Chapter 727
by fanqienovelChapter 727: Condensing Frost
Ground Fire Chamber.
Though the night was deep, the room was illuminated as if it were midday. The blazing white ground fire erupted from a specially designed fire eye, only to be absorbed by the massive cauldron resting above it.
Wang Chen sat cross-legged beside the Life Creation Cauldron, his right palm raised, channeling his potent magical power into the cauldron from a distance.
Within the Life Creation Cauldron, a flying sword was gradually taking form.
Weapon refining is a task both arduous and tedious; only those cultivators who can withstand solitude can truly persist.
Moreover, it rigorously challenges the skill and intellect of the weapon refiner.
Among the myriad arts of cultivation, weapon refining stands out as the one with the highest "immortal technique" content.
In contrast, talisman making is considerably simpler and less demanding.
Wang Chen chose to delve into weapon refining from scratch rather than leveraging his expertise in talisman making to fund the purchase of condensing elixir treasures. This decision was influenced not only by the circumstances in Qianxing Immortal City but also by the fervent spirit of a technical enthusiast within him.
Weapon refining is both monotonous and captivating!
Time seemed to blur as Wang Chen’s mind stirred. He folded his thumb, ring finger, and little finger, then abruptly pointed forward with his index and middle fingers.
“Rise!”
With a commanding shout, the lid of the Life Creation Cauldron floated upward, releasing a vast cloud of white smoke intertwined with myriad streams of spiritual light.
[Experience +1 for Nine Directions in Weapon Refining]
In the next instant, a radiant blue light emerged from the cauldron.
Wang Chen gestured, swiftly drawing it toward him.
A flying sword, measuring three feet and seven inches, lay obediently in his palm.
Magnificent!
Gazing at this newly forged flying sword, Wang Chen was overwhelmed with a profound sense of joy.
This was the finest piece he had crafted during his three months of secluded weapon refining.
A mid-tier, nearly top-tier second-tier flying sword!
Holding the sword, Wang Chen lightly flicked its blade with his finger.
Ding~
The flying sword emitted a soft, melodious chime, its body quivering slightly like a tranquil pool of autumn water caressed by a gentle breeze.
When he infused a sliver of magical power, a delicate layer of frost swiftly formed on the sword’s surface.
“I shall name you Condensing Frost!”
As Wang Chen’s words echoed, two ancient True Seal characters materialized on the sword’s blade.
With the sword’s name bestowed and the sword spirit awakened, the flying sword radiated a chilling brilliance, establishing a subtle bond with Wang Chen’s spirit.
Yet, Wang Chen refrained from imprinting his magical seal within the sword’s body.
For the Condensing Frost sword was not attuned to him, and he had not crafted it for his own use.
Crack!
Wang Chen retrieved the prepared sword hilt and affixed it to the flying sword.
Certain sword cultivators, in their pursuit of extreme speed and sharpness, opt for flying swords without hilts. However, mastering such a sword demands exceptional swordsmanship.
Thus, the majority of conventional flying swords are equipped with hilts.
Moreover, special runes can be inscribed on the hilt to augment the sword’s destructive power.
In addition to the hilt, Wang Chen also attached a sword sheath.
Now, this fully assembled flying sword was ready to meet all the criteria and qualifications for market sale!
Wang Chen exhaled deeply and summoned his Cultivation Panel.
[Nine Directions in Weapon Refining (Advanced Level): 12/400]
It had been no small feat.
Wang Chen had dedicated three entire months to advancing the "Nine Directions in Weapon Refining" to the advanced level.
It’s important to note that the leap from the peak of the basic level to the advanced level in this weapon refining art was only possible through the expenditure of his Virtue; relying solely on his own efforts, he might still be lingering at the threshold.
The "Nine Directions in Weapon Refining" is indeed the quintessential weapon refining scripture of the Haotian Realm, comprehensive and profound. It’s no surprise that it’s revered as a canonical text by numerous weapon refiners, its esteemed status enduring through the ages.
Now, Wang Chen was indisputably a competent weapon refiner.
Yet, to ascend to the rank of a great weapon refiner, he knew he must strive even harder!
However, the spirit stones reserve in the Xumi Ring no longer permitted Wang Chen to continue his lavish spending. The spirit stones he had invested into the Life Creation Cauldron for skill experience represented a fortune beyond the reach of many cultivators in their entire lifetimes.
Not to mention, the expenditure on ground fire alone was substantial.
While the successful refinement of items could recoup some costs, it paled in comparison to the massive investment.
This is why talisman making is accessible to many, whereas weapon refining typically depends on the support of families, sects, and corporations.
A solitary weapon refiner like Wang Chen was not entirely unique, but he was indeed a rarity in the vast expanse of Qianxing Immortal City.
In fact, with the Condensing Frost sword as his calling card, he could easily gain entry to most merchant houses, receiving warm hospitality and possibly even an invitation to join a family.
But such a path was not for Wang Chen!
As he extinguished the ground fire, the Little Cauldron emerged from the Life Creation Cauldron, its voice tinged with sorrow, “Master, have you no more need for the Little Cauldron?”
Over the past three months, Wang Chen had utilized the Life Creation Cauldron more than ever before.
Yet, whether crafting the most basic magical tools or the current spirit tool flying sword, he had not once drawn upon the Little Cauldron’s power.
Thus, the cauldron spirit had been watching Wang Chen’s progress with eager eyes, reaping no benefits itself.
This was not the first instance it had voiced its bewilderment and discontent to Wang Chen.
“Certainly not!”
Wang Chen chuckled, “I am merely honing my skills now; your assistance will be indispensable in the future.”
The Little Cauldron was indeed a superb tool for productivity, akin to the ChatGPT of his previous life, but entrusting all tasks to it would leave Wang Chen with no personal growth.
Crucially, he would never truly command the Life Creation Cauldron!
After three months of refining, Wang Chen’s bond with the Life Creation Cauldron had grown more intimate and profound, and his mastery over the precious cauldron had reached new heights.
He had also gleaned some of its secrets.
Wang Chen’s determination and faith in "self-reliance and independence" had only strengthened.
Naturally, once he achieved full mastery, employing the Little Cauldron to economize time and effort would be a matter of course.
But these thoughts, Wang Chen would keep to himself, away from the perceptive little guy.
Without awaiting the Little Cauldron’s reply, he stowed the Life Creation Cauldron and slung it around his neck.
It was slightly warm to the touch.
With the newly forged Condensing Frost sword in hand, Wang Chen departed his workshop and ascended to his second-floor bedroom.
“Master?”
Su Ziling was in the room, tidying the bed.
Accustomed to Wang Chen’s routine, she always prepared in advance.
Tonight, however, Wang Chen had returned earlier than usual.
“Take your time.”
Wang Chen smiled, taking her small hand and offering the Condensing Frost sword, “Do you like it?”
Su Ziling, whose affinity lay with water, had taken up the "Xuan Water True Method" and Sword Control after settling in Qianxing Immortal City, and thus required a fitting flying sword for her practice.
This spirit tool-grade flying sword was Wang Chen’s customized creation, tailored specifically for Su Ziling!