Although Lin Feng's current wealth was quite substantial—few in the Golden Core stage could compare, and even many early or mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators might not surpass him—spirit stones were like banknotes on Earth: no one ever thought they had enough. Since cultivating the Rainbow Star Formula, Lin Feng had realized that his spirit stone needs far exceeded the norm. While he had enough for his current Golden Core stage, he had to plan ahead. It was better to earn more spirit stones early on rather than scramble for them later.
Moreover, beyond cultivation, studying alchemy was an intensely expensive endeavor, consuming as many spirit stones as cultivation itself. Add to that his newfound interest in arrays; crafting high-level array flags in the future would require substantial spirit stones to purchase materials.
Thus, after seeing Lei Yan accept alchemy commissions to earn spirit stones, Lin Feng immediately thought of his "old trade"—artifact repair. The cultivators on the ship were now somewhat familiar with him, making them ideal first "clients." Most were from Zhenhai City, so upon returning, they would likely spread the word without him asking, ensuring a steady stream of future customers. This artifact repair business could smoothly become a long-term source of income.
Of course, another key reason was that repairing artifacts for others not only earned spirit stones but also honed his repair skills and accumulated "experience points." This was far more efficient for leveling up his techniques than relying solely on repairing his own limited artifacts.
The Starry Sea was a gathering place for rogue cultivators. Unlike those inland with sects to support them—who could get damaged artifacts repaired or replaced easily—cultivators here were self-sufficient. Whether repairing artifacts or acquiring new ones, they had to find their own solutions. Many rogue cultivators were not wealthy; some struggled even to afford cultivation spirit stones, making them reluctant to spend heavily on hiring artisans for repairs. Others simply didn't know the materials required for repairs, a task often needing high-level artisans to analyze—a cost far exceeding normal repairs and beyond what ordinary cultivators could afford.
Now, encountering Lin Feng—an artisan wielding exotic fire, with whom they'd shared life-and-death trials—and most importantly, charging unbelievably low fees for repairs, left everyone exhilarated. They eagerly pulled out their artifacts, begging Lin Feng for help.
For a while, the hall buzzed with activity, surpassing even the earlier enthusiasm over Lei Yan's alchemy commissions. After calming down, Lin Feng's storage ring held nearly a hundred artifacts of various kinds—only because he'd stopped midway.
In truth, Lin Feng could instantly assess the damage and required materials for each artifact upon touching it. But he couldn't reveal this ability, nor could he pretend to analyze each piece with molten fire on the spot. Apart from Yang Ge's artifact at the start, he avoided using exotic fire for analysis. Instead, he told everyone he'd take this batch, analyze it slowly that evening, and share results tomorrow. He also set his compensation rules: if materials came from his stock (assuming he had them), clients paid three times the material value in spirit stones; if they provided their own materials, they paid only the equivalent spirit stone value or supplied double the materials.
This pricing wasn't unusual—other artisans often charged far higher—but Lin Feng's rates were cheap, and no one objected. A few cultivators already knew their artifact's repair needs and had materials prepared. They handed over both materials and payment immediately, earning priority treatment: like Yang Ge, they'd get their repaired artifacts tomorrow.
After Lin Feng stopped accepting commissions, the hall gradually returned to normal. Cultivators dispersed into groups for conversation, with some initiating artifact trades. Still, Lin Feng and Lei Yan remained focal points, surrounded by enthusiastic cultivators.
Half a day later, Lin Feng bid farewell and returned to his room alone. He hadn't found any exceptional treasures in the hall, though he hadn't expected much. From the chatter, though, he gleaned valuable insights about the Starry Sea.
Back in his room, Lin Feng began "working." Unlike what others assumed—painstakingly analyzing materials with exotic fire—he skipped that step. He retrieved artifacts from Yang Ge and others who'd already supplied repair materials and started fixing them.
The next day, when Lin Feng returned the repaired artifacts to Yang Ge and others, all doubts vanished. As he detailed the materials needed for remaining artifacts, the owners grew ecstatic. Most immediately commissioned repairs on the spot; those lacking materials had no choice but to withdraw, but they still gained immensely by learning the required materials.
The following days passed peacefully. Lin Feng and Lei Yan spent almost all their time in their rooms—one concocting pills, the other repairing artifacts—only visiting the hall at noon to deliver finished items, accept new commissions, and repeat. With just over two hundred people on board and a ten-day return voyage, the initial frenzy subsided into orderly routines.
Six days later, that afternoon, while repairing artifacts as usual, Lin Feng felt the ship shudder slightly before gradually stopping.
Lin Feng paused, puzzled, then heard faint sounds of hurried footsteps in the hallway. After a moment of thought, he stood and walked out.
He'd feared the ship faced trouble, but stepping onto the deck, he found the opposite. A large crowd gathered at the railings, pointing excitedly at the sea to the right.
"Daoist Lin!"
Just as Lin Feng looked for someone to ask, a voice called out beside him. Turning, he saw Yang Ge.
"What's going on?"
Yang Ge grinned. "Just got here, Daoist Lin? Ha, good news—we've encountered a flying shadow fish school!"
"A flying shadow fish school?" Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, recalling relevant details after a pause. His eyes lit up with delight: flying shadow fish were incredibly rare and precious spirit fish, every part a treasure. Their demon cores could forge illusionary light artifacts, their marrow blood was invaluable for alchemy, and their meat—exquisitely flavorful and rich in spiritual energy—made for third-grade spirit cuisine materials. For specimens over a century old, the demon core equaled sixth-grade materials, the marrow blood rivaled fourth-grade spirit herbs, and the meat was fourth-grade spirit cuisine, making them exceptionally precious.
While Lin Feng reviewed this, Yang Ge elaborated. "This school is huge! Senior Yu has gone to confirm. If all's well, we might all get a chance to hunt them—what heavenly luck!"
He glanced skyward as he spoke. Lin Feng followed his gaze and spotted someone flying back swiftly: Yu Ping. Upon landing on the deck, cultivators swarmed around him. Yu Ping scanned the crowd, then nodded slightly.
"The ship docks here for one day. You may act freely, but return by this time tomorrow or face the consequences."
At Yu Ping's words, the cultivators erupted in cheers, scrambling to fly off. Soon, the deck emptied—even Yang Ge beside Lin Feng rushed away first.
Lin Feng, less impatient than others, noticed Yu Ping heading toward the cabin after giving orders. Spotting Lin Feng, Yu Ping approached.
"Senior Yu."
"Hmm." Yu Ping smiled faintly, aware of Lin Feng's recent deeds and growing appreciation for the young man. He nodded. "Young Lin, flying shadow fish are elusive—don't chase too deep. This area may harbor fourth-grade demon beasts, so stay cautious. Don't wander far, either, to avoid missing the return time."
Lin Feng nodded. "Thank you for the warning, Senior Yu. I'll be careful."
With another nod, Yu Ping returned to the cabin. As a late-stage Nascent Soul expert, he wouldn't join the hunt—flying shadow fish weren't worth his effort—and he needed to guard the ship.
Watching Yu Ping leave, Lin Feng finally chose a direction, summoned his Crimson Soul flying sword, and soared into the sky.