My Five Bigshot Seniors: I am The Most Coddled Junior!-Chapter 426 - 107

Master Wen looked at the necklace with a very surprised expression.

He felt that every competition with Jun Wu brings them a surprise. At first, they all thought Jun Wu would at most refine an Immortal Rank Five product, yet Jun Wu actually refined an Immortal Rank Six accessory, indicating that his artifact refining level should be at Immortal Rank Six, which absolutely exceeded their expectations.

Even when they were at Jun Wu’s age, they didn’t possess such a strong artifact refining level!

Of course, this was because Master Wen was unaware of Si Lin’s existence. Otherwise, he would be even more shocked, as Si Lin’s talent in artifact refining is slightly stronger than Jun Wu.

Facing the gaze of the three, the City Lord calmly nodded.

"This child will certainly be a leader among the young generation in the Immortal Realm in the future! I heard that his cultivation is also in the Taiyin Immortal Realm." The City Lord looked toward Jun Wu’s location, speaking thoughtfully.

Upon hearing this, the three Family Heads exchanged glances and once again felt Jun Wu’s impressive abilities.

After Jun Wu’s necklace was inspected, it was carefully placed in a box. Soon, the items refined by other contestants were also brought up. To the surprise of the three Family Heads, this time Wen Xiyue and the other two refined Immortal Rank Five weapons, indicating an improvement in their artifact refining level.

"It seems that young people need more stimulation. Yue and the other two always compared themselves, forming an invisible barrier. With Jun Wu’s appearance, that balance was broken, allowing them to progress as well." Thinking of Helian Shen’s final change yesterday, Helian Family Master spoke with some relief.

"That’s right, young people should experience more. Previously, their perspectives were somewhat narrow." Cold Family Master nodded, recalling how Leng Yan suggested going out to train after the artifact refining conference, flashing a trace of worry but slightly curling his lips.

"Yue’er also talked a lot with me yesterday. It seems now that all three have grown, which is a good thing." Master Wen nodded, recalling his conversation with Wen Xiyue, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes.

Seeing the identical relief on the three’s faces, the City Lord also smiled, feeling very satisfied with the outcome of this artifact refining conference.

As the competition time ended, all contestants waited for approximately another quarter of an hour before the City Lord came to the front of the stage to announce the results.

"After joint consultation between me and the three Family Heads, it is unanimously agreed that the winner of this round is Jun Wu. As the first in all three rounds, Jun Wu is the overall first-place winner of this artifact refining conference and, as stipulated, will receive the prize, the Outer Heaven Meteorite." The City Lord looked at Jun Wu and appreciated how calm he remained even upon hearing he won first place.

Others, upon hearing Jun Wu won first place again, were excited, but compared to when they first heard Jun Wu’s name, they were much calmer, even feeling it was expected.

Wen Xiyue and the other two were surprised upon hearing the result, but not at Jun Wu winning first. They were surprised by Jun Wu’s artifact refining level, knowing their products were Immortal Rank Five. Jun Wu’s victory meant his refined items were at least Immortal Rank Six. Thinking about Jun Wu’s age, the three once again felt the distance between people.

However, after yesterday’s conversation, the three’s mindset had clearly improved. Even knowing the gap between themselves and Jun Wu did not distress, it rather sparked their fighting spirit, thinking to continue working hard to one day exceed Jun Wu!

Then the City Lord announced the top ten list and rewards. Upon finishing, the square immediately burst into warm cheers.

Standing beside Jun Wu, people congratulated him on earning first place. Jun Wu courteously responded to each, even though his expression remained calm, conveying his good mood.

In the audience, Gu Qingqing, though knowing Jun Wu was so talented that he would surely get first, was still somewhat worried. Hearing the result, she was exceedingly happy, looking at Jun Wu with very excited eyes.

After reading all the rankings, it was time for the award ceremony, with Jun Wu, as the first place winner, being the first to go on stage.

He was wearing a dark, gilded brocade robe today, with auspicious clouds embroidered with gold and silver thread on the chest and sleeves. His tall stature and noble aura made the outfit even more eye-catching, especially with his naturally dignified demeanor, making people want to submit at a glance.

His appearance was originally very handsome, and today, due to his good mood, his rare display of emotion with slightly tilted lips made him even more attractive.

Standing on the stage, all lights seemed to focus on him, making everyone around merely his backdrop. He fully captured everyone’s attention, making them unable to look directly but reluctant to look away.

"Young man, you are very impressive. I hope you can remember your original intentions and go far." The City Lord handed the Outer Heaven Meteorite to Jun Wu, speaking earnestly.

He greatly admired Jun Wu and, if possible, would invite Jun Wu to stay in Zhonglan City, as it housed many artifact refiners, beneficial to Jun Wu’s cultivation. But he knew Jun Wu wouldn’t be confined, so he simply gave some elder advice.

"Thank you, City Lord, I will remember." The City Lord was about the same age as Jun Yutian, and Jun Wu respected him, nodding kindly.

The City Lord, looking increasingly satisfied, did not delay further and let Jun Wu leave.

Next were awards for Wen Xiyue, Leng Yan, and Helian Shen, who consistently followed closely behind Jun Wu throughout the competition. As their overall result was the same, they stood together on stage to receive their awards.

The City Lord, having watched them grow up and knowing them well, handed the prizes without saying much, allowing them to step down.

Once all rewards were distributed, the artifact refining conference officially concluded. As the City Lord announced the end, Jun Wu immediately walked towards Gu Qingqing.

"Brother Jun, may I spend a moment with you?" Helian Shen blocked Jun Wu’s path, looking at him.

"What’s the matter?" Jun Wu raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Helian Shen.

"Just wanted to inform Brother Jun, after each artifact refining conference, there’s a three-day trade fair. Artifact refiners who come to Zhonglan City bring some rare or hard-to-find materials to trade, and if interested, Brother Jun can participate." Helian Shen, knowing Jun Wu was eager to find Gu Qingqing, succinctly imparted this information.

He knew Jun Wu came from afar and might not be aware of this. Wanting to remind Jun Wu, he took this opportunity to repay the benefit of Jun Wu indirectly raising his artifact refining level and mindset through their interactions.

Jun Wu didn’t really know about this, he raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Thank you, Brother Helian, I understand, I will participate."

After speaking, he cupped his hands towards Helian Shen, then walked around him and headed towards Gu Qingqing.

Every day after his competition for the past three days, Jun Wu would take Gu Qingqing away from the spectators’ area. The audience was aware of this, and as Jun Wu approached, the previously crowded crowd would automatically part to create a path for him to walk through.

Jun Wu nodded in gratitude to the people on both sides, then led Gu Qingqing away.

"What did Helian Shen want when he stopped you just now?" Gu Qingqing asked curiously, turning her head while holding Jun Wu’s hand.

"He said that after the Artifact Refining Conference ends, there will be a three-day trade fair featuring rare, hard-to-find, and valuable materials. I found it interesting and plan to check it out tomorrow." Jun Wu never hid such things from Gu Qingqing, speaking as they walked.

"No wonder those who lost the competition haven’t left, they’re waiting for the trade fair to start." Gu Qingqing realized.

The earlier competitions eliminated many artifact refiners. Gu Qingqing had noticed that many artifact refiners hadn’t left Zhonglan City but came to watch the competitions every day. She had thought they were eager to learn, but now it seemed they were waiting for the trade fair.

"Possibly," Jun Wu thought about it and nodded, "Do you want to go? If you find it uninteresting, we don’t have to."

"Of course, we’re going. I’ve never attended such a trade fair before, I definitely want to see and learn." Gu Qingqing said without hesitation.

"Alright, we’ll rest tonight and go check it out tomorrow." Jun Wu naturally followed Gu Qingqing’s preference, nodding and leading her towards the inn.

...

The trade fair in Zhonglan City, like the Artifact Refining Conference, was held periodically, usually after the conference ended. The conference attracted many artifact refiners who needed materials like ores, so the trade fair was organized for them to exchange materials.

After having breakfast, Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu walked to a manor outside Zhonglan City.

This manor belonged to the Wen Family, and the trade fair was held inside. Everyone entering needed to bring an invitation, which was the rule because the trade fair was mainly for artifact refiners, so most attendees were artifact refiners.

A few were representatives of factions from Zhonglan City. Although they weren’t artifact refiners, they needed materials, so they also appeared at the trade fair.

Before evening, the City Lord Mansion had already delivered an invitation to Jun Wu. When they entered, they simply presented the invitation and were allowed in.

The manor’s decoration was tasteful, with a large garden and a lotus pond inside.

When Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu arrived, they weren’t early; some artifact refiners had already arrived, gathering in small groups, speaking softly. Some refiners sat on the ground with a cloth spread out, placing their items on it, waiting for exchanges.

Besides artifact refining materials like ores, they also saw some rare herbs and cultivation techniques, greatly broadening Gu Qingqing’s horizons.

"I thought there would only be things for artifact refiners, but there are even herbs. These refiners have a variety of collections. I’ve seen some items only mentioned in literature. It’s quite impressive." Gu Qingqing said softly to Jun Wu while standing by a rockery, observing her surroundings.

"Yes, there are many great ores. I’m quite tempted myself." Jun Wu’s eyes flashed, thinking of some items he had seen.

"Then why didn’t you exchange for them just now?" Gu Qingqing tilted her head, looking at Jun Wu in confusion.

"I don’t have what the person wanted." Jun Wu said with some frustration.

Exchanging items here wasn’t solely for fairy coins. Many deals were made through bartering. Jun Wu didn’t have what was asked for, as he hadn’t been in the Immortal Realm long enough to accumulate those materials.

Gu Qingqing thought for a moment, agreeing with the reasoning. She didn’t have the materials either to help Jun Wu, so she shrugged in regret.

Currently, the most valuable material Jun Wu had was the Outer Heaven Meteorite won from the competition, but he was reluctant to trade it, leaving him envious of others’ materials.

Despite that, their first-day earnings were significant; they traded for several new ores, and on their way back to the inn, they were still discussing the matter.

Upon returning to the inn, they encountered an unexpected figure.

"Brother Lou? What are you doing here?" Gu Qingqing asked, surprised, upon seeing Lou Mingyu sitting prominently in the main hall. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

When she left the Langya Immortal Sect, Lou Mingyu was still roaming outside, causing Immortal Venerable Hao Lan quite a bit of trouble. Seeing Lou Mingyu in Zhonglan City was indeed surprising.

"Looking for you." Lou Mingyu stood up, approached Gu Qingqing, and said calmly.

"Looking for me? For what? Besides, how did you know I was here?" Gu Qingqing was full of questions, not knowing Lou Mingyu’s intentions.

"I received a secret letter from the master about the senior brother’s son’s wedding. The master asked me to attend, and I figured you would be here, so I came to Zhonglan City, where the Artifact Refining Conference was happening. Junior Brother Jun won first place, and everyone was talking about it. I casually asked someone and found out you were staying at this inn. However, when I arrived, you had gone out, so I waited here to avoid missing you." Lou Mingyu explained why he was there.

After listening, Gu Qingqing understood; Lou Mingyu was undoubtedly sent by Immortal Venerable Hao Lan to find her.