After his soul returned to his body, Li Ling continued pondering the question, but what he already knew led him to a different line of thought.
Matters of the Immortal Sects probably could not be judged by ordinary mortal logic.
If magical artifacts were objects even mortals could craft, and thus had to obey the rules of the material world, magic treasures were another matter.
Some magic treasures were even nurtured by nature itself. Folk tales and cultivators' accounts also spoke of those blessed with great fortune finding treasures through chance encounters, and of treasures choosing their own masters.
The requirements for refining a magic treasure were less a matter of forging techniques than methods of gathering, or even ceremonies and rituals.
Refining the Dragon Vein into a magic treasure no longer seemed quite as difficult as it had at first glance.
After all, the Dragon Vein itself was one of the superior Heavenly Treasures. It could already be considered the embryonic form of a naturally occurring magic treasure.
At noon, Li Ling sounded out the Ninth Princess over their meal. Sure enough, she said, "Magic treasures? Only senior cultivators at Foundation Establishment or above can refine those."
Li Ling said, "I seem to have heard that before, but I don't know the precise reason."
The Ninth Princess said, "That's a long story. If you want to understand the details, husband, I'm afraid we'll have to start with dharma power."
At that, Li Ling simply set down his ivory chopsticks and smiled. "Then today I'll be a good student. Teacher Mu, please don't hold back your instruction."
The Ninth Princess smiled, her lovely eyes gentle as she looked at Li Ling and began explaining. "Only after reaching Foundation Establishment or above and cultivating dharma power can one command the primordial