After retrieving the Mystic Stone, the group followed the same route back.
Shajin had already arranged for the highest-grade Starshatter Iron Ore to be delivered in advance and personally handed it over to Master Zhang.
Just then, Beidou arrived in a hurry with her crew.
Not only did she bring even more Starshatter Iron Ore, but she also brought a small amount of rare Mystic Stone as well.
Master Zhang carefully examined the materials, letting out an admiring whistle.
"These materials you've found are the real deal—absolutely top-tier! With my years of experience, I can say for sure that using these will yield nothing short of the finest quality results."
With that, he eagerly rolled up his sleeves, ready to get to work.
"Haha! Since I've got such good materials to work with, I can't hold back now. Time to show you what I've really got."
Seeing this, Paimon beamed with joy, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Awesome! Now all that's left is the Adepti Sigil! Xianyun, you can make that, right?"
Xianyun rolled her eyes slightly at Paimon's question, her tone carrying a hint of disdain.
"Of course this immortal knows how to craft an Adepti Sigil. It's but a trifle to me."
"However, the one responsible for crafting it this time won't be me—it will be Shenhe."
Shenhe stood quietly to the side. Hearing her name, she gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
"I've trained under my master since childhood, and I'm somewhat familiar with the crafting methods of the Adepti Sigil."
"Being able to participate in this task is a great opportunity to test the results of my cultivation."
She turned to Master Zhang, a hint of inquiry in her gaze.
"May I work on the talisman here, or would that interfere with your forging?"
Master Zhang quickly waved his hands with a warm smile.
"Not at all! It's an honor to have you working here."
"And I'd love the chance to observe the techniques of an immortal firsthand!"
As time passed, the atmosphere around them grew calm and focused.
"Hoo…"
Suddenly, Shenhe exhaled softly, as though releasing her inner fatigue and tension.
Her eyes glimmered with satisfaction as she spoke in a low voice.
"The sigil is complete. Though still lacking compared to my master's handiwork, it should be of quite decent quality."
Master Zhang walked over as well.
"The Wonder Core is ready too—here."
Lumine took it from him.
Paimon zoomed around in delight.
"That's amazing! Let's go submit everything quickly, before someone else gets ahead of us!"
…
Baiwen received the Wonder Core and the Adepti Sigil.
"Both the core and the talisman are in good condition. Looks like this competition is coming to a close."
"You three are a team, correct?"
"I see. Understood."
Baiwen then gathered all the participants.
"I hereby announce the three winners of the materials competition: Lumine, Yun Jin, and Beidou!"
The crowd blinked in disbelief.
"Wait, that's it? I haven't even found my Sunset Vermillionite yet!"
"This doesn't feel fair!"
"Ugh, we rushed like crazy and still ended up late…"
Baiwen continued.
"Now then, would the three winners please proceed to the Jade Chamber? Lady Ningguang is already waiting for you there."
"Yes!"
Paimon tugged excitedly at Lumine's sleeve.
"Lumine, let's go!"
"Insert the Adepti Sigil and theWonder Core into the Jade Chamber's control chamber."
"Once that's done, the Jade Chamber will be fully rebuilt. Then, once the chains are retracted, it will rise once more into the skies."
"You've all worked hard. Now it's time for me to keep my promise and grant you your rewards."
Beidou shrugged.
"I don't really have anything to ask. I was just dragged into this competition anyway~"
"I'll leave the questions to you guys."
Ningguang nodded in understanding.
"I've heard a bit about your intentions, Miss Yun. You're looking for a proper stage for your new opera, correct?"
Yun Jin stepped forward.
"Indeed. Do you have any suggestions, Lady Ningguang?"
"Since this is a production you've prepared so meticulously, why not debut it here—on the newly rebuilt Jade Chamber?"
"The Jade Chamber sits high above all else. From here, you can look out and behold all beneath the heavens."
"From such heights, the wind is strongest, and you can observe the full scope of the mortal realm. I dare say, there's no better stage under the sky than this."
Yun Jin's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang. I'll prepare the opera props shortly—may I trouble you to bring them up to the Jade Chamber?"
Ningguang shook her head.
"A masterpiece deserves such treatment. No need for thanks."
"Shajin, Lumine, Cloud Retainer, Shenhe, Beidou, and little Paimon—I'll take my leave for now. Don't forget to come see the performance~"
Lumine looked around at the others, then jogged up to whisper something into Ningguang's ear.
Ningguang paused, then a smile curved her lips.
She leaned in and whispered something back.
"Eh?!"
Shajin watched as Lumine returned looking a bit glum.
He chuckled and patted her head.
"Didn't I tell you? When the time comes, your brother will return."
Lumine swatted his hand away irritably.
"I wasn't asking about him—I was asking about you…"
She quickly covered her mouth.
Shajin scratched his head.
"Asking about me?"
Lumine stuck out her tongue.
"Not telling!"
Paimon raised her hand excitedly.
Ningguang shook her head slightly.
"Running a business isn't as easy as you think. Capital, connections, an instinct for shifting tides, a sense for opportunity… all of these are essential."
"Paimon, if you want to know how to make money, I'll answer as promised—but it may not be very useful to you just yet."
Paimon gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.
"Whaaat—I didn't even ask yet!"
Ningguang chuckled lightly.
"It's written all over your face—anyone can tell. Still, you've helped me rebuild the Jade Chamber. That's no small favor, and I'll never treat it lightly."
"I can promise you this—if you're ever in desperate need, come find me for a job. As for pay, I'll make sure it's the best I can offer."
Paimon flew around gleefully.
"Hehehe! That's great—if we ever run out of Mora, we'll just come find Ningguang!"
Shajin stretched lazily.
"Well, looks like everything's finally wrapped up. Now we just wait to enjoy Yun Jin's new play."
"Ningguang, mind if I invite a few more people?"
Ningguang, who was overseeing the stage setup, nodded.
"Of course. The more, the merrier."
_
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