Chapter 517: The Blind Artisan, Jiang Yunxi's Moment in the Spotlight

Chapter 517: The Blind Artisan, Jiang Yunxi's Moment in the Spotlight

"Your birthday? What a coincidence."

"On that day, slaying demons and monsters, you did have a bit of a protagonist's aura."

"Never mind, let's wait..."

The voice gradually faded away above the surface of Ye Mountain Lake.

About two hours later.

A delicate small hand held a slender pen, and the crooked handwriting wandered on the rice paper.

"I haven't written in my diary these past few days because I went to do something meaningful!"

"The knife spun in my hand, countless thunderbolts emerged, and wherever my gaze fell, demonic spirits were slashed!"

"The final one, Luotong Water Lord, a powerful and malevolent spirit that wreaked havoc in all directions, couldn't even struggle under my heroic slash."

In the last moment of its life, Luotong Water Lord told me a story of its past.

Turns out, it was once a human spirit, having joined the Heavenly Sect and even had a childhood friend as a senior fellow disciple.

However, when the two ventured out together, it unfortunately died outside and when it woke up, it was no longer human..."

"Indeed, behind every great villain is a moving story."

Jiang Yunxi put down her pen and glanced at the kitchen knife beside her, feeling delighted yet slightly regretful.

What a pity, the knife didn't gush blood and shatter in her embrace, nor did she go blind in one eye or break a leg. This time, her world-saving journey would have been even more legendary and memorable.

Although her diary depicted this journey as fraught with danger, and she had even endured several bloody battles, in reality, she had easily bulldozed through without any actual peril.

"It seems that my written world-saving journey is more interesting than the real one."

At this moment, Jiang Yunxi lived through her writing.

"Is it because reality is too smooth and easy that... I feel a lack of style?"

"Chef Elder, what are you doing?"

Jiang Yunxi's thoughts wandered, and she glanced at Qi Yuan.

"I'm summarizing the gains from this experience."

Qi Yuan responded and said no more.

His words were half-truth and half-lie.

At this moment, his thoughts were rather complex.

"The reward for a perfect performance is... wood?"

The first reward for playing as the kitchen knife was the sharpness of iron, and the second time was similar, granting Qi Yuan a body comparable to a Heaven Rank Magical Tool.

After completing the perfect performance, the reward was the vitality of wood.

Vitality surged within Qi Yuan's body, an endless flow.

"So, this wood... is for the knife handle?"

That was the only association Qi Yuan could make.

The final reward was related to the knife handle.

"Originally, I was a technique-oriented warrior. After obtaining a powerful physical body, I became invincible. Now, with so much vitality of wood, I can truly be considered... immortal?"

This time, the rewards for the performance were particularly generous.

The endless vitality, like a mighty river, combined with the powerful skill 'Death Radiance', would allow him to unleash an incredibly strong force when facing a siege.

If surrounded by peers of the same level, he might even achieve immortality!

[Kitchen Knife Performance Complete, Unlocked Fourth Playable Character.]



[Playable Character 4: The Blind Artisan.]



In an instant, a vast amount of information flooded into Qi Yuan's mind.

The Blind Artisan, born blind, with impoverished parents who couldn't afford to raise a blind infant, eventually took advantage of a rainy night to abandon the baby in a river.

The blind infant was lucky; it was thrown into the depths of the mountains and picked up by an old man.

The old man was a down-and-out artisan apprentice, whose lifelong wish was to become an artisan.

Unfortunately, he lacked talent, and his hopes rested on the Blind Artisan.

When the Blind Artisan turned seven, the old man passed away, leaving the Blind Artisan with a mental demon.

He wanted to become a Divine Rank Artisan, fulfilling the old man's lifelong wish!

His talent was actually extraordinary, with an astonishing memory, mastering various forging techniques with ease.

Regrettably, he was blind.

Even seeking treatment from renowned experts couldn't cure his blindness.

Being blind posed a significant limitation for an artisan.

Despite the Blind Artisan's remarkable talent, he could only reach the level of a Heaven Rank Artisan.

His greatest wish in life was to become a Divine Rank Artisan and beyond, to ascend to greater heights.

"Hmm, this character has my blood in him, unlike the superfluous Qi Yuan..."

Qi Yuan already had his suspicions.

In the beginning, when this game world was on the verge of collapse, he had infused his essence blood to sustain it.

The characters he played now were, in a sense, extensions of his essence blood.

However, Qi Yuan was surprised at how his essence blood could transform.

Not only did it create the superfluous Qi Yuan, but also the Kitchen Knife.

Fortunately, there were also people like the Blind Artisan.

He carefully recalled the Blind Artisan's life.

Instantly, various forging techniques and repair methods flooded into his mind.

Qi Yuan gained a deeper understanding of the path of forging.

"This Blind Artisan is indeed a genius with excellent talent, unlike Qi Yuan, who constantly thinks about being bullied and fetching water for his mother-in-law."

Qi Yuan felt relieved.

At least his essence blood had some use.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Qi Yuan's expression changed slightly.

In the blind Artisan's memory, he heard a familiar voice.

"This is... the voice of the live-in son-in-law Qi Yuan's father?"

"Does he have a connection with the blind Artisan?"

Qi Yuan was a little curious.

He never expected the world to be so small.

"Sir, your talent is astonishing, and you have the potential to reach the Divine Rank, or even beyond. Please join us, and together, let's fight for Qingshan Realm, for our homeland, to dispel the darkness and embrace the light once more!"

These were the words spoken by the live-in son-in-law Qi Yuan's father.

According to the blind Artisan's memory, Qi Yuan's father had joined a mysterious organization. This organization seemed a bit eccentric, constantly preaching that the world was on the brink of destruction, and only by uniting all Artisans and crafting the ultimate artifact could this catastrophe be averted.

Qi Yuan's father invited the blind Artisan to join their organization and forge the most powerful artifact.

However, this invitation was declined by the blind Artisan.

"I need to remember this. After all, to play the role of the live-in son-in-law Qi Yuan, I must understand and master all information related to him."

"Playing the role of the blind Artisan..."

Qi Yuan contemplated.

At that moment, he narrowed his eyes.

"This role is so peculiar that once I start playing it, I'll go blind, and if the performance isn't perfect, I'll be stuck as the blind Artisan?"

The other roles didn't have this issue.

He could be the Kitchen Knife, the Divine Judgment, or the live-in son-in-law Qi Yuan, switching between them at will.

But playing the blind Artisan was different; once he started, he had to pass in one go.

"Is this because, among all the roles I play, his will is the strongest and takes control?"

Qi Yuan made this conjecture.

"It seems I can't play the blind Artisan yet; I still need to play the live-in son-in-law Qi Yuan and Divine Judgment."

"However, even if I don't initiate the role, within five months, I'll have to play it."

Qi Yuan sighed.

There were limitations to role-playing, and he didn't want to solely play the blind Artisan.

But if he didn't take on the role, within five months, he would be forced into it.

"No worries, I still have five months. I need to quickly improve my strength and learn more."

After all, the blind Artisan's lifelong aspiration was to become a Divine Rank Artisan. If he could achieve that within five months, wouldn't he pass the role with ease?

Qi Yuan didn't want to go blind himself.

Unconsciously, he turned to look at Jiang Yunxi, his expression filled with surprise.

"These connections... I must make use of them."

...

The fall of Luotong Water Lord caused a huge stir.

Especially on the second day, when ten Armament Commanders entered the underwater palace, the most powerful among them, Galesword Master Wei Kun, chose to stay behind.

But to everyone's surprise, shortly after the other Armament Commanders left, the underwater palace emitted a deafening roar, and the sturdy Magical Tool collapsed on the spot, turning to dust.

Galesword Master Wei Kun perished within the underwater palace and never came out.

This caught the other Armament Commanders off guard, and they couldn't help but suspect a conspiracy.

Everyone had their own thoughts, but with the fall of the Water Lord, the news of Jiang Yunxi staying behind with Luotong Water Lord spread like wildfire.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

On the second day, Mountain Lord found Jiang Yunxi.

Regarding the underwater palace incident, Jiang Yunxi stammered, but at night, Mountain Lord unexpectedly discovered Jiang Yunxi's personal diary, revealing the truth.

"Jiang Yunxi is the Child of Destiny, chosen by a mysterious old man who lent her a Magical Tool, the Kitchen Knife, to slay the Water Lord!"

"Wow, a mere Mystic Rank Armament Commander managed to slay Luotong Water Lord, a formidable opponent even for the Heavenly Sect. What level of Magical Tool is this!"

"From now on, I'm the loyal dog of Jiang Yunxi, the Princess!"

"Luotong Water Lord is gone... just like that?"

Those who learned of this news felt as if they had just woken up from a dream.

As the Artisan Assembly was in full swing, discussing the restoration of the Dragon Emperor and the determination of various Armament Commanders to confront the Water Lord, they were informed that the Water Lord had suddenly disappeared, slain by an unknown Princess.

Jiang Yunxi, now known as the Heaven's Proud Daughter, was the talk of the town.

Mountain Lord's temporary residence was flooded with visitors bearing gifts daily.

Mountain Lord was in high spirits, beaming with joy.

In contrast, Jiang Yunxi kept a low profile, staying indoors most of the time. She had Artisans from the Assembly send ancient books related to forging, which earned her the admiration of many.

"Calm and composed, Princess Jiang Yunxi possesses the qualities of a phoenix!"

"What a pity, according to the storyteller at the teahouse, when the legendary terrifying Magical Tool slew Luotong Water Lord, it sacrificed itself to protect Princess Jiang Yunxi, enduring the Water Lord's attacks and turning to ashes."

Some felt a sense of regret.

Jiang Yunxi's fate was intertwined with the story, and her diary had been altered.

In this tale, her Magical Tool, the Kitchen Knife, adjacent to the Water Lord, shattered while valiantly protecting her.

"I wonder when I'll be able to obtain such a Magical Tool?"

At that very moment, outside a courtyard, Xie Danran stood with solemnity, exuding righteousness, but upon closer inspection, one could detect a hint of worry in his eyes.

He stood respectfully outside the courtyard, his posture upright and tall.

At that moment, a maid emerged.

"Young Master Xie, please come in. The Princess is waiting for you inside."

Xie Danran hurriedly bowed.

His heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Not long ago, he had encountered that foolish princess at Ye Mountain Lake.

At that time, a conflict had occurred between them.

The princess had proclaimed herself as a savior and asked him not to interfere with her mission.

Xie Danran had not taken her seriously and had mocked her in his heart.

But now, who would have thought that the Water Lord had actually been slain by Jiang Yunxi?

"The Princess is righteous and kind, and her actions have saved the people of Jinan Prefecture from calamity. I truly admire her!" Xie Danran thought as he stood even straighter, like a noble gentleman.

He needed to change the impression he had left on the Princess.

Soon, led by the maid, he met Jiang Yunxi, who was seated behind a curtain.

Xie Danran hurriedly bowed, "Your Highness, I, Xie Danran of the Heavenly Sect, have come to pay my respects. Your Highness has emerged to save the people from the brink of disaster, and I am truly in awe!"

He bowed deeply, almost kneeling on the ground, his demeanor extremely humble.

"At Ye Mountain Lake, I failed to recognize the true phoenix and offended Your Highness. Every time I recall it, I feel ashamed and remorseful."

Behind the curtain, Jiang Yunxi's toes curled up, as if she enjoyed being flattered.

However, remembering Qi Yuan's instructions, she spoke with a voice as delicate as a deer nibbling on tender lotus roots, "I heard that you once devised a sinister plan to offer Shen Lingxuan to the Raksha Kingdom's envoy?"

Xie Danran was puzzled. Wasn't the Princess looking for him because of his interference?

Instead, she asked about this.

He immediately knelt down, his expression becoming passionate and vigorous, "Your Highness, there is something you do not know. The person I admire and care for the most is my junior sister, Shen Lingxuan.

To give her to the envoy of the Raksha Kingdom, who would be the most heartbroken? It is me, of course. Such pain is unbearable, and even if my heart were torn out ten times, it would not be enough to express it.

But even in this pain, for the three million people of Jinan Prefecture, I must reveal this sinister plan!"

Xie Danran knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, appearing deeply remorseful.

He began to beat his chest, tears flowing freely.

Jiang Yunxi, behind the curtain, was moved by Xie Danran's performance.

Could it be that Chef Elder had made a mistake?

Was Xie Danran a good person, and they had misunderstood him?

However, remembering Chef Elder's instructions, she coldly humphed, "Hmph, who knows what evil intentions you harbor!"

"If it can save the people, I fear not the shattering of this body!"

The two continued their conversation.

With Jiang Yunxi's intelligence, she had a bit of cleverness but not much more.

After chatting for an hour, Jiang Yunxi was moved by Xie Danran's words.

Xie Danran's eyes shone with increasing confidence, and he stood even straighter.

He had a feeling that if he had a few more moments, he could win over Jiang Yunxi.

"You may leave now."

Jiang Yunxi waved her hand.

This left Xie Danran feeling a bit dejected, as if he had many more tricks up his sleeve that he hadn't had a chance to use.

However, he could only depart.

"Chef Elder, I think Xie Danran might be a good person. When he speaks, he exudes righteousness and passion, and he doesn't even swear or insult others." Jiang Yunxi whispered.

Not far away, Cai Dao, who was reading a book, paused.

"You're still too young. Tomorrow, I will be leaving, so let me teach you one last lesson in life."

"Come, let me ask you, during this time, has Xie Danran not uttered a single swear word or insult?" Qi Yuan asked.

"Yes," Jiang Yunxi nodded.

"He is very familiar with swearing and insults, so he can perfectly avoid them."

"What?"

"Do you understand now? Being familiar with these things doesn't make one a good person. He is not an ordinary morally corrupt person but a morally corrupt person who is very good at pretending!"

Jiang Yunxi's eyes widened, "Chef Elder, you make sense!"

She felt as if a light bulb had lit up in her mind, and she suddenly understood.

"Moreover, during this time, has he not denied being a murderer, rapist, mountain bandit, or demonic spirit?"

"It seems... not."

"So the answer is obvious."

"If I hadn't had your guidance, I wouldn't have known how good he is at pretending!"

Jiang Yunxi hurriedly spoke.

Now that she had slain Luo Tong Water Lord and saved Jinan Prefecture, her authority was immense, and her words carried great weight.

Xie Danran had offended her, and there was only one path left for him—death!

"Chef Elder, you are truly a great teacher. A single word from you has enlightened me like a drop of nectar, but... I can't always be by your side." Jiang Yunxi's words carried a hint of loneliness, "Otherwise, with my talent, not only could I become the future number one wise person in the Great Ning, but I might also have the potential to become the savior and the number one wise person in the world!"

On her birthday, Chef Elder had accompanied her for a long time.

Later, when Chef Elder wanted to read a book, he accompanied her for a long time.

Now, the book had been read, and it was time for Chef Elder to leave.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end