Steady Cultivation: Starting With the Perk “Work Hard, Rest Hard” Chapter 590: Mass Refining

Su Yuan tallied his earnings. The cost of materials amounted to thirteen million Chaos Jade pieces, leaving him with one hundred and eighty-seven million Chaos Jade pieces. His profit had surpassed tenfold its initial value.

This figure, while impressive, did not reach the heights of profits gleaned from resource arbitrage. However, this was wealth generated through the skillful craft of artifact refining. The sense of accomplishment felt different—it was honorable and even served to strengthen his own Chaos Great Dao. It was, in a word, perfect.

Without further hesitation, Su Yuan immersed himself once more in the art of artifact refining. With the experience from his initial attempts, each subsequent refinement proceeded with greater fluidity and ease. One Chaos Dominator Artifact after another was brought into existence, enabling Su Yuan to accumulate a substantial fortune.

On rare occasions, when a refinement yielded an exceptionally outstanding result, producing minor masterpieces, he would bypass the Merit Points Exchange Mall. Instead, these special creations were showcased within his very own shop.

In this manner, a hundred Yuan Assemblies flew by in the blink of an eye. Su Yuan had depleted all the raw materials at his disposal.

The final standard-issue Chaos Dominator Artifact emerged from his hands, taking the form of a piece of armor. Adorning its center was a meticulously refined Life Source Stone, radiating a dazzling brilliance. Su Yuan casually placed it upon a shelf in his shop before entering a period of secluded cultivation. He resolved to absorb the profound insights gained from this extensive period of artifact refining at the deepest possible level.

He harbored a distinct premonition: after fully integrating this batch of insights, both his artifact refining proficiency and his comprehension of Chaos True Intent would experience a significant and decisive leap forward.

Meanwhile, at the front lines.

The Sand Dunes Battle Group found themselves engaged with a small contingent of Dominator-level Scavengers, and a fierce skirmish immediately ensued. As relatively new recruits, Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing fought from a position towards the rear of the formation. Their combat capabilities ranked among the lowest within the battle group, restricting them to providing support from the flanks and filling any breaches in the battle lines.

Ultimately, Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing combined their efforts, successfully intercepting a Scavenger that had attempted to break away. They managed to hold it in place until more powerful members of their group could arrive to pursue and eliminate the threat.

A burly warrior, having just finished off that particular Scavenger, turned to Zhou Hao and the others with a smile. "Well done! I'll be sure to note an extra minor merit for you two!"

Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing exchanged a meaningful glance, their faces alight with evident joy. "Excellent! We've finally accumulated enough Merit Points!" Zhou Hao exclaimed with excitement.

Zhai Xing, standing beside him, also let out a sigh of relief. "It was incredibly challenging. To amass sufficient Merit Points for even the most basic Chaos Dominator Artifact, we've participated in over a dozen battles. Even though we were merely providing support, we were still risking our lives for this!"

"You two are doing admirably. Have you managed to save enough?" the middle-aged Dominator inquired with a chuckle. "Yes, Brother Liu Shi!" Zhou Hao responded. "Brother, could you possibly assist us in finding some weapons? Even standard-issue ones must have variations in quality, correct?"

"Naturally!" Liu Shi replied with a laugh. "Come, let's head back to the main group first!"

The two followed Liu Shi back to the battle group's temporary outpost. Liu Shi navigated to the Merit Points Exchange Mall and located the exchange list for standard-issue weaponry. He then began to explain, "Observe these standard-issue weapons. They are, in fact, refined by individual Artificers. While they may appear identical at first glance, there are indeed discrepancies in their quality. Typically, Artificers who are confident in their work will imprint their unique mark upon their creations. You'll notice it!"

Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing examined the listings and confirmed Liu Shi's observation. Some standard-issue weapons bore no discernible mark, while others displayed distinctive imprints. "Of course," Liu Shi continued, "it's also possible that some marked weapons might possess slightly inferior quality. You shouldn't select them indiscriminately. Based on my experience, opting for the creations of Master Plum Blossom or Master Luan Bird are both reliable choices for standard-issue weaponry."

Liu Shi opened the detailed descriptions for several standard-issue weapons. Both Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing found themselves deeply tempted. Suddenly, Zhou Hao's sharp eyes caught sight of an item featuring a familiar graphic mark as it briefly flashed across the screen.

Instantly, Zhou Hao focused his attention on that particular item. It was unmistakably a war hammer, and upon its hammerhead was emblazoned a distinct seven-star emblem. "This is..." Zhou Hao murmured, stunned. Zhai Xing followed his gaze and was equally taken aback. "Oh?" Liu Shi inquired, examining the item. "This is a weapon crafted by a new Artificer. Let me check his exclusive item exchange records. It appears no one has yet exchanged for this Artificer's works. I would advise against choosing it. As for newly promoted Artificers, their creations... let's just say they are passable, not precisely poor quality, but not exceptional either."

Zhou Hao simply stated, "I believe this one looks good. It feels like fate!"

Liu Shi lifted an eyebrow. "That's not the most prudent decision. However, I am merely offering counsel. If you are set on acquiring it, then so be it. Ultimately, this equipment is only for the interim. Once you amass greater wealth, you can commission a master craftsman to forge a personalized Chaos Dominator Artifact, which will substantially augment your fighting prowess."

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Liu Shi!"

Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing conveyed their appreciation.

"Now that you are equipped with weapons, you can attempt to confront the Scavengers directly. Securing the elimination of a single standard Scavenger should suffice for you to exchange for superior equipment!"

Zhou Hao gave a nod.

Within the Merit Points Exchange Mall, he proceeded to select that pair of war hammers, with three hundred million Merit Points being deducted instantly.

Zhai Xing, on the other hand, opted for a long sword distinguished by a seven-star emblem.

Following the selection of their respective weapons by the pair.

Both weapons were then conveyed into their possession through their respective tokens.

The duo promptly commenced familiarizing themselves with their newly acquired armaments.

At this juncture, an additional small contingent approached.

A Chaos Dominator named Zhang Dao, whose relationship with Liu Shi was merely passable, happened by with three recently inducted Dominators.

"Liu Shi? These must be your new subordinates, correct? The standard-issue armaments they've just obtained don't inspire much confidence. How can you claim to be a veteran? You're truly falling short!"

Liu Shi cast his gaze upon the weapons held by the three individuals accompanying Zhang Dao. The markings on these armaments were Plum Blossom, Luan Bird, and Blackwood – all distinguished works from renowned Artifact Refining Masters.

Liu Shi replied with composure, "Zhang Dao, the performance difference between these standard-issue weapons is negligible. What real distinction does it make if they are crafted by celebrated masters or not? Furthermore, my role is solely to offer suggestions. The newcomers possess their own judgment. I do not impose my choices upon them. Unlike certain individuals who impose strict guidelines on newcomers, thereby stifling their capacity for thought and the accumulation of experience."

Zhang Dao articulated his disagreement by shaking his head. "Liu Shi, your approach is excessively irresponsible. As seasoned veterans, it is our duty to impart our expertise to those who are new. Your method merely leads newcomers to retrace the same missteps."

Liu Shi countered by shaking his head. "Without venturing into new territory, how can we discover superior alternatives? How can we achieve greater triumphs?"

Zhou Hao and Zhai Xing exchanged a discreet glance, communicating through mental transmission.

'These two appear to hold somewhat opposing viewpoints,' Zhou Hao conveyed internally.

'I perceive merit in both perspectives,' Zhai Xing responded. 'My own attainment of the Chaos Dominator realm was achieved through innovation, rather than adherence to established doctrines.'

Zhou Hao inquired with curiosity, "Then I am the one who treads a predetermined path. Junior Brother Zhai Xing, it appears our philosophies diverge as well!"

"That is entirely natural," Zhai Xing replied, unperturbed.

Zhang Dao scoffed, "In that case, why not permit the newcomers to engage in a sparring match? This will serve to evaluate the efficacy of their weaponry. A contest will definitively reveal which path is the correct one to follow!"

Liu Shi's brow furrowed. "Why escalate matters to such a degree?"

Zhang Dao raised an eyebrow in response. "What? Are you admitting your viewpoint was mistaken?"

Liu Shi shook his head. "My perspective is not incorrect. And why engage in such contention over a trivial matter?"

Zhang Dao let out a cold snort. "In conflicts where survival is at stake, the margin between success and failure can be infinitesimally small. A minor disparity in quality can sometimes dictate the thin line between life and death!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shi paused before conceding, "Very well. Allow the newcomers to spar amongst themselves, to garner additional combat experience."