The morning sun filtered through the large windows of Lin Tianyu's newly acquired workshop, casting golden light across the empty stone floors. He stood in the center of the main crafting area, mentally cataloging everything that needed to be accomplished before he could begin serious soul guide production.
His first priority was establishing proper security measures throughout the building. The knowledge he possessed and the techniques he planned to use were far too valuable to risk discovery by casual observers or potential thieves. Drawing upon his Elven Magic knowledge, Lin Tianyu began the complex process of warding his entire workshop.
He started with the rare materials his parents had collected through their merchant network, carefully arranged in precise patterns throughout the building. Moonstone dust for concealment arrays, crystallized mithril for structural reinforcement, and ethereal silver for detection networks. Each material had been chosen specifically for its magical properties and compatibility with elven enchantment techniques.
The concealment arrays were the most critical component of his security system. Lin Tianyu inscribed intricate runic patterns into the stone walls using a mixture of powdered moonstone and liquid starlight essence. These enchantments would make the building's interior undetectable to most forms of magical scrying, while also suppressing the spiritual energy fluctuations that soul guide crafting would inevitably produce.
"Perfect," he murmured as the concealment runes flared with soft silver light before fading to invisibility. "No one will be able to sense what happens inside these walls."
The structural reinforcement arrays came next, carved into the building's foundation and support beams using crystallized mithril dust mixed with his own spirit power. These enchantments would strengthen the building far beyond its normal limits, allowing it to withstand the stresses of high-level magical crafting without showing any external signs of modification.
The detection network was the most sophisticated component, requiring delicate placement of ethereal silver threads throughout the walls, floors, and ceilings. These nearly invisible strands would alert him to any unauthorized presence in the building while remaining completely undetectable to intruders. The network could distinguish between different types of spiritual energy, allowing Lin Tianyu to identify visitors long before they reached his workshop.
As the final security measure, Lin Tianyu established a series of defensive barriers that could be activated in case of emergency. These would seal the building completely, making it temporarily impregnable while also erasing any evidence of soul guide crafting activities. The barriers drew power from the same enchantment network as his other protections, ensuring they would remain active as long as the building stood.
With his security measures complete, Lin Tianyu turned his attention to acquiring the physical infrastructure needed for soul guide crafting. His Myriad Tools martial spirit could replicate most hand tools, but he still needed larger equipment that couldn't be manifested through his abilities.
The city's crafting district was bustling with activity as Lin Tianyu made his way through the various workshops and supply stores. His merchant family background served him well in these negotiations, allowing him to identify quality equipment while securing favorable prices.
His first stop was a metalworking supply shop that specialized in high-end forge equipment. The proprietor, a grizzled old blacksmith named Master Chen, immediately recognized Lin Tianyu's expensive clothing and confident bearing.
"Looking for equipment for a new workshop, young master?" Master Chen asked respectfully. "I have the finest forges and anvils in the city, suitable for the most demanding crafting work."
"I need a forge capable of reaching extremely high temperatures," Lin Tianyu replied, examining the various options available. "The work I'll be doing requires precise heat control and consistent performance."
Master Chen led him to an impressive forge constructed from fire-resistant ceramics and reinforced metals. "This is my finest piece - capable of temperatures that would melt most conventional metals, with magical heat regulation that maintains perfect consistency. The price is three hundred gold soul coins, but the quality is unmatched."
Lin Tianyu tested the forge's spiritual energy conductivity and heat distribution, finding it more than adequate for his needs. "I'll take it, along with your best anvil and a complete set of metalworking tools."
Similar negotiations at other shops provided him with specialized workbenches designed to handle magical processes, precision measuring instruments, and various other equipment needed for advanced crafting work. By afternoon, his workshop was filled with professional-grade infrastructure that could support any type of soul guide creation.
With his physical setup complete, Lin Tianyu began his first major crafting project: storage soul guides for his friends. Tang San had never become Yu Xiaogang's disciple in this timeline, meaning he lacked the storage device that would have been provided through that relationship. Both Tang San and Xiao Wu would benefit tremendously from having dimensional storage capabilities.
For Tang San's ring, Lin Tianyu created the largest storage space: 50 cubic meters of internal dimension, roughly equivalent to the size of a house. The ring was designed with multiple compartments for organizing different types of items, along with time-locking capabilities that would preserve perishable goods indefinitely.
The crafting process began with preparing the spatial silver, heating it in his new forge until the metal reached a precise temperature where its dimensional properties became malleable. Lin Tianyu's Myriad Tools spirit shifted into a specialized jeweler's hammer, its weight and balance perfect for shaping the precious metal. Each strike had to be calculated precisely - too much force would disrupt the metal's spatial alignment, while too little would fail to properly form the ring's structure.
As he worked the heated silver, Lin Tianyu carefully monitored its spiritual resonance using his heightened senses. The metal needed to maintain a specific vibrational frequency that would allow dimensional enchantments to take hold. His Space Dragon bloodline provided intuitive understanding of spatial distortions, helping him sense when the metal achieved optimal conditions.
The ring's basic shape took hours to perfect. Unlike ordinary jewelry, a storage ring required exact dimensional proportions - the internal circumference had to match specific mathematical ratios that would support stable pocket dimensions. Lin Tianyu used his Divine Craftsman talent to ensure every measurement was absolutely precise, checking and rechecking with instruments calibrated to detect minute variations.
Once the physical structure was complete, Lin Tianyu began the most delicate phase: inscribing the dimensional arrays. Using his Myriad Tools spirit transformed into an incredibly fine engraving stylus, he carved microscopic runic patterns into the ring's inner surface. Each rune had to be exactly the right depth and width, with perfectly smooth curves that would channel dimensional energy without resistance.
The array work required two hours of continuous concentration. The primary dimensional anchor runes established the connection between normal space and the pocket dimension. Secondary stability runes prevented the storage space from collapsing or drifting. Interface runes created the mental connection that would allow Tang San to access stored items through focused intention.
As Lin Tianyu completed each section of the array, he tested it by channeling small amounts of his own spirit power through the patterns. The runes glowed with soft blue light when properly activated, confirming that the energy pathways were clear and functional. Any flaws in the inscription would cause dangerous feedback that could destroy the entire ring.
The final step was activating the dimensional storage space itself. Lin Tianyu placed the completed ring in a containment circle inscribed with additional stabilization runes, then began channeling massive amounts of spirit power into the arrays. The dimensional anchor points flared to life, creating a controlled spatial distortion that carved out the fifty cubic meter pocket dimension.
The process was exhausting, requiring him to maintain precise control over enormous energies while the dimensional space stabilized. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he felt the pocket dimension take shape, its boundaries solidifying into permanent existence. When the light finally faded, the ring contained a fully functional storage space that would remain stable for centuries.
Testing revealed perfect functionality - items could be stored and retrieved instantly through mental commands, the organizational compartments worked flawlessly, and the time-locking preservation features activated properly. Lin Tianyu smiled with satisfaction as he placed Tang San's completed ring alongside the materials for Xiao Wu's version.
Xiao Wu's ring was slightly smaller at thirty cubic meters, but included special organizational features that would appeal to her personality. The internal space was divided into sections for clothing, accessories, food, and general storage, with color-coded access points that would make finding specific items effortless.
His own storage ring received an upgrade to one hundred cubic meters, replacing his family's smaller device with something worthy of his expanding needs. Lin Tianyu then supplemented his ring with additional elven magic security measures: owner recognition that would only respond to the intended user's spiritual signature, preventing unauthorized access, and emergency concealment features that could completely hide the ring's magical properties if needed. His Elven Magic knowledge proved invaluable for layering these protective enchantments without interfering with the core soul guide functionality.
Testing each ring thoroughly, Lin Tianyu was satisfied with their performance. The storage accessed smoothly, the dimensional pockets were completely stable, and the energy requirements were minimal enough to use effectively.
With the storage rings complete, Lin Tianyu turned his attention to developing innovative training tools that could boost cultivation efficiency. His first design was a gravity manipulation bracelet that would provide constant resistance training for whoever wore it.
The bracelet required a combination of spatial magic and force manipulation, creating localized gravitational fields that could be adjusted from normal weight up to twenty times standard gravity. The device was designed with gradual increase capabilities, allowing users to slowly build up their tolerance rather than being overwhelmed by sudden changes. The bracelet functioned by constantly drawing soul energy from its wearer, meaning the user could control the intensity by regulating how much spiritual power they allowed it to absorb. Restricting the energy flow would reduce the gravity effect proportionally, while completely blocking the soul energy absorption would turn the device off entirely.
Lin Tianyu crafted the bracelet from dense star iron, a metal that naturally conducted gravitational forces. The enchantment work was extraordinarily complex, requiring him to essentially miniaturize the magical principles that governed planetary gravity fields. His Space Dragon bloodline provided crucial insights into spatial manipulation that made the project feasible.
The finished bracelet was elegant in its simplicity - a smooth band of dark metal with subtle runic engravings that glowed faintly when activated. Testing it on himself, Lin Tianyu gradually increased the gravity field until he was experiencing three times normal weight. Even with his improved physical conditioning, the additional resistance made every movement significantly more challenging.
"Perfect," he said, releasing the gravity effect and feeling his body return to normal weight. "This will revolutionize physical training for anyone dedicated enough to use it properly."
Inspired by the success of the gravity bracelet, Lin Tianyu began developing additional training tools. The resistance training bands used similar principles to create adjustable opposition to movement, forcing muscles to work harder while maintaining natural motion patterns.
The cultivation suppression ring was perhaps his most innovative creation. The device made accessing spiritual power significantly more difficult, forcing users to exert two to three times their normal effort to achieve the same results. This would compel them to develop better control and deeper understanding of their abilities.
The stamina circulation pendant optimized spirit power flow throughout the body, reducing energy waste during extended training sessions. While this provided immediate benefits, it also helped users develop more efficient cultivation patterns that would serve them even without the device.
Balance disruption boots constantly shifted their weight distribution in unpredictable patterns, forcing the wearer to continuously adjust their stance and movement. This would dramatically improve stability, reflexes, and body awareness over time.
His final training device was the focus disruption circlet, designed to deliberately scatter the wearer's concentration. The device created subtle mental interference that made maintaining focus significantly more challenging, forcing users to develop stronger mental discipline and concentration abilities.
With his first prototypes complete, Lin Tianyu began creating multiple copies of each training device. He crafted several gravity manipulation bracelets with different maximum intensities, multiple sets of resistance training bands, several cultivation suppression rings, and copies of the other training tools. His plan was to share these revolutionary devices with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and potentially other classmates at Shrek Academy, giving them all significant advantages in their cultivation development.
With his expanded collection of training equipment complete, Lin Tianyu began planning his business operations and cover story. Rather than claiming to create new soul guides from scratch, he would position himself as a specialist in repairing damaged or broken devices. This would explain both his diverse inventory and his superior craftsmanship.
Over the following days, Lin Tianyu ventured into the city's markets and second-hand shops, purchasing every broken or damaged soul guide he could find. Many of these devices had been abandoned as irreparable, making them available at fraction of their original cost. Others were partially functional but suffered from age-related degradation or accident damage.
His collection quickly grew to include storage devices, combat tools, utility items, and even some traditional soul guides. The variety would provide excellent cover for his own creations, allowing him to introduce new designs as "restored ancient devices" with superior original craftsmanship.
The repair work itself was often quite straightforward with his Divine Craftsman abilities and Elven Magic knowledge. Many devices simply needed their enchantment arrays refreshed or their physical components restored to proper condition. Others required more extensive reconstruction, but Lin Tianyu's skills made even complex repairs feasible.
For his showroom, Lin Tianyu arranged the repaired soul guides in elegant display cases that highlighted their quality and functionality. Storage rings and spatial bags were prominently featured, along with devices that could improve cultivation speed or combat effectiveness. Utility items like self-lighting lanterns, temperature regulation devices, and communication tools rounded out his inventory.
He prepared detailed documentation for each item, describing their functions, limitations, and operating instructions. This professional presentation would help establish his credibility as a legitimate craftsman while demonstrating the value of functional soul guides to potential customers.
Pricing was set to be competitive but not suspiciously low. Lin Tianyu wanted to build a reputation for quality rather than bargain basement goods, so his prices reflected the true value of functional soul guides while remaining accessible to serious customers.
The repair service offerings were equally important to his cover story. By advertising his ability to restore damaged soul guides, Lin Tianyu could explain his expertise while generating additional revenue. Many people owned non-functional soul guides that had been passed down through families or discovered in ruins, creating a potential market for restoration services.
Recognizing that he would be absent from the shop during his time at Shrek Academy, Lin Tianyu began searching for a reliable shop clerk to manage the front operation. He needed someone trustworthy with good business sense, intelligent enough to handle sales and customer service, and knowledgeable enough about soul guides to make educated evaluations when customers brought in items for sale or repair.
After several days of interviews with potential candidates, Lin Tianyu found his ideal employee in Mei Lin, a young woman in her early twenties whose family had operated a small general goods store before falling on hard times. She had experience with retail sales, understood the value of customer service, and possessed solid knowledge about soul guides from years of dealing with various magical items in her family's business.
"The position pays well," Lin Tianyu explained during their final interview, "but it requires absolute discretion about business operations and customer information. I travel frequently for acquisition and repair work, so you'll often be managing the shop independently."
Mei Lin nodded eagerly. "I understand completely, Master Lin. My family taught me that customer trust is the foundation of any successful business. You can count on my discretion and dedication."
Lin Tianyu spent two days training Mei Lin on the inventory, pricing structure, and sales procedures. He provided her with detailed information about each soul guide's functions and limitations, along with standard responses for common customer questions. Most importantly, he established clear boundaries about which areas of the workshop were off-limits and which repair jobs she could accept in his absence.
"Only accept devices for evaluation when I'm present," he instructed. "You can schedule appointments and handle sales of finished items, but any actual repair work requires my personal attention."
With Mei Lin trained and ready to manage the shop front, Lin Tianyu felt confident that his business could operate successfully even during extended absences. This would allow him to focus on his studies at Shrek Academy while maintaining his cover story and generating income from his soul guide operations.
As evening approached on his third day of preparation, Lin Tianyu stood in his completed workshop with deep satisfaction. The building was thoroughly warded against detection and intrusion, equipped with professional-grade crafting infrastructure, and stocked with an impressive inventory of functional soul guides.
The two storage rings for Tang San and Xiao Wu sat in a secure case, ready to be presented as gifts when he reunited with his friends. The training devices were carefully stored, waiting for opportunities to revolutionize cultivation methods. His business was prepared to begin operations as soon as he returned from Shrek Academy.
Most importantly, everything had been accomplished in complete secrecy. No one knew the true extent of his capabilities or the revolutionary nature of what he had created. To outside observers, he was simply a young merchant setting up a repair shop for broken soul guides.
Tomorrow he would reunite with his friends at the Shrek Academy entrance tests, where their next adventure would begin. But tonight, he was content to appreciate what he had built and anticipate the impact these innovations would have on their future development.
The storage rings would provide his friends with unprecedented convenience and security for their belongings. The training devices could accelerate their physical and spiritual development far beyond normal limits. His workshop would serve as a secure base of operations for whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Lin Tianyu secured his workshop and prepared for rest, he felt confident that his careful preparations would serve them well in the trials to come. The next phase of their journey was about to begin, and he had given himself every possible advantage for success.