Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1502 - 813: Artifact Refining Master, Main Family Envoys, and the Land of Self-Forgetfulness

Spanning thousands of miles across its vast expanse, Thousand Island Lake boasts countless islands both grand and modest, though the ones that truly shine are Divine Light Island, Qianxing Island, and Wohu Island.

In stark contrast to the other pair, overseen by mighty Golden Core Masters, Divine Light Island thrives as the liveliest hub within Thousand Island Lake, doubling as the vital stronghold for wandering loose cultivators.

Suddenly, a brilliant streak of light streaked in from beyond the island's edge, descending right before a towering six-story structure. Once the glow faded away, it unveiled an elder with flowing white brows, piercing sword-like eyes, and an imposing aura, clad in flowing purple robes.

This figure was none other than Zhao Sheng, cleverly disguised.

With a quick scan of the gleaming gold plaque reading Treasure Pavilion, Zhao Sheng strode through the entrance.

No sooner had he crossed the threshold than a servant in green robes hurried over with a warm smile, only to halt at the sight of a striking red gold token.

The servant's eyes widened in surprise at first, but he soon bent low in deep respect, saying, "I am Ma Liu. Greetings to Master Shaoling."

Zhao Sheng tucked away the red gold token and spoke coolly, "Lead me to your Pavilion Master."

"Of course, right this way. Please have a seat inside while I fetch the Pavilion Master at once." The green-robed servant bowed over and over, then subtly gestured to his fellow worker.

The other servant in green caught the signal and nodded, dashing off swiftly toward the inner chambers.

In short order, Zhao Sheng found himself seated across from a stately middle-aged man dressed in golden robes, the pair divided by a polished jade table in an elegant, roomy parlor.

This golden-robed middle-aged man served as the Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion, his true identity a mystery, his cultivation level apparently surpassing Foundation Establishment. Among the folks of Thousand Island Lake, he's widely called "Master Qi."

After sipping some tea and sharing light chit-chat, Zhao Sheng drew two plain jade boxes from his sleeve and flung them lightly onto the opposite jade table.

"Master Qi, I've just forged these two spiritual artifacts. Care to inspect them and offer a rough appraisal?"

The golden-robed man's interest piqued at those words, and he swiftly lifted the jade boxes. Flipping open the covers for a peek, pure joy lit up his features.

One jade box held a minuscule transparent sword, barely an inch in length, as clear as flawless jade. Its blade shimmered with icy brilliance, reminiscent of still autumn waters, brimming with vibrant spiritual energy.

The second box cradled a duo of azure feather wings, delicate and intricate, every single feather rendered with stunning clarity.

Zhao Sheng explained, "This sword goes by the name Autumn Water Sword, and the wings are the Floating Cloud Wings—both rank as top-grade spiritual artifacts. Master Qi, go ahead and test them out."

Master Qi's excitement surged as he snatched up the Floating Cloud Wings, scrutinizing them intently while probing with his divine sense.

Shortly after, he set the spirit wings aside and grasped the Autumn Water Sword. The instant spiritual power surged through it, a crisp, chilling sword hum rang out. The blade shot skyward, morphing into a flash of light that whipped around the hall thrice in a blink, trailing lingering sword glow and scattering flakes of frosty snow everywhere.

Delight spread across Master Qi's face as he showered praise, "Outstanding, truly outstanding! Daoist Shaoling, you're a master refiner of this era, crafting such clever top-grade sword artifacts. And those Floating Cloud Wings? They're one-of-a-kind and incredibly scarce. Even at the yearly Treasure Auction, they'd steal the spotlight as the grand finale."

Shifting his approach, he added, "Daoist Shaoling, if it wouldn't trouble you, might we auction these two treasures at the gathering three months from now? With every cultivator in attendance, they'll command an even steeper price."

Zhao Sheng dismissed it with a casual wave, replying nonchalantly, "Just as you suggest, Master. That said... have you gathered the materials I requested?"

Master Qi beamed with relief and promptly produced a storage bag, hurling it across.

With a flick of his hand, Zhao Sheng called the storage bag to him, swept it with his divine sense, and soon wore a pleased look.

"You might not realize, Fellow Daoist, but this Sumeru Stone is incredibly rare. I went to great lengths for just a chicken-egg-sized chunk. Top-grade spirit stones, on the other hand, come by easier. This round, I've secured three pieces, bearing Wood, Gold, and Earth attributes." Master Qi shared the details, a touch of envy flickering in his gaze.

Zhao Sheng stowed the storage bag and stated gravely, "As we settled earlier, each top-grade spirit stone I receive means one free refining service from me. So, what spiritual artifact are you looking to have made this time?"

The core deal had arrived at last!

Composing himself, Master Qi withdrew yet another storage bag from his sleeve and tossed it over with care.

"I beseech you, Master Shaoling. For this refining, we're talking the Xuanyuan Heavy Water Banner and a Water Element Sword Pill. Every required heavenly material and earthly treasure is here, in duplicate sets no less. Should you succeed, the leftovers become your bonus. That said, my clan has one humble ask: ensure the spiritual artifacts reach at least top-grade quality..."

Zhao Sheng caught the storage bag, examined its contents, and nodded approvingly, declaring, "That refining demand poses no challenge. We'll stick to our usual terms this time—is the Earth Fire Room set up? I'll require it for three months."

Master Qi, brimming with enthusiasm, assured him, "Fear not, Fellow Daoist! Our finest Earth Fire Room awaits you. Throughout the refining, I'll make certain no interruptions plague your work."

"Very well, then I'll ready myself for the forging." Finishing his words, Zhao Sheng secured the storage bag and rose, offering a cupped-fist salute to his host.

Master Qi jumped to his feet and mirrored the salute without delay.

...

Meanwhile, as Zhao Sheng assumed the guise of Master Shaoling and immersed himself in forging within the Earth Fire Room.

Ten days passed, and by the banks of Seven Star Lake, a spirit boat stretching three zhang floated idly. Aboard it, a weathered fisherman with swarthy skin and a sour face clutched a wide wooden tub, dumping heaps of pale golden powder into the waters below.

The powder, upon touching the moisture, gathered into lumps and released a potent wine-like fragrance.

As the powder hit the lake, the serene waters began to churn violently, sprays shooting up everywhere, while plump white carp burst from the depths, jostling fiercely to snap up the descending flakes.