Chapter 500: Artisan Prodigy, Clearance Sale

Chapter 500: Artisan Prodigy, Clearance Sale

Chen Xianwei's smile was more of a smirk as he said, "You're rejoicing too soon. I might be able to find an apprentice who awakens their Heartfire within a fortnight."

Qi Yuan had no hope for this, but expecting something from a madman was better than relying on a slightly smarter Demonic Spirit.

"Forget about later, let's focus on teaching this student first."

If he couldn't even teach the first student well, how could he teach a second one?

Wu Zhen laughed and turned to leave.

Chen Xianwei watched him, his expression darkening. He looked up at the sky, furrowing his brows.

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

Chen Xianwei muttered a complaint and headed towards the courtyard where Qi Yuan was.

The vast Shen Mansion was less like a residence and more like a gigantic estate.

Due to the presence of extraordinary beings, the workforce in this world was much stronger, and the architecture was even more grand and spectacular.

Passing through the elegant courtyard buildings, 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 criticism, Chen Xianwei decided to stop telling stories and start teaching Qi Yuan the art of artifact forging.

"Master Chen, you might as well continue with your stories. I'm more interested in the tales you tell." Qi Yuan spoke directly.

"Sigh." Chen Xianwei sighed.

Sure enough, a madman would rather listen to stories than forge artifacts.

He had to be treated like a child.

Thinking of this, he felt hopeless about the future, not knowing how long it would take to teach Qi Yuan.

Recalling Wu Zhen's strange behavior earlier and the grand promises made by the head of the family, he couldn't help but ask, "I heard you went to the Forge Hall and took some materials?"

"Yes, speaking of that, Master Chen, I have a question for you."

"Oh, go ahead."

"I want to ask if there's a place in Fongshan Prefecture where I can sell artifacts, like a street stall." Qi Yuan expressed his need.

He had forged some artifacts, but they were quite unconventional and didn't fit in with the ones in the Ning Kingdom.

The shops that bought artifacts usually dealt with more standardized ones.

Chen Xianwei hesitated slightly. "There's a Ghost Market in the west of the city that opens every night at 7 pm.

The Ghost Market is a mix of good and bad, attracting all sorts of people from various walks of life.

All kinds of artifacts are sold there, and even some organs can be found.

If you want to buy artifacts, you can go to the Ghost Market. But it's not a safe place. If you're going, try to find an Armament Commander to accompany you for protection."

"Thank you, Master Chen. Please continue your lecture." Qi Yuan expressed his gratitude.

Chen Xianwei nodded and continued his lecture, sounding somewhat weary.

Qi Yuan listened attentively, engrossed in the lecture.

About half an hour passed, and Chen Xianwei finished his lecture.

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Also, the most crucial aspect of awakening the Heartfire is mental focus. If I'm not around, don't attempt to awaken it recklessly, or you might burn yourself." Chen Xianwei warned.

"Don't worry, Master Chen. I'm not that foolish, and my talent for forging artifacts is actually quite good." Qi Yuan patted his chest confidently.

He almost blurted out that famous saying.

No one understands forging artifacts better than me.

"I awakened my Heartfire a long time ago," Qi Yuan said casually, "and I've even forged some artifacts that I plan to sell at the Ghost Market."

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

He was a bit dazed and couldn't process this information immediately.

Awakened Heartfire?

Forged artifacts? Each revelation was more shocking than the last.

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

A white flame shot up with a hissing sound, rising steadily.

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

"On the first day you taught me, you gave me the 'Basics of Artifact Forging.' I followed those instructions and awakened my Heartfire that very night." Qi Yuan replied.

"That night?" Chen Xianwei swallowed hard.

Madmen don't lie.

This meant that Qi Yuan had awakened his Heartfire in just one day, thanks to the 'Basics of Artifact Forging.'

It was like a primary school student on the Blue Planet who memorized the multiplication table and then scored full marks in math on the college entrance exam, leaving everyone astonished.

Moreover, the awakened Heartfire was a unique white color, exuding a chilling aura amidst the heat, indicating something extraordinary.

"You... you were born to forge artifacts!" Chen Xianwei couldn't help but exclaim.

Awakening the Heartfire so quickly, this talent was that of a natural-born forger.

With proper guidance, there was hope for an Earth Rank Artisan, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Heaven Rank.

"Let me see the artifacts you've forged." Chen Xianwei coughed and his expression became calm.

He decided to carefully polish Qi Yuan like a rough diamond and offer suggestions for improving his forged artifacts.

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

Master Chen examined the artifact, studying it closely, but the more he looked, the more confused he became. "This... what is this?"

The shape of the magical tool was rather peculiar, resembling a weapon but also looking like a wooden rod.

He didn't detect any rank on this magical tool either.

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

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

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

Among them was the aerial servant, which he needed to use to play the role of a divine arrival. He couldn't let Chen Xianwei see it.

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

After all, if someone exposed that a deity was actually a concubine husband, what would be left of the deity's dignity?

There's a saying: 'If the punishment is unknown, then the awe is immeasurable.'

The same applied to the aerial servant. Since the people of this world didn't know the principle behind it, they naturally considered Qi Yuan to be a deity.

Qi Yuan had forged this selfie stick using leftover scraps.

The goldfinch often liked to take selfies, so Qi Yuan thought of making a selfie stick for her.

"What is the use of this magical tool?" Chen Xianwei asked awkwardly.

He was a Mystic Rank Artisan, and in theory, he should have been able to discern the basics of this unranked magical tool at a glance.

The materials, the forging techniques, and the soul-transferring methods should all have been clear to him.

But he had no clue about the forging technique used for this magical tool.

"It's for taking selfies. I plan to give it to my wife," Qi Yuan replied.

To the young lady?

Chen Xianwei tactfully didn't ask.

"Do you know other forging techniques?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, I know quite a few."

In the Heavens' Origin Mystic Land, Qi Yuan had learned many forging techniques from the Celestial Clan, including soul-transferring and engraving methods.

These skills could be used to forge magical tools, enhancing their functions.

"I see," Chen Xianwei didn't press further. He recalled what the family head had said: Qi Yuan's father was a mysterious artisan.

It seemed that Qi Yuan's inheritance came from his father.

He thought for a moment and warned, "Young Master, try not to reveal the details of your magical tool forging, especially the techniques you use..."

Chen Xianwei couldn't determine the rank of the technique used to forge the selfie stick, but he knew the forging technique itself was extremely valuable.

For some artisans, forging techniques were the foundation of their livelihood, incredibly precious.

Therefore, he advised Qi Yuan not to disclose them.

"Alright," Qi Yuan thought for a moment and nodded.

Two hours later.

Chen Xianwei stood with his head lowered, a nervous look on his face.

Shen Wanshan, seated in the main position, his expression changed slightly upon hearing Chen Xianwei's words.

"It seems he has a natural talent for being an artisan. Sigh."

Shen Wanshan sighed, making it hard to tell whether he was pleased or concerned.

"He has a very strong talent for being an artisan. In less than twenty years, he will definitely become an Earth Rank Artisan!" Chen Xianwei said with determination, his eyes glowing with enthusiasm.

He found it difficult to become an Earth Rank Artisan in his lifetime, but if he could cultivate one, Wu Zhen would have to give him a wide berth.

"He possesses forging techniques that you can't identify?" Shen Wanshan asked hesitantly.

"Yes."

"This matter... must be kept confidential, do not let it leak out," Shen Wanshan instructed solemnly. "Teach him some new forging techniques, and tell him that the techniques he knows were taught by you."

"Alright!" Chen Xianwei nodded quickly.

Seeing Shen Wanshan preparing tea, he tactfully excused himself.

"Sigh, after Qi Yuan left, many eyes have been on him. For what... the forging techniques, or something else?" Shen Wanshan was somewhat worried.

The Shen Family, though large and one of the prominent families in the Ning Kingdom, had found it difficult to uncover the identity of the secret forces interested in Qi Yuan. The situation seemed very complex.

Now that Qi Yuan had shown a strong talent for forging, Shen Wanshan wasn't sure whether to be happy or worried.

...

At seven o'clock in the evening, night fell, and a black mist enveloped Fongshan Prefecture.

Except for some wealthy young masters, most commoners had returned home early.

With few entertainment options in this era, procreation became one of the few pastimes for the poor.

Unlike the darkness that enveloped most of Fongshan Prefecture, the ghost market in the western part of the city was brightly lit and bustling with people.

At a small stall, an old man and a young man were setting up.

The old man looked rather disheveled, with a bun in his mouth.

The young man was handsome, dressed in black, and had an extraordinary aura.

These two were none other than Qi Yuan and Chen Kangbao.

After using the Thousand Changes and Infinite Transformations technique to alter their appearances, they entered the ghost market to set up a stall, selling their magical tools to earn some silver.

"Clearance sale! Magical tools at a discount! Only two days left, don't miss out!"

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

This speaker, which was out of place in the ancient atmosphere of the ghost market, naturally attracted a lot of attention.

"Little brother, your magical tool is quite interesting. It has no rank, but it can repeat speech," the old man from the neighboring stall said, looking at Qi Yuan's speaker with envy.

If he had such a magical tool, he wouldn't have to shout himself hoarse.

"It has no rank. Do you want to buy it? It only costs 99 taels of silver."

Qi Yuan spoke, "Ahem..." The neighboring stall owner beside him gave an awkward laugh.

99 taels of silver, and it wasn't even graded? Was this a rip-off?

In Ning Kingdom, one tael of silver could buy about a stone of rice, which was over 500 pounds.

99 taels of silver could even buy graded magical artifacts. Who would buy this speaking artifact?

"Young man, your artifacts... they aren't certified, and they're not standard-issue. The pricing is also on the higher side, and I'm afraid they won't sell easily," the stall owner beside him said.

Qi Yuan's speaker had indeed attracted the attention of many in the Ghost Market, and there were quite a few people inquiring about the price. However, most of them were deterred by the cost.

Especially since Qi Yuan's artifacts weren't certified and weren't standard-issue, they appeared peculiar.

What if he was a scammer?

Buying artifacts wasn't a small matter. Spending so much silver naturally required caution.

"Don't worry, I have modern marketing strategies. Can't you see my speaker is having a clearance sale? Someone will definitely buy it!"

This marketing strategy was quite common on Blue Star.

Often, shops would advertise clearance sales, claiming it was the last two days, but you'd see the same sign a month later."

The neighboring stall owner smiled but didn't argue further.

On the other side of the Ghost Market, Tu San Gongzi wore a mask, and beside him stood a noble-looking young master with a longsword at his waist, exuding an air of nobility.

"Tu, this is the Ghost Market of Fongshan Prefecture. It looks quite good, but the artifacts... are somewhat ordinary," the noble young master commented. "I'm afraid you might not find the artifacts you need this time."

For an Armament Commander, they usually had a main weapon or a signature artifact.

Additionally, they would master various other artifacts to enhance their strength.

This noble young master had invited Tu San Gongzi to join him in defeating Demonic Spirits, commonly known as 'going on a mission.'

Tu San Gongzi had come to the Ghost Market to purchase artifacts for his mission.

"I'm just here to try my luck. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a great bargain," Tu San Gongzi smiled.

"On the Earthly Ranking of the Nine Provinces Talents List, in the top twenty, there seems to be no Artisan from Jinan Prefecture. What a pity," the noble young master sighed.

Tu San Gongzi smiled but remained silent, thinking that the noble young master was aiming too high.

Just then, a voice reached Tu San Gongzi's ears.

The noble young master also turned towards the source of the voice, his expression calm. "This stall, I visited it an hour ago. It's quite interesting, but the prices are high... I'm not sure about the quality of the artifacts."

"Oh?" Tu San Gongzi became interested. "We should go take a look."

"Their artifacts aren't certified, and they're not standard-issue. But the prices are about double the usual, so be careful," the noble young master reminded.

"Hmm," Tu San Gongzi headed towards the source of the voice.

At this moment, outside Qi Yuan's stall, many people had gathered.

Voices of discussion and noise filled the air.

"Selling an ungraded artifact for 100 taels? Do you take me for a fool?"

"Probably a scam. I've never seen such an artifact in my life!"

"Your artifact... it feels so mediocre."

The onlookers were mostly skeptical or simply curious.

Tu San Gongzi pushed through the crowd, and his gaze fell upon the stall. Suddenly, his eyelids twitched, and his heart began to race.

The Thorn Blood's artifact had reacted.

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

His heart sank as he noticed the stall owner's gaze upon him.

"Handsome, do you want to buy some artifacts?"

This greeting was somewhat unusual, and Tu San Gongzi tensed.

The artifact's reaction, and the blood-red mist, indicated that the stall owner had killed at least several dozen Demonic Spirits of Thorn Blood.

Could it be... that you're from Hongyun Fortress?"

He considered this possibility, his nerves on edge.

If this person... was indeed from Hongyun Fortress, he might have already sent a message to the important figures there.

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

Now, this man before him was so formidable, having slain eighty-seven troublesome Demonic Spirits alone, as if a deity had descended. Could it be that the artifacts he sold were also extraordinary?

Tu San Gongzi's heart stirred, suppressing his fear, and he couldn't help but speak with respect. "I wish to purchase an offensive artifact. I wonder... if you have any?"

"An offensive one?" Qi Yuan asked.

Offensive artifacts were indeed rare.

"How about this?"

He presented a flashlight-like artifact to Tu San Gongzi.

"This is a lightsaber, inspired by... well, I can't remember which TV show. Its greatest advantage is that it's very handsome and cool," Qi Yuan explained.

"Such an ugly thing and you dare call it handsome?" The noble young master couldn't help but frown.

He was dressed in a flashy manner, clearly someone who sought attention.

The flashlight-like artifact before him naturally didn't impress him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end