After stowing away the Sovereign Thunder Tyrant Sword, Zhou Changqing turned and went back inside, continuing his research and design for refining a Spirit-Converging Armament.
He had a weapon now, but defensive gear was an absolute must. Even though his physical body was already incredibly tough, and his Dou Qi defenses could shrug off attacks from most opponents at his level, who would ever complain about being tougher and more resilient?
Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, more than two months had passed.
Inside the cultivation chamber attached to his bedroom, Zhou Changqing sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. His Dou Qi surged as the ambient energy of the world was drawn into his body like a river flowing into the sea, to be refined and absorbed.
After a long while, Zhou Changqing opened his eyes. He sensed his current realm and smiled in satisfaction.
During this period, he had not neglected his cultivation while focusing on his craft. Though his cultivation speed was much slower without tempering his body with lightning, his progress was still significant. He had advanced directly from a one-star Dou Wang to the peak of a three-star Dou Wang.
Such rapid advancement was certainly not due to his innate talent alone. No matter how gifted he was, it was impossible to advance one star per month at the Dou Wang realm without external aid.
His incredible progress was thanks to the two Dou Ling Pills Medusa had given him. The effects of a Dou Ling Pill were well-known; taking one at the Dou Wang realm could guarantee a stable one-star increase in strength within just a few days. Now that he was settled at the Mittel residence, the stable environment allowed Zhou Changqing to make use of such a direct power-boosting treasure.
As for why he had advanced by two stars, that was due to his unique physical constitution.
A Dou Ling Pill could only be effectively consumed once in a person's lifetime. A second dose would be rendered useless by the resulting medicinal resistance. However, after Zhou Changqing had fully refined the first pill, his powerful spiritual perception led him to an unexpected discovery: his body's resistance to the pill hadn't reached its limit.
He guessed that his physical body, being far stronger than that of a typical Dou Wang, had significantly reduced the medicinal resistance generated by the pill.
Still, Dou Ling Pills were far too precious to waste. Zhou Changqing spent about a month studying his condition, and only after repeatedly confirming that his resistance was not maxed out did he grit his teeth and take the second pill.
The result was just as he had sensed. The second Dou Ling Pill was not wasted, and he advanced another star. This time, however, he could clearly feel that his resistance to the pill had reached its absolute limit. A third would have no effect, just like with anyone else.
Zhou Changqing was more than satisfied with this outcome. He had been wondering how to handle the second pill, but now that problem was solved. Compared to auctioning it or trading it for refining materials, converting it directly into his own strength was the most profitable choice.
He rose from his cushion, left the cultivation chamber, and returned to his bedroom before heading outside. As he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Teng Shan sitting at the central stone table, his eyes slightly narrowed.
"Patriarch Teng Shan, what brings you here?" Zhou Changqing greeted him with a smile. He had already sensed someone's arrival while in the cultivation chamber, so he wasn't surprised to find Teng Shan waiting.
Seeing Zhou Changqing, Teng Shan didn't remain seated. He stood up, approached, and gestured with a friendly smile. "Hehe, little friend Changqing, come, have a seat."
The young man before him, perhaps due to just finishing his cultivation, was leaking a faint trace of his aura. Teng Shan's keen senses picked it up, and a wave of astonishment washed over him. Compared to a few days ago, the young man's strength seemed to have grown considerably again. Such a rate of progress was simply unbelievable.
This only solidified Teng Shan's resolve to remain on good terms with him. He dared not put on airs, instead treating Zhou Changqing as an equal, or perhaps even his superior.
After they both sat down, Teng Shan explained his purpose for coming.
It turned out he was here about the Tier-D auction. Over the past two months, besides the Sovereign Thunder Tyrant Sword and a set of Tier-5 Spirit-Converging inner armor for himself, Zhou Changqing had also forged a Tier-5 Spirit-Converging Bow and Arrow set. To continue gathering more and better refining materials, as well as to further build his reputation as an artificer, Zhou Changqing had decided to put the bow and arrows up for auction.
After witnessing the terrifying power of the Tier-5 bow, Teng Shan was astounded. He immediately decided to hold a Tier-D auction and invite every major power in the Imperial Capital. The auction of a weapon that was a priceless treasure even to a Dou Wang was guaranteed to cause a massive sensation and attract countless powerful experts.
Teng Shan dared not be careless or overlook a single detail. More than half of the Mittel clan's entire manpower was now dedicated to preparing for this auction.
The auction was set for tomorrow. The Imperial Capital was already in an uproar over the news, with the excitement second only to the upcoming Alchemist Grand Meeting. After all, the Tier-4 Monster Core Armament had already created a significant buzz two months ago. The appearance of a Tier-5 weapon had fanned the fading embers of that excitement into a raging inferno.
Thus, to ensure the auction proceeded without a hitch, Teng Shan had come personally to request Zhou Changqing's presence tomorrow. With him, the Mittel clan would have four Dou Wangs on-site, a force that would guarantee absolute stability.
Zhou Changqing did not refuse. His own interests were at stake, and he certainly didn't want any accidents.
The next day.
At the gates of the Imperial Capital, two unremarkable figures blended into the crowd and entered the Holy City. Walking along the streets, the old man and the young man spoke in low voices.
"As expected of the empire's heart. Its prosperity far surpasses any other city."
"Hehe, it's your first time here. You'll get used to it. Besides, with the Alchemist Grand Meeting approaching, it's naturally going to be more lively."
"Where do you plan on going next?"
"Let's head to the Mittel Auction House first. I need to find some medicinal herbs, and you can look for the ingredients to refine the Spirit Recovery Purple Pill. After that, we'll make a trip to the Alchemist Association."
"Alright, that's the plan."
Having decided on their course of action, the two made their way toward the Mittel Auction House headquarters. When they arrived, however, they found the atmosphere was off. A massive, dark crowd was gathered at the entrance. The sheer density of people was far beyond normal.
"Is... is the Mittel Auction House's business always this booming in the capital?"
"It shouldn't be. I may have been away for many years, but the auction house couldn't have changed this much, could it?"
"We'll know if we ask someone."
"Brother, may I ask what's happening? Why are so many people packed around the entrance?"
"You don't know?"
"Hehe, this is my first time in the Imperial Capital, so I'm not familiar with the situation."
"I see! Hehe, then you've come at the perfect time. The capital is bustling right now! Not only is the Alchemist Grand Meeting about to start, but the Mittel Auction House is also holding a Tier-D auction today."
"A Tier-D auction? Don't those happen only once a year, if that?"
"This old sir seems to know his stuff."
"No, that's not right. Even for a Tier-D auction, it shouldn't be this crowded. Not just anyone can get into an auction of that level. What's the point of you all squeezing around here?"
"You jest, old sir. Of course, we can't enter the Tier-D auction. We're not here for that, but for the Tier-2 Monster Core Armaments that will be sold simultaneously once the auction begins."
"Monster Core Armament?!"
Hearing this name, Xiao Yan was startled.
"Huh? Young man, aren't you new to the capital? You've heard of Monster Core Armaments? Let me tell you, this treasure comes from the hands of a great Artificer..." the man they'd asked explained, then added with awe, "And this Tier-D auction is only happening because of this very Artificer. I heard they're even auctioning a Tier-5 Spirit-Converging Armament that's incredibly useful even for experts at the Dou Wang level!"
Xiao Yan's eyelids twitched as he listened. Beside him, even Hai Bodong wore a rare expression of surprise. Having been with Xiao Yan for some time, he had seen the Monster Core Armament the boy occasionally used and understood its nature.
The old man and the young man locked eyes, each knowing what the other was thinking.
They had to attend this auction, no matter what, just to see what was going on.
"Old Zhou, you've really caused a huge stir this time. A Tier-5 armament... Damn it, your artifice skills have already reached the fifth tier! That's equivalent to the Dou Wang realm!"
"I'm quite curious to see just how powerful these weapons that this Xiao Yan kid praises so highly really are, and who is the one crafting them."
As they were lost in their own thoughts, Xiao Yan suddenly turned to Hai Bodong with a grin. "Old Hai, you must have plenty of connections in the capital, right? Think you can arrange something?"
"You cunning little brat, you really know how to play your cards. Follow me," Hai Bodong said, shooting a sidelong glance at the sly Xiao Yan.
With that, he led Xiao Yan away from the crowd, heading toward a more secluded area.