"A Half-Tier Elemental Artifact?" Zeng Mu froze at those words, then his expression shifted slightly. Looking doubtful, he pressed, "Come on, Uncle Kiddon, don't fool me. Your handwritten book clearly says that the six types of Elemental Artifacts have only three tiers. So where did this Half-Tier Elemental Artifact come from?"
"There are exceptions to everything." He waved a hand and began explaining with a complicated expression. "It is rather strange. Judging by my experience, this artifact should normally be a dud, incapable of producing any effect."
"Look." He moved the water droplet closer so Zeng Mu could examine it more carefully. "There are only thirty-six inscriptions on it, whereas a first-tier Elemental Artifact normally has at least forty. So ordinarily, this should be an unusable, unfinished artifact."
"But you just used it, didn't you?"
After Zeng Mu nodded, he continued, "That is what I sensed as well. This artifact can be used, and that is precisely what makes it strange. It works despite lacking the required number of inscriptions, which leaves me puzzled. Even if I refined it myself now, no amount of skill could make up for those missing inscriptions. I would inevitably end up with a failure, yet you succeeded."
Qidunston looked him up and down curiously, then concluded, "That can only mean your talent truly is special, something ordinary Elemental Artifact Masters lack."
Zeng Mu did not take those words to heart. Instead, he casually asked, "Does elemental power have much influence on refining Elemental Artifacts?"
"Of course it does," he replied without hesitation. "It is as important as the fire in a blacksmith's furnace. The stronger and richer the flames, the easier it is to forge an unrivaled sword."
"What about the number?"
"The number?" Qidunston visibly froze at that. Only after a long pause