7: Emerging Talent, Elevating the Family

The journey back to the Yun Family was uneventful, but the atmosphere within the group was completely different from when they had set out. All eyes, whether overt or covert, were focused on Yun Feng. The titles of "Lucky Star" and "Mysterious Power (Luck Edition)", solidified by the Black Spring Village and Alpha Wolf incidents, had become unshakeable, even acquiring a hint of mystery.

During his time in this world, Yun Feng suddenly felt that instead of constantly acting, he should experience the thrill brought by powerful forces while not easily exposing himself. As a loyal fan of Tales of Demons and Gods in his previous life, Yun Feng deeply understood the dangers of this world; Black Gold Rank strength was only top-tier in the early stages.

After a moment of contemplation, Yun Feng revealed a mysterious smile. It was time to appropriately adjust his strategy and let a corner of the iceberg of his "strength" emerge.

Upon returning to the Yun Family compound, Yun Hao immediately reported the details of their trip to the Elder Council, particularly emphasizing Yun Feng's "contributions." When they heard that Yun Feng had driven away the Black-scaled Leopard with his "knowledge from miscellaneous books" and then "coincidentally" instantly killed the Alpha Wolf, the Elders exchanged glances, their faces filled with disbelief.

The Grand Elder, a lean old man with profound eyes, pondered for a moment, then dismissed everyone else, leaving only Yun Feng.

"Yun Feng," the Grand Elder's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority, "There are no outsiders here. The matter of Black Spring Village and the death of the Alpha Wolf, were they truly just coincidence and luck?"

Yun Feng felt the Grand Elder's subtle pressure, belonging to a Gold Rank Demon Spiritualist. If it were the original owner of this body, he would likely be trembling with fear. But deep within his Soul, the Black Gold Rank Origin subtly stirred, and the pressure felt like a gentle breeze. He raised his head, his face no longer purely timid, but showing a few more hints of calmness and composure.

"Replying to Grand Elder, luck played a part, but... this Disciple has recently, it seems, inexplicably gained some insights into the principles of herbs and Ore." He carefully chose his words, neither fully denying nor fully revealing, "The beast-driving method was indeed something I read in a book, an attempt. As for that Alpha Wolf... this Disciple was in a desperate situation at the time, only felt that its waist was its weak point, and haphazardly bumped into it, never thinking..."

His words were half-truths, attributing everything to "insights" and "a burst of desperation," which both explained the extraordinary circumstances and left room for maneuver.

The Grand Elder's profound gaze lingered on his face for a long time, as if trying to see through him. Finally, he slowly nodded, a barely perceptible glint flashing in his eyes: "It seems that among my Yun Family Disciples, there is also unpolished jade waiting to be carved. You have rendered great service this time, and the Family will not treat you unfairly. From today onwards, you may freely enter and exit the second floor of the Family's library, and your resource allocation will be elevated to Core Disciple level. I hope you will Cultivate diligently and not betray this... 'insight'."

"Thank you, Grand Elder!" Yun Feng bowed, understanding in his heart that this was the Family's initial investment and test.

Leaving the deliberation hall, Yun Feng did not go directly back to his room but instead went to the Family's training grounds. It was afternoon, and many Disciples were Cultivating there.

His gaze swept across, seeing Yun Hao diligently practicing swordsmanship, and also Yun Qiao and others working hard to temper their Qi and blood. The weapons they used and the armor they wore were quite ordinary, even somewhat old.

"It's time to make a 'small' contribution to the Family," Yun Feng thought, and walked towards the area where public training equipment was stored. There were several heavily worn iron swords and a few wooden shields with cracked leather.

He pretended to pick up an iron sword to examine it, his finger brushing over the blade.

【Refinement complete! Worn Iron Sword -> Sharp Iron Sword (Mortal Peak), blade restored, toughness slightly increased.】

【Refinement complete! Damaged Wooden Shield -> Reinforced Wooden Shield (Mortal Peak), structure strengthened, more impact resistant.】

...He continued his actions, seemingly casually tidying up the equipment, but in reality, wherever his fingers passed, the old equipment was instantly renewed. Although their grade remained unchanged, their practicality and durability greatly improved.

Next, he walked towards the steward responsible for distributing basic Medicinal Pills.

"Steward, I'll take a dose of Blood Activating Powder," Yun Feng handed over his quota token.

The steward recognized him and smiled as he took out a standard dose of Blood Activating Powder for him. Yun Feng took it, his finger "accidentally" touching the medicine packet.

【Refinement complete! Ordinary Blood Activating Powder -> High-Efficiency Blood Activating Powder (Black Iron Low Grade), blood circulation and Blood stasis removal effect increased by fifty percent.】

He thanked him and left, finding Yun Qiao, who had just finished sparring and had some bruises on her arm.

"Qiao'er, here, this might work better for you," Yun Feng handed over the medicine packet, a gentle smile on his face.

Yun Qiao took it and opened it curiously; a much stronger medicinal fragrance than usual wafted out. "Brother Yun Feng, this medicine..."

"Oh, I just happened to have some feeling for medicinal Materials, so I tried processing it myself. It seems to work well," Yun Feng said lightly.

Yun Qiao applied it with a mix of belief and doubt. A moment later, she exclaimed in surprise: "It's true! The bruises are fading so fast! Brother Yun Feng, you're amazing!"

The commotion here attracted the attention of others. Soon, many Disciples discovered that the public equipment at the training grounds seemed exceptionally effective today, and the Medicinal Pills they received also had surprisingly good results. Although no one directly connected it to Yun Feng, a subtle atmosphere of "the Family seems to be getting better" began to spread.

Yun Feng, his deeds hidden, quietly left. He went to the Family's storeroom and found his father, Yun Shan.

"Father, I've recently gained some insights into processing Materials and want to try if I can help the Family improve the quality of its inventory," Yun Feng directly stated his intention.

Yun Shan looked at his son, his eyes complex. He had heard about his son's "great deeds" during this experience and also felt an inexplicable change in his son, seemingly... much more composed and confident. He nodded: "There are some accumulated ordinary Materials in the storeroom. If you're interested, go and try it, but be careful."

With permission, Yun Feng entered the storeroom and began his "Refinement" undertaking.

【Refinement complete! Ordinary Fine Iron Ingot -> High-Quality Fine Iron Ingot (Black Iron Low Grade), Impurities reduced, easier to forge.】

【Refinement complete! Ten-year Green Wood Vine -> Twenty-year Green Wood Vine (Mortal Peak), medicinal effect increased.】

【Refinement complete...】

He did not choose the precious Materials but focused on the basic supplies that were large in quantity and essential. Batch after batch of ordinary Ore, medicinal herbs, and leather quietly improved in quality by one grade under his hands. Although the individual improvements were not significant, overall, the enhancement of the Family's foundational strength was substantial!

After completing all this, Yun Feng returned to his small courtyard. He sat down cross-legged, his Divine Sense sinking into his body, and began to truly attempt to guide the sealed Black Gold Rank power, not for combat, but for—Cultivation!

He circulated the refined "Myriad Manifestation Condensing Soul Art." As soon as the Cultivation Technique was activated, a trace of the vast Origin deep within his Soul seemed to be stirred, and a stream of extremely pure energy, far exceeding ordinary Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, flowed out, merging into his limbs and bones, nourishing his Physical Body and tempering his Divine Soul.

His "Cultivation" began to "increase" at a visible rate! From nothing, he quickly made a Breakthrough to Bronze One-star, and the momentum did not diminish!

Of course, this "increase" in appearance was something he deliberately controlled, simulating Soul Power fluctuations. His true foundation remained unfathomable.

The next day, when Yun Feng "accidentally" revealed Soul Power fluctuations of Bronze One-star, it once again caused a small sensation!

"Yun Feng... you, you made a Breakthrough?" Yun Hao felt the Soul Power on him, his face full of shock. How many days had it been? From having no Cultivation to Bronze One-star? This speed was simply astounding!

Yun Feng smiled sheepishly: "Perhaps the stimulation from this experience, coupled with my insights into medicinal Materials and Ore, seems to have helped with Cultivation as well..."

This reason, combined with his previous performance, actually seemed somewhat plausible. Everyone could only attribute it again to "extraordinary talent" or "accumulated potential finally bursting forth."

Several days later, a high-level Family meeting was held.

"The storeroom reports that the quality of basic Materials has generally improved recently, and the efficiency of the forging workshop and Pill Refining Room has greatly increased!"

"Young Disciples report that public equipment and basic Medicinal Pills have significantly improved in effect!"

"Yun Feng's Cultivation has made a Breakthrough to Bronze One-star, and his 'insights' into Material processing indeed seem to have miraculous effects!"

As good news accumulated, the Elders all showed long-lost smiles.

The Grand Elder lightly tapped the table with his finger, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "This child, Yun Feng, has profound blessings and cares for the Family. Issue an order to promote his father, Yun Shan, to External Affairs Steward, with a tilt in resources. For Yun Feng, open access to the third floor of the library, and he may choose one Black Iron Rank item from the Family's treasure vault. May he continue to strive for excellence!"

With the order given, the Yun Family's perception of Yun Feng once again improved. He was no longer just a "Lucky Star" or "a lucky kid," but genuinely regarded as one of the hopes for the Family's rise!

Yun Feng received the reward with a calm expression. He chose a seemingly inconspicuous, dull black piece of "heavy iron" from the Family treasure vault.

Back in his room, he held the piece of heavy iron.

【Target scanned: Heavy iron mixed with trace amounts of Stardust Sand.】

【Refinement path: Heavy iron -> Extract Stardust Sand, reshape structure -> Stardust Iron (Silver Low Grade). No energy consumption required. Refine now?】

"Refine."

The light was contained, and the heavy iron in his hand became dark and profound, with tiny specks of starlight flickering within it, and its weight increased severalfold.

Yun Feng weighed the piece of Stardust Iron, which was enough to make a Silver Rank Demon Spiritualist's heart pound, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Family warmth has been sown, 'strength' improvement has been laid out, System functions have been initially demonstrated..." His gaze turned to the window, as if he saw the magnificent City Lord's Mansion and the various forces entrenched within it.

"Next, it's time to let this City of Radiance, just a little, experience the 'surprise' brought by the 'ordinary' Yun Family Disciple, Yun Feng."