Chapter 34: Only What You Can’t Imagine

The setting was Beast Island, and standing at the center was Chen Xi, still the same Chen Xi as always. What was different, however, was that behind him stood eight artifact refiners of various ages. Their expressions ranged from youthful to mature, but the one thing they all shared was that they were all relatively unknown.

A man’s voice suddenly cut in: “Chen Xi has gone mad! Alchemy? What real alchemist would reveal their exclusive techniques in front of such a large audience?”

Then, a woman’s voice: “Who cares? Those useless artifact refiners from Xianji Immortal Domain—what does it matter if they reveal their techniques? They don’t have any techniques to begin with.”

“Hahaha.” The voice of an elder was loud and arrogant: “How could anyone that our Sect Master Lingyun wants to suppress have any hope of revival?”

These three background voices combined, making all the immortals listening feel a sense of awareness. The first two sentences reflected their true feelings at the moment, while the final sentence from the Sect Master Lingyun felt like a public provocation. And most importantly, Chen Xi had subtly hinted at a hidden agenda: these eight artifact refiners were all people who had been deliberately suppressed by Sect Master Lingyun in the past, which was why they had sought refuge in the Xianji Immortal Domain.

At the same time, Chen Xi’s reaction on screen seemed to match their assumptions. Despite the mockery and criticism, both Chen Xi and the artifact refiners stood straight, unflinching.

And then, Chen Xi directly rebutted these voices: “Not all skilled craftsmen only serve as attendants in family sects. The misunderstanding you have is because of your narrow vision, obscured by the trees in front of your eyes. You can doubt, mock, curse, and treat us as clowns trying to gain popularity, eagerly awaiting our downfall and regret.”

“But that is just how you see us, not the truth.”

“Even if the past is full of denial, we can still decide our own future.”

“Now, I’ll prove that to you!”

With that, the first alchemist stepped forward.

“I’m Xu Miao, and this is a small item I’ve crafted. Please excuse me.” The young man said as he threw something that looked like a small immortal palace out of his sleeve.

At first glance, it seemed unremarkable, but once it hit the ground, the crowd couldn’t help but exclaim, “Huh?”

It was invisible.

Yes, after hitting the ground, the immortal palace instantly activated a barrier that suppressed its aura. No, it wasn’t quite right to say that—it was a barrier not only capable of suppressing its aura but also erasing its very existence.

And Chen Xi had specifically asked the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts to pass by it. When they did, the mansion was completely invisible, as though it didn’t exist at all. After repeating this a few times, Xu Miao felt the timing was right and activated another spell. The invisible mansion suddenly revealed itself. Even the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts, known for their speed, couldn’t react in time. They froze, perched on top of the mansion, tilting their heads at the ground beneath them, which had suddenly lowered.

Now, this was interesting. The mansion itself wasn’t anything new, but the technique used to hide its aura and existence was surprising. If this method of hiding the aura and body was applied to an immortal sword, for example, it would become a deadly weapon that could kill without a trace in combat.

Just this one technique was enough to capture everyone’s attention. After all, while there were many artifact refiners in the Immortal Realm who could forge tools to conceal their aura, someone like Xu Miao, who could hide both the aura and the body so perfectly, was truly unique.

At Chen Xi’s subtle cue, Xu Miao spoke up: “I specialize in crafting immortal swords and hidden weapons. In this field, there’s nothing I can’t forge, only things you can’t imagine.”

His tone was calm and unremarkable, yet the words he spoke could easily be seen as arrogant. But it was precisely Xu Miao’s attitude that made it feel very believable.

At this moment, the voices of doubt that had been heard earlier fell silent. Xu Miao’s past was also recalled by the crowd. They suddenly realized that Xu Miao was not really an unknown. Before entering the Xianji Immortal Domain, he had already been a rising star among artifact refiners in the Lower Three Immortal Realms. But for some unknown reason, he had disappeared from the public eye until now.

But the surprise didn’t end with Xu Miao. As the remaining seven artifact refiners showcased their works, more and more astonishing immortal tools appeared before the crowd.

Each of them had their own specialty and distinctive characteristics. Although their cultivation might not be the highest, their understanding of alchemy had reached near perfection.

What stood out, however, was the difference between these artifact refiners and the sect-based craftsmen. The artifact refiners from Xianji Immortal Domain forged tools that were not only more refined in appearance but also had more detailed and precise enchantments.

Xianji Immortal Domain Lacks Materials, So Every Crafting Is a Full Effort

Due to the scarcity of materials in Xianji Immortal Domain, every alchemist’s crafting here is done with utmost effort, making sure to maximize the potential of the materials. Anything that can be used is never wasted. What was once mocked as petty has now become the highlight of the artifact refiners of Xianji Immortal Domain.

Precision and stability.

The promotional video wasn’t short, it lasted around five or six minutes. But those five or six minutes gave everyone a new perspective on Xianji Immortal Domain.

Since Chen Xi became the Master of Beast Island, many in the Middle Three Immortal Realms began paying attention to him. His live alchemy broadcasts, in particular, made many eager to contact him directly.

After all, Chen Xi’s advertisement was very clear. There were no bizarre rules among the craftsmen of Xianji Immortal Domain. As long as you could pay for the materials, you could hire anyone you wanted. Unlike the artifact refiners in family sects, who held on to their techniques jealously, Xianji Immortal Domain’s artifact refiners were more open. As for confidentiality, that was completely guaranteed.

The Water Mirror could transmit information, and as long as Chen Xi was in charge, it would never leak any personal details of those placing orders.

Moreover, through the Water Mirror, the person placing the order could watch the alchemist craft the item in real time and discuss the process. Afterward, the item could be delivered to the customer through the Water Mirror. If they weren’t satisfied, it could be sent back for revisions.

This meant that even if one couldn’t personally visit Beast Island or Xianji Immortal Domain, they could still reach out to an alchemist. As for the original ban on commercial transactions, that was effectively useless now. Only Chen Xi had the right to access the Water Mirror, and no one else—no matter how powerful—could learn any details.

A perfect counterattack.

It must be said that Chen Xi’s advertisement had successfully generated excitement for his upcoming alchemy live broadcast. In no time, all the immortals in the Lower Three Immortal Realms who had some resources and were interested in crafting immortal items began to plan their moves.

“Father, what do you think about Xianji Immortal Domain?” In a small family in Huanlang Immortal Domain, a young master was asking his father.

He had just broken through to the Golden Immortal stage, and his current immortal sword no longer suited him. He had originally planned to go to the Huanlang Immortal Domain to see if he could get an opportunity, but now, Xianji Immortal Domain seemed more fitting.

In order to stabilize their unique position in the Immortal Realm, Huanlang Immortal Domain controlled both immortal weapons and elixirs tightly. Even if one could get an introduction, it would still cost a fortune in materials, and only after giving generous rewards would one be able to get a somewhat satisfactory immortal sword. In that case, it seemed better to go to Chen Xi.

“Let’s wait until Chen Xi finishes his live broadcast before deciding,” the family head hesitated. In fact, he had more on his mind than the young master’s desire for an immortal weapon. He was wondering if aligning with Chen Xi might offer a better life than serving under Huanlang Immortal Domain.

Regardless of whether Chen Xi’s broadcast succeeded or not, just looking at his attitude toward the alliance with Xianji Immortal Domain, it seemed far more promising than the mediators from Huanlang and Qingyun Immortal Realms.

But that was for later. The family head still needed to see if Chen Xi could make it through the current trials. After the young master left, the family head quietly instructed his trusted aide: “Prepare some of the Moonlight Clan’s favored ingredients and find a way to send them secretly through the Water Mirror to the Master of Beast Island.”

It’s easy to add flowers to a brocade, but hard to send charcoal in the snow. The family head knew that Chen Xi’s situation was not as difficult as it appeared to the outside world, but he made the decision firmly. He believed that this good relationship would surely bring him great benefits in the future.

Chen Xi was not a fish in a pond. The earlier they befriended him, the more beneficial it would be to both himself and his family.

Coincidentally, many heads of small families in the Lower Three Immortal Realms made similar decisions. Their thoughts were much the same as the family head’s.

Huanlang Immortal Domain and Qingyun Sect had dominated for a long time. Looking back, it seemed to have started after Immortal Lord Xi Chen fell a thousand years ago. Since then, the Heavenly Dao of the Lower Three Immortal Realms had been disrupted, and they had become like caged birds, forced to obey the two mediators. Although there had been attempts to resist, those who did ended up with tragic results. Over time, they had become like tamed slaves, losing all other ambitions.

But Chen Xi’s appearance had awakened their long-dormant ambitions and greatly reduced their fear of the Sect Master Lingyun and others. Even if they had high positions and support from immortals in the Middle Three Immortal Realms, what did it matter? They were being steadily pressured by Chen Xi, with no way out. A mere mortal, Chen Xi, had single-handedly built such a vast empire on Beast Island, so how could these immortals just go with the flow?

It was time to rebel!

As a result, the atmosphere in the Lower Three Immortal Realms grew subtly tense. Even the managing immortal of Qingyun Sect felt something was wrong, but this time, he was helpless.

After all, his reach was limited.

With Chen Xi staying on Beast Island, the artifact refiners didn’t need to travel, they could conduct transactions through the Water Mirror from afar. As for the people he hired… the immortals and loose cultivators of the Lower Three Immortal Realms were not under the control of Qingyun Sect or even Shangyun Sect.

“Master, what should we do now?” The Sect Master Lingyun gritted his teeth in anger. But he also understood that the current situation was beyond his reach.

The supervising immortal could only shake his head solemnly and replied, “We wait.”

After sending the Sect Master Lingyun away, he sent a communication talisman to his superior, detailing everything that had happened recently, leaving nothing out.

He always felt that there was something strange about Chen Xi, especially his background, which made him even more suspicious.

—

Regardless of how Qingyun Sect and Shangyun Sect were feeling, Beast Island and Xianji Immortal Domain were truly reaping great rewards.

Looking at the array of materials before them, the artifact refiners of Xianji Immortal Domain were almost moved to tears. How long had it been? How long had it been since they had seen such a wide variety of crafting materials?

Having been forced to seek refuge in Xianji Immortal Domain for hundreds of years, they had come to regard even ordinary meteorite iron as a valuable treasure, carefully refining it. Now, seeing such a wealth of usable materials, they were so excited they could barely contain themselves, eager to immediately begin forging and crafting the magical formations and immortal artifacts they had long envisioned.

“Master, thank you!” Xu Miao, who had met Chen Xi several times, bowed deeply on behalf of the craftsmen of Xianji Immortal Domain. His excitement made even this oldest craftsman tremble, unable to keep his fingers steady.

But Chen Xi just smiled and patted his shoulder. “Don’t mention it, this is only the beginning. Go back and prepare well, don’t forget the live broadcast in three days.”

“Yes, I will not fail the mission!” Xu Miao said, quickly calling for people to head back. Chen Xi was right—there was still a live broadcast in three days. As one of the first artifact refiners to appear in the public eye from Xianji Immortal Domain, he had to make the domain’s name known far and wide, showing the world what it truly meant to be “^[1]“Skilled in one craft, worthy of being a craftsman” means that if someone masters a specific skill or trade, they are qualified to be recognized as a true craftsman. It emphasizes the … Continue readingskilled in one craft, worthy of being a craftsman.”

This battle could only end in victory, not defeat.

—

While they were excited, in Zefeng Cave Mansion, the mood of the Moonlight Celestial Beast was quite low. This time, unlike previous minor annoyances, it genuinely felt sad.

The events unfolded two hours ago.

Chen Xi and the artifact refiners of Xianji Immortal Domain had been discussing the idea of sending gifts to the immortals and celestial beasts participating in Beast Island’s live broadcast for the first time. The final decision was to give each of them a portable immortal palace.

At first, Xu Miao and the other artifact refiners wondered if this was too much of an understatement, since immortal palaces weren’t exactly rare. But after Chen Xi made several suggestions and personally drew diagrams to explain, they were immediately convinced. Some even became so eager that they wanted to start right away.

But the Moonlight Celestial Beast, watching from the side, felt uncomfortable.

Unlike the artifact refiners who were unaware, the Moonlight Celestial Beast knew that Chen Xi was also capable of alchemy, though he had never shown it publicly. Moreover, Chen Xi’s skill in alchemy might be even greater than his ability with formations. Although the Moonlight Celestial Beast didn’t know when Chen Xi had learned it.

Originally, it didn’t care, but now, seeing that Chen Xi was actively trying to design an immortal palace for Li Yin, the Moonlight Celestial Beast felt uncomfortable.

And Goudan, adding fuel to the fire, said, “Wow! Xixi is really amazing, he can even design something like this. Now, even if Li Yin turns into a human, he’ll be able to live in comfort.”

Even the few orange furballs nearby nodded sympathetically. Xixi really was the best!

The Moonlight Celestial Beast wasn’t just annoyed—it was downright frustrated!

Irritated, the Moonlight Celestial Beast flicked its ears with its hind leg and pondered—if it plucked Li Yin’s tail bald, could it trade him for the Sun-Chasing Celestial Beast, who was also from the Middle Three Immortal Realms but was said to have the wildest appearance in the entire Immortal Realm? After all, just thinking about Li Yin’s soft and clingy nature, it could already predict that the moment he saw the immortal palace, he would shamelessly act spoiled with Chen Xi, trying to wrangle even more benefits.

The thought of it made the Moonlight Celestial Beast even more agitated, and now, even the fur on its tail was bristling.

Unknowingly, or perhaps intentionally, Goudan and the others deliberately provoked the Moonlight Celestial Beast by discussing the topic of Celestial Beasts transforming.

“Actually, if Li Yin likes it, it would be the best. I heard that Li Yin’s Dao companion is the Sect Master from his sect. If that’s the case, Xixi will have an easier time achieving his goal.”

“Dao companion?” This struck a painful chord deep within the Moonlight Celestial Beast’s heart.

In fact, Chen Xi didn’t understand that the symbiotic contract between an celestial beast and an immortal was originally derived from a marital contract. There were indeed some Celestial Beasts in the Immortal Realm who could transform and had Dao companions who were immortals.

However, the Moonlight Celestial Beast was different from other Celestial Beasts. Due to an old ailment, it couldn’t transform. Even with immense power, it could only maintain the form of a kitten.

As for Chen Xi… Chen Xi would love it because of its appearance, but he never had any other thoughts. But, the Moonlight Celestial Beast actually liked Chen Xi. However, this feeling was deeply hidden, so it didn’t dwell on it. Yet now, because of Li Yin, a new door had suddenly opened for it.

What if one day, Chen Xi had his own Dao companion?

Just imagining this caused the Moonlight Celestial Beast to lose all energy. It flopped weakly on the stone table, silent.

“Chirp?” The fatty bird, now rounder, cautiously approached the Moonlight Celestial Beast’s leg and rubbed it twice, seeing no reaction. Its black bean eyes showed a hint of worry.

“Chirp, chirp chirp?” The soft voice, imbued with the melodious quality unique to the Vermilion Bird clan, carried an underlying comforting intent, which finally brought some energy back to the Moonlight Celestial Beast.

Reluctantly, it gently embraced the fatty bird in its arms and licked its little head twice. Then it half-laid on the fatty bird, using it as a pillow. The fatty bird, obediently offering its soft belly, became a makeshift pillow, occasionally chirping as a lullaby.

When Chen Xi finished his work and turned around, he saw this scene. The fluffy balls of fur sprawled out on the soft mat, each one limp and utterly squishable.

Especially the one sleeping with its head on the fatty bird, the Moonlight Celestial Beast looked so obedient and sweet, its fluffy little ears no longer upright as usual, but lying flat on either side. Its cheek, resting against the fatty bird’s fur, was slightly messy, making it seem even more childish, stirring the urge to hug and cuddle it.

“Moonlight~ Baby~ Did you miss me?” Chen Xi, in his usual affectionate mood, didn’t care about the Moonlight Celestial Beast’s usual temper. He picked it up and held it in front of him, giving it two big kisses.

Damn it, messing up my fur!

Just waking up from a nap, the Moonlight Celestial Beast, now realizing it had been smothered by Chen Xi, momentarily forgot its previous low spirits. It quickly shook its head, then pressed its front paw against Chen Xi’s lips, stopping him from continuing.

Still, being a kitten too small, it couldn’t resist properly. Even its little paw received several solid kisses. And because Chen Xi’s actions were so big, the orange fluffballs and the fatty bird, who had been sleeping, were all roused from their sleep.

Watching the intimate gestures between the two, their clear eyes were filled with curiosity.

After a while, it was the Moonshadow Celestial Beast, who woke up before the fatty bird, that asked Goudan, “I saw them cuddling, so the master must be Xixi’s Dao companion, right?”

Goudan carefully glanced at the Moonlight Celestial Beast, instinctively feeling that this was a dangerous question.

However, the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts were not fixated on his answer and continued their discussion: “It should be, since the master and Xixi signed a contract. I heard it’s exactly the same as the one with Li Yin and his Dao companion!”

“And Xixi sleeps with the master every night.”

“Chirp, chirp chirp chirp.” Same for my father and his Dao companion. The fatty bird, never one to be left out, also joined in.

Celestial Beasts could usually speak human language, but since the topic of discussion was right there, the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts instinctively spoke in their native cat language. Therefore, despite their enthusiastic conversation, all Chen Xi heard was meows and chirps. He thought it was just children’s play, unaware of the topic they were discussing.

The Moonlight Celestial Beast, however, felt increasingly uneasy, its body stiffening. Its fluffy ears flattened against its head, and it instinctively glanced at Chen Xi. A whirlwind of thoughts flashed through its mind. But in an instant, Chen Xi’s smile enchanted it, causing all those thoughts to vanish.

At the same time, Chen Xi, while gently smoothing its fur, whispered, “Moonlight, I need to tell you something. I can also do alchemy, and after discussing with Xu Miao and the others today, I plan to try making an immortal artifact.”

Hmph, I heard that. The immortal palace for Li Yin. That sour feeling returned to the Moonlight Celestial Beast’s heart. It hugged its tail tightly and didn’t want to talk to Chen Xi.

But Chen Xi stuffed a small item into its arms and smiled, “This is what I made the first time. Do you like it?”

The Moonlight Celestial Beast was stunned at first, then when it saw what was in its arms, its eyes lit up.

As for Goudan, who was also observing, it felt powerless. As expected, no matter how much Chen Xi started alchemy, all he could make were these things for his baby Moonlight Celestial Beast.