"Master Liang Yu, I am Zhao Lingshan, daughter of Zhao Jing. My father asked me to deliver this letter to you." Zhao Lingshan carefully presented a sealed letter, her earlier arrogance completely subdued.
"So it's Princess Lingshan." Liang Yu opened the letter, read it thoroughly, then looked up at her. "I have some acquaintance with Prince Kang. He mentions in his letter that you wish to become my disciple?"
"Yes, I have always aspired to become an artificer."
"When I take disciples, I care not for their background, only their talent and aptitude. Even as Prince Kang's daughter, should you prove unqualified, I will not accept you."
"I understand."
Zhao Lingshan replied nervously. A second-rank artificer indeed had the right to be arrogant.
"Very well, follow me."
Liang Yu nodded, and Zhao Lingshan hurried after him, with Qin Fen trailing behind. After a moment's thought, Qin Chen also followed at a leisurely pace.
Chen Yufei addressed the remaining onlookers: "Master Liang has instructed that those seeking treasure weapons should write down their requests and offers. He will select which commissions to accept."
As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd surged forward like a bustling marketplace.
In a quiet room at the back of the hall, Liang Yu brought Zhao Lingshan inside.
"What are you doing here?" Qin Fen scowled at Qin Chen, following them.
"Silence!" Liang Yu shot him a displeased look, making Qin Fen immediately shut his mouth, though he glared daggers at Qin Chen.
Liang Yu explained, "To become an artificer, the most crucial requirement is spiritual talent. Only with powerful spiritual energy can one inscribe runes, talismans, and formations onto weapons, transforming them into treasure arms. In other words, strong spiritual power is the foundation of artificing."
"Prince Kang's letter mentions you've trained in martial arts since childhood. At sixteen, you've already reached the late Human-level and awakened a third-grade bloodline. Therefore, I won't test your martial aptitude further. As long as you pass the spiritual assessment, I'll accept you as my disciple."
Qin Chen gave Zhao Lingshan a surprised glance, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but her cultivation is astonishing too—late Human-level at sixteen with a third-grade bloodline."
At fifteen, Qin Chen was only at the early Human-level and already considered a genius. Zhao Lingshan, just a year older, was two levels above him, with even greater natural talent. Moreover, she had awakened a third-grade bloodline.
Bloodlines varied in strength, categorized into nine grades, with first being the lowest and ninth the highest. In a small kingdom like Great Qi, a third-grade bloodline was exceptionally rare—one in ten thousand.
Hearing Liang Yu acknowledge her talent, Zhao Lingshan couldn't help a hint of pride. Her reputation as one of the capital's top beauties stemmed not just from her looks but her extraordinary martial gifts.
In Tianwu Continent, where martial prowess reigned supreme, a woman's beauty alone wouldn't earn true respect without formidable strength.
Liang Yu frowned slightly. "Proceed with the spiritual test."
Regaining her composure, Zhao Lingshan followed him to a gray stone pillar in the room.
"Channel your spiritual energy into this pillar."
"Yes."
Her slender, jade-like fingers rested lightly on the pillar as she poured her spiritual energy into it.
A milky white glow gradually rose along the pillar's surface, stopping just below the first mark.
"Not quite first-rank. You may stop." Liang Yu's tone was neutral.
Zhao Lingshan withdrew her hand, watching him anxiously.
"Late Human-level cultivation with sub-first-rank spiritual power—passable." Liang Yu nodded. "Now for the spiritual talent test, which is most critical."
He led her to a transparent crystal. "Focus your awareness into this spiritual crystal and resonate with its energy. Let me see your spiritual potential."
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Lingshan placed her hands on the crystal and closed her eyes.
A ripple spread across the crystal's surface as a red halo burst forth, painting the room crimson. The color shifted to orange, then verged on yellow before stabilizing as a vivid orange glow.
Bathed in the radiant light, Zhao Lingshan looked ethereal, like a celestial being.
"Orange-grade talent." Liang Yu's eyes gleamed with pleasant surprise.
Qin Chen's gaze sharpened. The crystal didn't measure current spiritual strength but innate potential.
Spiritual talent was graded in seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—each representing higher aptitude. A prodigy with supreme spiritual gifts could start from nothing and, through cultivation, reach staggering heights as an artificer. Conversely, even formidable initial spiritual power without growth potential would stagnate.
Zhao Lingshan's orange-grade talent was outstanding, ensuring she could become at least a second-rank artificer with effort, with hopes of reaching third-rank.
"Master Liang, did I pass?" Zhao Lingshan asked nervously.
A rare smile touched Liang Yu's lips. "You've passed. From today, you are my ninth disciple."
Overjoyed, Zhao Lingshan bowed deeply. "Your disciple greets her master."
"Congratulations, Princess Lingshan, on your successful apprenticeship!"
Qin Fen clenched his fists, beaming as if it were his own achievement.
"Thank you for accompanying me today, Young Master Qin Fen." Zhao Lingshan smiled.
Qin Fen's heart swelled with delight. "The honor was mine, Princess."
After allowing them a brief exchange, Liang Yu interjected, "Enough pleasantries. You two may leave now. Lingshan, come with me."
As he turned to leave with Zhao Lingshan, Qin Chen suddenly spoke up, rubbing his nose:
"You there—Liang Yu."
Liang Yu halted, his expression darkening. Since becoming an artificer, few dared address him so casually—even the capital's nobility used respectful titles.