Chapter 500: Genius Artifact Master, Clearance Sale

Chapter 500: The Artificer Prodigy, Clearance Sale

Chen Xianwei gave a forced smile: "You're celebrating too early. I may yet take on a disciple who awakens the Heartfire in just ten days."

He had no hope for Qi Yuan—relying on a madman was worse than counting on a cleverer cunning spirit.

"Don't talk about the future. First, teach the student you have now. If you can't even teach your first student well, how can you teach a second?"

Wu Zhen laughed and chatted as he turned and walked away.

Chen Xianwei watched Wu Zhen with a dark expression. He looked up at the sky, frowning.

"Why is there only one sun? It's too uncomfortable to look at. If there were one more, it would be much more pleasing."

After muttering this complaint, Chen Xianwei walked toward the courtyard where Qi Yuan was staying.

The vast Shen residence was less a mansion and more a colossal estate.

Because of the existence of the supernatural, the labor force in this world was far stronger, and the buildings were taller and more magnificent.

Passing through elegant courtyard structures, Chen Xianwei arrived at Qi Yuan's courtyard.

"Young master, today I'll teach you how to forge artifacts."

Perhaps due to Wu Zhen's blow, Chen Xianwei decided to stop telling stories and began teaching Qi Yuan artifact forging instead.

"Master Chen, why don't you just tell stories? I'm more interested in the stories you tell," Qi Yuan said directly.

"Alas." Chen Xianwei sighed.

Sure enough, a madman doesn't want to forge artifacts—he wants to hear stories.

He had to be coaxed like a child.

Thinking this, Chen Xianwei felt hopeless about the future, unsure how long he would have to teach Qi Yuan.

Recalling Wu Zhen's sarcastic remarks today and the grand promises the family head had made, he couldn't help but ask, "I heard you took some materials from the Artifact Forging Hall?"

"Mm, speaking of that, Master Chen, I have something to ask you."

"Oh? Go ahead."

"I want to know if there's any place in Fengshan Prefecture where I can sell artifacts—like a street stall," Qi Yuan stated his need.

He had forged some artifacts, but they were all rather unconventional, out of place in Ning Country.

The shops that bought artifacts mostly accepted standard designs.

Chen Xianwei was momentarily stunned. "There's a Ghost Market west of the city, open every night at the hour of Xu. The Ghost Market is a mix of dragons and snakes, attracting all sorts of people. They sell all kinds of artifacts there, even some organs. If you want to buy artifacts, you can go to the Ghost Market. But it's not safe there. If you want to go, try to find a Weapon Master to accompany you and protect you."

"Thank you, Master Chen. Please continue the lesson," Qi Yuan said.

Chen Xianwei nodded and continued teaching, though his voice lacked energy.

Qi Yuan listened below, thoroughly engrossed.

About half an hour later, Chen Xianwei finished the lesson.

"If you have any questions, ask me. Also, awakening the Heartfire depends most on your essence, energy, and spirit. If I'm not here, don't try to awaken it rashly, or you might burn yourself," Chen Xianwei warned.

"Don't worry, Master Chen. I'm not that foolish. Besides, my talent in artifact forging is actually quite decent." Qi Yuan patted his chest confidently.

He almost blurted out that classic saying: No one understands artifact forging better than me.

"I awakened the Heartfire long ago," Qi Yuan said calmly. "I've even forged some artifacts and plan to sell them at the Ghost Market."

"You awakened the Heartfire?" Chen Xianwei's eyes widened. "Wait, you've forged artifacts?"

He was stunned, unable to react for a moment.

Awakened the Heartfire?

Forged artifacts?

Each revelation was more shocking than the last.

"Master Chen, look at this." Qi Yuan extended his palm.

With a whoosh, a wisp of white flame rose, burning steadily.

"This... this is the Heartfire!" Chen Xianwei seemed to realize something and asked instinctively, "When did you awaken it?"

"On the first day you taught me, you gave me the 'Basic Artifact Forging Method.' I practiced according to it and awakened the Heartfire that very night," Qi Yuan answered truthfully.

"That very night?" Chen Xianwei swallowed hard.

Madmen don't lie.

That meant Qi Yuan had awakened the Heartfire in one day?

Relying on the "Basic Artifact Forging Method."

It was as shocking as if, on Earth, an elementary school student learned the multiplication table and then scored full marks on the college entrance exam math section.

Moreover, the awakened Heartfire was actually white—a special kind of Heartfire.

Ordinary Heartfires were mostly orange or fiery red.

Artificers with special talents had flames of different colors.

Qi Yuan's Heartfire was white, burning with a scorching heat that also revealed a chilling cold—clearly extraordinary.

"You... were born to forge artifacts!" Chen Xianwei couldn't help exclaiming.

To awaken the Heartfire so quickly—such talent was a natural seed for artifact forging.

With proper training, he could become an Earth-grade artificer, or even glimpse the realm of a Heaven-grade artificer.

"Show me the artifacts you've forged," Chen Xianwei said, clearing his throat and composing himself.

He decided to carefully carve this uncut jade, offering suggestions for the artifacts Qi Yuan had made.

"Master Chen, please look." Qi Yuan extended his hand, revealing a strangely shaped artifact.

Chen Xianwei examined it closely, the more he looked, the more confused he became: "What... is this?"

The artifact's shape was too bizarre—it looked like a weapon, yet also like a wooden rod.

He couldn't detect any grade from it either.

But then again, it would be strange if Qi Yuan's first forging attempt had a grade.

"This is a selfie stick," Qi Yuan answered truthfully.

On his first day, he had forged quite a few artifacts.

Among them was a drone, which he planned to use to play the role of a divine descent—naturally, he couldn't show that to Chen Xianwei.

If Chen Xianwei saw the drone, how could he continue to play the role of a deity afterward?

After all, if someone were to expose that the deity was a live-in son-in-law, where would the deity’s majesty be?

There is a saying: if punishment is unknown, then authority is unfathomable.

The same goes for the drone—since the people of this world do not understand its principles, they naturally take Qi Yuan for a deity.

This selfie stick was forged by Qi Yuan from leftover scraps.

The canary often liked to take selfies, so Qi Yuan thought to forge a selfie stick as a gift for her.

“What use is this artifact?” Chen Xianwei asked awkwardly.

He was a Profound-rank artifact master; in theory, with his insight, he could see through such an unranked artifact at a single glance.

The materials, the forging technique, the spirit-conveying method—he could discern them all.

Yet the forging method of this artifact left him utterly clueless.

“It’s for taking selfies. I plan to give it to my wife.”

To the young lady?

Chen Xianwei tactfully refrained from asking.

“Do you possess other forging methods?” he couldn’t help but inquire.

“Yes, quite a few.”

In the Celestial Kun Wondrous Land, Qi Yuan had mastered many forging methods of the Celestial Clan, along with spirit-conveying and engraving techniques.

These crafts could forge artifacts and thereby enhance their functions.

“I see.” Chen Xianwei asked no more, recalling what the family head had said—that Qi Yuan’s father was a mysterious artifact master.

It seemed Qi Yuan’s inheritance came from his father.

Thinking of something, he warned, “Young master, try not to let news of your artifact forging leak out, especially the techniques you use…”

Chen Xianwei could not discern the rank of the technique used to forge that selfie stick, but the forging method behind it was undoubtedly precious.

For some artifact masters, forging methods were the very foundation of their livelihood, immensely valuable.

Thus, he cautioned Qi Yuan not to reveal them.

“Alright.” Qi Yuan thought for a moment, then nodded. Two hours later.

Chen Xianwei bowed his head, a tense expression on his face.

Shen Wanshan sat in the seat of honor; hearing Chen Xianwei’s words, his expression shifted slightly.

“It seems he has great talent as an artifact master. Sigh.”

Shen Wanshan sighed, leaving it unclear whether he was pleased or regretful.

“His talent as an artifact master is formidable. Within twenty years, he will surely become an Earth-rank artifact master!” Chen Xianwei declared with certainty, a fervent gleam in his eyes.

He himself would find it hard to become an Earth-rank artifact master in his lifetime; if he could nurture one, that fellow Wu Zhen would have to steer clear of him.

“He possesses a forging method you cannot identify?” Shen Wanshan asked hesitantly.

“Yes.”

“This matter… must be kept secret. Do not let it leak out,” Shen Wanshan instructed solemnly. “Teach him some new forging methods, and say that the methods he uses are what you taught him.”

“Understood!” Chen Xianwei quickly nodded.

Seeing Shen Wanshan brewing tea, he tactfully took his leave.

“Sigh, after Brother Qi left, many eyes have been on Qi Yuan—for what? Forging methods, or something else?” Shen Wanshan felt some anxiety.

Though the Shen family was large, a notable aristocratic house even in the Ning Kingdom, the hidden forces watching Qi Yuan had eluded Shen Wanshan’s investigations for a long time; he only sensed that the waters ran deep.

Now that Qi Yuan had revealed his formidable artifact-forging talent, he could not tell whether it was a cause for joy or worry.

……

At seven in the evening, night fell, and black mist shrouded Fengshan Prefecture.

Aside from some wealthy youths, most common folk had already returned home early.

Since this era offered little in the way of entertainment, procreation had become one of the few pastimes for the poor.

Unlike the vast darkness of Fengshan Prefecture, the Ghost Market west of the city blazed with lights, bustling with people and lively.

At this moment, in a small stall, an old man and a young man were setting up their wares.

The old man looked somewhat disheveled, a steamed bun dangling from his mouth.

The young man was handsome, dressed in black robes, with an extraordinary bearing.

This pair was none other than Qi Yuan and Chen Kangbao.

After using the Myriad Transformations to alter their appearances, they entered the Ghost Market to set up a stall, selling their artifacts to earn some silver.

“Clearance sale! Artifacts cheap! Last two days! Don’t pass by without stopping!”

In front of the stall, a loudspeaker emitted a pre-recorded voice, shouting repeatedly.

This loudspeaker clashed with the ancient atmosphere of the Ghost Market, naturally drawing the attention of many.

“Young man, this artifact of yours is interesting. What rank is it? It can even repeat words,” said the neighboring stall owner, an old man, eyeing Qi Yuan’s loudspeaker with envy.

If he had such an artifact, wouldn’t he save himself the trouble of hawking?

“Unranked. Do you want to buy it? Only ninety-nine taels of silver,” Qi Yuan said.

“Ahem…” The neighboring stall owner gave an awkward laugh.

Ninety-nine taels of silver for something unranked—was this robbery?

In the Ning Kingdom, one tael of silver could buy about one shi of rice, roughly over five hundred catties.

For ninety-nine taels, one could buy a ranked artifact; who would purchase this thing that only made sounds?

“Young man, these artifacts of yours… are uncertified, not standard-issue, and overpriced. I’m afraid they’ll be hard to sell,” the stall owner remarked from the side.

Though Qi Yuan’s loudspeaker had attracted many in the Ghost Market, and quite a few asked about prices, most were scared off by the cost.

Moreover, Qi Yuan’s artifacts lacked certification, were not standard models, and looked bizarre.

What if he was a swindler?

Buying an artifact was no trivial matter; spending so much silver naturally required caution.

“No worries, I have modern marketing tactics. Haven’t you seen my loudspeaker shouting ‘clearance sale’? Someone will definitely buy!”

Such marketing tactics were common on Blue Star.

Shops often put up signs saying “Clearance Sale, Last Two Days Only,” yet if you went back a month later, the sign still said the same.

The neighboring stall owner chuckled and did not argue further.

Elsewhere in the Ghost Market.

Young Master Tu wore a mask; beside him stood a young master with a sword at his waist, looking nobly inscrutable.

“Brother Tu, this is Fengshan Prefecture’s Ghost Market. It looks quite good, but the artifacts for sale… are somewhat mediocre,” the noble young master commented. “I’m afraid you’ll have a hard time finding the artifact you need this time.”

For a Weapon Master, there is generally one primary weapon, or a lifebound artifact.

Beyond that, they also master many other artifacts to enhance their own strength.

This noble young master invited Third Young Master Tu to slay spectral fiends together, commonly known as going on a dungeon run.

To prepare for the dungeon, Third Young Master Tu planned to purchase some artifacts at the Ghost Market.

"I'm just here to try my luck—maybe I'll get lucky and stumble upon a hidden gem," Third Young Master Tu said with a smile.

"On the Artificer Ranking, the Earth List, among the top twenty, it seems no artificer from Jining Prefecture has made the list—a pity," the noble young master lamented.

Third Young Master Tu smiled without a word, as if amused that the noble young master was aiming too high.

Just then, a voice reached Third Young Master Tu's ears.

The noble young master also looked toward the source of the voice, his expression calm: "I visited that stall a quarter of an hour ago—quite interesting, but the prices are steep, and... the quality of the artifacts is uncertain."

"Oh?" Third Young Master Tu grew intrigued. "I must go take a look."

"Their artifacts aren't certified, nor are they standard models, but the prices seem one or two times higher than usual—be careful not to be cheated," the noble young master warned.

"Mm." Third Young Master Tu headed toward the stall from which the voice came.

At this moment, quite a crowd had already gathered around Qi Yuan's stall.

Murmurs and clamor mingled in the air.

"You're selling this ungraded artifact for a hundred taels—you take me for a fool!"

"Probably a swindler—I've never seen an artifact like this in my life!"

"Your artifact... why does it feel so useless?"

The onlookers were mostly skeptical or just there for the spectacle.

Third Young Master Tu pushed through the crowd, his gaze landing on the stall. Suddenly, his eyelids twitched violently, and his heart began to race wildly.

Because the artifact given to him by Thornblood had reacted at that moment.

And the person the artifact pointed to was none other than the stall owner, that handsome young man.

His heart sank, and he saw the stall owner's gaze fall upon him.

"Handsome guy, want to buy some artifacts?"

This form of address was somewhat unconventional, and Third Young Master Tu's nerves tightened.

The artifact had reacted, with a crimson mist condensing, meaning this stall owner had slain at least dozens of Thornblood's spectral fiends.

Could it be... that this man was from Red Cloud Stronghold?

At the thought of this possibility, his mind grew even more tense.

This one... is a big shot!

If he truly served Thornblood, he would likely send word to Thornblood's higher-ups right now.

But he wasn't—he was an undercover agent.

Now, this man before him was so formidable, having single-handedly slain eighty-seven troublesome spectral fiends as if guided by a god—didn't that mean the artifacts he sold might also be extraordinary?

He felt a stir of desire, suppressed the fear in his heart, and his tone involuntarily became respectful.

"I wish to purchase an attack-type artifact—do you, stall owner, have any?"

"Attack-type?" Qi Yuan mused.

Attack-type ones were indeed scarce.

"What do you think of this?"

As he spoke, he handed an artifact shaped like a flashlight to Third Young Master Tu.

"This is a lightsaber—the inspiration comes from... well, I don't recall which TV drama—its greatest advantage is that it's very cool, very stylish," Qi Yuan introduced.

"Something so ugly dares to call itself stylish?" the noble young master couldn't help frowning.

He was dressed very flashily, clearly someone who loved to show off.

An artifact in the shape of a flashlight was naturally beneath his notice.

(End of this chapter)