My Artifacts Can Upgrade Infinitely

Chapter 75: Chapter 75: Parting Ways

On the commercial street, Elder Li stroked the beard on his chin. The wrinkles on his face were marks left by the passage of time, and he wore a kind smile that revealed his optimistic and open-minded nature. His eyes held a depth, as if they could see through everything in the world.

Most importantly, Zhao Zuo felt that Elder Li had recognized him—even though he was clearly wearing the Hundred-Change Mask!

Zhao Zuo controlled his gaze and kept his pace steady, slowly walking past the fortune-telling stall as if they were complete strangers. As long as Elder Li didn’t speak up first, he would just play dumb.

’I have to stay relaxed and calm. I must maintain this disguise at all costs.’

"Little Friend Zhao, since fate has brought us together, why not sit for a chat?"

Elder Li spoke just as Zhao Zuo was passing the fortune-telling stall.

Hearing this, Zhao Zuo faltered. His suspicion was confirmed. In his mind, Elder Li’s image grew profound and unfathomable. ’At first, I just thought this old man had some connections in the Moyun Workshop... but now, it’s clear his identity isn’t that simple.’

Since Elder Li had spoken to him directly, Zhao Zuo had no choice but to turn around.

He sat on the worn wooden stool in front of the fortune-telling stall. Zhao Zuo looked up and found Elder Li studying him with an unreadable smile. The old man’s hands were bony and slender, with veins slightly protruding.

Zhao Zuo sat respectfully, though he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread.

"How did you see through my disguise, Senior?"

This was what puzzled Zhao Zuo the most. After he had upgraded it, the Hundred-Change Mask’s effects far surpassed those of a mere Lower Grade Magical Artifact.

He hadn’t been recognized even when he wore it to the Spirit Treasure Pavilion. He was confident that even Shen Yunjiao, the person who knew him best, couldn’t see through his disguise.

Fortunately, Elder Li had no intention of being mysterious and explained directly.

"Foundation Establishment Divine Thought."

Those four simple words exploded in Zhao Zuo’s mind like a clap of thunder. In that instant, all his questions were answered. He now understood why Elder Li could set up a stall in the heart of the commercial district, and he also understood how he had been exposed.

The Hundred-Change Mask essentially created a false face over his own skin; his real features remained unchanged underneath. Even with its minor adjustments to his facial muscles, it could never block the probing of a Foundation Establishment Divine Thought.

Zhao Zuo wanted to stand and offer a formal greeting immediately, but he guessed Elder Li didn’t want to attract attention. Instead, he hurriedly lowered his voice and spoke with immense respect.

"I was unaware of your identity, Senior. Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way before."

"There’s no need for such formalities, Little Friend Zhao," Elder Li said, waving his hand dismissively.

’A Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator is considered a high-level power in the Moyun Sect, worthy of being an Elder. For such an expert to befriend me on his own initiative several times... he must have a purpose.’

"Is there anything I can do for you, Senior?" Zhao Zuo asked tentatively.

"You’re overthinking things." Elder Li chuckled and shook his head, speaking softly. He didn’t seem to mind Zhao Zuo’s probing, his tone remaining peaceful and kind.

Zhao Zuo felt a little relieved by Elder Li’s answer, but he was still on edge. ’Still, I just have a body with Three Spirit Roots. Elder Li wouldn’t want to possess it.’

"Then why did you stop me, Senior?" He didn’t let his nervousness show, asking tentatively in the hopes of understanding Elder Li’s purpose.

"Not many people in this Market believe in my Celestial Secret Technique. I stopped you, of course, to offer you a divination."

Elder Li’s words piqued Zhao Zuo’s curiosity. While he’d been skeptical of the elder’s Celestial Secret Technique at first, learning of his true power had made him a firm believer.

Pedestrians bustled back and forth on the commercial street, flanked by towering, antique-style buildings.

"Please, go on." Zhao Zuo stared intently at Elder Li. He knew the elder was about to give him another piece of guidance or a revelation, but the final choice would be his own. Elder Li was like a spectator; he would alert him to an approaching crossroad but would never interfere with his decision.

"Your friend will soon face a fatal calamity." Having said this, Elder Li fell silent.

Zhao Zuo took out the Divination Fee from his Storage Bag and handed it to Elder Li. The only person in the entire Moyun Workshop he considered a friend was Shen Yunjiao, so the meaning of the divination was self-evident.

"Thank you for the warning, Senior."

Having received his answer, Zhao Zuo stood up to take his leave. Although Elder Li had never shown any malice, being in the presence of someone who could snuff out his life at any moment filled him with a primal fear.

"And please, little friend, do not tell anyone of my true strength."

Before he left, Elder Li made this solemn request, and Zhao Zuo immediately nodded in agreement.

A dozen or so minutes later, Zhao Zuo returned to his courtyard. It was only then that he remembered he had once again forgotten to buy the next few levels of the Golden Body Technique. He truly couldn’t find any extra time to practice Body Refining.

In the courtyard, Shen Yunjiao was practicing a certain Swordsmanship in her red Taoist Robe. Her figure moved with ethereal grace, like a shower of colorful petals. Her Sword Moves were exquisite and sublime, leaving no trace, as red sword-shadows like burning flames radiated in all directions.

Her cheeks were flushed, her arms were strong, and her Sword Moves were crisp and decisive.

With the aid of Pill Medicine, she had spent the last ten days healing her injuries.

"We’re restarting the Demon Beast hunt tonight!" Shen Yunjiao said as soon as she saw Zhao Zuo.

Zhao Zuo faltered. Ever since he learned how tenacious Shen Yunjiao’s Heart of Dao was, he understood why she was so fixated on Spirit Stones—it was all for the sake of reaching Foundation Establishment.

"What’s wrong? Is tonight not a good time for you?"

Shen Yunjiao noticed Zhao Zuo’s hesitation and asked, puzzled.

Faced with her question, Zhao Zuo thought for a moment and decided to lay everything out.

"It’s not that. I ran into Elder Li again in the Moyun Workshop today. He performed a divination for me, and the result was that you’ll face a life-threatening danger soon."

"So what?" Shen Yunjiao said dismissively.

"How about... we just stay home and focus on Cultivation for a while?" Zhao Zuo suggested.

Shen Yunjiao didn’t answer immediately. She stared at Zhao Zuo with a hesitant expression, thinking for a few seconds before she finally spoke.

"The winter Demon Beast invasion of the Market is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m not willing to give it up. Since you don’t intend to hunt with me, how about we just cancel our partnership?"

"That’s not what I meant. It’s just... with something like a divination, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You only get one life, after all."

Zhao Zuo hadn’t expected her to suggest ending their partnership, but he still tried to reason with her. Whatever his motives, he didn’t want to see Shen Yunjiao risk her life.

"I don’t believe in the Celestial Secret Technique. You don’t need to say anything more on the matter," Shen Yunjiao refused.

"You..." SIGH. Zhao Zuo felt helpless. He understood her obsession with Spirit Stones, which meant he couldn’t keep trying to talk her out of the hunting plan. ’But it’s a fatal calamity...’

"I understand. I’ll go out hunting by myself tonight."

Shen Yunjiao turned and walked toward the stairs, but her steps were slow and heavy. Clearly, she wasn’t as calm as she appeared, but she was unwilling to say anything more.

’She understood Zhao Zuo meant well, but she had her own convictions. She didn’t want to be dependent on anyone; she wanted to live for herself.’

.......

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