186: Upgrade equipment

Qin Feng's gaze lingered on the five Jade Slips for a final moment, a decision already formed in his heart. He looked up, facing the five hall representatives, and finally fixed his eyes on the red hair brawny man.

"Vice Hall Master Ouyang," Qin Feng cupped his fists, his voice clear and steady, "we are willing to accept the Fire Refining Hall's class a mission to 'Collect earth core flame marrow'."

"Oh? You chose our Fire Refining Hall?" Ouyang Lie's thick eyebrows rose, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face as he laughed heartily. "Good! You have courage! Although the Molten Core Secret Realm is dangerous, as long as you are well-prepared and know when to advance or retreat, it is not a place of certain death. Rest assured, the rewards will definitely not mistreat you!"

Seeing this, the other representatives felt some regret, but knowing the choice was made, they all packed up their Jade Slips and left after a few pleasantries. Only the two Elders from the Ghost Doctor Hall and Ouyang Lie from the Fire Refining Hall remained in the hall.

Qin Feng did not immediately take the mission Jade Slip. Instead, he took a step forward, cupped his hands to Ouyang Lie again, and said sincerely, "Senior Ouyang, this Junior has one more request, though I hope it is not too forward."

"Speak freely," Ouyang Lie waved his hand.

"The Molten Core Secret Realm is dangerous. Although we Juniors have some meager cultivation, our equipment is crude, and I fear we won't be able to exert our full strength or might even hinder the mission," Qin Feng said bluntly. "Especially my two companions," he pointed to Ji Ruxue and Xia Ya, "they still lack handy weapons and suitable armor. I have long heard that the Fire Refining Hall's Artifact Refining techniques are unparalleled under heaven. I wonder if Senior would allow us to purchase or temporarily rent a few useful items? Regarding the price, as long as it is reasonable, we will do our best to raise the funds."

Hearing this, Ouyang Lie looked at Ji Ruxue and Xia Ya with interest, then glanced at the ink plum sword at Qin Feng's waist and at Xiao Chun, nodding. "You kid are quite honest. 'To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools'—there's truth in that. Follow me; let's go to my Fire Refining Hall's warehouse and see if there's anything suitable for you little ones."

He turned to Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi and smiled, "Senior Brothers, I'll take them with me first?"

Duanmu Feng nodded slightly, while Ling Yunzi smiled and said, "Junior Brother Ouyang, don't hold anything back; bring out some good stuff. These children are going to risk their lives for your Fire Refining Hall."

"Rest assured, rest assured!" Ouyang Lie patted his chest, leading Qin Feng and the other three away from the Ghost Doctor Hall, heading toward an area on the other side of the valley where chimneys were faintly visible and heat waves surged slightly.

The architectural style of the Fire Refining Hall was rugged and heavy, using obsidian and red copper as main Materials. Even before approaching, one could feel a wave of scorching heat. Ouyang Lie did not take them to the main hall but turned into a heavily guarded warehouse on the side. The temperature inside the warehouse was even higher, with the air permeated by the scent of metal and charcoal. On rows of heavy black iron racks, various weapons, armor, and unique tools were displayed. Treasure light shimmered faintly, and spiritual rhythm flowed; although most were sealed by Restrictions, their extraordinary nature could still be felt.

"A giant shield?" Ouyang Lie walked to a rack holding several door-sized shields and shook his head. "I've seen this girl's shield. The Materials and refining techniques aren't bad, but they were limited by the refiner's Realm, failing to fully stimulate the Materials' spirituality. The ready-made giant shields in my Fire Refining Hall are either heavier ones suitable for legion defense or lighter ones focused on technique; instead, they don't have as much potential as her shield. After you complete the mission, if you're interested, you can bring this shield for my Senior Brother to see. He might have a way to 'awaken' or strengthen it."

Xia Ya heard this and, although she felt some regret, also found it reasonable. Her giant shield had been with her for many years, and they were already like one.

Ouyang Lie walked to another side and took down a broadsword that was dark all over, wide and blunt, yet carried a heavy sense of pressure. "This sword is named 'Great Fang,' Earth Rank Medium Grade. It's made primarily of 'Mountain-Sinking Iron Core' mixed with a trace of 'Law-Breaking Gold Essence.' It looks blunt, but it's actually powerful and heavy, specifically designed to break through protective True Qi and earth-stone defenses. Its weight can be fine-tuned by injecting True Qi. I see that you, girl, have quite a bit of strength. Besides shield bashes, you might need a Sharp Weapon for storming fortifications and breaking defenses." He tossed the sword to Xia Ya.

Xia Ya caught it, and it felt heavy in her hand. She then circulated a bit of True Qi and immediately found it extremely handy. With two swings, there was a faint sound of wind and thunder. She said joyfully, "A fine sword! Thank you, Senior!"

Ouyang Lie walked to another display cabinet and took out a pair of daggers that almost completely blended into the shadows, with only the edges glinting with a faint, cold purple light. "'Purple Moon,' Earth Rank High Grade. It's forged from 'Nether Cold Iron' and 'Shadow Bat King's Fang.' It's as light as a feather, matchlessly sharp, cuts through iron like clay, and even comes with 'Stealth Breaking' and 'Blood Coagulation' special effects. It's a perfect match for assassins and killers." He handed the daggers to Ji Ruxue.

Ji Ruxue took them, her fingers brushing over the cold blades, a hint of surprise and satisfaction flashing in her eyes. The quality of these daggers far exceeded what she had used before; whether it was the material, sharpness, or the accompanying traits, they perfectly complemented her Moon Shadow Divine Art and combat style. She nodded slightly, "Thank you."

Finally, Ouyang Lie came to a rack with several strange items and took down an exquisitely shaped umbrella with ribs that looked like jade but were not, and a pale green translucent canopy. "'yan luo umbrella,' Earth Rank Medium Grade. It looks like an umbrella, but it's actually a weapon that integrates offense and defense, emphasizing support and control. True Qi can be poured into the canopy to form a defensive barrier, and the ribs contain a mechanism that can fire seventy-two 'Shadowless Needles,' which can be poisoned. The tip of the umbrella has an embedded 'Soul-Bewildering Incense' pouch, which can be released to distract enemies in emergencies. It's suitable for healers or supporters who aren't good at frontal combat but need self-protection and field control." He handed the umbrella to Xiao Chun.

Xiao Chun took it curiously and gently opened it. The canopy shimmered with a faint luster and was incredibly light. "So beautiful... Thank you, Senior Ouyang!"

Ouyang Lie then took three pieces of inner armor from a cabinet that were as thin as gauze but had a faint metallic luster. "'flowing cloud inner armor,' Earth Rank Medium Grade, female style. It's woven from fine threads drawn from 'Ice Silkworm Silk' mixed with 'Star-Patterned Steel.' It's thin and breathable, doesn't hinder movement, yet can effectively resist Sharp Weapon punctures and True Qi impacts. It also has good resistance against cold and fire poison damage. One for each of you three girls."

Xia Ya, Ji Ruxue, and Xiao Chun took the inner armor. They felt cool and soft to the touch but were full of toughness, making them all both surprised and delighted.

Coming to this Fire Refining Hall was truly the right choice.