[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-66":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2308726,4512,"Chapter 66","starlight-professional-chapter-66",66,"\u003Cp>66. Chapter 66: On Going Live\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, continue!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sighed, watching the old man pick up the pair of gauntlets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First-rank high-grade artifact, forged from ‘Solar Spirit Iron.’ Unfortunately, its usage range is narrow—only suitable for body cultivators… The gauntlets have minor damage; one line of the ‘Rushan’ array is broken. Worth seven hundred and fifty lower-grade spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man picked up the gauntlets, pondered a moment, then gave his price, and carefully lifted the Qing Que Sword:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First-rank high-grade flying sword, blade intact, well-maintained, inscribed with the ‘Sharp Metal’ and ‘Wind Defiance’ major arrays… Worth nine hundred spirit stones!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he looked, the more he muttered to himself—these two high-grade artifacts looked suspiciously like those belonging to the two infamous raiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he underpriced them earlier?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he remembered the auction price for that set of high-grade Iron Feather Swords had been several thousand spirit stones, the circumstances were clearly different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Iron Feather Swords weren’t just a set—they were top-tier among top-tier, capable of forming a sword array, rivaling top-rank artifacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that the bidding frenzy at the auction, and the high price was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, a high-grade artifact sold for five hundred to a thousand spirit stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This first-rank high-grade ‘Qing Que Sword’ was not only well-maintained but also a type of artifact highly sought after by cultivators—its market value in a regular marketplace would have been at least a thousand spirit stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But given the current situation, he had to accept whatever the man said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Fang Xing was certain the man was still making a profit—even a substantial one!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad, as always: artifacts were useless to him, unless they were blood-tempered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d tested the Qing Que Sword—without channeling spiritual energy, its raw sharpness was only slightly better than the Ink Pattern Sword; still a piece of junk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, hearing the appraisal, he finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So flying swords rely not just on their sharpness, but on array seals embedded within the blade to enhance power… I keep feeling this world is targeting me…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, the old man finished his inventory: “Sir, we only accept ‘Fire Lie ’ and ‘Ancient Green Vine’ herbs. Combined, I can offer you two thousand one hundred and seventy-two lower-grade spirit stones…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing nodded, his gaze flicking over the old man’s stall, settling on a tiger-head longsword: “Fine blade…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade was heavy—about thirty to forty jin—but in Fang Xing’s hands, it felt as light as a feather, easily swung: “What’s its name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent eye, sir. This blade is called ‘Tiger Malice,’ forged from the spine of a demon tiger and a hundred Sha  iron hammers—it’s a blood-tempered artifact. Only one hundred lower-grade spirit stones.” The old man’s eyes gleamed as he explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bought!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing now had plenty of spirit stones and spent them without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him, a blood-tempered artifact like this was far more useful than any high-grade artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Done…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man smiled, counting out twenty peculiar five-colored crystal stones and handing them over with seventy-two lower-grade spirit stones: “Please take care, sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Mid-grade spirit stones…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing had only heard of them before; supposedly, one could be exchanged for a hundred lower-grade spirit stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now holding one, he felt the intense, dense spiritual energy within—his heart stirred: ‘Cultivators can use spirit stones to cultivate… Too bad martial artists can’t. But if martial artists here can’t, maybe those from Blue Star can… Next time, I’ll toss a few lower-grade spirit stones into the black market and see what happens…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was part of Fang Xing’s earlier Shitan  plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coincidentally, Gu Yun had even discovered strange talismans being sold in the black market—possibly linked to a demon god…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to her father’s ties, Gu Yun despised anything connected to demon gods. Upon hearing this, she immediately investigated the black market and obtained a lower-grade Jin Guang Talisman, sending it to the Faith Theory Department for testing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing planned to casually ask about the test results after winter break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the informant and insider—and one of their own—the Faith Theory Department’s manager, Bai Ziling, would surely inform Gu Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was as good as informing Fang Xing himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It might feel like using a friend, but I’m certain these cultivation items pose no danger… I’ll make it up to her later.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he calmly tucked the spirit stones away, sensing hostile glances around him—yet he sneered inwardly: ‘Here come more spirit stones again…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stood, not leaving immediately, but strolled casually through the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, stall owners here weren’t permanent—they came and went; in just this short time, several new stalls had appeared in the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing approached a stall displaying lifelike puppets, like dolls: “How much for this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppets were either animal or bird mechanisms, or humanoid figures—all no larger than a palm, shimmering with spiritual light, quite impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you know these are puppets, you should know that without a cultivator’s spiritual awareness, they’re impossible to control…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puppet seller, wearing a wide-brimmed hat that obscured most of his face, replied irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists were despised in the cultivation world—even primordial martial artists!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the hundred arts of cultivation, martial artists mostly used talismans—but even primordial qi could only activate at most a first-rank mid-grade talisman. At first-rank high-grade, they were completely cut off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Higher second-rank talismans? Even mid- to late-stage qi condensation cultivators struggled to activate them, draining most of their spiritual energy and risking self-injury upon activation. As for martial artists? Dream on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pills were much the same: if a martial artist forcibly swallowed a high-grade spirit pill, they’d die with ruptured intestines—equally cut off from second-rank pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Artifacts were worse: forget all except blood-tempered ones!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrays, the foremost of cultivation arts, involved nothing martial artists could touch—whether crafting array flags or discs, or setting up arrays. The only use for a primordial martial artist was to infuse low-grade array flags with qi—saving maybe half a grain of spirit sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppets were even worse: without a cultivator’s spiritual energy to activate them and spiritual awareness to control them, buying one meant you just had a toy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not a cultivator, but I have disciples and friends…” Fang Xing picked up a mechanical bird: “How much for this puppet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First-rank low-grade puppet. If you like it, I’ll give you a discount—fifteen spirit stones, take it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seller glanced at Fang Xing seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bought!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing pulled out a pile of lower-grade spirit stones with grand gesture, placing the toy bird in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical bird was made of wood, painted with five-colored feathers, and etched with fine array patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked, he tried channeling primordial qi into it—only to find it vanished like mud into the sea, possibly even damaging the puppet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Of course it doesn’t work…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing thought inwardly, yet his purchase of this puppet had other intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Puyu Realm equals primordial martial artists—the peak of this world… but I still have a path!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I break through to the Courage Realm, open the Niwan Palace, and gain spiritual power… maybe I can try controlling it? Perhaps it’ll work?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, this puppet would make an excellent experimental subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After circling the market a few times, Fang Xing was about to leave when he spotted a petite, adorable female cultivator setting up a stall—his eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the small banner she displayed, bearing the Qing Dan Fang’s Green Leaf seal, his confidence grew—he hurried over: “Miss Xiao Rui…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Rui looked up, clearly not recognizing Fang Xing in disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, I once bought several bottles of pills from you, Miss Xiao Rui. Not remembering is understandable… Are these items here genuine Qing Dan Fang products?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing eyed the jars and vials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. The jade bottles and spirit-sealing talismans are intact—you may inspect them freely…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Rui gestured for him to examine them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need, I trust you, sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s gaze flickered—he’d already cataloged every pill. He asked seriously: “Do you carry Tiger Marrow Pills? And ‘Qi-Replenishing Pills’ suitable for primordial martial artists? Ten bottles of each!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Rui’s face brightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a major customer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only rich in spirit stones, but also carrying so many herbs—clearly a top-tier herb gatherer, possibly backed by a whole gathering group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be the Medicine King Guild?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Rui thought inwardly, picking up one of Fang Xing’s herbs and offering a price: “Corrode-Immortal Herb. Normally three spirit stones per herb, but with current supply shortages, I’ll add five spirit sands…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Fang Xing handed over nearly all his herb bundle to Xiao Rui—and still had to pay extra spirit stones, forcing him to inwardly marvel at the pill-makers’ profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Walking through this market, the greed in the air feels almost solid…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing found a quiet corner in the marketplace, sat cross-legged, and placed the newly bought ‘Tiger Malice’ blade on his knees, sneering inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he pressed his hand to the blade, slowly channeling Puyu internal energy—primordial qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As primordial qi flowed in, he gradually forged the blood-tempered artifact, learning its use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tiger Malice Blade: once filled with primordial qi, it can fly—but no farther than a hundred steps from its master. Its power equals a standard low-grade artifact…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Additionally, a ‘Wind Blade Technique’ array is inscribed on the blade. When filled with primordial qi, it can unleash a ‘Wind Blade’—its power comparable to Wind Blade Spell…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he pressed his hand to the blade, slowly channeling Puyu inner breath—the primordial true qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After truly forging a blood-tempered artifact, Fang Xing suddenly realized his decision not to blood-temper the Ink Pattern Sword had been correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Primordial masters wielding blood-tempered artifacts are roughly equivalent to early-stage qi condensation cultivators using low-grade artifacts… This trash? I could kill ten with one slash!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, if Fang Xing wielded the Tiger Malice Blade and unleashed the Ghost God Sword Technique, his speed and power far surpassed any blood-tempered artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists are martial artists—imitating cultivation arts is just a clumsy imitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless… the blood-tempered artifact’s power rivals a first-rank high-grade artifact, or has some special function—then maybe he’d give it a second look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pre-natural expert wielding a blood-refined artifact is roughly equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator using a low-grade artifact... this kind of trash, I can kill ten with one slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Fang Xing now wields the Tiger Demon Blade and unleashes the Ghost and God Sword Art, his speed and power far surpass those of someone controlling a blood-refined artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial artist is still a martial artist; imitating cultivation techniques is merely a clumsy imitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless... the power of a blood-refined artifact rivals that of a high-grade first-rank artifact, or possesses some special function, would it warrant a second glance from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I really am suited only to charge forward and swing my blade at people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing suddenly felt a deep sense of melancholy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he saw a group of people approaching— their target was unmistakably him.\u003C\u002Fp>",1852,"2026-06-20T11:03:20.053Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b0d0a75c1a498a50fd7cb612ffc15cfcbb446a0d34aed4ccf23fd980b3421519","starlight-professional-chapter-67","starlight-professional-chapter-65",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]