Only after becoming emperor did he realize he was in a fantasy world of immortal cultivation.

About three hours later, Lin Yuan got up, dusted off his clean robes, calmly pushed open the door of the weapon-refining room, and walked towards the hall.

The atmosphere in the hall was even more somber and oppressive than when he left.

The Sixth Elder, Gong Changya, remained seated at the head of the table, a fresh cup of tea beside him, steaming gently. His expression remained as gentle as ever, revealing no emotion whatsoever, except for the occasional glance he cast towards the hall entrance, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Gong Ren stood to one side with his hands behind his back, his face so gloomy it was almost dripping with water. His eyes were fixed on the door, and his chest rose and fell slightly. Clearly, the three hours of waiting were torture for him.

He both hoped Lin Yuan would fail so he could rightfully punish him severely, and he also had a vague sense of foreboding, as if something was about to slip out of his control.

He Buxi stood with his hands at his sides in the corner, his face still somewhat tense, but his eyes held a greater sense of calm than before. He trusted Lin Yuan's abilities; since he dared to say three hours, he must have something to rely on. However… thinking of Gong Ren's relentless and unwilling-to-give-up demeanor, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

When Lin Yuan appeared at the entrance of the hall, everyone's eyes were instantly focused on him.

He walked with ease and composure, his expression calm. He carried neither a jade box nor a brocade plate; only the storage bag at his waist swayed gently with each step.

Gong Ren's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he launched the first attack, his voice filled with suppressed anger and sarcasm: "Lin Yuan, three hours have passed! Where is your 'superior-grade magic weapon'? Did you come empty-handed, intending to continue your evasive excuses and delays?"

Lin Yuan remained calm and first bowed to the Sixth Elder at the head of the table.

Then he turned to Gong Ren, speaking calmly: "Brother Gong Ren, please be patient. The ritual implement is complete, and I will present it to you now."

He then took out the "Thunderclap" from his storage bag.

As soon as the bluish-purple longsword appeared, the hall was immediately enveloped by a strange aura.

The sword's brilliance was restrained, yet it exuded an aura that was both as solid as a mountain and as agile as the wind.

What is most striking is the "qi domain" around the sword, which is indistinguishable to the naked eye but truly exists. It seems to isolate a small space, where the airflow is stagnant and dust-free.

"This sword..." For the first time, a clear look of surprise flashed across the Sixth Elder's eyes. His gaze was like lightning, and he instantly caught the difference between this sword and ordinary high-grade magic weapons.

It's not just about sharpness and spiritual pressure, but more importantly, a sense of control over "momentum," especially that subtle "stability" power directed at the flow of wind and energy.

Gong Ren's pupils contracted sharply the moment he saw "Thunder and Wind"!

Although he wasn't a top-tier weapon-refining master, his eyesight was excellent, and he immediately recognized the extraordinary nature of the sword. Its grade was definitely high-grade, and it might even be close to top-grade!

More importantly, he sensed the unique law fluctuations of the "Wind-Stabilizing Stone" from this sword!

He Buxi felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement. The integration of the "Wind-Stabilizing" power into this sword was truly exquisite! If he had known earlier that the Wind-Stabilizing Stone could be used to such an extreme, perhaps...

Gong Xing gasped, staring at the sword with fluctuating emotions. Even though he had been distracted by what to eat, with this sword in front of him, he had completely forgotten about food.

Gong Yong's gaze also became much more serious as he re-examined Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan held the sword with both hands and said loudly, "Reporting to the Sixth Elder and Senior Brother Gong Ren, this sword is indeed the magical weapon I forged, the 'Thunderous Wind' sword."

He paused, then continued, "Please have the elders and senior brothers examine it."

After speaking, Lin Yuan gently pushed the "Thunder and Wind" sword forward, and the longsword seemed to have a spirit, hovering steadily in the center of the hall.

The Sixth Elder nodded slightly, but did not immediately comment. Instead, he extended a finger and pointed it in the air.

A gentle yet pure spiritual energy shot towards "Thunderous Storm".

The sword trembled slightly, its bluish-purple light dimming. The invisible "qi domain" around it fluctuated, gently yet firmly "fixing" and dissolving the Sixth Elder's probing spiritual power. At the same time, the sword emitted a clear and melodious sword cry, with the sounds of wind and thunder appearing and disappearing. A sharpness and speed, though not strong, were revealed.

"What a fine 'Thunderous Storm'!" The Sixth Elder withdrew his finger, a faint but genuine smile of approval on his face. "This sword has reached the pinnacle of superior quality. Wind and thunder are its bones, and wind-stabilizing is its soul. It is both offensive and defensive, and can be controlled at will. Lin Yuan, not only did you not make a mistake this time, but you also... made a great contribution."

With these words, the matter was settled!

Gong Ren's face turned deathly pale instantly, his body swayed almost imperceptibly, and the anger and frustration in his chest were about to explode!

Merit? Lin Yuan not only wasn't punished, but actually got merit?! He stared intently at the floating "Thunderclap," then suddenly looked at Lin Yuan, his eyes filled with disbelief, rage, and a hint of... fear that even he himself didn't realize.

He Buxi breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

Gong Xing lowered his head, concealing the complex emotions in his eyes.

Gong Yong then gave Lin Yuan a deep look.

Lin Yuan bowed again: "Elder, you flatter me. It is my duty."

The Sixth Elder, Gong Changya, slowly swept his gaze over the various people in the hall, finally settling on Lin Yuan.

The approving smile on his face did not fade; in fact, it seemed to deepen slightly. His gentle voice, like a flowing stream, carried an undeniable authority, continuing to resonate in the silent hall.

"In the art of weapon crafting, talent is paramount, followed by temperament, and then performance. Lin Yuan, although you have only been in the Weapon Crafting Hall for a short time, you possess exceptional talent, a calm temperament, and unique insights into weapon crafting. What is even more remarkable is that you were able to craft a top-grade masterpiece like 'Thunderous Wind' within the time limit, which demonstrates that your talent, ability, and skill far surpass those of your peers."

He paused briefly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Gong Ren, whose face was now extremely pale, before withdrawing it and announcing in a clear and steady voice:

"The Refining Hall is the foundation of the Gong Clan's most important artifacts, and it cannot be without someone in charge for even a day. Although I am temporarily in charge, clan affairs are numerous, and it is difficult to attend to every detail within the hall at all times. Now that a great talent has emerged within the hall, it is time to put him to good use."

His gaze was fixed on Lin Yuan, and he spoke each word clearly: "Lin Yuan, from this moment forward, you will take over the Refining Hall and assume the position of Hall Master. All refining affairs, personnel allocation, resource distribution, and performance evaluation within the Hall will be under your full jurisdiction, and you will be directly responsible to this Elder. I expect you to be diligent in your duties, impartial and just, and revitalize the refining lineage of the Gong Clan."

Lord of the Palace!

Master of the Weapon Forging Hall!

The Sixth Elder personally appointed him to directly wield power over the entire hall!

These words were like a silent thunderclap, exploding in the hall that was already shaken by the appearance of the "Thunder and Wind," making everyone's souls tremble!

Gong Ren suddenly looked up, his face drained of color instantly, turning as pale as paper, his eyes filled with extreme shock, rage, and a chilling sense of being utterly betrayed and abandoned!

Hall Master! He had schemed and plotted so diligently, believing that his father was only temporarily in charge and that he would eventually rightfully take over the position of Hall Master of the Weapon Forging Hall, but... it had just so easily fallen into the hands of Lin Yuan, an outsider he hated to the core?!

He bypassed him directly, and even bypassed all the weapon refiners from the direct and collateral branches of the Gong family!

"Father... Elder!" Gong Ren's voice trembled uncontrollably, filled with anger, shock, and resentment. "Lin Yuan has only recently entered the hall and his qualifications are insufficient to command respect. His sudden promotion to a high position is... I'm afraid it's not a blessing for the Refining Hall!" He shouted almost desperately, making a last-ditch effort.

The Sixth Elder, Gong Changya, calmly turned his gaze to him. A faint hint of disappointment seemed to flash deep within his gentle eyes. His voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable force: "Ren'er, seniority is certainly important, but in extraordinary times, extraordinary people must be employed."

"The Refining Hall has become stagnant and inefficient in recent years, and it desperately needs a spirit of innovation. Lin Yuan's talent, achievements, and character are evident to all. His ability to refine 'Thunderous Storm' under difficult circumstances has already proven his ability to shoulder this heavy responsibility. As for winning over the masses..."

His gaze swept over He Buxi, Gong Xing, and Gong Yong. "Do any of you have any objections?"

He Buxi was greatly shocked and quickly bowed, "This disciple has no objection! Junior Brother Lin... Palace Master Lin's talent is unparalleled, this disciple is completely convinced!"

Gong Xing and Gong Yong were swept over by the Sixth Elder's gaze. Gong Xing immediately lowered his head and replied, "This disciple...this disciple has no objection either! Hall Master Lin truly deserves the title!"

At this point, Gong Xing felt that it would be even stranger if the position of Palace Master did not fall to Lin Yuan.

Gong Yong also said in a deep voice, "I will obey the elder's order."

As Gong Ren watched the few people who had instantly "defected," a metallic taste rose in his throat, and his vision blurred. His fists clenched so tightly in his sleeves that his knuckles cracked, and his nails dug deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain, only boundless coldness and hatred.

All these emotions could only be transformed into a piercing gaze, fiercely directed at the other party.

However, Lin Yuan remained unfazed despite being in the midst of it all.

He stepped forward, bowed deeply to the Sixth Elder, and spoke in a clear and firm voice that echoed in the silent hall: "Disciple Lin Yuan thanks Elder for his trust. I will do my utmost to live up to Elder's expectations, to reorganize the affairs of the hall, to encourage fellow disciples, to study the art of weapon crafting, and to enhance the reputation of the Gong clan in weapon crafting."

The Sixth Elder nodded in satisfaction, seemingly quite approving of Lin Yuan's reaction. "Good. The specific responsibilities and seal will be handed over to you later. As the Hall Master, you should have the dignity and responsibility befitting one. From today onwards, the Weapon Refining Hall is entrusted to you."

"Yes!" Lin Yuan bowed again.

The Sixth Elder said no more, stood up, and took one last look at Gong Ren, who was distraught and whose resentment was almost tangible. He said gently, "Ren'er, come with me."

Although the tone was calm, it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Gong Ren trembled, gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and followed the Sixth Elder, leaving the hall with unsteady steps.

With the departure of the Sixth Elder and Gong Ren, only Lin Yuan, He Buxi, Gong Xing, and Gong Yong remained in the hall.

He Buxi took a deep breath, stepped forward first, and solemnly bowed to Lin Yuan: "Your subordinate He Buxi greets Palace Master Lin!"

Gong Xing and Gong Yong exchanged a glance. Despite their complicated feelings, they had no choice but to step forward and bow, saying, "Greetings, Palace Master Lin."

Lin Yuan turned around, looked at them, and said, "Fellow senior brothers, there's no need for such formalities."

Lin Yuan's voice was calm, yet an invisible authority began to gather within him. "In the future, we will still need to rely on you all for the affairs of the palace."