Jin Shu carefully arrahe rare materials he had retrieved from his father’s and grandfather’s stes. Each metal was so valuable that it could buy a mansion in Bck Mountain City on its own, and together they were worth more thaire city. But for what he inteo craft, only the fi would do.

  Each of the four metals held unique properties that would ehe on's superiority. Bck Iron would serve as the base, providing unmatched durability. Bck Gold, known for its natural qi absorption, would enhahe on's ability to harmoh its wielder. Rose Gold, chosen for its vibrant hue—his mother’s favorite color—also had a rare ability tthen other metals. Finally, Quicksilver would act as a perfect duit for the intricate runes he po inscribe.

  A fond memory surfaced as he prepared the materials. He recalled the day he gifted his mother a pair of rose gold earrings, years before his memories of his past life returned. She had fallen in love with the color, insisting that any future gifts from him include it. Jin Shu couldn’t help but smile; this on wasn’t just a tool—it was a tribute to her.

  He activated his Nanophone, summoning a holographic blueprint of a on he had admired in his previous life: a Glock 19. It was simple, reliable, and effective—everything a o for self-defense should be. But before crafting his mift, he would test his skills on a personal project. Swiping to another blueprint, he revealed the design of an M110A1 CSASS Sniper Rifle.

  The bcksmithing process began with a stirring of Jin Shu's qi as he sat cross-legged in front of a fe powered by spiritual fmes. eling his qi through his dantiaended his hands over the materials. A faint glow surrounded him as his qi ected with the metals, analyzing their essend binding their energies together.

  He began with Bck Iroing it until it glowed white-hot uhe spiritual fmes. His qi ihe metal as he hammered it, reinf its structure and ensuring its durability. Each strike resonated with his cultivation, the force tempered by precise bursts of qi that spread evenly through the metal.

  came Bck Gold, its molten state shimmering with a dark luster as he poured it over the Bck Iron core. Maniputing his qi, he guided the metals te seamlessly, their essences iwining. The resulting alloy pulsed faintly with a natural rhythm, proof of Bck Gold's qi-dug properties.

  Rose Gold followed, its vibrant hue refleg in the fe’s glow. As he worked, Jin Shu carefully bahe infusion of his qi to amplify the strengthening effect it imparted on the alloy. However, as the Rose Gold spread over the on, its distinctive coloration began to domihe surfabsp;

  Jin Shu paused, holding the partially formed on aloft. A realization struck him: while Rose Gold erfect for his mift, a pink-tinted sniper rifle would be… less than ideal for his personal use. His face reddened slightly at the thought of unveiling such a on in battle.

  “I ’t believe I didn’t think of this,” he muttered, shaking his head.

  He quickly reached for anot of Bck Gold aed it to a molten state. This time, he i with more qi, ensuring it would fully bond with the Rose Gold and overtake its coloration. P the enriched Bck Gold over the on, he eled his cultivation to guide the merging process, yering the darker alloy over the bright surfabsp;

  As the hues blended, Jin Shu focused ily, ensuring the qi flow withials remained harmonious. Gradually, the sniper rifle took on the sleek, dark sheen of Bck Gold, with only the fai hints of Rose Gold peeking through in subtle, decorative streaks.

  He exhaled in relief. “Much better. A sniper rifle should look intimidating, not like a gift for a princess.”

  Finally, he added Quicksilver in thin, flowing els, creating an intricate ttice within the on’s core. These els would serve as duits for the runes, allowing them to activate with minimal qi expenditure. Jin Shu’s cultivation surged as he etched the pathways, the spiritual energy within him vibrating in harmony with the alloy.

  Ohe base structure was plete, Jin Shu moved to inscribe the ruhe Inscribing Needle in his hand glowed faintly with trated qi, humming as he guided it over the on’s surface. Each stroke demanded unwavering focus, the patterns needing to align perfectly with the flow of energy embedded within the alloy. As the ruook shape, they pulsed faintly, signaling their successful activation.

  First, he carved a Durability Rune, desigo further enhahe on’s tenacity, ensuring it could endure prolonged use without fail. came a Silence Rune, crafted to muffle the sound of bullets firing, allowing him to remain hidden during ambushes or stealth missions.

  He paused, momentarily satisfied, but an absurd thought began to form in the back of his mind. What if he added an Explosion Ruo the firing meism? Would it propel the bullet with greater force, increasing its power and rahe idea seemed reckless—potentially dangerous—but curiosity quickly overpowered caution.

  “Well, there’s only one way to find out,” he muttered with a small smirk.

  Carefully, Jin Shu etched the Explosion Ruo the firing chamber, eling his qi meticulously to avoid disrupting the delicate bance of the other runes. When he fihe sniper rifle gleamed with a muted, otherworldly sheen.

  He held it up, iing the craftsmanship. The weight felt perfect, the energy within the on flowed seamlessly, and the runes glimmered faintly in the dim light. Yet as he admired his creation, a sudden realization struck him.

  “Hmm? It doesn’t have a scope…” He furrowed his brow. “Uh, I’m not sure how tss, so I guess I’ll have to make do with iron sights for now.” With a wry smile, he shrugged. “Well, at least the structure is perfect. Although I won’t know if it works until I try it.”

  Jin Shu set the rifle aside, his expression calm but tinged with satisfa. The first step was plete. Now came the true challenge—perfeg the on that would one day protect the woman who had alrotected him.

  Crossing his legs, Jin Shu began to meditate, rest the qi he had expended during the f process. His breathing slowed as he sank into a trance, energy flowing smoothly through his meridians.

  I’ll make the structure of Mun first before I test the rifle. Then, if the runes work as intended, I’ll inscribe them onto her ohought, his resolve solidifying as he focused on replenishing his strength.

  The time it takes for an inse stick to burn passed before Jin Shu reopened his eyes, his qi fully restored. Without hesitation, he rose to his feet auro the fe, ready to begin again.

  He started by heating the Bck Iron, his qi surging through his hands as he stoked the spiritual fmes. The metal glowed white-hot, and Jin Shu’s hammer struck with rhythmic precision. Each strike was imbued with his qi, molding the iron into shape while enhang its strength. Slowly but surely, the foundation of his mun began to take form.

  Hours passed as Jin Shu worked meticulously, each step executed with unwavering precision. He wasn’t in any rush—what he sought erfe, and only perfe would suffice. Anything less was uable.

  Just as he began putting the finishing touches on his work, a sudden, deafening crash echoed through the workshop, shattering his focus. It sounded like a cascade of metal objects colliding violently, followed by a pained yelp.

  “Daddy! Help!!”

  His heart ched at the sound of Yin’er’s voice. Fetting the fe entirely, Jin Shu whipped around, his gaze log onto the far er of the workshop. His blood ran cold as he saw Yin’er pinned beh a fallen shelf, her small body trapped us weight.

  “Hold on!” he shouted, already sprinting across the expansive workshop. He cursed himself for keeping such a rge, cluttered space, the distaween them feeling unbearable in that moment.

  Reag her, he grabbed the heavy shelf and, with a surge of qi-fueled strength, heaved it off her. The shelf crashed into the wall, shattering into splinters from the sheer force of his throw.

  Dropping to his knees, Jin Shu gently cradled Yin’er in his arms, his hands trembling as he examined her for injuries. His stomach twisted wheiced her wings bent at unnatural angles, blood staining her delicate feathers. His breath hitched as he spotted the faint glint of bone peeking through.

  “I’m so sorry, Yin’er,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Hold on, I’ll get you help.”

  Without a sed thought, he moved to carry her out of the workshop. But before he reached the door, her wings twitched weakly. He froze, watg in stunned disbelief as the jagged bones realighemselves, feathers regrowing over the wounds. Her injuries began to heal right before his eyes, just as they had wheooth mended days prior.

  Jin Shu let out a shaky exhale, relief washing over him like a wave. “You’re healing… just like before,” he murmured, cradling her closer. Though the immediate danger had passed, his hands didn’t stop trembling. The sight of her hurt—even briefly—was something he never wao experience again.