"System, how many points are needed to enhance the Bamboo Jade Flute?"
"Replying to the host, 2,500 points per enhancement."
"What? 2,500?"
Although Su Han had mentally prepared himself, the price still made his heart ache. After all, this was only the first enhancement.
Still, pain was pain. Since the treasure was a flying artifact, he had to try strengthening it at least twice. Who knew, maybe it would unlock a special effect.
"System, enhance the Bamboo Jade Flute."
"Yes, Host."
As a flash of light passed through, Su Han felt a warm energy spreading from the flute in his hand, something that hadn't been there before.
Opening the system interface, he checked its properties and noticed a new attribute.
[Name]: Bamboo Jade Flute
[Effect]: After refinement, grants flight ability and enables sound-based attacks
[Note]: To use sound attacks, the wielder must have some mastery of music
[New]: Flight speed increased by 15%; long-term use nourishes the spiritual platform (mind)
Seeing the upgrade, Su Han felt the points were well spent. Not only had the flight speed improved, but it also provided a benefit to nourish the mind, an incredible gain.
Since the spiritual platform affected one's soul, he figured the flute could be lent to Shenhe when idle; its effect might help stabilize her emotions.
"System, how many points for the next enhancement?"
"Replying to the host, 5,000 points."
"Still manageable. Continue enhancement."
"Yes, Host."
[Ding! Congratulations! Your Bamboo Jade Flute has been enhanced. Flight speed and sound attack power increased by 20%.]
The second enhancement left Su Han somewhat disappointed. The sound attack was stronger by twenty percent, but since he didn't understand music, the boost was effectively limited to flight speed alone.
"Forget it, this is enough for now."
Su Han shook his head slightly. For him, this treasure was basically just a flying tool. Rather than wasting more points on it, he'd rather save them for a weapon that truly suited him.
After the draw, Su Han began refining the artifact.
The process wasn't much different from refining the Fire Qilin Sword, it required infusing blood essence to leave his spiritual mark. The only difference was that once bonded, the Bamboo Jade Flute floated into the air by itself, responding freely to his thoughts.
"This is fun."
Su Han was overjoyed. Without further practice, he stepped onto the flute and shot out the window. But halfway through the flight, his body lost balance. Just as he was about to crash to the ground, a figure darted from the next room and caught him, saving him from a painful fall.
After landing, Shenhe set him down and asked curiously, "What were you doing?" If she hadn't been standing by the window, he definitely would've hit the ground hard.
"I just got a flying artifact. I thought I could fly just by standing on it, but I forgot about balance."
At his command, the flute flew back from the distance and hovered before them.
Shenhe studied it and said, "I once heard from my master that all flying treasures have self-balancing functions. You probably fell because you didn't infuse enough energy."
"Oh? So that's how it works."
Su Han was surprised, he hadn't realized flying artifacts had such intricacies.
Following her advice, he increased the power channeled into the flute. Sure enough, it stabilized immediately. Now, not only could he stand on it without wobbling, he could even invert himself midair with no issue.
After circling around a few times, Su Han landed again, smiling at Shenhe. "You've been indoors all morning. Want to go for a ride?"
"Go for a ride? You mean… go out and play?"
Shenhe didn't quite understand the expression, but from Su Han's tone, it seemed to mean going outside.
After thinking for a moment, since she had nothing planned that afternoon, she nodded in agreement.
Seeing her extend her hand, Su Han smiled broadly, taking it in his own. "Let's go."
In the courtyard next door, Cloud Retainer watched the two figures soar into the sky, puzzled. "Since when did that boy Su Han obtain a flying artifact?"
Not long ago, she had heard that Su Han owned a business in Mondstadt. Considering how far the journey was, she had planned to craft him a flying treasure to make travel easier. But before she could finish, the boy had already gotten one himself.
For the proud adeptus, that was frustrating. Surely there had to be something she could still do for him!
Thinking of Su Han's past kindness, Cloud Retainer swore to forge a treasure that would absolutely astonish him.
And so, the adeptus who had stepped outside for fresh air promptly returned to her workshop once more.
Leaving Liyue Harbor behind, Su Han gradually slowed down. This world had no airships or airplanes, so there was no risk of midair collisions, they could simply enjoy the sensation of flight.
Admiring the scenery, Su Han asked softly, "How does it feel?"
"A little cold."
"..."
His expression froze. Maybe he shouldn't have asked.
But Shenhe didn't understand what he meant and continued calmly, "The place where I usually cultivate is even higher and colder than this. Would you like to see it?"
"No thanks!"
Su Han refused immediately. He was here to enjoy himself, not to suffer.
The two circled around Dihua Marsh before landing at the spot where Vermeer used to paint. From there, they could overlook all the nearby scenery, a perfect view.
"How's the scenery here?" Su Han asked with a smile.
Shenhe looked around. The lake water shimmered with a gentle, clear glow, indeed, it was a wonderful place to relax. "It's beautiful," she said.
"Hehe, glad you like it. Next time, we'll invite Cloud Retainer here for camping."
Such a beautiful spot deserved a proper barbecue.
After a brief rest, Su Han began practicing combat maneuvers with the Bamboo Jade Flute. Though he had mastered stable flight, attacking while airborne was still new to him and required plenty of practice.
Fortunately, with Shenhe's guidance, the process became much easier.
When night fell, Su Han returned to the manga shop exhausted, but to his surprise, there was still a guest waiting inside.
The visitor wore a red ceremonial hat, coral-colored hair cascading down to her waist. As soon as she saw Su Han, she grinned. "Finally! You're back! My dad wants to know if Fox Spirit Matchmaker has updated yet."
"Huh? Your dad's following it too?"
Su Han was speechless, so even Yanfei's father was a fan of his manga?
"Of course! My dad and mom are a human–adeptus couple, remember? He loves your story! He even asked me this afternoon to check in for him.
Who knew you'd come back so late.. I almost fell asleep waiting!"
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