At this point, the Artifact Refining could actually be declared a success.
However, the Elder on duty lightly coughed.
As soon as his cough fell, a surge of Spiritual Qi appeared on the shield.
This was the Artifact Refiner holding the shield pouring his Spiritual Qi into it, comprehensively enhancing the shield's defense.
"Since you have no shame, then I won't show any mercy."
Qian Duoduo's heart hardened, and he retracted his Spiritual Awareness, causing the Corpse Puppet to step back, then swiftly surge forward, concentrating all its Spiritual Power into its right index and middle fingers, fiercely thrusting them towards the shield.
"Pfft."
The shield, like paper, was pierced by the finger-sword, creating a large hole.
"Passed."
The Elder on duty said weakly.
He stood up, brushed off his robes, "This old man has matters to attend to, please excuse me."
An Artifact Refiner brought over a Rank 2 High-Grade token and robes, just about to slip away like the others.
They had been repeatedly humiliated and really didn't want to see Qian Duoduo and the others' happy faces.
But Qian Duoduo grabbed him, "Where are the Magic Treasures? Reaching Rank 2 High-Grade requires giving a hundred artisan artifact Magic Treasures."
The Artifact Refiner threw a copy of "Hundred Item Recipes" back at Qian Duoduo and bolted out the door.
"Don't go! My Junior Brother still needs to test for Rank 3!"
Pang Yunxiao shouted at his retreating back. But how could that Artifact Refiner be willing to come back?
Qian Duoduo quickly stopped Pang Yunxiao, who was about to go out and drag him back.
"Senior Brother Pang, let's stop while we're ahead, stop while we're ahead. If we keep testing, I'll be burnt to a crisp."
Pang Yunxiao said with a smile, "I was just trying to scare them. Today was truly enjoyable, so satisfying!"
Elder Miao covered his mouth, "You were just having fun, but when I watched Qian Duoduo perform Artifact Refining, I was holding my breath."
Qian Duoduo pretended to sway, acting as if he couldn't stand steadily.
"I overexerted myself today, I'm exhausted, my head is splitting, I'm in agony."
Supported by Pang Yunxiao, Qian Duoduo left the Refining Association, slowing his steps, seemingly recovering his Spiritual Awareness, but in reality, he was examining the "Hundred Item Recipes" he had just acquired.
This artisan artifact "Hundred Item Recipes" was much better than the one Qian Duoduo had obtained in Kongfang City.
They found an inn to rest for the night, and the next day, Elder Miao took Qian Duoduo and Pang Yunxiao to the market to procure goods.
Pang Yunxiao followed Qian Duoduo closely, constantly urging him to purchase Magic Treasures related to Corpse Puppets. Elder Miao was also pressured, and finally found a shop in North City specializing in Magic Treasures related to Corpse Puppets.
"This, this, and this, I'll buy them all!"
As soon as they entered the shop, Pang Yunxiao became excited.
Before Qian Duoduo could stop him, Elder Miao spoke up to remind him, "Every Magic Treasure consumes Spiritual Qi. Are you sure your Corpse Puppet can withstand the consumption?"
Pang Yunxiao then snapped out of his Magic Treasure-induced shock, "How embarrassing, how embarrassing—no wonder Middle Road looks down on us."
After helping Qian Duoduo and the others find the Corpse Puppet Magic Treasure shop, Elder Miao followed his own plan and swept through the market according to his procurement list.
Qian Duoduo spent all the gold coins he had, practically clearing out the Corpse Puppet Magic Treasure shop's entire stock.
Although Pang Yunxiao didn't know how many gold coins Qian Duoduo had spent, he was surprised when he saw the almost empty shelves in the shop.
Qian Duoduo seized an opportunity to quietly sell some Cold Flame Snake scales and bones in the market, and his gold coins once again reached an astonishing figure. He then used the gold coins to purchase many more materials.
After Elder Miao finished his procurement, they met at Wan Zhang Plaza, took the teleportation array to Kongfang City, and then returned to the sect from Kongfang City.
Qian Duoduo didn't know how many gold coins worth of Magic Treasures Elder Miao had bought, but he knew that the Magic Treasures he himself had purchased were worth over 200 million, and if sold, would fetch over 300 million.
This was an enormous fortune, easily attracting attention.
After exiting the East Gate of Kongfang City, Elder Miao let out a long sigh of relief, "This time was still too rash. We should have invited an Old Ancestor to accompany us for the Magic Treasure procurement. Fortunately, we're about to return to the sect, and everything is safe and sound."
She took out the Winged Vehicle, just about to get in.
Qian Duoduo suddenly heard a low flicking sound, the sky darkened, and a patch of lush green seeds flew from all directions, forming a thousand-zhang-wide grass carpet that surrounded Qian Duoduo and the others.
"An ambush!"
Pang Yunxiao shouted, taking out five Corpse Puppets.
The Corpse Puppets' arms were adorned with full sets of Zombie Blood Claws.