In that forgotten corner of the Armament Department, the days seemed to congeal into rust and dust.
Li Yuan kept to himself. He appeared occasionally during the day to endure Steward Wang's mocking inspections or watch the few laborers slack off. Most of the time, he stayed in the cramped side room, appearing to meditate and regulate his breathing while actually digesting what he had gained from smelting Soldier Fiend Energy the previous night and studying the more profound methods of channeling power in the Crimson Sun True Scripture.
His aura grew ever more weighty, like an ancient blade sealed in its sheath. Its edge remained hidden, yet it concealed a keen sharpness capable of slicing through anything. Only now and then, when his eyes opened or closed, did a cold glint unique to Soldier Fiend Energy flash in the depths of their settled Crimson Gold.
Night was when he truly cultivated.
Warehouse No. Jia-3 became his private furnace. As his understanding of the Crimson Sun True Scripture deepened and he grew increasingly familiar with the nature of Soldier Fiend Energy, his smelting efficiency rose by the day. At first, he could only cautiously refine a wisp of Soldier Fiend Energy from a chestplate fragment. Later, he could guide several streams at once, drawn from different shattered weapons, like a handler commanding several dark-red, savage fire serpents into his body to temper his muscles and bones.
The bones in both arms had completely turned a dark, muted shade of metal, hard as iron. He began turning his attention to the more vital spine and breastbone. Tempering these was more painful and far riskier. The spine was the central channel for transmitting strength, while the breastbone shielded the organs. The slightest mistake could bring disastrous consequences.
But his will was iron,