CHAPTER 691: CHAPTER 691: MY LITTLE SWEETHEART

With Old Five’s active cooperation, Ji You successfully crafted three low-level soul artifacts that night before she felt mentally exhausted. Knowing when to stop, Ji You no longer dared to be greedy, so she put down her tools and looked at her handiwork.

A butterfly ready to spread its wings and fly.

A dragonfly perched on a branch.

An eagle soaring through the sky.

The quality of these three soul artifacts, apart from the butterfly which reached Low-level Peak, the others were all of low-level medium grade. During the crafting process, Ji You prepared material for six artifacts and succeeded with three, which was a 50% success rate—it was higher than what Ji You expected, but it also left her with slight regrets. Because—this time’s crafting helped Ji You understand once again that soul artifacts really couldn’t be replicated or mass-produced.

Among the six, during the crafting process by Ji You, each one had the same Array Diagram carved into it. However, even though the same Array Diagram was used, the state of mind, the train of thought during each soul artifact’s crafting process, and the profound resonance that occurred between the artifacts and Ji You during their formation were all completely unique and impossible to replicate...

In other words, even with the same Array Diagrams, soul artifacts still could not be replicated or mass-produced.

Ji You neatly packed up the three finished products, putting to rest any thoughts of mass production.

Afterward.

Ji You went to bed on schedule.

The next day, the Mecha training continued as usual.

Ji You could now pilot Chasing Sun, but had to forgo most of its functions, selecting only a few to use. This issue wasn’t new to her; during her time piloting ’Blade’ on the Star Network, she was already accustomed to it and had found a solution, so there was no need to rush. Walking, running, jumping, leaping... After mastering these basics, Ji You began to focus on training her shooting skills.

In a dangerous encounter, Combat Power was the guarantee of survival.

Ji You practiced her shooting over and over again.

...

In the evening.

After using Body Refining Medicine, Ji You continued with the Soul Artifact Manufacturing.

That night, Ji You still prepared material for six artifacts. Before starting, thinking of the previous night’s butterfly, dragonfly, and eagle, Ji You decided to shape all of this batch’s soul artifacts based on animal inspiration. She then settled down to start crafting, and in an instant, her thoughts roamed free, her carving knife as if it had gained a life of its own, from point to line...

Time ticked away...

When the Companion Stone in her hand, white with hints of pink, transformed into a vividly lifelike carp, Ji You couldn’t help but reveal a smile: "Success!"

Looking left, right...

Ji You held the carving knife and gently wrote down five characters: [Carp Jumping Over the Dragon Gate].

This was a good wish for the customer who would purchase this soul artifact.

Then.

Ji You reached out for the second piece of material.

With this material, Ji You wanted to create a cat pendant, but failed.

The third piece.

The stubborn Ji You tried to make a kitten again, but still failed.

The fourth piece.

Ji You gritted her teeth and changed the kitten into a tiger. During the process, her mindset shifted from that of a pet cat to embracing the presence of the King of the Forest; the tiger that she carved exuded a domineering and majestic aura, with the character for ’king’ on its forehead. Ji You, with a bold stroke of her knife, wrote several words:

[Dragon Soaring and Tiger Leaping]

Hoping that the future owner of the soul artifact would have a career as soaring as Dragon Soaring and Tiger Leaping, reaching the heavens.

The carp and tiger shaped soul artifacts, both reached Low-level Peak quality, yet, were still a bit shy of breaking through to Mid-level.

Where was the deficiency?

Ji You was at a loss.

In terms of Soul Artifact Manufacturing, Ji You was completely self-taught without any master’s guidance or peers to discuss with; she could only grope her way forward like trying to cross a river by feeling the stones. At times like this when encountering problems, she didn’t have anyone to discuss them with.

Soul Artifact Manufacturing was a very mysterious and profound field, full of unknown mysteries for the current interstellar society, and there were very few useful resources on the market to look up for reference.

Ji You patiently set aside thoughts of breaking through to Mid-level Soul Devices.

Then.

She continued with the fifth piece of material.

Failure.

The sixth one.

Failed again.

Ji You lifted his hand and gently massaged his forehead, sighing, "Creating Soul Devices really puts a huge strain on spiritual power. I must be patient, progress step by step, and not be greedy for more."

The last time he was greedy, his Spiritual World almost collapsed. Ji You took it as a lifelong lesson, warning himself never to be complacent again.

Tonight’s output amounted to only two devices. Added to yesterday’s, Ji You now had five Soul Devices in hand. After putting them away carefully, Ji You pondered a moment and decided to give a call to his mentor, Cheng Yu.

No sooner had he dialed than Cheng Yu picked up in less than a second.

Cheng Yu’s chubby face was brimming with a smile, "Master... You finally remembered Ah Da. I... I really... really missed you so much!!!"

Since it was a holographic video call, Cheng Yu seemed to leap toward the screen, his big eyes blinking rapidly as he gazed at Ji You. Moisture glistening at the edge of his eyes, his excitement was palpable—he was just a step away from throwing himself at Ji You’s feet, clinging to his legs, and wailing...

Listening to that wailing, Ji You’s heart trembled.

Thump~

Thump~

Thump~

...

It was like being a thief, thrillingly exhilarating!

If—

If one day, Cheng Yu knew that the person standing in front of him was actually one of his students...

That scenario...

Ji You didn’t dare to continue the thought.

His disguised identity must not be exposed!

At all costs!

So, wearing his disguised identity and holding an appearance completely different from the real one, Ji You, with a lowered voice, sternly tried to act indifferent, "Cough... Ah Da, I’m planning to hold a free lottery event soon. There will be three winners, each receiving a Low-level Soul Device as their prize."

Cheng Yu: "Huh???"

Cheng Yu was now too stunned to wail. He rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, "Master... Isn’t that prize... too... too generous?"

A Soul Device!

Using Soul Devices as prizes!

This—

Such generosity, not even the well-known Soul Artifact Masters within the Alliance would do such a thing.

Because Soul Devices, such rare treasures practically beyond price, never worried about sales.

Cheng Yu wanted to object, but seeing the Master’s serious expression, he knew that the Master was never one to act recklessly and must have his reasons. With that in mind, how could Cheng Yu possibly object?

He was determined to be Green Glaze Master’s diehard fan for life.

Of course, he would support the Master unconditionally!

Ahem...

And so, Cheng Yu said, "Master, rest assured, leave this matter to me!"

Ji You responded with a smile, "You don’t need to be too busy with it. On the day of the lottery, you and another sales clerk just need to keep order at the event."

Cheng Yu thought of the other sales clerk, his face showing a hint of grievance, "Master... Why do you need to find another sales clerk? Am I... am I no longer your most beloved darling?"

Ji You: "..."

Ji You’s eyelid twitched:

[Holy shit! Since when were you my darling?]