King of Ten Thousand Years

"I’ve finally succeeded!"

Master Cheng was even more excited than Luo Tian. He examined the Treasure Sword in his hands, stroking it back and forth.

This Treasure Sword was a testament to the moment he became an Upper Sect Refiner, and Master Cheng was quite reluctant to part with it.

However, he still handed the sword to its rightful owner.

Luo Tian took the Treasure Sword, and a cold sensation spread from his hand.

The longer he held it, the stronger the chill became.

If an ordinary Spirit Sea Realm Second Layer cultivator, or someone unsuited for Cold Attribute weapons, were to use this sword for a long time, it could even cause lasting internal injuries.

"The Middle Level Rune you carved... it’s an Ice Rune, isn’t it?"

Master Cheng’s attitude had completely changed, his tone now one of respectful inquiry.

"Yes!"

Luo Tian nodded.

"How did you learn of such a precious Middle Level Rune? And..."

’And you even gave it to me.’

Master Cheng stared at Luo Tian with a serious expression.

"An Artifact Refining Master begged me to be his apprentice, even offering me many Inscriptions as a gift. It’s a shame my heart is set on the Martial Arts, and I have no interest in Artifact Refining, so I refused him."

Luo Tian said with a casual nod.

In reality, Luo Tian had spent several hundred Spiritual Essence Coins to acquire the Middle Level Ice Rune from the Celestial Book.

"...Really?"

Although Luo Tian’s story sounded far-fetched, Master Cheng was actually starting to believe it.

After all, Inscriptions were an Artifact Refiner’s greatest treasure; no one would show them off lightly.

Master Cheng had memorized the Ice Rune Luo Tian drew earlier before burning the copy.

"As its owner, you should be the one to name this sword."

Master Cheng said with a smile.

Since he couldn’t keep the sword, he wanted to at least remember its name.

"A name?"

Luo Tian’s gaze focused. He studied the sword carefully, then suddenly announced its name: "Ice Trace Sword!"

"Ice Trace Sword. Not bad."

Master Cheng repeated the name and nodded with a smile.

HUMMM!

Luo Tian poured his True Qi into the Ice Trace Sword. The patterns on the blade immediately flashed with white light, and a layer of Cold Mist billowed out, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet.

SWISH!

A crystalline arc of sword light, carrying a bone-chilling cold, flashed through the air.

Light! Fast! Strong!

These were the three sensations Luo Tian immediately felt.

WHOOSH—BANG!

The arc of sword light struck the wall of the Artifact Refining Room, leaving a gash as deep as a finger. Frost immediately condensed on the surrounding wall.

"Not bad!"

A satisfied expression appeared on Luo Tian’s face.

After all, he had originally planned to forge a top-tier Middle Grade Treasure Artifact, but now he had an Upper Grade Treasure Artifact instead.

One had to know that Artifact Refiners capable of creating Upper Grade Treasure Artifacts were all in the Upper Sect Area.

Thus, it was rare for any of the Lower Sect Disciples to possess an Upper Grade Treasure Artifact.

"Are you trying to tear down my Artifact Refining Room?!"

Master Cheng glared at Luo Tian, his eyes fixed on the Sword Mark on the wall.

But it didn’t really matter. After all, he would soon be heading to the Upper Sect, where he would have a new residence and Artifact Refining Room.

Just then, a fair-skinned woman with a noble air about her walked in.

"Master Cheng, is my Treasure Sword ready yet?"

The fair-skinned woman’s name was Yu Muling; she had commissioned Master Cheng to forge a Treasure Artifact half a month ago.

"This sword... could it be mine?"

Yu Muling was immediately captivated by the sword in Luo Tian’s hand. Its appearance was beautiful, and one could tell at a glance that its quality was extremely high.

"This sword is yours."

Master Cheng took a Yellow Treasure Sword from the wall and handed it to Yu Muling, explaining, "Due to material limitations, I was only able to inscribe five inscriptions. Its quality is upper-Middle Grade."

Yu Muling took the Yellow Treasure Sword, her brow slightly furrowed.

When she had commissioned the Treasure Artifact, she had expressed her hope for six inscriptions. Although Master Cheng had told her it was unlikely, she was mentally prepared.

Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed now.

"That sword looks quite good. It must have six inscriptions, right?"

Yu Muling said, looking at the Ice Trace Sword in Luo Tian’s hand.

"Seven inscriptions!"

Master Cheng announced proudly. After all, he was the one who had crafted it.

"Seven inscriptions? An Upper Grade Treasure Artifact?"

Yu Muling was stunned and filled with envy.

Looking back at the Treasure Sword in her own hands, she felt a profound sense of disappointment.

Especially since the one holding the seven-inscription Treasure Sword was only at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Second Layer. It made her feel utterly outdone.

"Junior Brother, you’re only at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Second Layer. A weapon of such high quality isn’t suitable for you. This sword of mine, however, would be a perfect fit."

Yu Muling lectured Luo Tian with the air of a senior, then presented her own sword. "I’ll add five hundred Spiritual Essence Coins. Trade with me!"

"No trade!"

Luo Tian’s expression was cold.

’Do you take me for a fool?’

’Trade an Upper Grade Treasure Artifact with seven inscriptions for a Low Grade Treasure Artifact with five?’

’Besides, five hundred Spiritual Essence Coins is an insult, like tossing scraps to a beggar. The normal price difference would be at least five thousand Spiritual Essence Coins.’

"You must be a new disciple, right? It seems you don’t know who I am!"

"In the entire Lower Sect Area, the faction I belong to is the strongest! If you agree to this trade, I can let you join my faction. Otherwise, there will be no place for you in the Lower Sect!"

Seeing how decisively Luo Tian refused, with no room for negotiation, Yu Muling grew displeased.

A vast aura erupted from her, and a suppressive pressure instantly filled the Artifact Refining Room.

This woman was actually a master at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Fifth Layer!

’The strongest faction in the Lower Sect?’

’Aren’t the Eighth Prince and Qi Nan part of it?’

Nearby, Master Cheng’s brow furrowed. He couldn’t stand by and watch Yu Muling bully Luo Tian.

Just as Master Cheng was about to step in and help Luo Tian...

...Luo Tian suddenly spoke up. "It seems you don’t know who I am, either!"

"Hahaha!"

Yu Muling was stunned for a moment, then burst into exaggerated laughter.

Master Cheng was rather speechless. ’This kid is still putting on a tough act at a time like this? I almost believed that story he told me earlier about the mysterious Artifact Refining Master backing him.’

"Hahaha! Why would I need to know the name of an ant I could crush at any moment?"

Yu Muling sneered.

"Oh? Then why don’t you try?"

"Insolent!"

Yu Muling was furious with Luo Tian’s attitude.

A mere rookie at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Second Layer dared to speak to her like that? He truly didn’t know his own limits!

WHOOSH!

Yu Muling blurred into motion, instantly appearing at Luo Tian’s right side and striking with her scabbard.

She planned to knock the sword from Luo Tian’s hand and claim it for herself.

But Luo Tian suddenly retracted his hand, causing her scabbard to strike empty air.

’Such fast reflexes?’

Yu Muling was slightly shocked.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Yu Muling attacked again, but Luo Tian dodged at the last possible moment.

In terms of reaction speed and agility of Body Technique, Luo Tian clearly had a slight edge.

Master Cheng’s eyes lit up from the side.

’I underestimated this kid. To think he can hold his own against someone at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Fifth Layer...’

A hint of interest appeared in Master Cheng’s expression.

It seemed Luo Tian happened to be cultivating a profound Body Technique, and had reached at least the Great Success stage.

"Bastard! You’re courting death!"

Failing to land a blow after multiple attempts, Yu Muling flew into a rage from the humiliation.

SHIING!

She instantly drew the Yellow Treasure Sword and swung, unleashing a brilliant golden Sword Energy Radiance that slashed toward Luo Tian’s arm.

Yu Muling actually intended to cripple Luo Tian’s arm and snatch the Ice Trace Sword by force.

"Not good!"

Master Cheng’s expression changed dramatically.

He hadn’t expected Yu Muling to be so bold as to attack someone on his territory.

Master Cheng mobilized the True Qi in his body, preparing to intervene and save Luo Tian, hoping to earn his gratitude.

But suddenly.

A dazzlingly brilliant Sword Light flashed through the air. A sharp Sword Qi, accompanied by a bone-piercing chill, spread out, making everyone shudder involuntarily.

CLANG!

Luo Tian’s Ice Trace Sword and Yu Muling’s Yellow Treasure Sword crossed, producing a crisp, melodic sound.

The sharp, icy Sword Qi and immense force of the blow crashed forward.

SCRAPE!

Yu Muling’s body tilted backward as her feet slid a meter back before she regained her balance.

She wore a look of utter astonishment, as if she could never have imagined being at a disadvantage in a clash with a new disciple at the Peak of Spirit Sea Realm Second Layer.

Granted, she hadn’t used her full strength just now.

But Luo Tian’s performance was simply astonishing.

Master Cheng, at the side, was also stunned.

’This kid is that strong?’

’It seems that when Luo Tian said, "you don’t know who I am," he wasn’t just bluffing.’

"Master Cheng, you’ve got another customer."

Luo Tian tossed out this line and strode away.

"What does he mean?"

’No one else has entered my shop, have they?’ Master Cheng was baffled.

But then he thought of something and looked at the Yellow Treasure Sword in Yu Muling’s hand.

The entire blade was covered in frost, and there was even a notch on one part of the edge!

"You!"

Yu Muling’s face was ashen with rage, and a murderous light flared in her eyes.

Her newly forged Treasure Artifact had been damaged in a clash before it even left the Artifact Refining Room!

Repairing it would cost several hundred Spiritual Essence Coins and Contribution Points!

"Luo Tian!"

Master Cheng called out to him with a smile. "The fee for refining your Treasure Artifact—it’s waived!"

The value of the Middle Level Rune Luo Tian had given him was immeasurable enough.

Not to mention Luo Tian had also given him a complete Inscription Carving Method.

You could say that this time, it wasn’t him helping Luo Tian with Artifact Refining, but Luo Tian helping him achieve his goal of entering the Upper Sect.

How could Master Cheng have the nerve to charge him a fee?

"Oh? Perfect. I’m broke right now anyway."

"..."

Master Cheng suddenly felt like he had almost been scammed.

If this were the past, he definitely wouldn’t have let someone who played him like that off so easily.

"My name is Cheng Wanli. I hope we can meet again in the Upper Sect."

Master Cheng said.

"We definitely will!"

Luo Tian replied without a second thought.

"Good! When the time comes, if you need any Artifact Refining done, be sure to find me. I’ll definitely give you a discount!"

Cheng Wanli watched Luo Tian leave.

"Master Cheng, why did you help that kid refine an Upper Grade Treasure Artifact, but only made me a Middle Grade Treasure Artifact with five inscriptions!"

Yu Muling’s face was full of indignation.

’If my Treasure Artifact’s quality hadn’t been so poor, I definitely would have crushed Luo Tian.’

"Get out!"

Cheng Wanli’s brows drew low, a crimson light flashing in his eyes as a heavy, powerful aura emanated from him.

He couldn’t be bothered to explain anything to Yu Muling.

"Yes!"

Yu Muling’s face paled, and panic bloomed in her heart.

Rumor had it that Cheng Wanli had a significant background and was the son of a high-ranking member of the Sect.

Filled with pent-up frustration, Yu Muling took her damaged Treasure Sword and immediately left.

「Back in the Lower Sect Disciples’ residential area.」

Yu Muling happened to run into Qi Nan.

"Brother Qi, have you heard about a new disciple named Luo Tian?"

Both Yu Muling and Qi Nan hailed from the Chilong Dynasty and were now in the same faction.

"Luo Tian?"

Qi Nan’s expression changed, the veins on his forehead bulging as a cold, murderous glint flashed in his eyes.

Who in the Lower Sect Area didn’t know that he had lost to Luo Tian on the Gambling Platform?

’Is Yu Muling asking this on purpose? Is she trying to mock me?’

But Yu Muling genuinely didn’t know the situation; she had been away on a mission.

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