Chapter 1043

Chapter 1043: Custom-Made

Artifacts capable of enhancing one’s beauty and charm are exceedingly rare.

Such artifacts are classified as third-grade artifacts, and crafting one demands high-quality materials and the expertise of a skilled weapon refiner, not to mention a significant investment of time and effort.

Simply put, without the cultivation level of Golden Core, it’s nearly impossible to refine such an artifact.

A weapon refiner who has reached this level can rightfully be called a "great weapon refiner!"

But would a great weapon refiner dedicate their time to crafting such an artifact?

It’s not entirely out of the question, but it is indeed quite uncommon. After all, cultivators generally prioritize the utility of an artifact over its aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, the majority of great weapon refiners are affiliated with powerful factions such as grand sects, powerful families, or merchant associations. Their schedules are typically packed with regular refining tasks, leaving little room for such bespoke orders.

Unless, of course, someone is willing to pay a High Price!

The glances directed at Wang Chen shifted subtly; no one had anticipated that he would go to such lengths to curry favor with Huangfu Yongchun.

Huangfu Yongchun shook his head and remarked, “Fellow traveler Wang, this is too extravagant.”

His regard for Wang Chen waned slightly, as he perceived the latter as someone inclined towards taking shortcuts.

Wang Chen chuckled and responded, “I crafted this myself, and it didn’t require much in the way of materials.”

Oh?

All eyes turned to him in an instant.

Wang Chen was actually a great weapon refiner?

If a cultivator does not intentionally conceal their abilities, their cultivation level and age can generally be discerned from the aura they emit, with a relatively small margin of error.

Take Huangfu Yongchun, for example, who, despite being over two hundred years old, appears remarkably youthful. Yet, his peers at the same cultivation level would not be deceived.

In contrast, Wang Chen’s genuine youth was unmistakable.

A young higher-level Golden Core cultivator is already a figure of interest, but to discover that he is also a great weapon refiner?

The esteem in which he was held soared Instantaneously!

“I stand corrected.”

Huangfu Yongchun expressed his astonishment. “I had no idea you were so young yet possessed such extraordinary skills. I am truly impressed!”

He offered a solemn bow to Wang Chen, a gesture of apology for his earlier underestimation.

“Fellow traveler, you are too kind.”

Wang Chen returned the bow with equal politeness and then, with a smile, announced, “Fellow travelers, I have delved deeply into the art of weapon refining and offer custom-made services. Should you require an artifact perfectly suited to your needs or have any special requests, do not hesitate to approach me.”

“I assure you, my prices are more favorable than those of any store!”

In the year since arriving at Luodu Immortal City, Wang Chen had registered, acquired property, engaged in cultivation, and even purchased Lifespan Elixirs to teleport back to the lower realms. He had already expended more than half of the spirit stones he had accumulated from defeating four Golden Core cultivators.

As the saying goes, "sitting and eating will deplete the mountain," so he had long been contemplating ways to increase his income and reduce his expenses.

Previously, Wang Chen had considered replicating the innovative inventions from his past life to create practical items and renting a shop to amass a fortune.

However, after conducting some market research, he realized that his initial ideas were somewhat naive.

The situation in Luodu Immortal City is vastly different from that in Qianxing Immortal City.

Though both are Di-level immortal cities, the commercial atmosphere in Qianxing Immortal City is far more vibrant. Hundreds of merchants control this city, creating an excellent business environment.

Luodu Immortal City also boasts countless shops, but these are predominantly owned by grand sects and powerful families, who monopolize all the lucrative trades. Loose cultivators are left with nothing but scraps.

For loose cultivators to survive in Luodu Immortal City, they must either toil for powerful organizations or labor on their own.

The hierarchy among cultivators here is far more rigid than in Qianxing Immortal City.

Thus, Wang Chen abandoned the idea of opening a shop and dismissed the notion of collaborating with an existing one.

After much deliberation, he decided to focus on weapon refining and pursue custom-made services.

Custom-making is a smaller-scale operation that avoids conflict with powerful organizations and offers substantial profits.

With his unique abilities and the formidable power of the Life Creation Cauldron, Wang Chen is well-suited for this path.

This approach also aligns perfectly with his goal of maintaining a low profile.

Today, Wang Chen came to offer congratulations and specifically crafted this phoenix hairpin, which also serves as a subtle promotion of his skills.

However, without the earlier conversation, he would not have mentioned this promotional aspect.

Huangfu Yongchun didn’t seem to mind, laughing heartily as he said, “Excellent! If I need anything in the future, I’ll definitely come to you!”

Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere in the hall became warm and congenial.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the betrothal ceremony officially commenced.

The bond between cultivators as partners is not much different from marriage among ordinary people, except that ordinary people can only have one legal wife, while Huangfu Yongchun is welcoming his twelfth partner.

Strictly speaking, cultivators can have multiple partners, but if they are referred to as partners, there is no hierarchy among them.

Wang Chen observed that throughout the ceremony, Huangfu Yongchun’s partners behaved impeccably; no one caused any disturbance, and some even extended congratulations to Ye Zifei.

Wang Chen was deeply impressed—what a masterful way to manage a harem!

This was his first time attending someone else’s betrothal ceremony, and he found it thoroughly fascinating.

After the ceremony, it was time for everyone’s favorite part—the feast.

Huangfu Yongchun was exceedingly generous, hosting a banquet of the highest standard. The exquisite dishes served not only showcased exceptional culinary skill but also featured the finest ingredients.

Each dish was not only delicious but also brimming with spiritual energy, satisfying both the palate and nourishing the body and mind.

The cup of spiritual wine each guest received was particularly noteworthy; Wang Chen felt a pleasant buzz from it.

It wasn’t just the alcohol—the sheer abundance of spiritual energy was something even a higher-level Golden Core cultivator like him couldn’t fully withstand.

If Wang Chen felt this way, those with lower cultivation levels fared even worse.

A few even passed out on the spot!

Of course, this kind of spiritual wine was reserved only for Golden Core true masters who had come to offer their congratulations.

As everyone drank and relaxed, Wang Chen not only met more like-minded individuals but also exchanged several invitation cards and letter symbols.

Some inquired about the prices and requirements for custom-made treasures.

Wang Chen, having done his research beforehand, answered with ease.

Though no deals were struck on the spot, it was undoubtedly a promising start.

The banquet was a joyous occasion for both hosts and guests.

As the gathering drew to a close late into the night, Huangfu Yongchun personally escorted all the guests to the door.

He even presented each with a parting gift.

What a thoughtful man!

When Wang Chen returned home and opened the gift box, he found a Jade Slip inside.

Upon examining the Jade Slip, he was astonished to discover it contained a sealed technique—the Dragon and Phoenix True Harmony and Profound Scripture!

Wang Chen was utterly speechless.

The name of this technique made it clear it was a Dual Cultivation method. After skimming through it, he realized the "Dragon and Phoenix True Harmony and Profound Scripture" was of an exceptionally high grade, capable of guiding cultivation from the Purple Palace all the way to the Yuan Ying level!