Chapter 419: Temptation of the Artifact Refining Department (Thanks to Book Friend 2023082117)

Chapter 419: The Temptation of the Artifact Forging Department (Thanks to book friend 20230821175232114)

Zhang Yu toyed with the Golden Thread Jade Disc in his hands.

This magical treasure was roughly the size of an average person’s chest, appearing as a flat, circular piece of jade with a palm-sized hole in the center.

The surface of the disc was covered in a dense web of golden lines, resembling intricate mana circuits that spanned the entire object.

As Zhang Yu channeled his mana into it, the Golden Thread Jade Disc began to hover in the air.

Simultaneously, various parameters of the disc appeared within his ocular implants, including mana capacity, power output, and operational duration.

"Activate follow mode."

Following Zhang Yu’s quiet command, the disc emitted a series of ghostly lights, locking onto him.

It then drifted slowly behind his back, hanging silently like a halo, moving in perfect synchronization with his body.

Beyond this follow mode, the disc possessed attack, defense, and free-roam modes, all governed by basic artificial intelligence capable of executing actions based on rules Zhang Yu defined.

"Still, it lacks the precision of manual control."

With a mere thought, the disc behind him erupted in layers of radiance, illuminating the entire dormitory like a miniature sun.

However, Zhang Yu only released the light for a moment, refraining from activating further functions.

"It wouldn't do to break anything in the dorm. I'll test the rest at the construction site."

With that thought, he channeled mana from his Deep Cold and Blazing Sun meridians into the disc.

He knew that the infusion of different specialized mana types would drastically alter the disc’s efficacy.

"With this, my efficiency at the site will improve once more."

Zhang Yu subconsciously checked his bank balance: 36.15 spirit coins remained.

Over the past few months, the repayments from Zhang Pianpian, the monthly retainer from Wen Wuyai, and his relentless labor at the construction site had steadily increased his income.

Yet, his savings had barely grown, consumed entirely by the exorbitant costs of artifact forging.

Advanced forging techniques, in particular, demanded ever-increasing amounts of spirit coins for both simulated laboratory testing and the purchase of physical materials.

It was only because his base attributes had reached the limit of the Foundation Establishment stage—sparing him the need to spend on cultivation—that he had managed to save anything at all.

"If not for the subsidies from my overtime at the site, my progress would have been far slower."

As he played with the disc, True Monarch Magnetic Pole sent him a message.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: The Golden Thread Jade Disc is well-forged.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: A piece of advice.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: Let Xingli help you take orders; I have already spoken to her.

Zhang Yu’s heart stirred. He asked: You mean taking orders for custom forging?

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: You have mastered Azure Sand, Taiyi Gold Liquid Pills, and the Golden Thread Jade Disc, have you not?

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: I know your capital is insufficient to hoard materials.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: So, take orders to forge and earn a crafting fee.

Zhang Yu was naturally eager for this; even a simple crafting fee would be far more efficient than manual labor at the site.

He understood, however, that the volume of orders would be limited, as most people preferred large companies and platforms for their magical treasures.

Still, even two or three orders a month would be a vital subsidy for his cultivation.

He felt a surge of gratitude toward True Monarch Magnetic Pole, who clearly understood exactly what he lacked.

Just then, the True Monarch sent him a gift: a technique manual titled "Appraisal Art."

Though the name sounded simple, Zhang Yu had long known of this technique but had never been able to afford it.

The usage rights alone cost 50 spirit coins, with a monthly renewal fee of 1 spirit coin.

The high price was due to the fact that "Appraisal Art" was used to identify a vast array of treasures and artifacts, involving complex copyright licensing for each.

The monthly fee was required because the technique was constantly updated to include new treasures and artifacts discovered or created within Kunxu.

As one of the co-creators of the "Appraisal Art," True Monarch Magnetic Pole possessed a quota of annual authorizations.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: Since you have chosen the path of an artificer, the ability to identify treasures and artifacts is essential.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: Consider this a gift for passing your sophomore forging exam.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: As for the Golden Thread Jade Disc, consider that a gift from Old Gao for your achievement.

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "Does Director Gao even know he's celebrating my exam success?"

Zhang Yu replied: Thank you, Teacher.

He immediately downloaded the "Appraisal Art" and stored it within his ocular implants.

While browsing, he noticed the chain-law set to which the technique belonged: "Forging Prodigy."

Zhang Yu mused, "Unlike the manufacturing techniques for various treasures, this 'Appraisal Art,' as a cultivation technique, can actually trigger a chain-law." He understood that on the path of an artificer, beyond manufacturing skills, many techniques existed to enhance one's related capabilities.

Techniques like the Five Thunders Refining Method, the Red Dust Weapon-Forging Art, and the Dragon Vein Treasure-Casting Formula...

Unlike the techniques Zhang Yu had practiced before, these belonged to the category of Daoist Arts.

Expense was the hallmark of these arts; not only were the usage rights costly, but the resources required for their practice far exceeded those of martial arts.

Until now, Zhang Yu had only practiced pure mental cultivation, breathing techniques, or martial arts. This was his first time possessing the qualifications for a Daoist Art.

The primary reason was the sheer cost.

"Daoist Arts often require special materials—various types of lightning or fire, substances like Red Dust Qi or Heavenly Gang Qi, or specific environments like dragon veins or yin-caverns."

"Some arts consume immense spiritual energy, requiring the purchase of specialized mana one does not possess."

"And those related to forging often require various artifacts to assist in the practice..."

Zhang Yu sighed inwardly; this was why he had avoided choosing forging techniques until now.

The manufacturing techniques alone were already a massive financial burden; he simply had no money left for forging arts.

His original plan was to wait until his forging skills reached a level where he could break even before considering such techniques.

"This is likely why the first three years of the Artifact Forging Department curriculum don't require them."

"Trying to pursue both paths simultaneously is too much of a financial strain; most students in the department couldn't bear it."

Zhang Yu looked at the "Appraisal Art" with growing joy. With the usage rights gifted by True Monarch Magnetic Pole, a significant burden had been lifted.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: Are you certain you want to keep our relationship hidden? Won't you come study in the Artifact Forging Department?

Zhang Yu: My apologies, True Monarch. Director Gao has been very good to me; I do not wish to hurt him.

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "After this final exam, I will have mastered three of the Seven Wonders of Earth and Wood."

"And for the upcoming Earth and Wood competition, I have already asked Director Gao; the top seven are also rewarded with two spots for the Seven Wonders."

"If I secure one of those spots, I will have mastered four of the Seven Wonders."

"Once I obtain my military certification and pass the three tests of the department's Seven Earth and Wood Trials, gaining the final three wonders..."

As he thought this, Zhang Yu seemed to see the military-grade martial art, "Heavenly Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Power," beckoning to him.

Lord Magnetic Pole: While I can continue to guide your craft in metallurgy and even secretly confer upon you a degree from the Department of Metallurgy,

Lord Magnetic Pole: without publicly joining our ranks, the true esoteric arts of the department will remain forever beyond your reach.

Lord Magnetic Pole: For instance, our department’s two military-grade techniques, the "Heaven and Earth Ruin-Kalpa Formless Heart-Weapon" and the "Great Void Divine Artifact Strategy,"

Lord Magnetic Pole: as well as military-grade dharma-remains and artifacts like the Celestial Sun Radiance God, the Vacuum Kalpa Transformation Chart, and the Great Hao Sacred Law Sword Array, would all be inaccessible to you.

Lord Magnetic Pole: Your senior sister, Ye Xingli, has already mastered the "Great Void Divine Artifact Strategy" and is nearing the completion of her own Vacuum Kalpa Transformation Chart.

Fuji remarked, "The Department of Metallurgy is truly superior to the Department of Civil Engineering; they possess such a vast arsenal of military-grade power."

Zhang Yu felt a stir in his heart: "Is this fellow, Lord Magnetic Pole, trying to tempt me with these words?"

Yet, he had to admit that hearing such things made it impossible to remain entirely unmoved.

Even if he were to pursue these military-grade powers, he wished to first master the Heaven-Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Strength within the Department of Civil Engineering.

After all, he was already nearly halfway along that path.

Fuji smiled, "Initially, Lord Magnetic Pole merely offered you a chance to be her student out of convenience."

"But ever since last year’s civil engineering competition, she has recognized your physical aptitude and granted you the status of a secret disciple."

"Now, having witnessed your metallurgical talent, she likely believes you have the potential to master the department’s military-grade power, and she is looking to formalize your relationship in the future."

Zhang Yu nodded slightly, reflecting that through their repeated encounters, he had indeed sensed a gradual shift in her attitude toward him.

Fuji continued, "She is certainly tempting you now. Even if you were to transfer, it would not happen overnight. You can easily use this time to master the Heaven-Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Strength without needing to prematurely reveal your intentions and provoke Director Gao’s resentment."

"Lord Magnetic Pole surely understands this; I suspect she is simply dangling these lures to solidify your resolve for a future public alliance."

Zhang Yu: I need to consider this.

Lord Magnetic Pole: No rush. Take your time to think it over.

(End of Chapter)