Biquan City, Southern District Free bazaar.
This morning felt different from usual. Very early, the street facing the bazaar's main entrance had gathered quite a crowd. These people weren't browsing other stalls; instead, they clustered in small groups, buzzing with conversation. They frequently glanced towards the bazaar entrance, many eyes filled with anticipation.
"Is what you're saying really true? Does that guy really have that much clout? He barged into the Li estate, caused a conflict, even took Li Renyao hostage... and then walked out unharmed? Half of the Long family's elite and two managers from Wanbao Lodge personally showed up to back him? An Artificer that formidable... could he be a Level Four Artificer?"
Within one group, a young cultivator who had just arrived and was unclear on the situation voiced his skepticism after hearing others recount the events.
"Hey!! Don't you doubt it! Plenty of people saw it with their own eyes!"
The thin, young cultivator who had been speaking animatedly moments before, showering his listeners with spit, instantly took offense at the doubt. He scoffed, "Many fellow Daoists here know about that young cultivator named Lin Feng doing artifact repair business. After he 'closed shop' and left yesterday, some who were worried about their artifacts, and probably others with questionable intentions... secretly followed him. Guess what happened? He met up with a companion midway, then rushed straight to the Li estate and barged right in... Later, the Li gates closed, but those outside heard the fighting inside! Not long after, Long Xingwen and Long Chengkong from the Long family arrived with a group of Foundation Establishment experts. They kicked the door down without a word! When the gates flew open, people clearly saw Lin Feng in the courtyard, holding Li Renyao hostage, facing off against the Li family's numerous experts! Then the Long family intervened, things seemed to reach a stalemate. Suddenly, Manager Sun Ronghan from Wanbao Lodge and another manager, said to be surnamed Qi from their branch in Qingyun City to the south, arrived together! They demanded Lin Feng's safety under the banner of Wanbao Lodge! What kind of power is Wanbao Lodge? Even a Seventh-Rank Sect wouldn't dare provoke them lightly! How could the Li family possibly stand against them? So, in the end, they could only watch Lin Feng walk away, not daring to utter a single protest!"
After delivering this lengthy speech in one breath, the thin cultivator paused, then leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. "Though, I heard later the Li family secretly questioned some of the 'onlookers' about Lin Feng... Seems they aren't willing to swallow this loss. Probably plotting some underhanded trick! But for Lin Feng to gain such favor from both the Long family and Wanbao Lodge... his background must be complex. Add his identity as an Artificer, and that 'master' he mentioned who can even repair Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures... heh, who knows what end the Li family will meet..."
"Powerful experts wander the world freely; some great predecessors enjoy traveling. Could Lin Feng's 'master' be such a great cultivator? And a powerful Artificer at that... That Lin Feng fellow is incredibly lucky to be the disciple of such a figure..."
"But... do you really think he can fulfill his promise and bring back all the artifacts he accepted yesterday, fully repaired today? I don't know much about artifact crafting, but normally, even repairing a Low-Grade Spirit Treasure at Wanbao Lodge takes several days, right? Could that 'senior' really be that capable?"
"If he couldn't, would Lin Feng dare make such a boast? Whether you believe it or not, I certainly do... heh, I specifically brought my Mid-Grade Spirit Treasure I went through hell to acquire. It nearly got destroyed hunting demon beasts last time, and I never dared take it to Wanbao Lodge for repair. Now I can finally get it fixed! Heard it's many times cheaper than at an artifact shop..."
"I also think it's probably true. Anyway, it's almost time; he should be here soon. We'll find out then..."
"..."
Lin Feng hadn't even arrived, yet rumors about him were already swirling fiercely within the Free bazaar. Everyone was intensely curious about this suddenly emerged cultivator with a 'powerful background', and even more curious about his 'artifact repair' business.
Before long, one person near the street entrance turned to look towards the bazaar entrance direction again. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed excitedly, "He's here!! He's here!! Lin Feng is here!!"
This shout instantly drew the attention of almost everyone nearby. They all turned to look towards the entrance. Sure enough, they saw a group of four walking slowly towards them. The one leading was unmistakably Lin Feng.
"Huh, quite the welcoming committee?"
Lin Feng also saw the large crowd ahead. He paused slightly, then muttered to himself with a smile, "Seems the promotional effect was good. Guess my reputation should grow even bigger after today? Promising development..."
"Big Brother, those people..."
Zhang Fangzhou and the others were also startled by the crowd ahead. Feeling the intense gazes of so many fixed on their group made their skin crawl.
"They're probably all waiting for us. Let's go..."
Lin Feng waved his hand and led the three swiftly forward.
"Haha! Daoist Lin, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for quite some time..."
As they got closer, a middle-aged man in a yellow robe stepped forward, greeting Lin Feng with a broad smile.
Lin Feng recognized him as one of his 'customers' who had entrusted him with a High-Grade Spirit Treasure. Clearly, the man was also impatient, having waited here since early morning. Lin Feng gave him a slight nod and smiled. "Apologies for the wait, everyone. Rest assured, all your artifacts have been repaired. Let's proceed to the stall first. Those who placed orders yesterday can come forward one by one to retrieve their artifacts."
"Truly repaired?!" The middle-aged man's face brightened with joy. "Excellent! Excellent! Let's go right away! Hey... make way, make way!! Don't block Daoist Lin! Everyone, move aside!"
Those nearby heard Lin Feng's words. Many looked delighted. Hearing the middle-aged man's shouts, the crowd slowly parted, creating a pathway first for Lin Feng and his group to pass. Then, everyone followed behind as they headed towards Lin Feng's 'stall'.
The large procession moved half a street down and stopped before a stall. Lin Feng led Zhang Fangzhou and his brothers behind the counter. He set down the stall board and placed the familiar 'signboard' on top. Then, he cleared his throat and announced:
"Fellow Daoists, if you wish to commission artifact repairs, please wait a moment longer. For now, those who entrusted artifacts yesterday, please come forward to retrieve them. Please remember to return the 'deposit' and pay the agreed-upon repair fee. Thank you for your cooperation."
"Haha! I'll go first!"
The man in the yellow robe stepped forward promptly, handing over a prepared spirit stone pouch. "This contains the 'deposit' Daoist Lin gave me yesterday, plus the agreed repair fee. Please verify, Daoist Lin."
Yesterday, he had only taken about thirty-plus orders. Thanks to a cultivator's strong memory, Lin Feng recalled every single one clearly, so no written receipts had been necessary. He took the spirit stone pouch, checked it briefly, then nodded with a smile. With a flick of his right hand, he produced a gleaming three-foot-long sword and handed it over. "All correct. Here is your artifact."
The moment the middle-aged man saw the sword Lin Feng produced, his eyes sparkled. He eagerly took it, examining it with delight for a few moments. Then, he flicked the blade with two fingers.
Zheng…
A crisp, clear ringing sound resonated. The blade shimmered slightly, radiating sharp light. The man exclaimed in admiration, "Truly completely repaired... just like when it was newly forged!! Haha! Truly impressive!"
He clasped his fists towards Lin Feng and said loudly, "My thanks, Daoist Lin!"
Lin Feng smiled. "You're welcome."
"Hey! My turn now, my turn... Please excuse me, I also need to collect my artifact!"
"Me too, me too... Please let me through..."
"..."
After the yellow-robed man stepped back satisfied, several others immediately surged forward, eagerly crowding in front of Lin Feng.
The cultivators who had entrusted artifacts yesterday were naturally the most invested. Almost all of them had arrived early. Seeing Lin Feng actually produce fully repaired artifacts filled them with pleasant surprise and impatience to retrieve their possessions.
"Please don't crowd; form an orderly line. Rest assured, all your artifacts are repaired; there's no need to rush..."
Lin Feng spoke calmly while giving Zhang Fangzhou and the others a meaningful look, signaling them to help manage the crowd and maintain order. Zhang Fangzhou, Yao Wangtian, and Qin Xiao immediately moved to the front, gently guiding people into a semblance of a line and politely asking those pushing forward to wait their turn.
Lin Feng handled the transactions efficiently. His movements were smooth as he accepted spirit stone pouches, verified the contents, and retrieved the corresponding, perfectly restored artifact from his spatial ring. The process was swift, aided by his clear recollection of each customer and artifact.
One by one, cultivators received their treasures. Reactions ranged from joyful exclamations to stunned silence as they inspected artifacts that looked brand new. Some tested their weapons – a dagger emitted a sharp whistle, a shield glowed faintly as protective runes activated smoothly, a fire-red staff pulsed warmly. Each successful handover visibly boosted the confidence and excitement in the crowd. Murmurs of approval spread:
"Incredible! My Earthbound Hammer feels even better than before!" "The cracks are completely gone! The spirit patterns are flawless!" "He truly did it overnight... amazing!" "The fee was far cheaper than Wanbao Lodge!"
As the last of yesterday's customers received their artifact and paid their fee, a palpable wave of relief and satisfaction washed over that group. However, it was immediately replaced by a surge of renewed energy from the much larger crowd of potential new customers who had been patiently (or impatiently) waiting their turn. Dozens of hopeful cultivators pressed forward, clutching damaged swords, dented armor, cracked jade pendants, frayed silk gloves, and scorched talismans. Their eyes were fixed intently on Lin Feng, the newly proven miracle-worker of artifact repair.
Lin Feng surveyed the eager faces before him, a faint, satisfied smile touching his corners of his mouth. The demonstration had worked perfectly. He straightened slightly behind the counter, Zhang Fangzhou instinctively moving closer beside him, ready to assist with the inevitable influx.
"Now," Lin Feng announced, his voice clear and carrying over the murmur of the crowd, "For those wishing to commission repairs today, please form orderly lines. We will accept commissions as before. Please present your artifact for assessment first so I can quote the fee and deposit amount. My assistants will help manage the queue."
A ripple of movement surged through the crowd as everyone jostled slightly to find their place, the buzz of conversation rising again, this time tinged with anticipation and competitive spirit to be among the first served. The sheer scale of interest was immense, far surpassing yesterday. Word of his success against the Li family and the proven efficacy of his repairs had spread like wildfire. Today wasn't just about fixing artifacts; it was the undeniable emergence of a significant new presence in Biquan City. Lin Feng settled in for a long, busy, and undoubtedly profitable day. The seeds sown yesterday, through confrontation and competence, were bearing fruit spectacularly.