Chapter 232 – Shrouded in Mystery, Successfully Forging a Spirit Artifact, and the First Pot of Gold - Part 1
Li Yuan had clearly overestimated himself. It took him a full eight months—two of which forced him to postpone his wedding—to finally grasp Metal-Spirit Resonance. By then, his father-in-law was practically rolling his eyes in frustration.
Still, when Li Yuan saw the new entry in his skill list—NEW! Ultimate Skill - Metal-Spirit Resonance - Rank 6 (1/1)—he felt a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
After that, Zhu Ban, barely concealing his impatience, explained the next step after the Quickening and Metal-Spirit Resonance—hearing the heavens, or simply Heavensense.
“It’s only mentioned as a possibility in our lineage. Whether anyone has actually reached it, we don’t know. As far as I’m aware, neither my master nor any of his predecessors has ever accomplished it.
“If the Quickening is about delicately controlling how added metals are distributed in the primary material, ensuring a superior final product, then Metal-Spirit Resonance focuses on treating source blood as a special forging material. It also frees you from forging only regular weapons, letting you craft everyday tools like gourds, fans, inkwells, or paperweights as spirit artifacts.
“Heavensense, however, is something altogether more remarkable. It’s a living array—a formation that breathes and moves on its own.”
“An array?” Li Yuan asked.
“Exactly. A formation that goes beyond simple strikes and assaults, creating a domain unto itself. That’s all there is to say. I’ll teach you our lineage’s secret art now. Memorize it. If you get the chance, study it. If not, pass it on.”
Master and pupil spent another month in study. Once Zhu Ban was satisfied that Li Yuan had really understood the principles behind Heavensense, he waved his hand in exasperation.
“That’s it! I’ve taught you everything. Time for you to go! The wedding was originally set for March, and now it’s June.I’m at my wit’s end!”
Zhu Ban pretended to act like an ill-tempered old man, literally shooing Li Yuan away. But when they reached the foot of the mountain, he slowed his pace, took out a sealed pouch, and handed it to Li Yuan with great solemnity.
“Open this after the wedding.” Then he produced an unsealed letter. “This is for Huayin. If she ever asks you to avenge someone, give it to her.”