Moon’s Worries

Moon's Worries

Qin Wentian fixed his gaze on the spark of excitement in Moon's eyes, and a warm smile danced across his lips. "You seem quite confident," he remarked.

However, as soon as his words reached her ears, Moon's radiant expression dimmed, like a waning moon hidden by passing clouds. She bowed her head, her demeanor revealing hidden worries. In a soft voice, she confessed, "Unfortunately, I fear I won't achieve stellar results. You see, there's a limit to the number of potent divine inscriptions I've mastered. Although I've tirelessly worked to elevate the quality of my inscriptions, bridging the gap in strength between divine inscriptions of the same tier remains an insurmountable challenge. Shen Jing and Rong Yan will undoubtedly surpass me; they hail from prestigious weaponsmith bloodlines. Moreover, I lack the superior materials required for crafting divine weapons."

"Could I take a look at the divine inscriptions you've created?" Qin Wentian inquired, prompting a smile from Moon as she regarded him.

She nodded in agreement. "Certainly. If you're interested in learning the ordinary divine inscriptions I'm acquainted with, I'll gladly teach you. However, your grasp of them will depend on your own comprehension. And speaking of her, is she here to learn weapon forging as well?" Moon gestured toward Qing'er, her curiosity evident.

Qin Wentian grinned. "She's my sister, little Qing." Their conversation flowed as they arrived at Moon's weapon forging workshop. Though not spacious, it housed a substantial array of materials for crafting weapons. The temperature inside was elevated due to the confined space.

Moon offered an apologetic smile to Qin Wentian. "I've only been a part of the Divine Weapon Academy for a year, so my facilities are somewhat inferior compared to others'. I can't help but think that Rong Yan has ulterior motives; he assigned you to me despite their superior facilities. But it's all right. I prefer it this way. If I were to learn from them, they'd never impart any divine inscriptions to me," Qin Wentian laughed.

Moon's laughter joined his. "You have a delightful laugh, and your disposition is rather pleasant. I still don't understand why you chose to become an apprentice here."

As she spoke, Moon prepared the materials necessary for crafting a divine weapon. Crafting a fourth-ranked divine weapon required materials of a caliber far beyond those used for first and second-ranked ones. The requirements were stringent; if the base materials fell short, even the most potent divine inscription would leave the wielder at a disadvantage in combat. An inferior fourth-ranked divine weapon might even shatter during a battle.

"To refine high-grade materials, we need extremely high temperatures. There's a unique underground fire that provides heat to all the furnaces in the academy. We can refine fifth-ranked materials without any issues, let alone fourth-ranked ones," Moon explained. She placed the prepared materials into the furnace's center, where they began to smolder. Then, she turned to Qin Wentian and asked, "Could you fetch the axe mold for me, please?"

"Forging a great axe?" Qin Wentian chuckled. Weapon forging, like martial cultivation, involved countless intricacies. Gathering materials, melting them down, using molds, inscribing divine inscriptions, honing the edges—each step demanded precision. The higher the rank of the divine weapon, the more exacting the requirements for materials, composition, and inscriptions. Any mistake could result in an inferior product.

"You're familiar with these basics, right? Gathering materials and melting them down is something that practice can perfect. The most crucial stage in crafting divine weapons is inscribing divine inscriptions. That's what truly distinguishes a weapon forger's skill," Moon explained, forging the weapon while chatting with Qin Wentian, guiding him through the process.

Qin Wentian observed the beads of sweat forming on Moon's brow as he smiled softly. In truth, Shen Jing and Rong Yan's decision to assign him to Moon had filled him with satisfaction. Moon was undoubtedly better suited to mentor him.

After a considerable time, the molten metallic mixture was ready to be poured into the mold, shaping the weapon's form before placing it atop a forging stone. With a swift strike, Moon shattered the mold, revealing a blazing-red axe.

"It's time for inscribing the divine inscription. Watch closely and learn," Moon declared as astral light coalesced, conjuring a miniature axe in her hand. One of her astral souls was that of a great axe, making it a forging-type astral soul.

The aftermath of the tiny axe's strike was nothing short of spectacular. It aimed directly for the fiery-red axe, and as they collided, mystical runic outlines materialized in a mesmerizing display, resonating with the profound will of the Mandate of Axe.

Moon's demeanor shifted to one of intense focus as she painstakingly etched the divine inscription. She had forgotten all about her previous chit-chat with Qin Wentian, her entire being dedicated to this intricate task. It took her a solid four hours to complete her work.

"Moon, your foundation is incredibly solid, and your proficiency in engraving inscriptions is impressive," Qin Wentian remarked with genuine admiration.

Moon offered a sweet smile, but her face was marked with perspiration stains from the strenuous effort. "It's not as simple as you make it sound. All powerful weaponsmiths are exceedingly proud and aloof. Moreover, the divine weapons I forge aren't particularly extraordinary, so it's challenging to catch their attention. Even if I shouted at the top of my lungs, I doubt I'd attract any grandmaster-level smiths. My only hope lies in this year-end examination—I hope someone will notice me."

"True," Qin Wentian conceded, "though grandmasters may not appear, what if there's a discerning weaponsmith among the crowd?"

Moon blinked, her gaze shifting to the great axe she had just forged. "A middle-grade fourth-ranked divine weapon. It may be somewhat inferior, but it'll do. Go ahead and do as you please."

With a nod, Qin Wentian approached the weapon. He summoned a celestial hammer into his hands and delivered a powerful blow directly onto the axe. The resounding clash of metal against metal echoed through the air, and Moon's intricate runic outlines were obliterated, leaving her stunned. However, her shock soon transformed into a reproachful glare directed at Qin Wentian. Even though it was only a middle-grade weapon, she had limited resources to work with and couldn't afford to waste the materials used in crafting it.

Nevertheless, Moon took it in stride. Perhaps after Qin Wentian's little experiment, he would gain a newfound appreciation for the complexities of weapon forging.

"Ding!" Another light sound reverberated as the hammer struck the axe once more. A radiant light burst forth, and an aura of formidable sharpness radiated from the axe's surface. An incredibly intricate and profound divine inscription adorned its exterior.

Moon stood there, utterly dumbfounded by the sight before her. Her delicate hands covered her mouth as her mind struggled to process the reality in front of her.

This forging technique... it set her heart pounding relentlessly.

"You...you..." Moon stammered, pointing accusingly at Qin Wentian. But when she caught the mischievous glint in his eyes, she managed to regain her composure and playfully pouted. "Since you're such an expert, why are you here teasing me?"

"Moon, could you do me a favor?" Qin Wentian asked, his tone suddenly serious.

Perplexed, Moon furrowed her brow. "You're far superior to me in weapon forging. What could I possibly help you with?"

"While I may excel in divine inscriptions, my knowledge of refining materials is somewhat lacking," Qin Wentian admitted. "I currently require a substantial quantity of divine weapons and a suitable location to achieve my goals. I hope you can assist me."

Moon blinked, then nodded. "Of course..."

The opportunity to refine and forge divine weapons alongside such a formidable divine inscriptionist was too enticing for Moon to pass up.

"In that case, Moon, you'll be responsible for melting down and refining the materials, while I'll handle the divine inscriptions. Afterward, could you help me sell the weapons and use the proceeds to purchase even more materials and molds for weapon creation?" Qin Wentian suggested.

Moon instantly grasped Qin Wentian's intentions. Given his speed in inscribing, as long as the other steps, such as material preparation, kept pace with him, they could produce a large quantity of divine weapons. The reason for his presence at the academy was clear: it provided the facilities and resources he needed.

"Weaponsmiths tend to be quite wealthy, and individuals of your caliber are on another level," Moon murmured, her words causing Qin Wentian's eyes to glimmer with a smile.

"Actually, it's because I'm poor that I need to forge divine weapons," he quipped. "Furthermore, the reason I require such a vast quantity of divine weapons is related to something else I want to acquire from the trading market."

"In any case, your period of poverty won't last long. With your skill, once you break through to the Celestial Phenomenon level, crafting fifth-ranked divine weapons will be a breeze," Moon commented, feeling somewhat envious of the exceptional young man before her. He was truly outstanding. The only reason he couldn't craft fifth-ranked divine weapons likely stemmed from his cultivation level. After all, fifth-ranked divine inscriptions contained the true intent of Mandates. Without reaching the Celestial Phenomenon level, it was impossible to create them.

"Moon, your foundation is actually quite solid. You'll undoubtedly become an expert weaponsmith in the future," Qin Wentian assured her.

Moon shook her head with humility. "How can I even compare to you?"

Qin Wentian responded with a playful wink, setting Moon's eyes agog. His gaze held a mix of mischief and promise, sending her heart racing with a strange combination of nervousness and exhilaration.

"Mhm, I'll prepare the materials for you," Moon replied, her cheeks flushed as she avoided direct eye contact with Qin Wentian. She went on to gather the necessary materials, and soon, the two of them were immersed in the art of crafting divine weapons within her workshop. Moon would then take the completed divine weapons and exchange them for even more materials while borrowing creation molds from her fellow academy members.

Their actions left many puzzled. Why did Moon need such an enormous quantity of materials and creation molds? In just two days, she had borrowed hundreds of creation molds.

During this intensive period, Moon was utterly exhausted. She not only acted as a go-between for Qin Wentian but also received valuable lessons from him in top-tier fourth-ranked divine inscriptions and engraving techniques. Between her assistance and his tutelage, her progress skyrocketed. It wouldn't be long before she could create top-tier fourth-ranked divine weapons.

Though she was tired, Moon had never felt happier. She now possessed top-tier divine inscriptions, and her weapon forging skills had seen remarkable improvement. Qin Wentian had even supplied her with high-quality materials for crafting top-tier fourth-ranked divine weapons.

She only took breaks at night, her face adorned with a constant smile. Her hard work hadn't gone unnoticed, and she felt immense gratitude toward Qin Wentian. Though he required her help, what he had given her in return far surpassed any assistance he needed.

Five days passed, and Moon ventured out once more to exchange for additional forging materials. Along the way, she crossed paths with Shen Jing and Rong Yan. Little Rascal, as ever, was nestled comfortably near Shen Jing's bosom. Rong Yan greeted Moon with a smile. "Junior sister, is the apprentice I assigned you behaving?"

Moon nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, he is."

"If you don't fancy him, feel free to send him away. After all, I'm not particularly close to him," Rong Yan remarked, his lips curling in disdain. He observed how the little cub had cozied up to Shen Jing, making it nearly impossible to part with him. The cub, too, seemed reluctant to leave.

Moon shot a cold glance at Rong Yan but chose not to respond. She simply continued on her way, leaving Rong Yan momentarily stunned. He regarded her retreating figure with a glint of displeasure in his eyes. This girl had dared to give him such an attitude? It appeared that she had gained newfound confidence and presence, radiating an even brighter aura of beauty.

Upon returning to her weapon forging pavilion, Moon discovered that Qin Wentian was still diligently crafting weapons. She reached out with a napkin to wipe his sweat-drenched face, causing him to turn and offer her a warm smile. Moon hastily withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing. "I didn't mean anything by it."

Qin Wentian chuckled. "Mhm."

His laughter seemed to sparkle in his eyes, and Moon couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy. Though they had interacted for just five days, she had sensed that Qin Wentian was an extraordinary individual. Why else would he possess such profound forging techniques and knowledge of top-tier inscriptions? His exceptional qualities led her to believe that the woman he loved must be as dazzling as a phoenix.

However, Moon pushed these thoughts aside, unwilling to dwell on them. Instead, she smiled innocently and asked, "Tianwen, the year-end examination is approaching. Can you stay and watch me complete it before you leave?"

Qin Wentian met her gaze, and after a moment's contemplation, he nodded with a smile. "Certainly."

Moon appeared touched, her emotions stirred as if by a distant memory. She continued, "After the year-end examination, there will be a showdown between you and Di Shi. I've heard that Senior Brother Wang Yunfei also intends to meet and challenge you. Wang Yunfei is incredibly formidable. I wonder if you'll be able to measure up to him, whether in combat or divine inscriptions. He shines as brightly as the stars in both respects."