Immortality begins with becoming a master weapon refiner

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Gu Qing mingled among the crowd, finding a share of the worldly excitement with considerable ease.

"The questions have been released! This year's questions are out!"

The four of them pushed forward.

The first thing that catches the eye is the title "The Fairy of the Painted Ring".

A painting of a phoenix spreading its wings. Question: What artistic conception and meaning does this painting express?

Seeing this, Gu Qing shook his head. This kind of subjective question, no matter how eloquently you put it, is impossible to say for sure if the other party is unwilling.

The second challenge was from the Fairy of Qinse. She composed a piece called "Clouds and Mist" and asked someone to play it with her on the xiao (a type of vertical flute). If they could satisfy her, they would pass the challenge.

Gu Qing shook his head and sighed again, saying that subjective factors played a big role and the chances were slim.

The third question, posed by Fairy Shuyi, was too philosophical: What is an immortal?

Everyone has their own understanding, and there are many ambiguous interpretations; it ultimately depends on their own wishes.

After reading through three questions in a row, Gu Qing shook his head vigorously, as if it were a rattle-drum. He wasn't being sincere at all.

It gives the impression that they don't want anyone to pass the test.

Just as she was feeling disappointed, Gu Qing's eyes lit up when she saw the fourth question. There were still honest people out there.

The Chess Fairy's questions are very simple.

To win a game against her, you only need to win five points to pass the test. Gu Qing's chess skills are not particularly outstanding; she can barely play. However, when playing chess, there are always ways to distract one's mind.

In chess competitions, besides skills, the most important thing is the ability to calculate—to calculate the opponent's moves and deduce the situation on the board, which greatly helps improve one's overall strategic vision.

Among mortals, those with extraordinary chess skills can calculate fifty or sixty moves ahead. Cultivators, with their powerful divine sense, can deduce even more possibilities. Therefore, there are countless chess enthusiasts in the cultivation world.

Playing chess is really interesting.

While everyone was still thinking and organizing their thoughts, Gu Qing came to the fourth jade platform and spoke to Fairy Qiluo.

"I come."

Gu Qing was dressed in red, with a handsome and dashing face. He exuded an aura of sainthood, giving people the impression of an extraordinary sage, and easily earning the respect of others.

However, the contrast between his aura and clothing style actually highlighted a youthful and spirited feeling.

"Please have a seat, fellow Daoist. You look unfamiliar."

"I am a cultivator who has ascended to immortality in the last hundred years, so it is normal that Fairy Qiluo is unfamiliar with me."

"Ascendant?"

Not only was Qi Luo surprised, but the immortal lords in the front row were also surprised. In their common sense, ascendants were all heavenly soldiers, the lowest level of the Heavenly Palace. Some who looked down on them would be exiled to the three major Dao states to find their own way out.

Suddenly, he lost all expectation of Gu Qing.

"What abilities could an ascendant possibly have? Come down quickly, lest you offend Fairy Qiluo's eyes."

"You can't say that."

Qi Luo smiled and took the initiative to help Gu Qing out of the predicament, handing the chess box to Gu Qing and asking.

"How to call it?"

"Gu Qing."

"Then please, Fellow Daoist Gu, go first."

Gu Qing waved his hand, ignoring the clamoring immortals below the stage.

"No rush. Fairy Chess's skills are extraordinary. Playing in a rigid manner would be too boring. How about we try a different approach?"

Qi Luo was a little curious.

"Another way? How do I download it?"

"Ask away."

Gu Qing picked up a chess piece and arrogantly placed it on the center position, asking, "..."

"What does the fairy like?"

"Chess, music, and beautiful jade."

Having understood Gu Qing's meaning, Qi Luo smiled and placed the first piece on the four corners. The core of Go is to occupy territory, and the four corners are the first places to fight for.

Whoever surrounds the area first will have a greater advantage.

Therefore, placing a piece at the center of the square, where it's neither in the sky nor on the ground, means that unless one is absolutely certain of victory, the first piece will never be placed there.

Qi Luo also asked.

"How old is Fellow Daoist Gu this year?"

"Less than three hundred."

Wow, his young age surprised everyone. But then they realized that he had only recently ascended to heaven, or rather, it was precisely because he had just ascended that he was so young.

After answering the question, Gu Qing continued to place his pieces. "How old is the fairy?"

"Two hundred and ten thousand years."

This question-and-answer format made it easier for both parties to understand each other, which gave it the appearance of a blind date. This inspired the immortals in the audience to emulate it and eagerly learn from it.

Well, it was alright at first.

As the game progressed, Gu Qing became increasingly engrossed in asking questions, experiencing a thrill of prying into someone else's privacy, especially since the other party was a stunning beauty from the Heavenly Palace with a considerable reputation.

There were even some frivolous people in the audience asking questions on Gu Qing's behalf.

He readily accepted good advice.

For example: When was the first time? Who was the other person? How did it feel? Was it big? Were you satisfied?
Qi Luo Fairy blushed and became flustered when asked the question. She was a little embarrassed. If she couldn't answer or refused to answer, she couldn't make a move and would have to skip her turn.

The fourth jade platform was extremely popular, with more and more people gathering to watch.

Gu Qing also gained the upper hand due to his despicable strategy and was getting closer and closer to victory. There was a constant stream of cheerers who, although they looked down on Gu Qing's status, praised his intelligence.

Everyone wants to see one of the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting fall from grace today.

That's how they'll have a chance.

Winning doesn't necessarily mean becoming Daoist partners; it's just an opportunity to spend time together. In the eyes of the immortal lords, Gu Qing, a mere True Immortal, is merely paving the way for them, so they are naturally excited and overwhelmed.

The magnificent scene here attracted the attention of Hua Huan, Qin Se, and Shu Yi. They exchanged glances and asked each other what was going on with Qi Luo.
But their jade platform is also incredibly popular, so they can't leave for the time being.

The enduring fame they have maintained is inextricably linked to the popularity of the Magpie Bridge Festival and the increased exposure they receive, which is very important to them.

So they won't go over to check on the spot.

The Fourth Jade Platform.

Gu Qing stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Accepted."

The winning condition is simply to win by five points. The opponent has skipped countless rounds and dragged it out for so long. Gu Qing's reputation as a terrible chess player is probably going to spread.

The audience below the stage immediately sighed in disbelief, never expecting that this kid would actually win.

Qi Luo blushed and glared at Gu Qing, almost questioning his despicable behavior.

"I admit the process was a bit indecent, but it was all questions asked by these immortals in the audience. At first, I just wanted to learn more about the fairies."

Gu Qing feigned innocence, leaving Qi Luo speechless. Those sensitive and difficult-to-answer questions were indeed asked by those guys in the audience, and the direction of his anger shifted.

Gu Qing felt pleased; who doesn't like to show off in front of others?

As for taking it a step further, I have no interest. The Beihai aquatic team will be setting off in a few days. It's fine to play around with it temporarily, but there's really no need to pursue it further.

"I shall take my leave now. This strategy is not a fair victory and does not count. I will have another chance to play chess with you, Fairy."

Now, Qi Luo truly believed that he hadn't done it on purpose.

He took the initiative to help her out of the predicament and even gave up his promise to pass the test, which made him feel a little ashamed.

"Wait, no matter what, Fellow Daoist Gu has indeed won. This exquisite chessboard is a treasure that Qi Luo has meticulously crafted over tens of thousands of years, so I will give it to you."

"checkerboard?"

Gu Qing took it, her eyes shining brightly.

A perfect embryo! It might even be able to be refined into a top-grade magic weapon. What an unexpected surprise!

"This is carved from the Nine-Colored Divine Jade, which was once a favorite of the ancient gods. Fellow Daoist Gu, you should cherish it."

"It's natural."

Gu Qing was even more satisfied with the Nine-Colored Divine Jade.

According to the records he saw in the Immortal Treasury Hall, it was definitely a fifth-grade rare treasure, and it might even be the opportunity for him to break through to the fifth-grade weapon refiner.

After much deliberation, I realized that with the addition of a few more materials, I could attempt to refine a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure, comparable to the divine artifacts of this world. This would definitely be considered a great opportunity!

In fact, many of the celestial artifacts in the Heavenly Palace are made with fifth-grade materials, but their skills are lacking. Let alone a Heavenly Treasure, they can only refine celestial artifacts of the first-grade magic weapon level.

Why not just melt him down into raw materials again and try refining him into a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure? Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

"Thank you for the treasure, fairy. Farewell."

He jumped off the jade platform, ignoring the stares of those around him, and quickly left with Qingyu, Luoheng, and Mo Ran. They all looked at Gu Qing with disbelief.

"No, you're just giving up your chance to get close to her?"

"At a time like this, have you forgotten your grand pronouncements from earlier, trying to act like a virtuous gentleman?"

"You're really something!"

"What do you know? This is the Nine-Colored Divine Jade, a legendary artifact said to be able to mend the heavens." Gu Qing glanced at the three lazybones. In the Cangwu Realm, this treasure would make him risk his life. What more could he want? (End of Chapter)