Feng Jiao Xue carefully placed Hei Feng’s birdcage on the sturdy wooden table before entering the small realm. The Shadow Flitter tilted its tiny head, its royal blue and black feathers gleaming faintly in the soft light. The bird flitted from one perch to another tweeting every so cheerfulyy. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

She tapped the cage lightly, catching the bird’s attention before sprinkling dried seeds into the small tray inside. The bird chirped cheerfully, its beady eyes following her every movement with a mix of curiosity and trust.

She lingered for a moment, watching the bird nibble on its meal. Hei Feng had been a surprise gift, and while she remained cautious about the crown prince’s intentions, the bird had proven itself useful as both a tracker and a subtle companion.

Turning away, Feng Jiao Xue entered the heart of the small realm. The space was tranquil, a hidden sanctuary filled lush greenery, and Yin Xiao ’watching’ the herbs by the patch Huang Jin De is tending to them at, a soft mist that rolled lazily across the ground around him. The air hummed faintly with spiritual energy, invigorating her senses.

Huang Jin De sat cross-legged atop a large moss-covered rock, his eyes closed as he immersed himself in cultivation. The faint glow of fire qi surrounded him, flickering like embers in the wind. When Feng Jiao Xue approached, the soft sound of her steps broke the silence, and his eyes fluttered open, golden irises catching the light like molten gold. A warm smile bloomed on his lips as he greeted her.

"Here to cultivate?" he asked, his tone casual but carrying a hint of curiosity.

Feng Jiao Xue shook her head, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No, not right now." She walked toward him, the grass crunching softly under her boots, and sat beside him on the smooth rock. The mist curled around her legs as if welcoming her presence.

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the serenity of the small realm wrapping around them. Finally, she broke the quiet.

"About the weapon," she began, her voice steady but contemplative, "what do you think?"

Huang Jin De leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his hands as he looked up at the pale sky of the realm. "What you have on hand is fine for now. Your senbon needles are sharp and precise, but..." He paused, glancing at her. "A blade is a cultivator’s lifeline. We need to find something that can truly serve you as one."

Feng Jiao Xue nodded, his words echoing her own thoughts. A weapon wasn’t just a tool; it was an extension of a cultivator’s will, a partner in every battle. It needed to be reliable, deadly, and capable of withstanding the storms of countless conflicts.

"In the modern world," she murmured, almost to herself, "it would be like having the last bullet between you and your enemy. It’s not something you take lightly."

Huang Jin De’s lips quirked into a smirk. "A bullet, huh? That’s one way to put it. But a good weapon isn’t just for emergencies. It’s what stands between life and death in every moment of a fight. It’s trust in the form of steel, or whatever material your weapon’s made of."

Feng Jiao Xue rested her chin on her hand, her gaze distant. "Lan Yue mentioned a few options. The Silver Andvil and Golden Fang Forge looks promising. It’s also has a good reputation if Lan Yue could recommend it but good things like this ussually are found in... less than desirable places from my expirience. So, I’m leaning on the Black Iron Den"

"While you where talking to that woman, I was also listening for information. There’s also blacksmith near the eastern gate that is said to make excellent blades, though his prices are steep. The underground market has rare weapons, but I’d rather avoid unnecessary risks unless it’s worth it. And then there’s the auction in a few days. They’re supposed to have spirit-infused weapons on display."

"What does spirit infused mean?" Feng Jiao Xue furrowed her brows as she ask trying to find any information in the previous her’s memory.

Huang Jin De leaned back against the rock, gazing thoughtfully at the sky as Feng Jiao Xue waited for his answer. After a moment, he looked at her, his expression serious yet patient, as though explaining to a younger sibling.

"A spirit-infused weapon isn’t just a tool, Xiao Xue," he began, his tone carrying the weight of experience. "It’s... alive, in a way. It’s a weapon that carries a spirit or essence within it, sometimes from a beast, sometimes from the remnants of a great cultivator or an ancient artifact. These spirits aren’t mindless. Some have sentience, others are just fragments of raw power. Either way, they elevate a weapon from being an object to being a partner."

Feng Jiao Xue tilted her head slightly, intrigued. Huang Jin De took this as a sign to elaborate.

"For starters, a spirit-infused weapon can grow with its wielder," he explained. "It’s like having a companion that becomes stronger as you do. The more you cultivate, the more attuned the weapon becomes to your energy. Some even evolve, unlocking new abilities or forms as they bond with their master."

"Bond?" Feng Jiao Xue asked, frowning slightly.

"Exactly," Huang Jin De said with a nod. "You don’t just pick up a spirit-infused weapon and start swinging it around. The spirit inside won’t respond to you unless there’s compatibility. It’s like... two puzzle pieces fitting together. If your temperament, cultivation path, or even elemental affinity doesn’t match, the weapon might reject you entirely, or worse, harm you."

Her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought, and Huang Jin De chuckled softly.

"Don’t worry," he reassured her. "The bond isn’t impossible to form. It’s just... selective. Think of it like making a friend. The weapon has to trust you, and you have to prove you’re worthy of it. Sometimes that means passing a trial, or simply having the patience to nurture the connection over time."

Feng Jiao Xue’s gaze drifted to the horizon, her mind already envisioning the possibilities.

"They’re rare, I take it?" she asked.

"Very," Huang Jin De confirmed. "Most spirit-infused weapons are artifacts from the old era, left behind by cultivators who’ve long since ascended or perished. Others are created by master artisans who know how to capture the essence of a powerful beast or energy source. Either way, they’re not something you stumble across every day."

He paused, a small smirk playing on his lips. "And even if you do find one, that’s just the start of the challenge. Remember, compatibility is key. A mismatched weapon might end up as nothing more than an ordinary blade in your hands."

Feng Jiao Xue nodded slowly, processing his words. "So, they’re not just weapons," she murmured. "They’re like... partners."

"Exactly," Huang Jin De said with approval. "A good spirit-infused weapon can be your greatest ally in battle. It might amplify your abilities, protect you when you’re vulnerable, or even warn you of danger. But you have to treat it with respect. It’s not like a disposable blade you can throw away once it dulls."

"What about their spirits? Are they always cooperative?"

Huang Jin De chuckled. "Not always. Some spirits are stubborn, even mischievous. Others are proud and won’t tolerate weakness. But once you earn their loyalty..." He trailed off, a rare glint of admiration in his eyes. "There’s nothing quite like it. A spirit-infused weapon is more than a lifeline, it’s a legacy. One that could define your journey as a cultivator."

Feng Jiao Xue leaned back, her fingers lightly tapping the ground in thought. The idea of having such a weapon was appealing, but she also understood the gravity of the commitment.

Huang Jin De tilted his head, studying her. "If you’re serious about this, the auction might be a good place to start. They’re not cheap, but sometimes you’ll find one that resonates with you. Just... be careful. A weapon like that is as much a target as it is a treasure."

She met his gaze, determination flickering in her eyes. "I’ll keep that in mind."

A satisfied smile curved his lips. "Good. Who knows, Xiao Xue? You might just find a weapon that matches your cold temperament and icy glare."

Feng Jiao Xue gave him a flat look. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

Huang Jin De chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Of course it is. Besides, I think it suits you,a sharp blade with a spirit that won’t bow to anyone easily."

Her lips quirked up slightly, just enough to count as a smile. "We’ll see as you said, spirit-infused weapons aren’t always compatible with the wielder. If its nature clashes with mine, it could become more of a hindrance than a help."

Huang Jin De nodded, understanding the dilemma. "Then we’ll need to assess carefully. The auction might have other interesting options too. It’s always better to see the weapons up close before deciding. Sometimes, you’ll just know when one calls to you."

She glanced at him, a faint smile touching her lips. "You sound like a seasoned weapon collector."

He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "Not a collector, but I know the value of a good weapon. I’ve seen what happens to cultivators who rely on flimsy blades or tools that break under pressure. You can’t afford to gamble with something as important as this."

Feng Jiao Xue leaned back slightly, her fingers brushing against the rough texture of the rock. "I suppose the auction is our best option for now. If nothing there suits me, we can look into the other options."

"Agreed," Huang Jin De said. "But don’t forget to keep an eye out for traps. Auctions like these attract all kinds of people, desperate ones, greedy ones, and those who don’t care how they get what they want."

"I’m well aware," she replied, her tone sharp but calm. "I’ve dealt with enough schemers to recognize them."

Huang Jin De gave her a sidelong glance, his expression softening. "Good. Just don’t forget you’ve got me. I’m not going to let anyone take advantage of you."

She smiled faintly, appreciating his support even if she wouldn’t say it aloud. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but knowing she had an ally like Huang Jin De made it feel a little less daunting.

As the two sat together, discussing their next steps and the challenges they would face, the small realm seemed to hum in quiet approval. This was just the beginning, but they were ready to face whatever came their way.