Chapter 279
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Chapter 279: Great Respected Elder Yan
Seeing the eager expression on the old man’s face, Xu Fan glanced around at the various artifacts displayed in the room and knew he would have to say something today.
The elder led Xu Fan to a massive hammer.
"The Town-Defying Hammer—one swing can alter the heavens and earth, sealing space. It’s undoubtedly a weapon of choice for Great Ascension Masters in life-and-death battles," the elder said, looking at Xu Fan and waiting for his response.
"With Ethereal Copper as the main material and Soul-Resonating Dark Iron as the support, combined with the Celestial Script Formations for ‘Town’ and ‘Void’ as the core, this artifact deserves to be passed down through generations," Xu Fan remarked candidly.
Hearing Xu Fan’s words, the elder laughed heartily. A single compliment from a peer was worth more than a thousand from an outsider.
"Haha, I didn’t expect such high praise from Elder Xu."
The elder then showed Xu Fan and Li Xingci more than ten artifacts, each of which Xu Fan evaluated fairly.
It wasn’t flattery—the artifacts crafted by this hall master were truly exceptional. Even under Xu Fan’s most critical eye, he could only find minor flaws.
After the tour, the elder brought them to a teahouse inside the volcanic fairy town for some tea.
"Fire Rock Tea is unique to the cultivation world; it’s a must-try when you’re here," the elder said, personally pouring tea for them.
Xu Fan quickly thanked him, sensing that the hall master’s hospitality might have an ulterior motive.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Master," Xu Fan said.
The elder then handed Xu Fan a token made of Celestial Dark Iron.
"You already have master craftsman privileges from the Elder Council. Consider this a memento," the elder said with a smile.
Xu Fan examined the token, impressed that it was made from the same Celestial Dark Iron used to craft celestial tools—a testament to the influence of the cultivation world’s foremost power.
"Are you thinking of turning this token into a small Immortal Sword?" the elder chuckled.
"Probably every master craftsman has had that thought," Xu Fan replied with a grin, certain that no master craftsman would pass up such an idea.
"Haha, master craftsmen truly understand each other," the elder said, his expression turning serious.
"Elder Xu, I want your honest opinion on the artifacts I’ve crafted," the elder said earnestly.
Xu Fan thought for a moment before replying, "Master, you’re aiming to break through to become an artifact great master, aren’t you?"
"Yes," the elder nodded.
"In terms of artifact crafting, you’re a predecessor, but from my perspective, your path seems slightly off," Xu Fan said.
He had examined all the artifacts in the collection room and, frankly, there was a significant issue.
"You’ve noticed it too," the elder said.
"Master, you rely too heavily on your Celestial Script Formations. While they produce excellent artifacts, they also limit your progress," Xu Fan explained.
Becoming a master craftsman was easy for Xu Fan, but for most artifact masters, it required overcoming several hurdles.
The first was mastering the fusion of spirit ores and spirit materials; a single misstep could ruin everything.
The second was the creation and design of rune formations; most artifact masters struggled at this stage.
Now, the elder wanted to break through to become an artifact great master, but he was facing the same second problem.
"I know, but after walking this path for so many years, it’s hard to change," the elder said.
"I see, Master, you’re aiming to use this set of Celestial Script Formations as a base to upgrade to artifact-level formations," Xu Fan remarked, a hint of regret in his voice. Despite his limited grasp of celestial scripts, he could see that this system had hit its ceiling.
The elder’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Finally, someone gets me," he exclaimed.
But noticing the regret on Xu Fan’s face, he quickly understood the reality.
"It seems the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Refining Sect was right; this system has indeed reached its limit," the elder admitted, his voice tinged with melancholy, feeling both unwilling and powerless.
"I’m just starting out as a master craftsman with a limited perspective; I can’t be of much help, Master," Xu Fan said modestly.
Xu Fan’s artifact crafting skills were currently limited by his cultivation realm. An improvement in his realm would naturally enhance his crafting abilities.
Though his crafting skills were restricted, Xu Fan’s theoretical knowledge was solid. He believed the hall master’s issue wasn’t too severe and could be resolved easily, but as a novice Golden Core cultivator, it wasn’t his place to suggest solutions.
"Elder Xu, you’re too modest. I’ve seen the Chen Iron Spiritual Sword you crafted; your future potential is something I can only admire," the elder said with a smile, his long life granting him considerable insight.
"Don’t blame Ning Dao; I saw him during a spar and got curious," the elder explained.
"I understand," Xu Fan nodded, showing no concern.
An artifact could reveal much to a master craftsman’s discerning eye.
"Elder Xu, you didn’t come here just to qualify as a master craftsman, did you?" the elder inquired.
"It’s for a personal matter," Xu Fan replied, then proceeded to explain Li Xingci’s situation.
"Su Rantian’s master, the Great Respected Elder Yan."
"Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this. Elder Xu’s problems are my problems."
"You two don’t need to go to the Elder Council headquarters. I’ll summon him here. Anyone who dares to trouble our master in artifact crafting will have to think twice about asking for our services in the future," the elder declared, exuding the protective aura of an older brother.
After speaking, the elder sent a message to Great Respected Elder Yan.
Meanwhile, at the Elder Council headquarters, Great Respected Elder Yan was anxiously observing his precious disciple in a grand hall.
"Master, I’ve decided to be with Li Xingci for life, unwavering until death. Please support us," Su Rantian pleaded beside him.
"A Nascent Soul Stage kid, and it’s only his master who holds any weight; the rest are worthless. Why do you have to fancy this foolish boy?" Great Respected Elder Yan responded, his tone filled with helplessness.
He had considered quietly eliminating the boy, but his disciple discovered his plan and threatened him, forcing him to abandon the idea.
"My disciple will only recognize Xingci in this lifetime," Su Rantian declared firmly.
"Even if Master doesn’t agree now, once you ascend, I will still be with Xingci," Su Rantian added, her voice laced with stubbornness.
"You…"
"Ah, I’ve told you before that the technique you practice comes from the Immortal Realm. Now that you’re emotional, all past efforts are wasted."
The usually irritable Great Respected Elder Yan felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness, seeing his late brother’s daughter enamored with a seemingly hopeless boy.
"That brat and his master have arrived at the Upper Zun Fairy City. I need to have a serious talk with that brat," Great Respected Elder Yan said, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Really?" Su Rantian’s eyes lit up with joy.
"Don’t play dumb; you two seem quite happy chatting away. Don’t think I don’t notice," Great Respected Elder Yan said coldly, a hint of jealousy in his tone.
Just then, Great Respected Elder Yan’s communication artifact chimed.
