Chapter 32: Set of Qingfeng Swords

Inside Lin Shilu's crafting room, Lin Shilu was intently inscribing runes onto the sword. Golden runes embedded themselves into the blade, creating a shimmering effect on the sword's surface.

An hour later, the runes covered the entire blade, and the sword exuded a potent sword energy. Its grade had evidently reached the pinnacle of first-tier spiritual weapons.

Both Lin Shilu and Lin Tianming were thrilled. Lin Tianming, in particular, was extremely excited. He had initially hoped for high-grade first-tier swords but ended up with top-grade ones. If all twenty sword blanks could be crafted into top-grade swords, the power of the sword array they would form would be unimaginable. Lin Tianming couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

Lin Shilu, equally satisfied, had put significant effort into this crafting project. Having advanced to a mid-tier second-rank craftsman half a year ago, he took great care in crafting these swords for Lin Tianming. Using top-notch auxiliary materials, including several second-tier spirit irons, he was pleased with the result. The superior quality of the materials played a crucial role in achieving such outstanding results.

In the cultivation world, even many early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators used spiritual weapons, with most wielding high-grade or top-grade first-tier weapons. Higher-tier magic weapons were generally reserved for those in the middle or late stages of Foundation Establishment, who could afford such luxuries.

Lin Tianming's substantial investment in these weapons would undoubtedly enhance his combat abilities significantly.

Encouraged by their success, the grandfather and grandson duo resumed their crafting with renewed vigor, aiming to complete the set.

Twenty days passed swiftly, and the deadline for their trip to Qianchuan Market approached. In Lin Shilu's crafting room, the sound of hammering was incessant.

The two worked tirelessly, taking turns hammering the bamboo, gradually transforming it into sword blanks. Over the past fortnight, they had developed a seamless rhythm, significantly enhancing their efficiency. Without Lin Tianming's assistance, Lin Shilu would have struggled to complete the task within a month due to the considerable physical and spiritual energy demands.

As the sword blanks took shape, Lin Shilu moved on to the final step of inscribing runes. Each session took about an hour and a half, and the last sword was finally completed, joining the other nineteen in the crafting room. Each sword radiated powerful energy, indicating their exceptional quality.

Satisfied yet exhausted, Lin Shilu arranged for Lin Tianming to rest in the adjacent room. Both were utterly spent and fell into a deep sleep.

They slept for two full days. On the third morning, Lin Shilu emerged, sipping tea in the courtyard.

Lin Tianming awoke, his eyes clear and bright. After two days of rest, he felt fully rejuvenated, his sharp gaze reflecting his restored state.

After tidying up, he joined Lin Shilu in the courtyard and greeted him respectfully.

"Fifteenth Granduncle, thank you for your hard work and dedication. I am deeply grateful. Please accept this token of my appreciation," Lin Tianming said sincerely, presenting a thousand spirit stones and a bottle of second-tier spirit essence pills.

Lin Shilu, his face radiant, replied calmly, "Keep the spirit stones. The family's resources are limited, and every cultivator's journey is difficult. Without your grandfather's support during my Qi Refining stage, I wouldn't have reached the Foundation Establishment. Your grandfather has sacrificed much for our family, so I will gladly accept the pills, but you should keep the spirit stones."

"Should you need further assistance, do not hesitate to ask. I will help within my means," Lin Shilu added earnestly.

"Fifteenth Granduncle, I exchanged for a second-tier alchemy furnace at the Merit Hall, but its grade dropped to a high-grade first-tier. Could you repair it for me?" Lin Tianming asked, taking out the Si Xiang Furnace and handing it to Lin Shilu.

Examining the furnace, Lin Shilu assessed the damage and potential for repair. After a quarter of an hour, he concluded, "I can fix it. Although its grade has dropped, the damage isn't extensive. It won't take much to restore it to a second-tier lower-grade. With only a few days left until our departure, use this time to refine your set of swords. We'll meet outside the family's grand array in seven days for our journey to Qianchuan Market."

"Yes, Fifteenth Granduncle," Lin Tianming replied, gratefully taking the set of swords and bowing before leaving the courtyard.

Back at his family's courtyard, Lin Tianming sat cross-legged, suspending the twenty swords in midair. Holding one sword, he felt its powerful, volatile energy disrupting the surrounding spiritual energy. The sword vibrated in his hand, resisting his control.

A spiritual weapon not yet refined and recognized by its owner would continually release its energy. Only after refinement could its energy be controlled and contained.

"Hmph, after all the effort and materials, I won't let you go unrefined," Lin Tianming thought, determined.

He dripped a drop of his lifeblood onto the sword, which quickly absorbed it. Running his technique, he imprinted his lifeblood and spiritual consciousness onto the sword's core, beginning the refinement process.

An hour later, the first sword was refined. The golden sword now circled Lin Tianming joyfully, the once wild energy now contained. The sword seemed to possess a childlike spirit, nuzzling against Lin Tianming affectionately.

With the first sword refined, Lin Tianming continued with the remaining nineteen, preparing to fully integrate the set.