Chapter 769 - 231: Why Are There Two????
As he stepped into the courtyard, the discussions and chatter inside suddenly paused, and many people looked towards him with complex expressions—admiration, shock, reverence, and even some apprehension.
Chen Yan’s expression remained unchanged as he raised his hand to everyone at the gate, then quickly walked towards his own room.
Just as he was walking through the courtyard, he heard a tall, skinny disciple beside him loudly say, "Fellow Daoist, you have such a discerning mind, I truly admire it!"
"Indeed! During tonight’s lecture, you actually gained the recognition of an Inner Sect Disciple! It’s an honor for us to be in the same courtyard!"
"With such great talent, Fellow Daoist is sure to secure a spot as an Outer Disciple in the selection three months from now!"
After thanking each compliment one by one—whether sincere or not, when walking in the martial world, one should reciprocate the courteousness shown by others.
However, among the many compliments, Chen Yan noticed one person with a gloomy expression and dejected eyes. While everyone was speaking well, he only muttered softly a couple of words, his lips moving perfunctorily before falling silent.
Chen Yan immediately recognized him as one of those few who, during yesterday’s awakening bell, opened his eyes after the third chime and did not gain enlightenment.
This person was thin and gaunt, with skin like gold paper, yet he had a disproportionately large head. Though appearing frail, his arms were large and muscular, somewhat reminiscent of Chen Yan’s current transformed appearance—unlearned, but experienced in manual labor.
After taking a look, Chen Yan remembered him but, since there were many people in the courtyard, he wasn’t keen on making acquaintances here. He nodded slightly and continued towards his own room.
"Everyone, I still need to transport Primordial Qi, so I won’t be chatting any further."
At his room door, Chen Yan clasped his hands in salute and then closed the door behind him.
Once inside, he quickly locked the door—every room actually had a door array, but it was just a low-level array which couldn’t withstand someone with slightly higher cultivation. However, for this outer courtyard residence, it sufficed as the cultivators living here were at the bottom and had no outstanding strength.
Though the array served as a lock, unfortunately, it was not soundproof.
Thinking it over, Chen Yan decided against creating any soundproof talismans—being within a Saint’s sect, caution was necessary; who knew what kind of perception abilities the sect’s Great Powers might have.
Having just caught the limelight, he resolved to act with more restraint going forward.
He didn’t plan to go out today nor attend tonight’s evening class—after all, being half a guest and half under house arrest, freeloading too much would not be good.
First, he took out the Jade Scroll that the Inner Sect’s handsome ancient style man had given him. Holding it, he admired its flickering brilliance with a hint of blue aura flowing within.
Injecting a strand of Primordial Qi, the Jade Scroll shot up into the air inside the room. As it slowly rotated, streams of silver Runes flowed out from it.
Observing closely, Chen Yan realized it was a note on artifact refining...
The text stored within this Jade Scroll comprised eighteen writings in total, thirteen of which recorded insights into the crafting and refining of magical artifacts.
The remaining five, however, didn’t directly discuss artifact refining, but copiously recorded some insights into the spirit of all things.
Just starting the first piece, Chen Yan was somewhat intrigued by the initial concept he read.
All things under heaven, besides the higher Holy Spirits with Spiritual Senses, every other being, be it a blade of grass, a piece of wood, a stone, or a grain of sand, should possess a spirit.
That is to say, a form of will.
Artifact refining isn’t like being a mundane artisan who merely understands forging techniques and only knows to mindlessly wield a big hammer.
By embracing and understanding all things, possessing the skill to communicate with their spirits, the process of crafting materials and artifacts becomes much more efficient...
Finding this notion interesting, Chen Yan continued reading the thousand-word first dissertation. But the last sentence nearly made him roll his eyes in exasperation.
"This idea is merely a spontaneous feeling without any evidence; the myriad things in heaven and earth are countless, understanding and communicating with their spirits is extraordinarily challenging... A long and arduous celestial path, these passing thoughts are humbly recorded here."
Damn it!
At this point, Chen Yan really wanted to curse!
So... you were just guessing, huh!
·
He turned to the other four dissertations on the spirit of all things, and, as Chen Yan expected...
This fellow wrote all his conjectures, speculations... even fantasies.
Regarding how to communicate and interact with the spirit of all things, he himself was utterly baffled.
The implication is: Should you proceed according to my hypothetical method, it would most likely be extraordinary, but how exactly to achieve this method, I haven’t figured it out either!
·
Chen Yan, feeling exasperated, set aside those five articles on communicating with the spirit of things, and focused on the other thirteen articles of artifact refining insights.
This uplifted his mood significantly.
It had to be said, the other thirteen writings had substantial practical value; they were practically hands-on notes for crafting various Magical Artifacts!
Yet, after browsing for a bit, Chen Yan formed some judgment in his heart.
Indeed...
My family’s elderly lady isn’t adept at artifact refining!
The artifact refining insights in this Jade Scroll, even a cursory glance by Chen Yan, made it clear—they were far more detailed than the "Artifact Refining Chapter" in the Secret Manual left by the elderly lady!