Master Chen was overjoyed, “It’s working!”
The disciples were also happy; with the Refining Furnace working, they had tasks to do and could learn from their master. Therefore, their looks towards Mo Hua were filled with admiration.
Mo Hua was also very pleased and said, “Let’s try refining a Spiritual Artifact to see if there will be any problems.”
Master Chen casually threw a knife into it, refined it for a while, and then said with a hint of regret, “There isn’t much of a problem with using it, it’s just that the fire is weaker than before, so refining might take a bit longer.”
Mo Hua was somewhat puzzled, “The same Formation, why would the fire be weaker? Could it be that a Formation’s efficacy is reduced after repair?”
Master Chen shook his head, “I’ve repaired it a few times before, but the fire hasn’t decreased much.”
“Then why is that?”
Mo Hua furrowed his brow, wondering if he hadn’t painted the Formation well enough.
Master Chen pondered for a moment, then pointed to the ink in Mo Hua’s inkstone and said,
“Maybe it’s the ink? When I’ve had others repair it before, the ink they used was visibly darker than yours, a bright red, looking as if there was a fire burning.”
Mo Hua realized that he had chosen the cheapest fire-series ink in an effort to save money which was fine for practicing Formation Painting but, when actually used on a Spiritual Artifact, the effect was certainly poor.
“For a Formation to be effective, it needs higher-grade Spiritual Ink.”
Mo Hua silently took note and then sheepishly admitted, “Then it must be the ink. I bought the cheapest one, so it might not be very good at stimulating Spiritual Power.”
Master Chen said, “What’s the point of talking about that? Although the fire is a bit weaker, it’s still good that it works. After all, I should be thanking you.”
After thinking it over, Master Chen, gritting his teeth, said, “As for the stove that you want, there’s no need to pay for the refining service, I’ll refine it for you for free. Of course, I won’t refund the cost of the materials, since I still have to keep my bunch of lads fed.”
Mo Hua looked at the spacious yet simple Refining Shop, then at the sooty Master Chen and the sweat-drenched refining disciples with grimy faces, understanding that it wasn’t easy for them to earn Spirit Stones, and replied,
“Uncle Chen, just give me a fifty percent discount on the refining fee.”
Master Chen shook his head, “That won’t do. Even like this, I’m still getting the better deal. Getting someone else to repair this Formation would cost at least a hundred or two hundred Spirit Stones.”
“There’s no need to give that much.”
Stubbornness crept into Master Chen’s demeanor, “A Cultivator talks about integrity; a spoken word is a nail in the board. How can words be taken back so lightly? I said I wouldn’t take your Spirit Stones, and that’s exactly what I must not do!”
This man was really incorrigible…
With no other choice, Mo Hua’s mind whirled, and he smiled, “Then how about this, I won’t give you the refining fee, but once the stove is refined, I’ll give some Spirit Stones as a tip for your hard work.”
“This…”
Master Chen was momentarily confused, as refining fees and tips seemed similar, yet felt a bit different.
“It’s like giving a tip when you ask a friend for help,” Mo Hua added.
“Well… okay then.”
Master Chen felt that the logic was sound.
Several disciples also looked at Mo Hua gratefully.
Their families weren’t wealthy. Being apprentices and helping around could earn them a little extra to support their families. Without earning Spirit Stones, their already difficult lives would become even harder.
But earning Spirit Stones, even just one more, would make life that much easier.
“Then it’s settled! It’s getting late; I need to go home for dinner!”
Mo Hua waved his little hand and said goodbye.
Master Chen cautioned Mo Hua to be careful on his way and added, “If you ever need artifact refining, just come to me, I’ll give you a discount!”