Chapter 13: Divine Needles Completed

"You're too slow. You activate the array patterns while I remove the impurities."

Qin Chen coldly shouted again, his hands swiftly forming a series of hand seals. Wisps of extremely faint spiritual power seeped into the molten Dark Netherstone, vibrating at an extremely high frequency. Immediately, dust-like impurities drifted away, while the liquefied Dark Netherstone grew increasingly lustrous, transitioning from dark black to a glossy obsidian. By the end, its surface resembled a mirror, clearly reflecting human faces.

Beside him, Liang Yu was utterly stunned. Qin Chen's spiritual power had not even reached the first rank—far inferior to his own second-rank spiritual power—yet his purification speed was several times faster, completely overturning Liang Yu's understanding of artifact forging.

Only after Qin Chen finished purifying did Liang Yu clumsily begin activating the array patterns.

Hum!

The array patterns Qin Chen had previously carved suddenly came alive. Each line lit up like neon lights, and a peculiar force field rippled through the forging chamber.

Qin Chen pointed at the array platform, channeling his spiritual power into the formation. The liquefied Dark Netherstone sphere, as if guided by the array's power, autonomously entered the formation and hovered above the glowing patterns, trembling continuously.

The liquid sphere's vibrations intensified, and sharp spikes protruded from its originally smooth surface. Qin Chen carefully controlled the Dark Netherstone's rhythm with his spiritual power, allowing it to pulsate freely.

As the spikes extended, Qin Chen guided their growth with his spiritual power. Countless microscopic spirals naturally formed along each spike without deliberate manipulation—a process achieved solely through subtle spiritual guidance.

Liang Yu, while maintaining the array, gaped in disbelief, his eyes nearly bulging out. Qin Chen's forging method was utterly different from conventional treasure weapon crafting, as incomprehensible as deciphering celestial texts.

"Split!"

Suddenly, Qin Chen shouted lowly, his pupils glowing with divine light as he lightly tapped the Dark Netherstone with his right index finger.

Pop!

The Dark Netherstone material abruptly shattered into eighteen gleaming needle-like rays, emitting blinding light.

The eighteen divine needles gently landed in Qin Chen's palm. Each was crystalline, adorned with spiral patterns and talismanic array lines, as if naturally formed—a masterpiece so exquisite it mesmerized the mind.

"Finally done."

Qin Chen let out a long breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and carefully wrapped the eighteen needles before storing them away.

Using his past life's expertise and Liang Yu's assistance, he had forged the Celestial Meridian Divine Needles—a feat even ordinary third-rank blacksmiths might fail to achieve. A sense of fulfillment welled within him.

Qin Chen glanced at the stupefied Liang Yu and said indifferently, "Take two liang of moonleaf, add three aloe flowers, simmer in rootless water over low heat for two hours. Bathe in it at midnight for half an hour each night. In seven days, the charm poison will dissipate."

By the time Liang Yu regained his senses, Qin Chen had already left the forging chamber.

Who is this boy? How does he possess such profound forging skills? Liang Yu's mind reeled with shock. For the first time since becoming a blacksmith, he felt utterly ignorant. The overwhelming impact even stirred a sliver of worship and admiration toward Qin Chen—a notion he himself found unbelievable.

This person must never be made an enemy. Liang Yu took a deep breath. His earlier resentment had vanished entirely, replaced by an urge to bow before Qin Chen as a disciple. Mastering the techniques Qin Chen had just demonstrated would undoubtedly elevate his craft to unimaginable heights.

In the Artificer Hall

Qin Fen and Zhao Lingshan, expelled earlier by Liang Yu, stood bewildered. Then they saw Qin Chen emerge.

"Qin Chen! What did you say to enrage Master Liang?!" Qin Fen rushed forward, roaring furiously.

Qin Chen glanced at him, then ignored him completely, walking toward the hall's exit.

"Bastard!" Qin Fen's rage exploded. Qin Chen's repeated contempt had pushed him to the brink. With a vicious snarl, he lunged at Qin Chen, fist aimed at his back.

"STOP!"

Liang Yu, who had hurried out of the hall, paled at the sight and bellowed.

Boom!

An invisible force struck Qin Fen, hurling him to the ground in disarray.

"Master…" Zhao Lingshan hurried forward.

Liang Yu ignored her, striding to Qin Fen and narrowing his eyes. "This is the Artificer Hall. By attacking here, have you no regard for our rules?" His voice dripped with murderous intent.

"Isn't that the Qin family's second young master? How did he offend Master Liang?"

"Daring to strike in the Artificer Hall—is he tired of living?"

"Though the Peace Marquis holds military rank, the Artificer Hall owes him no favors."

Crowds in the first-floor hall paused to watch, eager for drama.

Qin Fen, sprawled on the floor, trembled more from terror than pain. He scrambled up, pleading, "Master Liang, I meant no disrespect! I only sought to apprehend Qin Chen for his insolence toward you! I swear my father will punish him severely and make him kneel before you!"

Liang Yu coldly replied, "Was that boy from your Qin family?"

Qin Fen, thinking Qin Chen had offended Liang Yu, hastily explained, "Though Qin Chen bears the Qin name, he's the bastard son of my aunt! My father has long sought to expel him! His actions have nothing to do with us!"

"So it's him." Liang Yu's eyes narrowed—he knew of Qin Yuechi's scandal.

"Master Liang, let me drag that wretch back for your judgment!" Qin Fen made to charge out.

"Enough!" Liang Yu snapped. "Your family affairs mean nothing here. Leave now, and never let me see you again. As for your treasure weapon—consider it forfeited for violating our rules. Now get out!"

"But Master, you promised—" Qin Fen stammered, dumbfounded.

"Must I throw you out myself?!" Liang Yu's killing intent flared.

"Yes! I'll go! I'll go!"

Amidst the crowd's jeers, Qin Fen fled, face burning with humiliation.

Outside the Artificer Hall, Qin Fen's hatred solidified into tangible malice. Damn Qin Chen! Because of him, I've lost face before Master Liang and my treasure weapon! I'll make you pay for this shame!

He ground his teeth, eyes blazing with venomous spite.