Feeling the scorching heat gradually dissipate within his body, Han Li opened his tightly shut eyes, his gaze filled with contemplation.
This “Ming King Art” was truly domineering. Even with his body, which had once condensed a Spirit Infant and undergone marrow cleansing, he could barely endure the excruciating pain of repeated body tempering. This left Han Li both frustrated and deeply suspicious.
“Senior! Is there really no issue with continuing to cultivate the Ming King Art? Just the second layer of the technique is this agonizing. I find it hard to believe that all those bald monks in the Buddhist sect only began practicing this art after reaching the Spirit Infant stage. Otherwise, by the time they mastered it, their lifespan would likely have already run out. Yet, for those at the Core Formation stage, enduring such torment would be nearly impossible—this isn’t just physical pain; even one’s spiritual sense can clearly perceive it.” Han Li suddenly asked the Great Divination Venerable.
“What’s so strange about that? Since the Buddhist sect managed to modify a demonic cultivation technique into this form, they must have also devised methods or tools to reduce the pain of cultivation. After all, Buddhist techniques are inherently adept at enduring suffering. Moreover, if the cultivator possesses sufficient willpower, it’s not impossible for someone at the Core Formation stage to practice the Ming King Art. As for why this technique is so brutal, that’s relative to us humans—it was originally designed for demons and ancient fiends. Those races have inherently robust physiques and wouldn’t care about such pain,” the Great Divination Venerable replied lazily.
“I see. That makes sense. Unfortunately, we don’t have time to cultivate other Buddhist techniques now, so we’ll just have to endure this. At this level, I can still barely tolerate it.” Han Li frowned and forced a bitter smile.
He then rolled up his sleeve, revealing a section of his arm. Narrowing his eyes, he examined the surface of his arm, blue light flickering in his pupils. After a full tea’s worth of time, he pressed a finger against his skin before finally lowering his arm.
“Though the suffering was immense, the Ming King Art truly has unique merits in body tempering—far surpassing any other body-refining techniques I know. After just this short period of cultivation, I can already feel astonishing changes in my physique.” Han Li murmured to himself, as if lost in thought.
After sitting quietly for a while longer, Han Li rose and left the chamber, heading slowly toward the Earthfire Hall.
A few days prior, while refining materials and combining the forging techniques explained by the old man surnamed Wei, he had finally grasped a new smithing method. Thus, he had been using the Earthfire’s power at noon each day to reforge the nearly completed crystallized demon core needles, aiming to enhance their power further.
As Han Li neared the hall, a clamor suddenly arose from the direction of the main gate. Startled, he turned to look.
A group of about eight or nine people was approaching, led by the three other disciples of the Forging Hall. Following them were several young male and female cultivators. At the forefront was a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl in an emerald-green palace dress, her beauty striking and her demeanor extraordinary, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
For their age, their cultivation levels were impressive—most were at the eighth or ninth layer of Qi Refining, while the palace-dressed girl had reached the tenth layer, the highest among them.
With a single glance, Han Li could tell these visitors were of no ordinary status. Nearly every one of them had bulging storage pouches at their waists, and two or three even carried specialized spirit beast pouches. Meanwhile, the three Forging Hall disciples wore obsequious smiles, clearly eager to please, as if afraid of offending anyone.
Han Li’s eyes flickered, and he turned to enter the Earthfire Hall, hoping to avoid trouble. But just then, the most senior of the three Forging Hall disciples—the one named Gao, who harbored the most hostility toward him—spotted Han Li’s back and suddenly called out loudly, “Junior Brother Han, come here! Princess Lvxiu needs a magical artifact refined, and some of the materials require special treatment. You’ll assist in completing this task. This is a direct order from the Fourth Hall Master—no delays allowed.”
“Princess?” Han Li was slightly startled, and hearing that it was the Fourth Hall Master’s command only deepened his surprise. Pausing mid-step, he had no choice but to turn back.
Having stayed here for so long, Han Li had a rough understanding of the high-ranking cultivators in the Imperial Qing Temple. Officially, the temple had four hall masters, all at the Core Formation stage, but there was also a Celestial Purity Courtyard said to house the temple’s sole Spirit Infant cultivator.
Though the Fourth Hall Master was the latest to reach Core Formation, his cultivation technique was unique, and his abilities were reputedly the strongest among the four, earning him great fame throughout Nan Commandery. Even the esteemed Master Lu of the White Dew Academy had paled at the mention of his name.
However, these hall masters were figures of extraordinary status, and Han Li had yet to meet any of them.
“If it’s the Fourth Hall Master’s order, this disciple will naturally assist to the best of his ability,” Han Li said calmly after approaching and surveying the group.
“You can refine materials? Your cultivation is far too low. The princess needs to refine ‘Bloodthread Silver,’ a rare material. If you ruin it, can you bear the responsibility?” One of the young men in a dark blue brocade robe sneered, his tone dismissive.
The palace-dressed girl—presumably Princess Lvxiu—merely smiled faintly, though her eyes betrayed skepticism.
“Bloodthread Silver is indeed rare. I can’t guarantee a perfect refinement. Perhaps you should seek someone more skilled?” Han Li replied without a hint of anger, his tone even.
His words left the group momentarily speechless.
“Hmph! Wasn’t there supposed to be an exceptional blacksmith here? Why not have him refine the materials for the princess?” another handsome young man snapped, regaining his composure.
“Master Wei is currently forging a precious treasure and has been in seclusion for days. I’m afraid he can’t emerge to assist,” one of the Forging Hall disciples explained apologetically.
“Refining my materials would only take a moment. Couldn’t you ask Master Wei to step out briefly? Even in my palace, I’ve long heard of his reputation and would love to meet him,” the green-robed girl said softly, her demeanor demure and refined, flattering the disciples.
Han Li’s brow twitched imperceptibly. Though she appeared polite, a flash of cunning in her eyes didn’t escape his notice. Silently scoffing, he remained quiet.
The three disciples, however, were utterly charmed by her gentle words. One of them, unable to resist, actually agreed to inform the old man surnamed Wei.
Han Li sighed inwardly. If he recalled correctly, before entering seclusion, Wei had explicitly warned them not to disturb him unless it was a matter of grave importance. Now, interrupting him for something as trivial as refining materials would surely invite his wrath.
Sure enough, the disciple soon returned, his face ashen.
“Princess, Master Wei truly cannot spare the time. Please allow Junior Brother Han to attempt it,” the disciple said with a forced smile.
“The Forging Hall of the Imperial Qing Temple has such a grand reputation, yet none of you three can refine the princess’s materials?” This time, it was another young woman in the group—aside from Princess Lvxiu—who spoke. Slightly older and of average beauty, she had a beauty mark by her lips that added a touch of charm.
“To be honest, Miss Mingzhu, we can refine ordinary materials, but for something as rare as Bloodthread Silver, only Junior Brother Han—who was personally taught by Master Wei—knows the method. Our expertise lies in forging common magical artifacts,” the three disciples admitted awkwardly.
“This is troublesome. We accompanied Lady Yu here and cannot stay long. If we miss this chance, who knows when we’ll find another blacksmith capable of refining Bloodthread Silver. It seems we’ll have to trouble this senior brother,” Princess Lvxiu said with a sudden bright smile, her eyes gleaming.
“Very well. If the princess is willing to take the risk, I’ll do my best,” Han Li said calmly.
“Don’t worry, Senior Brother. Just refine it as you see fit. If it fails, it’s no great matter—just a sign that my fortune hasn’t arrived yet. I can always search for more later,” the girl replied with a gentle smile.
Seeing her stance, Han Li nodded. However, glancing at the large crowd, he frowned slightly. “When refining materials, I cannot have so many observers. Distractions would lower the success rate.”
“That’s fine. I alone will observe. The others can wait outside or tour the Forging Hall with these three senior brothers,” the princess said casually.
Though reluctant, none of her companions objected.
Without further ado, Han Li led the way to the Earthfire Hall. The rest, under the princess’s gaze, had no choice but to stay behind.
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