Over the course of several months, Lu Fan diligently forged weapons in the Mo Family's shop, carefully honing his skills. The steady rhythm of hammer striking metal became a constant in his life, and he used every opportunity to improve. Despite his progress, however, Lu Fan had not been able to forge high-grade weapons. He had deliberately kept his forging skills within a certain range, never letting them exceed the limits that would draw too much attention. He knew that showing too much skill, too soon, could attract unwanted scrutiny.
In the quiet corners of his mind, he always reminded himself of the need for caution. Lianhua City was filled with powerful cultivators, and his current goal was to lay low, blend in, and gain strength without attracting any unwanted enemies. So, he forged weapons that were of solid quality—nothing extraordinary, but enough to earn the Mo Family's approval and continue working in the forge.
His earnings from this steady work accumulated over time. Within a few months, he had saved up 900 spirit stones. While this amount wasn't enough to buy anything extraordinary, it was a good starting point. He was content for the time being, knowing that he could gradually increase his wealth while expanding his knowledge.
One day, after finishing his daily rounds of forging and repairs, Lu Fan decided it was time to make a trip to the Moonlight Traders, a renowned establishment in Lianhua City known for selling rare and valuable cultivation techniques. It was located in one of the higher-tier districts, a place where only cultivators with some degree of wealth or influence could afford to shop.
Lu Fan had heard whispers about the Moonlight Traders from other cultivators. They were said to carry a variety of valuable cultivation techniques, including body-tempering arts and rare alchemy formulas. This was exactly what he needed. Though he had already started down the path of Qi cultivation, his body wasn't as resilient as it could be. He needed a solid body-tempering technique to strengthen his foundation further.
Arriving at the Moonlight Traders, Lu Fan entered the establishment and was immediately struck by the opulence of the place. The walls were lined with displays of rare treasures, and the air was thick with the faint scent of incense, which seemed to carry an aura of refinement and mystique. Several cultivators were browsing the shelves, perusing scrolls and books that contained ancient knowledge.
A young attendant approached him, bowing politely. "Welcome to the Moonlight Traders. How may I assist you today, sir?"
Lu Fan gave a polite nod in return. "I'm interested in purchasing a body-tempering technique. Specifically, I'm looking for something related to the Thunder body-tempering art."
The attendant's eyes flickered with recognition. "Ah, the Thunder body-tempering art is a rare technique indeed. We have a scroll that's been sought after by many cultivators. Please follow me."
Lu Fan followed the attendant to a more secluded area of the shop, where a large, ornate chest sat on a pedestal. The attendant unlocked the chest with a small key and retrieved a scroll bound in deep blue leather, its surface shimmering faintly with electric energy.
"This is the Thunder body-tempering art," the attendant said, carefully handing the scroll to Lu Fan. "It's a mid-grade technique, highly effective for strengthening both your physical body and the internal lightning Qi. It's especially suitable for those who cultivate fire or lightning-based arts, but it can also enhance other types of cultivation."
Lu Fan took the scroll from the attendant, carefully unrolling it to glance through the contents. The technique outlined a series of body-tempering exercises designed to channel and refine lightning energy, gradually enhancing the cultivator's body to withstand more powerful attacks and channel lightning with greater precision.
After reviewing the technique, Lu Fan felt it was exactly what he needed. It aligned well with his cultivation, and it would allow him to continue advancing his strength in a balanced manner. The cost, however, was steep.
"How much for this technique?" Lu Fan asked, his expression neutral.
The attendant hesitated for a moment before replying, "For the Thunder body-tempering art, the price is 800 spirit stones. It's a fair price for such a rare technique."
Lu Fan paused for a moment, considering his options. He had the necessary funds, and this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. He nodded and reached into his storage pouch, retrieving the 800 spirit stones.
"Here you go," Lu Fan said, handing over the required amount.
The attendant accepted the payment with a courteous bow. "Thank you for your purchase. May your cultivation progress swiftly."
Lu Fan took the scroll, tucked it into his bag, and left the Moonlight Traders, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew that with this new body-tempering art, his cultivation would reach new heights. It was time to put the technique to use and strengthen his body, ensuring that he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.