"Precisely."
"Whether it's Deep Sea Profound Silver or Top Grade Snake Glue, both are materials for refining Tier Two Magical Artifacts."
"If not for the need to forge a core for Divine Sense control, this puppet would completely be a Tier Two Magical Artifact."
"With such stringent requirements and rare materials, only a master can accomplish it, naturally making it very expensive."
"However..."
He changed his tone, lowered his voice, carrying a hint of allure:
"If Fellow Daoist is willing to lower the requirements, replace with Deep Sea Cold Iron and Tung Oil Glue, and remove the bloodline core."
"Only retaining the basic cockpit, it would still be a Tier One Top Grade Puppet."
"I can refine it, ensuring considerable power."
"And I'll only charge you the cost price, three thousand five hundred Lower Grade Spirit Stones, how about it?"
Lin Xuan eagerly looked at Chen Sheng, seemingly hoping he'd agree.
Such a top-grade puppet, he hadn't crafted one before!
Chen Sheng heard his words.
Yet remained silent, not speaking for a long time.
At this moment.
Chen Sheng inwardly sneered.
Such a young Lin Xuan, daring to boast about refining top-grade magical artifacts.
It seems the Lin Clan is truly flourishing!
Chen Sheng would never forget how the Lin Clan rose to prosperity.
On the surface.
Chen Sheng rubbed his hands helplessly.
As if engaged in an intense internal conflict.
Finally.
Chen Sheng abruptly raised his head, gritted his teeth, and with some difficulty, spoke:
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Lin!"
"But an ordinary top-grade puppet might not protect my incapable descendants fully."
"As a drifting old man, I've saved a bit over the years, willing to sacrifice everything for my descendants' continuation!"
"Please proceed as originally planned, Master!"
His tone carried a trembling of burning bridges.
As if emptying his savings.
Lin Xuan's face showed even more regret, as if missing something:
"Alright, first pay a quarter of the deposit."
"Come over in ten days, Master Zhenbei is available."
Chen Sheng nodded: "Thank you, sir."
...
Deep within the Treasure Pavilion, Artifact Refining Workshop.
The furnace blazed, heat waves oppressive.
An elderly man with all white hair, spirited and vigorous.
It was indeed Lin Zhenbei.
He was refining artifacts.
"Buzzing—Clang!"
With the last hammer stroke.
Accompanied by a clear dragon's cry.
The sword body suddenly radiated brilliantly, and the vast Sword Qi filled the entire workshop.
Lin Zhenbei contentedly stroked his silver beard, his face quite proud:
"It's done!"
"This sword is a masterpiece and shall be one of the highlights at the next trade meeting."
Lin Xuan stood beside him.
He had been observing with bated breath and focus.
Now his face was full of smiles, praising:
"Second Uncle's wondrous skills!"
"The infusion of Spiritual Power is so harmonious; the Sword Embryo's spirituality is abundant, far surpassing ordinary Tier Two Lower Grade Magical Artifacts."
"The customer who reserved this sword is indeed fortunate!"
Lin Zhenbei, in great spirits, sheathed the sword, then turned around:
"Well then, let's talk business."
"That special top-grade puppet, has the deposit been paid?"
Interest flashed in Lin Zhenbei's eyes.
"Yes, the deposit has been collected."
Lin Xuan respectfully handed over the Jade Scroll:
"The materials are stringent, the design peculiar; none other than you, Second Uncle, can handle it."
Lin Zhenbei took the Jade Scroll, and with his Divine Sense immersed for a moment.
His eyebrows sometimes relaxed, sometimes furrowed:
"Deep Sea Profound Silver, Top Grade Tree Resin... reserved cockpit?"
"Ingenious! This person indeed thought of a unique move; said to be a puppet, but is actually humanoid armor."
"Wearing it in battle, even a Foundation Establishment Body Refining Perfection cultivator might face challenge."
"Indeed, during Qi Cultivation, it can protect the family for decades; a rare design indeed!"
"Since the deposit is received, good."
Lin Zhenbei nodded, twirling his beard:
"I still have a batch of 'Hundred-refined Pure Gold' to fuse, perhaps need five more days."
"Notify that individual to come here for detailed discussions after five days, in the afternoon, during the Hour of Wei."
Lin Xuan bowed and took the command:
"Yes, Second Uncle, your grand-nephew obeys."
...
Five days later.
Chen Sheng received the message from the Treasure Pavilion's tower.
He was still somewhat uneasy.
"The agreement was ten days, why send the message today."
He slowly exhaled twice.
Striving to suppress the sudden rush of doubt and suspicion.
Calming his mindset.
Overlaying the appearance of being old, respectful, and fearful onto his face again.
Only then did Chen Sheng head towards the Treasure Pavilion.
...
Soon after.
Treasure Pavilion.
Chen Sheng nodded slightly to the guiding Lin Xuan.
Then was led to the backyard.
——Core Artifact Refining Zone.
Several refined small refining furnaces were set up here, heat waves noticeably more intense than the front hall.
Before the furnace, Lin Zhenbei with hair as white as silver stood with hands behind his back, his body faintly surrounded by Protective Spiritual Light.
The deep aura unique to a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, invisibly enveloping the surroundings, clothes fluttering without wind.
Beside.
Aside from the steward Lin Xuan who brought Chen Sheng here.
There were also seven to eight Artifact Refiners of varying ages.
All were outstanding members of the Lin Clan's younger generation.
Extremely talented Tier One High Grade Artifact Refiners.
They had all heard about that 'special puppet'.
At this moment.
Their faces were filled with curiosity.
Eagerly preparing to observe.
"I humbly greet Master Zhenbei!"
Chen Sheng quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply, his demeanor humble.
Lin Zhenbei's expression was calm, showing a hint of appreciation:
"Fellow Daoist Chen, there's no need for formalities, nor need to be nervous."
"Today, I invited you here to hear your detailed thoughts on the core issues of this puppet."
"Your idea for the humanoid armor is quite ingenious."
Chen Sheng seemed flattered upon hearing this.
He hastily shared his thoughts.
At first, Lin Zhenbei patiently listened, occasionally nodding.
But gradually.
The trace of appreciation on his face faded, replaced by a slight indifference and disinterest.
He could tell.
This 'Captain Chen' was completely ignorant of the Path of Artifact Refining.
The ideas he presented.
Were crude and laughable, without any value.
The surrounding Lin Clan Artifact Refiners exchanged glances, unable to suppress slight smiles at the corners of their mouths.
"Enough."
Lin Zhenbei waved his hand, the warmth in his voice decreased.
"Let's stop here, your idea... I understand."
He no longer looked at Chen Sheng.
His gaze turned to the materials already prepared.
"Since the materials are all ready, and the hour is just right."
"I will now open the furnace to refine this item for you, just a Tier One Top Grade Puppet."
"I suppose it lets me revisit my old craft."
"The clan's young ones might also observe, I hope you won't mind."
His words were calm, yet conveyed a sense of condescending certainty.
Chen Sheng hurriedly responded in a 'sensible' manner:
"Certainly not."
"Having the master personally work is already my greatest fortune."
Lin Zhenbei responded with a cold "Hmm."
No longer sparing Chen Sheng another glance.
Chen Sheng obediently retreated to the darkest corner, standing quietly with hands down.
...
Lin Zhenbei walked straight to the central refining furnace engraved with mysterious runes.
The other Lin Clan Artifact Refiners also instinctively spread out.
Forming a semicircle at a safe distance.
Their attention was completely focused on Master Zhenbei.
Having lost interest in the insignificant commissioner in the corner.
The refining quickly began.
After all, Lin Zhenbei was a Tier Two Refiner.
The refining process was exceptionally smooth.
Merely two hours.
The furnace flame subsided, and a puppet was essentially formed.
Lin Zhenbei's face showed a hint of faint satisfaction:
"It's done!"
His tone relaxed.
As if completing a trivial task.
The Lin Clan Artifact Refiners observing around all showed faces of admiration and awe.
Some couldn't help but softly exclaim:
"So marvelous!"
"The timing of the Profound Silver Cold Quenching was superbly refined!"
"The fusion of Tree Resin and Profound Silver was flawless!"
"Truly worthy of the Grand Elder, a Tier One Top Grade Magical Artifact, effortlessly achieved!"
Among the crowd's praises.
Lin Zhenbei grew increasingly pleased.
It was at this moment.
The forgotten Chen Sheng.
Also quietly approached Lin Zhenbei.
Chen Sheng's face bore a sycophantic smile, seemingly about to extend his hands in congratulation.
At the very moment when everyone's vigilance was most relaxed.
Boom rumble rumble—
Terrifying streams of energy.
Like a furious sea tide swept out.
Dazzling white light filled everyone's vision.
In Chen Sheng's storage pouch.
Ten 'Chaotic Celestial Thunder' accumulated over the years!
Prepared for many years.
Each one comparable to a full-powered strike of a Foundation Establishment Early-stage Cultivator.
Now in this special position, the enclosed space further amplifying its power.
At this moment.
Chen Sheng detonated them without reservation.
High-temperature air waves covered the entire core area of the backyard.
The steel-forged refining furnace was twisted and torn apart!
Walls, ground…
All tangible things wailed and shattered.
At the explosion's core.
All Lin Clan younger generation Artifact Refiners.
Couldn't even utter a sound.
Their bodies were torn apart.
Burned into nothingness!
Lin Zhenbei couldn't react in time either.
Unable to evoke any Defensive Magical Artifact.
Under the intense impact.
The Protective Spiritual Light symbolizing a Foundation Establishment Cultivator evaporated like bubbles.
He and Chen Sheng alike, completely obliterated.