Is It Reasonable for Me to Start a Sect at 12?

It seemed that in order to complete the tasks of constructing the Artifact Forging Hall and Array Formation Hall, Lin Xiao needed to first find a way to obtain a spirit hammer, artifact cauldron, carving knife, and array disk.

The carving knife and array disk might not be too difficult to acquire, but the spirit hammer and artifact cauldron posed a bigger challenge. It was unlikely that his grandfather's small carpentry hammer could be synthesized into what he needed; even if it did, it would probably just become a small hammer. What he needed was more akin to the large iron hammer used by blacksmiths for forging.

Speaking of blacksmiths' hammers, Lin Xiao immediately thought of the large iron hammer used by the blacksmith in the county town. That hammer might be suitable for refining into a spirit hammer. Unfortunately, it was the blacksmith's livelihood, so it was unlikely that he would sell it.

Suddenly, Lin Xiao realized that although he couldn't do it that way, he could buy one from the system store!

With that in mind, he immediately thought, "Big Spirit Hammer, Big Spirit Hammer," and opened the system store.

Elder Liao, sitting nearby, noticed Lin Xiao suddenly closing his eyes and remaining still, and was puzzled. Why wasn't the boy leaving?

However, seeing Lin Xiao deep in thought, Elder Liao didn't disturb him. Instead, he quietly took out the Peach Blossom Void Technique and started reading under the table, making sure Lin Xiao couldn't see.

Technically, Lin Xiao had never forbidden him from reading the sect's cultivation techniques, which were openly displayed in the cultivation rooms for all sect members to study. Still, Elder Liao felt awkward about it. After all, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, it seemed a bit embarrassing to be engrossed in the cultivation techniques meant for young disciples. If anyone caught him, he would feel like he was losing face.

So, sneaking a peek at the techniques was his last bit of pride as a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Especially hiding it from Lin Xiao, who would surely tease him if he found out.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiao was staring at three large hammers in the store's recommendation section:

[Qian Ning Hammer, Heavenly Grade Superior Magic Tool, Price: 500 Spirit Stones]

[Boundless Defense Hammer, Yellow Grade Superior Treasure, Price: 2,000 Spirit Stones]

[Heaven and Earth Rotation Hammer, Mysterious Grade Superior Treasure, Price: 10,000 Spirit Stones]

Had the system raised prices because he had a spirit stone mine?

No, looking at the grade of these hammers, they weren't overpriced. It was just that when he was still at the Qi Refining stage, the store always seemed to offer the cheapest items first. Why were they now starting with Heavenly Grade Superior tools?

Could it be because his cultivation had advanced?

Or was it simply because he had more resources now, like a salesperson showing the most expensive items to a wealthy client?

After some thought, Lin Xiao closed the store and mentally reset his request: "Cheapest big spirit hammer, cheapest big spirit hammer!"

When he reopened the store, the recommendation section had changed:

[Gale Hammer, Yellow Grade Superior Magic Tool, Price: 9 Spirit Stones]

[Mountain Shaker Hammer, Mysterious Grade Superior Magic Tool, Price: 50 Spirit Stones]

[Star-Moon Hammer, Earth Grade Superior Magic Tool, Price: 150 Spirit Stones]

After a moment of hesitation, Lin Xiao chose the Star-Moon Hammer at the Earth Grade Superior level.

For now, this grade would be more than sufficient for their sect, where the average cultivation level was still at the Qi Refining stage. He could always upgrade in the future when he had more spirit stones.

Since this hammer would mainly be used to complete the Artifact Forging Hall task, he didn't opt for the cheapest one. Considering he might need it for other purposes later, it was worth spending a bit more. After all, he had hundreds of spirit stones in his storage. If he didn't splurge on the most expensive option now, when would he?

After buying the hammer, Lin Xiao also purchased an artifact cauldron. Like the hammer, he picked the most expensive option from the cheapest category:

[Purple Gold Cauldron, Price: 130 Spirit Stones].

With this, the tools required for the Artifact Forging Hall were complete.

For the Array Formation Hall, he also bought a carving knife and array disk, again choosing the most expensive options from the cheapest category.

After draining his storage of spirit stones, Lin Xiao finally opened his eyes.

It seemed like he would need to make another trip to the mine soon.

Elder Liao, sensing that Lin Xiao had opened his eyes, quickly and discreetly stashed the Peach Blossom Void Technique back into his soul body.

Then, he casually picked up the teapot and poured himself some tea, adopting a leisurely demeanor as if nothing had happened.

Seeing Elder Liao's subtle hint with the tea, Lin Xiao couldn't help but feel a little exasperated. The elder was trying to politely usher him out.

However, realizing that he had indeed taken up quite a bit of the elder's time, Lin Xiao prepared to take his leave.

Just as he was about to stand up, Elder Liao suddenly remembered something and called out to him.

He reached into his soul body and retrieved a small, round object the size of a child's fist, handing it to Lin Xiao.

"This is the demon core from the Silver Frost Python you killed. I retrieved it when I disposed of the body. After cleansing it of any residual evil energy, I forgot to give it to you. Here, take it."

Lin Xiao took the demon core and examined it before asking, "Elder, what's the use of this demon core?"

Elder Liao explained, "Demon beasts can consume it to enhance their cultivation. It can also be used in crafting treasures or refining certain pills. Use it as you see fit."

Lin Xiao thought about the fact that the core came from the Silver Frost Python. If he used it for alchemy or crafting, would the resulting items have characteristics related to the snake?

The thought sent shivers down his spine. He despised snakes and decided against using it.

"Elder, would you like to keep it?"

Elder Liao glanced at him and replied, "I have ten or so similar demon cores in my other soul body."

But none of them were from a python on the verge of transforming into a flood dragon.

However, that was not something he would tell Lin Xiao.

At this point, he didn't need the demon core for anything, so Lin Xiao might as well keep it.

Lin Xiao nodded and pocketed the core. After leaving the hut, he headed toward the pile of dirt behind the sect hall.

On his way, he spotted Little Luan leading its disciples on a foraging expedition. Lin Xiao casually handed the demon core to Little Luan, saying, "Enjoy it while it's fresh."

Then, he left the confused Little Luan and its disciples behind, engrossed in their meal.

Little Luan looked down at the translucent core nestled in its wing.

"Fresh? Eat?"

Where was it warm? The core was cold.

But... could it really be eaten?

It sniffed the core. The aroma was unexpectedly pleasant.

Excited, Little Luan pecked at the core, breaking off a small piece and tasting it.

Delicious!

Its eyes lit up as it grabbed the core and hurried to its nest, planning to savor it slowly.