Protagonist's Artifact Refinement Halo!

In the main hall, silence filled the air.

The words "Su Zhan has obtained a star fragment" echoed throughout the spacious hall.

Qin Jincheng felt his mind go blank for a moment. Chen Changfeng's words filled his thoughts entirely.

For thousands of years, the coveted treasure sought by many day and night had been found so easily by Su Zhan?

Could this child's luck be too extraordinary?

"Sect Master, Sect Master?"

Upon hearing Chen Changfeng's call, Qin Jincheng snapped out of his daze and earnestly asked, "Junior Brother, are you certain? Is it truly a star fragment?"

"Sect Master, how could I make a mistake like that? The power of the stars contained within the star fragment is immense, and I can feel it," Chen Changfeng replied.

Considering the immense power of the stars within it, Chen Changfeng sighed, "From Mortal, Spiritual, Xuan, Royal, to the Divine level, the star fragment is the best even among materials for divine weapons!"

"If it is indeed a star fragment, then it is only natural."

Qin Jincheng sighed, "I'm afraid this child is a true heaven's favorite son! With such incredible luck, we can't even compare to him. Junior Brother, while the main material is crucial for perfecting his natal weapon, we must not overlook the other supplementary materials."

"Sect Master, rest assured. Even if I have to empty the sect's treasury, I will find the most suitable additional materials for Su Zhan," said Chen Changfeng.

Suddenly, a thought came to Chen Changfeng, and he said, "By the way, Sect Master, if I recall correctly, you seemed to have obtained a piece of pure gold three years ago..."

"Take it!"

Without blinking, Qin Jincheng's hand shimmered, revealing a finger-length piece of pure gold, which he tossed to Chen Changfeng. "Our Yuntian Sword Sect has been established for a thousand years and rarely has such talent. Even if it means using my own resources, it is highly valuable!"

Chen Changfeng was moved and bowed, saying, "Junior Brother thanks Sect Master on behalf of Su Zhan."

"As for the material, it's no problem. But purifying the birth weapon requires a foundation in forging. Otherwise, you wouldn't even know how to shape the simplest form. With others, you can teach them casually. However, Su Zhan is a rare talent, and this step cannot be taken lightly."

"Sect Master, rest assured. I plan to personally ask Ouyang Mu to teach Su Zhan the art of forging."

"Ouyang Mu?"

Qin Jincheng frowned. "That stubborn old man doesn't give face to anyone and has never truly taught anyone. One's understanding depends solely on their own comprehension. It would be better to find another master blacksmith."

"For others, I wouldn't even consider Ouyang Mu. But Su Zhan is different. If he can obtain a star fragment in a day, perhaps he has the ability to catch that old man's, Ouyang Mu's, attention?" Chen Changfeng smiled.

"No matter what, Ouyang Mu is still one of the strongest master blacksmiths among the fifteen large and small countries in our Tiannan region. Currently, he happens to be staying in our Yuntian Sword Sect. It would be a shame if we don't make use of him," said Chen Changfeng.

Qin Jincheng nodded. "That's true. Ouyang Mu has traveled extensively and has been staying in our Yuntian Sword Sect for two years. Recently, he showed signs of leaving, but I gave him a unique Flowing Water Iron piece from our Xia country to study, which made him stay. I heard recently that he has fully deciphered the composition of Flowing Water Iron. He might leave soon. Junior Brother, if you want to contact him, do it as soon as possible."

"Alright, I will contact him immediately," said Chen Changfeng, and he left with his flying sword.

...

Upon returning to Baiyun Peak, Su Zhan immediately entered his Cave Mansion.

Outside, voices started to be heard one by one.

"Junior Brother Su, I'm Nie Qian from Cave Mansion No. 11. After hearing about your return and your preparations to break through the Barrier Master Realm, I have specially prepared a piece of 'White Crystal Bronze Stone' to give to you!"

"Junior Brother Su, I'm Chen Muan from Cave Mansion No. 19. I have some leftover materials from the refinement of my previous natal weapon, which I painstakingly collected. If Junior Brother doesn't mind, I will give them to you!"

"Young Brother Su, I--"

Just as the true disciple was about to speak, the gate of Cave Mansion No. 17 opened, and Su Zhan walked out with a smile.

His gaze swept over several true disciples, and Su Zhan smiled and said, "Thank you, senior brothers, for your kind intentions. However, I have made all the necessary preparations and do not need these."

"That's right, Junior Brother Su, you are a heaven's favorite son, and the sect must have arranged everything for you!"

The true disciples were not too surprised, only feeling a little disappointed as they spoke with Su Zhan.

After exchanging words with them and seeing them off, Su Zhan returned to his cave.

These things might be considered valuable to others, but they were all items that could be found in the sect's treasury.

If that was the case, why should he owe anyone anything?

"Senior Brother Qi, Su Zhan is too arrogant!"

Several li away from Cave Mansion No. 17, Qi Yang and some true disciples were discussing their cultivation experiences when they happened to witness this scene.

"And those opportunistic people! Su Zhan is just a low-level Yuan Condensation cultivator, yet they lick up to him like this!"

"Those useless people are not even worthy of Senior Brother Qi's attention. Just let them be!"

The true disciples who had a good relationship with Qi Yang sneered and mocked.

Qi Yang smiled faintly, "That's normal. They only know that Su Zhan has extraordinary talent and a bright future, but they don't realize that it will all vanish after I have a decisive battle with him."

"Senior Qi, are you saying..."

"Su Zhan is too arrogant. I plan to cripple his cultivation during our decisive battle as a punishment for him!"

Qi Yang's expression remained calm as if discussing a trivial matter. His gaze was focused on Cave Mansion No. 17, and a cynical smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Su Zhan, you better hurry up and break through the Barrier Master Realm. I'm starting to get impatient!

...

The next day.

Su Zhan went to Xiaozhu Peak.

Last night, Chen Changfeng informed him about Ouyang Mu using an identity token.

Today, he would go to Xiaozhu Peak to meet Ouyang Mu and learn the most basic methods of weapon forging.

"The Barrier Master Realm not only means having a Natal Weapon but also greatly enhances one's strength. Moreover, cultivators in the Barrier Master Realm can use Xuan-level weapons..."

Recalling various information about the Barrier Master Realm in his mind, Su Zhan became somewhat impatient and quickened his pace.

One hour later, at the foot of Xiaozhu Peak.

As Su Zhan stepped onto the stone path leading to Ouyang Mu's residence on the mountaintop, a voice suddenly sounded behind him.

"Junior Brother Su, what a coincidence!"

Qi Yang had a faint smile on his face. "I heard that you are going to refine your Natal Weapon. Are you here to learn the artifact refinement method?"

Su Zhan asked, "What does it have to do with you?"

"No big deal, I just want to remind Junior Brother that learning the artifact refinement method is very difficult. Master Ouyang Mu won't teach those who are not talented. Perhaps you came here in vain, hahaha!"

Qi Yang laughed and increased his speed as he walked past Su Zhan.

Soon, they both arrived at the workshop in Ouyang Mu's residence.

"Master Ouyang, I--"

"I know. Chen Changfeng sent you. Figure it out on your own. If you can understand, understand. If you can't, leave!"

Ouyang Mu was a sturdy old man, sweating profusely as he added some materials into a large refining furnace. He didn't even glance at Su Zhan, showing remarkable impatience.

"Qi Yang, the question you asked me last time is part of the refining process. After you finish watching, maybe you will gain some insights."

Ouyang Mu seemed to appreciate Qi Yang to some extent, speaking slightly more politely.

"Yes, Master Ouyang, I will study diligently!"

Qi Yang answered respectfully, then looked somewhat proud as he turned to Su Zhan. "Young Brother Su, as a beginner, how can you understand what Master Ouyang is refining? If you don't understand something, why don't you explain it to your Senior Brother here? I'm in a good mood today, maybe I can give you some guidance!"

At this moment, Su Zhan had no time to pay attention to Qi Yang because a system prompt had sounded in his mind a moment ago.

"Ding! Achievement task 'First Time Observing Artifact Refinement' completed. Unlocking a new halo: [Protagonist's Artifact Refinement Halo]!"