Seeing Shattered Gold True Monarch Again: An Unexpected Discovery

We traveled all the way from Pingyi to Clear Spring Blessed Land.

Xiao Chen gained a deeper understanding of the widespread impact of the Great Purge on the New Cultivation World.

Especially in the border area between the two blessed lands, which can also be described as the most desolate place.

While it's not quite to the point where not a single rooster crows for miles around, it's definitely a sparsely populated area.

At the same time, the farther away from the blessed land, the more complex, solemn, and strictly guarded the various Defensive Formation and personnel become.

It's clear that order has deteriorated in these places.

Xiao Chen was initially somewhat surprised by this.

In any case, the Great Purge is a major blow to the Rebellious Immortal Alliance, so they shouldn't be defying the odds.

But he gradually came to his senses later.

The problem may not lie with the Rebellious Immortal Alliance at all, but rather with the Great Purge itself.

In this light, it's truly a rather baffling situation.

Xiao Chen skillfully arrived at Waterfall Gazing Mountain, where they had met last time, and there he saw a Golden Core True Person had been waiting for a long time.

After he took the initiative to explain his purpose.

The other party immediately bowed respectfully. "This junior has been waiting here for a long time on the orders of my master."

"Due to special circumstances, my master is temporarily unable to appear in public. Please follow me, senior."

He then gestured for them to proceed, before taking flight on his sword and leading the way.

Um?

Xiao Chen was even more surprised to see this. How could this be?

It's inconvenient for him to appear in public; could it be that something happened to Shattered Gold True Monarch?

An ordinary person might start to suspect that something is wrong at this point.

However, Xiao Chen was confident and boldly followed the Golden Core cultivator, winding his way to a Waterfall Gazing Mountain.

After entering a dark and damp cave and activating a Concealment Formation, they...

Finally, in a not-so-spacious Secret Chamber, they saw the Shattered Gold True Monarch looked slightly dejected.

Perhaps the other party heard the noise inside, for they had already taken out their spirit shield and were holding it in their hand.

After recognizing Xiao Chen and his disciple, he relaxed his guard and put away his spirit shield again.

Then he took the initiative to greet them, saying, "I'm so sorry, this place is so simple and doesn't really belong here to entertain guests."

"Given the current special circumstances, please don't mind, fellow Daoist, and make do with a seat."

Xiao Chen didn't mind, and instead of sitting on the stone chair that the other party had probably prepared, he simply sat on the nearest rock.

Then, tentatively, he asked, "We haven't seen each other for over half a year, what's the matter?"

"Logically speaking, even Great Purge shouldn't affect Fourth-Order Artifact Forger like you, right?"

"Of course, I was just asking casually. If there's anything I'd rather not say, then just pretend I didn't."

Xiao Chen was indeed very curious.

Normally, someone like that should have their own network of connections, and shouldn't be someone that others can easily mess with?

How did things get so badly damaged?

"Alas, I've made you laugh, fellow Daoist."

The Shattered Gold True Monarch chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Well, there's really nothing wrong with talking about this. Those who know me well basically know the inside story."

"It was mainly due to my youthful arrogance that led to this bitter outcome."

It turns out that his situation is related to the Xia Family, one of the Seven Great Clans in the Holy City.

Back then, the Shattered Gold True Monarch believed that he had an exceptional talent for weapon crafting and that he would surely achieve great things in the future.

Therefore, when facing the Xia Family members around him, especially those who had no real ability but only relied on their Lineage background to gain a reputation, they tried to get close to him.

Not only did they all give me a cold shoulder, but some friction also arose.

It wasn't a big deal in itself, since quite a few people were optimistic about Shattered Gold True Monarch at the time and were willing to invest in, advise, and take care of him.

But the problem arose during a later weapon-forging competition.

It should be noted that in the New Cultivation World, the Xia Family holds absolute dominance in the field of weapon crafting.

It's no exaggeration to say that the entire weapon-refining competition was basically filled with their own people, from top to bottom.

The grand prize has already been reserved for a rising star of the Xia Family.

On the day of the competition, for some reason, his opponent underperformed, while Shattered Gold True Monarch was in excellent form that day, and could be said to have performed exceptionally well.

Then he saw that the Xia Family had actually submitted a Spirit Artifact that had already been forged to make up the numbers.

What followed was naturally Qi Ingestion, public questioning, refusal to apologize, and finally, a humiliating exit from the Holy City.

If this had ended there, it might have been just one of many cases of powerful Lineage oppressing independent cultivators.

However, the problem is that the Shattered Gold True Monarch has essentially lost the possibility of advancing any further.

However, the Xia Family member he had offended continued to rise through the ranks and became a powerful and influential figure.

And coincidentally, the Special Envoy delegation for this Great Purge expanded to a full fifty-eight people.

Among them happened to be a Nascent Soul True Lord who wanted to curry favor with the Xia Family but had been struggling to find a way in.

So they set their sights on the Shattered Gold True Monarch, instructing their subordinates to fabricate a confession in preparation for arresting him for investigation.

It is common knowledge that once someone is imprisoned, there is no shortage of evidence to frame them.

Fortunately, the skill of the Shattered Gold True Monarch was indeed excellent, so his sect helped cover for him, allowing him to temporarily hide and avoid the limelight.

If we can delay the Great Purge, the subsequent internal investigation within the sect will be much easier to handle.

At that time, you can easily make up an excuse to get away with it.

And that's how it turned out, like this.

"Oh, so that's what happened."

Xiao Chen understood, and offered words of comfort, "Since it's a setup by a villain, we should prioritize self-preservation and not rush things."

"I believe you, fellow Daoist, can turn misfortune into good fortune and successfully overcome this hurdle."

"As for the Spirit Artifact, there's no need to rush. As long as it's completed on time, that's fine."

The main problem is that things have already come to this point, and even if Xiao Chen sternly urges him with a stern face, it won't solve the problem.

Instead of getting angry and defensive, it's better to offer honest and straightforward advice.

"Daoist Xiao misunderstands. The major change I was referring to is not that."

Upon hearing Shattered Gold True Monarch shook his head. "This Complete Fusion Spirit Tool is arguably the most important Spirit Artifact I have ever possessed, and I cannot afford to make the slightest mistake."

"How could we be forced to stop because of this little setback?"

"Before leaving the sect, I brought all the necessary tools and materials with me."

"Currently, a new forging room has been opened inside the cave to continue the casting process."

ah?

Xiao Chen was taken aback. If it doesn't affect the Complete Fusion Spirit Tool, then why did you call me over?

It can't just be about inviting someone over for a chat, can it?

Perhaps she noticed the confusion in his eyes.

The Shattered Gold True Monarch Lord explained, "The reason I wrote to you earlier is because during the actual forging process, we encountered an unforeseen and significant unforeseen event."

"The problem lies with the spearhead you provided, fellow Daoist."

"I wonder if you still remember the solution we discussed together back then."

"First, try to stimulate the Demonic Beast Essence Blood within using auxiliary materials. If that fails, then proceed with the stripping process."

ah?

Xiao Chen blinked. "Uh, I remember it being like this."

"So the problem lies with this plan?"

To be honest, he had never been involved in weapon crafting since embarking on the path of immortality, so he really didn't know much about it.

"No, not either."

Shattered Gold True Monarch shook his head again. "Generally speaking, stimulating Essence Blood should be extremely difficult."

"Due to its age, it will fail most of the time."

"Even if there is a successful example, it will usually be limited by time constraints. You just need to follow the ' Huang's Artifact Forging Secret ' to handle it."

"However, the spearhead you took out, Daoist Xiao, is an exception."

At this point, a hint of doubt appeared on the face of Shattered Gold True Monarch, mixed with a wry smile, "The actual activation process went quite smoothly."

"And it will be ten times smoother than the best-case scenario we initially anticipated."

"Based on my observation, that spearhead itself is extremely unusual."

"At the same time, it must have directly pierced the heart of a Fifth-Order Savage Giant Elephant, thus extracting some exceptionally precious Heart Blood."

"Most importantly, the Essence Blood that have already been stimulated are still quite active."

"After much thought, I believe it's because that giant elephant possessed Mutated Bloodline, specifically a mutation in the direction of vitality and life force, which led to this situation."

"Of course, the specific reasons are no longer important."

"The main problem now is that we didn't actually consider this special situation when we prepared the auxiliary materials."

"In other words, the existing spiritual materials are completely insufficient to protect the spearhead."

"However, discarding excess Essence Blood would be a tremendous waste."

"If we could make full use of all this Heart Blood, we could inscribe even more Bloodline Artifact Inscription."

"We even tried to handle it according to the ' Three Gates Nine Arts Method '."

"It's equivalent to being able to borrow a portion of the bloodline power of Fifth-Order Savage Giant Elephant, and also to add a layer of intense pressure to the spear."

"The difference is quite significant."

The Shattered Gold True Monarch gave a long explanation in one breath, interspersed with descriptions that only weapon refiners would understand.

So much so that even Xiao Chen found it a bit difficult to listen to.

But he roughly understood what the other person meant, so he confirmed, "In other words, a significant change has occurred."

"This turn of events isn't necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it could be considered a good thing."

"I could choose to proceed with the original plan, but doing so would mean missing this opportunity."

"Alternatively, you can choose to modify the plan to maximize the power of the Spirit Artifact."

"But it will cost extra."

"Is that roughly the idea?"

Xiao Chen didn't understand the art of weapon crafting, but he knew that since the existing spiritual materials were insufficient, it meant that additional budget would have to be allocated.

"Um... well... you could understand it that way."

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's summary Shattered Gold True Monarch was taken aback for a moment, then quickly added, "Actually, it's not about adding money; the main issue is the spiritual materials."

"If you decide to modify the plan..."

"It seems that the matter of collecting spiritual materials will have to be handled by you, fellow Daoist."

"Given my current situation, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to even write a letter to a few acquaintances, let alone go out to buy supplies."

"If anyone among them has ulterior motives, it will be difficult to explain to the sect in the future."

I understand.

Xiao Chen finally understood.

No wonder they called me in for a face-to-face meeting; it turns out it might involve two major issues: revising the Forging Plan and procuring spiritual materials.

Of course, he could choose to proceed according to the original plan.

However, this is, after all, my first Custom Spirit Tool. Since there is room for improvement, it's better to go for it right the first time.

Therefore, after a moment's thought, Xiao Chen nodded. "I think it's acceptable."

"Just tell me what other spiritual materials you need, and I'll take care of it."

Upon hearing this, Shattered Gold True Monarch was overjoyed.

He immediately took out a forging plan that he had prepared in advance and pulled Xiao Chen aside to discuss it step by step.

There are actually only three main points.

The first option is to purchase auxiliary materials worth approximately five million Spirit Stone, which serves as a supplementary plan.

Secondly, approximately eight million Spirit Stone worth of spiritual materials will be added to strengthen the Savage Giant Elephant's Essence Blood.

Thirdly, based on the second point, replace some of the more expensive but also more effective spiritual materials.

The total additional cost was approximately 18 million Spirit Stone, but it fully utilized the Essence Blood to effectively enhance the lethality of the final spear.

"Um, that..."

Finally, the Shattered Gold True Monarch seemed a little embarrassed as he explained, "The prices I mentioned are the market prices before the Great Purge."

"Then if you want to buy now, the price might rise further."

Goodness, that's probably more than just a slight increase!

Xiao Chen had already fully experienced the impact of the Great Purge in Gui Yun Market.

Almost all spiritual items saw their prices surge by 30% to more than double.

Even if we calculate based on the minimum 30%, choosing the third modification option would cost an additional 24 million Spirit Stone.

He almost wanted to retort, "Is the spearhead made of gold, or the shaft? How can it be so expensive!"

Even for Xiao Chen, this was not a small expense.

But it doesn't matter, he has accumulated quite a few Mid-Grade Spirit Stone over the years.

I'm usually reluctant to spend money, not because I'm stingy, but because I want to spend it wisely.

In a way, the tip of a gun and the blade are quite similar; both are areas that are well worth investing in.

Xiao Chen has always been willing to spend money on arming himself and improving his own strength.

As the saying goes, while others hoard food, I hoard guns.

A spear is still a spear, no problem!

Since that's the case, there's no need to hesitate. Spend the money if necessary. "Let's go with the third option. Could you please provide a list for me?"

Xiao Chen's choice was indeed beyond the expectations of Shattered Gold True Monarch.

He had initially thought it might end up being the second option.

The reason for listing the third option was to present a higher expectation, making it easier to persuade Xiao Chen to settle for the second option.

Hearing this, he was still somewhat incredulous.

He quickly asked Xiao Chen for confirmation, and then repeated the confirmation.

Only then did he happily take out paper and pen and begin to list in detail the spiritual materials and requirements.

Before long, he had written down a total of forty-five Fourth-Order Spiritual Item.

It was also specifically noted that most of the spiritual items could be replaced with spiritual materials of similar properties.

There are only two crucial spiritual objects, which are a pair of important auxiliary materials used to balance Yin and Yang.

Ideally, one should obtain one of the top-tier, extremely Yin Spirit items, such as the Yin Spirit Heart or the Ghost Infant Fruit.

And one of the top-tier extremely Yang spiritual items, such as the Pure Yang One Qi Fruit and the Heavenly Thunder Wood.

This is to ensure the best possible results during forging.

Xiao Chen happened to have two Yin Spirit Heart, which essentially solved the problem.

The remaining forty-three spiritual items could also be replaced by twenty-seven identical or similar substitutes found in the Storage Ring.

The remaining sixteen items were all described in Ancient Books, so they weren't entirely unfamiliar to me.

It shouldn't be too difficult to buy them, especially since I'll be going to Hundred Herbs City soon to participate in the Exchange Meet from the Storm Sea, which will make things even easier.

This top-tier, extremely yang spiritual object might be a problem.

Because both the Pure Yang One Qi Fruit and the Heavenly Thunder Wood seem to be things that only exist in the New Cultivation World.

In any case, Xiao Chen had browsed through so many books, but he had not seen any similar records in the Eastern Domain.

So he specifically asked, "Does it have to be these two items? Or will any item that is extremely yang in nature be acceptable?"

The Shattered Gold True Monarch immediately stated, "It would be best if it were something purely of extreme Yang."

"If we really can't find those two items, then we'll have to make do with slightly inferior spiritual items, but in general, the fewer Impurities the better, and the higher the quality we can try to get."

This is, after all, an auxiliary material; there's no situation where it's completely irreplaceable.

"Okay, then I'm relieved."

Xiao Chen nodded, then changed the subject and asked, "If we gather all these auxiliary materials, how long will it take to complete the forging?"

"Does this mean we have to wait another year?"

Shattered Gold True Monarch immediately shook his head. "Please rest assured, fellow Daoist, it definitely won't take that long."

"The gun body is almost finished, and all the existing auxiliary materials have been preliminarily processed."

"If it weren't for this unexpected turn of events, it would already be finished by now."

"However, with this change, we'll definitely need to spend some more time redesigning the gun head and the connection point."

"From now on, it should only take... about seven or eight months. And I can guarantee that there will be no more delays this time."

It's going to take this long?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen's resolve wavered.

Or maybe we should just leave it as is and finish it.

He then pressed further, "If it's finished like this, how lethal will this spear be? Can it surpass a failed defensive magic Law Treasure?"

"It's a defective product that failed to be refined; it's not a real Law Treasure."

Even the Shattered Gold True Monarch was somewhat unsure about this. "It's hard to say. The outcome will likely be about the same for both, depending entirely on the user's skill level."

His main consideration was that the crafting requirements for most Law Treasure were no less stringent than those for Complete Fusion Spirit Tool.

Unless you encounter an ancient relic from the Ancient Times, one that was not processed by fusing spiritual materials before being refined.

Otherwise, they should be roughly equal.

"Oh, I see. Then it's alright."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately decided to increase the destructive power in an effort to defeat the Seven Treasures Life Protecting Pagoda.

The two finished discussing business smoothly, and then began the usual pleasantries.

We chatted about some interesting things that had happened recently.

Xiao Chen didn't actually know much about this place, but he met Zhang Cunfu before he came, and told him some rumors he had heard from him.

However Shattered Gold True Monarch hasn't gone out much lately.

He thought for a moment, then simply mentioned some rumors his sect had recently gathered. "Speaking of last month, two major events happened in the Holy City. I wonder if you've heard about them, fellow sect member?"

"The first Blazing Flame Warship, which was previously spearheaded by the Yan Family and took hundreds of years to complete, has finally been built."

"It only requires one Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator to operate it, and it can withstand the siege of five Nascent Soul Great Perfection."

"It seems they've already set off for the Northern Territory, apparently intending to conduct combat tests in extreme environments in those treacherous terrains."

"But there are also rumors that something unusual seems to be happening in the Northern Territory, with a large number of the Rebellious Immortal Alliance cultivators suspected of being active there."

What is it?

Xiao Chen had genuinely never heard of such a thing.

Let alone him, I doubt anyone in the entire Eastern Domain, from ancient times to the present, has ever heard of such a thing.

After all, this use case is a bit too outrageous.

The first crucial question is how to gather five Nascent Soul Great Perfection.

Not to mention trying to fight them with a single warship.

In the Eastern Domain, no normal person would even consider this possibility.

Perhaps only in the New Cultivation World, or more precisely, in places like the Holy City where Nascent Soul cultivators gather, would such a demand or rather, such a whimsical idea arise.

"It actually succeeded?"

Xiao Chen feigned surprise. "I really didn't know about this."

"We were so busy dealing with the Big Sweep and protecting our ancestral property from those vultures that we didn't have time to find out what was going on."

On this point, Shattered Gold True Monarch almost felt the same way. "Alas~, those greedy beasts!"

After uttering a curse, he shook his head. "Forget it, let's not talk about such discouraging things."

"Let's get back to the Holy City. Last month, besides the Yan Family publicly showcasing the Blazing Flame Warship, the He Family also announced some very important news."

"For people like us, this is at least some good hope."

"It is said that after many failures, they finally succeeded in developing a new type of Three Talents Spirit Strengthening Pill, using spiritual ore as the main Main Ingredient, based on the original herbal Pill Formula."

ah?

Xiao Chen was truly astonished. "This one actually broke through too?"

He wasn't questioning the timing, because such things could very well have been prepared long ago, and then the time was chosen for public announcement.

The key point is that he had seen information about the Three Talents Spirit Strengthening Pill in the Cai Family's collection of books.

This thing appeared more than a million years ago and is a very famous Breakthrough Spirit Pill.

It can increase the success rate of Nascent Soul True Lord Spirit Transformation realm by about 30%.

At the same time, it can effectively protect the Divine Sense, ensuring that it will not be damaged even if the breakthrough fails, thus preserving the opportunity to try again to reach the Nascent Spirit Transformation.

Previously, the biggest drawback of this product was that the Main Ingredient it required was extremely rare, and had almost completely disappeared.

Starting around 300,000 years ago, it became extremely difficult to find the corresponding spirit medicine even after searching the entire New Cultivation World.

However, if a new Pill Formula with spirit ore as the Main Ingredient is truly developed, it would mean that its biggest drawback has been eliminated.

Even if the Metal Stone Pill might contain a considerable amount of toxicity, it would be a minor flaw in an otherwise perfect elixir, not worth mentioning.