Chapter 112 Third-Rank Treasure Ship (Magic Treasure)

Hearing his choice, a faint smile also appeared on Lyra's face.

"You made the right choice. Although the medium spirit vessel is somewhat slower, its utility and combat prowess are far beyond what a small spirit vessel can match. It may prove immensely valuable during the upcoming beast tide."

"In that case, I can rest assured." Eldrin breathed a sigh of relief before asking further, "Might I inquire what additional materials are required to forge this medium-sized spirit vessel?"

"We do have ready materials. Within the Eldrin Earth Vein grows a forest of Viridian Goldwood. This timber possesses remarkable toughness while remaining exceptionally lightweight, making it a treasured tree for crafting spirit vessels."

Lyra calculated for a moment and informed Eldrin that they would only need approximately 30 second-tier Azuregold Trees to refine a medium-sized spirit vessel.

"30 plants?"

Eldrin felt a tingling sensation creep across his scalp. The value of second-tier Aurumwood was truly astronomical—with 30 stalks of it, 1 could forge 30 second-tier magical artifacts.

Even at a price of 600 spirit stones per raw material, these 30 pieces of Auricwood would cost 18,000 spirit stones.

“Worried about the spirit stones?” Lyra (Person Name) saw through his troubles at a glance, her bright eyes fixed intently on him as she stated earnestly, “It’s not like you have nothing to settle this debt with.”

"Use something... as collateral?"

Eldrin’s gaze lingered on her, and an inexplicable unease stirred within him. Could it be that she was… craving something?

Seeing his dazed expression, Lyra giggled softly before continuing.

"Of course it can settle the debt. Doesn't your Chen family control an entire Mysterious Iron Vein?"

"Coincidentally, I require a substantial amount of Profound Iron. If you bring over 30,000 jin of Profound Iron, it would precisely offset the value of 30 stalks of Azure Goldwood."

Eldrin (Person Name)：“…”

He realized that Lyra (Person Name) had been teasing him, and could only play along by responding.

"I can agree to this matter, but our Chen family lacks sufficient Black Iron. It would take a dozen or so years to gather the required 30,000 jin."

After slaying the Metal-Devouring Beast (Demon Beast), the Chen Clan obtained over 20,000 jin of darksteel from the creature's tribe.

To advance the Bell of 9 Echoes (Magic Treasure), the Old Clan Chief expended 2 1000 jin of darksteel and the inner core of a Metal-Devouring Beast (Demon Beast). Over these years, Eldrin (Person Name) had consumed approximately 6 1000 jin of darksteel—repeatedly smelting and refining it through over 20 attempts at crafting second-tier magical instruments—all to enhance his artifact-forging techniques and mastery of formation arrays.

The remaining dark iron amounted to just over 14,000 jin, but over the past 5 years, approximately 1,000 jin had been mined annually. Thus, the Chen Family had now accumulated close to 20,000 jin of dark iron.

Each subsequent year, they could still mine approximately 1,000 jin of Mysterious Iron. To gather 30,000 jin of Mysterious Iron, it would likely take another 10 years or so.

After hearing the quantity he mentioned, Lyra nodded and said, "Have those 20,000 jin of Dark Iron delivered first. The remaining 10,000 jin must arrive before the Beast Tide without fail."

"Rest assured on this matter. I will naturally urge for it upon my return."

Hearing her words, Eldrin roughly understood—this Mysterious Iron was most likely a contingency measure prepared for the chaos of demon beasts.

This matter concerned the beast tide, so naturally he would not delay. It could be said he had made a military pledge.

Having decided to craft a medium spirit vessel, Lyra wasted no time. She went directly to the Yimu Earth Vein, felled 30 trees of Azuregold Wood, then rode her sword back through the skies.

Speaking of the mature second-order spirit trees in the Azuregold Woodland, there were originally no more than 1 100 specimens. Earlier, Lyra (Person Name) had already felled 30 of them, and now another 30 were cut down. Only a scarce few second-order spirit trees remained.

Lyra returned to Celestial Ruins Mountain with the cyanwood and immediately began crafting the medium spirit vessel without delay. Eldrin remained observing on the sidelines once again during this process.

Forging a medium spirit vessel was an arduous and time-consuming task, as it essentially amounted to assembling dozens of magical instruments into 1 cohesive whole. Even with Lyra's profound cultivation base, the process demanded 2 full months of concentrated effort before the vessel was successfully completed.

After integrating the final wisp of 5 Elements essence, Lyra let out a slight sigh of relief and retrieved a 3-inch spirit vessel.

She handed it to Eldrin with a smile and said.

"Once activated, this vessel can expand to a 100 feet in length. Not only does it retain the Thunderous Lightning Escape, but I've also inscribed 3 formations within it."

"The 3 formations were respectively, the Spirit Gathering and Convergence Formation, the 6 Harmonies Divine Defense Formation, and the 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Formation."

After hearing her introduction, Eldrin quickly grasped the exquisite utility of this Third-Rank Treasure Ship (Magic Treasure).

These 3 formations were all lower-third-grade arrays, with the Spirit Gathering and Convergence Formation serving as the energy core of this vessel—the very foundation enabling this treasure ship to unleash its combat prowess.

Once this formation's spiritual energy is fully charged, it can power this medium-grade treasure ship for a journey of 1 million li, or sustain 1 high-intensity battle. When the Spirit-Gathering Convergence Array's energy is depleted, spirit stones and magical power may also be used to recharge the vessel.

The Hexahedral Divine Protection Array was the treasure ark's defensive formation. Once activated, it could even temporarily withstand assaults from Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) demonic beasts.

The 7 Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Formation served as the sole killing array upon the treasure vessel. This formation required the combined power of 7 Foundation Establishment cultivators to activate. Once unleashed, it would release a single stroke of demon-slaying sword energy,

This Demon-Slaying Sword Aura possessed extraordinary power, equivalent to a full-force strike from a Purple Palace, Mid Stage (Cultivation Realm) cultivator. When wielded skillfully, it was even potent enough to slay a beast at the Purple Palace, Early Stage (Cultivation Realm).

Alas, the Demon-Slaying Sword Aura demanded too great a consumption. Even the energy reserves of this treasured ark could only sustain a single strike.

"This object is truly extraordinary."

"Since this vessel is renowned for its 7 Star Demon-Slaying Sword Array, let it be named the 7 Star Demon-Slaying Ark."

Eldrin (Person Name) caressed the treasure ark, unable to put it down as he murmured.

Such a treasure vessel bestowed an extraordinary boost to combat prowess. If they could gather 7 Foundation Establishment cultivators, it would be nearly equivalent to adding the strength of a Purple Palace, Early Stage expert.

Lyra (Person Name) also revealed a faint smile. "Keep this artifact concealed for now. When the beast tide strikes, we might catch them off guard."

"I understand."

Eldrin stowed away the treasure ark, suppressing the joy in his heart.

With the serious matter concluded, the 2 suddenly fell into silence. After watching him for a long moment, Lyra (Person Name) spoke abruptly.

"Walk with me."

This artifact forging had taken over 2 months, and before they knew it, Eastern Wastelands (Location) had descended into the depths of winter.

In the vast expanse of the Great Wilderness, a heavy snowfall of goose feathers had begun at some unknown time, and the boundless, sprawling world had long been draped in a silvery-white mantle.

The 2 walked in silence through the heavy snowfall, wordlessly appreciating this rare spectacle of snow-blanketed scenery. After what felt like an eternity, they came to a standstill at the edge of a cliff, their footsteps ceasing as they gazed into the vast whiteness.

Lyra stood quietly by the cliff's edge, holding a paper umbrella, when she suddenly spoke.

"Do you know how Qing Ji met her end?"

"Qing Ji?"

Eldrin furrowed his brow, then quickly realized that the "Qing Ji" she mentioned was the creator of the Ren Shui Qing Lian Jing (Cultivation Method).

As her words fell, without waiting for his reply, she continued, "The overlord of the Eastern Sea's shores, the Liu Clan of Luomo Island."

"Our enemies are far more formidable than you could ever imagine."

Eldrin’s heart trembled with sudden clarity as he voiced a question long buried within him: “Why have you always treated me so differently, holding me in such high regard?”

Chapter 1: The Awakening The mountain peaks pierced the heavens like jagged swords, shrouded in eternal mists that swirled with spiritual energy. Here, time flowed differently—a single meditation session could last decades, and a casual glance might witness the birth and death of stars. Lin Feng opened his eyes, their depths flickering with newfound clarity. "So this is the fabled Qi Refinement Stage," he murmured, flexing his fingers as arcs of lightning danced between them. The air hummed with power, responding to his awakened meridians. A jade slip materialized before him, its surface carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and writhe. The Legacy of the Azure Dragon (Cultivation Method) whispered secrets of the ancient ways, promising power beyond mortal comprehension. "Master," Lin Feng addressed the ethereal figure materializing in the chamber. Elder Ming (Person Name) stood with an aura that bent light around him, his white beard flowing like a waterfall of wisdom. "You have taken the first step, child," the elder's voice echoed with the weight of millennia. "But remember—the path of cultivation is paved with 9,999 trials. What you've achieved today is merely the beginning." Lin Feng nodded, his gaze drifting to the window where spirit cranes danced among floating islands. "How long was I in seclusion?" "3 years," Elder Ming replied, stroking his beard. "Though in the mortal realm, 30 have passed. Such is the nature of time within our sacred mountains." The young cultivator's eyes widened slightly. He remembered the village he'd left behind—the laughing children, the aging blacksmith, the girl who'd waved him goodbye. All would be different now, changed by the relentless flow of years. "Your resources," the elder said, producing a spatial pouch. "You'll find 50,000 spirit stones, a dozen or so Foundation Establishment Pills (Elixir), and the manual for the 9 Revolutions Lightning Scripture (Cultivation Method)." Lin Feng accepted the gifts, his mind already calculating the path ahead. The Qi Refinement Stage required at least 10,000 spirit stones to stabilize, with the remainder needed for breakthrough attempts. "Beware the inner demons," Elder Ming warned as he began to fade. "And remember the sect rules—no killing fellow disciples, no revealing our secrets, and above all, never interfere in mortal affairs." Alone again, Lin Feng unfolded the lightning scripture. The characters glowed with purple energy, searing themselves into his memory. He could feel the power coursing through him—a torrent waiting to be harnessed. Outside, a bell tolled 7 times, signaling the start of the annual disciple competition. Lin Feng smiled. It was time to test his newfound abilities. He summoned the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure), its blade humming with anticipation. The weapon had chosen him during his initiation, recognizing the spark of potential within his soul. "Let's see what this Qi Refinement Stage can do," he whispered to the sword, which responded with a pulse of crimson light. The journey of thousands of miles was beginning with a single step. But Lin Feng knew—the true challenges lay ahead, in the heavenly tribulations and earth-shattering battles that awaited all who walked the path of immortality.