Chương 52: Tianxing Sect Market! Xin Ruyin! Learning Formations! Crafting Top-Tier Magic Weapons!

Xin Ruyin! Learning Formations! Crafting Top-Tier Magic Weapons!

Chapter Fifty-Two: The Heavenly Star Sect Market! Xin Ruyin! Learning Array Formations! Crafting Top-Tier Magic Weapons!

Jianzhou was located in the northern part of the Yue Kingdom, and its area ranked among the top three of the thirteen prefectures.

Its territory is mostly mountainous and hilly, sparsely populated, and borders the neighboring Yuanwu Kingdom.

The sect of Huangfeng Valley is located in the northern part of Jianzhou, not far from the border between the two countries. At the pace of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it would only take one or two days to reach it.

A streak of azure light left the Taiyue Mountains, passed through the mountains surrounding Huangfeng Valley, and flew straight north.

It was Zhou Ding.

He piloted a flying boat, but did not use his full strength; he simply flew at a normal speed.

A month has passed since Han Li last visited.

During this month, he continued to study the "Qingyang Array Manual," but his progress was still slow, and he remained stuck at the beginner level.

He needs someone to guide him.

Tianxing Sect Market was his destination.

All the way north.

The mountains and rivers of Yue Kingdom were gradually left behind. Two days later, Zhou Ding successfully crossed the continuous border mountain range and entered the territory of Yuanwu Kingdom.

Like the Yue Kingdom, the Yuanwu Kingdom was a medium-sized country in the surrounding area, and the overall strength of the cultivation world was not much different.

However, unlike the Yue Kingdom, which was dominated by seven major sects and had a relatively stable situation, the cultivation world of the Yuanwu Kingdom was divided between the righteous and demonic paths, with equal strength, and was in a state of stalemate and friction for many years.

Zhou Ding's destination, the Tianxing Sect, is one of the core pillars of the righteous sects in the Yuanwu Kingdom, renowned for its array formations.

After entering Yuanwu Kingdom, Zhou Ding did not rush to continue his journey.

He found a town in the mortal world and settled down. He asked for a window seat in the town's largest restaurant, ordered a few dishes and a pot of spiritual tea, and sat there quietly for the whole afternoon.

Restaurants are the places with the best sources of information.

The casual conversation among the rogue cultivators at the next table allowed him to quickly grasp the situation of the Tianxing Sect's market.

Tianxingzong Market is located in a huge valley 300 miles north of Jianzhou. It is one of the largest gathering places for cultivators in the northern part of Yuanwu Kingdom.

With his destination set, Zhou Ding set off again.

Half a day later.

A magnificent market town built in a huge valley appeared at the edge of his field of vision.

The market of Tianxing Sect has a very unique style, completely different from the scattered shops in Huangfeng Valley.

From a bird's-eye view, the entire market presents a radial circular layout, orderly and magnificent.

At the heart of the market town is a massive pavilion, twenty or thirty feet tall, located in the center of the valley.

The pavilion was built entirely of bluish-white boulders, with nine stories in total. Each story had flying eaves and brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, and shone brightly in the sunlight.

Surrounding the pavilion are densely packed shops and houses, each only a tenth the height of the pavilion. These buildings radiate outwards, forming neat streets that surround the central pavilion like stars around the moon.

The plaque atop the central pavilion was enormous; even from a distance, Zhou Ding could clearly see the three huge, elegantly written silver characters on it.

Stardust Pavilion.

This Star Dust Pavilion is a property established by the Heavenly Star Sect itself, and it is also the core of the entire market.

It is said that it not only sells various rare magical artifacts, elixirs, and talismans, but also has a group of array masters from the Tianxing Sect who can customize various arrays for people.

Zhou Ding put away his flying artifact and landed at the entrance of the market.

Several disciples of the Tianxing Sect were on duty at the entrance. Although their cultivation level was only at the Qi Refining stage, their attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. After verifying Zhou Ding's identity as a cultivator, they respectfully let him pass.

Upon entering the market, Zhou Ding did not rush to wander around, but stopped in front of an inconspicuous little shop.

A sign hangs at the entrance of the shop—"Hyacinth".

These "hyacinths," which specialize in connecting people and providing information, exist in every market town.

Although their cultivation level is not high, they have extensive connections and are well-informed. They can buy a lot of useful information for just a few spirit stones.

Zhou Ding pushed open the door and entered.

The shop was small, consisting of only one room.

A kind-faced middle-aged monk in a gray robe was sitting behind the counter reading a book. Upon seeing a guest arrive, he immediately stood up to greet him.

"Welcome to my shop, senior! My surname is Lin. May I ask what you need?" The middle-aged cultivator sensed Zhou Ding's Foundation Establishment cultivation level and was respectful and enthusiastic.

"I'm new here and would like to ask for some information."

Zhou Ding took out a spirit stone and placed it on the counter: "I've heard that a Miss Xin, with extremely high attainments in formations, lives in seclusion in the Tianxing Sect's market. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lin has heard of her?"

"Miss Xin?" The cultivator surnamed Lin's eyes lit up as he accepted the spirit stone.

"Senior, are you perhaps referring to Xin Ruyin?"

Zhou Ding nodded.

"That Miss Xin does indeed live in the market area, right on the edge of the western district, near the bamboo grove."

The cultivator surnamed Lin said, "Although this Miss Xin is a rogue cultivator and young, her mastery of array formations is truly remarkable! In the rogue cultivator circle near our Tianxing Sect market, there are several veteran array masters who have studied array formations for many years, and they often praise her highly, saying that she is a rare array formation genius."

"It's a pity, though. Miss Xin seems to have always been in poor health, I heard it's a congenital illness. But recently she seems to have found a treatment, and that's why she's started occasionally taking on jobs to answer people's questions about array formations, probably to collect spirit stones for treatment. Actually, if her cultivation were higher and her reputation were greater, she could earn a lot of spirit stones just by customizing array formations for people in a few years."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ding understood.

He also learned about Xin Ruyin's health problems in the original work.

This woman possesses the Dragon Roar Physique, requiring a large amount of high-grade spiritual herbs to prolong her life, which is why she occasionally takes on new jobs.

"Miss Xin prefers quiet and lives in a rather secluded place. If you wish to go there, I, Lin, can lead the way," said the cultivator surnamed Lin.

"Thank you for your trouble." Zhou Ding took out another spirit stone and handed it over.

The two left the shop and headed west through the bustling heart of the market.

After walking for about the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, the surrounding noise gradually faded away, replaced by the tranquil bamboo forest and the babbling brook.

The monk surnamed Lin stopped in front of a simple courtyard surrounded by bamboo groves.

"Senior, this is Miss Xin's residence." He pointed to the courtyard gate.

"I won't go in; please knock on the door yourself."

Zhou Ding nodded, and the cultivator surnamed Lin took his leave.

He stood in front of the courtyard gate and looked around the courtyard.

The courtyard was small, enclosed by a bamboo fence, and inside were several clumps of green bamboo and unidentified flowers and plants.

A small wooden house sits in the center of the courtyard, with a pavilion in front of it. Tea sets and several bamboo scrolls are placed on a stone table in the pavilion.

Serene, elegant, and detached from worldly strife.

Zhou Ding raised his hand and gently knocked on the courtyard gate.

"Please come in." A clear female voice rang out from inside the courtyard.

Zhou Ding pushed open the door and entered.

A woman was sitting in the pavilion.

Her facial features were not particularly outstanding; she was of medium build and had a small nose.

But her bright eyes were clear as water, as if they could see into people's hearts, making it impossible to look away once you saw them.

What is even more striking is her elegant and composed demeanor, as well as the unique charm that naturally flows from her every gesture.

Coupled with those expressive black eyes, she was surprisingly stunning at first glance, rather than appearing ordinary.

However, her complexion was too pale, and a layer of sickly melancholy lingered between her brows, adding to her pitiful appearance.

Her cultivation level was around the fourth level of Qi Refining, but her breathing was somewhat disordered and unstable, which clearly indicated that she was unwell.

This woman was Xin Ruyin.

"Fellow Daoist, please have a seat." Xin Ruyin rose to greet her, her voice clear and pleasant.

She clapped her hands gently: "Xiao Mei, serve the tea."

"Yes, Miss." A pretty maid came out of the room, carrying a tea set, and poured Zhou Ding a cup of tea.

Zhou Ding took the teacup and took a sip.

The tea was ordinary spiritual tea, but the water used to brew it was of excellent quality, carrying a hint of bamboo leaf fragrance, clearly taken from a nearby spring.

He put down his teacup, looked at Xin Ruyin, and said bluntly, "My surname is Lu. I am new to array formations, but I am struggling to get started. I have heard that Miss Xin's array formations are superb, so I have come to ask for your guidance. I hope you will be generous in giving me your instruction."

He was telling the truth.

Having a complete inheritance of array formations like the "Qingyang Array Manual" but still unable to grasp the basics, it feels like guarding a treasure mountain but not being able to enter—very frustrating.

Xin Ruyin looked Zhou Ding up and down, her gaze clear and deep.

She couldn't see through the cultivation level of the person in front of her; it was clearly far above hers.

Judging from his appearance and demeanor, this person should have no ill intentions and genuinely came to ask for advice on formations.

"Fellow Daoist Lu is too modest."

Xin Ruyin smiled slightly and said humbly, "The Dao of Arrays is vast, and I am merely a beginner in it. How could I dare to talk about 'guidance'? However, if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them if I know the answer."

Zhou Ding nodded and, without any hesitation, directly explained the several questions he had encountered while studying the "Qingyang Array Manual".

These are all problems that have been troubling him for over a year—the selection of the array base, the arrangement of the array flags, the connection of spiritual energy nodes, and the interactions between the array's elements...

Xin Ruyin listened quietly, and after Zhou Ding finished speaking, she pondered for a moment before answering.

Her answer was concise and precise.

She can explain the complex principles of array formations clearly in the simplest language for every question.

Those problems that had troubled Zhou Ding for months seemed to her to be nothing more than basic common sense.

Zhou Ding was increasingly alarmed and impressed as he listened.

Half an hour later.

Zhou Ding let out a long breath with a satisfied expression on his face.

"Miss Xin truly lives up to her reputation."

He sincerely praised, "I have been studying the art of array formations for over a year, but I have never been able to grasp its essence. Today, listening to your words, young lady, is more valuable than reading books for ten years."

He took out a few spirit stones and placed them on the table as tuition fees.

"Miss Xin, I, Lu, may be frequently visiting you in the coming days. Would that be convenient for you?"

Xin Ruyin smiled slightly: "Ruyin is unwell and unable to travel far, so she usually stays in this courtyard. Fellow Daoist Lu, you are welcome to come anytime if you have the time."

Zhou Ding nodded, stood up, and took his leave.

……

After leaving Xin Ruyin's residence, Zhou Ding began to stroll around the market.

Tianxingzong Market was several times larger than Huangfenggu Market, with numerous shops and a dazzling array of goods.

He walked around and looked around, and gained a lot of knowledge.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at a relatively secluded street.

At the end of the street, an inconspicuous shop came into view.

The shop is not large, and a simple sign hangs at the entrance: "Xu's Refining Workshop".

Below the sign, there is a wooden plaque with a few lines of text written on it:

"Our shop undertakes the crafting of all kinds of magical artifacts, from low to high grade, with guaranteed quality. If the crafting fails, we will refund double the value of the materials in spirit stones."

Zhou Ding paused in his steps.

Double the refund?

That's quite a boast.

He recalled that in the original story, after Han Li came out of the Crimson Forbidden Land, he took the materials of the Ink Dragon and went to a weapon-refining workshop of the Heavenly Star Sect to refine a magical artifact.

That shop, it seems, was called "Xu's Weapon Refining Workshop".

Zhou Ding's heart stirred, and he pushed open the door and entered.

The shop is small, consisting of three interconnected rooms and a backyard enclosed by a high wall.

The hall was simply furnished, with a few swords and magical artifacts hanging on the wall as samples, emitting a faint spiritual light and of excellent quality.

Inside the lobby, a burly, dark-skinned man was wiping down the counter.

He looked to be in his early twenties, with a cultivation level of only mid-stage Qi Refining, but his arms were muscular and bulging, clearly indicating that he had been blacksmithing and forging weapons for many years.

Upon seeing a guest arrive, the burly man immediately put down the rag he was holding and went to greet him.

"Senior, are you preparing to forge a magical artifact, or to repair or appraise it?"

Sensing the faint pressure of the Foundation Establishment stage emanating from Zhou Ding, he immediately became respectful and addressed him as "Senior".

"Refining magical artifacts," Zhou Ding said calmly, "and top-tier ones at that."

Upon hearing this, the burly man's eyes flashed with surprise.

The guest immediately mentioned crafting top-tier magical artifacts, indicating he has considerable resources.

Just as he was about to ask, an old man came out from the inner room.

The old man was about sixty years old, with gray hair, but he was in good spirits and had bright eyes.

He was dressed in a gray cloth robe, his hands were rough, and his knuckles were large, which made him look like a weapon refiner who dealt with furnaces and fires all year round.

"Hey, go and check on the stove," the old man said to the burly man.

"This distinguished guest will be received by me personally."

"Yes, Master," the burly man replied, turning and entering the inner room.

The old man approached Zhou Ding, cupped his hands in a warm greeting, and said, "My surname is Xu, and I am the manager of this shop. May I ask your honorable surname, senior? What kind of top-tier magic weapon would you like to forge? Will you provide your own materials?"

"My surname is Lu," Zhou Ding said.

"I have already prepared the materials."

A hint of joy flashed in Manager Xu's eyes: "Excellent, please come inside with me to discuss this further."

He led Zhou Ding through the hall to a relatively secluded quiet room.

The meditation room was small and simply furnished, containing only a table and a few chairs. Several diagrams of magical artifacts hung on the wall, and some books and material samples related to artifact crafting were placed on the table.

Without wasting words, Zhou Ding took out several items from his storage bag and gently placed them on the table.

A jet-black horn, about a foot long, with a base as thick as a child's arm and a tip as sharp as a spear.

The surface of the unicorn faintly glowed, radiating a terrifyingly violent aura.

Four gleaming white claws, curved like hooks, with extremely sharp ends.

Each one is the size of a palm, with claw edges as thin as cicada wings, yet exceptionally tough; a light scratch leaves a shallow mark on the table.

A dragon skin that, even after processing, remains tough yet soft, gleaming with fine white scales.

The skin is smooth and even, with fine scales and a faint, shimmering sheen.

and also……

Shopkeeper Xu didn't pay much attention at first, thinking it was just ordinary monster material.

But when his gaze fell on that single horn, his pupils suddenly contracted!

Then, his gaze swept over the four sharp claws, and over the dragon's skin...

His hands began to tremble.

"This... this is..." Manager Xu's voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief, "A dragon's horn? And these claws... dragon claws! These scales... it's dragon skin!"

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze towards Zhou Ding filled with shock and awe.

Having refined weapons for decades, he had seen countless rare materials, but this was the first time he had ever seen materials from a dragon!

What kind of being is a dragon?

The fact that this guest can hunt down a dragon shows that his strength and background are definitely not simple!

Zhou Ding remained calm and said indifferently, "Shopkeeper Xu has a good eye. These materials do indeed come from a dragon."

"With these materials, are you confident you can forge a top-tier magical artifact?"

Manager Xu took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and carefully examined the materials on the table.

A moment later, he looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Senior, these are all top-grade refining materials!" he exclaimed excitedly.

"With my many years of experience in refining, I'm at least 90% confident I can forge a top-tier magic weapon using these materials! If I'm lucky, I might even be able to create a fine, or even a supreme, item!"

"Fine quality? Top quality?" Zhou Ding raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Excellent!" Shopkeeper Xu nodded.

"The horns and claws of a dragon are its hardest and sharpest parts, containing the dragon's innate supernatural power. Magical artifacts forged from them are not only of superior quality, but may also retain some of the dragon's power, making them far more powerful than ordinary top-tier magical artifacts!"

"As for this dragon skin, it's an excellent material for crafting defensive magical artifacts. It's already incredibly tough, and after being refined by a master craftsman, its defensive capabilities are comparable to top-tier, high-quality armor!"

Zhou Ding nodded slightly.

The reason he chose this shop was because, in the original story, the Xu family's weapon-refining workshop was indeed quite skilled in weapon-refining.

Han Li's magical artifacts came from this shop.

"How long will it take?" he asked.

After a quick calculation, Manager Xu said, "These materials are of extremely high quality, so we need to be extra careful when refining them. Conservatively speaking, it will take about half a month."

"Half a month..." Zhou Ding pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Shopkeeper Xu."

He took out a bag of spirit stones from his storage bag and placed it on the table.

"This is a deposit. The balance will be paid after the magic artifact is completed."

Shopkeeper Xu quickly declined, "Senior, you're too kind! It's my honor to be able to refine such rare materials. There's no need for a deposit; you can pay after the magic weapon is finished and you're satisfied."

Zhou Ding did not insist, put away the spirit stones, and got up to take his leave.

"Lu came again half a month later."

He left Xu's weapon-refining workshop and found an inn in the market to stay in.

In the time that followed, he would learn formation techniques from Xin Ruyin while waiting for the magic weapon to be completed.

Of course, he wouldn't be so careless as to entrust such precious materials to this shop owner, Mr. Xu.

If the other party steals my materials and runs away, I'll suffer a huge loss.

He had already secretly released Xiao Jin, who was hiding underground and using his earth-listening technique to monitor Xu's movements at all times.

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