Reaching Foundation Establishment Level Two less than a month after initially establishing his Foundation was a pace that could be described as 'genius' purely in terms of advancement speed. However, considering the cultivation environment he had been in and the resources he had consumed, this speed became merely 'normal'.
If someone couldn't achieve this progress with the aid of a Tier 3 Essence Gathering Array, the assistance of top-grade Spirit Nurturing Pills, the nourishment of lavish spirit food, and an ample supply of spirit stones, then that person probably wasn't suited for cultivation at all.
After reaching Foundation Establishment Level Two, Lin Feng finally ended his semi-secluded cultivation state and prepared to attend to other matters.
...
That morning, Lin Feng, accompanied by Zhang Fangzhou and his brothers, left his residence and headed for the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
As Lin Feng entered, it was once again the shop assistant Xiao Die who was the first to greet him. Her expression held a touch of pleasant surprise as she smiled and said, "Young Master Lin, you've finally come! Are you here to see Manager Qi?"
Lin Feng nodded with a smile. "Yes. Is Manager Qi in?"
"He is." Xiao Die gave a delicate nod. "Manager Qi returned several days ago. I told him you had come looking for him, and he instructed me to inform him immediately if you came again. He's on the second floor right now. Please wait a moment; I'll go ask him to come down."
"Alright, thank you for your trouble." A sense of being valued filled Lin Feng as he nodded. He then led Zhang Fangzhou and the others to the seating area deeper inside the main hall. Moments later, footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Qi Minghe, clad in a dark blue long robe, descended with a warm smile.
"Young Friend Lin, you've finally arrived... I apologize for not being here during your last visit."
Qi Minghe was exceptionally cordial, nodding politely to each of Lin Feng's companions. His smile was genuine, clearly pleased by Lin Feng's arrival.
"Manager Qi, you flatter me," Lin Feng replied. "When I left Biquan City last time, I failed to take my leave from you and Manager Sun. I should be the one apologizing."
"Young Friend Lin had his own arrangements; naturally, there was no need for a special farewell," Qi Minghe said with an understanding smile, then asked seemingly casually, "Was your journey back smooth, Young Friend Lin?"
Lin Feng knew that the 'disappearance' of so many Li family members couldn't be hidden from someone like Qi Minghe. It was obvious the man suspected Lin Feng's involvement, though he didn't voice it. Lin Feng nodded meaningfully. "Hmm, we encountered a few 'minor troubles' along the way, but they were resolved. It went relatively smoothly."
"So it was true... The Li family members perished at his hands, or rather, his 'master's' hands? And they possessed that White Tiger Fierce Soul Talisman fragment..." A flash of astonishment crossed Qi Minghe's eyes, despite his efforts to remain composed. He had left Biquan City a few days after Lin Feng. By then, the 'disappearance' of Li Family Head Li Ziyao, Second Master Li Ziqing, and even the old patriarch Li Yanghui – nearly half of the Li family's Foundation Establishment experts – was already the talk of the town. Combined with Lin Feng's sudden 'disappearance', everyone understood the implication: those Li family members had most likely gone to pursue and kill Lin Feng after he left. Their prolonged absence spoke volumes about the outcome...
Now, with Lin Feng's tacit 'confirmation', Qi Minghe's estimation of Lin Feng, and more importantly, the master behind him, rose significantly. His resolve to foster a good relationship with them solidified. He continued with a smile, "By the way, Senior Lian asked me to pass on a message. He said that once he has some free time, he will personally come to Qingyun City to pay a visit to your esteemed master and seek guidance in the Artificing Dao."
"Ah..." Lin Feng was momentarily stunned, thinking inwardly about the old man's persistence. He could only respond vaguely again, "This... I'm afraid Senior Lian will be disappointed. My master just recently had business that took him away, and it's unlikely he'll be back anytime soon."
"Oh, is that so? Heh heh, well then, I will inform Senior Lian to postpone his visit." Qi Minghe nodded with a smile. He wasn't necessarily blind to Lin Feng's evasiveness. In fact, he suspected this might be on the instructions of Lin Feng's master – such a lofty senior expert likely had no desire to meet outsiders casually. Who could just demand an audience whenever they pleased?
Lin Feng, wanting to steer the conversation away from his 'master', changed the subject. "By the way, Manager Qi, I've actually come this time to ask for your help with something."
"Oh? What is it? Please, speak freely. If it's within my power, I will certainly do my best," Qi Minghe replied, his eyes brightening slightly. He had been searching for a good opportunity to draw closer to Lin Feng; the young man seeking his help was perfect.
Lin Feng produced a list and handed it over. "I need the materials listed here. I was wondering if Manager Qi could help me source them?"
"Artificing materials?" Qi Minghe felt a slight pang of disappointment. Just buying materials wasn't exactly a big favor; it wouldn't create much of a 'debt of gratitude'. However, when he took the list and scanned it, he froze abruptly.
"Tier 6 Soul Lock Stone?! Tier 6 Heavenly Profound Jade?! Tier 6 Dark Gold Essence?! Th-this... these are all Tier 6 materials?! And... a late Tier 3 Demon Core?!"
He stared incredulously at the items listed for several moments, then lifted his gaze to Lin Feng, his voice filled with shock and doubt. "You... what do you need so many high-grade materials for? Could it be... you... your esteemed master intends to forge a superior-grade spirit artifact?! Or even... a peak-grade spirit artifact?!"
Lin Feng shook his head. "It's not for forging a treasure, but for repairing one... Manager Qi, do you think you can help me obtain these materials?"
"Repairing a treasure?!" A gleam flashed in Qi Minghe's eyes, and he blurted out, "Could it be the White—" He cut himself off halfway, abruptly stopping. Suppressing the shock within him, his expression turned slightly troubled. "These are all extremely rare and precious materials. Even the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion in Biquan City doesn't have them in stock; they would need to be requested from the headquarters... But rest assured, Young Friend Lin, leave this matter to me. I will do everything possible to gather these materials for you as quickly as I can."
Lin Feng's heart leapt with joy. "In that case, I leave it in your hands, Manager Qi! Thank you so much!"
"Young Friend Lin, there's no need for such formality," Qi Minghe said with a wave of his hand, his smile returning. Then, he added, "Actually, speaking of which, I have a presumptuous request of my own. I'd like to ask for your opinion, Young Friend Lin."
"Hmm?" Lin Feng was taken aback. "What is it, Manager Qi? Please, speak freely."
Qi Minghe explained, "It's like this. I would like to formally invite you, Young Friend Lin, to become an Honorary Artificer for our Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. What are your thoughts?"
"Become an Honorary Artificer for the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?" Lin Feng stared blankly for a second, then his expression turned hesitant. "This..."
Qi Minghe quickly clarified, "Young Friend Lin, please don't misunderstand. I am not asking you to formally join the Pavilion or follow its directives. It's purely an honorary position. You would be under no obligations whatsoever. You would only need to assist us with the forging or repair of treasures when you have the time and inclination. Naturally, we would provide commensurate compensation for any work you undertake. Moreover, should you have any needs, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion would prioritize fulfilling them. For instance, the materials you require now – if you become our Honorary Artificer, you could purchase them at our most favorable internal prices."
He added reassuringly, "Of course, this is merely a proposal. The decision to accept rests entirely with you, Young Friend Lin."
With things put so clearly, Lin Feng found it difficult to refuse outright. Moreover, after careful consideration, he realized accepting held no disadvantages and offered considerable benefits. At the very least, it would open another channel for earning spirit stones – repairing treasures for the Pavilion would save him the trouble of setting up a stall again. Given the Pavilion's vast scale and reputation, there should be no shortage of business.
Having made his decision, Lin Feng nodded. "Very well, I accept, Manager Qi. However, I have one condition: I will not take on any forging commissions. I will only handle repairs. The Pavilion can assign me any repair commissions for treasures below mid-grade Precious Artifacts. Hmm... perhaps in a little while, I might be able to handle peak-grade Precious Artifacts as well."
"Oh? Excellent! Then it's settled! I'll be relying on your assistance greatly from now on, Young Friend Lin..."
Qi Minghe was inwardly delighted. Inviting Lin Feng to become an Honorary Artificer would make fostering their relationship even more convenient. He had actually considered inviting Lin Feng's 'master', but knew that was impossible. Securing Lin Feng himself was still a significant gain. The young man possessed a Unique Flame and was a Tier 4 Artificer. The Qingyun City branch originally only had a single Tier 3 Artificer. Commissions for mid-grade Precious Artifacts or above usually had to be sent to Biquan City for completion. With Lin Feng on board, that hassle would be eliminated.
Furthermore, what did Lin Feng mean by 'perhaps in a little while' he could repair peak-grade Precious Artifacts?! Could it be that his artificing skills had advanced again?!
Thinking this, Qi Minghe's assessment of Lin Feng rose yet another level. He marveled silently, "So young, yet already with such achievements. Even in the major centers of power, such talent would be considered rare, wouldn't it?"