, spirit herbs, and other such materials differed greatly from those of finished magical artifacts and pills.
Although this spirit iron was low-grade, someone accomplished in artifact refining could use it to forge two low-grade flying swords.
Of course, like alchemy, artifact refining offered no guarantee of success on the first attempt.
Any failure would render all previous efforts wasted.
Xu Mingxian wanted this spirit iron to practice engraving array patterns, using it as a foundation for formations.
Spirit stones were actually excellent materials, but they were not as hard as spirit iron. A failed attempt might ruin a spirit stone outright.
For Xu Mingxian as he was now, spirit stones were far too precious.
Spirit iron, however, was hard enough to withstand repeated engraving of array patterns and could be reused, making it ideal for a beginner's practice.
Afterward, Xu Mingxian stayed in his room practicing formations.
Much like Xu Chuan, he devoted himself to both studying formations and cultivating every day, neglecting neither.
One month passed, then two.
The year drew toward its dusk, and the Dipper's handle swung back toward the Tiger.
Children vied for the new calendar; old men counted the scars of years gone by.
In the blink of an eye, the Year Sacrifice had arrived again.
Dongxi Village, the Xu Household.
In previous years, everyone in the Xu Household would gather in the main hall for a family reunion.
This year, though nearly everyone was present, there was less cheer and a little more gloom.
"Let the feast begin."
Once Bai Jing spoke, everyone picked up their chopsticks.
The youngest, Xu Derui and Xu Deheng, still needed their mothers to feed them,