"What kind of artifact is this?"
Lin Feng was momentarily taken aback. He accepted the artifact and examined it closely. It was about the size of an ordinary dinner plate, less than an inch thick. One side was smooth and flat, likely the base, while the other was densely inscribed with intricate, seemingly meaningless runes that made one's head spin just looking at them.
Lu Su explained, "A cultivator brought this to the shop for sale just a while ago, claiming he found it by chance in a hidden realm. I thought it looked rather unique, so I accepted it. However, after careful study, I realized I couldn't determine what this artifact actually is, nor discern its materials, or even confirm its grade. Young friend Lin, take a look. Can you perceive anything?"
"Oh? That strange?" Lin Feng was surprised and scrutinized the artifact in his hand once more. In terms of breadth of knowledge, he naturally couldn't compare to an experienced artificer like Lu Su. How could he see anything Lu Su missed? But he had his own way of confirming certain things...
"Equipment Integrity: 20%"
"Materials Required for Repair: Tier Four Profound Ore Essence - 50 cubic centimeters; Tier Four Alum-Luminous Crystal - 25 cubic centimeters; Tier Four Azure Flame Sand - 100 grams."
With a slight stir of his thoughts, this string of information instantly appeared in Lin Feng's mind. His eyes flickered almost imperceptibly, and a faint, unconscious smile touched the corner of his lips.
"What? Young friend Lin, did you notice something?!" Lu Su had been watching Lin Feng intently. Seeing the subtle change in his expression, he asked eagerly, clearly surprised.
Lin Feng gave a slight nod. Then, pretending uncertainty, he meticulously studied the artifact again before finally speaking. "If I'm not mistaken, this artifact should be, at most, a top-grade treasure artifact. The primary material is likely Profound Ore Essence. As for its specific function... I'm afraid I can't discern that yet…"
"Profound Ore Essence?!" Lu Su's eyebrows shot up in surprise and doubt. "Profound Ore Essence is a Tier Four material, but it's significantly more difficult to refine and forge than common Tier Five materials! Very few artificers attempt to craft artifacts with it. Are you certain this artifact is made from it?"
Lin Feng nodded confidently. "It should be correct. I... I've seen my Master use this material for forging before, so I'm somewhat familiar with it."
"Your esteemed Master has also forged artifacts using Profound Ore Essence?" Lu Su remarked with astonishment, his expression a mix of belief and skepticism. He took the artifact back from Lin Feng and examined it closely once more. Finally, with a focused effort, he channeled his aura energy. Pfft! A plume of refining flame erupted from his palm, enveloping the artifact.
Lin Feng's eyes brightened. He understood Lu Su was using the refining flame to analyze the artifact's material composition. This was the first time he'd witnessed an artificer perform this technique firsthand, and his curiosity was piqued. He observed carefully, noting that Lu Su's refining flame seemed to be just an ordinary spirit flame. Even amplified by Lu Su's Golden Core cultivation, it paled in comparison to the sheer power and heat of his own Magma Flame.
After a few moments, Lu Su withdrew his flame, a look of dawning realization mixed with lingering surprise on his face. He muttered to himself, "It's true… It is Profound Ore Essence! I actually failed to recognize it earlier…"
At this point, Duan Chenglian, who had been observing quietly, spoke up. "Young friend Lin, are you certain this is only a top-grade treasure artifact? Why then could we not detect any function when we tested it? Wouldn't that imply it requires a special activation method? If that's the case, it might be more than just a treasure artifact."
Lin Feng replied thoughtfully, "That… I'm not clear about. I also cannot determine what kind of artifact it is. However, I am fairly certain it hasn't reached the level of a spirit artifact."
Duan Chenglian pondered for a moment, then turned back to Lu Su. "Well, if it's merely a treasure artifact, Senior Brother Lu, couldn't you repair it? Perhaps its current severe damage is masking its true nature. Once restored, its function might become apparent."
Lu Su, however, looked troubled. "This… I'm afraid not. As I mentioned earlier, Profound Ore Essence, despite being Tier Four, is notoriously difficult to melt and manipulate—far more so than typical Tier Four materials. I have never successfully melted this material before. Attempting to repair this artifact… I doubt I could manage it…"
Duan Chenglian's expression fell slightly. "Is that so? Then I suppose we'll have to wait for Elder Dong to return and ask him to undertake the repair…"
Just then, Lin Feng spoke up unexpectedly. "Seniors, perhaps… I could help you repair this artifact."
"What?!" Lu Su and Duan Chenglian exclaimed simultaneously, their voices overlapping in disbelief. "You can repair it?!"
"Ah! Of course!" Lu Su's eyes suddenly blazed with understanding and excitement. "You are also a Tier Four Artificer, and… you possess a Heavenly Flame!! With a Heavenly Flame, melting Profound Ore Essence should be possible! However," he added, his enthusiasm tempered by caution, "the artifact's composition surely isn't solely Profound Ore Essence. There might even be embedded artifact arrays within. Are you certain you can repair it?"
Lin Feng met his gaze steadily. "It should be manageable."
"Haha! Excellent! Then today we shall have the privilege of witnessing young friend Lin's forging skills!" Lu Su declared, his anticipation palpable. He handed the artifact back to Lin Feng. "Young friend, do you need to analyze its other material components now?"
"Mm, it would be best," Lin Feng agreed readily. He couldn't simply blurt out the names of the Alum-Luminous Crystal and Azure Flame Sand; that would seem far too suspicious after only a cursory glance. To avoid raising doubts, it was better to 'analyze' it using refining flame first, and then reveal the materials.
Taking the artifact back, Lin Feng paused thoughtfully for a moment. Then, mimicking Lu Su's earlier action, he summoned his own refining flame.
WHOOSH!!
The moment Magma Flame appeared, the temperature in the entire room surged dramatically. The intense, palpable heat radiating from the flame caused both Lu Su and Duan Chenglian to instinctively narrow their eyes against the glare.
"This is… Magma Flame!!"
Lu Su's eyes shone with fervent admiration as he stared at the Heavenly Flame dancing in Lin Feng's hand. Magma Flame! It was one of the legendary Heavenly Flames countless artificers dreamed of possessing! His life's passion was artificing, yet his innate talent had limited him; decades of dedicated practice had only brought him to Tier Four. He had often dreamed that possessing a Heavenly Flame might finally allow him to break through to Tier Five, but that wish had remained unfulfilled. Seeing Lin Feng wield Magma Flame now filled him with profound envy.
Yet, it was purely envy. He harbored no trace of greed or covetousness towards Lin Feng's precious flame.
Lin Feng performed the 'analysis' with practiced concentration, holding the artifact within the Magma Flame. He genuinely tried to focus his mind on the object, but lacking any formal training in artificing techniques, he naturally perceived nothing new. After a short while, he withdrew the Heavenly Flame.
"Well? Did you identify the other materials?" Lu Su asked almost breathlessly the moment the flame vanished.
Lin Feng nodded. "Yes, I believe so. Besides the Profound Ore Essence, there should also be a small amount of Alum-Luminous Crystal and Azure Flame Sand. Does the shop have these materials available? If so, I could attempt the repair immediately."
Duan Chenglian's face lit up with delight. "We do! I'll fetch them myself!"
He swiftly left the room. True to his word, he returned shortly with portions of all three requested materials.
Lin Feng saw that the quantities provided far exceeded what his repair ability actually required. "Very well. I can repair the artifact right here. It shouldn't take too long. However…" he paused, his expression turning serious, "I require absolute concentration during the repair process. I'm afraid I must ask both Seniors to step outside for a while."
"Absolutely! We'll wait right outside!" Lu Su agreed readily, understanding perfectly. As an artificer himself, he knew how crucial a controlled environment could be for forging. Only the most formidable, high-level artificers could perform complex work under any conditions.
...
Once Lu Su and Duan Chenglian had left, Lin Feng was alone in the room. He gathered the artifact and the materials from the table, placing them together on his right palm. Taking a moment to center himself, he focused his mind and silently commanded: "Repair."
WHOOSH!!
In an instant, the Magma Flame erupted once more, engulfing both the damaged artifact and the materials in its intense, swirling embrace.
Repairing a top-grade treasure artifact still required a certain amount of time for Lin Feng. Moreover, even if the repair itself was swift, he knew he had to wait a reasonable interval before calling the others back in. Rushing it would only invite suspicion.
...
Outside the room, Lu Su and Duan Chenglian hadn't gone far; they lingered just beyond the door. Though both were Golden Core cultivators, they respectfully refrained from using their spiritual sense to probe inside, unwilling to disturb Lin Feng or violate his privacy.
Feeling the distinct fluctuations of the Heavenly Flame emanating from within, Lu Su's eyes once more reflected a deep-seated envy. He couldn't help but sigh softly. "This Lin Feng… he is truly extraordinary…"
Duan Chenglian smiled warmly. "Indeed. Though his cultivation level is modest, he has already reached Tier Four Artificer. While the Heavenly Flame is a significant advantage, it speaks volumes about his innate talent, wouldn't you agree? It seems it won't be long before a new star begins to rise brightly within the cultivation world's artificing circles."
They didn't have to wait overly long. Roughly half an hour later, Lu Su sensed the fluctuations of the Heavenly Flame inside abruptly cease. Almost immediately afterwards, the door swung open, revealing Lin Feng.
As they re-entered the room, Lu Su couldn't contain his eagerness. "Well, young friend Lin? Was the repair successful?"
Lin Feng gestured towards the artifact resting on the table, a satisfied smile on his face. "The task is accomplished. It has been repaired."
Lu Su moved like a flash, appearing instantly beside the table. He picked up the artifact, now restored to its pristine condition and still radiating residual warmth. His eyes widened as he inspected it meticulously. "It's true… it really is completely repaired! And in such a short time…"
Duan Chenglian was equally amazed. He peered at the artifact in Lu Su's hand and asked the crucial question. "Now that it's repaired… can we finally determine what kind of artifact this actually is?"
At that moment, Lin Feng spoke up thoughtfully. "I believe… this might be a Formation Plate…"