Forty Millenniums of Cultivation, page 450
The supportive axis in the back was the most important part for both crystal suits and Ares Extensions.
The supportive axis connected the crystal processor above, the super-compressed crystal reactor in the middle, and the main power rune arrays at the back.
Just like the spine of a human being, it was always of paramount importance.
If the spine was broken, a man would be paralyzed. It was exactly so for the supportive axis.
Therefore, the supportive axis was also known as the 'crystal spine'. It was one of the most essential units for crystal suits and Ares Extensions.
Taking a deep breath, Master Huangpu Bo rubbed his hands. White mist as thick as water flowed out of his palms and divided into four streams.
An intact crystal spine was dissected into dozens of fundamental components after several cracking sounds.
Most components were left aside. But seven intriguing components in eccentric shapes were gathered in the middle.
It seemed that they were the core components of the crystal spine.
The seven experienced refiners all held their breath and observed the seven components carefully.
The seven components were all in irregular forms and had sharp edges. They looked somewhat similar to the real spine of a dragon.
When aimed at the light, colorful brilliance was vaguely spreading out like hazy mists.
"This is—"
Xie Qianhe tried to explore one of the components with his spiritual threads to determine the materials that constituted the component.
Yet, his soul shivered, and his face color immediately changed.
"This component is made of the Heavenly Fire Wolfram, the Moon Tear Germanium, and the Electric Brewer Bronze, three extremely aggressive materials, as well as dozens of other microelements!
"How can that be?"
Xie Qianhe had a deep understanding of material science. He said, "Heavenly Fire Wolfram, Moon Tear Germanium, and Electric Brewer Bronze are the ultimate materials of the fire class, the water class, and the electricity class respectively. They are all extremely violent!
"Just as there can't be two tigers on the same mountain, the three materials are like 'tyrants' among Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Only one of them can be used as the main material for a piece of magical equipment. Other materials should all be ancillary ones.
"It is already extremely difficult to meld two of the materials into one, not to mention combining three steadily and naturally while maintaining their respective features!
"Master Xue Yuanxin is indeed not old yet!"
"And this one—"
Xie Qianhe's shock had not ended yet. When he triggered the component with his spiritual energy, he seemed to hear a sign from the inside of the component. Then, three tiny rune arrays appeared on the surface of the component that had been empty a moment ago.
"Hidden runes!"
Xie Qianhe's eyes opened even wider.
Hidden runes, as the name suggested, meant rune arrays that were hidden inside the magical equipment instead of being carved on the surface.
There were many merits to such a practice. The rune array would remain intact for longer and was less likely to be damaged. It would be less affected by the spiritual waves of the outside world, and the circulation of spiritual energy would be smoother.
But it was extremely difficult to compose hidden runes. Even Xie Qianhe was not confident that he could leave hidden runes on any material, much less a weird, synthesized one!
However—
Xie Qianhe gasped.
Something weird happened.
While he sent more spiritual energy into the component, the three hidden runes on the surface of the component underwent subtle changes and turned into three entirely different rune arrays!
"Stroke switching!"
Xie Qianhe was dumbfounded by Master Xue Yuanxin's amazing skills in refining.
Stroke switching was another sophisticated technique in refining that allowed a refiner to compose different rune arrays on the same spot with different ink and methods.
When the telepathic thought from the user or the spiritual energy sent in were altered, the runes would change into various forms accordingly.
However large a piece of magical equipment was, the space for runes was always limited.
When one could only carve five rune arrays with the common techniques, they would be able to carve fifteen or even more with the 'stroke switching' technique.
It was needless to say which of the two choices was better.
Take the component in front of Xie Qianhe for example. The two sets of rune arrays that appeared before and after both highlighted 'solidness', 'sturdiness', and 'persistence'. But he had sensed that the first set of rune arrays was more focused on attack while the second gave more attention to defense.
It meant that the Unparalleled Extension could be switched between the aggressive form and the defensive form freely at will after adopting such a design.
"Combing three materials as volatile as Heavenly Fire Wolfram, Moon Tear Germanium, and Electric Brewer Bronze perfectly and composing six sets of different rune array groups in the tiny space with the hidden rune technique and the stroke switching technique… The spiritual energy circulates smoothly, and the hundreds of runes do not affect each other at all!
"The toughness and performance of the component is at least 30% higher than components of the same type.
"Immeasurable. Truly immeasurable!
"As expected of Master Xue Yuanxin, the previous First Armadominus of the Red Line School!"
Xie Qianhe was fully convinced. Such marvelous arts of refining were perhaps unattainable for him in the rest of his life!
However, on second thought, Xie Qianhe felt happy and grinned when he realized that his daughter would probably study equally marvelous refining skills from Master Huangpu, who was as famous as Master Xue.
The other few experienced refiners surrounded the seven irregular components and were all amazed. They all sang its praises.
"The core components of the crystal spine must've been polished by Master Xue in person. They are indeed wonders!
"The seven core components alone are enough to support an excellent Ares Extension even if there is no Super Bendable Steel!"
"Not just the Ares Extension! The seven core components are at a very advanced level in regard to sturdiness and functionality. They can be applied to many high-end crystal suits!"
"For example, 'Red Phoenix', the flagship model that the Red Line School introduced this year, specializes in high-speed scouting. It has an extremely low weight. But to achieve the purpose of reducing the weight, the performance of the crystal spine was not very satisfactory.
"If it is strengthened with the same techniques as the seven components, the performance of the crystal suit will definitely be upgraded!"
The other few refiners all nodded their heads in approval.
The amazing performance that the seven components showed had proved them qualified enough to be applied to magical equipment of various types. They could turn ordinary into extraordinary and ultimately improve the quality of a piece of magical equipment.
They whispered to each other and planned to talk with Master Xue about cooperation or even transferring the techniques.
But with a complicated smile, Master Huangpu sighed and said, "If I may suggest, you can stop thinking about how to please Old Xue."
"Why? Is Master Xue unwilling to transfer the techniques?"
The refiner from the Red Line School said confidently, "As long as Master Xue is willing to transfer the techniques, we can pay whatever price he wants!"
The Red Line School was practically Xue Yuanxin's home, and the two parties had always been in a close relationship. If the techniques were confidential, they could always rehire Master Xue and ask him to provide technical support.
But Master Huangpu shook his head and said, "No. According to the work report of the Unparalleled Extension in my hand, the seven core components were not refined by Old Xue, but by Sand Scorpion, the second refiner of the Unparalleled Extension!"
Chapter 671: Why Are You Crying? |
The air in the examination room seemed to have been pumped away. There was nothing but dead silence for ten seconds. Then, the experts of the trade all jumped to their feet.
"Sand Scorpion? The magnate from Iron Plateau?"
"It's true that he has a refining center under his name, but does he really know the arts of refining himself and is so adept at them?"
"Is—is it possible? I'm told that he made a fool of himself this morning by purchasing a worthless crap with a fortune. He was the biggest joke in the auction!"
"I remember that he is not very old. Forty years old, tops. The seven components are crafted skillfully without the least hint of hinderance. It also carries a vintage air with it. Such a young man is definitely not able to do that!"
Hearing the exclamations, Xie Qianhe felt that his head was dizzy, and his ears were humming. He could not help but step back in shock.
He opened his mouth, too, and was about to question Master Huangpu, but he knew deep in his heart that Master Xue would not make such a joke in the work report.
Is Sand Scorpion really an expert of refining who has been hiding himself?
Producing such super components, his skills in refining are really unbelievable. Did he start learning the arts of refining before he was born?
Xie Qianhe could not figure out the reason at all.
He recalled his remark about the guy in front of his daughter. His mouth immediately turned sour, and he was grasped by complicated feelings.
Listening to everyone peacefully, Master Huangpu nodded and said, "To be honest, I found it as hard to believe as every one of you.
"Seeing is believing. It's very simple if we want to know Sand Scorpion's expertise in refining.
"Just now, I made a deal with Sand Scorpion through Old Xue that we will 'barter' tomorrow."
"What!"
Everybody was greatly surprised. They did not expect that Master Huangpu would propose to communicate with Sand Scorpion despite his fame in the circle of refiners.
'Barter' was also known as an 'exchange of techniques'. It was a very common method of communication among refiners.
The rules for bartering were very simple.
For example, Master Huangpu was quite interested in the techniques through which Li Yao forged the seven core components and wanted to know more about them. But Li Yao would not show the techniques to anybody easily because such precious techniques were priceless. Therefore, if Master Huangpu was really interested in them, he could offer some of his own techniques for Li Yao to decide. The two parties would demonstrate their own techniques, which were mostly of similar value, unreservedly, including every detail, to each other.
This would be a bartering of techniques.
As for how much the other party would be able to grasp, it would all depend on their own understanding.
'Barter' was both communication and competition.
The subtext was:
"Even if I show every move of my technique to you right in front of your face, you won't be able to understand it!
"On the contrary, I will grasp your technique as long as you show it once to me!"
After all, refiners were not combat-type Cultivators who played with blades. Most of them did not have grudges with each other. There was no way that they would engage in a real battle.
Competing with each other by bartering would not only measure the skillfulness of different refiners but also maintain the ostensible peace. Besides, it could also stimulate the development of the arts of refining in general. Therefore, it was quite popular among refiners.
For many refiners, their sole purpose of travelling to Heavenly Saints City after a journey of ten thousand miles was to barter techniques with other experts. Nothing else.
They did not expect that Master Huangpu would propose to barter with a young refiner.
However, on second thought, if the seven core components were indeed refined by Sand Scorpion, the techniques were definitely worth trading with any skill.
Master Huangpu always considered the arts of refining his life. No wonder he would not let go of such an opportunity.
The refiner from the Red Line School hesitated and said, "Master Huangpu, I want to exchange techniques with Sand Scorpion, too. I wonder, will he accept?"
Master Huangpu smiled. "I can ask Old Xue to forward your message. But according to Old Xue, Sand Scorpion is an out-and-out maniac in refining who is interested in every skill. It should not be a problem.
"However, what kind of technique are you going to barter with?
"I proposed to exchange his techniques with my 'Heptahedral Dual Rune Array Structure'.
Everybody gasped again simultaneously.
The Heptahedral Dual Rune Array Structure was Master Huangpu's well-known ultimate skill that could embed two unidentical and different-sized rune arrays together.
Even the simplest rune array groups would have dozens of new variations after employing such a design!
They did not expect that Master Huangpu would be so extravagant as to offer such secret arts.
But in a way, it did make sense. The techniques to forge the seven components were too incredible. The guy would not agree to the barter at all if they were not sophisticated techniques such as the Heptahedral Dual Rune Array Structure, provided he was not an idiot.
Everybody looked at each other in bewilderment.
They were all planning to barter with Sand Scorpion. But now that Master Huangpu had provided such a high-level technique, they would not only be considering Sand Scorpion a moron but also slapping Master Xue's and Master Huangpu's faces if they were to offer some rudimental skills of refining.
Pondering for a long time, the refiner of the Red Line School stomped on the ground and gritted his teeth. "I—I can show Sand Scorpion the complete 'Light Chasing Hellfire Art'!
"This secret technique can improve the temperature inside a furnace by at least 1,200 degrees in three seconds!"
Another refiner stepped forward, his eyes red. "I will trade my 'Heavenly Thread Blood Binding Art' for his techniques. This is a secret art that can strengthen materials with blood. I have not even taught my true disciples the skill. Is it good enough?"
Seeing the generosity of their companions, the other refiners all gritted their teeth and proposed their ultimate skills.
One of the refiners breathed heavily and said, "What's the big deal about bartering? I don't believe that he can learn such a delicate skill after seeing it only once!"
Xie Qianhe was hesitating at first until he was enlightened by the remark.
He strode forward and said, "Master Huangpu, I want to barter with Sand Scorpion, too. I cannot reveal the Xie family's secret arts to outsiders, but I received a secret art named 'Dividing Gold Splitting Jade Art' ten years ago that can be used to purify materials.
"When Cultivated to the highest level, the secret art can purify lowly materials with abundant impurities into high-level materials with few to no impurities. It is a supreme Cultivation art that can improve the quality of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures!
"I believe the technique should be enough to trade with Sand Scorpion!"
Master Huangpu asked everybody to write down the names and effects of their techniques. He then gathered the information and sent it over to Master Xue Yuanxin.
A while later, the response came.
"Sand Scorpion has agreed to barter with everybody in the No.19 refining workshop at dawn tomorrow!"
"Excellent!"
Xie Qianhe clenched his fists hard.
He was going to observe in person whether or not Sand Scorpion's skills in refining were as good as they appeared to be!
Half an hour later, Xie Qianhe walked out of the examination room and called his wife. "Ah Xiang, about Anan's master…"
"Old Xie, not good!"
Dong Hanxiang was quite anxious. "Anan just left a note and ran away through the window!"
"What?"
Xie Qianhe widened his eyes and was dazed for a long time. Taking a long breath, he said, "Forget it. Leave her alone. She's almost twenty years old. She should know what she's doing."
Dong Hanxiang was dumbfounded. She expected that her husband to burst into fury when he heard the news and did not think that he would be so calm.
"Old Xie, what happened?"
"Nothing," Xie Qianhe replied gloomily. "It's just that my eyes are not as good as the old days."
…
"Greetings, dear audience. I am Yi Feilan, a journalist from 'Entertainment Weekly', reporting from the Edge Sharpeners' Meeting.
"Even the best magical equipment relies on a Cultivator to dedicate the highest performance. Today, we have been following the young genius Wu Mayan. According to the latest news, Wu Mayan is currently training in the No.77 training room affiliated to the meeting.
"What kind of training did the young genius go through to become the most eye-catching superstar in Flying Star University?
"Now, please follow me to the door of the No.77 training room and wait for Wu Mayan to appear!"
After talking to concealed microphone that was hidden on her collar, Yi Feilan lurked behind some bushes stealthily and mumbled to herself, "Wu Mayan, I'm definitely going to catch you this time."
A moment later, the door of the No.77 training room opened slightly.
"He's here!"
Yi Feilan was refreshed and immediately came up with nineteen interview plans, some of which were hoping to earn his sympathy while some others were bordering on harassment.
However, just when she jumped out of the bushes, she saw the guy's face in the artificial moonlight.
Yi Feilan gasped and froze.
The man, or rather, the object that appeared to be a man, had a swollen head that was even larger than a pig head and covered in bruises. He was so miserable that even his parents would not have recognized him.
The high-toughness protective suit on his body had been torn into thousands of threads, flying in the wind.
