The next morning, my training plan fell through again. Sinan Yuan dragged me straight from the training ground to the Central Garden.

After an extremely strict security check and pat-down, I was finally allowed through—exhausted—and led by Sinan Yuan into the Sinan Family’s most core area: the Central Garden.

"Hey, is it really okay for a newbie like me to enter the Central Garden?"

"Stop talking. Don’t look around. Just follow me quietly!"

Sinan Yuan was only a guard captain. Normally, she’d never get access to the Central Garden. She was tense now, terrified of being mistaken for a suspicious person and eliminated on the spot.

The Central Garden had only four buildings. Including the unassuming little ancestral shrine in the center, that made five. Their architectural style and layout were utterly different from the other four gardens—radiating solemnity.

Those four large buildings must house important Sinan Family institutions. But what about that shrine in the middle? For the ancestral shrine of such a massive clan, it seemed far too shabby.

Just as I thought this—

"Ugh!?"

A sudden restlessness surged within me. But it wasn’t my blood—it was something deeper, buried in my flesh and spirit…

"What’s wrong?" Sinan Yuan asked, puzzled.

"Nothing… probably just my imagination," I brushed her off.

I glanced back at the shrine. Was that restlessness really just my imagination? I felt something inside it resonating with a part of me…

Never mind. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. I had to deal with what lay ahead.

---

"So this is… the highest-level equipment storage room?"

"Correct. Normally, a newbie like you would never get a chance to enter. Consider this a special exception. Be grateful."

"Amazing…"

Countless transparent cabinets, etched with spirit arrays, filled the massive warehouse. Each held a spirit artifact or treasure item—every single one of exceptional quality. The equipment here covered every category imaginable: all eighteen traditional weapons, heavy and light armor, plate, cloth, chainmail, tops, pants, helmets, gloves, boots, rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, jade pendants, and all sorts of bizarre, unidentifiable items. Seeing this, I realized how utterly insignificant those so-called rich kids and big spenders in domestic online games truly were!

"Does this mean I can pick any equipment I want? You’re being way too generous!"

"Pick freely? Don’t underestimate the Sinan Family."

"Underestimate you?"

"We’re here to commission a new weapon for you."

It took me a moment to grasp her meaning.

"Custom-made just for me? Seriously? You’re this kind to a newbie?"

"Not just custom-made. The artisan crafting your weapon is our top master craftsman—the Sinan Artisan himself."

"…What have I done to deserve this kindness…"

"Don’t get the wrong idea. The Sinan Artisan… well, he’s old, but his personality is… problematic. When he heard you were a stunning beauty rivaling Lunara Tartalia, he insisted on serving you personally."

…Oh my god.

"We’re here. This is it."

Before us stood a plain, unassuming door deep inside the building. If Sinan Yuan hadn’t pointed it out, I’d have mistaken it for a janitor’s closet.

He was inside? I felt nervous. I cautiously stepped toward the door—but before I could knock, it flew open with startling force!

"Welcome!!!"

A short, thin figure darted toward me at incredible speed. I looked down and locked eyes with him. He was a bald, elderly man wearing dark sunglasses, his white beard nearly brushing the floor—a dead ringer for Master Roshi.

This must be the legendary Sinan Artisan.

"Hmm! Ohhh! That face! Those curves! That waist! Those legs! And these smooth little hands—I’d love to have you pour tea for me! And your mouth! Come here, little girl, let this old man inspect your teeth…"

The Sinan Artisan hopped around me, his eyes gleaming behind the shades. How could a white-bearded old man move so nimbly?

"Master Sinan Artisan, please mind your behavior. Don’t leave a bad impression on the newbie," Sinan Yuan finally spoke up.

"Oh! If it isn’t little Yuan! You’re over twenty and still flat-chested. Look at her!"

"Enough! Get to the point!"

---

"So this is the weapon you used before?" The Sinan Artisan stroked the blade of the Energy Blade.

"It’s called my ‘previous weapon,’ but I’ve only used it once. The new one doesn’t have to be like this…"

"That won’t do!" His flippant expression turned deadly serious.

"Every weapon—even the lowest-grade mortal tools—has its own will! You didn’t choose this blade that day. It chose you! You share a destined bond with this type of weapon. Never break that bond lightly!"

"Ah… I see…"

"Besides," he shifted tone abruptly, "this blade was one of my proudest creations in my youth. Nostalgic times."

"What!? You made this knife?"

"Do I lie? Impressed? Come to my room tonight…"

"I’m afraid I must decline, elder!"

"Tch. So stingy. What’s the harm in letting an old man have a little fun?"

That shameless old bastard…

"So the new weapon must be another Energy Blade type. No problem, right?"

"No problem."

"Next, the design…" He grabbed a sketchpad and rapidly drew several distinct blade styles for me to choose from. I picked my favorite.

"Then the grip—what feel do you prefer?" "Ah, almost forgot the weight—heavy or light?" "Length and width too…"

…

"Done! With my efficiency, it’ll be ready in a few days!"

Finally finished. I was exhausted… Did he really need to ask such minute details? And measurements like that were completely unnecessary!

"Well, Master Sinan Artisan, we’ll leave you to your work."

"Sure thing~~ Ye-chan, visit anytime! I’ll show you the adult world in seconds!"

Drop dead.

---

"Master Sinan Artisan’s personality is… unconventional, but his craftsmanship is top-tier. I hope you won’t hold any prejudice against him."

"I know… I’m grateful someone’s willing to make a weapon for me. How could I be prejudiced?"

Truthfully, I never wanted to see that old creep again—but of course, I kept that to myself.

"Good. Rest early today. Tomorrow night will keep you busy."

"What’s happening tomorrow night?"

"Are you pretending or truly unaware?" Sinan Yuan stared at me in surprise. "Tomorrow is the head of the family’s fiftieth birthday celebration!"