Chapter 493 - 492: Tea-Flavored Spirit Weapon, Attending a Banquet

Li Jing, having bid goodbye to Li Lingyin, directly entered the Little Universe.

In the Qingyuan Fairy Palace, where the Heritage Stele rests.

Guzheng Spirit Weapon and Linglong, along with the other spirits, were sitting cross-legged, immersed in meditation in front of the Heritage Stele.

Sensing Li Jing’s arrival, the spirits opened their eyes.

Meeting their gaze, Li Jing gestured for his own four spirits to continue, then turned his attention to the Guzheng Spirit Weapon.

"It’s time to send you on your way."

The Guzheng Spirit Weapon nodded, looked at the Heritage Stele with some reluctance, then let her spirit form dissolve back into her physical form.

She faced her fate without much resistance.

The fact was, artifacts were made to be used by others.

And for her, who was just ’born’, having an owner and receiving the nourishment of their power was far more beneficial than being an ownerless artifact.

Then here.

Seeing Guzheng Spirit Weapon’s compliance, Li Jing retrieved her physical form, stating flatly,

"You have a good nature, gentle and elegant, peaceful in nature. I will not seal your consciousness. You will soon meet the one who could become your master. No matter the outcome, I wish you a smooth path ahead and that one day you can become a Taoist Artifact."

Upon hearing these words, Guzheng Spirit Weapon replied,

"Thank you, my creator. Not only did you create me, but you also pointed me towards a path to further progress."

Li Jing was slightly startled at her words. This spirit indeed had a good nature.

So...

What did she mean by ’further progress’?

As if sensing his confusion, the Guzheng Spirit Weapon chuckled slightly.

"These past few days, I’ve perceived a new set of rules."

?

Li Jing slowly typed out a question mark.

Six days had passed, and his connection as a creator with the guzheng had longe been severed.

However, while he was accompanying Li Lingyin, he had made a confirmation.

On the third day, it had successfully controlled the rules of sound it had already perceived.

As he wanted to accompany Li Lingyin, Li Jing wasn’t in a rush to get the artifact delivered.

Who would have thought that in the short span of three days, it had perceived a new rule?

What made him feel strange was...

The nature of this spirit didn’t seem as good as he had imagined.

Unless they have identified their master, spirits usually do not actively reveal their capabilities or perceptions.

Put bluntly...

Usually, before they recognise a master, spirits will not make themselves look too ’mouth-watering’ to others.

This one just openly announced it...

If you say that it’s merely showing off, Li Jing doesn’t believe it.

So there was only one possibility.

This one was trying to tempt him, trying to make him keep her.

He had to admit, it had a bit of a ’teasing’ vibe to it.

The key point was that it didn’t outright say ’I want to recognise my master’, but instead gave indirect hints.

Shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation, Li Jing carried the guzheng out of the Little Universe with a thought, then unhesitatingly tore open a spatial rift and stepped inside.

...

The next second.

Li Jing transcended the spatial levels to arrive at the elegant room run by the Ta Xue Trading Company on the third floor in Phoenix Sun County, where he sat and gently placed the guzheng down.

Seeing the day of delivery was coming and he hadn’t shown himself for six days, Tong Xiaoxiao must have been eagerly waiting for his arrival and constantly on the lookout for him.

As expected.

Not long after Li Jing settled down, there came a hurried ’clatter clatter’ of footsteps from outside the door.

Then there was the ’squeak’ as the door to the room was pushed open and Tong Xiaoxiao hurriedly appeared.

Facing her, Li Jing smiled.

"Sorry, I was a bit delayed with something which made me late for the delivery. I apologize for making you wait, Miss Tong."

Upon entering and seeing Li Jing, Tong Xiaoxiao’s gaze first fell on the green guzheng on the table, then let out a sigh of relief.

She had initially remained calm.

She believed in Li Jing’s abilities.

But when he didn’t show up for six days and gave no indication or news, she just couldn’t remain calm when it was almost time to deliver to the Phoenix Sun City Lord.

It’s not that she was overly concerned, it’s just that she feared the slightest chance of a mishap.

What if Li Jing stood her up, or encountered some unexpected accident?

Now, seeing the artifact and the man, a load seemed to fall off Tong Xiaoxiao’s heart.

In response to Li Jing’s apology, she looked at him with a slight tinge of resentment.

"You really know how to keep a lady waiting, why didn’t you send me a message if you were tied up?"

With these words, she moved quickly towards the table, picked up the green guzheng, and examined it carefully, her expression growing increasingly bright.

The Power of Rules does not belong the individual, the Alien Species, or the artifact itself.

It stems from the comprehension of the Heavenly Path.

When not being actively used, the control of rules doesn’t show much on persons, Alien Species or artifacts.

As a result, it’s difficult to perceive it from the surface.

However, as a seasoned appraiser, Tong Xiaoxiao had her own methods.

After examining it carefully.

She confirmed that the green guzheng indeed controlled the rules of sound, and was a Half-step Taoist Artifact.

Not only that.

She also sensed that the guzheng seemed to barely touch another rule, and this rule was not one of the three rules that Snow Sound-Silk could provide.

It’s just a touch.

It will not be mastered as quickly as if there is some insight about the maturity, but once there is a touch, mastering the Power of Rules is just a matter of time.

This half-step Taoist Artifact is delicately scented...

Tong Xiaoxiao is even a little envious.

You should know.

This is an artifact that is destined to comprehend the second rule...

Forget that mastering one more rule brings you closer to the day of creating a Taoist Item. Not all half-step Taoist Artifacts, after successfully mastering one rule, will understand the second or even the third to become a Taoist Item.

It’s the same with people.

The growth of artifacts also depends on opportunities and luck, and most importantly, fate.

If it doesn’t have such a fate...

Forget the Taoist Items, even a half-step Taoist Artifact may be unattainable.

Of course.

Immortal Items that cannot become half-step Taoist Items are just a very small number, the normal level can usually successfully control at least one, the difficulty is in controlling more.

Taking a deep breath, Tong Xiaoxiao looked up.

Just wanting to say something, Li Jing smiled.

"I’ve delivered the items, I have to leave for another matter, the rest is up to you, Boss Tong."

Upon hearing this, Tong Xiaoxiao responded subconsciously.

"Ah, okay, Immortal Lord Li, take care."

She then spoke again.

"Wait!"

?

Li Jing.

"This Immortal Crystal is for replenishing your difference."

Tong Xiaoxiao spoke, took out an enclosed crystal ring and passed it over.

"Your Thunder Element Swords have a very good market. In just six short days, they have almost sold out at prices higher than expected. Also, the seven guzheng of Immortal Item quality ten have been successfully pack-sold. After the evaluation of the people from Immortal Music, they were very satisfied and offered a sky-high price of 450,000 top-grade immortal crystals each."

Hearing Tong Xiaoxiao’s words, Li Jing raised an eyebrow.

Tong Xiaoxiao, quite righteous.

Although she didn’t explicitly say it, it was clear that apart from the previously agreed difference in the price of Thunder Element Sword, the difference in the value of the seven Immortal Items grade ten was also compensated.

Accepting the enclosed crystal ring transmission for a glance, Li Jing frowned slightly.

In the enclosed Crystal Ring, there were a total of 400,000 top-grade Immortal Crystals.

Obviously, the price difference from the Thunder Element Swords wouldn’t be much.

After all, the individual price is low.

No matter how big the profit, there’s a limit.

With a difference of 400,000 top-grade Immortal Crystals, it seems like Tong Xiaoxiao gave him the full difference above the expected price of the seven Immortal Items grade ten guzheng.

Looking up at Tong Xiaoxiao, whose face was bursting with a broad smile, Li Jing smiled, accepted the Immortal Crystals without refusing, transferring them into his own Crystal Ring and then politely excused himself.

With Tong Xiaoxiao being so honest, he had no reason to refuse.

Having more Immortal Crystals on hand is good for him at present.

As for Tong Xiaoxiao, she absolutely wouldn’t dare slight Li Jing, who she recognised as an extremely real cash tree. She personally escorted him out of Ta Xue Trading Company.

...

Time moved forward to noon.

According to the agreement with Li Lingyin, Li Jing changed into a cyan robe, put on the Smoke Eye to hide his face and aura, and then arrived at the entrance of the Domain Lord Mansion.

He had considered wearing a robe long before his ascension.

The Immortal Realm after all is part of the real world.

If he wore the clothes from the real world here, it would definitely seem strange.

So, on the eve of his ascension, Li Jing not only made several robes for himself but also made simple skirts and palace dresses for Liu Sisi and the others so they could "fit in" to some extent.

The robe he was wearing was the one he loved most.

Perhaps because of the Wind King Mysterious Clothing in the past, he had a special fondness for the color cyan.

Moving on from these miscellaneous things.

Li Jing came to the entrance of the Domain Lord Mansion, wearing a Smoke Eye to conceal his appearance and aura, and soon attracted the attention of two guards who were guarding the Domain Lord Mansion.

Of course the two guards can’t recognize Li Jing at this time.

In broad daylight.

Those who come to the Domain Lord Mansion hidden and incognito, they must have some issues!

"Halt!"

The two guards spoke almost in unison.

Upon hearing the shout, Li Jing stopped as requested, lowered his voice, and used a rather hoarse tone to speak.

"The two of you don’t misunderstand, I have no malice in my coming. I am here by invitation."

Having said that, he smiled.

"Please report to Master Li that the person who is to accompany her to the City Lord’s Banquet has arrived."

Upon hearing that he was here by invitation and was the main guest to accompany Li Lingyin, the two guards looked at each other and didn’t dare to be negligent. One of them spoke.

"Please wait here."

Having said that, he turned back and walked quickly into the Domain Lord Mansion.

Not long after.

Accompanied by him, Li Lingyin, dressed in a luxurious palace dress, walked out slowly.

It’s true what they say, people rely on clothes.

Wearing the palace dress, Li Lingyin really looked the part.

Without talking about her grand and noble appearance, her aura is also very exceptional, which makes people want to have a few more looks at her.

At first glance, Li Jing was indeed slightly amazed.

On the other hand.

Li Lingyin’s eyebrows raised slightly at the sight of him.

The key point is that Li Jing’s mask is not as simple as just covering his face, it even obscures his aura...

Not to mention feeling Li Jing’s cultivation level, he stood there as if he completely didn’t exist at all, not leaking the slightest bit of life aura.

The situation is changing.

Li Lingyin’s Spirit Weapon didn’t react at all to Li Jing’s mask, as if it was merely a common object of no particular importance.

Truth be told.

If she didn’t know for a fact that the person in front of her was Li Jing, Li Lingyin might have had trouble recognizing him.

After examining the smoke eyes on his face, Li Lingyin stepped gracefully towards him.

"You always manage to surprise me. Could you also refine a mask with a similar function for me?"

Upon hearing Li Lingyin’s words, the two city guards couldn’t help but perk up their ears.

It was clear to the naked eye how special Li Jing’s mask was.

Now that Li Lingyin had said this, could it be that he was a master artefact refiner and the mask on his face was refined by her personally!?

Meanwhile.

Li Jing met Li Lingyin’s words with a calm smile.

"If you need it, I will naturally help you refine it. However, the main material used for the refinement is of rather low quality, so the result may only barely reach the standard of Immortal Items. We need to find more advanced materials with similar effects as substitutes, otherwise, it won’t be of much use."

Hearing this, Li Lingyin nodded.

"We can discuss the materials along the way."

With that, she waved her hand and released a gorgeous carriage.

Li Jing was slightly startled when he saw this, but then he understood.

This time, they were heading to a relatively formal occasion.

Li Lingyin might usually be casual, but in this situation, the pomp of the Domain Lord had to be appropriate.

With this thought, he extended his hand with a smile.

Li Lingyin was about to climb into the carriage herself. Seeing him extend his hand, she paused and then realizing his intention, she smiled and placed her small hand in his.

Li Jing took her hand and led her into the carriage.

This scene left the two city guards at the entrance of the Domain Lord Mansion dumbstruck.

The Domain Lord needed to maintain her dignity when attending formal occasions.

They understood this part.

So how extraordinary must this mysterious artifact refiner be to have their Domain Lord adjust to his pace, and hand her delicate hand to him?

It’s one thing to have a crush on Li Lingyin, but accommodating someone else is another story.

Looking back.

This man really had guts...

No one who knew their Domain Lord well would dare to flirt with Li Lingyin...

Under the stunned gazes of the two city guards, the carriage slowly rose into the sky.

...

Li Lingyin’s carriage was more of a status symbol.

Its quality was not very high.

Approximately at the level of third-rank Immortal Items.

The main point was that it looked lavish enough.

Inside the carriage, Li Jing settled down and looked around before frowning and speaking out.

"Can we fly a little faster?"

"What’s the rush?"

Li Lingyin replied, saying.

"The City Lord’s Mansion is not far away, and besides, I always give people some time to prepare to welcome me, don’t I?"

As she spoke, she took out her wine gourd and began to guzzle down the liquor.

"..."

Li Jing.

He understood the logic.

So Li Lingyin couldn’t help but start drinking now?

He had thought that she could maintain her elegant posture for a while, at least until the banquet was over.

If she attended the banquet like this, she would probably empty every bottle she saw.

Seeing Li Lingyin drinking and spill, with the fragrant wine quickly slipping down her white neck and about to drench the front of her Palace Dress, Li Jing quickly grabbed a handkerchief and pressed it against her chest.

Li Lingyin, who was "attacked" at her chest, paused for a moment. Looking down, she saw that Li Jing had timely prevented her clothes from getting wet, she blinked a few times, took the handkerchief and slowly wiped her chest.

She looked up to see Li Jing wearing a weary expression, looking much like a mother hen. She coughed once.

"Don’t worry, I’ll try to drink less at the banquet and earn some face for you."

"..."

Li Jing was speechless.

He was accompanying Li Lingyin for this trip.

He would have a splendid appearance by sticking to her. He wanted to let people know about Chen Tang City.

He definitely needed Li Lingyin to help him save face. That was for sure.

But this hope seemed somewhat hopeful...

It seemed great that she didn’t embarrass him...

...

The journey was silent.

Li Lingyin’s carriage floated slowly in the sky, and it didn’t take long for them to reach the Phoenix Sun City Lord Mansion, which was not too far from the Domain Lord Mansion.

From a distance, the people at the Phoenix Sun City Lord Mansion had already spotted the carriage.

The Domain Lord has arrived and they naturally couldn’t afford any negligence.

Li Lingyin had given plenty of time for the Phoenix Sun City Lord Mansion to prepare for her arrival.

And this time.

The carriage had just landed.

The Phoenix Sun City Lord himself, along with a group of guests of apparent importance, came forward to welcome them.

"Phoenix Sun City Lord, Feng Xie, respectfully welcomes Domain Lord Li."

Hearing the noise outside, Li Lingyin reluctantly put away the jug of wine she had been cradling in her arms, which but for the "deathly stare" of a certain person, she would have continued to drink from. She gave Li Jing, seated by her side, a tiny hint of, "follow me," before getting up and exiting the palanquin.

Outside the palanquin.

Everyone, including Feng Xie, was taken aback by the sight of Li Lingyin, meticulously dressed in luxurious palace attire, only awakening from their daze when the realization of her high status brought a collective sigh of regret.

When they saw Li Jing, dressed in azure robes and masked, follow up behind Li Lingyin, they were momentarily stunned again.

Everyone present was extraordinary.

A single glance at Li Jing was enough to discern the uniqueness of his Smoke Eye.

With that, they saw Li Jing as deep and unfathomable.

Primarily because he came in the company of Li Lingyin.

What kind of a person was Li Lingyin?

Inviting her was one thing.

However, being invited by her was another.

Seeing resolute gazes fall on Li Jing, Li Lingyin smiled slyly, turning to Feng Xie.

"This is Li Jing, the Immortal Lord and the new master of Chen Tang City. He ascended from Blue Star not too long ago and has only been in the Immortal Realm for little over a week. As it happened, Lord Feng, you have set up a banquet and I took the initiative to bring him over for him to build a rapport with you."

She continued, "Also, incidentally, Lord Li happens to be a master craftsman."

Upon hearing Li Lingyin narrate, not only Lord Feng from Phoenix Sun City, but everyone else present failed to mask their shock.

Most of them were already aware of the presence of Chen Tang City.

Most here were generally influential figures.

Take control of Blue Star Ascension Platform, news like this can’t be kept under wraps.

Over many days, everyone in Cangming Region had known.

Also, in fact,

Most of those present were not only aware that "the Blue Star Ascension Platform," which was not activated due to a lack of ascenders over the past three years, has finally "reopened," but have also learned from their own sources that Chen Tang City has been approved by Donghua Immortal Palace.

It is precisely because of the corresponding news that Chen Tang City has been very peaceful recently.

If not, people would have started causing trouble.

Not merely in Cangming Region.

Across the entire Eastern Immortal Domain, being approved by Donghua Immortal Palace makes a huge difference.

Everyone who got the message was curious about the person who had just ascended but was immediately approved by the East China Immortal Palace to build Chen Tang Guan.

Who would have thought that today they would have a chance to meet the hero himself...

In addition to Li Lingyin mentioning, this person happened to be an Artefact Refiner.

This joke...

Was a big one if told honestly.

It seemed that Blue Star had a surprise up its sleeve: it had been "accumulating strength" until this moment, when it suddenly produced an extraordinary character after a drought of three thousand years without any ascenders?

Everyone was surprised.

However, Phoenix Sun City’s Lord Feng Xie had no time to ponder over these issues.

As the host, he must not neglect his guests.

Especially such esteemed guests...

Without thinking too much, Feng Xie greeted his guests with a greeting and a laugh.

"The gathering at my Phoenix Sun City Lord Mansion today is truly brightened by your presence. I have heard of Chen Tang City some time ago and was wondering what kind of person the master might be. I could never have imagined that Lord Li would come along with Lord of the Domain."

In response to the greetings, Li Jing replied with a mild smile.

"Lord Feng, you’re too kind. I am here uninvited, so I hope you won’t mind."

Then he continued,

"Also, it’s pretty coincidental. A few days ago, I just accepted an order from the Ta Xue Trading Company to custom-make a Half-step Taoist Artifact for Lord Feng. I delivered it this morning. I believe you must have received it by now?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xie was stunned and bulged his eyes.

He indeed had already received his order, the Half-step Taoist Artifact, and he was very satisfied. He couldn’t have been happier with it.

If it weren’t for the reticence of Tong Xiaoxiao’s unwillingness to disclose the identity of the master craftsman, he really would have wanted to get to know the great master who quickly crafted a Half-step Taoist Artifact that could potentially control the second order rules.

As it turned out, Li Jing was right under his nose.

Taking a careful look at this person in front of him, Feng Xie paid a deep respect and his tone became extremely humble.

"It turns out that Lord Li is the mysterious grand master behind the Ta Xue Trading Company. Since it’s inappropriate to talk here, Lord Li, could you and Lord of the Domain please follow me into the mansion where I can properly serve you some good wine and food"

Hearing the words "good wine and food", Li Lingyin’s eyes lit up, and she quickly tugged at Li Jing.

"..."

Li Jing.

This time around, he didn’t intend to hide the fact that he’s an artifact refiner.

If he was to show off, letting people in the Immortal Realm know about Chen Tang City, shouldn’t he act all the way through?

Just about getting into character, Li Lingyin couldn’t control herself already.

What was he to do now?

Without uttering a word, he looked at Li Lingyin, who’s eyes were full of pleading and were on the verge of watering, and sighed inwardly before turning around.

"Let’s do that then, thank you for leading the way, Lord Feng."

"Of course," replied Feng Xie with a pleasant smile and gestured for them to proceed, stealing several glances at Li Jing while keeping a straight face.

Not only him,

Most other guests couldn’t help but also keep their eyes fixed on Li Jing.

Leaving aside the master craftsman and the Half-step Taoist Artifact,

Everyone had watched Li Jing and Li Lingyin exchange wordless communication.

Li Lingyin, with her ladylike demeanor subtly but unmistakably deferring to Li Jing, how could people not care?

Could it be...

That he had won over the Domain Lord Cangming, who, till this day, everyone in the Eastern Immortal Domain had admired from a distance but had never dared to woo?