JSCMU-Chapter 140: A Little Appreciation

Zhao Wuji just finished venting his anger and called over a disciple to ask about Yun Jin’s latest situation.

As it turned out.

During the time he went to the market district, Yun Jin and Yue Zhao already entered Artifact Forging Peak, and they’d been inside for quite a while! What’s more, Yang Hui received them personally and met alone. No one knew what they discussed.

Zhao Wuji’s expression became utterly grim.

Yang Hui was someone he long wanted to fully win over.

It was just that Yang Hui was an old fox. No matter how much Zhao Wuji hinted at him, he never gave a clear answer. Still, Yang Hui always appeared to follow his lead, so Zhao Wuji believed him to be more or less on his side.

And yet.

Yang Hui now met with Yue Zhao and Yun Jin.

He probably already caught wind of their intentions and knew what the two of them went there for.

Even so, he still chose to meet them?

Is he planning to tear all pretense of civility with him?

Zhao Wuji’s expression turned extremely ugly.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the once tightly-knit Tianxing Sect was now riddled with cracks.

He wanted to solidify his authority again, but there were too many rebels, and for the moment, he didn’t even know where to start.

Ultimately, the root of it all still lay with Heavenly Sword Peak.

Zhao Wuji clenched his teeth.

He had to eliminate Heavenly Sword Peak first.

After that, he would slowly settle accounts with the rest!

Did they really think that just Yun Jin alone could oppose him?

Foolish dreams!

“Keep an eye on Yang Hui!” Zhao Wuji said coldly.

He really wanted to see.

In these two months, just how many disobedient pawns would reveal themselves. And then, he’d deal with them all at once.

Artifact Forging Peak.

Yang Hui looked at Yun Jin and Yue Zhao, and then his gaze remained fixed on Yun Jin.

Yun Jin was not the least bit flustered, she even smiled lightly.

Yang Hui originally had no intention of receiving them.

It was she who had someone send in the Tai’a Sword, only then did Yang Hui change his mind and agree to meet.

Right now, the Tai’a Sword lay quietly on the table in front of Yang Hui.

Yang Hui raised an eyebrow, “This sword has growth attributes?”

His expression wasn’t particularly surprised.

Spiritual tools with growth attributes weren’t rare in the cultivation world.

However.

Though such artifacts were said to have high potential, in truth, they required blood-recognition to grow. Their growth depended entirely on the owner’s refining skill and material collection. While some were successfully refined into high-grade artifacts, when all the materials used were tallied up, it often turned out that those same materials could’ve made several high-grade artifacts instead.

As such, growth-type weapons gradually became a tasteless chicken rib. Fewer and fewer people used them.

“Yes.” So Yun Jin saw no need to hide it and answered directly.

Right now, the one-star Tai’a Sword was just a mildly interesting creation.

Yang Hui raised a brow. “This sword is rather ambitious. Combining two opposing forces, if you manage to refine it further, it might become a divine weapon.”

Though he said this, his tone remained indifferent.

He was aware of Yun Jin. Talented in swordsmanship, and apparently also gifted in botany techniques.

These two pursuits were enough to consume most of her time and effort. Could she really go and learn artifact refining just for a sword that was still only at Huang-level?

Yang Hui didn’t believe that.

She probably just heard that he liked collecting odd weapons and sent this as a gift to please him.

Unfortunately…

He was destined not to accept this sword.

Yang Hui made up his mind. Until the Grand Sect Competition two months from now, he wouldn’t express any stance.

Whether it was the Sect Master’s side or Heavenly Sword Peak, the answer was the same: “Wait.”

Only self-preservation mattered.

Yun Jin smiled faintly. “Right? Peak Master also thinks my sword is quite nice, huh? Then perhaps—”

Before she could finish, Yang Hui directly interrupted, “I do enjoy rare and strange weapons, but I can’t accept unearned gifts. I won’t be accepting your sword. Take it back.”

Yun Jin. “???”

She was stunned.

So, he thought she was here to give a bribe?

She raised an eyebrow, and with a thought, the Tai’a Sword vanished into her Dantian.

Now it was Yang Hui’s turn to be stunned.

He stared at Yun Jin in surprise.

It could be stored inside the body…

So Yun Jin already blood-bounded the sword?

To clarify.

There are three types of spiritual artifacts.

Life-bound artifacts can only be forged by refiners starting at Nascent Soul Stage. Once refined, they are nourished in the Dantian and grow stronger over time. Though powerful, if damaged, the owner is harmed as well. If destroyed, the owner may lose half their life. Thus, despite their strength, cultivators are very cautious about creating them, and many avoid them entirely unless the weapon is exceptional.

The second type are blood-bound artifacts. These can also be nourished with spiritual energy and have slightly enhanced power. While not as powerful as life-bound artifacts, they are safer. Damage to the artifact won’t harm the owner as much, making them a more balanced option. However, this method still requires heart-blood, which drains life force. Most cultivators only choose this for truly rare artifacts.

Both types can be stored in the Dantian and cannot be taken away by others. If someone tries to steal one, the artifact loses all spiritual essence.

The third type are ordinary artifacts. They are kept in storage bags and used when needed. They do not damage the user when broken but are weaker and prone to being taken by stronger cultivators.

Since Yun Jin blood-bounded the sword, this wasn’t an attempt to curry favor.

Yang Hui felt a bit embarrassed.

Did he… misunderstood?

He coughed lightly and asked. “Then, what were your intentions for having the sword sent in?”

Yun Jin had an innocent expression, “Intent? I just thought my sword was especially amazing and wanted Peak Master to appreciate it a little.”

Just to appreciate it?

Yang Hui gritted his teeth, “Well, now I’ve appreciated it! If there’s nothing else, then you two can—”

“Peak Master Yang, let’s get to the main point.” Yun Jin suddenly turned serious, “Chit-chatting like this is such a waste of time.”

Yang Hui. “???”

So now he’s the one wasting time?!