Morning sunlight peeked through the clouds from the east, casting a warm glow over the land.

  Behind the mansion, in a small garden bathed in that morning light, Wang Lingxin was diligently practicing her martial arts against a wooden training dummy. She threw punches, kicks, and palm strikes with focus and determination.

  She had made significant progress—each move was executed with proper form and considerable strength. After warming up with the basics, she continued with more advanced movements, blending strikes into smooth, flowing sequences.

  Wang Lingxin was already familiar with these techniques. She was simply refining and reinforcing what she had learned before. Because of that, Orion wasn't present in person to teach. It only observed remotely through a tablet placed on the table nearby, as it was currently busy with other tasks.

  "Eyaa... Hiyaaa... Aaaa!!! Take this! Bam! Take my kick! Deadly punch!" she shouted, her childish voice echoing as she practiced.

  Her loud exclamations filled the small garden with energy. Not far away, Chunhua was hanging up freshly washed laundry. Every now and then, she glanced at Wang Lingxin and chuckled, amused by the little girl's overly dramatic cries, which weren't intimidating in the slightest.

  After finishing her unarmed practice, Wang Lingxin moved on to training with small weapons—knives and a karambit.

  She started with the knife, practicing a series of thrusts and slashes. She also practiced throwing knives, hitting the dummy accurately from about three meters away. She ended the set with a reverse-grip stab to the wooden dummy's head. Then she picked up the karambit.

  The curved blade danced through the air as she moved with nimble precision, striking the wooden dummy with smooth, fluid motions. Each slash landed cleanly on marked vital points carved into the dummy's surface. She slashed, stabbed, and twisted the blade. At one point, she drove the karambit in and dragged it sideways, as if tearing the wound wider—her movements sharp and deliberate, mimicking real combat.

  After practicing the entire morning, Wang Lingxin slumped onto the table, exhausted.

  "Aaaah... finally done with the morning practice," she exhaled, trying to calm her breathing. Sweat rolled down her face.

  "Master, can I go out with Big Sis Chunhua today? We want to visit the orphanage and then go to the market," she asked, still slumped over, resting her cheek against the table.

  "Yeah, sure," Orion's voice came from the tablet.

  After a warm bath and a good breakfast, Wang Lingxin felt energized again. She knocked on Orion's workroom door and walked in.

  "Master, I'm heading out with Big Sis Chunhua," she said brightly.

  "You can go," Orion replied, still focused on writing on a scroll with a brush.

  "Hehehe... Master..." Wang Lingxin crept closer.

  "What is it?" Orion put the brush down and looked at her.

  "Hehehehe..." Wang Lingxin giggled, looking a little shy as she wriggled in place and twirled the corner of her clothes.

  Without a word, Orion took out ten copper coins from its storage ring and placed them on the table. Wang Lingxin immediately swooped in and grabbed them.

  "Thank you, Master! I'm going now!" she grinned, no longer shy, and dashed out of the room.

  Orion still didn’t understand why she always acted so shy when asking for pocket money—especially when it was just a few copper coins. It wasn’t as if Orion hadn’t spent far more on her daily needs, and no longer just in copper, silver, or even gold coins, but in Spirit Stones.

  "Remember—don't buy just any food you want. Make sure it's clean. Understood?" Orion called after her.

  "Okay~!" Wang Lingxin's voice came from the hallway, already fading into the distance.

  Orion picked up the brush and continued writing. After finishing, it let the ink dry, then rolled up the scroll.

  "Liu Jin," Orion called.

  A masked figure suddenly appeared in the room and cupped his hands respectfully toward Orion.

  "I'll need your Liu family's help to make these," Orion said, handing over the scroll.

  Liu Jin respectfully received it. "May I take a look?"

  "Go ahead," Orion replied. "How long do you think it'll take?"

  "Hmm..." Liu Jin examined the scroll.

  Inside the scroll were designs for several pieces of equipment, along with detailed instructions and explanations on how to make them. After examining it for a moment, Liu Jin nodded.

  "I think it'll take around two to three days to make. Don't worry, Mr. Orion—we'll do our best to finish everything as soon as possible and ensure good quality."

  The Liu family was involved in several businesses, including construction. They had skilled craftsmen and woodworkers. After reviewing the equipment designs, Liu Jin was confident they could complete the job in two to three days.

  "Good. No need to rush," Orion said.

  The scroll contained designs for equipment meant to boost MSG production. With more Lotus Delight Pavilion branches opening, the demand for MSG had increased. The Liu family had also asked Orion for more, and Orion itself planned to stockpile more for future use.

  "Also, I need you to help me gather some items." Orion handed over another scroll.

  Liu Jin took the second scroll and read through it. Listed inside were various items—stone slabs for floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as timber, furniture, and other construction materials.

  After reading, Liu Jin said, "We have most of the items, but with this quantity, it'll take some time to gather everything—they're stored in different locations."

  Since the Liu family was involved in the construction business, they had nearly everything listed in the scroll. The rest could be sourced from others in the city, though it would still take some time to prepare.

  Although Liu Jin was slightly curious about the purpose of these items, he didn't dare ask and kept his thoughts to himself. After all, this wasn't the first time Orion had requested help to gather various kinds of items.

  "I'll have to trouble you, then," Orion said.

  "Leave it to me, Mr. Orion. Is there anything else? If not, I'll excuse myself to begin the arrangements," Liu Jin said.

  "That's all. You may go," Orion said.

  "Understood." Liu Jin cupped his hands and bowed before vanishing from the room.

  Orion then rose from the chair and walked over to shut the door—since Wang Lingxin hadn't bothered to close it when she left. It walked to the shelf, browsed through a few scrolls, and pulled one out. Returning to the table, it unfurled the scroll—a map of the surrounding area. While not perfectly accurate, it was still useful.

  Orion sat down and examined the map closely, comparing it internally with satellite images previously captured by the Orbiter from above. Although the scroll map lacked detail and precision, by matching unique geographical features, Orion was able to cross-reference and better understand the terrain.

  The AI updated its internal map, transferring relevant information from the scroll into its own more accurate database. Orion planned to build several secret underground bases to conduct secret experiments, so it began searching for potential locations.

  Its AI analyzed the updated internal map, comparing terrain features to identify suitable candidates. Within seconds, the AI marked several possible locations.

  Now, Orion already had the necessary materials to complete the UO-1 ornithopter. With it, Orion would finally be able to carry out several plans that were previously put on hold—such as capturing live bandits to use as test subjects for its experiments. This operation had been delayed due to Orion's lack of proper transportation.

  Although Orion could already use the AO-1, it wasn't designed for carrying large cargo or passengers. But with UO-1, that issue would soon be resolved.

  So, Orion began early preparations for the secret bases, planning to scout potential underground locations and asking Liu Jin to gather the necessary materials for construction.

  Orion stored the scroll back into its storage ring, tidied the table, and left the mansion.

  "I'll be going out for a while. Guard the mansion well," Orion said toward a shadowy corner of the courtyard.

  "Understood," a masked figure suddenly appeared from behind a tree in the courtyard, cupped his hands in salute, and vanished again. Several of Liu Jin's subordinates had been secretly stationed around the mansion to guard it.

  An energy barrier enveloped Orion's figure—and it vanished from sight.

  Concealed by the barrier, Orion moved swiftly across the rooftops, leaping nimbly toward the city outskirts. Once outside the city, it traveled a bit farther before dispelling the concealment.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Then, Orion retrieved the AO-1 ornithopter from its storage ring. The ornithopter was large and eye-catching, but Orion had already confirmed no one was nearby. It also detected no radio signals from cultivators in the vicinity. Overhead, the SO-1 drone hovered silently, keeping watch over the surroundings.

  Orion boarded the AO-1 and powered it on. The wings began to buzz as the ornithopter slowly lifted off the ground. An energy barrier cloaked it in invisibility, and AO-1 accelerated, speeding off into the distance.

  ...

  Swoosh

  An arrow tore through the air, flying straight toward the energy barrier. The semi-transparent blue energy barrier shimmered, and with a sharp clang, the arrow struck.

  The defensive energy barrier failed to hold.

  The arrow pierced through, creating a rippling hole in the barrier before passing clean through. It slammed into the boulder behind, embedding itself so deeply that only the fletching remained visible. It also struck a paper talisman affixed to the boulder, hitting it dead center. The talisman began to smoke, then ignited, burning away as the energy barrier crumbled and vanished.

  A wind swept across the field, stirring leaves, grass, and shrubs.

  About a hundred meters away, a not-so-tall figure stood holding a bow. The breeze toyed with the strands of hair that hung across his face.

  "Tungsten... Tungsten..."

  "Fufufu... Hahaha—TUNGSTEN!!"

  Luo Fengwei threw his head back and let out a booming laugh, his voice rumbling through the small clearing in the forest.

  He looked different than he had a few months ago. Slightly younger. The once-white hair and beard had darkened just a bit—now a mix of silver and black. His face had fewer wrinkles, with a faint rosy glow. The slight hunch he used to have was gone; his back was now straight as a ramrod. His already muscular frame had become even more defined, veins bulging with vigor.

  He had successfully broken through to the Nascent Soul realm.

  Not only had his strength increased, but it also extended his lifespan and rejuvenated his body. Every movement radiated power, each step firm and filled with force.

  After laughing to his satisfaction, Luo Fengwei turned his sharp gaze toward the boulder in the distance. Even from 100 meters away, his eyes clearly saw the arrow embedded deep within the stone after breaching the energy barrier.

  "Truly impressive," Luo Fengwei murmured with a grin.

  He slung the bow back onto his shoulder, drew another arrow from the quiver, and examined it closely. The arrowhead was rather long, tapering to a sharp point like a needle—narrow and deadly.

  This arrow was crafted by Luo Fengwei himself, using tungsten as the main material. After countless trials, he finally succeeded. It had taken him months of full dedication—focused effort and nonstop research into tungsten. He managed to process wolframite ore and create tungsten arrows.

  It hadn't been easy. He failed many times, wasting countless precious resources and even blowing up several furnaces. The stress was immense, but in the end, he succeeded.

  Not only that—through the process, he also deepened his knowledge and broadened his understanding of blacksmithing. He even experienced an epiphany that helped loosen both his cultivation and blacksmithing bottlenecks, ultimately aiding his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm from the 8th stage of the Golden Core realm.

  Satisfied after scrutinizing the arrow, he poured his Qi into it. Then he looked toward a distant boulder and casually threw the arrow.

  It whistled through the air and struck the boulder with a sharp crack. Despite being a casual throw, nearly a quarter of the arrow embedded itself into the rock.

  "The tungsten arrow has better penetrative power than those made with other materials. With the inscription multiplying the force, the result is far superior," Luo Fengwei said, stroking his beard.

  Between tungsten arrows and others, the inscription's enhancement was more effective with tungsten. Tungsten is very hard and resists deformation upon impact, retaining its shape better, which helps it punch through armor or energy barriers instead of flattening or breaking apart.

  It is also dense, meaning it carries more kinetic energy and momentum for the same size, which improves penetration. When the inscription multiplied that force, the gain was even greater.

  Luo Fengwei took another tungsten arrow from the quiver. It looked similar to the others, but this one had a faint lightning pattern etched along the arrowhead. Sparks of lightning occasionally flickered across its surface, crackling softly.

  This was the first tungsten arrow he had ever forged—and, unbeknownst to him, the first weapon in the cultivation world made with tungsten. Luo Fengwei examined it closely, watching the faint arcs of lightning dance across it. He could feel a tremendous pressure radiating from the arrow—intense and fearsome.

  Back then, when he was about to finish the arrowhead, the sky had suddenly darkened. Black clouds gathered, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed. Just after he struck the final blow to complete the arrowhead, a massive bolt of lightning struck the arrowhead—and a portion of it hit him as well. The impact flung Luo Fengwei aside and left him severely injured.

  As Luo Fengwei lay on the ground, barely conscious, the dark sky gradually began to clear. A faint golden light descended from above, drawn toward the arrowhead. It was slowly absorbed by the arrowhead, and a small portion was drawn into Luo Fengwei's body.

  Warmth spread through his body. His injuries began to heal—not just those from the lightning strike, but even old, hidden wounds from long ago.

  Still in a half-conscious state, Luo Fengwei felt a surge of inspiration flood his mind. In that moment, he gained a powerful epiphany.

  After the incident, he went into seclusion for several days to absorb and comprehend the insights he had gained. During that time, he broke through to the Nascent Soul realm.

  He still didn't understand what had caused the lightning—or what that golden light was—but it had been a great blessing.

  Luo Fengwei carefully stored the arrow back into his storage ring. He knew it was special, and had no intention of letting others know—such a thing could attract trouble.

  "Sigh… it's all thanks to Mr. Orion," Luo Fengwei muttered.

  Back then, Orion and Luo Fengwei discussed many things and exchanged knowledge. Orion even taught him a bit about inscriptions and guided him on improving his technique. More importantly, Orion taught him how to process wolframite into tungsten.

  With Orion's guidance—and using the scrolls and books Orion provided—Luo Fengwei successfully processed wolframite into tungsten. Orion had explained that the method described couldn't be applied directly and needed to be modified, so Luo Fengwei had to research and adapt the process himself, which he achieved after many experiments and lots of trial and error.

  The scrolls Orion provided also mentioned that tungsten was well-suited for projectiles, especially those requiring strong penetration. So Luo Fengwei decided to craft arrows with long, sharp, narrow tips—focusing all the force into a single point to maximize impact and pierce deeply into targets.

  "Even though I succeeded in making the tungsten arrow, there are still things I don't understand… I still have many questions for Mr. Orion," Luo Fengwei murmured, beginning to pace back and forth.

  Learning something new only raised more questions. After successfully modifying the method to process wolframite taught by Orion, Luo Fengwei not only learned a lot but also had many questions. His curiosity deepened—the method taught by Orion seemed completely different from what he knew.

  "I have so many questions to ask Mr. Orion… Maybe, if I'm lucky, he'll not only answer them but also guide me again! Perhaps even teach me a new method to process ores, or help me improve my blacksmithing and inscription skills… or maybe—maybe even teach me the O# inscription!" Luo Fengwei grew more excited with each thought.

  "Ah no, I can't be too greedy," he muttered, trying to calm himself down as he continued pacing. "I've broken through to the Nascent Soul realm… Not only that, but my blacksmithing and inscription skills have also improved. It's all thanks to Mr. Orion. I need to thank him first."

  Still pacing, lost in his own thoughts, a short figure approached Luo Fengwei. The short figure—a young dwarf—walked closer, but Luo Fengwei either didn't care or simply didn't realize.

  "Master…"

  "Should… should I ask Mr. Orion to take me as his disciple?" Luo Fengwei muttered.

  "Master…"

  "Wait… am I even qualified? More importantly, would he even accept me?"

  "Master…"

  "But if I become Orion's disciple, doesn't that mean that little girl would be my senior sister?" Luo Fengwei paused. "Actually, that's not a big deal. As long as I can become his disciple…"

  "Master!"

  "Hm… how old is Mr. Orion anyway? Could he be younger than me?" Luo Fengwei touched his face, now smoother and rosier after his breakthrough.

  "Whatever. Even if he's younger, that's fine," he mumbled, recalling Orion's voice, which did sound rather young.

  "Master!"

  "I need to go to Fengxian first. As for asking to be his disciple… I'll think about it later."

  He had been contemplating it for a while now. To Luo Fengwei, Orion possessed profound knowledge and an unfathomable cultivation level. The knowledge Orion had shared was eye-opening, unfamiliar, and unique. His approach to things was completely different from the usual. For example, the method to process wolframite was advanced and unheard of in this world.

  Even though Luo Fengwei had successfully adjusted the process, he still felt like his version was inferior—just a rough imitation. From Orion's full-body armor, which was precise, intricate, and of unbelievably high craftsmanship, Luo Fengwei could only conclude that Orion came from a place with extremely advanced blacksmithing—perhaps a super cultivation sect.

  And when they first met, Orion was still asking for books and scrolls about inscription, as if he was learning it. But just a week later, he had already mastered it. That alone showed Orion likely already understood inscription—just a different kind. Perhaps he came from a very distant place with a completely different blacksmithing and inscription tradition. This would also explain why the original method to process tungsten didn't work here.

  "What gift should I bring? Oh, I also need to bring something for little Lingxin. But is it okay for me to suddenly go visit Mr. Orion…? Or do I need to make some excuse? Hm..." Luo Fengwei frowned.

  "Like pretending to accidentally pass by Fengxian…? No, that won't make sense. Maybe I'll say I have some business nearby, and during my free time, I dropped by to meet him… Yes, that sounds better."

  "Oh, that's right! It's pretty normal for me to report that I successfully processed the wolframite into tungsten. That's right! Hahaha, how could I forget that? I could use that as the perfect excuse."

  He nodded, smiling to himself and finally stopping his pacing.

  "MASTER!!!"

  Luo Fengwei casually waved his hand.

  The young dwarf flew backward several meters. Even though Luo Fengwei hadn't touched him, the wind from the gesture alone was enough to blast him away.

  "Quiet! I already heard you. Why are you screaming like that?" Luo Fengwei barked.

  "Hehe… sorry, Master. I thought you didn't hear me."

  "Didn't hear you? I even knew the moment you left the city," Luo Fengwei scoffed.

  Now that Luo Fengwei had reached the Nascent Soul realm, his Spiritual Sense had strengthened greatly. Its range had expanded far. He had sensed his disciple the moment he left the city and headed into the forest to find him. But he just ignored him, his mind too preoccupied with other thoughts.

  "Little Wei, what is it?" Luo Fengwei asked.

  Little Wei was his favorite disciple—and the only one who knew that he had already broken through to the Nascent Soul realm.

  "Master, the Liu family asked for you to make a Grade-3 sword for them. They've prepared the materials and the Spirit Stones," Little Wei reported.

  "Liu family?" Luo Fengwei muttered. He retrieved a pipe from his storage ring, lit it, and took a slow puff. "Seems like they've gotten into some serious trouble."

  Luo Fengwei had heard that the Liu family had recently gotten into conflicts with several factions. They had asked him to forge weapons and armor for them before, and now they were requesting a Grade-3 sword.

  Not only that, Luo Fengwei had also noticed how active their cultivators had become lately. It seemed the situation was quite serious.

  He had also heard about the Lotus Delight Pavilion—the Liu family's new restaurant that had quickly become popular. Apparently, it was the source of the conflict.

  "How is it, Master? Will you make the sword?" Little Wei asked.

  "Yeah, sure," Luo Fengwei said with a nod. "Go tidy everything up."

  Little Wei obediently began cleaning the small clearing, picking up the many arrows Luo Fengwei had used for his tests.

  There were also several pieces of armor and shields scattered around, many of them pierced by arrows.

  "Could it be that Mr. Orion is the one behind the Lotus Delight Pavilion?" Luo Fengwei muttered as he puffed on his pipe again.

  The restaurant had opened not long after Orion arrived in Fengxian, and Luo Fengwei knew that Orion was close with the Liu family. He also understood Orion's tendency to stay low-profile—it would make sense if he cooperated with the Liu family from behind the scenes.

  The food at the Lotus Delight Pavilion was well-known for its remarkable effects on boosting one's cultivation. Luo Fengwei doubted the Liu family alone had the means to create such dishes—but if Orion was involved, then it all made sense.

  "…It seems I can't go to Fengxian for now," Luo Fengwei said, letting out a slow breath of smoke as he watched Little Wei in the distance, cleaning up the messy clearing.