Chapter 10: The Innate Unity of Qi and the Great Capture

Han Hao nodded and said, "The senior brother brought back not only that bronze cauldron from the ruins, but also a piece of silk manuscript inside it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tuo and the other two immediately felt a tightness in their chests, silently shouting in their hearts: "Master, my cultivation is not weak at all..."

Really? Congratulations, Master. The fellow apprentices are all very happy together

Han Hao did not hear their heartfelt voices, nor did he show any intention of changing the situation. Instead, he said淡淡地道: "Just like this, you may go back!"

Under the fervent gaze of his disciples, Han Hao introduced the functions of those spiritual tools and the incantations for their manipulation

What puzzled him was that when his great-grandfather returned with serious injuries, the commotion must have been significant, and it was impossible for no one to have noticed. If that were the case, then he should not have returned home without anyone knowing after first visiting his master. So, how did his master manage to keep the secret and live quietly for so many years without being observed?

After speaking, Han Hao took out a jade slip from the Qiankun bag, spread it in his palm, and without any apparent gesture, suddenly, spiritual energy gathered, and a gigantic hand appeared in mid-air, as if pinching a needle, it lifted the jade slip and placed it into Zhang Fan's hand

Can jealousy also become a habit? The three looked at each other in pain, laughed, and then each went their separate ways

No wonder they are so out of control; spiritual tools and magical instruments, just a word apart, are entirely different concepts

At this moment, Zhuo Hao interjected, "Dear junior brothers, I am pleased to inform you that the materials required for Master to form his Golden Core have been prepared. After today, he will enter seclusion for intensive cultivation."

In front of Zhang Fan were two low-grade spiritual artifacts: the Soul-Descending Bell, which integrated both offense and defense, and the Spirit Turtle Shield, which specialized in defense

In these years, the three of them have not been idle. Jiang Tuo, with the highest cultivation, has already reached the tenth level, having preliminarily stepped into the threshold of the high stage of the Qi Refining Period. Shentu Hong and Xu Ying are slightly weaker, but they have also attained the ninth level of cultivation, making it at least unproblematic for them to control intermediate-grade spiritual tools

After five years, reaching the seventh level of the Qi Refinement stage is not particularly fast, but when combined with profound skills in weapon refining, it becomes somewhat astonishing

In the future, when I am no longer by your side, you will have to rely on your own research

Zhuo Hao left with an expression as usual, while Jiang Tuo and the other two rolled their eyes for what seemed like the umpteenth time today, secretly resenting Zhang Fan for getting special treatment, and reluctantly withdrew.

In fact, over the past few years, the three of them have come to regard Zhang Fan with a more respectful attitude. They no longer look down on him from a position of superiority, and when they meet, addressing him as "Second Senior Brother" is no longer so uncomfortable.

Although the characters on that silk manuscript are incomprehensible, the illustrations are detailed, making it not difficult to cultivate supernatural powers

On the way back, Zhang Fan pondered back and forth, ultimately unable to find an answer, and could only set it aside for the time being

The process of forming a golden core is not merely a simple breakthrough at a certain threshold; rather, it signifies a comprehensive enhancement in strength, status, longevity, and other aspects. As the water rises, so do the boats, and naturally, those who are disciples feel delighted.

After all, magical tools are primarily intended for use by lower-tier practitioners. Even the highest-grade magical tools lack the power of ordinary magical treasures. However, only masters at the Core Formation stage can utilize magical treasures, which means that they cannot address immediate needs. Thus, spiritual tools, which exist between magical tools and magical treasures, have emerged to fill this gap

Is there a spiritual artifact available? Zhang Fan's eyes widened in surprise; even someone like him, who could refine top-tier magical tools, was so eager for it. Not to mention the several junior disciples below who were practically drooling.

After the introduction, Han Hao expressed regret and said: "Unfortunately, Fan'er, your cultivation is too weak, and you can only barely control low-grade spiritual tools. Fortunately, you have a top-grade magical artifact to assist you, so your self-protection should be worry-free"

The master remains so openly biased; why does Zhang Fan get two items while I only have one? However, the three little foxes merely think about it in their hearts and *imagine* it, but would never dare to speak it out loud

Silk book? Why haven't I seen it? Zhang Fan felt puzzled, yet he did not interrupt Han Hao's words, knowing that he must have more to say.

Indeed, Han Hao continued, "When the senior brother returned heavily injured that year, he first came to see me, leaving behind that silk manuscript, and only then did he take that useless bronze ding back with him"

Nowadays, every time I show a hint of jealousy when the master is biased, it is more often just a habit

Such methods, compared to the spiritual transformation of top-tier magical tools, are not merely superior by a degree. Due to the extreme difficulty of the refinement process, even foundation-building stage cultivators cannot possess one for themselves, let alone small cultivators in the qi refining stage like them

Thus, witnessing Zhang Fan's continuous improvement in both his cultivation and his refining skills without any delay, one could not help but feel a sense of admiration, believing that the master's special regard for him was indeed not without reason

Han Hao pondered for a moment, then took out a purplish-red jade slip from his bosom. After hesitating for a while, he handed it to Zhang Fan and said solemnly, "This contains my master's lifelong insights on artifact crafting. I originally did not intend to give it to you so soon"

He then patted the Qiankun bag, and several beams of light flew out, each stopping in front of a few disciples. He said: "These spiritual tools are for your self-defense. Be cautious in all matters. If you encounter any grievances, do not act impulsively. When I emerge from seclusion, I will naturally take charge for you."

Zhuo Hao obtained a high-level spiritual artifact—the Qionglu Umbrella, which boasts unparalleled defense

This is the divine ability recorded on the silk manuscript, which I call 'The Great Capture of Primal Qi.' Han Hao dispersed his giant hand and said to Zhang Fan: 'For safety reasons, the silk manuscript has already been destroyed. This is a cultivation method summarized by my master, and it can be considered as returning to its rightful owner. Although this divine ability is not of great use, it is quite marvelous, so you should study it diligently.'

Zhang Fan felt a sudden jolt in his heart and said, "Yes, there is. I heard from my grandfather that it was brought out from the ruins by my great-grandfather."

Zhuo Hao's performance was relatively calm, after all, his Fire Spirit Cone is merely a mid-tier spiritual artifact, so his consumption naturally does not appear as unseemly as that of the other four.

Although they were well aware that their master was a master of weapon forging, for the sake of their own cultivation, the three of them did not dare to waste any time on matters other than improving their skills

"Yes, Master, the disciple would never dare to delay in cultivation," Zhang Fan quickly replied, then asked in surprise, "Master, are you going out?"

The three junior disciples each obtained a low-grade spiritual artifact, namely the Red Sun Sword, the Nine Radiance Ring, and the Five-Color Silk Handkerchief

Immediately following, there was an additional remark regarding the book: "Let Fan'er stay."

Upon witnessing Han Hao execute this innate unified capture technique, Zhang Fan was certain that this method was part of a complete set with the Great Five Elements Breaking Restriction Technique. Only by combining the two could it be performed externally, and it also possessed a certain level of practical combat capability. The specifics would require gradual adjustment and research in the future to fully understand.

Han Hao merely smiled faintly and said, "In the short term, it will take two to three years; in the long term, it will take eight to ten years. As your teacher, I will surely achieve the Great Perfection of the Golden Elixir." At this point, he, who usually appeared more cultured than imposing, suddenly exuded an overwhelming aura, displaying a remarkable boldness.

In the cave, Han Hao remained silent for a while and said, "Fan'er, you should have a bronze tripod at home, right?"

However, since you possess such talent in the art of weapon forging, it cannot be delayed, so I grant this to you. However, Fan'er, you must remember that artifacts are ultimately external paths, and your own cultivation must not be neglected. As he spoke the latter part, his expression became unusually stern.

The so-called spiritual artifacts are created by sealing the essence of demon beasts into the magical tools through special techniques during their refinement. If successful, cultivators can utilize one or two of the demon beast's supernatural abilities through these artifacts. As a result, not only is their power significantly enhanced, but some spiritual artifacts that inherit unique supernatural abilities may even possess functions that cannot be replaced by magical treasures in certain aspects.