Chapter 487

Chapter 487: Preparations for Departure

"In short, according to my father’s records, the ideal pairing was the Green Fox Demon with the Mechanical Cannon. That’s why he and my mother worked to create loyal servants from the Green Fox Clan. But before they could complete their vision, my mother vanished, and my father…" Fang Lie trailed off, his face etched with sorrow.

Mo Qianxun patted his shoulder. "You’re still here. If you can perfect the Green Fox artillery, your father’s spirit will find peace."

"Speaking of which," Mo Qianxun pressed, "why focus on breeding production-type Dao soldiers when your plans are already set?"

"Because Mechanical Cannons reach their full potential not when used like ordinary treasures, but when firing physical cannon shells—similar to disposable treasures," Fang Lie explained. "I possess thousands of shell forging methods, up to Ninth-Rank. Each shell amplifies destructive power by at least one rank, sometimes two or three. A third-rank shell rivals a fifth-rank treasure’s full strike. Arm my troops with fifth-rank shells, and their combat power would approach that of Fire Tribulation Immortals! Imagine that!"

Mo Qianxun’s eyes widened. "Fifth-rank shells must be difficult to produce!"

"Not entirely. Shells require fewer divine pattern formations than equivalent disposable treasures. They use low-grade materials and simpler refining techniques," Fang Lie countered. "But being consumables, sustained bombardment demands massive quantities. Hence…"

He grinned. "Your past advice clicked—breed a metal-forging demon species. Even surplus materials could be sold for profit."

"Brilliant!" Mo Qianxun’s eyes sparkled. "With enough disposable treasures, your Dao soldiers could overwhelm Semi-Immortals through sheer expenditure! Have you selected suitable demons?"

"Gold-Eating Rats. Their divine skill lets them excrete third/fourth-rank metal through digestion. Surprisingly intelligent with natural refining talent—perfect candidates. But where to find them?"

"The Demon Domain," Mo Qianxun declared. "A Central World bordering our Great Thousand World’s western edge. West Kunlun oversees its containment through five fortress-cities. The primary Armored Fortress struggles with Gold-Eating Rat infestations."

Fang Lie grimaced. "After stealing East Kunlun’s Star Gold Element Core, both Kunlun branches despise me. Visiting West Kunlun’s territory would mean constant confrontations."

"True," Mo Qianxun chuckled. "But where’s your cunning? Disguise yourself!"

"Disgraceful!" Fang Lie bristled. "A man shouldn’t skulk in shadows!"

"Would pride block your father’s legacy?" Mo Qianxun retorted. "Your golden wings and mismatched eyes make stealth impossible anyway. Even temper flares expose you."

Fang Lie’s wings twitched irritably. "Exactly! My appearance invites recognition, and fools provoking me never end well."

"Then become a reclusive alchemist," Mo Qianxun proposed. "Hide within a treasure pavilion, let attendants handle affairs. Eccentric reclusiveness suits pill masters—none dare pry."

"But verification demands…"

"None would risk offending the alchemist cabal," Mo Qianxun interrupted. "Their Xuan Sect unity makes even Thunder Tribulation Immortals tread carefully. Assign your personal maid Mi Qing as proxy. Her social grace serves well."

"She oversees Wanxing Sea operations."

"Post-incident anxiety keeps her glued to you. Capitalize on it—but alter her appearance. Her public exposure risks exposure."

"Understood. Another issue—transportation. An alchemist needs dignified travel."

Mo Qianxun snapped his fingers. "The sect vaults hold a Fifth-Rank Dragon Whisker Blood Vine Flying Boat. Wood-element, weak combat strength but luxurious—carpeted with mature spirit herbs and flowers. Perfect alchemist facade. Return it post-mission."

"Generous!"

"Temporary loan," Mo Qianxun corrected. "When gathering rats, prioritize elders alongside juveniles. Old demons preserve cultivation heritage—accelerate the growth of offspring."

"Numbers required?"

"Minimum million. More preferable. My agents will discreetly retrieve your haul—just signal readiness."

"My thanks, Sect Leader."

"Earn it first." Mo Qianxun produced a jade slip. "Procure these West Kunlun-monopolized Seventh-rank+ materials during your trip. Consider it… sect contribution."

Fang Lie scanned the list and groaned. "Knew your aid came with strings!"

"Competence bears burdens!" Mo Qianxun laughed.