"Is this truly my Crimson Star Arc… turned into a true Divine Artifact?" thought Charlie Zhao, still reeling from disbelief.
The quiet, resonant voice of Jason Chu echoed through the crowd, landing like a heavy hammer blow or, to some, a loud, stinging slap. But to Charlie, those words warmed her heart, melting away the frustrations she had felt just moments before. A bright smile bloomed across her face, radiant and heartfelt.
Only a moment ago, those Semi-Divine Forgemasters had looked down on her, their words sharp and dismissive. For a brief time, she had even doubted her own abilities. But seeing this "blind uncle" step forward and defend her, Charlie suddenly understood: it wasn't her skills that were lacking—it was these so-called masters who were in the wrong.
"Uncle… thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I don't know how I'd have handled all this today." Charlie spoke with genuine gratitude, bowing deeply toward Jason to express her heartfelt thanks.
"There's no need to thank me. If it weren't for you escorting me to Star Forging City, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to witness such an interesting event." Jason responded with a slight smile.
His words were sincere. Without Charlie's help, he might have returned to Shushan, missing out on both the Star-Shattering Hammer and the invaluable experience of forging a Divine Artifact. Just now, he had only tested the waters with a few strikes of the Star-Shattering Hammer, not even needing the full force of his Nine Heavens Mysterious Yellow Sword Forging Technique. The result had already left him deeply satisfied, sparking within him a renewed ambition to craft an artifact that surpassed even Divine-grade.
Charlie's cheeks flushed red, reading his words as gentle teasing. The thought of trying to "escort" a Heavenly Gate Grandmaster was enough to make her want to sink into the earth. Jason, however, had graciously played along, acting unassuming—a trait she could only attribute to the quirks of a hidden master.
Just then, Dominic Dong cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Master," he addressed Jason carefully, "our deepest apologies. We misjudged the situation. We've re-evaluated the results, and as of now, Charlie Zhao is officially the first-place winner of this year's Forging Tournament."
Standing beside him, the four Semi-Divine Forgemasters wore tense expressions, unsure if this concession would appease the mysterious Grandmaster.
Jason nodded indifferently, showing little interest, while Charlie's eyes widened in surprise.
"Does this mean… I can use one of the artifacts?" she asked, excitement bubbling over.
"Of course," Dominic replied, his voice now pleasant and deferential. "You may choose any from the Star Seal of Star Plucking Tower, or the Five-Thunder Cleansing Marrow Talisman of the Celestial Masters Pavilion…"
Charlie, however, spoke with resolve, "I choose the of Heaven and Earth."
Her choice surprised many, including the Semi-Divine Forgemasters, who exchanged puzzled glances.
"Are you certain?" Dominic asked, hesitating. "While the of Heaven and Earth is extraordinary, it only reveals hidden truths. With your current cultivation level, discovering treasures or ancient sites might not yield immediate benefits. Perhaps the Star Seal or Five-Thunder Talisman would suit you better, providing more direct benefits."
Charlie shook her head firmly. "No, I want the of Heaven and Earth. I intend to use it to search for my missing mother."
Jason glanced at her in surprise, understanding now why she had been so intent on securing first place. He had initially planned to leave, but hearing her reasoning, he paused, deciding to stay a bit longer to lend his presence as support.
Dominic's tone softened as he replied, "How admirable, Charlie. May your efforts be rewarded with news of your mother."
The crowd exchanged glances, some nodding in appreciation, others clapping in support. But among the applause, there were also whispers of disapproval from those who thought her choice was a waste of a rare opportunity.
A few moments later, Charlie returned from her brief consultation with a Star Plucking Tower official, her eyes red and her expression somber.
Observing her sadness, many spectators shook their heads knowingly; it seemed the search had not brought good news.
Jason, sensing her somber energy, gently asked, "Did you learn anything?"
Charlie hesitated before answering in a trembling voice, "I discovered that my mother was captured by the Hellfire Demon Sect… and met a terrible fate in one of their sacrificial rites."
The Hellfire Demon Sect was infamous among the three great demon sects, its dark reputation striking fear in the hearts of many. Grief turned to seething rage as Charlie vowed silently to avenge her mother.
Jason stood silent for a moment, understanding the weight of her sorrow, though at a loss for words to console her.
Just then, Felix Xu stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Charlie Zhao, would you consider becoming our disciple? You may choose any of the four of us as your master."
This was part of the reward for first place—an opportunity to apprentice under a Semi-Divine Forgemaster.
"No, thank you," Charlie replied quietly. She cast a quick glance at Jason, her resolve firm. After the scorn and mistreatment she had received earlier, her respect for these masters had evaporated. Besides, she now understood that these offers of kindness stemmed more from Jason's presence than genuine respect for her talents.
Felix gave Jason an unreadable look before replying, "As you wish."
Then, Vivian Ning stepped forward, an eager light in her eyes. "Senior, might we convince you to stay for a feast we've prepared in your honor? It would be an honor if you would share some of your insights with us."
Jason shook his head. "No need. I'll be on my way."
Disappointment washed over the group, but Vivian, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, asked, "Senior… are you from Shushan?"
The question hung in the air, charged with anticipation. His crafting techniques had given rise to suspicions among the masters, and at last, curiosity had won over decorum.
Jason paused, surprised by their perceptiveness. After a moment's c048 Accepting Charlie as a Disciple, Contacting Sarah Qin
Jason Chu didn't forget to bring Charlie Zhao along as he left. He knew that, even though the Semi-Divine Forgemasters respected him, Charlie's refusal to become an apprentice could still attract jealousy and unwanted attention. After all, as a lone Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was somewhat vulnerable. With a swift motion, Jason took Charlie and flew a thousand miles away in an instant.
"Here, this is yours. Take it." Jason handed the newly forged lower-tier divine artifact Crimson Star Arc to Charlie as if it were nothing special. "I'll be off now," he added, preparing to return to Shushan.
"Wait! Please, wait!" Charlie exclaimed, barely processing the speed with which they had traveled. She instinctively took the sword, but as she realized what he was saying, she immediately tried to give it back. "This is something you put your heart into forging. It should be yours. I can't accept it."
Though the weapon had originally been her creation, she knew that she would never have been able to complete it on her own, let alone forge it into a true divine artifact. Jason's help in securing her rightful place in the competition and gaining access to the of Heaven and Earth had already been more than enough. She felt overwhelmed by his kindness and was hesitant to accept the Crimson Star Arc.
"It's of no use to me; just keep it," Jason replied casually. He was telling the truth. With his skills, creating a lower-tier divine artifact was as effortless as breathing. In fact, he was looking forward to watching Charlie grow into her potential as a rare Heavenly Metal Body cultivator.
Charlie was moved, thinking Jason was simply being modest to reassure her. "This is a divine artifact," she thought to herself, "a treasure most sects would cherish as a foundational relic." She worried aloud, "If I hold onto something like this, I'll become a target. The major sects, demonic factions, even the Hidden Assassins' Pavilion—they'd all come for me."
Jason's expression shifted thoughtfully. She was right. Possessing such a valuable item without the strength to defend it would indeed invite trouble. "You have a point," he agreed, "so what are your plans now?"
Charlie hesitated, feeling a wave of uncertainty. Initially, she had dreamed of finding her mother and then apprenticing under a Semi-Divine Forgemaster to hone her skills. But the recent tournament had shattered her reverence for those masters. Now, she found herself adrift.
A sudden impulse overcame her, and she asked, "Would you… consider taking me as your disciple?"
Charlie's cheeks flushed the moment she asked, regretting her forwardness. "This uncle," she reminded herself, "is a legendary Divine Forgemaster. Why would he accept an average girl like me as his disciple?"
But to her astonishment, Jason's eyes brightened at her question. He hadn't even considered taking on a disciple until now. Her question brought him back to reality; with his current skills, he certainly had the capacity to mentor someone.
"Sure," he replied simply. "If you have nowhere else to go, you can be my disciple."
Charlie's heart skipped a beat, almost unable to believe her ears. Her surprise quickly turned to delight, and she barely held back a cheer. She had anticipated nothing but rejection, but now she stood on the brink of learning from a true master, a Divine Forgemaster!
"Don't underestimate yourself," Jason said. "You have remarkable potential. The rahead is full of possibilities. Just be prepared—my lifestyle is one of seclusion and constant cultivation. If you choose this path, I may not always be able to watch over you."
Charlie was brimming with excitement, nodding quickly. "I'm more than willing! Disciple Charlie Zhao greets Master!" she said, falling to her knees and bowing in respect, her voice filled with gratitude and determination.
"Good disciple, you may rise." Jason smiled warmly, pleased with her sincerity and resolve.
After accepting her as his disciple, Jason brought Charlie back to Shushan. With his mastery, they arrived at Shushan's gates within an hour, effortlessly bypassing the grand protective array. As he prepared to take her directly to the Swordmaking House, he suddenly paused, realizing something.
"I'm accustomed to solitude," he thought, "but Charlie should have a formal identity here. It would make things easier for her to move around Shushan."
It occurred to him that without an official title, her sudden appearance at the Swordmaking House might lead to misunderstandings. The Shushan elders, and especially Sect Leader Sarah Qin, might not take kindly to an unidentified figure appearing out of nowhere.
With that in mind, Jason decided it was best to reach out to Sarah Qin. As the Shushan Sect Leader, arranging a formal disciple status for Charlie should be a simple task.
onsideration, he answered simply, "Yes."
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