48: Linlang Pavilion

Gu Yuchuan thought for a long time but could not figure out how to develop Linlang Pavilion. However, he was unwilling to give up the enormous wealth brought by Artifact Refining. In the Simulation, within a mere half-month, he was already wealthier than the average Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator. Yet, this large operation also led to his death; his cultivation and strength could not support such a massive undertaking.

However, he still felt he needed to visit the Black Tortoise Demon General. Perhaps the other party had a way. Nominally, he was still his subordinate, even if it was the type that only obeyed orders when forced. But the Black Tortoise Demon General could take a cut of his wealth, and having an extra Artifact Refining Master in his territory would be a good thing for him, so he could not help but care.

Therefore, Gu Yuchuan headed to the Black Tortoise Demon General without stopping. After all, the war would begin tomorrow; if he waited until then to discuss this, it would be too late.

After being announced, he met the Black Tortoise Demon General. The other party's complexion was not very good, and he did not know why, but he felt that he had not rested well.

"Demon General, I have come today to discuss something with you. I have become an Artifact Refiner and wish to open a shop in Bright Stream. However, I also know that with my current strength, opening a shop is far too high-profile. Therefore, I would like to borrow your name. Of course, this will not be for nothing; I will give you ten percent of the profits."

The Black Tortoise Demon General looked at him, his eyes filled with scrutiny, and his voice was extremely flat.

"Oh? You actually understand Artifact Refining? That is not easy. It is very difficult for us of the Yao Race to learn such things, let alone the aquatic tribes. We naturally do not possess fire, so it is hard to learn. You are the first Artifact Refiner under my command, so I agree to your request. However, opening it now is truly not a good thing."

Gu Yuchuan looked up and saw the other party's weary eyes. Could it be that the Black Tortoise Demon General already knew about the war? That made sense; after all, he was one of the few Demon Generals on the outskirts of the Cloud Sea Marsh. If they were to plan for battle, he would certainly need to know. Gu Yuchuan lowered his head to keep his emotions from showing.

"Although this humble one does not know why, since you have made your decision, I will comply. It just so happens that I only have twenty Magical Artifacts on hand, which is truly not enough. I will take this time to refine some more so that there will be enough to sell."

The Black Tortoise Demon General shook his head: "I am not talking about that, but rather something else. I will speak plainly: you know about the Beast Taming Sect. We are going to war soon. Opening your business at this time is definitely not a good thing. You should weigh the pros and cons yourself. I do not need to analyze them for you, do I?"

Of course he knew; he had already experienced it once in the simulator. The war would make Magical Artifacts even scarcer and would elevate him to a status that did not belong to him. In reality, Medium Grade Magical Artifacts and Low Grade Magical Artifacts were not truly powerful items, but because of the battle, his fame had become too great, which was why he had to die. Even if he were not killed by the Human Race, when his wealth far exceeded that of a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator, others would inevitably be tempted.

Seeing that Gu Yuchuan did not speak, he continued.

"You do not need to worry. At any time, people like you with special skills do not need to go to the battlefield. However, I suggest you come along as an accompanying Artifact Refiner. We will hide your identity. Everyone will know that an Artifact Refiner has been born here, but they will not know who it is. Your safety will be guaranteed. All you need to do is refine ten Magical Artifacts per month, and that will be considered complete. You will still be credited with military merit. When the war ends, your identity will be revealed. By then, with military merit to back you up, your shop's business will be very good, and no one will do anything to you."

When he first heard this idea, he thought it was just average, but the more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed—it was even a very viable solution. Revealing Artifact Refining at this time would certainly be discovered by the Human Race. The Human Race's protection of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation was almost pathological, as could be seen from the Simulation where they tried to kill him multiple times. If he wanted to live, he had to follow the main army. At the very least, with a Golden Core Demon King leading the main army, the Human Race could not enter. Once the war ended, the Human Race would not be able to enter the Cloud Sea Marsh again, as that would provoke a new war.

He hardened his heart and nodded in agreement: "I am grateful for the Demon General's care in providing me with such a path. Rest assured, I will do my work well and will not tarnish your reputation."

The Black Tortoise Demon General looked at him with satisfaction: "Good. You go back and prepare first. Remember to keep this matter confidential. We should only be mobilizing troops tomorrow."

Gu Yuchuan nodded and bowed: "Rest assured, I am very tight-lipped. I will certainly keep it confidential and guarantee that no information will leak from me. This humble one will return now and will not disturb the Demon General any further."

After speaking, Gu Yuchuan respectfully departed. He did not delay at all and returned to the Flood Dragon Palace, gathering all his subordinates. His expression was not very good.

"Tomorrow, the war between the Cloud Sea Marsh and the Beast Taming Sect will likely begin. I must go to the front lines, and someone among us needs to go as well. Pei Yu, come with me. Bai Ming will be in charge of household matters. During this time, you two should cultivate well at home and maintain daily operations. Do not cause trouble. If there is anything you cannot resolve, wait until I return. Prioritize your own safety. These are two heart-protecting mirrors, which are Low Grade defensive Magical Artifacts. Bai Ming and Pei Yu, take one each."

The two quickly knelt to thank him and accepted the Magical Artifacts. To improve their combat power, Gu Yuchuan had racked his brains. He did not know how long this battle would last, so he had to make sufficient preparations.

"Alright, that is all I have to say. You may go down and prepare. This matter must be kept confidential; do not let any word leak out, or we will all face the consequences."

After the few retreated, Gu Yuchuan's expression was not very good. After deciding to go to the battlefield, his heart was not calm. Although theoretically, this was a very safe decision, it was, after all, a battlefield, which was always very dangerous. No one knew what would happen. He decided to do one more Simulation. He still had two Simulation chances left, and five more chances exchangeable with Spirit Stones. This number was more than enough, so there was no need to be so frugal. He wanted to see if this time would truly be safe.

He sighed and walked back into his Immortal Cave. The sky had darkened, and moonlight shone from the water surface into the Immortal Cave, as if covering the ground with a layer of silver frost. It looked clear and transparent but revealed a touch of loneliness. He quickly lay on the bed, preparing to start the Simulation.