【Ping! You have defeated a fellow-tiered Spirit Realm traveler—a swordsman—deducting 60 points of reputation.] The first sound to echo wasn't the cheers from the audience, but the notification from the Spirit Realm. By eliminating this 5th-level swordsman, Zhang Yuanqing had lost 60 reputation points, leaving him with only 150 points remaining. With 150 reputation points, he could afford to defeat no more than two or three Saints, or seven or eight Transcendent ones—his pursuit of eliminating evil-aligned professions now urgently demanded. Zhang Yuanqing activated the Star-Elusion technique, materializing beside the charred body and bending down to collect the crimson long sword, the black iron mask, and the half-burnt green vine robe. It seemed, then, that he had not suffered a loss. Only after he had gathered his items did the audience below erupt into murmurs and exclamations, their eyes filled with astonishment fixed upon the young Star Official on stage. A 5th-level swordsman had been effortlessly defeated, and the one who had done it was a 4th-level Star Official. Even if the Night-Wanderer were the pinnacle profession, few 4th "Is it possible that this man is Zhao Chenghuang?" "Phew, if it is him, that makes sense—perhaps he could take over as the head of the Taiyuan Sect, rising to the rank of Saint Realm." "You haven't noticed? Every move he makes is perfectly sequenced, each item he uses specifically countering the swordsmen, as if he'd rehearsed them in advance." "Indeed, having many items isn't alarming, but the way each one is used—precisely, effectively, tailored to counter his opponents—that's what truly impresses." His bodyguard was a trusted aide nurtured by his grandfather—back in ancient times, someone like that would have been a sworn death-servant. A fifth-level swordmaster is no easy feat to cultivate; it requires not only natural talent but also massive investment. Now, he's lost here. Aside from the reprimands his grandfather will surely issue, Hé Fēichén might never again secure a bodyguard of the same rank. With such a significant loss and the furnace still out of reach, how could Hé Fēichén possibly bear it? His father must have already received my message. Now, the entire outer courtyard of Wàn Bǎo House is filled with Zhao family members. Grateful to the face of my aunt, they can't cause a scene inside Wàn Bǎo House. He'll have to wait until the props are finished and he departs. Hé Fēichén took a deep breath, released his companion's hand, and spoke with a cold, composed smile: "Remarkable indeed, your skill. As the green mountains remain unchanged and the flowing waters endure, let's see how this unfolds." With that, he took his beautiful companion by the arm and turned to leave. "Wait!" As Zhao Feichen turned coldly, facing the young man on the platform, his displeasure already evident. "What more do you want?" Under the attentive gaze of over a hundred spectators, Zhang Yuancheng spoke slowly: "According to the agreement, the fire stone goes to me, and your two legs as well." A low murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd—had this man really intended to take Zhao Feichen's legs? Who among the local spiritual practitioners of Huadu didn't know that Zhao Feichen was the grandson most cherished by the head of the Zhao family? To move even a single hair from him would surely prompt the head of the family to peel the person alive and extract their sinews. "So it's like the entire world's logic rests with your Zhao family—only you're allowed to bully others, but no one's allowed to bully you, is that it?" Isn't that right? Zhao Feichun's eyes twitched with subtle threat as he said: "Brother, I'm warning you—today if you dare move a single strand of my hair, you'll never leave this place again. You've just forged a top-tier item, and now you want to go down in flames with our Zhao family? Think about whether that's really worth it!" Among the crowd, someone added: "Brother, why don't you just give up? You won't be able to hold your own against the Zhao family. Just finish crafting your item and walk away." "Exactly. If you wait any longer, you might not even make it out of the Wanhao House. It's not worth it at all." These were all the native lawful-class professionals. The evil-class professionals, draped in robes and standing just outside the crowd, spoke coldly: "They're already riding over us and pooping on us—how can we still endure? If it were me, I'd die and have Zhao's young lord as my back-up "The chaotic professions thrive on creating disorder, yet upon hearing this, the lawful ones around them fell silent. Zhao Feichen, so arrogant and self-assured, has been indulging in his family's influence in Huadu, defying all comers—many have suffered at his hands, and even those who haven't, have heard his name. If there were ever a chance to witness Zhao Feichen having his legs severed, wouldn't that be a satisfying sight? Zhang Yuanqing turned to Lian San Yue, speaking with authority, "Madam, as a witness to the agreement, I now ask you—does it still stand? If you dare to shield your nephew, then you shall be the master; I will naturally bear this grudge. But should I one day rise to become the master, I will settle this matter at the earliest opportunity." Everyone turned their gaze toward the outer area. Zhao Feichen raised his voice, "Auntie, this young man shows no appreciation—please intervene and restrain him." Lian San Yue stood outside, arms crossed, one hand holding a cigar, maintaining a cheerful, detached demeanor: "The terms of the bet remain unchanged!" Zhao Feichen's face immediately fell. Zhang Yuanqing wanted precisely those words. His body transformed into a streak of ethereal starlight, dissolving on the platform and then appearing before Zhao Feichen. "You useless fool! Are you really willing to die?" Under everyone's watchful eyes, being pushed to such a pass, Zhao Feichen's anger had already boiled over. How had he ever been so humiliated before? From childhood to now, no matter who he had encountered—official officials, powerful independent practitioners, or leaders of civilian organizations—everyone in Huadu had treated him with courtesy, never daring to offend him. Yet this star official, acting like a naive youngster, insisted on being unyielding once he felt he had a point, as if having a point would guarantee him success everywhere. "Do you really intend to fight?" Zhao Feichen roared. "Do you know what happens when you offend the Zhao family in Huadu? If you break my legs, even as an official official, you won't survive. You're a complete fool!" As an official mid-level official, the steward held considerable power and was backed by the Five Elements Alliance, theoretically stronger than the direct descendants of spiritual realm families. Yet the direct lineage of the Spirit Realm clans is more distinguished than most of the stewards. Across the nation's various branches, while the number of stewards who vanish without cause each year is not large, it is also not small—many of these cases are not merely due to the hands of evil professions. Zhang Yuanqing brushed his hand across his face, a streak of golden lacquer emerging at his brow and swiftly spreading across his entire cheek, outlining his features with deep black and crimson tones that conveyed dignity and composure. Upon seeing this face, Zhao Feichun felt an indescribable sense of awe and trepidation, as though he had encountered a senior ancestor of the family. With the golden mask now in place, Zhang Yuanqing gazed steadily into Zhao Feichun's eyes, two beams of gold light flashing within—like radiant beams of light. He activated the skill associated with the golden mask—Mental Strike! Zhao Feichun gasped, lifting his head with a cry of intense agony. Zhang Yuanqing then stepped forward, kicking the proud second-generation heir to the ground, and summoned the Crimson Blade into his hands. He then placed his foot firmly on Zhao Feichun's chest, gazing down at the refined young "Have you ever thought that, in my eyes, the noble lineage you take pride in is actually nothing remarkable?" As he spoke, he raised his crimson long sword and struck it down with force. Zhao Feichen's two legs were severed at the roots, blood gushing like a spring. He suddenly let out a piercing, heart-wrenching cry, his face pale as paper, sweat pouring down his body, and then his eyes rolled back as he collapsed unconscious. A scholar of the Transcendent Realm did not possess body strength significantly superior to ordinary people. Zhang Yuanqing flicked his sword with a slight motion, sending a spray of blood flying. He glanced neither at Zhao Feichen nor at the young girl seated beside him, and strode directly toward Lian San Yue. Though named a companion, in reality she was a servant. The young woman sat motionless beside Zhao Feichen, her pupils lifeless, her face ashen. Lian San Yue slightly turned her head, indicating to the two strong men standing beside her. The two men immediately pushed aside the crowd, one lifting Zhao Feichen's body and the other carrying his two severed legs, heading toward the room at the edge of the arena. Blood dripped in steady Watching as his disciples escorted Zhao Feichun into the room, Lian San Yue turned his gaze to the Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun, who approached with a golden facial mask and a sword in hand, and smiled. "You now need a quiet chamber to neutralize the negative effects of the items." Zhang Yuancheng stood with his sword in hand, speaking solemnly. "Thank you." Lian San Yue was correct—he now faced the costs of the items: the military spirit mask, the cursed puppet, the blade that cuts the waist, and the emotional burdens of the blood rose's spiritual energy. Until these costs were fully resolved, he would not begin the furnace work to forge new items. For instance, the cost of the military spirit mask is emotional volatility and a changeable temperament; if, while beginning the furnace work, he suddenly grew pessimistic and felt that life was too short, and that it was better to return home. Then leapt wholeheartedly into the hundred-refining furnace, transforming himself... Or perhaps, as the process unfolded, his mind grew ecstatic, becoming utterly absorbed, and in that moment, he melted not only his red slippers, yin-yang robe, flawless human skin, and little red hat—but all his finest props into one pot of transformation. In short, now is not the time to begin refining new artifacts. With Li San Yue guiding him with a graceful sway, leading him into the room adjacent to the hundred-refining furnace, she leaned against the doorframe, her cigar half-smoked, exhaling a steady stream of white smoke. "You've severed Zhao Feichun's leg. Zhao family won't rest easy—they won't dare come to disturb my Wàn Bǎo Pavilion. They'll likely wait right outside, watching you, pondering how to summon reinforcements." Zhang Yuanqing grew even more puzzled about this woman. "Are you really someone from the Zhao family?" Li San Yue laughed softly, her laughter causing her chest to tremble. "What do you think?" With that, she turned and walked away. ... One hour later, having eliminated the costs of all his props, Zhang Yuanqing left the room and entered the one The triped bronze furnace stands still, its belly carved with raging flames, giving off an unspoken sense of weight and solidity. This time, she hasn't come in for three months—only delivering ten fire stones to Zhang Yuanqing. Perhaps she's treating Zhao Feichun's injuries, or perhaps she's been handling Zhao family's demands for justice outside. Zhang Yuanqing spent fifty thousand to have her send a text message to Fu Qingyang: "The Prime Immortal is in peril—come quickly to Huadu Wangan Store." At the hundred-refining furnace now, Zhang Yuanqing carefully arranges one after another the twelve items: the propagation saplings, the sleep-inducing phone, the waist-cutting blade, the curse puppet, the treasure-hunting cloak, the metamorphosis coat, and so on. Then he removes the tattered vine robe, the mask resembling a demon, and the crimson long sword—his three spoils of battle. Next, he fastens the lucky necklace around his neck. Standing before the hundred-refining furnace, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly has a thought: If Lun San-yue has left me alone here, why doesn't she fear that I might steal it away? Thinking this, he stepped forward, pressed his palm against the bronze furnace, and opened his inventory... 【Ping! This item cannot be stored in the inventory.] A sound from the spiritual realm echoed in his ears. "Indeed, it's impossible—no wonder March was so confident. To steal the hundred-refining furnace, one would have to carry it away, which is simply unfeasible..." Zhang Yuanqing didn't hesitate further. Following the established procedure, he lifted the lid, placed an item and a piece of firestone inside, closed the lid, pressed his palm against the furnace's belly, and silently recited the types of items he desired. Seedlings for cultivation. [Note 2: 86%] Blood-Devouring Sword. [Note 2: 88%] ... Waist-Cutting Blade. [Note 2: 96%] Curse Puppet. [Note 2: 99%] Silver Fish Skin Robe. [Note 2: 100%] Finally, after investing eight more items and consuming eight firestones, the energy within the hundred-refining furnace was fully charged. The entire furnace began to trem From the pores of the furnace lid, a powerful purple vapor surged forth, much like steam escaping from a high-pressure pot. This process lasted for several seconds, after which the hundred-refined furnace calmed down, and the purple vapor gently drifted, gradually fading. When the purple vapor ceased to rise from the pores of the lid, Zhang Yuanqing felt an overwhelming surge of excitement and immediately leapt onto the furnace to lift the lid. Inside, lay a purple-gold hammer, identical in shape to the drum-battering gilded hammer, but only half a meter in length—its body resembling a smaller pumpkin in hue. The handle was forged from dark iron, inscribed with crimson incantations, and the head featured a three-pointed spike. As Zhang Yuanqing grasped the handle, intending to lift it, he was startled to find that he simply could not raise it. With my physical strength, I can lift an entire carriage—this hammer is only 50 cm long—how can it be so heavy? In desperation, he settled into the position of holding the handle, and began to read the item's information. 【Name: Drumming Thunder Hammer】 【Type: Weapon】 【Functions: Resonance, Armor Penetration, Bleeding, Binding, Refining】 【Description: A lucky adventurer who bets on bright eyes, spending 16 items to forge this hammer in the Hundred-Refining Furnace. Resonance: When frequencies align, it can shatter all defenses—including items. Armor Penetration: The three-point tip of the hammer delivers armor-piercing power with accompanying bleeding effects. Binding: Once bound to its master, the item becomes unusable by others until the original master's death—this is the rule. Within a 10-kilometer radius, the master can summon it at will. Refining: The Hundred-Refining Furnace endows it with upgradable traits. With suitable materials, it can undergo a second refining process.】 【Note 1: Binding can be performed upon entering the inventory.】 【Note 2: If you're a tall man standing at two meters, I’ll allow you ten minutes. If not, only five minutes will suffice.】 【Note 3: After recognizing the master, the second and third forms can be viewed.】 Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, holding the 50cm-long hammer with trembling hands and placing it in his inventory. The very next moment, the hammer reappeared in his hands—still impossibly heavy, yet now light as air in his grasp. "Activate the second form!" he murmured. Instantly, the half-meter-long hammer "melted," forming a pistol made of liquid purple gold. The pistol resembled an elongated Desert Eagle, with a solid purple-gold body. At thirty centimeters in total length, its barrel was thick and long, and its stock could comfortably fit both of Zhang Yuanqing's hands. This wasn't just a pistol—it was a hand cannon! A commanding hand cannon. Simply by observing its imposing presence, one could already envision the immense power it wielded. 【Name: Thunderstorm Cannon】 【Type: Pistol】 【Functions: Thunderstorm Shell, Binding, Refining】 【Description: A lucky individual who wagered on their red eyes, this pistol was forged through the Refining Furnace using 16 crafted items. Thunderstorm Shell: This item launches spherical lightning bolts with an effective range of 30 meters. One shell can be accumulated every three days, up to a maximum of three shells. Binding: Once bound to its owner, the item becomes unusable by others until the original owner's death—this is the rule. Within a 10-kilometer radius, the owner can summon it at will. Refining: The Refining Furnace endows it with upgradable properties. With suitable materials, it can undergo a second refining process.】 【Note 1: Even keen observation cannot improve its accuracy.】 【Note 2: The pain of a lightning strike is unbearable to most.】 【Note 3: The greater the power, the stronger the recoil—be mindful of your hands.】 "Activate the third form," said Zhang Yuanqing, his breath heavy and low. The hand cannon immediately melted into a liquid amethyst, spreading swiftly to form a circular shield one meter long and sixty centimeters wide. 【Name: Amethyst Thunder Shield】 【Type: Armor】 【Functions: Defense, Energy Storage, Energy Reflection, Binding, Forged through Hundred-Refinement】 【Description: A lucky individual who wagered their red eyes, using sixteen items and forging the shield in the Hundred-Refinement Furnace. Defense: It boasts excellent defensive capabilities, but can only withstand physical attacks from the front. Energy Storage: When subjected to physical attacks, the shield absorbs energy; when it emits a purple glow, energy storage is complete and activated, enabling it to resist any level of physical or energy attack—this is the rule. Energy Reflection: All physical attacks are reflected back at the enemy at a 10% rate, transforming into lightning that induces paralysis. Binding: Once bound to the owner, the item can no longer be used by anyone else until the original owner's death—this is the rule. Within a ten-kilometer radius, the owner may summon it at will. Hundred-refined: The Hundred-Refined Furnace endows it with upgradable properties; by finding suitable materials, a second smelting can be performed. [Note: When you possess strong defensive capabilities, you lose your desire to attack.]