The Science of Cultivation

Chapter 178: A Visit

Li Lang and his friends eventually calmed down after the unexpected completion of an artifact. So too did all the experts at the auction, who had noticed the slight disturbance. The main auction resumed its operations without any further delays.

Even at the restaurant where Li Lang was, all the onlookers had returned to their own matters.

The creation of an artifact was rare, but it wasn’t enough to distract them for long. This was especially so when the artifact involved was only at the Mortal-grade. Perhaps due to the name, many cultivators considered Mortal-grade to be mundane items that were beneath them, like mortals.

An awkward silence befell Li Lang’s table as his companions received no response to their questions. The man in question was too busy analyzing his work. If there weren’t so many people there, he would’ve even begun testing to see if it could produce talismans as intended. However, even with his voracity for re

“Ha, Young Master Jian, you jest. This isn’t a matter that needs their attention. Besides, as if diviners are ever able to find anything useful until it’s too late.” Elder Ji then turned to his fellow elder. “Speaking of them, Elder An, our Drenched Earth Sect would be more than happy to assist against those jealous of your pavilion. I know your organization isn’t used to the limelight, so we can assist with your security issues.”

“Thank you for the offer, but that’ll be something our Pavilion Master will have to decide. All I can do is bring it up to them.”

“That is fine. We’re here to help, so you can come find us at any time.”

“Anyway, if this junior isn’t willing to show us his new creation, then we should take our leave.”

Unable to refute Elder An’s suggestion, Elder Ji reluctantly nodded. The two then slowly walked out of the restaurant, accompanied by Jian Beiyun. Before the head disciple of Nightmoon Valley had left, he didn’t forget to wink meaningfully at his junior sister.

“Hmm, I’m not sure why you refused to get certified as an official Artificer, but that was interesting,” Sima Xue commented.

“I’m glad I served you well as entertainment, milady,” Li Lang sarcastically replied before gesturing to his companions to prepare to leave. “It’s getting late. We should head back.”

With the first day of the main auction over, there wasn’t a reason for staying any longer. Numerous people took to the streets, returning to their lodging or finding supper.

Just as they got to the first floor of the restaurant, they happened to run into someone calling out to them. As soon as everyone turned toward the voice, they all instantly recognized who it was. It was thanks to his unique characteristic of white hair but youthful skin.

“Liang Po, you’re finally here!” Sima Xue exclaimed. “What took you so long? The auction is over by now.”

“Hmm, you know. The usual.” He then turned to Li Lang. “I don’t want to delay you, as it is my fault for being late. We can finish our business tomorrow.”

Then, without looking back, Liang Po briskly walked out as well.

Li Lang barely registered his words as he practically ignored everyone during the entire trip back to his room. Once the door was shut, he didn’t hesitate to immediately materialize his new creation from his space ring.

He hadn’t thought he would succeed this quickly, so he cursed himself for being rash, crafting the printer artifact in public. Before he could dwell long on the incident, he started putting his new creation to the test.

He placed a hand on the mimeograph machine and sent out a command for it to produce the sole talisman it was currently equipped to print.

The stencil wrapped around the ink-filled drum within the machine began to rotate by itself. It caused the ink to be pressed through the cut-out areas of the stencil, onto the sheets of talisman paper prepared.

As soon as Li Lang had invoked this process, he reflexively took a few steps back and watched his creation come to life by itself. He then pressed the red gem inside his hat against his forehead.

“Ruby, is this what a Mortal-grade artifact is supposed to be like? It can’t converse with me, but can work by itself?”

“Hmm, I think so. But the feeling I get from this new artifact is strange, Master.”

Li Lang sighed as he continued to watch his new creation work.

Is this really normal? Or is the unorthodox way I used to create it make the artifact spirit strange?

Either way, I guess I should come up with a name for it while I have it under observation. Hmm, but what should I call it?