Chapter 130: Backroom Deal

"Naturally, to acquire a material like Refined Metal Essence, one must be an artificer. And with Miss Linling so highly regarded by senior Lin guests, it’s not hard to deduce her true identity," Yang Xiao remarked.

"I see. Indeed, Sister Linling is a master artificer unparalleled within our clan. That’s because she possesses both the Fire and Metal spiritual roots—what people commonly call the Artificer’s Roots. Although her cultivation isn’t very high, when it comes to forging, she ranks among the very best in our entire Linlang Sanctuary," Lin Tian said with a smile, clearly proud of his sister.

"Having the Artificer’s Roots truly offers many advantages in forging. Such a constitution is rare, and even fewer choose to become artificers. Yet those who do almost invariably achieve great success," Yang Xiao nodded. He had guessed that Linling was an artificer, but hadn’t expected her to possess the rare Artificer’s Roots.

Those with Artificer’s Roots excel in forging because their innate affinity for both Fire and Metal surpasses those with single-element roots. Similarly, those who have Fire and Wood roots are often called Alchemist’s Roots, as such a constitution greatly aids in refining elixirs.

Large sects often select disciples with either Artificer’s or Alchemist’s Roots to engage in forging and alchemy. But since these dual-root constitutions are so rare, many sects settle for disciples with only one useful root. However, once a disciple with true Artificer’s or Alchemist’s Roots appears, they inevitably become masters of their craft.

Still, some with these special roots avoid joining big sects because their constitution compels them to focus on forging or alchemy, which can hinder their cultivation. Such individuals often prefer solitary practice to advance their cultivation more rapidly. This explains why few disciples with Artificer’s or Alchemist’s Roots are found among the forging and alchemy ranks of major sects.

Now that Linling possesses this rare constitution and has already achieved considerable skill in forging, it naturally caused Yang Xiao to look upon her with newfound respect.

"Brother Yang Xiao, you actually know about the Artificer’s Roots? Have you studied forging as well?" Linling asked.

"I have only read some books and gained a little knowledge here and there. I haven’t formally studied forging," Yang Xiao replied, deliberately concealing his true expertise. If others knew he was a young master artificer whose cultivation had not lagged behind, it would surely arouse suspicion.

In truth, Yang Xiao’s claim was accurate. He had never received formal forging training in any major sect; his proficiency came from experiences and insights gained in his previous life.

"I see. Then, Brother Yang Xiao, can you guess who I intend to give this Refined Metal Essence to?" Linling asked mysteriously.

"Could it be for me?" Yang Xiao half-joked.

"Brother Yang Xiao, you’re remarkably clever! You guessed it right—I bought this Refined Metal Essence precisely to give to you," Linling said joyfully.

"Really? For me?" Yang Xiao found it hard to believe. He had only half-jokingly mentioned his need for Refined Metal Essence to forge the Dragon-Snake Sword, which indeed required such a material. In fact, he had planned to ask Linling for some, even if only half of what she had, as it would greatly enhance the sword’s power.

Of course, he kept this thought to himself, showing no outward surprise.

Linling, unaware of Yang Xiao’s true thoughts, felt a surge of excitement that he had guessed correctly so quickly.

"Brother Yang Xiao, when I saw your duel with Brother Lin Hao, I noticed your sword’s sharpness was lacking. Other than that, it had few flaws. If you forge it with Refined Metal Essence and a few other materials, it could very well become a supreme spiritual treasure. That’s why I came to the marketplace to get this for you," Linling explained.

"I see. I didn’t expect Miss Linling to risk coming to the marketplace on my behalf. I am truly grateful," Yang Xiao said sincerely.

"It makes sense that Sister Linling came to the marketplace to help Brother Yang Xiao purchase materials. After all, Brother Yang Xiao is our honored guest, so helping him is only natural. But coming here alone was too dangerous. You shouldn’t have come without company. Even if you had to come, you should have brought me or Brother Lin Hao along. You are the pillar of our clan, and we cannot afford any mishaps, especially with the upcoming competition where your role is crucial," Lin Tian said earnestly.

"I didn’t expect to be targeted by the Feng family as soon as I arrived at the marketplace. Even though I was quite cautious, trouble still found me. In hindsight, I probably should have brought more people. But Brother Lin Tian, don’t praise me so highly. Although I have some achievements in forging, I am far from being the clan’s pillar. My cultivation is still too low. It is people like you, Brother Lin Tian, with your cultivation, who are likely to become pillars of the clan in the future," Linling said modestly.

"Alright, Sister Linling, just be more careful in the future. You are indeed the most outstanding artificer in our clan, so we will naturally rely on you in the competition. That’s why our grandfather values you so highly," Lin Tian said, kindly reminding her once more.

Linling nodded in agreement.

"By the way, I have a question, Miss Linling. Brother Lin Hao and I have been wandering around the marketplace for quite some time and have visited almost every shop, but I never saw any selling Refined Metal Essence. Otherwise, I would have bought some right away," Yang Xiao asked, puzzled.

"Haha, that’s simple. Consider this: Refined Metal Essence is an incredibly precious material. How could shopkeepers possibly display it openly for sale?" Linling smiled.

"Could it be that these shops conduct some business in secret besides their surface trade?" Yang Xiao continued to inquire.