My Artifacts Can Upgrade Infinitely

Zhao Zuo placed the Spirit Iron into a crucible and heated it, letting the high temperature turn it to liquid. In the meantime, he took out the mold and gave it a quick wipe, ensuring the inside was clean and completely free of dust.

Then, he placed the Spirit Pen and Spirit Ink nearby, at the ready.

"His Artifact Refining process is orderly and methodical," Chen Luowen commented with a hint of excitement.

"Let’s wait and see. This is just the most basic prep work," Steward Huang retorted. He didn’t actually think poorly of Zhao Zuo; he was just arguing out of habit due to an old grudge with Chen Luowen.

In the chamber, the Spirit Iron in the crucible had melted into a silvery liquid. Bubbles of varying sizes occasionally rose to the surface, shimmering with a faint Spiritual Light.

The time was right. Using a pair of tongs, Zhao Zuo lifted the crucible and tilted it slightly, pouring the liquid metal through the mold’s opening. He poured until it overflowed slightly, then set the crucible back down. Immediately after, he moved the mold onto the Earth Fire Furnace to keep the metal inside liquefied.

Zhao Zuo dipped his Spirit Pen into a bit of Spirit Ink, then held his breath to focus his spirit, adjusting his mental state.

In truth, many of the steps for refining a Lower Grade Magical Artifact were no different from smithing in the Mortal World. Only the drawing of the Spirit Patterns was a completely different matter. Spirit Patterns were characters that embodied the Rules of Heaven and Earth; each one carried an immense weight.

In just a few seconds, Zhao Zuo had stabilized his Heart Realm. All hesitation vanished from his eyes.

"Calm and unhurried. Excellent." Chen Luowen praised him generously. He believed the future Zhao Zuo would one day reach a peak that he himself could never touch.

"Hmph. Drawing the Spirit Patterns is the crucial part. No matter how practiced he is with the preliminaries, they’re just mortal techniques," Steward Huang retorted, almost instinctively. The tension between the two men was palpable.

SWISH SWISH SWISH—!

Before the examination, Zhao Zuo had indeed considered hiding the extent of his proficiency with Spirit Patterns. But on second thought... ’If I hide my skill and end up failing the exam, it just wouldn’t be worth it.’

Thus, Zhao Zuo unleashed his full ability. The silver Spirit Ink flowed like a silent, descending galaxy, weaving into a complex texture that floated quietly above the surface of the mold.

The Controlling Objects Spirit Pattern emitted a faint Spiritual Light, at once harmonious and perfect, scattered yet unified.

"He did it in one try! And it only took about three breaths’ time!" Chen Luowen exclaimed in astonishment. A wide grin spread across his face, and he subconsciously rubbed his eyes as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

"Indeed... it only took... about three breaths’ time."

The shock was like a fishbone lodged in his throat, making each word a painful, halting effort.

The nearby round-faced steward’s face was a mask of disbelief, his usual composure gone.

’This boy’s talent is terrifying.’

Five seconds was the passing mark for mastering the Controlling Objects Spirit Pattern. Every second shaved off that time was a monumental leap, a veritable chasm to cross. Take Chen Luowen, for instance. It had taken him five years to reduce his time from five seconds to four, and another five years to get it down to three.

"To miss out on such a promising sapling, just like that," Chen Luowen lamented under his breath. He had once toyed with the idea of taking Zhao Zuo as his disciple, planning to extend the offer after the boy had been humbled by the harsh realities and strictures of the Outer Sect.

Unfortunately, the best-laid plans often go awry. There was no way to keep the results of today’s examination under wraps. Now, the only ones qualified to be Zhao Zuo’s master were the few Second Grade Artifact Refiners of the Earth Fire Hall—figures who held considerable sway throughout the entire Moyun Sect.

"Letting a talent like that be taught by you would be an absolute waste!" Steward Huang rubbed his cheeks, finally regaining his composure. He had to admit Zhao Zuo was a genius, but that didn’t stop him from taking a jab at Chen Luowen.

"Oh, so he’s a ’talent’ now? Who was it just a moment ago who was so certain he’d fail the examination?" Chen Luowen wasn’t angered in the least. He took out a flask, had a small sip, and spoke with a beaming smile.

"Are you saying I’m blind, Elder Chen?" Steward Huang’s face turned livid as he ground out the words.

"Of course not. My dear Huang, you’re reading too much into it," Chen Luowen said with a chuckle.

"Ha. You’re as amusing as ever, Elder Chen."

"Break!"

With a downward thrust of his palm, a powerful surge of Mana erupted from his right hand, driving the hovering Spirit Pattern straight into the rough Magical Artifact embryo within the mold.

At the same time, a sliver of Golden Light shot out from the mold and into Zhao Zuo’s mind. A familiar, cooling sensation nourished his Soul, enhancing his comprehension.

’It’s a success,’ Zhao Zuo thought, pleasantly surprised. The most difficult step was over. All that remained was to adjust the Magical Artifact’s form and polish it.

Zhao Zuo removed the mold from the Earth Fire and set it aside. Once it had cooled, he pried it open and removed the Magical Artifact. Using a small Forging Hammer, he made adjustments and then quenched the metal.

Finally, he used a Sharpening Stone to hone the blade’s edge until it glinted with a biting, cold light.

’I’ve done everything I can, to the best of my ability. If this isn’t enough to pass the Inner Sect Disciple examination, I’ll just have to change my plans.’

"You’ve passed."

Zhao Zuo handed his disciple Token to the round-faced steward first. The steward, whose face had been a blank mask moments before, now showed a surprising amount of warmth, and even a hint of eagerness to please.

’For some reason, I preferred his cold demeanor from before,’ Zhao Zuo thought.

The three stewards then took out their own Identity Tokens from their Storage Bags and imprinted Zhao Zuo’s Token with their Mana. At the same time... they signed their names on the Scroll confirming he had passed the examination.

There was no need for discussion. In the stewards’ eyes, this was without a doubt the most flawless Inner Sect examination in the past five years. And beyond five years...

Only the performance of the current Head Disciple of the Earth Fire Hall had ever surpassed Zhao Zuo’s.

"Congratulations." With that, Steward Huang turned and left the Earth Fire Chamber. He was afraid that if he stayed a moment longer, his composure would crack, giving Chen Luowen the satisfaction of laughing at him.

"Well, I’ll be taking my leave, then." The round-faced steward offered a few brief pleasantries before also departing.

In the blink of an eye, only three people were left in the Earth Fire Chamber.

"Steward Huang didn’t seem to be in a very good mood," Zhao Zuo remarked, first bowing respectfully to Chen Luowen before voicing his confusion.

"Perhaps his face is stinging," Chen Luowen chuckled.

But as he laughed, the joy in his heart faded. Missing out on a talent like Zhao Zuo would become the greatest regret of his life.

"I once thought of taking you as my disciple, of passing on my legacy. But now... you deserve a better master."

Chen Luowen’s expression grew somber. After a few more words of lament, he too stepped out of the Earth Fire Chamber.

Zhao Zuo followed him out of the Earth Fire Chamber. The departure of the three stewards finally gave Liu Heng, who had been watching from the sidelines the entire time, a chance to speak.

"Congratulations, Younger Brother Zhao," Liu Heng began, before continuing.

"When we first met, I felt an instant connection with you. I never imagined that in less than half a month, you’d accomplish what took me five years of hard work. I’m truly envious." As Liu Heng spoke of his envy, he was still smiling, as if he were genuinely happy for Zhao Zuo from the bottom of his heart.

"Brother Liu, I’m sure you can do it too. I’ll see you in the Inner Sect in the future!"

Passing the Inner Sect Disciple examination was just the first step. Next, Zhao Zuo needed to go to the Inner Sect’s Punishment Hall and request their help in investigating yesterday’s assassination attempt.

"Well... you have a lot to take care of now, so I won’t make you treat me to a celebratory meal." Liu Heng patted Zhao Zuo’s shoulder. "If you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to contact me."

"Alright, thank you, Brother Liu," Zhao Zuo said, cupping his fist in gratitude. His words now carried a note of genuine warmth. From their previous encounter to his support today, Liu Heng truly seemed like a kind and cheerful older brother.

Zhao Zuo started walking in the direction of the Inner Sect.

In the Earth Fire Hall, only Liu Heng remained. After a moment, he took out a Communication Jade and spoke into it.

"He passed the Inner Sect examination. Your assessment was incorrect."

"Rest assured, I will take responsibility for this," a gentle voice replied from the Communication Jade.

......

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