The Cultivator’s Auction and Uranium Refinement

“If you don’t use the Thousand-Jin Talisman, then I won’t use spiritual energy to strengthen myself. Come on!”

Having agreed, the two exchanged a punch, both recoiling from the impact, though Lin Tian found himself slightly at a disadvantage.

“Your strength is considerable, Master, but it’s still only at a human level.”

“I haven’t even used spiritual energy yet. Let’s go again.” Lin Tian could feel that his strength had increased significantly compared to before.

This time, he used spiritual energy to bolster his body. After another clash of fists, the little boy was clearly at a disadvantage.

“How was that?”

“In my human form, I can’t unleash my full power. Your strength, Master, is indeed much higher than that of an average cultivator.”

Lin Tian shook his hand. “Try again in your true form.”

“Are you certain? In my original form, a single punch could kill a human at the Qi Refinement stage.”

“No problem. Come on,” Lin Tian beckoned.

Jiaofeng formed hand seals, transforming into a Flood Dragon. Its fist was as thick as Lin Tian’s waist.

Lin Tian, in turn, activated the Tendon Gate Art, causing veins to bulge across his body—a symmetrical network of blue lines stretching from his forehead to his face!

“Strike!”

Seeing Lin Tian launch a ferocious punch, Jiaofeng was startled, yet met the blow with a punch of its own! A dull thud echoed through the air as both were forced back two zhang. It was a draw!

“That’s enough.” Lin Tian deactivated the Tendon Gate Art, immediately feeling a wave of weakness wash over him. Fortunately, he had only used it for a short time; otherwise, he might have collapsed to the ground.

The disparity in strength between humans and demonic beasts was vast. Only by combining the Tendon Gate Art and spiritual energy strengthening could Lin Tian match Jiaofeng’s raw physical power. Unbeknownst to him, this level of strength was already formidable; a single punch could undoubtedly kill a cultivator. Even Jiaofeng harbored a secret admiration.

****

Back at the Luo Estate, Lin Tian left a letter in the living room before hastily departing. Primarily, it was to inform them of Luo Tao’s death. He hadn’t had the opportunity to explain in person, so he had no choice but to leave a letter. Though it felt selfish, there was no other way.

His family had, in fact, already suspected that something had happened to Luo Tao, but reading the letter still made it difficult for them to accept.

****

This journey to the capital was mainly to refine uranium and await the start of the cultivator gathering. Lin Tian was reluctant to use even a single spirit stone he had seized. These were the currency of cultivators and vital for replenishing spiritual energy.

Jiaofeng carried Lin Tian, flying at a rapid pace and reaching the capital within a day. To avoid attracting attention, they landed some distance away and proceeded on foot.

“There might be other cultivators in this city. You should stay in the spirit beast pouch for now.” Before Jiaofeng could refuse, Lin Tian sealed him away.

The capital, no matter how many times one visited, always felt exceptionally bustling. Occasionally, a few cultivators could even be spotted. Lin Tian did not linger to sightsee, heading directly to the front of the palace. The guards on duty were the same two as before, who immediately recognized him, as girls like him were a rare sight.

“Senior Immortal, how may we assist you?” the guard respectfully inquired.

“I’ve come to retrieve some items. This is the Prince’s token.” Lin Tian handed the token to the guard, who promptly rushed back to report. Even without the token, they would have informed the Prince.

Not long after, upon hearing of Lin Tian’s arrival, Qin Jiu personally came out to greet him.

“Lady Luo! I’ve finally waited for you! Please, come in and sit.” Earlier, Qin Jiu had sought Luo Yingkong at Mount Mufu but had unfortunately failed to find her.

No sooner had they entered the gate than the Prince eagerly spoke, “Lady Luo, regarding the forging blueprints you provided earlier, we followed them, but only managed to produce one pistol, and its power is… lacking.”

This came as no surprise to Lin Tian. He hadn’t clearly specified the gunpowder for the bullets, so it was natural for the manufactured weapon to lack power. This item was of great use to cultivators, so he naturally wouldn’t easily reveal its secrets to others.

“The method has been given to you. Whether you can produce it or not is your concern.”

“Uh…” Only then did Qin Jiu realize why Luo Yingkong had been so straightforward in their previous transaction. It turned out that this item was incredibly difficult to manufacture by human means, and he had been tricked. Despite this, he found himself unable to feel angry when he saw her.

“Have you collected enough uranium ore?”

“It’s already collected and in the backyard. Lady Luo, please follow me…”

Upon reaching the backyard, Lin Tian saw a small mountain of uranium ore, filling him with both joy and worry. Refining all these ores into uranium… he wondered how long it would take. Fortunately, he had ample time. Even at Qi Refinement Layer Eight, his lifespan far surpassed that of an ordinary person.

“Lady Luo, how do you intend to process these ores?” Qin Jiu asked, puzzled. With so much ore, even an immortal’s storage bag couldn’t contain it.

“I plan to stay here for a while. Does Prince Qin have any objections?”

“Of course not! Lady Luo can stay as long as she wishes.” Qin Jiu’s heart swelled with joy. Only a fool would refuse to have an immortal staying in their residence. He already harbored some admiration for her, and this was a rare opportunity.

“I’ll arrange accommodations for Lady Luo at once…”

“No need to rush. Just prepare a secret chamber for me.”

Lin Tian intended to refine the natural uranium on the spot. This immense quantity of uranium ore weighed at least a thousand tons. Moreover, the uranium ore in this world had a relatively high content. If all of it were refined, it would barely be enough to create two small nuclear bombs.

Making a small nuclear bomb would suffice; too much power could harm himself. First, he had to experiment to see if spiritual energy could enhance the nuclear bomb’s power. If not, it would be better to create more TNT explosives.

“Lady Luo, there’s an auction in the capital next week. Are you interested in attending?”

Lin Tian smiled faintly. This Qin Jiu was very much like him in his previous life; he too had asked out girls he fancied, though it had been for a movie.

“An auction… I’m not interested.” Lin Tian picked up pieces of uranium ore, examining them carefully. Qin Jiu, unwilling to give up, moved closer to him and said, “Lady Luo, please listen. This auction is hosted by cultivators, and many elixirs are for sale, directly traded for other items.”

“A cultivator’s auction? How does Prince Qin know about it?” Lin Tian’s interest was piqued.

“I’ve been fascinated by cultivators since childhood, and nothing in this vicinity escapes my notice. This auction is absolutely safe, and even mortals can participate.”

Bartering… Lin Tian pondered for a moment. He happened to be short on elixirs for cultivation recently, so it might be worth a look.

“Then I’ll trouble the Prince.”

“No trouble at all, no trouble. Just call me Qin Jiu.”

****

Upon reaching the secret chamber, Lin Tian took out some chemical reagents and various vessels, preparing for the refinement. Qin Jiu had been following him, chatting away, and soon became Lin Tian’s assistant, tasked with finding any missing materials. The Prince showed no sign of annoyance; he diligently fulfilled all of Lin Tian’s requests with extreme efficiency.

A week passed quickly. The secret chamber had transformed into a small processing plant, complete with all sorts of vessels and a large steam-powered iron furnace. With everything prepared, Lin Tian, having gone six days and six nights without sleep, now lay asleep in a chair.

The Prince entered the secret chamber as usual. Seeing her asleep, he didn’t make a sound to disturb her. Sigh, even if she’s a cultivator, she’s far too unguarded… Qin Jiu picked up a cotton blanket and gently covered her.

****

“Prince Qin, is something the matter?”

Qin Jiu was startled, stammering, “The auction is about to begin…”

“Is that so? Prepare a tub of hot water for me.”

Although he didn’t know what she needed it for, Qin Jiu still ordered his subordinates to bring hot water. Lin Tian rose and began to shed his clothes. Qin Jiu asked, bewildered, “Lady Luo, what are you doing?”

“Aren’t we attending the auction? I’m going to bathe first.”

“Lady Luo, you should have said so earlier. We have baths within the estate…”

Before Qin Jiu could finish, Lin Tian began to undress. He quickly fled the secret chamber, standing guard outside the door.

In my previous life, after pulling all-nighters for work, my hair would be disheveled, and the smell of sweat would earn me a scolding from my girlfriend. Eventually, it became a habit to bathe after work…