Chapter 919: Copper Skin and Iron Bones
Chapter 919: Copper Skin and Iron Bones
Mo Hua spread out several cultivation manuals related to Lifesoul Artifacts and began studying them while simultaneously searching for a blank jade slip. He started from the beginning, organizing his thoughts:
The Lifesoul Artifact is a treasure that cultivators refine alongside their lifeforce and is closely tied to their cultivation path and heritage.
Only after refining a Lifesoul Artifact can one condense their Golden Core.
After condensing the core, the cultivator can wield their Lifesoul Artifact, unleashing power beyond that of ordinary Spirit Tools.
Each cultivator's Lifesoul Artifact is unique and exclusive to them, usable only by the cultivator themselves.
Moreover, it's not just about the Golden Core; as cultivators advance to Ascension and even future Void Penetration, their Lifesoul Artifacts will grow stronger alongside their cultivation.
This artifact will accompany the cultivator for a very long time.
Therefore, choosing a compatible Lifesoul Artifact is of utmost importance.
In fact, it's not just an artifact; it's like a part of the cultivator's physical body.
In orthodox cultivation traditions, the Lifesoul Artifact of a Golden Core cultivator remains separate from the cultivator. The cultivator and the artifact are distinct entities.
However, upon reaching Ascension, the artifact can be initially integrated into the body, truly achieving a unity between the cultivator and the artifact.
Of course, there are also cases where cultivators at the Golden Core stage merge their artifacts with their bodies.
For instance, Fire Buddha took two Fire-attributed artifact embryos and placed them in his chest, replacing his heart, as a means to achieve Golden Core condensation.
But this method is considered a "forbidden technique," and in a sense, Fire Buddha had no other choice.
Mo Hua recalled the grudge: Fire Buddha had committed numerous evil deeds in the past, almost getting killed by Uncle Gu. His heart meridian was damaged, and his life hung by a thread, forcing him to take a risky approach by using these two "flame hearts" as his Lifesoul Artifacts.
It was a desperate measure; otherwise, he might not have dared to attempt such a thing.
After all, tampering with one's heart and implanting an artifact is a life-threatening endeavor if not done with utmost care.
"Implanting an artifact in place of the heart..."
Mo Hua shook his head; it was too extreme and frightening, something he couldn't handle.
He lowered his head and continued flipping through the manuals.
Following Elder Xun's guidance, Mo Hua's Lifesoul Artifact should primarily enhance his Spirit Energy.
Spirit Energy is the foundation of a cultivator's power.
Powerful cultivation methods, without exception, consume vast amounts of Spirit Energy.
When cultivation levels are not overwhelming, tactics are not devious enough, and calculations are not thorough, direct confrontations between cultivators often boil down to a battle of Spirit Energy.
Whoever has more Spirit Energy, can endure its consumption, and can fight until the end, will emerge victorious and survive the deadly battles.
This is especially crucial for Spirit Cultivators.
Mo Hua's weak Spirit Energy has always been one of his biggest weaknesses, second only to his physical body.
Therefore, using a Lifesoul Artifact to enhance Spirit Energy is the optimal choice.
"Spirit Energy-related artifacts..."
Mo Hua flipped through the manuals and finally found a few well-known and stable artifact legacies in the "Encyclopedia of Cultivator Artifacts":
"Spirit Jade Gourd, White Jade Purification Vase, Spirit Chest, Spirit Gathering Hairpin..."
After refining gourds, vases, and chests, they can store the cultivator's Spirit Energy.
Being Lifesoul Artifacts, they are refined alongside the cultivator's lifeforce, storing their own Spirit Energy, allowing for immediate use and replenishment without the need for time-consuming refinement, akin to an external Sea of Qi.
This is of great significance in life-and-death battles where every second counts.
Consequently, these artifacts have scarce legacies, and their refinement methods are often kept within major sects or influential families.
Additionally, they are exceptionally expensive, far surpassing the cost of typical family disciples' artifacts.
Only true direct lineage heirs of major sects or fifth-rank and above family heirs can afford to cultivate such artifacts.
Moreover, the biggest challenge, similar to other high-grade artifacts, is the need for early nurturing.
In fact, this requirement is even more stringent, starting as early as three years old.
Since these Spirit-gathering artifacts serve as an additional Sea of Qi, the compatibility between the artifact and the cultivator is extremely critical.
If not nurtured from a young age, the artifact's rejection by the cultivator will be high, making successful nurturing unlikely.
Even if nurtured, the quality will be subpar, and the stored Spirit Energy will be significantly diminished.
This is the crux of the issue.
Mo Hua had missed the nurturing window, even more so than for other artifacts.
Three years old...
Unless born with a silver spoon, with Ascended or Void-penetrating elders in the family, who would think of nurturing such artifacts from the age of three in preparation for Golden Core condensation?
It's an extravagant idea.
If one were to force it, they would have to accept the consequences of insufficient nurturing, artifact rejection, minimal Spirit Energy storage, and various unforeseen side effects.
If you can't handle it, don't attempt it.
Mo Hua shook his head and continued flipping through the pages.
Since Spirit Energy-related artifacts were not an option, he turned his attention to physical body-enhancing artifacts.
Physical body-enhancing artifacts fall into two categories: those that protect the physical body and those that strengthen it.
Protective artifacts are similar to what body cultivators nurture, such as armor, heart guard mirrors, Golden Bell Shields, and Iron Robes.
These are advanced versions of Spirit Tools, allowing body cultivators to protect their physical bodies or vital areas.
With such protection, body cultivators can engage in close-quarters combat more fearlessly.
However, if Mo Hua were to cultivate such artifacts, they would be solely for "life preservation" rather than combat.
It would serve as a last resort.
In situations of hidden dangers and life-or-death crises, where dodging is impossible, these artifacts can block fatal attacks, ensuring survival.
Of course, in such cases, the artifact is likely to be damaged beyond repair.
But a damaged artifact is still better than a damaged life.
The other category of artifacts directly strengthens the cultivator's physical body, as their name suggests.
This is also Mo Hua's most significant weakness.
However, upon inspection, he found that these artifacts were also high-end and highly confidential cultivation legacies, far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.
These physical body-strengthening artifacts are collectively known as "Copper Skin and Iron Bones."
They are sophisticated and intricate, involving not only artifact refinement but also pill concoction and certain array functions, making them unique artifact legacies.
"Copper Skin and Iron Bone" is a type of treasure that comes in two forms: external skin implantation and internal bone implantation.
For the external skin implantation, certain liquid metals are infused into a cultivator's epidermis, creating a "copper skin" or "scale armor," making them impervious to blades and spears.
As for the internal bone implantation, special jade and gold materials are embedded within the cultivator's skeletal structure, enhancing their physique and making them incredibly robust.
These treasures, collectively known as "Copper Skin and Iron Bone," are unique in their design, materials, and heritage. The process of nurturing or refining them is also extraordinary, making them a top-tier legacy of noble families.
"Copper Skin and Iron Bone..."
Mo Hua's heart stirred with interest.
The integration of these treasures into the skin and bones provides a comprehensive enhancement to the physical body while maintaining a discreet and convenient method.
Moreover, the very name of this treasure sounds incredibly cool.
Most importantly, it seems that there is no prerequisite of prior nurturing, and it appears that even before Core Formation, the implantation of these treasures into copper skin or iron bones is feasible, making it a very friendly option for Mo Hua.
Mo Hua made a mental note of this type of treasure and continued his research.
Lastly, he came across concealment and escape-type treasures.
Most Array Masters, including many non-combative Artificers and Pill Concocters, would choose these types of treasures as their lifesoul artifacts.
This is a common choice, as cultivators seek longevity, and to achieve that, one must preserve their life. What's the point of pursuing longevity if one becomes a short-lived ghost?
However, Mo Hua, unlike ordinary Array Masters, is exceptionally skilled in magic and particularly adept at concealment techniques and body movement skills. These treasures would only be an added bonus for him, but they couldn't bring about a qualitative change.
Therefore, the priority of choosing such treasures is relatively low.
Nevertheless, being a conventional choice implies that it is popular and widely accepted, suggesting that many people use it, making it reliable and versatile. It may not be better than others, but it won't be worse than most.
Practicality is the essence of excellence, and there's no need to always seek novelty.
Mo Hua spent some time skimming through various tomes, including the 'Cultivator's Treasure Compendium' and other related books, making detailed comparisons before roughly settling on his choice:
Copper Skin and Iron Bone!
His lifesoul artifact would be the Copper Skin and Iron Bone, enhancing his physical body!
After all, his physical body was incredibly weak, and he had always dreamed of becoming a Body Cultivator. He envisioned a future where he could subdue others with his fists or, like his junior brother, wield a long spear and fight his way through a sea of enemies.
Although it seemed impossible at the moment, he could at least give it a try.
Choosing Copper Skin and Iron Bone as his treasure would make it more convenient for him in various situations, whether it's taking a beating, running away, close-quarters control, or dodging attacks. Even if he had to hit someone with a blunt object, it would pack more power.
However, obtaining such a treasure would be extremely challenging.
Mo Hua could only put in the effort, and the outcome would be left to fate.
After all, things in the world rarely go exactly as one wishes.
To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, Mo Hua also selected a few backup options.
One was a life-saving armor-type treasure, the Golden Body Armor, which might save his life in critical situations.
Next was the Concealment Robe for hiding and the Thousand Mile Flying Boots for escape.
Mo Hua preferred the Thousand Mile Flying Boots, as they allowed him to run incredibly fast.
If he ever did something wrong, he could just sprint away, and no one would be able to catch up.
As for spirit energy-type treasures, they seemed wonderful...
Owning a Spirit Jade Gourd would be like having a second Sea of Qi, and using high-level Dao techniques might not be as exhausting.
However, these treasures were beyond his reach, so he could only admire them from a distance.
...
After careful consideration, Mo Hua immediately sought out Elder Xun for his opinion.
Elder Xun was a bit surprised but, after some thought, nodded in agreement.
Mo Hua's physical body was his most significant weakness.
If he wanted to make up for this shortcoming, strengthening his physical body would be a reasonable choice.
Once the Copper Skin and Iron Bone were implanted, it would enhance both offense and survival chances, but there was one issue...
"The Great Void Sect doesn't have such a heritage," Elder Xun explained.
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Not even the inner sect?"
"It's not that we don't have it, but it's rare, and it's not very suitable for you," Elder Xun replied.
"The Great Void Sect, at its core, is a Sword Dao sect. Our ancestors were renowned for their sword techniques, but some of these sword arts are not easy to pass on, so we gradually became more 'moderate,' teaching a bit of everything, including sword arts, magic, and martial arts."
"We do have other treasure heritages, but 'Copper Skin and Iron Bone' is too special. It requires direct implantation of certain metal or stone material into the cultivator's body. Not only must there be a heritage from the ancestors, but it also requires the collective efforts of dozens of generations of cultivators, diligently researching and refining their techniques, for the experience and skills to accumulate and form a stable heritage."
"Only then can we ensure that there are no mishaps, as the implanted metal and jade materials can easily cause problems."
Elder Xun paused, then continued, "I do have a few such heritages that I obtained by chance many years ago, but they are all iron skin and iron bone types, which are too low-level, shallow, and made from cheap materials, not suitable for you."
"And there's one more crucial point..."
Elder Xun looked at Mo Hua, "Copper Skin and Iron Bone places a significant burden on the physical body, and only true Body Cultivators can cultivate it. If you forcefully implant it, your small frame might not be able to withstand it..."
"Isn't there one with a smaller burden?" Mo Hua asked.
"There are..." Elder Xun said, "But such heritages are already scarce, and finding one with a smaller burden on the body is even more difficult."
Even for a Void Penetration old ancestor like him, it was a challenging task.
Heritages are the foundation of cultivation and the lifeblood of sects and noble families.
The barriers between heritages in the cultivation world are strict, and stealing another's heritage is akin to incurring the wrath of a father's killer or a wife's betrayer.
Although the Great Void Sect is a major sect, it's not wealthy enough to have everything it desires, especially when it comes to treasures like Copper Skin and Iron Bone, which have stringent requirements, a small burden, and broad applicability.
Mo Hua sighed, his expression filled with disappointment.
Elder Xun noticed this and felt a twinge of guilt.
Mo Hua was already at a disadvantage due to his background as a wandering cultivator, and if his artifact was inferior, he would only fall further behind as time went on.
Within the Great Void Sect, everyone's artifacts were of utmost importance, and Mo Hua's was no exception. He needed the best and most suitable one.
Elder Xun pondered for a moment, "I'll think of something. I'll ask around and see if anyone has a suitable one. If so, I'll trade for it."
Mo Hua was taken aback, touched by the offer, and whispered, "The cost won't be low, will it?"
"Don't worry," Elder Xun reassured him, "You earned the top spot in the Array Mastery, maintaining the reputation of the Great Void Sect. This is what you deserve."
Mo Hua still felt guilty.
"If it's not possible, I'll deduct some merit points. Consider it as using your merits to purchase a legacy," Elder Xun suggested.
As he spoke, he realized this idea wasn't bad.
Mo Hua's merit points had already reached an inflated amount, and it was getting difficult to continue increasing them. Even if the system didn't show him the exact amount, he needed to find a way to spend some of those points.
Mo Hua breathed a sigh of relief.
Spending some merit points to nurture his Lifesoul Artifact and achieve Core Formation was worth it. He could clearly differentiate between the importance of various tasks.
After all, merit points were meant for such purposes.
"Thank you, Elder!" Mo Hua expressed his gratitude.
Elder Xun nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "I can help you look, but I can't guarantee if or when I'll find something suitable. It's best to be prepared and have backup plans..."
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded, "I understand, Elder."
...
After that, Elder Xun began searching for a method to refine a Lifesoul Artifact for Mo Hua.
But there was no certainty in such matters, and it was unclear when he would receive any news.
Moreover, even if such a method existed, it would likely come with other complications...
Mo Hua researched and discovered that the Copper Iron Skinbone implantation was just one type of Body-Inscription Alchemy technique. To truly unleash its power, it often required compatibility with other cultivation methods, totems, or martial arts.
Having the implantation method didn't necessarily mean there would be a matching Dao technique, or perhaps the matching Dao technique wouldn't suit him.
Mo Hua felt helpless.
The higher the level of the legacy, the more complex and profound it tended to be.
The requirements for various aptitudes also tended to be more stringent.
Even after overcoming the initial hurdle, there were often many smaller ones inside.
Mo Hua sighed.
However, now that the direction was clear, there was no need to hesitate. He just needed to persevere.
In the following days, Mo Hua focused on researching how to create his Lifesoul Artifact using the Copper Iron Skinbone method.
He organized all the difficult problems, considered them in advance, and prepared early to ensure a comprehensive plan.
Preparation was key to success.
A few days later, while Mo Hua was in his disciple's residence, pondering his Lifesoul Artifact, his token suddenly vibrated, and a message arrived.
It was the Guest Scholar Token from the Demon Sect.
Mo Hua slapped his forehead, remembering that he had forgotten about the Demon Sect.
The reason was that he had killed enough Golden Core cultivators and consumed enough Divine Remains in the Demon Sect, temporarily losing its 'value'.
He had more important matters to attend to, namely preparing for his Lifesoul Artifact before Core Formation, so he hadn't checked his Guest Scholar Token in several days.
Mo Hua picked up the token and read the message.
As expected, it was from Elder You.
And it wasn't just one message; he didn't know when they were sent:
"Mr. Yuan, Elder Eight is dead. I wonder if there are any other spies within our Demon Sect?"
"Mr. Yuan?"
"Mr. Yuan, has something happened?"
"Why aren't you responding? Are you dissatisfied with our sect?"
"Mr. Yuan... Please reply if you receive this message."
...
Mo Hua stroked his chin.
Oh no, I might have slipped up. I wonder if I can cover it up, and if Elder You will suspect me...
"Should I... stop dealing with them?"
Mo Hua considered.
I've killed Golden Core cultivators, consumed Divine Remains, severed the Evil Embryo, broken through the bottleneck, and my Divine Marrow is almost pure gold...
I've almost achieved all my goals.
It seems unnecessary to waste more time dealing with the Demon Sect.
To be honest, it's not very dignified for a small Foundation Establishment cultivator like me to constantly interact with these ruthless Golden Core demons. And it's too dangerous.
I should seize the opportunity to withdraw.
Let the Dao Prefecture Office handle the eradication of the Demon Sect. I just need to occasionally monitor the progress and ensure Uncle Gu doesn't lose his life.
Nurturing my Lifesoul Artifact is the real priority; I can't afford any delays.
But before that, after working so hard for so long, I should at least get the last bit of 'wool'...
Mo Hua thought for a moment and sent a message to Elder You:
"I'm being targeted by the Dao Prefecture Office's lackeys..."
As expected, a moment later, Elder You replied: "Is that so?"
"The Dao Prefecture Office's lackeys deserve to die!"
Mo Hua didn't respond, pretending to be in hiding from the Dao Prefecture Office's investigation, and deliberately left Elder You hanging for a while before replying:
"Your operations are not discreet, and you've implicated me!"
Mo Hua took the initiative, shifting the blame.
"My whereabouts have been exposed..."
"The Dao Prefecture Office has experts using Lightning Magnetic tracking on me. I'm afraid they'll find clues, so I can only hide."
"Once they trace my location and launch a siege, I'll surely die!"
Mo Hua wasn't lying; the real Mr. Yuan had died in this manner.
Upon hearing this, Elder You became solemn and apologized, "We apologize for our negligence, which has caused you trouble. What will you do now...?"
Mo Hua didn't reply but left Elder You hanging for a while before saying, "The situation is unfavorable. I need to lay low for a while. Before that..."
Mo Hua's eyes narrowed, and he sent a message, "I want my reward... eight hundred thousand spirit stones!"
(End of Chapter)
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