Chapter 98: Lotus (6)/trantingnovice


    Whooosh!


    Facing the sandstorm of Cheon-saek City attached to the Heaven-Treading Desert, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan packed arge cloth and scanned the area below.


    If my memory serves right, that''s where thedy lived..."


    Cheongmun Ryeong''s gaze turns to an alley.


    Inside the alley is the White Magic Lotus Artifact Store that I have seen before.


    There it is."


    Could it be her?


    I sigh softly, pondering what to do.


    But Ryeong Hyung, aren''t there other ns descendants in the alley?


    Hmm, indeed.


    As stated, the alley is packed with cultivators possessing consciousness.


    Even cultivators appearing to be at the Qi Building stage are present.


    These pathetic ones, chasing after a woman. Now that the Cheongmun n is involved, lets snatch her away as mboyantly as possible.


    Let''s do that.


    Then, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan leap down from the flying magic artifact shaped like a ship, cutting through the sandstorm.


    The Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent is required by our main house, we will take her to the Cheongmun n!


    What..."


    What is..."


    At the booming shout of Cheongmun Dan, the surrounding cultivators flinch and look up at the sky.


    No one dares to stand against the mid Qi Building aura of Cheongmun Dan.


    Even a cultivator at the early Qi Building stage grimaces but remains still.


    And when Cheongmun Dan unfurls the cloth,


    I dont know what business my daughter has with you, but that will be a bit inconvenient."


    Rumble!


    A surge of white spiritual energy approaches.


    Cheongmun Dan flinches, crossing his arms to block the wave of spiritual energy, which writhes and transforms into a huge tiger, blocking Cheongmun Dan and Cheongmun Ryeong.


    The two retreat to the top of buildings, looking down at the tiger.


    Kugugugu!


    This is, Qi Buildingte stage!?


    The tiger made of spiritual energy also leaps into the sky.


    And from the dissipating spiritual energy tiger, a middle-aged man in white emerges.


    He wears a white robe, a blue ring turned ne around his neck, and various ss magic artifacts on his wrists.


    I am the guest elder of the Gongmyo n, Buk Joong-ho. I''m unsure what the Cheongmun n wants with my daughter, but I ask for a formal request rather than such rash actions.


    Hmm, a guest elder of the Gongmyo n."


    The individual governing this Cheon-saek City.


    Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan step back, and I remember him.


    That Qi Building cultivator who tried to recruit me to the Gongmyo n...!


    He was her father.


    Our n hase for..."


    Cheongmun Ryeong slowly exins their purpose to Buk Joong-ho.


    After listening for a while, Buk Joong-ho nods.


    So, you tried to kidnap my daughter for that reason. I''m a bit angry, but Ill tolerate it for the sake of the Cheongmun n. Indeed, my daughter is in trouble because of the n descendants..."


    Buk Joong-ho frowns for a moment and then speaks.


    However, even if I wanted to let my daughter go to the Cheongmun n, she will refuse to go."


    Hmm? What do you mean?


    Cheongmun Ryeong asks in surprise.


    Buk Joong-ho rubs his temples, looking vexed.


    Its due to her mothersst will. She told us to wait for a betrothed who promised to marry my daughter in Cheon-saek City and woulde with a token. Hence, she wont leave Cheon-saek City to honor her mothersst will."


    Hmm..."


    Cheongmun Ryeong frowns and asks.


    Is there no way? It''s an important matter instructed by our n head..."


    If its for a few days, she might, but she wont leave Cheon-saek City for several months for such a matter. If you try to kidnap her against her will, youll have to fight me.


    After pondering for a moment, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan both sigh lightly.


    We understand. We''ll just have to study the magic artifacts in Cheon-saek City. What do you think, Daoist Seo?


    I have no objections.


    Well, then, let''s do that..."


    Cheongmun Ryeongmands the n descendants gathered in the alley below.


    You brats! The Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent artisan you''re surrounding has an artifactmissioned by the formal order using the name of the Cheongmun n! It is a multi-year project, so anyone disturbing the artisan will be punished in the name of the Cheongmun n. Scram!"


    Upon hearing that, most of thete-stage cultivators furrow their brows.


    Its then.


    Among thete-stage cultivators, one who looks to be of a simr physical age to me, floats into the air and respectfully greets Cheongmun Ryeong.


    "It is an honor to meet Cultivator Cheongmun Ryeong, one of the three greats of Qi Building.."


    "Yes, I am also honored to meet Cultivator Byeok Mun-seong, the most talentedte-stage heir of the Byeok n. You just barely missed being selected for the official ascension group of the Righteous Path Alliance, didnt you?"


    "Ha, I''m embarrassed."


    Byuk Mun-seong, d in a brown robe, strokes his unique long ponytail as he continues.


    "However, I have something to say to Cultivator Cheongmun Ryeong. Regardless of the Cheongmun n''s affair, right now, severalte-stage cultivators from various ns and she are in the middle of a bet. Cheongmun n''s matter is important, but the bet cannot be dyed. Could you please wait just a little longer?"


    "A bet? What kind of bet?"


    Cheongmun Ryeong furrows his brow and asks, to which Byuk Mun-seong replies with a sly smile.


    "She has made a deal that if any of uste-stage cultivators can properly handle the magic artifact she''s making, shell end her long seclusion in Cheon-saek City and go on a trip with the cultivator who handled the magic artifact properly."


    "Huh, so you mean to say that right now, when the Cheongmun ns affair is urgent, you n to take the artifact artisan on a trip?"


    Cheongmun Dan res at Byeok Mun-seong with fiery eyes.


    Byeok Mun-seong, still at early Qi Building, steps back with an awkward smile.


    "That''s not what I meant. Anyway, I just want to secure a promise. It''s fine to go on the trip after the Cheongmun n''s affair is settled."


    "Hmm... Did Cultivator Buk not object to his daughter traveling with a young man?"


    At Cheongmun Dan''s words, Buk Joong-ho calmly speaks..


    "I allowed it. Im sad that my daughter is too confined to Cheon-saek City because of her mother''sst words, so I told her to continue with the bet. Of course, I will apany her."


    Cheongmun Dan and Cheongmun Ryeong looks at me.


    "Is it okay with you, Daoist Seo?"


    I look at Byeok Mun-seong and ask.


    "How long will this bet take, approximately?"


    "Ah, well..."


    That''s when it happens.


    Paaat!


    A bright light bursts from within White Magic Lotus.


    "Ah! It seems the magic artifacts have just beenpleted. If you could wait just half a day, the bet will be over..."


    I nod.


    "Alright. Thats fine..."


    Cheongmun Dan and Cheongmun Ryeong also nod, and we decide to watch how the bet unfolds for half a day.


    After a while, I feel spatial fluctuations from the space inside the magic artifact store.


    ''It feels simr to spacepression... Perhaps the inside isrger than the outside.''


    I recall when I went to kill the previous emperor of Yanguo.. Even the emperor who was only at the Qi Refining stage had hidden in a pavilion that wasrger on the inside.


    ''Is that magic artifact store itself a kind of space-like artifact?''


    After a while, the door of the magic artifact store opens, and thete-stage cultivators from various ns and Byeok Mun-seong enter the store.


    Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan also enter the store after getting permission from Buk Joong-ho.


    I too enter the store after getting permission.


    Whooosh!


    Wo-woong!


    As the spatial feature on the store itself activates, the appearance of the storepletely changes from thest time I entered.


    On arge tform are gs, swords, mirrors, bells, scrolls, wheels, and more.


    Numerous forms of magic artifacts are disyed, and as expected, she in white stands on the tform, looking down at us.


    "Haha, indeed the magic artifacts of Miss Buk are different just from the aura they emit."


    Byeok Mun-seong exims in admiration as he looks at the artifacts.


    "Indeed, as promised. If someone can properly handle these magic artifacts, Cultivator Buk will agree to travel with that cultivator."


    "Don''t worry, Cultivator Byeok. However, as I mentioned earlier, I will set the standard for ''properly handling.''"


    "Understood, I would like to hear the standards."


    She lifts a bell-shaped magic artifact and infuses it with spiritual power.


    Paaat!


    A bright blue light emits from the bell, coloring the surroundings and casting a semi-transparent water curtain around her.


    Ten stripes appear on this water curtain.


    "The magic artifacts I have created will show one stripe for each tenth of their power unleashed. Thus, if any of you, with any magic artifact I made, can bring forth more than 60% of its power, I will consider the standards met."


    "Hahaha, 60%?"


    Byeok Mun-seongughs aloud.


    "How amusing. Even if the magic artifacts made by Cultivator Buk are impressive, do you think the distinguished heirs from various ns gathered here cannot draw out even 60% of a magic artifacts power?"


    Not just Byeok Mun-seong, but snickers can be heard from around the room.


    "This means everyone will likely draw out 60%, so we should determine the winner of the bet by who can enhance the magic artifact''s performance the most."


    Ate-stage cultivator from the Gongmyo n chuckles.


    However, she looks at him coldly and says,


    "Well, I was worried that setting the standard at 60% might be too high and would be criticized. I wonder how many among you here can actually bring out even 20% of my magic artifacts power?"


    "What, what...!"


    The Gongmyo n cultivators face turns beet red upon hearing this.


    "Are you mocking me!?"


    "No, wasnt it you who started the mockery?"


    Suddenly, her demeanor changes.


    The soft and gentle look disappears, reced by a fierce re that dominates the room.


    "How dare you stand before my magic artifacts and say that anyone can draw out 60% of their power? Do you think my magic artifacts are that easy?


    If there are those among you who saw the failures disyed in White Magic Lotus and thought my magic artifacts are trivial, please leave now. I do not wish to speak with those who cannot recognize the true value of my magic artifacts."


    Under her intense presence, the Gongmyo n heir seems to flinch and then, thumping his chest, steps forward.


    "Fine, then I''ll be the first to test the magic artifacts! After all, a magic artifact is just a magic artifact, how impressive can it be?"


    He climbs onto the tform and grabs a g-shaped magic artifact.


    Wooong!


    And after a while...


    Fisss...


    The magic artifact looks to light up but then, just as quickly, the light goes out, and it droops lifelessly.


    "Wh-what?"


    "Full of confidence, yet you can''t even activate the magic artifact."


    "No, no... Ugh! I''m just not used to a g-shaped magic artifact!"


    Thete-stage cultivator from the Gongmyo n goes around, touching other magic artifacts and infusing them with spiritual power.


    But, just like the first, none of the magic artifacts light up; they just fizzle out.


    The only one that even showed a sparkle was the mirror-shaped magic artifact he bragged he was most familiar with, but even that failed to produce a single stripe indicating 10% power.


    "Th-this is a scam! What kind of magic artifacts are these! It''s not meant for use!"


    He shouts at her, but she just smiles and replies,


    "If youck skill, at least have some manners. Please step down. There is not a single magic artifact here that you can handle."


    "Ugh...!"


    Spiritual power of the earth attribute escapes from around the Gongmyo n heir.


    I look at Buk Joong-ho and ask,


    "Shouldn''t we intervene?"


    But Buk Joong-ho clicks his tongue and crosses his arms.


    "No need. My daughter''s magic artifacts are all difficult to draw power from but..."


    Kwaang!


    The Gongmyo n cultivator, unable to hold back, casts a spell.


    Kurururu...


    However, his spell is blocked by the water curtain produced by her magic artifact, disappearing without a trace.


    Ten stripes are floating on the water curtain.


    "If you can properly draw them out, it boasts considerable performance... In fact, even I, her father, can only draw up to 80% of the power from my daughters magic artifacts."


    Pride fills Buk Joong-ho''s face.


    "A person without manners, skill, or character is trash. Please leave."


    Wooong!


    At her gesture, several magic artifacts floats in the air, disying ten stripes, and point at the Gongmyo n cultivator.


    The Gongmyo n cultivator''s face reddens and then turns pale, but he soon descends from the stage amidst the jeers of other n descendants.


    "Kukkuk, knew that guy would be like this."


    "What was he thinking, trying to handle a magic artifact?"


    "Even in the Gongmyo n, known for their magic artifacts, he''s famous for not being able to handle them."


    After rearranging the magic artifacts, she looks around the audience and asks,


    "Is there anyone else?"


    And then, without exception, everyone starts to challenge her magic artifacts.


    "An outstanding magic artifact artisan indeed."


    Cheongmun Ryeong strokes his goatee andments.


    "Absolutely trustworthy."


    "Isn''t she somewhat of a magic artifact genius? It seems no one can properly draw out the power of the magic artifacts."


    Indeed.


    Manyte-stage cultivators tried, but the one who managed to draw out the most power from a magic artifact could only reach 20%.


    However, Cheongmun Ryeong is unimpressed.


    "Outstanding, yes, but such magic artifacts can be crafted by any high-level refiner. Compared to Gongmyo Cheon-saek, who was absolutely wild, its clear she''s still far behind. Gongmyo Cheon-saek used to brag to me about the magic artifacts he created, andpared to him, thisw pattern artisan still has a long way to go."


    Cheongmun Ryeong critically assesses her.


    "It seems she deliberately made the circuits of the magic artifactsplex and difficult, whereas Gongmyo Cheon-saek''s are simple yet elegant."


    Cheongmun Ryeong looks to have some expertise in magic artifacts, evaluating them from a distance.


    "Complex spiritual energy circuits allow one to create powerful magic artifacts from ordinary materials, but whether those are truly good magic artifacts is another question."


    Buk Joong-ho nods somberly at Cheongmun Ryeong''s words.


    "You are right. My daughter still falls shortpared to Elder Gongmyo Cheon-saek. But there is a reason she makes the circuitsplex, please understand that."


    "Alright. As long as she handles the n matters properly."


    Cheongmun Ryeong nods.


    Soon, a gloomy air falls over the faces of the many cultivators gathered in the magic artifact store.


    Among them, even the few outstanding ones couldn''t draw out more than 20% of a magic artifact''s power, let alone 60%.


    As things turn out this way, some give up even before trying.


    "This is a scam!"


    "What nonsense is this!!!"


    The crowd''s mood grows hostile, but they are subdued by the presence of Buk Joong-ho, Cheongmun Ryeong, Cheongmun Dan, and myself watching from the back.


    Then, breaking through the crowd, one person steps forward.


    "Cultivator Byeok has stepped up!"


    "That''s right. If it''s a Qi Building cultivator, maybe..."


    Its Byeok Mun-seong, who had gathered the cultivators.


    "Truly living up to her reputation. I have seen the magic artifacts of Miss Buk. But, honestly, only drawing out 60% of a magic artifacts power seems too easy, doesnt it?"


    He chuckles and climbs onto the stage, examining the magic artifacts.


    "If you''re at Qi Building, understanding how to handle magic artifactses naturally. Even if you had set the condition at 90%, it would have been insufficient..."


    Then, Byeok Mun-seong lifts a flying sword magic artifact.


    "Let me show you the skill of a Qi Building cultivator!"


    Wooong!


    His Pure Spiritual Force surges into the flying sword.


    The sword begins to shine, revealing stripes.


    One stripe, two...


    And then three!


    "Wow... three stripes!"


    "Is this what a Qi Building cultivator can do!"


    "No one else could draw out even 30% of the power!"


    But the stripes don''t stop there.


    "Four stripes!"


    "Already 40%!"


    However, the smile gradually fades from Byeok Mun-seongs face.


    ''How far will this go...''


    Paaat!


    As Byeok Mun-seong pours in more Pure Spiritual Force, a fifth stripe appears on the magic artifact.


    "50%!"


    "Look, Cultivator Byeok might just meet the standard!"


    But not only me, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan, even Buk Joong-ho sneer or click their tongues.


    Its evident that Byeok Mun-seong is struggling.


    "Tch, tch, pouring in power without understanding. I could draw out 70% myself..."


    Cheongmun Ryeong clicks his tongue and mutters, attracting the scornful nces of many.


    However, most recognize Cheongmun Ryeong as one of the top three in Qi Building, and many turn their heads back with murmurs.


    And then.


    Blink, blink...


    As Byeok Mun-seong''s face reddens, the sixth stripe faintly flickers and appears on the flying sword.


    Then,


    Fisssh!


    The light on the flying sword goes out.


    "It''s done! Look, Miss Buk. I have drawn out 60% of the flying sword''s power!"


    However, her face remains cold.


    "60%? Are you sure what you''ve shown is really 60%?"


    "The stripes were visible, weren''t they?"


    "Hmm..."


    She seems to ponder for a moment, and the crowd bes on edge, awaiting her decision.


    Frustrated, I blurt out without thinking,


    "The sword... why handle it like that?"


    Swoosh!


    I flinch!


    I look around as numerous eyes are now focused on me.


    Unlike the looks directed at Cheongmun Ryeong, these stares linger.


    Byeok Mun-seong, having heard myment, looks at me.


    No one dares to speak recklessly to me, a Qi Building cultivator, but their faces are filled with dissatisfaction.


    Then Byeok Mun-seong, wiping sweat from his forehead, speaks.


    "Ha, it seems you''re around my age, fellow cultivator. How can you be so presumptuous?"


    "I apologize if it sounded unpleasant. I just spoke without thinking, as I usually handle the sword."


    "Oh, you''re a sword cultivator? But I, Byeok Mun-seong, pride myself on being a sword cultivator too. How can a stranger criticize my way?"


    "Sword cultivator?"


    It seems hes referring to a cultivator who practices sword methods like flying sword skills.


    "So, Cultivator Byuk, you mean to say you''ve primarily trained in flying sword techniques?"


    "Yes, I''m known as the sword genius of the Byeok n, having entered the Qi Building stage. Seeing you''re likely in early Qi Building, I suppose I have a higher understanding of swords than you, don''t I? You shouldn''t speak so thoughtlessly."


    "..."


    I flinch.


    I was going to let it go.


    However.


    ''Debating sword understanding in front of me?''


    In front of me?


    I approach the stage with a stern expression.


    "What..."


    I pick a sword-shaped magic artifact from among those on the stage and infuse it with Pure Spiritual Force.


    "Watch. The sword..."


    Wooong!


    "Is used like this."


    As I infuse the sword with power, it emits light.


    Stripes appear one by one.


    The stripes reach three, four, and five.


    "Ha, haha... if that''s all..."


    And then the sixth stripe appears.


    "..."


    Byeok Mun-seong and thete-stage cultivators from various ns widen their eyes.


    A clear sixth stripe!


    But I continue to infuse the sword with power.


    My Pure Spiritual Force is considerably stronger than Byeok Mun-seong''s, and my understanding of the sword alone is enough to draw out the sword magic artifact''s power.


    Koooooom!


    The seventh stripe appears.


    Byeok Mun-seong stares at the sword I am holding as if his eyes will pop out, and she too looks at me with considerable interest.


    The eighth stripe.


    Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan are also surprised, and Byeok Mun-seong forces out a detedugh.


    The ninth stripe.


    Buk Joong-ho, watching from behind, is also startled and focuses more intently on my sword.


    And then.


    Koooom!


    The sword magic artifact surges with energy, forming the final, tenth stripe.


    I have perfectly drawn out 100% of the magic artifact''s power!


    "Ha, haha..."


    Byeok Mun-seong steps back a few paces with a defeated expression, his face filled with defeat and a mix of anger and humiliation.


    p, p, p, p...


    She smiles brightly and ps her hands.


    "Amazing. Until now, no one but the creator myself has been able to fully draw out the power of these magic artifacts..."


    Wooong!


    I dont pay attention to her words and infuse even more spiritual power into the sword.


    ''Dare to talk about sword understanding in front of me?''


    I''ll show them.


    What it means to be a sword cultivator!


    Forget everything except the sword in front of you!


    Koooom!


    The sword vibrates wildly, and above the ten stripes, an eleventh stripe appears.


    "Wha...!"


    Even she, who has been calm until now, changes her expression.


    "How...?"


    But I focus on the sword, not paying attention to her.


    Hundreds of spiritual energy circuits are visible within the sword.


    I don''t concern myself with the unknown circuits.


    The important thing is the essence of the sword.


    A weapon for cutting, stabbing, and swinging.


    How to maximize the power of that tool to its limit?


    That is, to swing the tool until it bes one with my arm.


    Severing Mountain Swordsmanship, First Move, Transcending Peaks!


    Paaak!


    When I take the stance and swing the sword magic artifact, a total of twelve stripes appear on it.


    Shepletely loses herposure and stares intently at the sword in front of me.


    "How, how is this possible? I never set it to produce such output. 120%? What have you done?"


    "...I think 13, even 14 might be possible."


    Woong...


    I withdraw my Pure Spiritual Force and continue.


    "But the sword might break. It appears that 120% is the maximum limit for this magic artifact before it breaks. It''s a good artifact."


    I hand the sword back and step away.


    Byeok Mun-seong beside me avoids my gaze with a look of defeat and anger.


    Far away, Cheongmun Ryeong and Cheongmun Dan look astonished by my skills, while Buk Joong-ho looks at me with an expression of disbelief.


    "...It seems the winner is decided. What is your name, sir?"


    She momentarily looks at the sword I have handed her and then speaks to me.


    "My name is Seo Eun-hyun, just call me Cultivator Seo. But initially, I was not a participant in this bet."


    "Not a participant? From the moment you entered the magic artifact shop, you were a participant. Among the others here, is there anyone who can draw out the power of magic artifacts like Cultivator Seo?"


    No one responds.


    "It seems there isn''t. Then, as Cultivator Byeok previously spoken, I shall give the right to Cultivator Seo."


    "Do as you please."


    Byeok Mun-seong spits out his words and then leaves the magic artifact shop.


    Manyte-stage cultivators also follow him, and among them, the descendants of the Cheongmun n are caught by Cheongmun Dan and begin receiving discipline in a corner of the magic artifact shop.


    "Anyway, you have proven that you can handle my magic artifacts properly, so I will give all these magic artifacts to you."


    She points to the artifacts on the stage, and I look at them for a moment before saying,


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t need them."


    "Excuse me?"


    "I don''t use magic artifacts..."


    With an overwhelmingly superior alternative like the Formless Sword, why would I use something like a magic artifact?


    "By the way, do you remember me, Cultivator Buk? You once gave me water and clothes..."


    "Are you ignoring my magic artifacts now?"


    But my words change her mood.


    Shes feeling humiliated.


    "No, that''s not it..."


    "Didn''t you say you were a sword cultivator? Not using my magic artifacts means you find them unsatisfactory, right?"


    ''What''s this...? Does having a simr talent to Mad Lord also mean shes mad as well?''


    I feel perplexed and try to exin, but she speaks with an angry expression.


    "Wait a moment, if you''re not satisfied with these flying swords, I''ll give you something better. I''ll show you my sessful creations...!"


    "No, that''s not necessary..."


    Whoosh!


    She runs into the back of the magic artifact shop, and Buk Joong-ho approaches, clicking his tongue.


    "My daughter is usually kind and gentle, but her personality changes a bit when ites to magic artifacts. She has great pride in the magic artifacts she''s created herself, so please understand."


    "Isn''t this reaction a bit too much?"


    "Well, that''s because you''re the only one who has drawn out 120% of the power of her magic artifacts. Since you''re the first person she''s seen do this, it seems her pride won''t allow her to ept you not using her magic artifacts."


    Soon, shees back from inside the shop, carrying an armful of sword magic artifacts, andys them out in front of me.


    Each one emits a respectable spiritual aura and are so splendid they take one''s breath away.


    "These are the sword magic artifacts I''m most proud of. Please try holding one and then decide!"


    Her face is brimming with confidence.


    Unable to bear her expression, I pick up one of the swords.


    Woong!


    As I infuse power into the sword, a rainbow of spiritual energy covers the inside of the magic artifact shop.


    Although stripes do not appear like before, I feel that I am drawing out more power than the magic artifact has.


    She too must feel it, as she looks at the sword I am holding with a mesmerized gaze.


    "I apologize, but I really don''t need magic artifacts."


    "Excuse me?"


    I flinch!


    I sense a chill sh in her eyes.


    Her confident smile cracks, and veins throb on her forehead.


    "Hahaha, how do you feel crushing the pride of an artifact artisan, Daoist Seo?"


    Cheongmun Ryeong flies onto the stage and speaks.


    When two Qi Building cultivators stand before her, she conceals her chilling demeanor and changes her expression.


    "Daoist Seo and I, would like to entrust the owner of White Magic Lotus and the person endowed with the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent, with a task.


    "What kind of task might that be?"


    "Daoist Seo and I intend to develop a certain formation, and for that, we need to create formation magic artifacts. Can you help us?"


    She nods in agreement.


    "Of course. However, isn''t formation development a field that takes quite some time?"


    "That''s right. Hence, Daoist Seo and I will stay in Cheon-saek City to work on this project with you. It might take several years."


    After nodding, she looks at me.


    "So, while developing the formation artifacts, Ill also develop something that will satisfy Daoist Seo."


    "No, really, I don''t need any..."


    Cheongmun Ryeong pokes me in the waist to stop me.


    His telepathy reached my ears.


    [How much do you n to crush the artisan''s pride, Daoist Seo? Having a magic artifact wouldn''t be bad, just ept it.]


    "Alright then. I appreciate your effort, but I''m not in a position to afford such artifacts."


    Since you didnt like the artifacts you won for the bet, Im making you a recement. My pride is at stake and since Cultivator Seo has shown new potential for my artifacts, I will make it for free.


    Speechless, I just stare at a spot in the magic artifact shop.


    "Anyway, I look forward to working with you. My name is Buk Hyang-hwa."


    "My name is Seo Eun-hyeon. I appreciate your cooperation."


    "Stay strong, Cultivator Byeok."


    "Our n elders say that Cultivator Buk''s talent corresponds to the Four-Pattern among the Extraordinary Pattern Law Talent. True demonic talent begins to manifest from One-Pattern. Four-Pattern is just considered a level of an outstanding prodigy, so there''s no need to be too disheartened, right?"


    Byeok Mun-seong is receiving constion from the other cultivators.


    "Haha, thank you for your constion, friends..."


    "Well, it''s unfortunate this time, but if there''s another fun event, please call me, Cultivator Byeok."


    "I''ll see youter!"


    As Byeok Mun-seong''s mood seems to brighten a bit, the cultivators each ride their flying artifacts and return to their ns.


    Later.


    Byeok Mun-seong''s face suddenly contorts in anger.


    "Fools... She''s not just a simple Four-Pattern... Why did I drag those guys around, bothering and annoying her..."


    Kwaang!


    He stomps in anger and gnaws his teeth.


    "I can''t let some unknown guy take her... If I can make her, who possesses demonic talent like that monster, mine, bing a n head isn''t just a dream...!"


    He bites his lips and walks into an alley.


    "Let''s wait for her to go on a journey. I still have a chance..."


    "Serving Command Pce...?"


    In the inner meeting room of the magic artifact shop.


    Buk Hyang-hwa, who received the formation diagram, is startled.


    "The creation of the legendary artisan."


    "Yes. We need to create a formation that will stimte growth for a spiritual tree inside, and you must create the formation artifacts for that."


    Cheongmun Ryeong, Buk Hyang-hwa. and I sit at a table, discussing the formation.


    After a while, she asks seriously,


    "Can we enter Serving Command Pce? If I could see the dragon veins and qualities with my own eyes, it would be easier to create suitable magic artifacts."


    "Hmm..."


    "Additionally, Serving Command Pce is known as a treasure. If we can borrow its power for the formation artifacts, we can create even more effective ones."


    However, Cheongmun Ryeong shakes his head.


    "Serving Command Pce only appears once every 400 years. It will be several hundred years before it appears again..."


    "Ah, but I know a secret way to enter."


    "!"


    At my words, Cheongmun Ryeong looks surprised, and Buk Hyang-hwa''s face brightens.


    "What kind of method is it?"


    "Ah, I just need to ask a friend of mine."


    I take out amunication device connected to Seo Ran.


    The day turns to evening.


    I reached out to Seo Ran, and along with Cheongmun Ryeong, we continued to discuss and sketch out the formation diagrams.


    Buk Hyang-hwa announced she would create the basic magic artifacts for the formation and entered her workshop.


    "Sigh..."


    After finishing the discussion with Cheongmun Ryeong, I briefly step out of the meeting room.


    ''He always has an overwhelming number of questions.''


    Cheongmun Ryeong is known for his inquisitiveness, constantly asking, Why do you think that way? This habit persisted even during our discussions on formations.


    His sharp questions can be piercing at times, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia, as if revisiting the past.


    ''The past, once gone, never returns.''


    This fact remains true, even for someone who has experienced regression.


    Lost in such gloomy thoughts, I hear a noise.


    ng, ng!


    From Buk Hyang-hwa''s workshop inside the magic artifact shop, the sound of a hammer striking echoes.


    ''Buk Hyang-hwa is quite remarkable.''


    To create magic artifacts, she hammers away beside the intense heat of the mes, her being a woman notwithstanding.


    I casually approach her workshop and stealthily observe her working.


    Creak, creak...


    Shes carefully engraving something on a formation g artifact, and then she proceeds to hammer and shape something new.


    Suddenly, I notice something blossoming on her face.


    Fzzzt...


    Its a four-colored pattern.


    This pattern, resembling tree branches, boar colors of gold, purple, light pink, and ck.


    The ck and purple patterns, interwoven, create a semi-blended appearance.


    ''That must be Four-Pattern...''


    Amidst the sparks, her figure, forging magic artifacts while adorned with four colors, continually captivates my attention.


    In the midst of this,


    Suddenly, our eyes meet.


    "Ah, Cultivator Seo, have youe? I have something to ask of you."


    "What would that be?"


    "Here."


    Whoosh!


    She goes deeper into her workshop and returns with arge box, cing it before me.


    Creak...


    Upon opening the box, it contains numerous unfinished sword magic artifacts.


    "These are artifacts I made, inspired by seeing you with the previous swords."


    ''All these, crafted in just half a day?''


    Buk Hyang-hwa, with a confident expression, adds,


    "These are specially made for you, Cultivator Seo. They''re not finished yet, but I bet they won''t easily unleash their full power this time. Why not try infusing them with your spiritual power?"


    With a slight smile, I pick up one of the swords.


    Once again, I channel Pure Spiritual Force into the sword.


    As expected, the sword glows, emitting more than 120% of its intended output.


    ''I wonder if she will be disappointed... I feel sorry for defying her expectations.''


    As Im about to speak to her,


    ''Hmm?''


    Buk Hyang-hwa, in a daze, watches the sword as it releases strength beyond its limits.


    Her mouth continuously moves, muttering something about artifacts, and her eyes are fixated on the sword.


    ''She must have gained some inspiration...''


    Just then,


    Woong!


    The four-colored pattern reappears on her skin.


    ''Four-Pattern may only be considered equivalent to the level of a prodigy, but it seems to be a talent far surpassing ordinary magic artifact artisans...''


    Suddenly, I shudder, observing her in her trance-like state.


    The intertwined purple and ck patterns look to be merging together.


    Trantor Notes: These chapters can be so long. There were literally 3 times I thought it was over but no, theres more. Extra donated chaptersing soon.


    ***


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