Chapter 218: Tempering Quality

Qin Li’s gaze was fixed on the bronze furnace. He carefully observed the changes, and after a while, he nodded with satisfaction. “The impurities have been completely removed. Next, we begin the tempering.”

“Tempering?” Li Ping’er asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. “What’s that?”

“It’s a crucial step,” Qin Li explained. “It involves infusing the metal with spiritual energy, enhancing its properties. It’s like refining a spirit stone, but for an artifact.”

He then picked up a small, intricately carved jade bottle. Inside, a shimmering, vibrant green liquid swirled. “This is Spirit Essence, a rare and potent substance. It will act as the medium for the spiritual energy.”

Qin Li carefully poured a few drops of the Spirit Essence into the bronze furnace. As it made contact with the purified metal, a soft hum emanated from within. The liquid began to glow, and tiny specks of light danced around the surface of the molten metal.

“Now, I need to guide the spiritual energy,” Qin Li said, his voice filled with concentration. He closed his eyes and extended his spiritual sense, gently enveloping the furnace. He began to circulate his own spiritual energy, a warm, golden glow emanating from his hands, and directed it into the furnace.

The glow intensified, and the hum grew louder, resonating throughout the room. Li Ping’er watched in awe, her breath held. She could feel the spiritual energy swirling around them, a powerful and ancient force.

After what felt like an eternity, Qin Li slowly opened his eyes. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, but a faint smile played on his lips. “It is done. The tempering is complete.”

He withdrew his spiritual sense, and the intense glow within the furnace gradually subsided. The metal, now infused with spiritual energy, shimmered with a subtle, ethereal light.

“Is it ready?” Li Ping’er asked, eager to see the results.

“Almost,” Qin Li replied. “There’s one final step: shaping. The tempering has made the metal incredibly pliable, making it easy to mold into its final form.”

He carefully poured the molten metal into a specially prepared mold. As it cooled, the metal solidified, taking on the intricate shape of a small, elegant dagger. The blade gleamed with an inner light, and the hilt was adorned with delicate, swirling patterns.

Qin Li picked up the newly formed dagger, his eyes reflecting a profound sense of accomplishment. “This is a truly superior artifact. The tempering has enhanced its sharpness, durability, and even its ability to store and channel spiritual energy.”

Li Ping’er gasped, her eyes wide with admiration. “It’s beautiful! And so powerful.”

Qin Li nodded, a proud smile gracing his features. “Indeed. This dagger, once a simple piece of metal, has now been transformed into a formidable weapon, imbued with the essence of spiritual energy. It is a testament to the art of tempering.”