Chapter 101: Ma Xianhong

The Divine Mechanism Tempering Technique—Ye Yan had, of course, heard of it. It was one of the legendary Eight Extraordinary Techniques, renowned as the strongest method for refining artifacts. Like the other extraordinary skills, it rarely appeared in the public eye, so no one truly knew its whereabouts.

Yet, its reputation remained untarnished.

Ye Yan never expected that Ma Xianhong, the person chatting with him, was actually the inheritor of the Divine Mechanism Tempering Technique. If that was indeed the case, then perhaps Ma Xianhong could genuinely help Ye Yan craft an artifact capable of producing absolute darkness.

But could his words be trusted?

Ye Yan felt uncertain.

After all, behind the screen of a phone, the information he could gather was limited, making it impossible to judge the truthfulness of the other’s claims.

Still, the arrogance and confidence dripping from Ma Xianhong’s words gave off an undeniable aura—someone who, in a world full of talent, held a brilliance unmatched by others.

This perfectly matched his identity as an heir to one of the Eight Extraordinary Techniques, and so Ye Yan decided to continue trusting him.

“Speak then. What are your terms?”

Since Ma Xianhong approached so casually, there must be a motive. Ye Yan intended to probe his intentions and the price he might demand.

He had prepared himself for a steep price, but Ma Xianhong’s next words left him somewhat bewildered.

“No conditions.”

“No conditions?” Ye Yan rubbed his eyes hard to make sure he hadn’t misread.

This was strange.

In this bustling world, everyone sought gain. If Ma Xianhong truly sought nothing, why come to him? Surely it wasn’t charity.

Ye Yan couldn’t quite comprehend.

Perhaps seeing through Ye Yan’s thoughts, Ma Xianhong quickly messaged back, “It’s not something very difficult, nor does it require much effort. Consider it as making a friend.”

“Making a friend? Just like that?”

Ye Yan was stunned. He hadn’t expected that a question that had troubled him for years could be so easily solved through Ma Xianhong’s words.

A complex mix of emotions swirled within him.

“But can you really do it? I’ve met many artifact refiners before, yet none could help with this.”

Ye Yan did not doubt Ma Xianhong’s claim of being an inheritor of the Divine Mechanism Tempering Technique, but he remained skeptical about whether he was bluffing. The artifact that could dominate darkness was crucial to him, and he had to be cautious.

“Of course. Just because other refiners can’t do it doesn’t mean the Divine Mechanism Tempering Technique can’t.”

Ma Xianhong’s tone remained the same—arrogant, confident, even conceited. Even through the screen, one could imagine the persona: a proud man who believed himself unmatched.

“So you’re really so carefree as to reveal your identity as an heir to me?”

Besides his promise, this point puzzled Ye Yan greatly.

Ordinarily, the heirs to the Eight Extraordinary Techniques would hide their identities as much as possible, avoiding public exposure to prevent unwanted attention or trouble from those with ill intentions.

Just the Qi Source lineage had stirred up a storm in the city, and the Heavenly Ascension Talisman from the Luo Tian Grand Ritual had only fueled the fervor of this golden age.

Yet Ma Xianhong was utterly unconcerned and openly exposed his identity to Ye Yan.

Once such news leaked, Ma Xianhong would instantly become the center of attention.

Did he truly have confidence in his strength, or was there another plan?

Ye Yan could not discern. He knew too little about the man behind the screen.

“In truth, I noticed you long ago. Adding you was after your fierce battle with Ding Dao’an.”

“At that time, I hesitated for a long while. After all, a hero of your caliber is not someone I could easily bear to cross paths with—I had to be cautious.”

“The reason I’m revealing my identity now is that I’ve confirmed you have no desire for the Eight Extraordinary Techniques themselves.”

“Otherwise, with the easily attainable Heavenly Ascension Talisman at the Luo Tian Grand Ritual, who could have competed with you? Yet you theatrically gave your promotion spot to Zhang Chulan.”

“So, to me, you’re someone trustworthy.”

His words were lengthy but revealed Ma Xianhong’s inner journey over time.

Ye Yan listened, astonished by the depth of the story.

“So much trust? Aren’t you afraid I’m not as good as you think, and might sell you out? The identity of heir to an extraordinary technique must be quite valuable.”

Unmoved, Ma Xianhong replied, “No need for such concerns. I trust my judgment of people.”

Ye Yan: “...”

Having reached this point, lingering doubts seemed pointless. Ye Yan shook his head.

“Alright then, if you help me forge an artifact that can generate absolute darkness, I’ll owe you a favor. Or help you with something when needed.”

Though freeloading was tempting, Ye Yan preferred clear accounts among true brothers—everything settled openly, neither owing nor being owed.

Just like his close relationships with Wang Ye, Tang Wenlong, and Xu Si—solid friendships, but when serious matters arose, favors still applied.

Clear boundaries.

Ma Xianhong was unbothered. “Consider it a small gift to a new friend.”

“That won’t do.”

Ye Yan firmly refused. “I hate owing people. If you truly want to be friends, then let’s handle it my way.”

His stance was resolute, offering no room for negotiation, leaving Ma Xianhong helpless.

“Fine. I still have some unfinished business. Once I’m done, I’ll contact you.”

“Okay.”

...

With Ma Xianhong’s promise, Ye Yan felt the world suddenly brighten.

Though it was only one side of the story, it was enough to lift his spirits immensely.

After all, this problem had plagued him for so long, and now, having found a solution, his feelings were hard to put into words.

“Nice.”

Ye Yan lit a cigarette with excitement.

Having resolved Xia He’s issue and now discovering a way to unlock the Darkness Master, this trip to Longhu Mountain was far from wasted.

Once the cigarette was half-burned, Ye Yan’s mood gradually calmed, and he began contemplating next steps.

“Ma Xianhong’s method can be considered for now, but I can’t put all my hopes on it.”

“From the Old Celestial Master, I also learned about factors like environment and emotion—those can be tested as well.”

This was excellent.

Though neither path guaranteed success, both held promise.

For Ye Yan, that was more than enough.