"Too slow. You activate the array pattern; I'll handle the impurity removal."
Qin Chen let out another cold shout, his hands swiftly forming a series of intricate seals. Thin threads of mental energy, barely perceptible, flowed into the molten Black Radiance Nether Stone, vibrating at an extraordinarily high frequency. Soon, tiny specks of dust-like impurities began drifting away. The liquid form of the Black Radiance Nether Stone grew increasingly lustrous, shifting from a dull black to a glossy, radiant black. By the end, its surface was so smooth and reflective it could clearly mirror a person's face.
Liang Yu, standing to the side, was utterly dumbfounded. Qin Chen's mental energy didn't even reach the first tier—compared to Liang Yu's second-tier mental strength, it was leagues apart. Yet his purification speed was several times faster, completely overturning everything Liang Yu understood about weapon refining.
Only after Qin Chen finished purifying did Liang Yu, flustered, begin activating the array pattern.
*Buzz!*
The array pattern Qin Chen had inscribed sprang to life. Its lines lit up like neon lights, one after another, and a strange force field rippled through the refining chamber.
Qin Chen pointed at the array table, channeling his mental energy into the formation. The liquid sphere of Black Radiance Nether Stone seemed drawn by the array's power, autonomously floating into the formation and hovering above its glowing surface, trembling incessantly.
The liquid's pulsation grew more intense, its once-smooth surface sprouting sharp protrusions. Qin Chen carefully controlled the rhythm of the Black Radiance Nether Stone with his mental energy, letting it pulse freely.
The protrusions extended further, and under Qin Chen's guidance, countless fine threads began forming naturally along them. The entire process required no deliberate shaping from Qin Chen—just subtle direction through his mental energy.
Liang Yu, maintaining the array pattern, stared in slack-jawed amazement, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
Qin Chen's refining method was utterly unlike standard treasured weapon forging. It was incomprehensible, like reading a celestial script.
"Separate!"
Suddenly, Qin Chen gave a low shout, his eyes flashing with divine light. He extended his right index finger and lightly tapped the Black Radiance Nether Stone material.
*Pop!* With a soft sound, the material burst apart, splitting into eighteen shimmering, needle-like rays of light that radiated brilliance.
The eighteen divine needles gently landed in Qin Chen's hands. Each one was crystalline and translucent, adorned with spiral patterns and intricate runic array inscriptions. They seemed naturally formed, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that captivated the soul.
"Finally done."
Qin Chen let out a long breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He carefully wrapped the eighteen divine needles and tucked them away.
Drawing on his vast experience from his past life, combined with Liang Yu's assistance, he had successfully forged the Heavenly Meridian Divine Needles—something even an ordinary third-tier weapon refiner might struggle to create. A sense of satisfaction welled up within him.
He glanced at the still-dazed Liang Yu and said calmly, "Take two taels of crescent leaf, add three aloe flowers, simmer them in rootless water over a low flame for two hours. Bathe in it every night at midnight for half an hour. After seven days, the charm poison will naturally dissipate."
Liang Yu was still reeling from the shock of the refining process. By the time he came to his senses, Qin Chen had already left the chamber.
"Who is this kid? How does he possess such incredible mastery of weapon refining? Unfathomable—truly unfathomable!" Liang Yu's heart trembled with awe. For the first time since becoming a weapon refiner, he felt utterly ignorant.
The overwhelming impact left him with a budding sense of admiration and respect for Qin Chen—feelings he couldn't even believe he was capable of harboring.
"This boy must never be made an enemy." Liang Yu took a deep breath. The resentment and hatred he'd felt earlier had vanished completely, replaced by an urge to take Qin Chen as his master.
If he could master the techniques Qin Chen had just demonstrated, he was certain his path in weapon refining would reach heights he'd never dared to imagine.
Meanwhile, in the Weapon Hall, Qin Fen and Zhao Lingshan, who had been driven out by Liang Yu, stood bewildered and at a loss.
Then they saw Qin Chen emerge.
"Qin Chen, what did you say to Master Liang to make him so furious?" Qin Fen stormed up to him, roaring in anger.
Qin Chen gave him a sidelong glance, then ignored him entirely, heading toward the exit of the Weapon Hall.
"Damn it!" Qin Fen's rage erupted. Qin Chen's repeated disregard pushed him over the edge. With a leap, his face twisted with fury, he swung a fist at Qin Chen.
"Stop!"
Liang Yu, hurrying out of the Weapon Hall, saw this and his expression darkened. He let out a thunderous shout.
*Boom!*
An invisible wave of force surged forth, striking Qin Fen and sending him crashing to the ground in a pitiful heap.
"Master!" Zhao Lingshan rushed forward.
Liang Yu ignored her, striding straight to Qin Fen. Squinting down at him, he said coldly, "Hmph, this is the Weapon Hall. You dare to attack here? Do you take the rules of my hall for nothing?"
His gaze was icy, his body radiating a tangible killing intent.
"Isn't that the second young master of the Qin family? How did he offend Master Liang?"
"Daring to fight in the Weapon Hall—he must be tired of living!"
"Heh, even though Marquis Anping holds the rank of mid-tier general, the Weapon Hall won't give him any face."
At that moment, the first-floor hall was bustling with people coming and going. Hearing the commotion, they stopped in their tracks, watching with curiosity and anticipation.
Qin Fen, blasted to the ground by Liang Yu, ached all over. But the fear in his heart far outweighed the physical pain. With a jolt, he scrambled to his feet, stammering in panic, "Master Liang, I didn't mean to do this. I only acted because I saw Qin Chen disrespecting you. I wanted to apprehend him. Please forgive me, Master! Rest assured, when I get back, I'll make sure my father punishes Qin Chen severely and has him come to you personally to beg for forgiveness."
Liang Yu gave him a cold look and said in a deep voice, "That person just now is from your Qin family?"
Thinking Qin Chen had offended Liang Yu, Qin Fen hurriedly explained, "Master Liang, though Qin Chen is part of the Qin family, he's just my aunt's illegitimate child—a bastard. My father has long wanted to drive this little beast out of the Qin household. His actions have nothing to do with our family."
Inwardly, he seethed with resentment, silently cursing Qin Chen a dozen times over.
"So it's him!"
Liang Yu pondered briefly. He had, of course, heard of Qin Yuechi's story.
"Master Liang, I'll go drag that little beast back right now and let you teach him a lesson," Qin Fen said, preparing to charge out.
"No need. I have no interest in your Qin family's affairs, nor do I want any ties with you. Leave. I don't want to see you again. As for your treasured weapon—hmph—you dared to fight in my Weapon Hall. Not punishing you further is already mercy. Don't even think about getting it. Get lost."
"Master, I…" Qin Fen was stunned. What did Master Liang mean? Was he refusing to forge his treasured weapon? He'd clearly agreed earlier!
"You what? Get out! Or do I need to throw you out myself?" Liang Yu's eyes narrowed, a hint of killing intent leaking out.
"Yes, I'm going, I'm going right now!"
Amid the astonished murmurs of the crowd, Qin Fen's face burned red with shame and fury as he fled the Weapon Hall.
Outside, his killing intent solidified, and he roared inwardly with twisted rage, "Damn you, Qin Chen! If it weren't for you, how could I have been humiliated by Master Liang and lost a treasured weapon? Just you wait—this shame will be avenged!"
Gnashing his teeth, his eyes glinted with venomous resentment.