1528 A Special Sword
"I admit defeat. I never even considered crafting two Empyrean-grade treasures." Eternal Blacksmith declared shortly after he stopped working.
"It's also my defeat. Congratulations, Exalted Blacksmith. You're the winner of this competition." Heaven and Earth Blacksmith said afterward.
Tian Qiyuan bowed to them with a smile, "Thank you. It was a fun experience. I never had the opportunity to experience this kind of excitement before. I hope we can do this again in the future."
Sometime later, Zi Xuan approached Tian Qiyuan with the Void Meteroid Core in her grasp.
"Congratulations, Qiyuan," she said as she offered the material to him.
"Thanks." Tian Qiyuan casually accepted the prize before tossing it into his spatial ring.
"Since when did you become so close to Exalted Blacksmith?" The Sect Master of the Unrivaled Nine Swords Sect inquired with interest.
If Zi Xuan and Tian Qiyuan were in a romantic relationship, it would greatly benefit their sect.
Hearing his question, Tian Qiyuan responded calmly, "She's my number one customer, so we see each other often."
"I see… Oh, I am Three Swords Divine, the sect master of the Unrivaled Nine Swords Sect."
In the upper heavens, immortals who have achieved great feats and widespread recognition are bestowed with a title of their own choosing. As a display of respect, this title is used in place of their actual name, which is reserved only for close friends and family.
As for Tian Qiyuan, he did not pick the title Exalted Blacksmith, which became widespread before he even realized it. However, he never corrected it or changed it, so it just stuck with him.
"By the way, Exalted Blacksmith, Heaven and Earth Blacksmith, and Eternal Blacksmith, I have a small question for you. What do you plan on doing with the treasures you crafted during the competition?" Three Swords Divine asked.
When the audience heard this question, they stopped talking to focus on the Divine Blacksmiths' response. They had all been wondering about it long before the competition even concluded.
Tian Qiyuan was the first to speak, "I have no use for it, so I planned on selling them."
"Same here. I'll auction it off or something." Eternal Blacksmith said. He had no intention of keeping something that would only remind him of this utter defeat.
Heaven and Earth Blacksmith nodded in agreement, "I'll also do the same."
"If you don't mind, I'll purchase the Mystic-grade sword from you, Exalted Blacksmith." Three Swords Divine suddenly said.
However, before Tian Qiyuan could even respond, someone from the audience shouted, "Hold it! I also want to buy it!"
A crazed frenzy ensued, with people shouting their offers for the treasures. Even many of the blacksmiths there joined, as they wanted something to commemorate this event.
Seeing this, Tian Qiyuan said, "I will just do the usual and let the Mystic Jade Auction Pavilion handle the sales of my treasures. If you want it, go bid for it there."
A second later, a figure from the audience gracefully jumped from the spectators' area to the arena.
It was Qing Ling'er.
"It's our honor to serve you once again, Exalted Blacksmith. Do you want me to take the treasures off your hand now so you don't need to make the travel later?" she asked.
Tian Qiyuan nodded, "Sure."
"Take mine while you're at it." Eternal Blacksmith suddenly said.
"Mine too." Heaven and Earth Blacksmith said.
"Y-yes!" Qing Ling'er was ecstatic, feeling like she'd struck gold.
Several centuries passed.
One day, Zi Xuan showed up in his world with more materials.
"Hey, Qiyuan. It's been a while. How's your training?" she strolled into his home, treating it as though it was her own.
"Same as usual. What kind of materials did you get me today?" he asked as if he already knew.
"This one." Zi Xuan showed him the material in her grasp.
"With this, I only need three more materials for my masterpiece. What kind of sword do you want today?" he asked.
"I want a special one today." Zi Xuan pointed at his lower body and continued, "I want that sword."
"..." Tian Qiyuan fell silent after hearing her response, but he didn't appear surprised.
Sometime after the competition for the Void Meteoroid Core, Zi Xuan showed up at his place to celebrate his victory. One thing led to another, and it eventually led them into the bedroom, where they shared a passionate night with each other.
Since then, Zi Xuan has ceased to be just a customer and has become something more, though they are not exactly dating.
"When you ask me like this, it feels like I am selling my body for materials," Tian Qiyuan eventually said with a bittersweet smile.
"Is that so? Then here. It's a gift for you." Zi Xuan tossed the material at him.
Once Tian Qiyuan caught it and stowed it away, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the bedroom, "It's been a while. Let me play with your sword."
Tian Qiyaun didn't know whether to laugh or cry in this situation, but he didn't exactly dislike it either.
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