Previously on Steady Cultivation: Starting With the Perk “Work Hard, Rest Hard”...
Su Yuan used Flame King's power to craft twenty-four Dominator Artifacts, achieving the 49th tier in both artifact crafting and his physical body. He delivered most of the artifacts, keeping higher quality ones for himself. Meanwhile, the client Qutu was overjoyed and impatient to receive his order.
"I can't afford it!" Qutu exclaimed with a wry smile.
"What do you mean?" Qi Bai and Yan Feng inquired, their expressions etched with confusion.
Qutu's face displayed a blend of elation and regret as he instructed, "Take a look!" He promptly revealed his order interface.
[Order Results List]:
* Unnamed Dominator Artifact, 49th tier, True-Grade, with a handling fee of 200,000 Kalpa units and an estimated value of 6 million Kalpa units. Transmission cost is 60,000 Kalpa units, bringing the total to 260,000 Kalpa units.
* Unnamed Dominator Artifact, 49th tier, True-Grade, with a handling fee of 200,000 Kalpa units and an estimated value of 5 million Kalpa units. Transmission cost is 50,000 Kalpa units, totaling 250,000 Kalpa units.
* Unnamed Dominator Artifact, 49th tier, Supreme-Grade, with a handling fee of 20,000 Kalpa units and an estimated value of 500,000 Kalpa units. Transmission cost is 5,000 Kalpa units, for a total of 25,000 Kalpa units.
...
Total payment required: 700,000 Kalpa units.
"Hiss! Two True-Grade artifacts!" Qi Bai gasped, drawing in a sharp, cold breath.
Yan Feng's eyes widened. "700,000 Kalpa units in fees?" Both were utterly astounded.
However, their focus was drawn to different aspects of the order.
Qi Bai was rendered speechless. "What does the fee matter? The critical point is that this order includes True-Grade artifacts, and not just one, but two! Among the other items, there are also nine Supreme-Grade ones. This level of craftsmanship... it's simply astonishing!"
Qi Bai was genuinely taken aback. He felt that at this level of skill, even on the Second Frontline, this individual would undoubtedly be ranked within the top five!
The other established figures in artifact crafting were master-level artisans of advanced standing, capable of consistently producing True-Grade artifacts. They possessed immense seniority, having honed their skills over countless Kalpas.
Each of them had a documented history, having progressed step by step, and had gained renown long ago.
Yet, this 'Seven Stars' seemed to have materialized out of nowhere, bypassing the usual progression and immediately attaining the status of an advanced master.
Yan Feng sighed with admiration. "Qutu, I believe this is a stroke of immense luck for you. It's highly probable that Master Seven Stars exerted his utmost effort to assist in promoting his shop. He might have even provided extra materials. You've truly hit the jackpot!"
"Indeed!" Qutu himself was beaming with pleasant surprise. "As expected, listening to your advice, Old Yan, was the right decision. Two True-Grade artifacts... I feel my future path is now wide open and unobstructed!"
He then hesitated. "However, gathering these 700,000 Kalpa units won't be easy!"
Yan Feng chuckled. "That's quite simple. First, have one of the Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifacts transmitted back, and then sell it. By doing so, you'll be able to afford all the other Dominator Artifacts."
Qutu shook his head. "No, that would be a profound disrespect to the master. I've received an incredible bargain this time, and I cannot possibly do that. I intend to have them all transmitted back at once, and then I'll sell them later. Old Qi, could you lend some assistance?"
Qi Bai nodded readily. "I'll provide you with the 700,000 Kalpa units. You don't need to sell to anyone else either. Just give one Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact directly to me. I wish to take it back for study."
"Deal!" Qutu readily agreed.
Qutu didn't hesitate to accept. A 49th-tier Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact valued at 700,000 Kalpa units was considered a very fair price, essentially matching the market rate.
Upon receiving Qi Bai's transfer, Qutu immediately proceeded to finalize the payment.
Ten Dominator Artifacts materialized instantly in Qutu's courtyard.
Each artifact radiated powerful waves, imbued with the true essence of the Great Dao of Chaos Fire, evoking a sensation of surging fiery tides.
Remarkably, the artifact of the lowest perceived quality displayed the most activity. As soon as it appeared, it ascended independently, darting around the courtyard, exploring its surroundings with an almost playful and vibrant energy.
"Come here!" Qutu beckoned, his fingertip shimmering with concentrated Great Dao of Chaos Fire origin power.
The flying sword immediately zipped over, circling Qutu's palm. It began to absorb his origin power, seamlessly establishing a connection with him.
Qutu smiled. "Although it's a High-Quality Dominator Artifact, it's just a step away from Supreme-Grade. And this little one is certainly spirited!"
Yan Feng surveyed the other Dominator Artifacts, his face a mask of sheer envy.
Snapping back to attention, Qutu extended a hand and directly presented one Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact to Qi Bai.
Qi Bai accepted it without any pretense. He then meticulously began recording the aura, characteristics, abilities, and appearance of the other Dominator Artifacts. The details of those two True-Grade artifacts were documented with exceptional precision.
With another wave of his hand, Qutu sent three Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifacts soaring towards Yan Feng.
Yan Feng, startled, exclaimed, "What are you doing?"
"Your referral fee. Thanks to your introduction, I obtained this kind of opportunity. Take these three Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifacts, exchange them for ones you can use, and put together a full set!" Qutu stated.
Yan Feng gave a light snort, "Consider yourself somewhat conscientious!"
He very unceremoniously accepted the three Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifacts.
A smile also appeared on Qutu's face.
Qi Bai spoke up then, "I'm going back to have someone examine the Dominator Artifact. I'll take my leave first!"
Qutu nodded, "Go ahead with your business!"
Qi Bai hurried away, looking quite anxious.
Yan Feng asked curiously, "Why is he in such a rush?"
Qutu smiled, "This concerns his career path and merit points. If he can introduce Master Seven Stars to the military, or secure high-quality orders, the credit he gains will definitely be significant. When the time comes, he'll surely give you a portion of the benefits too. Just wait to receive your share!"
Yan Feng said awkwardly, "That's a bit embarrassing, ahem, roughly how much would it be?"
Qutu waved his hand, "Just wait and see. I need to refine my treasures. Make yourself at home."
Yan Feng said, "Then I'll go exchange some Dominator Artifacts too."
After leaving the small courtyard, Qi Bai hurriedly went to the military camp in Qingfeng City. After making his way around, he arrived at the Logistics Department and found himself outside an elegant small courtyard. He said to a young attendant guarding the door, "I wish to visit Master Qi Wuhui. Please announce me!"
The young attendant saw him and immediately said, "It's Deputy Commander Qi. Please wait a moment. I will inform the master."
Soon, the young attendant entered the small courtyard.
Not long after, the young attendant came out, "Deputy Commander Qi, please come in. The master happens to be resting."
"Good, thank you!"
Qi Bai casually handed a gift box to the young attendant, then stepped into the small courtyard in one stride.
Stellar Reversal.
He appeared above a river of stars.
Within the starry river, countless stars converged into the shape of a furnace cauldron. Inside, it seemed as if myriad treasure lights were flowing, filled with profound radiance.
On top of the giant starlight cauldron, an old man was resting on a nebula. Seeing Qi Bai, he said with surprise, "Qi Bai! You actually have time to come find me!"
"Master Qi, what are you saying? No matter how busy I am, I must make time to visit you!"
Qi Wuhui waved his hand, "Forget it. What's the matter?"
Qi Bai stopped the pleasantries and directly took out a Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact, handing it to Qi Wuhui.
"Master Qi, can you discern the quality and crafting technique of this Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact?"
Qi Wuhui only glanced at it casually at first, then froze.
He beckoned with his hand, summoning the Supreme-Grade Dominator Artifact into his grasp for inspection. The astonishment in his eyes grew stronger and stronger.
