The Mirror Master

Although the Martial Arts Discussion Battle was over, the crowd lingered, unwilling to leave.

They were still discussing the fight that had just taken place.

Lu Bai picked up the Broken Sword and slid it back into its Sword Scabbard.

’What a pity.’

Luo Qing murmured softly as she looked at the broken Cyan Cloud Sword.

This sword held a very special meaning for her.

"We’ll refine a new one later."

Luo Tianxiong said, "This time, we have Tier Two Profound Iron Ore, so we can refine a better Treasure Sword. The only thing missing is Demon Beast Blood to turn it into a Treasure Artifact through Blood Tempering.

We made a good profit this time. Later, we’ll buy some Tier Two Demon Beast Blood, find a famous Artifact Refiner, and have your pair of Cyan Cloud Swords forged into Tier Two Lower Grade Treasure Artifacts!"

To forge a Tier Two Treasure Artifact, the materials themselves must be Tier Two quality.

This could be something like Tier Two Profound Iron Ore, or the bones, fangs, and hide of a Tier Two Demon Beast.

Beyond that, the most crucial step is Blood Tempering.

A single Blood Tempering makes it a Lower Grade artifact.

For a second Blood Tempering, a different type of Demon Beast Blood is required.

The blood of the same type of Demon Beast cannot be used multiple times on the same weapon.

We happen to have the head of a Tier Two Tiger Demon this time. We can talk to the Demon-slaying Bureau and spend some silver taels to buy some of its blood.

But to perform two Blood Temperings and create a Middle Grade Treasure Artifact, we would need to find another Tier Two Demon Beast.

And that wouldn’t be easy.

Lu Bai and Luo Qing are only in the Inner Strength Realm. Normally, they would use Tier One Treasure Artifacts.

If they could forge Tier Two Treasure Artifacts ahead of schedule, even Lower Grade ones would be more than enough for the two of them.

"Lu Bai, let’s go home!"

Luo Tianxiong was all smiles, looking several years younger. "We must celebrate properly today! I’ll throw a victory banquet for you!"

Luo Tianxiong then turned to Li Tianxing and Feng Yang, extending an invitation. "Lord Li, Dean Feng, you must come."

Li Tianxing laughed heartily. "Elder Luo made a fortune today. This is the perfect chance to enjoy a meal on his coin."

"Alright."

Feng Yang nodded with a smile.

Lu Bai said, "Please, go on ahead. I have something else to take care of. I’ll be back shortly."

"Alright. It will take some time to prepare the banquet anyway."

Luo Tianxiong added teasingly, "But you’d better hurry back. We wouldn’t dare start the feast without you."

Lu Bai smiled, bid farewell to everyone, and made his way through the crowd toward the Willow Shade Courtyard.

It was time to bring the Black Dog home.

It was also a good opportunity to tell Yu Daoxuan and Yun Luo the outcome of the battle.

"What were those people doing at the End of Bluestone Alley just now?"

"I don’t know. They looked like Second Master Jin’s men. None of them looked happy."

"I heard the owner of the Willow Shade Courtyard placed a huge bet, causing Second Master Jin to lose his shirt. I guess Second Master Jin wants to go ’have a talk’ with them."

As he neared Bluestone Alley, Lu Bai overheard people discussing in low voices.

Lu Bai frowned slightly and quickened his pace.

But on second thought, he shook his head.

’Given Yu Daoxuan’s and Yun Luo’s strength, Second Master Jin is likely far from being able to cause them any trouble.’

Lu Bai arrived at the End of Bluestone Alley, saw the gate was ajar, and slipped inside.

The courtyard was peaceful and serene.

Yu Daoxuan was still seated upright on a cattail cushion in the main hall. She held a Duster in her hand, her aura cool and detached, as if she were untainted by the mortal world and transcended all earthly things.

Every time Lu Bai saw Yu Daoxuan, a peculiar feeling arose within him.

It was as if she were far away, unreachable, and utterly unreal.

And yet, it also felt as if she were right beside him, within arm’s reach.

The feeling was a stark contradiction, yet it existed all the same.

Yun Luo was lying beside Yu Daoxuan, her chin propped on her hands, swinging her legs back and forth out of boredom.

When the Black Dog saw Lu Bai, it got up and came out to greet him.

"The one who hurt you... I killed him."

Lu Bai leaned down, stroking the Black Dog’s forehead as he spoke softly.

He knew the Black Dog could understand.

The Black Dog nuzzled forcefully against Lu Bai’s palm.

"Daoist Yu, Daoist Yun Luo, did anyone come by just now?"

After entering, Lu Bai had scanned his surroundings but hadn’t seen anyone.

There weren’t even any footprints in the courtyard.

"Who?"

Yu Daoxuan opened her eyes and asked casually.

"Oh, then it’s nothing."

Lu Bai shook his head.

’I wonder where Second Master Jin and his men ran off to.’

"I’m taking Ah Mo back with me. I also wanted to let you both know that Mo Shaohan is dead."

Lu Bai bowed again in thanks. "Thank you both for your guidance over the past three days. I am deeply grateful."

"You should especially thank me, you know."

Yun Luo reminded him, "I spent a long time training with you."

Lu Bai laughed. "Yes, yes. The next time I come across anything interesting, I’ll remember to bring it for Daoist Yun Luo."

"Your sword broke?"

Yu Daoxuan asked suddenly.

"Yes."

Lu Bai said, "That Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator attacked suddenly. I didn’t have time to think; I just blocked it."

"Leave the Broken Sword here."

Yu Daoxuan said lightly, "Next time, bring some Tier Two Profound Iron Ore, along with the money you won, and deliver it all here."

Lu Bai’s heart leaped with joy. He quickly asked, "Daoist, are you willing to forge a Treasure Artifact for me?"

He had calculated before that even with his winnings multiplied by twenty-five, he was still far short.

Yu Daoxuan said, "I bet on you earlier and won a bit. Consider this a small reward."

"That’s wonderful."

Lu Bai quickly unfastened the Cyan Cloud Sword and placed it before Yu Daoxuan.

Lu Bai thought to himself, ’It seems even this Daoist Yu isn’t above worldly matters. But that’s normal. Who wouldn’t take free money?’

Yun Luo tilted her head, looking at Yu Daoxuan with some confusion.

’With her aunt’s abilities, a hundred thousand gold—or even a hundred thousand Top Grade Spirit Stones or Spirit Crystals—is nothing.

Back at the Four Seas Pavilion, my aunt never showed any interest in such things.

I can’t understand why she suddenly became interested and placed a bet.’

After a bit more conversation, Lu Bai stood up to leave.

By the time he returned to the Luo Family residence, the banquet had already been set.

At the Luo Family’s gate, Luo Qing and her brothers were waiting to welcome Lu Bai.

"That Black Dog..."

Luo Xiao, being sharp-eyed, noticed the Black Dog was actually still alive and had returned with Lu Bai. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"He didn’t die from that? Brother Dog really is tough!"

Luo Ben exclaimed in amazement.

Ever since the day the Black Dog had lunged at the Cultivators from the Xuanjian Sect, Luo Ben had changed what he called Ah Mo, starting to refer to him as Brother Dog.

He didn’t care about the particulars. Anything that earned his admiration was a ’brother’ to him.

Even if it was just a dog.

Lu Bai smiled without explaining and led the Black Dog back to his own courtyard.

It was a good chance to let Ah Mo and Ah Ming get to know each other, so they wouldn’t fight again.

The chicken and the dog met.

The Black Dog was its usual self, aloof and ignoring everyone.

Ah Ming glanced sideways at the Black Dog, showing no hostility.

The chicken and the dog got along peacefully. Everyone was happy.

Lu Bai joined the banquet with Luo Qing and her brothers.

During the feast, cups clinked and everyone drank heartily.

Everyone heaped praise on Lu Bai, and the Wang Family was naturally filled with joy.

After the banquet, the sky gradually darkened.

"I won’t impose any longer. I’ll take my leave now."

Li Tianxing stood up to depart.

Feng Yang said, "I must be heading back as well."

"Let’s go together."

Luo Tianxiong rose to see them off. "I was just about to head out myself, to find Boss Jin at the Drunken Flower House and collect my winnings."

"Haha!"

Li Tianxing laughed. "Boss Jin is probably going to spit blood."

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