Chapter 1126: Formulating Refining Specifications and Standards

As Wuchen Zhenjun and Ao Yuxia spoke, the Fire Spirit Robe, which Chen Mobai was refining, flared brightly with radiant flames, and its spirituality surged.

Yuwen Baozhi and the others were no longer observing Chen Mobai's technique at this point, realizing that this was no longer a matter of technique, but of true skill.

However, after this lesson, their notion that refining five-grade artifacts relied on luck had completely changed. They had established a new knowledge system and felt that by following this path, they would eventually be able to independently refine five-grade artifacts and become true five-grade artifact refiners.

At that moment, the Fire Spirit Robe's flames grew increasingly brilliant. The unrestrained, vibrant golden flames prompted Wuchen Zhenjun to nod slightly.

This was the Primordial Fiery Sun True Fire, the pride of the Golden Flame Suanni. It was an incredibly formidable five-grade flame, one from which even he had suffered significant losses in the past.

Amidst the blazing flames, the Golden Flame Suanni's second head became increasingly distinct, its eyes sparkling with ardent and vibrant light. Clearly, the power of the true spirit within the robe was activated, causing its spirituality to fully awaken.

All the artifact refiners present watched this scene in astonishment. They had never imagined that after the successful awakening of the spirit, its spirituality could continue to grow.

It was well known that in the Tianhe Realm, while five-grade artifacts had been successfully refined before, the spirituality that emerged would essentially remain unchanged. At most, it would only improve later by being nurtured as a natal artifact.

Yet, in Chen Mobai's hands, the birth of spirituality was merely the beginning. It could be further enhanced while simultaneously activating the potential of the artifact's materials.

This level of artifact refinement was unheard of.

As if knowing they didn't understand, Chen Mobai spoke again, explaining: "The key to artifact refinement lies in the quality of the materials. No matter how high one's skill, without high-grade materials, I too would be unable to refine a five-grade artifact. Materials of five grades and above are incredibly rich in spirituality. If only a portion is awakened during the spirit awakening process, the remaining spirituality will dissipate over time. Therefore, it is crucial to fully awaken them and imbue them with life at the moment the artifact is completed and its spirit awakened."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the Golden Flame Suanni on the Fire Spirit Robe suddenly let out an earth-shattering roar. The golden flames surged again, almost filling the sky above the entire plaza. Its body began to swell, and its third head faintly began to condense, surrounded by an almost boundless torrent of fire-vein power.

Everyone present felt an intense oppressive aura. Even Wuchen Zhenjun and Ao Yuxia, two Transcendent-level cultivators, grew solemn, feeling as if they were facing a living true spirit.

Chen Mobai nodded gently at this sight, continuing to activate the Taichu Sutra. Delicate golden-red patterns emerged on the Fire Spirit Robe, outlining lifelike Golden Flame Suanni figures.

As his final movement concluded, the Golden Flame Suanni patterns on the robe seemed to come alive. Simultaneously, the artifact spirit's third head, which hovered amidst the golden flames in mid-air, completely stabilized, and a wondrous resonance was achieved between the two.

Finally, the surging golden flames enveloped the three-headed artifact spirit, rising and then settling. The flames on the robe were no longer merely burning; they had formed a vivid tapestry woven from fire. All the radiant flames had integrated into it, becoming contained yet fluid.

"Excellent, just as I expected. It's a top-grade five-grade artifact."

Chen Mobai, satisfied, took down the Fire Spirit Robe. After a customary inspection, he handed it to Yuwen Baozhi and the others, who had been eagerly awaiting.

The four stepped forward simultaneously, each grasping a corner of the robe.

After exchanging glances, they immediately began examining it together.

However, their actions seemed to greatly displease the robe's artifact spirit. With an angry roar, the lifelike Golden Flame Suanni flame patterns on the back of the robe seemed to leap forth, brandishing their claws and baring their fangs at them.

This scene left Yuwen Baozhi and the other three both shocked and delighted. It indicated that the spiritual strength of this robe far surpassed that of any five-grade artifact they had ever seen.

"Is... is this really a top-grade five-grade artifact?" Yuwen Baozhi asked, incredulous. He himself possessed a top-grade five-grade defensive artifact, but its spirituality, compared to this robe, was like the difference between a lion and a kitten.

"You few have decent talent in artifact refinement. If you diligently dedicate yourselves to this path, you too can reach this level in the future," Chen Mobai concluded with a reassuring remark. There were quite a few five-grade materials available in the Tianhe Realm. Given their status and position, using these high-end materials for practice might not guarantee success with every piece, but at least one or two would certainly be manageable.

Finally, he beckoned Xiao Yuli and the other two who were not far away to come closer.

After everyone had thoroughly examined the Fire Spirit Robe, this artifact refinement demonstration was considered complete.

From then on, Chen Mobai was the undisputed foremost artifact refiner of the Eastern Continent, and could even contend for the title of number one in the Tianhe Realm. After all, none of the existing Transcendent-level cultivators in this realm had ever successfully refined a six-grade artifact.

Next, Chen Mobai planned to refine the Liya Twin Hook Swords, but this would not be publicly disclosed. After all, they weren't his disciples; he couldn't possibly teach them everything.

After the refinement ended, Chen Mobai put the two robes into his storage pouch, then invited Wuchen Zhenjun and the others to a pre-prepared tall building for tea.

Besides the two Transcendent-level cultivators, Nascent Soul cultivators from Sacred Lands, such as the Azure Palace Master, were also invited.

During the gathering, Wuchen Zhenjun was the first to inquire about artifact refinement. Chen Mobai answered selectively, but even so, the knowledge he imparted was a new realm that Eastern Continent artifact refiners had never heard of.

"Young friend," Wuchen Zhenjun said with a smile, "I have a premonition that in the coming centuries, the artifact refinement industry in our Eastern Continent will flourish tremendously because of your teachings today." After Yuan Qingque's departure, he had initially thought he would have to struggle to support the righteous path of the Eastern Continent, and his hair had greyed considerably from worry. Who would have thought that a remarkable junior Transcendent-level cultivator like Chen Mobai would emerge so soon, instantly alleviating his pressure.

This unprecedented public refinement of a five-grade artifact, moreover, showed many artifact refiners in the Eastern Continent, who had been working in isolation, the most correct path forward.

At least the seven artifact refiners who participated this time would certainly see improvements after assimilating what they had learned. It wouldn't even be surprising if one or two five-grade artifact refiners emerged.

"An industry that remains stagnant will certainly not progress," Chen Mobai explained. "I intend to publish a standardized book on artifact refinement in the near future, to establish a public and fair standard for artifacts in the Eastern Continent. This way, all cultivators can use it as a basis when trading or even commissioning artifacts, for setting prices and so on…"

Chen Mobai spoke of something he had long wanted to do. In the Eastern Continent, determining the grade of an artifact was often very subjective.

Some artifacts might exhibit the power of a two-grade item, yet even if their functions were incomplete or their enchantments ineffective, they would still be classified as two-grade. Of course, some wouldn't recognize this, and trading would often involve disputes.

Once Chen Mobai established regulations and standards for all artifacts, there would be a basis for future transactions based on artifact grades. The previously disorganized artifact refinement industry would have a guiding scripture, so to speak.

"This is a good thing," Wuchen Zhenjun immediately understood Chen Mobai's intentions. "Just like the venerable elders of my sect, who established grade standards for the alchemy industry back then." As a Transcendent-level cultivator of the Eastern Continent, Chen Mobai certainly had the qualifications for this.

In fact, Yi Yuan Zhenjun had considered doing this when he was still alive, but because it was too complex and cumbersome, he ultimately only formulated standards for four-grade and five-grade artifacts, leaving the rest to market discretion.

However, the alchemy industry was different. The Daode Sect had clear catalogs and regulations, specifying what pills, their effects, the amount of materials used, and so on, with comprehensive scoring. Ninety percent of pills could be graded by reference, and even for those not covered, an assessment at the Daode Sect's Grass Hall could provide a standard.

Among all industries in the Eastern Continent, only alchemy possessed such clear standards and regulations.

This wasn't a task that, once completed, would last forever, but rather a continuous process of improvement and perfection over time. Because the Daode Sect had been a Sacred Land since ancient times, everyone had accepted its updated standards over tens of thousands of years.

If Chen Mobai were willing to regulate the artifact refinement market, Wuchen Zhenjun would be delighted to see it happen.

"Then, after I successfully refine the Liya Twin Hook Swords, I will begin preparing this book of artifact refinement regulations and standards."

After Chen Mobai communicated with Wuchen Zhenjun, there would be virtually no obstacles to this matter.

After all, the entire Eastern Continent was governed by their four Sacred Lands.

The Tai Xu Miao Palace was only concerned about the monopoly on teleportation arrays. The Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect would likely be interested in flying swords, so when Chen Mobai published his book, he could invite Ye Qing and others to contribute chapters on the regulations and standards for sword-shaped artifacts as a reference.

After hearing the conversation between the two Transcendent-level cultivators, the artifact refiners present, such as Jingchi Shangren, looked at Chen Mobai with eyes filled with awe and reverence.

If this succeeded, Chen Mobai would undoubtedly become the greatest legendary figure in the history of Eastern Continent artifact refinement.

"Fellow Daoist Chen's grand vision truly impresses me," Ao Yuxia suddenly spoke, taking out a jade box. "My son's artifact refinement skills have greatly improved, and he has successfully advanced to a five-grade artifact refiner. I have nothing adequate to offer in return, but I happen to have a six-grade Purple Fire Gold Copper. Please consider it a token of my gratitude."

Purple Fire Gold Copper was the same as the Purple Gold Yan Copper from the Immortal Sect side. Although the names differed, their properties were identical. Evidently, it wasn't a coincidence, but rather a pre-arranged offering.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai's words of refusal immediately halted on his tongue.

With this, his Eight Views Palace Lantern could be promoted to a six-grade artifact.

However, accepting such a valuable gift without due cause would incur no small amount of karma.

The Nine Heavens Profound Thunder Gold previously offered by the Nine Heavens Demon Eradication Sect was only offered to settle a truly immense debt of gratitude, which Chen Mobai had accepted with peace of mind.

Recalling Ao Yuxia's previous words, Chen Mobai pondered for a moment.

Ultimately, he shook his head and refused: "I cannot accept a reward for no merit. The gift Yuxia Zhenjun offered earlier was already sufficient."