Chapter 811: Magical Treasure Enhancement

Ji An left the Golden Puppet Pavilion and flew to the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, seeking out an old friend, saying:

“I’m going to trouble you, Fellow Daoist. I’ve obtained the materials and can proceed with the re-refining of the Cyan Lotus Treasure Banner now.”

As he spoke, he took out the Azure Dragon Wood, and the space of the room was immediately occupied almost entirely.

Wan Jinrong’s eyes revealed delight, and he said:

“Great, the merchant flying ship returned from the Western Continent yesterday, and I wondered whether you obtained the materials. It’s clear that your sect values you immensely.”

He extended his Divine Sense to inspect the inherent spiritual qualities, hearing a dragon’s roar reverberate within his Sea of Consciousness, nodding in satisfaction.

“The quality is top of its Middle Grade, elevating the magical treasure’s tier will be relatively easy. In half a month, it will be a Tier Three Middle Grade magical treasure. However, during this period you cannot leave. The magical treasure is quite spiritual, and if the owner is not present, the refining process may encounter issues.”

The Spirit Wood is of excellent quality, the wood core should have half remaining; according to the initial agreement, his reward will be increased.

Ji An smiled, “No problem, I’ll stay at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, witnessing its elevation to Tier Three Middle Grade will also be a beautiful thing.”

He summoned the Earth-Departing Flame Banner and asked:

“I want to simultaneously elevate this Fire Element Treasure, what materials will be needed?”

The sect sent a variety of Fire-elemental Spiritual Objects, which should be sufficient for the materials. If not, he can also exchange his materials with the counterpart.

Wan Jinrong took the magical treasure and examined it seriously for a moment, subtly shaking his head.

He pondered for a moment and said:

“This magical treasure’s refining method has some flaws; I need to reorganize part of the Dharma Prohibition, therefore requiring so much Phoenix Stone. Frankly, the needed Phoenix Stone quantity is sufficient for refining a Tier Three Middle Grade magical treasure. If not for the magical treasure’s extreme spirituality and transformation, I’d advise you to refine a new one.”

Ji An instantly understood, Zhuu Xiangrong’s craftsmanship appeared lacking in front of more skilled Artifact Refiners.

Nonetheless, he had no regrets about his decision back then, as the person was the sect’s best Artifact Refiner at the time.

“I only have half a pound of Tier Three Middle Grade Phoenix Stone, far from enough, how about the quantity of other materials?”

“Three ounces of Blazing Flame Crystal are needed, half a pound of Phoenix Feather Stone…”

After hearing the reported quantities, Ji An said solemnly:

“I can obtain all other materials, but there’s a gap of one and a half pounds of Phoenix Stone, do you have this material at hand?”

“I have only half a pound,” Wan Jinrong said apologetically, and he added:

“But our warehouse has sufficient Tier Three Middle Grade Phoenix Stone, exchanging only with goods, you’ll need to use Tier Three Middle Grade to trade at a premium.”

“What’s the exchange rate, tell me. I have extra Blazing Flame Crystal and Phoenix Feather Stone.”

Wan Jinrong listed, with familiarity:

“One pound of Middle Grade Blazing Flame Crystal can exchange for three ounces of Phoenix Stone of the same tier, one pound of Phoenix Feather Stone can exchange for four ounces of Phoenix Stone.”

He had these ratios memorized, reiterated to countless people.

Ji An shook his head reluctantly, “I don’t have enough resources, I’ll need to return to ask the sect colleagues. Today I’ll head back to Blackstone Mountain, tomorrow I’ll seek you again. If resources are sufficient, we can elevate the Earth-Departing Flame Banner’s tier, if not, we’ll have to wait.”

Wan Jinrong hesitated for a few seconds and said:

“The Azure Dragon Wood you brought is of high quality, and some wood core should remain, I’ve benefited some. You only need to exchange one pound of Phoenix Stone, I’ll provide the remaining half pound.”

Ji An was slightly taken aback and solemnly bowed, saying:

“Your character is noble, I admire you. If you need any elixir refining in the future, I’ll offer a discount on refining fees.”

If he only needs to exchange one pound of Phoenix Stone, the materials he holds are sufficient.

Wan Jinrong sighed, “I indeed am too kind-hearted, although I could have gained more reward.”

“Haha.”

Ji An chuckled, nodded sincerely and said:

“You will be blessed! I said so.”

The counterpart could have withheld such a favor, and Ji An remembered this in his heart, he wouldn’t refuse to help if able in the future.

“Haha, I look forward to the blessings you mentioned,”

Ji An bowed and said:

“Today let’s go to the Tripod Fragrance Pavilion for a few drinks, tomorrow we’ll start refining.”

“Sure, tonight let’s rest well and adjust our state, once refining starts there’ll be no proper rest.”

The two together exchanged the resources, discussing the details of the magical treasure’s elevation, finally heading to the Tripod Fragrance Pavilion side-by-side.

On the way, Ji An activated a Communication Golden Sword, informing Han Yan of his situation, in case the counterpart needs to find him.

…

Golden Dragon Mountain is the location of the Golden Puppet Sect’s mountain gate, surrounded by a thousand miles of mountains, housing several large and dozens of small mineral veins.

At this moment, the slanting sun glows, the sunset beneath the weary birds returning to their nests, cultivators rode puppet beasts casting shadows in the setting sun.

In the White Emperor Hall, Daoist Master Xuanye, the Sect Leader of the Golden Puppet Sect, put down the jade slip in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed in thought.

After a moment, he snapped out of it and said in a deep voice:

“Both of the sect’s ancestors are in seclusion for rigorous cultivation, so I shouldn’t disturb them. Inform Junior Brother Xuanji that I understand his proposal. For now, hold back and don’t act rashly.”

“Understood. Sect Leader Brother, the Pavilion Master is still waiting for me to relay the news, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Daoist Master Xuanye got up to see him off. When they reached outside the hall, he reminded him:

“Be sure to convey my intention not to take action but to observe the situation. The matter of the treasure is still unsubstantiated, and we can’t take extreme actions based on mere suspicion.”

“Rest assured, Brother, I’ll deliver the message.”

As the figure in the sky quickly vanished into the night, Daoist Master Xuanye flicked his large sleeve and returned to the hall.

The news transmitted by Daoist Master Xuanji needs to be verified before reporting to the Daoist Monarch; otherwise, it would seem that he, as the Sect Leader, is unreliable in handling matters.

The task of nurturing the Vajra Bodhi Tree to tier three upper grade within thirty years can only be accomplished by the Divine Wood Sect in the cultivation realm, and the cost is quite significant.

The assertion from Daoist Master Xuanji still requires time to be verified; additionally, it’s necessary to dispatch capable disciples to the Western Continent to gather information.

In Daoist Master Xuanye’s view, achieving this effect through a secret technique is unlikely. It’s probably due to a treasure or an extremely special small world.

He doesn’t really believe that the sects of the Western Continent have the opportunity to obtain such heaven-defying treasures, but if there is evidence showing that the target has a real chance of acquiring a treasure, he will certainly report it to the Daoist Monarch.

While Daoist Monarchs cherish their reputation, if the benefits are great enough, they might forgo it.

Another possibility is that the spiritual materials of the target sect have accumulated over the years and are only now being used.

If that’s the case, then there’s no need to act.

…

The sun rises and sets, time flows like water, and two months pass in the blink of an eye.

In the artifact refining chamber of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, purple-tinged white flames flicker steadily, much like a swirling fire dragon.

In Wan Jinrong’s hands, Dharma Seals transformed rapidly, as he infused treasure prohibitions into the magical treasure one after another.

Ji An watched intently as the Earth-Departing Flame Banner floated and sank within the flames. The Cyan Lotus Treasure Color Banner had been enhanced to tier three middle grade, but encountered some setbacks during its enhancement.

Wan Jinrong’s hand movements became even more swift, as Dharma prohibitions formed golden threads in the air, ceaselessly weaving into the magical treasure.

A joyful phoenix’s cry echoed in the room as the Earth-Departing Flame Banner transformed into a phoenix bird. The earth fire spewed forth, raising a sudden surge.

Wan Jinrong was assaulted by the divine intent emanating from the magical treasure, and fiery seas churned in the depths of his eyes.

He let out a muffled groan, feeling an inexplicable anger, and said furiously:

“I can’t take any more enhancement orders from Fellow Daoist in the future.”

The tail feathers of the Fire Phoenix radiated even more brilliance, dragging along long streams of flame, wantonly spreading light and heat.

Ji An understood that the major feat was completed. The Earth-Departing Flame Banner had been enhanced to tier three middle grade.

“Haha, Fellow Daoist, your divine skill, this is the magical treasure paying homage to you.”

Panting heavily, Wan Jinrong said with envy and jealousy:

“I’d rather not have such homage. Please quickly put it away!”

He couldn’t help but wonder whether the other party had some secret technique for nurturing magical treasures; otherwise, why would both magical treasures exhibit five elements divine intent and spirituality not matching their tier?

“As you command!”

Ji An exclaimed, immediately storing the Earth-Departing Flame Banner into his dantian.

The magical treasure, in the image of a Fire Phoenix, frolicked in the Primordial Life Fire, playing around the Blazing Sun Furnace together with the Qilin and Cyan Dragon.

The Pill Furnace was pushed and tossed around, its lid vibrated in protest, but was collectively ignored.

Ji An took out a celadon jar the size of a small pot from the Grotto Void Stone, its surface painted with green bamboo and evergreen pines.

Ji An placed the jar on the desk and said:

“Inside is some Yun Ding Silver Needle Tea; please accept it with a smile.”

The tea is tier three middle grade and counts as a token of his appreciation.

Wan Jinrong felt the flames of anger in his heart calm a bit and exhaled deeply:

“Fellow Daoist is too generous; I’ve already received the payment, accepting more wouldn’t be right, how embarrassing.”

Ji An waved his hand, “This is a gift to a friend, unrelated to the payment. This past while, Fellow Daoist has been diligent; you must be very fatigued. Drink some cool tea to restore your divine sense, then have a good sleep. I’ll take my leave first, and in a few days, I’ll invite Fellow Daoist for a drink.”

Due to a mid-process mishap, the other’s divine sense was depleted far more than anticipated, likely at its limit, unable to endure further exertion.

Wan Jinrong didn’t engage in more pleasantries; he pressed his hand to his temple and said:

“I won’t keep you, Fellow Daoist; after a few days of recovery, I’ll pay a visit to Blackstone Mountain.”

Focusing intently on enhancing the magical treasure’s tier didn’t seem difficult at the time, but now he felt a splitting headache, his sea of consciousness ablaze.

He knew he had overextended himself, and would need a period of rest and recuperation to recover.

Ji An cupped his hands, “Farewell, Fellow Daoist, no need to see me off, I’ll leave on my own.”

He turned and walked out of the artifact refining chamber, striding out of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Wan Jinrong was tempted to see him off but found himself unable to bear it, watching as the other departed.

He opened the jar, pinched a cluster of tea leaves, and showed an expression of pleasant surprise.

“Tier three middle-grade spirit tea, Fellow Daoist Ji is truly generous; I begin to look forward to what my fortune will be.”