For Fang Zhou, what was more crucial was this: if he could successfully connect with Instructor Huang Qiuyue, take on the Blacksmith Sub-profession from her, and learn the Forging, Refinement, and Inlay Skills, it would be a classic case of "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Thinking of this, a flicker of excitement rose in Fang Zhou's heart, and his gaze toward Instructor Huang grew more fervent.

According to my speculation, the reason Refinement and Inlay consumed so much Soul Power before was that I hadn't formally taken on the Blacksmith Sub-profession and learned its series of Skills. This means I was previously just using Soul Power to simulate the Skill Effects, which naturally resulted in enormous consumption.

I estimate that if I can formally take on these Sub-professions and learn the corresponding Skills, I could turn those Sub-profession Skills into something similar to the Skills of my main Undead Mage Profession—usable at any time without consuming so much Soul Power.

At this moment, Instructor Huang Qiuyue had already prepared for the enhancement, and Fang Zhou focused his attention on her.

The research group's so-called forging room was actually more like a workshop adorned with all sorts of forging tools.

Huang Qiuyue stood before the workbench, ready to display her unique skills to the crowd.

As she softly recited a string of Spells, her hands lifted slowly.

In an instant, a bright light burst from her hands, rapidly condensing into a huge, translucent [Mage's Hand].

Next, Huang Qiuyue's gaze locked onto the "New Star Mage Hat."

The hat had an unfinished Inlay slot at its crown, waiting to be adorned with a Gemstone.

Using the unimaginably powerful [Mage's Hand], Huang Qiuyue gently picked up the heavy forging hammer and Inlay tools from the side and began the formal Inlay process.

Under Fang Zhou's watchful eyes, she retrieved two "Second-tier Sapphires."

These two Gemstones, as blue as the deep sea, could significantly increase the Spiritual Power cap for Black Iron Tier Professionals and below.

Under Huang Qiuyue's control, the movements of the [Mage's Hand] were exceptionally precise.

First, it tapped the edges of the Gemstones lightly with a specially-made small hammer, adjusting them to the perfect shape. Then, it carefully placed them into the reserved Inlay slot of the "New Star Mage Hat."

With a soft click, the Gemstones fused perfectly with the hat, as if they were always meant to be there.

The blue glow and the silver trim of the hat complemented each other, exuding a charming luster.

But this was just the beginning.

She then took out three precious "Second-tier Refining Stones" from the box.

Huang Qiuyue placed the Refining Stones around the Mage Hat and channeled the Magic Power within the [Mage's Hand] to start the Refinement process.

The glow flowing on the Refining Stones was constantly changing.

It gradually turned from light blue to a profound purple, and finally transformed into a brilliant light that instantly enveloped the entire Mage Hat.

After the light faded, the texture of the "New Star Mage Hat" became more delicate, and the silver trim on the brim seemed to flow with a faint light.

Those two sapphires now bloomed with unprecedented brilliance, elevating the Mana aura of the entire hat to a new level.

Huang Qiuyue carefully inspected her work, her eyes full of satisfaction.

This "New Star Mage Hat," blessed by the dual enhancements of Inlay and Refinement, was not only extraordinarily elegant in appearance, but its inherent Magic Power had also reached a new height. It was more than enough to significantly bolster any Black Iron Tier Mage who wore it in battle.

She handed this hat, enhanced to its limit, to Fang Zhou, speaking with a relaxed tone, "Give it a try, Fang Zhou."

"If you're satisfied, I can enhance those two New Star Rings in the same way for you."

A bright smile appeared on Fang Zhou's handsome face as he took the Mage Hat from Instructor Huang Qiuyue's hands and gently placed it on his head.

The silky material inside the hat clung to his skin, bringing a refreshing and comfortable sensation.

At the same time, the two sapphires, like a deep night sky, shimmered at the edge of his vision.

Closing his eyes, Fang Zhou began to explore this sudden change in depth.

To test this power, Fang Zhou chose the most basic [Skeleton Flying Spear] as a starting point.

When the final incantation was spoken, Fang Zhou waved his right hand forward.

A [Skeleton Flying Spear], far larger than usual, shot forth and hovered in the middle of the workshop, leaving behind an eerie and terrifying trail.

Standing silently to the side, Shen Ziwei couldn't help but let out a small gasp.

Her eyes showed both shock and envy, but Fang Zhou himself was immersed in an indescribable joy.

Under Instructor Huang Qiuyue's astonishing skills of Refinement and Forging, this "New Star Mage Hat" was not only an equipment upgrade but also a metamorphosis for his Spiritual Power cap.

After experiencing it for a while, Fang Zhou looked at the attribute panel. The data of the New Star Mage Hat had undergone significant changes.

["New Star Mage Hat"] (White Common, Refinement +2, Second-tier Sapphire x2): A Mage Hat mass-produced thanks to the proliferation of Magic Energy Factories, ensuring not only an exquisite appearance but also guaranteed quality. After Refinement and Inlay, it can slightly increase the wearer's Spiritual Power cap.

Compared to its base state, after the Extreme Enhancement, the degree of enhancement this Mage Hat provided to his Spiritual Power cap had reached a previously unimaginable level.

Fang Zhou marveled inwardly, then turned to Instructor Huang Qiuyue and said, "Instructor Huang, it's simply perfect."

"If there's a chance, I'd like to learn the Forging techniques of the Blacksmith Sub-profession from you."

Huang Qiuyue was slightly taken aback and replied somewhat tactfully, "Fang Zhou, you haven't even reached the Black Iron Tier yet. Isn't it a bit early to want to take on a Sub-profession?"

"Additionally, the Blacksmith Sub-profession heavily depends on one's talent for controlling strength."

"You're an Undead Mage, so you surely have significant accomplishments in the Spirit Attribute."

"But when it comes to the Power Attribute, you may not be so adept."

Although Instructor Huang Qiuyue's words were quite tactful, Fang Zhou naturally understood what she meant.

Magic Professionals were known for their frail physiques, especially those in the Undead Mage Profession who were eroded by large amounts of Death Attribute Energy. Very few among them would possess the strength Talent to take on the Blacksmith Sub-profession.

However, I know my own situation best. Since my attribute panel can help me consume Soul Power to simulate the effects of Inlay and Refinement, helping me learn the Skills of the Blacksmith Sub-profession would certainly be no problem at all.

After a moment's thought, Fang Zhou decided not to continue the topic with Instructor Huang Qiuyue.

Seeing is believing, and actions speak louder than words. Once I spend more time with Instructor Huang and let her witness my physique and strength, her doubts will naturally vanish.

Fang Zhou took off the two New Star Rings he was wearing and handed them to Instructor Huang Qiuyue, saying, "Instructor Huang, you have a point."

"The Blacksmith Sub-profession isn't urgent."

"However, I must ask for your help in enhancing these two New Star Rings."

Huang Qiuyue accepted the two rings and smiled. "Don't worry, leave it to me."

Next, she repeated the process, using the powerful [Mage's Hand] to successfully enhance the two New Star Rings to their limit.

Fang Zhou put on the two newly reforged rings, and the attribute panel immediately displayed a notification.

["New Star Ring"] (White Common, Refinement +2, Second-tier Obsidian x2): A ring mass-produced thanks to the proliferation of Magic Energy Factories, achieving a perfect combination of strength and beauty. After Refinement and Inlay, it can slightly reduce the wearer's Skill Cooldown Time.

Perfect Enhancement!

Fang Zhou looked at Instructor Huang Qiuyue with delight and said, "Thank you, Instructor Huang!"

"With these three pieces of Extreme Enhancement New Star Equipment, the time it takes for me to advance to Upper Apprentice will definitely be greatly reduced."

Huang Qiuyue smiled with a hint of reserve.

Before she could speak, Instructor Shen Hongyu chimed in, "Of course!"

"Fang Zhou, Instructor Qiuyue is a High-Tier Blacksmith."

"Enhancing a few pieces of White Common quality equipment is a piece of cake for her, isn't it?"

Fang Zhou nodded slightly. He naturally understood the meaning behind Instructor Shen Hongyu's words.

Instructor Su Xinyan had previously mentioned to him that after several decades of development in the Era of Myth, the Sub-professions that human Awakeners could pursue had been given a rather crude rank classification.

For example, Blacksmiths could be divided into Apprentice, Basic Tier, Middle Tier, High Tier, Expert, and Master levels.

Different levels of Blacksmiths could forge or enhance equipment of corresponding qualities: Gray Inferior, White Common, Green Excellent, Blue Fine, Purple Rare, and Orange Epic.

As a High-Tier Blacksmith officially certified by the Human Alliance, Instructor Huang Qiuyue could forge or enhance equipment up to Blue Fine quality.

Meanwhile, Fang Zhou's three pieces of New Star Equipment were only White Common quality.

Handing them over to Instructor Huang Qiuyue for enhancement was, naturally, an effortless task.

Everyone returned to the reception room, where Fang Zhou chatted casually with the instructors for a while longer.

Before long, Su Xinyan's elegant brows furrowed slightly, a hint of impatience showing on her face.

Seeing this, Instructor Shen Hongyu tactfully suggested they take their leave.

Fang Zhou escorted Shen Ziwei and the others out of the laboratory. Upon returning, he was met with Su Xinyan's faint, unreadable smile.

She wore a sleek, black, form-fitting dress, with her two slender, stocking-clad legs crossed one over the other.

Her jade-white left foot dangled a silver high-heel, which swung back and forth, offering fleeting glimpses of her small, cute toes.

Fang Zhou's gaze faltered involuntarily for a moment before he let out a small cough and then openly admired Instructor Su Xinyan's beautiful legs.

The two Undead Mages, one senior and one junior, faced each other in silence.

However, it wasn't long before Su Xinyan couldn't take it anymore.

Under Fang Zhou's gentlemanly yet intense gaze, a slight blush appeared on her face, and she pulled her left foot back.

Then she brought her legs together and smoothed out her long skirt, covering the unrestrained beauty from before.

With a slight cough, Su Xinyan feigned nonchalance and said, "Fang Zhou, I haven't congratulated you yet."

"You went on a Cave Hunting trip and came back with another little assistant who is utterly devoted to you."

"I heard from Bai Xiaochan that you all even formed an Undead Mage Support Team?"

"Why didn't you invite your mentor to join? Am I not an Undead Mage?"

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