Chapter 532 530: The Divine Artifact is Forged

Lin Xuan was completely fine. In fact, he was enjoying himself, which was like a sharp slap across Bu Fantian's face, making him so embarrassed he wanted to dig a hole and hide. But Bu Fantian clenched his jaw and refused to leave, clinging to the faint hope that Lin Xuan was just putting on a brave front.

In truth, Lin Xuan had no problems whatsoever. Unless the flames engulfed him directly, he would be perfectly fine. He was alright, but Bu Fantian was in serious trouble.

This time, he finally witnessed the power of the Empire's number one champion. Apart from the Elemental Power needed to preserve his loincloth, there wasn't the slightest ripple of Spiritual Power from his body. He was withstanding the heatwave purely with his Physique. Bu Fantian finally understood just how monstrously strong Lin Xuan was.

"The Divine Artifact is about to emerge!" Bu Chi shouted upon seeing the state of the Forging Furnace.

"You two, back up a little. If you can't take it, get out of here!" After saying this, Bu Chi paid them no further mind. The power of a Void Spirit Stage expert erupted, instantly blanketing the entire area and locking it down completely.

"We should probably listen to our elder and back up a little," Lin Xuan said with a smile to Bu Fantian.

Bu Fantian's face twitched. This gave him a perfect excuse to back down. He immediately nodded in agreement. "My thoughts exactly." He then quickly retreated several steps, more than happy for the opportunity.

After retreating some distance, the conditions improved, but only slightly. Both of them stared intently at the furnace. A Divine Artifact was about to be born, an event they absolutely could not miss.

Sure enough, a moment later, the entire Forging Furnace began to rumble violently. The massive furnace trembled, looking as if it might explode. Bu Chi threw open the lid, and a torrent of flames poured out, instantly multiplying the ambient temperature several times over!

The Stewards had already erected their Elemental Power Shields; if those flames touched them, they would be gravely injured! But the flames were not the main event. An object shot out from the Forging Furnace, bursting through the inferno and flying outward.

A Divine Light flared in Bu Chi's eyes. Surging Elemental Power swiftly locked onto the flying object, forming an invisible hand that enveloped it and forcefully tried to hold the dark mass still. However, his Elemental Power was still dragged some distance as the object struggled ceaselessly, trying to break free from his grasp.

Only then did Lin Xuan get a clear look. The object was a short sword. Astonishing flames clung to its fiery-red blade, constantly burning away the Elemental Power Bu Chi had used to contain it, trying to pierce through the restraint and escape.

'A Divine Artifact! So this is how one is forged.'

Lin Xuan's eyes brightened. 'Could this be the Divine Artifact they're fighting over outside, being forged right here and now?'

His excitement was short-lived as flames from the Forging Furnace billowed toward them. Well before the terrifying wave of fire arrived, Bu Fantian had already thrown up his Elemental Power Shield. Getting caught in that was no laughing matter. Even so, he still had to retreat at top speed to avoid getting hurt.

BANG!

Suddenly, the Weapon broke free of Bu Chi's Elemental Power restraint and shot outward. Its momentum was already spent, and this was merely a final struggle. Still, it had managed to escape the grasp of a Void Spirit Stage expert, a testament to its raw power.

In truth, Bu Chi had been careless, using only a fraction of his Elemental Power. He simply hadn't anticipated such an outcome. Clearly, this Divine Artifact was of a reasonably high Grade to have caused this.

Even though it had broken free, it didn't have much power left, as he had already sapped most of its strength. It was merely a blow to his pride. For a Void Spirit Stage expert to fail to restrain it was rather embarrassing.

Yulan's Ultimate Skill, Second Form: Dark Blue Cage!

Yulan Sacred Fire erupted from Lin Xuan's hand. A massive hand condensed from the Sacred Fire materialized in mid-air and clamped down around the Weapon. After a violent tremor from within its grasp, the Weapon stilled and ceased its resistance.

A moment later, Lin Xuan dispelled the Dark Blue Cage. The cage could not only imprison but also detonate, all at his command. Since the room was made entirely of Profound Iron, the skill's power was much weaker than it would be outdoors, but it was still enough to subdue the Weapon.

Of course, this was largely thanks to Bu Chi's earlier restraint with his Spiritual Power; otherwise, Lin Xuan would have never been able to catch it. The Weapon then fell from the air, and Lin Xuan caught it. It was astonishingly light, feeling like a feather in his palm. The blade was wreathed in beautiful, flame-like patterns.

Both its weight and appearance suggested it was designed for a woman. A short sword was indeed well-suited for a female Cultivator, and this one had been forged with that purpose in mind.

Lin Xuan's intervention left everyone stunned. It wasn't just his swift reaction; more importantly, the fact that he could so easily control the artifact amidst such scorching heat proved one thing—he was incredibly strong!

One only had to look at Bu Fantian to understand. His face had turned a deep, shameful crimson. Not only had he been forced back by the flames, but he still hadn't even processed what had happened. Meanwhile, Lin Xuan had caught the Divine Artifact with an air of immense power, leaving Bu Fantian too mortified to face anyone.

'And he'd wanted to compare Physiques with Lin Xuan?' He was leagues behind; how could he possibly compare? But Bu Fantian remained unconvinced. 'Lin Xuan might be stronger now, but that doesn't mean he will be in the future. I have the Bu Family bloodline!'

'Brute strength... that's all it is. Just a little skill. If it were a forging competition, he'd never beat me...' Bu Fantian only grumbled this to himself. He was incredibly embarrassed at the moment. How could he not be, after losing to Lin Xuan in a competition of Physique?

Fortunately, the emergence of the Divine Artifact gave him a convenient distraction; otherwise, he would have been utterly humiliated.

"A fine sword! This is a Middle Grade Divine Artifact."

Lin Xuan handed the Weapon over, and Bu Chi accepted it. As he did, their eyes met, and Bu Chi saw not a trace of reluctance or greed in Lin Xuan's gaze.

Bu Chi's favorable impression of Lin Xuan shot up. Most people would feel a pang of greed for such a divine weapon, or at least show some covetous desire. Yet, in Lin Xuan's eyes, he saw no greed at all—only appreciation.

This mental fortitude earned Bu Chi's admiration. It wasn't that a person should be devoid of all desire, but they shouldn't be overly greedy. Besides, it was only a Middle Grade Divine Artifact. If someone couldn't tear their eyes away from something like this, their perspective was simply too narrow.

Clearly, Lin Xuan met his standards, leaving him very satisfied.

Bu Fantian, in contrast, was a sorry sight, causing Bu Chi to shake his head. Many in the Bu Family were arrogant. He had allowed Lin Xuan to participate not only to gauge his potential, but also in the hopes that he could take some of the hot air out of his own family's younger generation.

It was time for these young people to learn that there is always someone better.