Chapter 1558: Chapter 577: Luo Chen, Secure This Item for Me!_2

Han Zhan was taken aback for a moment, and then responded: “I understand somewhat. The mainstream of Artifact Refining nowadays is known for its meticulous complexities, while the ancient method extols nature, simplicity, and rusticity. To put it visually… Let me give you an example!”

“Imagine you’re given the toughest bullhead of a Hammer Bull Demon to craft a Skull-shattering Hammer Artefact. Using the ancient methods, it involves digging out the flesh, then filling it with metal, setting up an Array, and there you have a Skull-shattering Hammer. In contrast, using the mainstream methods nowadays, you’d likely remove its impurities, extract its essence, refine it into a liquid, fill it with various materials that enhance the power of the Hammer Bull Demon, mold it, and then finally engrave Arrays to produce a formidable Skull-shattering Hammer.”

“The former is simple and crude, straightforward in control. The latter is intricately mysterious; not only is its power more formidable, but it also allows the Cultivator to control it more naturally because of the incorporation of materials suited to the Cultivator’s Mana and Divine Consciousness.”

“Of course, it’s not to say that the older methods have no merit. At the very least, simplicity is not just a derogatory term; it also means that the artifact can be conveniently crafted, as long as one has the materials, it can be made quickly.”

Han Zhan, using his own knowledge, roughly outlined the differences in Artifact Refining methodologies between the two eras to Luo Chen.

In general, it shows a trend of becoming more refined and continuously improving.

But!

Why did the question abruptly switch to the methods of Artifact Refining from Ancient Times?

They are contemporary people, and every kind of skills, even Cultivation theories, has undergone countless updates and iterations.

Could it be?

“Could the methods recorded on this Iron Sheet discuss crafting from Ancient Times? But my cursory glance earlier found it complicated, which clearly seems to be modern techniques!”

Luo Chen forced a smile and said: “The senior is certainly not wrong about that; it is indeed modern techniques. But the methods detailed here are a fusion of ancient and modern, not only setting out to innovate but also preserving some advantages of the ancient Tool Casting.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“But damn it, the difficulty in refining it has also far exceeded my estimation!”

It was unusual, but Luo Chen strayed from his usual demeanor and cursed.

After Luo Chen explained, Han Zhan finally understood why Luo Chen was so frustrated.

With the Iron Sheet’s methods, even choosing materials adhered to the ancients’ merits; only the best!

While in terms of auxiliary materials, it called for meticulous refinement, adding many ores, even some Luo Chen had never heard of.

Especially the Array!

The one being used wasn’t the common Third Order Array Method typically used for Magic Items but a Fourth-order Formation known as the Yin Yang Liu Jia Array!

After the explanation, Luo Chen said with a slightly somber tone: “I don’t know if Yu Gao was intentionally setting me up, but with such methods, even if a Tool Casting Master came, it might not be possible to successfully craft it.”

“So, are you going to refine it?” Han Zhan asked.

Luo Chen gritted his teeth and said: “Refine! Of course, I will refine it! My main material is the Demon Emperor’s Metamorphosis, which perfectly matches the requirement for top-notch main material in the Doctrine. As for the other difficulties, I will overcome them one by one.”

Han Zhan opened his mouth but seeing Luo Chen’s determined look, he held back any words of persuasion.

Some things, they don’t turn back until they hit a wall.

Just worried that it might be all for naught in the end, can Luo Chen withstand such a failure!

…

Clearly, whatever Luo Chen decides, he never abandons it halfway.

With both materials and methods available, he wouldn’t easily give up.

The so-called problems, he would solve one by one!

And now, there was such an opportunity to resolve most of these issues.

The grand auction in Feileng City was held as scheduled at the onset of early winter’s chill.

In the bustling skies over Feileng City, streams of Glint flew from all directions like waterflies, swooping into the most prominent and largest palace there.

Numerous Low Order Cultivators looked up in admiration and reverence.

They all knew that those participating in this elite event were none other than Foundation Establishment level and above powerhouses.

Maybe, there were even some Nascent Soul Stage old monsters among them!

Among those Glints, Luo Chen was also prominently present.

Upon retracting his Qi Power, Luo Chen stopped at the entrance of that enormous palace.

[Cold Palace]

“This name doesn’t bode well!” Luo Chen muttered to himself as he approached the two Golden Core Cultivators guarding the entrance.

Perhaps due to the multitude of attendees today, the two Golden Core Cultivators tasked with verifying entrance qualifications were not very smiley.

However, upon seeing Luo Chen revealing the Spirit Pressure of the Golden Core Period, they still managed a slight smile.

“Dear cultivator, please show your invitation.”

Luo Chen asked: “If one is a Rogue Cultivator without an invitation, can they enter?”

One of the Golden Core Cultivators answered: “Certainly, you can also enter, but there won’t be a specially arranged seat, you would have to go to the Rogue Cultivator seats. Furthermore, before the auction starts, you must go through an asset verification process in the side hall behind the Cold Palace.”

Asset verification?

Luo Chen was startled, only then realizing what the other party meant.

If you have an invitation, that means the organizers have recognized your financial capability. This way, if someone tries to forcefully bid on certain precious items during the auction, it would prevent any frivolous behavior.

Without an invitation, then you must prove your wealth through legitimate savings and assets.

Otherwise, if someone gets carried away and bids irresponsibly during the auction, even if the organizers pursue accountability afterward, it cannot rectify the chaos during the auction.

If word got out, it would be a huge embarrassment.