Spells Grinding: From Basic Sparks to Divine Arts

Chapter 197: Second Tier High Grade

The early morning air in White Jade Market carried a biting chill.

With the year-end fast approaching, the market was transformed. Perhaps due to the high population of mortals residing here, the festive atmosphere was thick and vibrant. Lanterns and colorful decorations adorned every corner, turning the cold streets into a bustling sea of celebration.

Even the servants in the Qin Sect manor had been swept up in the mood. They had spent the last few days purchasing New Year’s goods in bulk and hanging ornaments, adding a touch of warmth to the austere buildings.

Qin Lu reclined beneath the phoenix tree in his courtyard, his expression the picture of tranquility.

A wisp of crimson fire danced on his right fingertip, hovering beneath a jade teapot to gently heat the cold water inside.

He boiled the water and rinsed the cups with practiced ease. Unhurriedly, he brewed a pot of fine flower tea, watching the green, tender buds unfurl in the hot water.

As the sky brightened, the manor woke up. Servants began their daily routines, scurrying about with focused energy. Whenever they passed the courtyard and saw Qin Lu sipping his tea, they paused to bow deeply, their postures humble and respectful.

Seeing their high spirits, Qin Lu couldn’t help but reflect.

The cold here is nothing compared to the bone-piercing winds of Wuji Market. Even ordinary mortals can live comfortably here. Winter has set in, yet the prosperity of the market hasn’t dimmed in the slightest.

Hmm… it is good. At least I don’t have to burn money hiring a Formation master to install a heating Formation…

Qin Lu smiled, lifting his teacup for a sip while his mind wandered.

“Master! I’m heading to the shop now!”

A voice as clear and sweet as an oriole rang out across the courtyard.

Qin Lu looked up to see Feng Xi skipping toward him. His expression softened into a warm smile as he waved her off.

“Go on, then. You’ve worked hard.”

“I’m not tired at all! Hehe~ I’m off!”

Feng Xi hefted her large alchemy bundle, turned on her heel, and bounded away.

Watching her retreating figure, Qin Lu let out a long sigh, shaking his head with emotion.

“To think she just advanced to Qi Condensation Level 4 like that… it’s truly absurd.”

He had only learned of Feng Xi’s sudden promotion after returning from the Great Lie Dynasty. The reason for her skyrocketing cultivation was simple enough to envy: she had stumbled upon a massive Fated Chance.

According to her report, she, Cao Mo, and Wu Zhengtian had traveled to Dongkou Town to investigate a series of strange injuries. They quickly identified the culprit—a malevolent ghost wreaking havoc.

Without a second word, the three attacked. The ghost, outmatched, turned and fled, leading them on a chase deep into the ancient mountain forests. Eventually, they cornered and killed it.

While resting after the battle, they stumbled upon a concealed, man-made cave nearby.

Like newborn calves unafraid of tigers, the three reckless youths went straight inside to investigate.

It turned out to be the hidden dwelling of a deceased Foundation Establishment cultivator. The cave was untouched, filled with the senior’s legacy.

They split the windfall three ways, each benefiting immensely. Feng Xi’s share had been particularly bountiful. Aside from Magical Artifacts and cultivation manuals, she had obtained a rare Pill overflowing with Spiritual Qi.

After consuming the Pill, she had broken through to Qi Condensation Level 4 without a single bottleneck.

“Ah, what a profound Fated Chance…”

“Why have I never encountered such a thing?”

Qin Lu shook his head ruefully. In all his time, he had never once stumbled upon a hidden treasure cave or a lucky windfall.

Every ounce of his current strength had been bought with blood, sweat, and diligent grinding. Nothing had ever been handed to him by luck alone.

Though, I suppose my caution plays a part. I don’t have the guts to go running blindly into unknown caves. How could I encounter a Fated Chance hiding in the safety of my home?

Heh. When it comes down to it, my attribute panel is the greatest Fated Chance of all.

Qin Lu comforted himself with that thought, raising his cup to drain the tea.

…

By the time the sun had fully risen, Qin Lu stood up and walked toward the main gate.

His destination was a sprawling estate one street over—the Zhang Mansion.

It was the residence of Zhang Jinglong, the only artifact refiner among the thirteen Foundation Establishment cultivators of White Jade Market.

Qin Lu had dealt with Zhang Jinglong a few times. The man was a heavy drinker, a trait that made him easy to talk to. After a few shared jars of wine, they had become quite familiar.

Qin Lu arrived at the gate and stated his business. After a brief wait for the servant to announce him, he was led into the reception hall.

Zhang Jinglong was waiting. He was a man in his forties, built like a fortress. His skin was dark and shiny, like oiled bronze, and his muscles knotted visibly beneath his robes. He exuded the raw power of a formidable giant.

“Yo! What brings Sect Master Qin to my humble abode today? Don’t tell me you want to get drunk with me in broad daylight?” Zhang Jinglong laughed heartily, his voice booming off the walls.

Qin Lu laughed along with him. “Getting drunk is simple enough; we can do that tonight! But I’m here on proper business today.”

“Oh? What business? Let’s hear it.”

Qin Lu waved his sleeve gently.

A jagged block of silver metal floated into the air. Controlled by a gentle stream of Qi, it drifted across the room and hovered in front of Zhang Jinglong.

“I stumbled across this silver block a few days ago. But no matter how I look at it, I can’t quite identify it. I was hoping Brother Zhang could help me with an Appraisal.”

“Ah, a small matter. Let me see!”

Zhang Jinglong grinned, snatched the metal from the air, and began to inspect it.

At first, his expression was casual. But as he turned the object over, his eyes suddenly lit up.

He immediately reached into his Storage Bag and pulled out a specialized mirror Magical Artifact. He bathed the silver block in its light, examining the reflection. Then, he produced a set of calipers and files, scratching and testing the density.

After a dazzling array of tests, Zhang Jinglong finally stopped. He clicked his tongue in wonder.

“Sect Master Qin, you’ve got a fine thing here!”

“How so?” Qin Lu asked, leaning forward slightly.

“This is [Wu Xian Silver]. Look at the luster—bright and unyielding. The texture is incredibly hard, yet pure and flawless. It is an absolute top-tier material for artifact refining!”

Qin Lu was overjoyed. “Then, can this [Wu Xian Silver] be refined into an offensive Magical Artifact sword?”

“Of course! In fact, I’ll tell you this—refining it into an offensive Magical Artifact is the only way to bring out its true potential!”

“Then I must trouble Brother Zhang to refine a 2nd Tier Magical Artifact sword for me!”

“That is naturally no problem!” Zhang Jinglong paused, stroking his chin. “However, a sword of that caliber cannot be made from [Wu Xian Silver] alone. It requires auxiliary materials…”

Qin Lu understood the implication immediately.

“Brother Zhang, just tell me directly—how many Spirit Stones do you need?”

“Good. Based on the quality of this [Wu Xian Silver], I can forge a 2nd Tier High Grade Magical Artifact sword for you. However, even providing the main material yourself, the cost of labor and auxiliary ores will come to 4,000 Spirit Stones.”

“4,000 Spirit Stones? That is no small sum…” Qin Lu’s expression grew serious.

The market price for a standard 2nd Tier High Grade Magical Artifact usually ranged between 5,000 and 10,000 Spirit Stones. Zhang Jinglong’s quote of 4,000 was fair, considering Qin Lu was providing the core metal.

The problem was that Qin Lu didn’t have that much liquid capital on hand.

“Sect Master Qin, is the price acceptable?” Zhang Jinglong leaned forward, his tone probing. This was a significant transaction for him as well.

Qin Lu pondered for a moment, calculating his assets. Finally, he nodded.

“4,000 Spirit Stones is no problem! However, I have a small request I must inform Brother Zhang about.”

“What request?”

“This 2nd Tier High Grade Magical Artifact sword… it must be a flying sword!”