The Man’s Decree

“Jared, did you already know smithing and refining previously? Otherwise, how could you possibly have such proficient skills in such a short time?” Hammerhead asked incredulously.

In response, Jared shook his head. “No, Master Hammerhead. I just learned it earlier. Perhaps I've got better insight, so I mastered it faster.”

“No matter how good your insight, no one who has just learned smithing and refining skills could refine a spirit ore of this grade with a single hit of the hammer, kid. Back then, the sect leader of Divine Smithing Sect also had great insight and talent for smithing. But even he did not have the capability of refining a spirit ore of such a grade when he had only mastered the skills,” an armored beast commented in disbelief.

“Then, maybe my insight is better than that of the leader of Divine Smithing Sect,” Jared suggested with a smile.

At that, both Hammerhead and the armored beast were rendered speechless. If they had not personally witnessed the man refining the spirit ore, they would never have believed it.

“Jared always surprises people. You won't be astounded anymore when you've known him longer,” Flaxseed chipped in.

He was not the least bit surprised about Jared's insight toward smithing because he knew that the man was not an ordinary person in the first place. Anything was possible with him.

“Can you take me to refine some high-grade spirit ores now? If we only refine ones of such a grade, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to sate these few armored beasts anytime soon,” Jared appealed.

“Sure! Hop on, and I'll take you there!” offered the armored beast capable of speech.

With a leap, Jared sat astride it. The armored beast sprinted forward at once, blurring into a streak.

It was lightning fast in the mine. Even when it encountered spots where there were rockfalls, it did not slow, swiftly darting through the rocks. In no time, it brought him to the mine's deepest recesses.

At that moment, the entire mine was bathed in a purple glow. The spiritual stones everywhere emitted a purple light. It was apparent that they had reached the deepest part of the mine, and the spirit ores there were of the highest grade.

“Here's the place. This is the deepest part of the mine, and this type of ore is also currently of the highest grade,” the armored beast stated.

Jared nodded in understanding. Without an ounce of hesitation, he got down to business. Ore essences were continuously refined through his hands.

The armored beast wolfed them down greedily. Shortly after, it was full.

After having had its fill, it did not sit around and do nothing. Instead, it relentlessly mined spirit ores from the surrounding rock walls in the mine for the man to refine.

Some time passed. By then, the pile of ore essences before Jared had grown into the size of a small hill.

Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Jared asked the armored beast, “Mr. Armored Beast, these ore essences are enough to last the few of you for a while, yes?”

“Yes, yes!” the armored beast answered in excitement.

“All right, then. Let's go back. I wonder how long we've been here.”