Chapter 52: Learning the Art of Runes
"Transform the Shura Divine Jade into a divine penknife. Here's the method for transformation, along with two first-level elemental runes for you to learn," Xi Yue said, touching Mu Feng's forehead. A stream of knowledge flooded into his mind.
After assimilating the information, Mu Feng channeled Yuan energy into the Shura Divine Jade. A golden divine rune appeared within it, and as Yuan energy surged into it, the Shura Divine Jade emitted a crimson glow, transforming into a blood-red penknife about a foot long. Its blade was sharp, its color deep red, and its handle adorned with golden patterns.
Mu Feng retrieved a piece of beast hide talisman paper and dipped the penknife into a vial of fine ink. Remarkably, the blade absorbed the ink directly.
Concentrating his spiritual energy on the penknife, he saw a stream of blood-red liquid emerge from its tip.
"Not bad. You managed to channel your spiritual energy into the penknife on your first attempt. It seems you have a natural talent for the art of runes," Xi Yue observed, nodding approvingly from the side.
Mu Feng began to etch runes onto the talisman paper. However, his first strokes were clumsy, and the rune he attempted to draw turned out crooked and messy. The paper tore under the blade.
His first talisman was a failure.
He continued to try, ruining three more talisman papers in quick succession.
"Ugh, so slow! Fine, I'll merge with your body and control your movements. Watch closely and learn," Xi Yue sighed, her tone exasperated.
It wasn't that Mu Feng was untalented—mastering even a single elemental rune required countless hours of practice. For someone attempting it for the first time, failure was to be expected.
Xi Yue transformed into a beam of golden light and entered Mu Feng's consciousness. Temporarily merging her spirit with his body, she took control of his arm, wielding the penknife.
The penknife moved fluidly under Xi Yue's control, tracing patterns like a dragon weaving through the clouds. It was a stark contrast to Mu Feng's earlier attempts.
Before long, a complete rune was etched onto the talisman paper.
Mu Feng infused the talisman with Yuan energy and quickly threw it into the corner of the chamber.
Boom!
A powerful explosion erupted, sending a shockwave of blue energy across the room. The talisman's power was comparable to a full-strength strike from someone in the Zifu Realm.
"Incredible," Mu Feng muttered, astonished by the rune's potency.
"This is just a first-level Water Explosion Rune," Xi Yue said smugly, her spirit leaving Mu Feng's body. "Now imagine the power of divine runes—one could destroy stars with a single use."
"Remember how I guided your hand just now. Practice repeatedly until you develop muscle memory," she instructed.
Mu Feng nodded and resumed practicing. Though his next attempt also failed, his strokes were noticeably more fluid.
This cycle continued: Xi Yue would merge with Mu Feng and guide his hand, and then he would attempt on his own. After dozens of repetitions, the movements became second nature to him.
Out of five bundles of talisman paper, only seven sheets remained intact. Each bundle, costing several hundred gold coins, had been nearly exhausted. Every attempt he made, except those directly guided by Xi Yue, ended in failure.
With one of the last sheets, Mu Feng tried again. This time, his strokes were smooth, and the ink lines glowed faintly with blue light as they settled into the talisman. When he finished, the rune shimmered before fully integrating into the paper.
"I did it!" Mu Feng exclaimed, leaping to his feet in joy. "Xi Yue, I finally succeeded!"
"Well done," Xi Yue said, nodding with approval. "Mastering a single rune officially makes you a beginner rune craftsman. Now, bring some weapons—I'll teach you how to engrave weapon runes. To be considered competent, you need to master engraving techniques."
If anyone else had witnessed this, they would have been astonished. Mastering even one rune typically required months of practice and significant financial investment. Yet Mu Feng had achieved this in a single day.
Of course, his success wasn't solely due to his talent. Having Xi Yue—a knowledgeable and hands-on mentor—was a tremendous advantage. Her ability to merge with him and guide his every move made all the difference.
The following morning, Mu Feng purchased dozens of high-quality weapons from a blacksmith in An Nan City, spending nearly all his remaining gold coins. Back in the training chamber, Xi Yue began teaching him how to engrave runes onto weapons.
Using the penknife, Mu Feng etched patterns onto the blade of a snow-white longsword. The ink seeped into the engraved lines, but as he finished, the blade cracked and shattered.
Another failure.
Xi Yue took over again, guiding Mu Feng's hands as he practiced the engraving process. First-level weapon runes primarily enhanced a weapon's ability to channel Yuan energy, increasing its attack power.
Time passed as one weapon after another was destroyed. Mu Feng pressed on, resting only briefly when his spiritual energy was depleted before resuming his practice.
Meanwhile, trouble brewed in An Nan City.
At the Mu family's weapon shop, a crowd of disgruntled customers gathered, shouting angrily.
"Where's my custom weapon? It's been over two weeks! Did you pocket the deposit and run off? Refund my money!"
"Please, gentlemen, I assure you your weapons will be delivered soon. Could you give us just a few more days?" a gray-clad middle-aged man pleaded.
"More days? I've waited long enough! If I don't see my weapon soon, I'll smash this shop to pieces!" a burly man bellowed, grabbing the shopkeeper by the collar.
The angry crowd echoed his sentiments, their shouts growing louder.
Across the street, on the second floor of a teahouse, a one-armed youth reclined leisurely with a beautiful woman in his arms. Watching the commotion, he smirked.
"The Mu family thinks they can ignore the Huang family's influence just because they have backing from the main branch? I'll make sure they can't do business in An Nan City. They'll learn what happens when you cross us," the youth said, his voice dripping with malice.
Similar incidents erupted at the Mu family's other businesses across the city. Customers demanded refunds, threatening to destroy the shops if their orders weren't fulfilled.
"If we don't receive the weapons soon, the Mu family's reputation in An Nan City will be ruined," the shopkeeper muttered, sighing heavily as the disgruntled customers finally dispersed.