Zheng Fa now holds Vast Sun Mountain in extraordinary respect—so much so that he held a seminar on Vast Sun Mountain's Secret Method on Industrial Development Island.
Watching Zheng Fa lead Madam Xuanhua and his disciples in diligently studying the Secret Method of Vast Sun Mountain's weapon forging, Old Han had only one expression:
You really don't treat Vast Sun Mountain like a human being...
That's so unfair!
Tianhe Sect and Vast Sun Mountain are both among the Five Sects, and he felt somewhat uneasy, inevitably experiencing a sense of shared sorrow.
" Old Han?" Just as he was muttering to himself, Zheng Fa suddenly looked up and asked him, "Aren't you interested in the Artifact Refining Method of Vast Sun Mountain?"
"Me? Can I?"
Zheng Fa nodded and replied matter-of-factly, "You are also a member of the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion."
"Interested in!"
Old Han's eyes lit up, and he moved closer to Zheng Fa others. He didn't even have time to grieve—the rabbit was dead, and if the fox could get some rabbit meat... then tears of sadness would probably stream down his face.
Objectively speaking, the weapon-refining Secret Method provided by Vast Sun Mountain cannot solve all the problems faced by the Nine Mountains Sect in weapon refining:
For example, how to integrate the Divine Firmament Warship and the Immortal Array might be a field beyond the reach of Vast Sun Mountain.
"This < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >, though it only covers the Golden Core stage, truly deserves its reputation as a secret technique of the Five Sects."
Setting down the Jade Slip, Madam Xuanhua sighed sincerely, clearly deeply impressed.
Old Han opened his mouth, then shook his head and said, "Among the Five Sects, my Tianhe Sword Way Dao of Alchemy Wu Shuang, the Supreme Dao Dao's Alchemy is unmatched, and the Vast Sun Mountain's weapon-forging methods are also unparalleled in the world."
"I originally thought that although Vast Sun Mountain's weapon forging was impressive, my Tianhe Sect shouldn't be too far behind."
"Just by looking at this < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >, one can see that the accumulation of weapon refining skills in Vast Sun Mountain over these past few eras far surpasses that of my Tianhe Sect..."
Zheng Fa agreed.
The Artifact Refining Method in the Xuanwei Realm are actually more about accumulating experience.
For the Nine Mountains Sect, the Tianhe Sect's hundreds of thousands of years of accumulated experience is something they can't catch up with at all.
The problem is, Vast Sun Mountain is even older than the Tianhe Sect!
Even though Venerable Tianhe collected a wave of Secret Method from various sects, it's conceivable that after Venerable Tianhe's death, the Tianhe Sect wouldn't be able to retain these Secret Method.
The Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula, a method that only allows one to reach the Golden Core Stage, forced Old Han to admit that the Tianhe Sect was inferior to the Vast Sun Mountain in weapon refining.
In short:
The debt of gratitude owed to Vast Sun Mountain can never be repaid!
"Although the < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula > only reaches the Golden Core Stage, its system is complete and extremely suitable for the current situation of our Nine Mountains Sect..." Madam Xuanhua smiled, extremely happy, "What we lack is a foundation."
These words resonated deeply with Zheng Fa.
His design for the industrial technology of the Nine Mountains Realm actually involved two things: borrowing the experience and foundation of the myriad arts of immortal cultivation in the Xuanwei Realm, and transforming them through scientific concepts and methods.
Higher-level methods are certainly better.
However, the fundamental Method Formula are often the most important—for example, Nine Mountains Agronomy has gradually grown from the basic techniques.
Needless to say, this thing is perfect for training beginners in weapon crafting.
How complete is the system of the " Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula "?
This not only contains the techniques for Artifact Refining Method, but also analyses and designs of many common magical Law Artifact, as well as comparisons of various refining Artifact Spirit —things that other sects don't have.
This massive amount of raw data requires conscious, long-term collection.
Zheng Fa was pleasantly surprised by Vast Sun Mountain's expertise in this area.
What surprised him even more were the experimental results of these Secret Method.
Zheng Fa looked at the various experimental data with delight. He looked up at Madam Xuanhua and asked:
"Using this < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >, the cost of refining Law Artifact can be reduced to 80% of the original cost? And the effect is on average 20% better than before?"
Madam Xuanhua's eyes also showed joy. She pointed to several numbers in the record and smiled:
"According to the < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >, our original methods of refining Law Treasure have actually been improved... Some spiritual materials are not only useless, but also damage the power of the Law Treasure."
"Based on the experimental results, flying magical Law Artifact will be more than 30% faster than before."
"Offensive magical Law Artifact will be 15% more powerful."
"Defensive magical Law Artifact are now 20% more sturdy than before."
"This is still one of our disciples; he hasn't fully mastered the < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >."
Madam Xuanhua's tone was full of anticipation.
Zheng Fa's mind was also filled with reverie:
The first experiment with the Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula yielded such results; if the Nine Mountains Sect could fully absorb and master this knowledge, they would likely make even greater progress.
Perhaps the Nine Mountains Sect's art of weapon forging can stand on the shoulders of the giant, Vast Sun Mountain, and achieve great success!
As for whether Vast Sun Mountain is willing to stand in their way...
It was voluntary!
Zheng Fa and the other man exclaimed, "When our Nine Mountains Sect's Heavenly Crafts Pavilion prospers in the future, we must enshrine the memorial tablet of Vast Sun Mountain!"
Upon hearing this, Old Han frowned, finding it rather strange.
These words sound like a death sentence for Vast Sun Mountain.
Half a month later, Zheng Fa arrived at the dock of the Nine Mountains Realm Marketplace, watching about thirty Divine Firmament Warship rise into the air, a hint of anticipation in his eyes—
These warships display the various achievements of the Nine Mountains Realm over these past few days:
For example, the pills refined by Sect Master Song and the Alchemist Guild.
For example, the magical Law Artifact that Madam Xuanhua and her team from the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion created.
Or perhaps it's the Nine Mountains Sect's signature skill—various talismans.
There were even clothes woven from the mortal Nine Mountains Realm, and grains produced there.
He said to Han Qi:
"Only conduct business within the various sects of the Hundred Immortals Alliance; avoid approaching the territory of the Profound Mystery Sect."
Safety is paramount.
Han Qi nodded respectfully and said, "Don't worry, Sect Leader, I understand."
Looking at Han Qi's already Foundation Establishment cultivation, Zheng Fa couldn't help but sigh. When he first came to the Nine Mountains Sect, Han Qi had no hope of Foundation Establishment, was full of resentment, and had even forcibly sold him a Senior Sister Zhang, Secret Method of Talisman Dao arts.
Now, thanks to the < Talisman Dao Foundation Establishment Method >, he has entered the Foundation Establishment Realm and is in charge of so many Divine Firmament Warship.
It can be said to be more impressive than a typical Golden Core Elixir.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about Han Qi: "Remember, although my Nine Mountains Realm is the leader of the Hundred Immortals Alliance... if I hear any news of you using your power to bully others or engaging in forced sales..."
Han Qi hurriedly said, " Sect Leader, how could I dare..."
Zheng Fa didn't say much about this guy with a criminal record, he just kept an eye on him.
Han Qi could only chuckle awkwardly, "I used to be, but now there's no need for forced sales... The Artifact Spirit, and talismans on this ship are all cheaper and better than those from other sects..."
"Only fools wouldn't buy it!"
That sounds quite believable.
Perhaps compared to the Five Sects, the output of the Nine Mountains Sect is not particularly high-level, but for the various sects of the Hundred Immortals Alliance... this is almost a dimensional reduction attack.
" Sect Leader, I don't want to force a sale, but what if some sects don't want us to compete for their business and resort to underhanded tactics?"
Seeing that Zheng Fa seemed to believe him, Han Qi asked cautiously.
That's a possibility... Many small sects in the Hundred Immortals Alliance also make a living by refining weapons and pills, and some of them haven't joined any guilds. In other words, these Divine Firmament Warship from the Nine Mountains Sect are there to steal their business.
They certainly wouldn't dare to openly target the Nine Mountains Sect, but they probably have some ulterior motives behind the scenes, and perhaps even some underhanded tactics:
For example, spreading rumors, or controlling the disciples to prevent them from patronizing the Nine Mountains Sect's businesses...
Zheng Fa couldn't fathom how much audacity some people would have for the sake of Spirit Stone.
"I equipped your warship with Divine Firmament External Alchemy because I thought it looked cool?"
Zheng Fa replied calmly.
"Clear!"
Han Qi's face lit up with joy. He leaped onto the Divine Firmament Warship, waved his hand, and led the Nine Mountains Sect merchant caravan away in a grand procession.
Their mission was simple: dump!
Massive dumping!
Since the Nine Mountains Realm lacks spiritual materials, they must obtain them from the various sects of the Hundred Immortals Alliance. With the Nine Mountains Sect's current capabilities, although it cannot be said that it has completed industrialization, the spiritual materials that can be obtained by selling a Law Artifact or pill will still be a small supplement to the Nine Mountains Realm.
As for the complaints from some sects...
If they don't respect the Trade Agreement.
Zheng Fa was willing to let them experience what free trade is like.
Profound Mystery Sect a Divine Fire Mountain of the Chongxuan Sect, the Ninth Elder scrutinized Zheng Fa from head to toe... his eyes filled with suspicion.
The main problem is self-doubt.
She had just sought out Zheng Fa, hoping to get some pointers on the " Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula," but the questions Zheng Fa asked... she couldn't answer.
"How did you comprehend this Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula so quickly?"
Zheng Fa gave a shy smile.
Of course you'll learn quickly...
I've hired a tutor!
After a series of experiments and discussions in the Nine Mountains Realm, Zheng Fa gained a very deep understanding of the < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula >.
Well...
He believed that none of the Golden Core disciples of Vast Sun Mountain had the combined guidance of Madam Xuanhua and Old Han, both Nascent Soul Nascent Soul.
Not to mention the experiments on Industrial Development Island...
With such faculty and learning methods, how could Zheng Fa not learn well?
"I learned it after just two tries."
He spoke earnestly, like a top student who claimed he hadn't studied before the exam, causing the Ninth Elder's expression to freeze instantly.
"Soon?"
"It's... not bad..." the Ninth Elder said through gritted teeth, "But your spiritual fire..."
"This is a stroke of fortuitous opportunity for this disciple; therefore, my < Heaven-Burning Grand Method > has been perfected."
The Ninth Elder frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled, but did not ask any further questions.
As a master, it's not appropriate to inquire about a cultivator's fortuitous opportunity.
Moreover, she knew that she and these four disciples had only exchanged a few words in the past few days, so she could only offer her praise:
"Your spiritual fire is indeed extraordinary..."
Of course it's extraordinary.
This is the Great Sun True Fire.
According to Senior Sister Yuan, the most superior spiritual fire of the Demon Race — the Golden Crow Spirit Flame —is nothing but a broken fire in front of the Great Sun True Fire.
Even though Zheng Fa believed that the most powerful use of the Great Sun True Fire was for resetting skill points.
But that doesn't mean this thing isn't powerful for weapon crafting.
Conversely, the Great Sun True Fire also possesses unique and wondrous properties in weapon crafting... Simply put, it can reset one's stats during the crafting process...
It's just like writing a program.
A bug appeared while writing, but as long as Zheng Fa has enough spiritual power and a sufficient Divine Soul, he can fix it without having to start all over again.
This thing... is a bug in itself!
Zheng Fa even proudly said that even without Madam Xuanhua giving him special lessons, he was now an absolutely Wu Shuang genius in weapon forging, thanks to the Great Sun True Fire!
The Ninth Elder seemed to have thought of something and spoke up:
"Forge a Flying Cloud Sword and let me see it."
Zheng Fa was taken aback. This Flying Cloud Sword could be said to be the most popular standard Law Artifact sword in the Xuanwei Realm, and it was not difficult to forge.
This master probably wants to see how good he is.
But why... of all the Law Artifact you could choose, you had to pick a flying sword?
In weapon crafting, the Tianhe Sect is inferior to Vast Sun Mountain in every aspect, except for sword crafting, where they are unparalleled in the Xuanwei!
Even if Old Han wouldn't teach Zheng Fa the core techniques, his other techniques would still live up to the reputation of the leader of the Xuanwei Sword Dao...
In addition, there's the < Heavenfire Treasure-Refining Formula > from Vast Sun Mountain. According to Old Han himself:
Zheng Fa, who combined the strengths of both schools, was no less skilled in forging flying swords than any True Disciple of the Tianhe Sect.
After thinking for a while, Zheng Fa decided... to tone it down.
It's normal for Li Hao, who was fortuitous opportunity in the past, to have made progress due to a sudden opportunity.
If someone is too talented...
That would probably seem rather abrupt.
He pondered in his heart, deliberately making his hand Method Formula less skillful as he manipulated the Great Sun True Fire. Stumbling and fumbling, it took him several days to finally forge a high-grade magic Law Artifact, the Flying Cloud Sword.
According to his own estimation, he had concealed at least five-tenths of his strength this time...
Otherwise, this Flying Cloud Sword would at least be a top-grade magic Law Artifact.
But when he turned his head, he saw that the Ninth Elder stared at him for a long time, then looked at the Flying Cloud Sword in the cave, pacing back and forth, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
broken!
The Profound Mystery Sect has been overestimated!
"I truly underestimated you in the past..."
Seriously? Is your Profound Mystery Sect really that weak...?
"Even if I were to forge the Flying Cloud Sword, it would only be a high-grade Law Artifact..."
The Ninth Elder looked at Zheng Fa with increasing satisfaction.
His Cultivation Method is so refined that he might even possess the potential to Nascent Soul.
And his talent for weapon crafting is so high.
Even though they weren't very close in the past, he was still his apprentice. If he became successful, it would always be a good thing for him.
"Now... among the next generation of disciples in the Profound Mystery Sect, you are probably the most talented..."
After the Ninth Elder finished speaking, he fell silent again.
After a while, she beckoned, took the Flying Cloud Sword in her hand, and said to Zheng Fa, "Come with me!"
Um?
Zheng Fa was delighted to see her leading him toward the mountaintop, but when they reached the mountainside, the Ninth Elder suddenly turned and walked to the front of a cave abode.
" Sect Leader, Bixia requests an audience."
The Ninth Elder called out at the entrance of cave abode cave abode, and a young disciple quickly came out to respectfully welcome the two into the cave.
Zheng Fa understood that this was the cave abode of the Profound Mystery Sect Leader.
The furnishings in this cave abode are different from those in the Ninth Elder's cave abode. The cave walls are mostly made of black rock, giving it an extremely solemn and dignified appearance.
The sect Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect was also an extremely serious middle-aged cultivator.
He was holding an iron box in his hand, examining it closely, his brow furrowed, which made him appear even more intimidating.
"Ninth Elder, you've arrived? Perfect timing..."
The Ninth Elder interrupted him, taking out the Flying Cloud Sword and saying, " Sect Leader, take a look at this Flying Cloud Sword..."
The sect Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect was slightly taken aback. He reached out and took the Flying Cloud Sword, examining it closely and nodding repeatedly. "Ninth Elder, did you forge this? It shows some improvement..."
"He made it."
The Ninth Elder pointed at Zheng Fa.
The sect leader of the Profound Mystery Sect Leader paused again, channeling spiritual energy into the Flying Cloud Sword as if carefully examining Law Artifact quality. After a short while, he looked at Zheng Fa, his face showing undisguised surprise. " Li Hao forged this?"
"Yes, I saw him refine it with my own eyes."
The Ninth Elder delivered the testimony.
Upon hearing this, the sect Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect had no room for doubt, and his gaze toward Zheng Fa was filled with even more satisfaction.
Congratulations, Junior Sister! Another talented student has emerged from our sect!
The sect Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect laughed.
The Ninth Elder nodded with a smile, then said, " Sect Leader, I want him to go to the mountaintop..."
Zheng Fa was startled, feeling a pleasant surprise.
He came to the Profound Mystery Sect to find out what was on the mountaintop.
You mean...?
" Sect Leader, those Nascent Spirit Transformation elders wielding that supreme treasure... naturally they have nothing to fear from Zheng Fa."
Zheng Fa's mind raced.
What treasure?
"But they don't care about my Profound Mystery Sect. They're passing on Secret Method and distributing Spirit Stone now, all so that we can refine that supreme treasure in the future..."
"Once that supreme treasure is created, we'll probably be useless to each other, perhaps even..."
Zheng Fa listened with a sense of bewilderment.
Last time, even the Ninth Elder didn't know why Vast Sun Mountain would pass on the Profound Mystery Sect's Secret Method, but these past two days it seems he's found out...
But the Ninth Elder seemed somewhat wary, speaking haltingly and stammering; he was a hateful riddle-maker.
But the Sect Leader understood.
"You mean... let Li Hao go and show his face?"
"Indeed... He is at least at the Nascent Soul stage now, and he has an exceptional talent for weapon crafting. He might catch the eye of that master from Vast Sun Mountain."
"If something unexpected happens in the future, it will give us a better chance of survival."
Upon hearing this, the Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect remained silent for a long while before softly saying, "This is against the rules. Only those Nascent Soul us at the Nascent Soul stage are allowed to go up and refine..."
"But Li Hao's skill in weapon crafting is already on par with mine, a Nascent Soul!"
The Ninth Elder argued.
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader still refused, so the Ninth Elder finally spoke his mind, " Sect Leader, our Profound Mystery Sect is currently in a precarious situation... we must preserve some of our strength."
"Weren't there disciples sent to Vast Sun Mountain?"
"But which of them has Li Hao's talent?"
The Ninth Elder pointed at the Flying Cloud Sword, his words logical and forceful.
The sect Sect Leader of the Profound Mystery Sect looked at Zheng Fa with a hesitant expression, and after a long while, he nodded and said, "I'll find an opportunity to ask the Venerable Master."
The Ninth Elder didn't say much, clearly indicating that this matter was not something they could decide.
The sect leader of the Profound Mystery Sect Leader abruptly changed the subject, handing the iron box in his hand to the Ninth Elder, his tone tinged with bitterness. "I also have a Law Artifact to show you."
"What's this?"
The Ninth Elder asked curiously.
I know that!
He was very familiar with this thing; it was the Greenleaf Needle, Law Artifact exported from the Nine Mountains Realm to various sects of the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
How long has it been?
Did Profound Mystery Sect get it?
It is evident that some sects within the Hundred Immortals Alliance do indeed have close ties with the Profound Mystery Sect.
The Ninth Elder opened the iron box and looked inside, still puzzled. " Greenleaf Needle? The quality is not bad... Where did these come from?"
"Made by the Nine Mountains Sect."
"..."
The Ninth Elder looked even more surprised, glanced at the Greenleaf Needle in the box again, and said, "The Nine Mountains Sect is actually quite skilled in weapon crafting!"
"It's more than just not bad! Do you know how much the Nine Mountains Sect sells the Greenleaf Needle for? Only twenty Spirit Stone!"
"... So cheap?"
The Ninth Elder immediately exclaimed in surprise, clearly understanding the implications.
"Not only that, but they also have all sorts of Law Artifact that are cheaper and more powerful than ours! I originally thought that without us, the Nine Mountains Sect's Artifact Refiners Guild n't amount to anything, but who would have thought..."
He didn't finish his sentence.
The Ninth Elder did not respond.
Zheng Fa understood the unspoken meaning behind their words— the Profound Mystery Sect, or rather Vast Sun Mountain, wanted to hinder the Nine Mountains Sect in weapon crafting. Now it seemed that the Nine Mountains Sect still had a group of talented individuals!
They must at least be capable of creating Law Artifact artifacts.
The Artifact Refining Method is not just about economics; for each sect, strong weapon crafting ability means superior combat power.
This is definitely a major blow to the Profound Mystery Sect.
The Ninth Elder and Profound Mystery Sect remained silent for a long time, but they had nothing to say... After all, the fate of the Profound Mystery Sect was not in their hands.
Zheng Fa followed his newfound master out of the Sect Leader's cave abode, still pondering what treasures might be hidden on the mountaintop, when he suddenly heard the Ninth Elder speak to him:
"Are you worried about the Nine Mountains Sect?"
Um?
Zheng Fa looked up and saw the Ninth Elder smiling at him, saying, "Although the Nine Mountains Sect seems to have some talented weapon refiners, in my opinion, your talent in weapon refinement is even greater than that of the creator of the Greenleaf Needle."
That's for sure... those things were all refined by the disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect, so they definitely didn't get any special training, and the Great Sun True Fire was an amazing Zheng Fa.
The Ninth Elder looked at Zheng Fa with a smile on his face, clearly quite proud of Zheng Fa.
You should be proud.
After all, you taught both sides.
Those disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect are practically your grand-disciples.
(End of this chapter)