https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-579-Essence-Cultivation-Technique-Incarnation-Pill-Formula-Azure-Basin-Fish-and-Mobile-S/12942337/
Chapter 578: Luo Chen, Get This for Me!
Chapter 578: Luo Chen, Get This for Me!
Does Luo Chen have talent in forging?
In reality, he does, to some extent.
After obtaining the forging techniques for the Primordial Cauldron from Qingdang Valley, he once intended to forge it himself.
Therefore, he spent some time specifically learning the basics of forging from Duanyong.
Duanyong's forging techniques originated from the Du Clan.
The Du Clan's forging heritage was acquired from a cultivator in Heaven Sail City during the opening of the war.
Although he didn't grasp the essence, the foundational theory was very authentic.
Under Duanyong's guidance, Luo Chen understood the so-called Way of Forging.
To forge, one must first master the characteristics of various ores and their corresponding processing methods. Secondly, control over the fire is crucial, and lastly, the most important aspect is the mastery of formations.
Each of these three points is not particularly difficult, and with some familiarity, one can initially grasp them.
Even the most talent-demanding aspect, formations, is not challenging for Golden Core Cultivators when it comes to low-level formations.
However, when these three elements are combined, the difficulty increases by several times, if not dozens of times.
When Luo Chen sought guidance from Duanyong, he tried to forge some basic magical tools under Duanyong's instruction. Due to the urgency of the war in the Howling Moon Mountains, he still failed to successfully forge even a single low-grade magical tool.
Nevertheless, Duanyong had once praised Luo Chen for having some forging talent.
The reason for this, aside from Duanyong's flattery, was Luo Chen's genuine understanding of various ore characteristics.
Because alchemy doesn't solely rely on herbal ingredients.
Many times, alchemy also requires the use of metals and stones.
For example, the main ingredient in Luo Chen's early Yu Su Dan was Washing Jade, and later, when refining Jade Dew Pills, three of the main ingredients included Blue Smoke Jade, and so on.
To improve his alchemy skills, Luo Chen has always had a good understanding of various ores.
The Blue Smoke Jade, a second-tier ore, only requires extracting the 'Jade Smoke' during alchemy. However, if used for forging magical tools, the Jade Smoke becomes useless and can affect the stability of the tool.
By going against the natural order, the characteristics of this jade are fully understood.
Additionally, Luo Chen has spent most of his free time over the past hundred years reading books, including art scrolls, Mountain Sea Chronicles, customs and traditions, herbs and stones, and more, without discrimination.
It can be said that understanding the characteristics of various ores is not a difficult task for him.
Especially since he doesn't aspire to become a master forger, if he only needs to understand the ores required for a specific magical treasure, he can spend more time studying it in detail.
Of course, the related skills of forging techniques also need to be mastered.
Luo Chen has never worried about becoming proficient!
The second point is controlling the fire during forging.
For ordinary people, this might be extremely challenging.
However, for Luo Chen, it is the easiest thing. When it comes to controlling the fire, he would only consider himself second to a few peers.
Whether it's his years of alchemy, the fire techniques he has learned, or even after switching to cultivating the Heavenly Phoenix Nirvana Scripture, his control over flames has reached an alternative height.
It can be said that the biggest constraint for Luo Chen in forging is formations.
And this problem not only affects Luo Chen but also numerous low-level forgers.
The reason is simple; formations are incredibly complex.
From understanding Feng Shui and geography on a large scale to carving formation patterns and restrictions on a small scale, every detail influences the power of the formation.
Without innate talent in formations, one can't go far.
Therefore, many low-level forgers invite familiar formation masters to help carve formations on preliminary shaped magical tools.
This is not limited to low-level forgers! Even some top-notch forgers invite others when encountering formations they are not proficient in.
For example, when Heavenly Forger Zi forged the Primordial Cauldron for Luo Chen, he invited Han Zhan and the Azure Frost Empress to carve the formation together. Although there was a hidden intention to spy on the Azure Frost Empress's spatial formation, it was also because Heavenly Forger Zi was not skilled in spatial formations.
The relationship between forgers and formation masters is similar to that between alchemists and spirit plant cultivators or herb gatherers, and perhaps even closer!
Initially, Luo Chen lacked confidence regarding the constraint of formations.
Even with the guidance of Min Longyu and Fu Jiusheng, he barely entered the threshold, and the formations he arranged were not worthy of a grand hall.
But after arriving in the North Sea, he consciously sought guidance from Han Zhan.
With the help of the proficiency panel.
Over the past twenty years, his understanding of formations, while not reaching the pinnacle, has achieved some success.
He can effortlessly handle first and second-tier formations, and with sufficient preparation, he can even manage a third-tier grand formation.
He believes that with his current accumulation, personally forging a defensive magical treasure for himself should not be too difficult.
This is one of the reasons he has the confidence to do it himself without relying on others.
Weapons crafted by oneself are the most suitable!
However, as Luo Chen delved deeper into the forging techniques recorded on the iron tablet, his brows furrowed tighter and tighter, almost twisting into a knot.
Han Zhan, who had been observing Luo Chen's progress, naturally noticed the unconscious change in his expression.
When Luo Chen put down the iron tablet to rest, Han Zhan couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
Luo Chen asked back with an uncertain tone, "Senior, do you know the forging techniques from ancient times?"
Han Zhan was taken aback, then replied, "I have some understanding. Modern forging techniques are known for their ingenuity and mystery, while ancient methods emphasized naturalness and simplicity."
If I were to describe it more vividly, let me give you an analogy!"
"Imagine you have the hardest skull of a Bull Demon, and you're tasked with crafting a Skull-Crushing Hammer artifact. In ancient times, the method involved removing the flesh and filling it with metal and stone, then arranging formations to create the hammer. Nowadays, the mainstream approach is to refine and extract the essence, boil it into a liquid, and infuse it with various materials to enhance its power. It's then molded into shape and finally engraved with formations to create a formidable Skull-Crushing Hammer."
"The ancient method is straightforward and brutal, while the modern approach is intricate and mysterious. Not only is the latter more powerful, but it also allows cultivators to control it more adeptly. This is because the added materials include some that adapt to the cultivator's cultivation and spiritual sense."
"Of course, it's not that the old methods are entirely without merit. At the very least, simplicity isn't always a bad thing; it also implies ease of crafting. As long as you have the materials, you can quickly produce weapons in a short time."
Han Zhan used his knowledge to briefly differentiate the two eras' forging techniques for Luo Chen.
In general, there's a trend towards refinement and continuous progress.
However!
Why bring up the forging techniques from ancient times?
They are people of the present, and various skills, even cultivation theories, have gone through countless iterations of updates.
Could it be?
"Is it possible that the iron tablet you have records the ancient artifact forging techniques? But when I glanced at it earlier, it seemed quite complex, clearly the work of modern methods!"
Luo Chen smiled bitterly, "The senior cultivator must have seen it correctly. It is indeed a modern method. However, the techniques on it combine ancient and modern approaches, both innovating and preserving some of the advantages of ancient forging."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"But damn it, the forging difficulty exceeds my estimation!"
Rarely, Luo Chen broke his usual composure and swore.
After Luo Chen's explanation, Han Zhan finally understood why he was so annoyed.
The techniques on the iron tablet, even in material selection, adhered to the advantages of ancient methods, requiring only the best! As for auxiliary materials, they used meticulous cultivation, supplementing with various minerals, some of which Luo Chen had never even heard of.
Especially the formations! The ones used were not ordinary third-stage formations but a fourth-stage formation called the Two Instruments Six Jia Formation!
After explaining, Luo Chen spoke with a hint of gloom, "That Yu Gao might have deliberately set me up. Even a master forger might struggle to forge such an artifact."
"So, do you still want to forge it?" Han Zhan asked.
Luo Chen clenched his teeth, "Forge it! Why wouldn't I? My main material is the Azure Basin Fish, which perfectly matches the requirement for the best main material in the technique. As for the other difficulties, I'll overcome them one by one."
Han Zhan opened his mouth but saw Luo Chen's determined expression and refrained from offering words of discouragement.
Sometimes, you have to hit a wall to learn your lesson.
He just hoped that Luo Chen could bear the potential failure.
...
It was clear that when Luo Chen made a decision, there was no turning back.
With the materials and techniques at hand, he couldn't bear to give up easily.
Solve the problems one by one!
And at that moment, there was an opportunity to resolve most of his issues.
The Cold Jade City Auction Gala was held as scheduled during the chilly winter.
Above the bustling Cold Jade City, streams of flight glows, like mayflies, flew in from all directions, eventually entering the most prominent and tallest palace.
Countless low-level cultivators below looked up with envy and reverence.
They knew that only Foundation Establishment and above cultivators could participate in this elite gathering.
Among these flight glows, Luo Chen was also present.
Withdrawing his spiritual power, Luo Chen stopped at the entrance of the grand palace.
【Cold Palace】
"This name isn't very auspicious!" Luo Chen muttered as he approached the two Golden Core cultivators guarding the entrance.
Perhaps due to the large number of attendees, the two cultivators responsible for checking qualifications had lost their smiles.
However, upon seeing Luo Chen's Golden Core spiritual pressure, they managed a faint smile.
"Fellow Daoist, please present your invitation."
Luo Chen asked, "Can solitary cultivators enter without an invitation?"
One of the Golden Core cultivators replied, "Of course, they can enter, but they won't have designated seats. They'll have to go to the solitary cultivator section. Also, before the auction begins, you'll need to go through a verification process in the rear hall of the Cold Palace."
Verification?
Luo Chen was taken aback, then realized what they meant.
Having an invitation meant the organizers acknowledged your financial strength. This prevented chaos during the auction, ensuring that bidders wouldn't make reckless bids.
Without an invitation, one had to prove their financial worth through their actual assets.
Otherwise, if someone lost control during the auction and made random bids, it would be difficult for the organizers to rectify the situation afterward.
If news of such chaos spread, it would be a huge embarrassment.
"It seems this auction is well-organized!"
After some thought, Luo Chen took out an invitation from his storage ring.
The outer cover was clearly divided into black and white.
Upon witnessing this, the Golden Core Cultivator guarding the entrance revealed a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"So it's a guest of the Heavenly Origin Tower. Please come this way, Fellow Daoist. After entering, there will be dedicated maids to guide and attend to you."
Luo Chen nodded and walked straight into a brightly lit corridor.
He didn't use the gold-plated invitation sent by Wu Qi through the Flying Swallow Trading Company but instead used a regular invitation for the Heavenly Origin Tower's VIP guests, which he had obtained from Shan Shubao.
The latter also proved that his financial resources were not ordinary.
After all, those who could become VIPs at the Heavenly Origin Tower, an affiliate of the Heavenly Origin Alliance, would certainly possess considerable assets.
Once he entered the corridor, he saw two rows of women standing in perfect formation, each with exquisite features and celestial beauty, all at the late Condensation stage.
In terms of appearance, none of these women were inferior to Gu Caiyi or Cheng Haixin.
The only thing lacking was that unique aura.
Or perhaps, in the cultivation world, it was rare to find individuals with extremely ugly appearances.
Under the influence of spiritual energy, with simple I Ching Bone Piercing, having fair skin and beautiful features was the easiest thing.
Unless a cultivator didn't care about their appearance or had cultivated some extraordinary techniques or methods, like Luo Chen, which could lead to changes in skin color, facial features, and limbs.
As soon as Luo Chen entered, a maid took the initiative to approach him.
"I'm Qing, Senior. Please follow me."
The maid had bright eyes and white teeth, her smile as lovely as a flower.
As she guided him, she instinctively reached out to hold Luo Chen's arm.
Luo Chen glanced at her, and she immediately understood and stopped her action, confidently leading the way beside him.
Soon, the light dimmed, and Luo Chen entered a slightly dark private room.
It wasn't very spacious, but it was fully equipped.
There were tables, chairs, sofas, tea sets, wine cups, flower arrangements, potted plants, books, and paintings—everything one could ask for.
Luo Chen took a quick glance around and then focused his attention on the view outside the private room.
His position was on the second floor, allowing him to overlook the auction hall below.
At this moment, the hall was pitch-black and silent.
However, with a slight spread of his spiritual sense, he could tell that there were already over ten thousand people below, creating a bustling atmosphere.
"The soundproofing in this private room is quite good."
Luo Chen nodded to himself and glanced upstairs again.
The first floor was for ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators and a large number of wandering cultivators.
The second floor was for ordinary Golden Core Cultivators and some Foundation Establishment cultivators representing Core Formation sects.
The third floor was prepared for those sects with connections to the organizers or Golden Core Cultivators who had received special invitations.
Luo Chen had only used the regular invitation for the Heavenly Origin Tower's VIP guests.
If he had an invitation directly from the Heavenly Origin Alliance or the Magaroha Stream invitation sent by Wu Qi, he might have been able to go to the third floor.
As for the fourth floor...
Luo Chen shook his head, not letting his gaze linger for even a second longer.
Turning around, he saw that Maid Qing had already brought over a thick catalog.
"Senior, there are numerous items up for auction. This catalog lists all the items. If you have any that you're interested in, you can pay attention to when they will be auctioned. You can also instruct me, and I'll remind you when the time comes."
"Additionally, due to some sellers arriving late, we've added new items to the auction. These new items might not be listed on your previous invitation, so you can take a look and see if you're interested."
"Senior, would you like tea or wine? We have thirteen types of spiritual tea and seven types of fine wine, as well as fruits and snacks..."
Luo Chen waved his hand dismissively, "Just water is fine, I don't need anything else."
Such meticulous service and special treatment were likely not available in the wandering cultivators' seating area.
Especially the newly added items in the catalog, if wandering cultivators didn't prepare in advance and spent their funds elsewhere, they wouldn't be able to participate in the bidding even if they encountered these items.
Luo Chen wondered what benefits the cultivators on the third floor were enjoying. As he pondered, he flipped through the thick catalog.
Various item names caught his eye, accompanied by detailed descriptions.
Origin, characteristics, application, starting bid, transaction conditions... Some items even specifically stated the identity of the seller.
Luo Chen skimmed through quickly but meticulously.
This time, he not only wanted to bid on medicinal ingredients related to the Incarnation Pill but also to collect materials for defensive magical treasures.
The common and widely available auxiliary materials were of little interest.
For the important and rare materials, he didn't want to miss any of them.
Just as Luo Chen was scanning through the catalog, a voice transmission suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Luo Chen, bid for that Soul Nourishing Wood for me!"
Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged as he waved his hand, signaling the maid to leave.
Once the room became quiet, he flipped back to the previous page of the catalog.
One of the items caught his attention.
【Soul Nourishing Wood: Three thousand years old, about an inch in size. Originating from the Despondency Sea, it is tainted with an unfavorable aura, resulting in a lower quality compared to similar Soul Nourishing Woods. Suitable for crafting soul-type magical treasures. Starting bid: 200,000 spirit stones. Special conditions set by the seller may be considered for the transaction.】
Luo Chen carefully read through this simple line of information.
"Senior, do you want this?"
Han Zhan, who had left the Ten Thousand Souls Banner and was currently residing in Luo Chen's Primordial Cauldron, replied with a hint of excitement, "Of course I want it. This item might help me restore some of my strength."
Luo Chen spread out the catalog, "Such a treasure won't be easy to obtain!"
In the private room, a red-faced Daoist in black robes spoke with a serene tone.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
