-----
"I heard from a cultivator in Yuanwu Country that this person had impressive weapon-refining skills. That's why his name stuck with me," Qi Yuan said calmly as he continued flying forward.
Qi Yunxiao glanced at him and, without hesitation, followed closely behind.
As a descendant of an elder from the Divine Weapon Sect—one of the three major sects in Yuanwu Country—Qi Yunxiao had inherited his family's refining techniques and had achieved notable success in the craft. If he had lived longer, he might have become a respected figure in the world of weapon refining.
Unfortunately, he was only an outer disciple of the Qi family and was never truly valued. With limited power, he was unable to protect Xin Ruyin.
Rumors said Qi Yunxiao's downfall was tied to Xin Ruyin. She had inherited an expert's formation techniques and gained a reputation by setting up formations for small sects in exchange for spirit stones. However, lacking a strong background, she soon became a target, attracting unwanted trouble.
Qi Yunxiao, inexperienced in combat, was eventually hunted down. Although his formations injured more than a dozen attackers, his enemies had the support of a Golden Core cultivator. His defenses were quickly broken, leading to his death.
Xin Ruyin's fate was beyond his control.
But now, given the chance to change things, Qi Yuan decided to save him.
However, protecting both of them and acting as a guardian? That was out of the question.
In the world of cultivation, survival depended on strength, not goodwill. If Xin Ruyin's skills in formations were as valuable as rumored, she had to be bound by both profit and emotion—only then would she truly be useful. If she and Qi Yunxiao were deeply connected, why would she devote herself to someone else's cause?
A strong partnership required stability.
Qi Yuan mulled over his next steps, his expression unreadable.
Qi Yunxiao, flying beside him, stole a glance before speaking. "What brings you to Yuanwu Country, senior? If there's anything I can do to help, I'd be honored."
"I heard that Yuanwu's weapon refining and formation techniques are top-tier, so I came to acquire some equipment to strengthen myself," Qi Yuan replied lightly.
He wasn't worried about revealing his intentions.
After all, how else would he lure out what he wanted?
Just as expected, Qi Yunxiao brightened at the statement. "I have expertise in refining. Since you saved my life, I'd be happy to assist you. As for formations, I have a friend who excels in that field."
"Oh?" Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow. "If your skills don't meet my standards, I won't be paying."
Qi Yunxiao didn't hesitate. "Senior, I assure you, you won't be disappointed."
Qi Yuan gave a small nod.
Seeing the mysterious cultivator's composed demeanor, Qi Yunxiao felt an increasing sense of admiration.
### Yuanwu Country, Jinma City – Qingquan Teahouse
"Senior, this is my teahouse. Please, come in," Qi Yunxiao said, gesturing invitingly.
Qi Yuan entered without hesitation, his presence commanding yet casual.
Seated in a private room, they were soon served spirit tea.
One sniff, one sip…
"Good tea," Qi Yuan remarked.
Qi Yunxiao smiled. "I'm glad you like it, senior. My friend blends this tea herself—it's a favorite among our customers."
"You keep mentioning this friend," Qi Yuan mused. "I'm curious to meet her."
"Once I finish refining your weapons, I'll introduce you. Her formation skills will definitely impress you," Qi Yunxiao said eagerly.
Qi Yuan took another sip. "I have high expectations for my weapons. They must be top-quality. Can you meet that standard? If not, say so now, and I'll find someone else."
"I won't claim a 100% success rate, but I'm at least 60 to 70% confident. I'll do my best," Qi Yunxiao assured.
Qi Yuan studied him for a moment before tossing him a storage bag. "Refine the materials inside. I need a flying spirit shuttle, a defensive robe, and an offensive weapon. Can you handle it?"
This time, Qi Yunxiao didn't answer immediately. Instead, he examined the contents of the bag before nodding. "Give me a month, and I'll deliver."
Learning that Qi Yuan was new to Yuanwu Country, Qi Yunxiao invited him to stay in the teahouse for the time being. Qi Yuan accepted reluctantly.
After settling in, Qi Yunxiao went into seclusion to refine the requested weapons.
--- Inside Qi Yuan's Room ---
Qi Yuan activated a simple formation before taking out the storage bag of the Foundation Establishment cultivator he had killed earlier.
This was the first person he had slain since entering the Foundation Establishment stage, and he was eager to see what treasures the bag held.
Clearing the ownership mark, he scanned its contents.
It contained various puppets—humanoid, tiger-shaped, wolf-shaped, and even some designed as alluring women.
There were five or six high-quality magic weapons and three top-tier ones, including the golden bracelets. Their quality was decent but not exceptional.
As expected, the bag contained numerous low- and mid-tier talismans, with only three high-level ones. Among Foundation Establishment cultivators in Yue Country, this wasn't considered poor.
The pills inside were average in quality.
However, several jade boxes caught Qi Yuan's eye. Items stored in jade boxes were usually valuable.
After all, who would waste one on something worthless?
…Actually, maybe he could use that principle to his advantage one day. If he ever got robbed, he could fill a jade box with something disgusting and throw it out as a distraction.
Setting that thought aside, Qi Yuan placed three jade boxes before him.
Taking a cautious approach, he activated defensive talismans and released a bit of magic power toward the first box.
Snap—
As it opened, a poison dart shot out, striking the defensive talisman.
A simple trick.
He tried the second box. This time, black poisonous smoke poured out, quickly filling the room.
Qi Yuan remained unfazed. He popped a detoxification pill and waited for the smoke to clear.
After half an hour of ventilation, he turned to the last box.
The moment it opened, a swarm of poisonous scorpions scuttled out, covering the room in mere seconds. With a flick of his wrist, Qi Yuan activated a high-level Flame Sun Talisman, incinerating them all.
With such elaborate defenses, the contents had to be important.
Inside one box, he found a jade slip. The seal on it read: "Dayan Jue."
A treasure of the Qianzhu Sect from the far west?
He searched the storage bag again and found robes and a token from Huangfeng Valley. The name on them read "Lin."
So, by sheer coincidence, he had intercepted Han Li's opportunity and slain the former young master of Qianzhu Sect?
An unexpected windfall.
The 'Dayan Jue' technique strengthened spiritual consciousness, allowing cultivators to control puppets more effectively. At its highest level, it could even increase the chance of forming a Core by 30%.
While the technique wasn't outstanding in all aspects, its advantages were undeniable.
After all, if he could summon an army of puppets and talismans to overwhelm his enemies…
Wouldn't that be a beautiful sight?
(End of Chapter)