18: Chapter 18 I can break through to a higher realm at any time

Hearing this, Elder Fu Gao and Duan He finally regained a bit of a sense of reality.

Right, this was normal.

Artifact Refining was naturally a task that extremely consumed mental focus and Qi, especially with this kind of high-precision operation, where Qi consumption increased exponentially.

This kid's cultivation was merely at the Body Refining Realm; being able to hold on and complete the refining of a Medium Grade Profound Weapon was already a miracle.

"Hoo..."

Elder Fu Gao let out a long breath of foul air.

He walked up to Zhao Ruoan and patted his shoulder with a complex expression.

"Uncle-Master Zhao, you call this... unfamiliar technique?"

"This old man has been doing Artifact Refining for two hundred years, and I have never seen anyone like you... like this..."

He stammered "like this" for half a day, yet could not find a suitable word to describe it.

Genius?

At this moment, the word Genius seemed so pale and powerless.

"With a Body Refining Realm cultivation, starting the furnace for the very first time, using a pile of scrap metal to refine a Medium Grade Profound Weapon of perfect quality."

"Uncle-Master Zhao, if you are unfamiliar with it, then every single Disciple up and down Tianhuo Peak might as well find a piece of tofu and crash into it to die."

Duan He, standing nearby, felt the corners of his mouth twitching continuously.

Elder, when you are scolding people, could you please not drag me into it?

Although I am also good-for-nothing trash, having it pointed out so bluntly really makes my mentality collapse.

Zhao Ruoan did not catch the self-deprecation and shock in Elder Fu Gao's words, mistaking them for an Elder's encouragement and strict discipline.

He earnestly cupped his fists: "Elder flatters me. This Disciple truly feels there are still many shortcomings. If my Qi were a bit more majestic, perhaps I could have done even better."

"That's right, Elder."

Elder Fu Gao was just about to say something when he was interrupted by Zhao Ruoan again.

"This Disciple has a goal and would like to ask the Elder for correction."

"Go ahead." Elder Fu Gao's attitude had changed from initial scrutiny to an equal dialogue now, even carrying a hint of seeking guidance.

Zhao Ruoan thought for a moment and said: "This Disciple is learning Artifact Refining mainly to personally refine a few suitable Magic Treasures for Revered Master and my three Senior Sisters."

"Ordinary Profound Weapons probably wouldn't catch their eyes."

"Therefore, this Disciple thinks that at the very least, I must refine High Grade Spiritual Artifacts. If I can strive for the Magical Artifact grade, that would be even better."

"..."

"..."

The air once again fell into a deathly silence.

Elder Fu Gao, who had just barely recovered his breath, felt like he was about to suffocate again.

Duan He rolled his eyes and simply gave up thinking.

He felt that his brain might not be quite enough today.

High Grade... Spiritual Artifact?

Striving for... Magical Artifact?

A kid in the Body Refining Realm was talking boastfully here, saying he wanted to refine Spiritual Artifacts and Magical Artifacts?

Elder Fu Gao felt that his worldview was being repeatedly battered by a heavy hammer, shattering into QR codes.

He took a deep breath, trying hard to maintain his composure as an Elder, and reminded him in as tactful a tone as possible.

"Uncle-Master Zhao, your talent is the only one this old man has seen in his entire life."

"However, the matter of Artifact Refining ultimately cannot bypass a fundamental issue."

"Cultivation."

"When refining Spiritual Artifacts, the Materials used are all spiritual objects nurtured by heaven and earth. Their texture is hard and their spirituality stubborn, far incomparable to ordinary iron Ore. Wanting to smelt them has extremely harsh requirements for both the quality and quantity of Qi."

"With your current Body Refining Realm cultivation, your Qi reserves... are probably unable to even melt a small piece of the most basic Spirit Rank Ore."

This was no longer a problem of technique; it was a hardware problem.

However, after hearing this, Zhao Ruoan showed an expression of "So that's how it is."

He nodded and then spoke in a casual tone.

"Cultivation..."

"This isn't actually difficult."

"This Disciple feels that the cultivation within my body could no longer be suppressed long ago; I just wanted to make the Foundation a bit more solid."

"If needed, I can break through at any time."

Boom!

The last sentence was like a divine thunder from the Nine Heavens, striking straight down upon Elder Fu Gao and Duan He's crowns.

The two stood dumbfounded on the spot, completely petrified.

Wanting to... break through... at any... time?

Was this something a human being would say?

For ninety-nine percent of the world's Cultivators, a cultivation Breakthrough was a major event concerning their lives, requiring fasting and bathing, preparing Medicinal Pills, finding a Protector, going into seclusion for months or even years, and experiencing countless hardships and a narrow escape from death before there was a possibility of success.

When it came to you, why was it as simple as eating and drinking?

And it couldn't be suppressed?

There was such a good thing in this world?

Elder Fu Gao looked at Zhao Ruoan's delicate and innocent face, suddenly feeling that his past two hundred years had truly been lived in vain.

Zhao Ruoan paid no attention to their dazed state and began planning on his own.

"Therefore, this Disciple intends to use the remaining few days to practice the refining techniques of these basic Materials until they are extremely proficient."

"Once all the procedures are clear to my heart, I will then set about breaking through my cultivation."

"When my cultivation is sufficient, I will open the furnace again to refine gifts for Revered Master and the Senior Sisters. Only then will it be secure."

This string of words was spoken clearly and logically, with a meticulous plan.

Heard in Elder Fu Gao's ears, however, it gave him goosebumps all over his body.

A Prodigy with perverted Artifact Refining talent, who also possessed a cultivation cheat that could level up at will.

This...

Was this leaving any path of survival for others?

A thought abruptly surged from the bottom of Elder Fu Gao's heart, growing crazily.

An opportunity!

For him, this was a heaven-sent opportunity!

He had been stuck at the Bottleneck of a Grade 6 Artifact Refiner for a full fifty years.

Wanting to break through to Grade 7, what he lacked was no longer proficiency, but a flash of "enlightenment".

An inspiration to break conventions and forge a new path.

And the youth in front of him who did not play by the rules—wasn't his divine Qi control and his unconstrained Artifact Refining mindset precisely the "inspiration" he dreamed of!

Observing him refine artifacts was superior to closing doors and making carts by oneself for a hundred years!

Thinking of this, the bit of arrogance and reserve in Elder Fu Gao's heart was instantly thrown beyond the highest heavens.

He forcibly squeezed out a smile on his face that was uglier than crying, and his tone was unprecedentedly amiable.

"Ahem... Uncle-Master Zhao, this idea of yours is very good. Advancing steadily is the true Dao."

"How about this, for the next few days, this old man has no major matters either, so I will stay right here and personally act as your Protector."

"If you have any doubts regarding Artifact Refining, this old man... can also give you pointers at any time."

After saying this, his old face blushed.

Pointers?

How could he still have the face to say the word pointers now?

Calling it a sparring partner—no, calling it stealing lessons was more like it!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruoan was instantly overjoyed.

Being able to have a Grade 6 Artifact Great Master provide close personal guidance throughout the entire process was a good thing one couldn't even ask for!

"Then many thanks, Elder Fu!"

He hurriedly bowed and saluted, his attitude extremely sincere.

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Elder Fu Gao waved his hands repeatedly, blooming with joy inside.

Duan He, standing aside, watched this harmonious scene of the old and the young "chatting happily" and silently retreated to the corner of the wall.

He felt that he and this world had already generated a thick barrier.