I've read Talisman Emperor which was great at first until it stopped focusing on talismans! and started in the whole cultivation path and all never to hear of the talismans again. I don't mind the cultivation and martial arts stuff thrown in the middle but I'm sick of them . All novels are the same. I read some alchemy novels which turned out the same way. Please recommend something but do stay away from Slice of life genre. bec. it bores me to tears.
Legendary Moonlight Sculptor Overgeared Coiling Dragon Seized by the system Otherworldly nation founding chronicles Everybody is a returnee
Since it is clear that you prefer CN: Divine Throne of Primordial Blood City of Sin Warlock of the Magus World
LMS and Overgeared (which were both already recommended) are pretty good. In LMS the MC makes all kinds of sculptures which help him in myriad ways. All from being used to give buffs, improving territory, becoming alive and thus summon-esque creatures that can help fighting, destroyed for buffs, MC can also use sculptures to shapeshift himself into the appearance of said sculpture, and more. Overgeared is a bit similar, though not as unique, and Grid (the MC in OG) is a smith rather than sculptor. Divine Throne of Primordial Blood takes some time to get going, but after the beginning the MC really starts to become a 'researcher' first and combatant second. Su Chen (name of MC) becoming powerful is a "sideffect" of his ever increasing knowledge and research into all kinds of techniques etc. The Legendary Mechanic: MC is a mechanic, he makes all the stuff he uses like arms and armor, robots, gadgets, mechs, spaceships, etc.
Magic Chef of Ice and Fire - An interesting xianxia/fantasy generic tale spinning around Mc, who aspires to become legendary chef. 'cooking' with two god tier kitchen knives to improve culinary skills with a theme of 'revenge' as its centre.