Chapter 007: Magical Traps

The title of "High Priest of the Behemoth" does not refer to an individual, but rather to a position. The Orcs worship the Supreme Sky Church, and their highest deity is "Saman the Supreme Sky." After thousands of years of ethnic integration, the Star Refining World is now home to six major races: Humans, Demons, Orcs, Dwarves, Elves, and Dragons, coexisting across the globe. The religions of these races have spread throughout the continent. Almost every city has a Shaman temple of the Supreme Sky Church, and Mount Wang City is no exception; however, the number of Orcs residing here is not large, and the temple does not have a strong following.

Emma had already walked out when she suddenly turned back, pointing at the decapitation sword hanging on the wall, and asked hopefully, "Is that really made by your own hands?" Ge Zheng nodded slightly, "Indeed." Emma smiled faintly, "It's a pity I can't use that thing. If I can complete the task this time, I will come back to ask you to forge a magical bow for me." Ge Zheng smiled, "No problem, I'll give you a 20% discount."

If someone nearby were to hear such a gentle voice coming from a bear-like figure towering over 2.2 meters, resembling a small mountain, they would likely be left in awe, their jaw dropping in disbelief.

Duke was furious: "The top night elf dancer at the Green Rhino Club wouldn't spend this much money in one night!" Emma said angrily: "Duke!" Duke replied: "Emma, you are not even a night elf... Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Ge Zheng chuckled: "I thought wizards were physically weak because of their profession, but it turns out there is another reason." Duke's face flushed, and he defended himself: "It's not as sordid as you think; I've only been there a few times..." Emma shot him a murderous glance, and Duke quickly lowered his head again.

Ge Zheng inquired with the old man next door and learned that to the north of Wangshan City, beyond the Feichong Desert, there are three major principalities: the Yajia Principality, the Maeris Principality, and the Selkin Principality, all of which are under the powerful Aosta Empire. The capitals of these three principalities are large cities with populations in the hundreds of thousands, where business is far better than in Wangshan City. However, to open a shop in the capital of any of the three principalities, one must have at least 30,000 gold coins. Ge Zheng's goal is to gather 30,000 gold coins and then leave Wangshan City.

Sarniel approached, secured the box, and with a flick of his toes, the heavy wooden crate flew up with a whoosh, landing on Powell's shoulder. "Big Bear, hold on tight," Sarniel turned to Ge Zheng and said, "If we successfully capture the Yalong Lizard, we will definitely send you two thousand gold coins." Ge Zheng had no doubts: "No problem."

There is only one night left. Ge Zheng furrowed his brow and quickly wrote out a list: Then you all need to hurry, as many supply stores are likely to be closed.

In the midst of their conversation, they had already arrived at Ge Zheng's alchemy shop. As the sun set, Ge Zheng was preparing to close the door, and four shadows of varying sizes fell at the entrance.

This image is viewed from a magical perspective, yet the wizard himself is absent from the scene. However, a continuous stream of cold light emanates from the bottom of the frame, with ice spikes, ice blades, and ice dragons appearing in succession. Yet, the colossal beast is inherently immune to magic, rendering many spells ineffective against it

Sarniel, however, felt quite the opposite; this fellow was so carefree that even under the threat we posed, he still had the leisure to tease Emma, clearly not taking us seriously at all

Ge Zheng considered for a moment and quoted, "For the materials related to the books, I require 2,000 gold coins." Ge Zheng was not taking advantage of the situation; the Ayalong species of magical beasts possessed immense strength, easily breaking ordinary iron chains. A simple cage would certainly not suffice; it not only required magical enhancement but also could not be contained by general low-level magic. Only a sealing magic array could be used, which is even more challenging than crafting an enchanted weapon. Therefore, asking for 2,000 gold coins is not an exorbitant demand.

However, the enchanting equipment crafted by Ge Zheng exhibits exceptional effects. A standard-sized low-grade magic crystal can only unleash thirty level three spells when used on other enchanting equipment, but when placed on Ge Zheng's enchanting equipment, it can release forty level three spells, resulting in a one-third reduction in magical consumption

Beside the counter, Ge Zheng had already begun negotiating the price with Emma. Emma was unsure of what amount would be appropriate, and in the end, Ge Zheng said, "How about this: you first tell me your request and see if I can fulfill it. If I can, I will then quote a price." Emma nodded, "Deal. Powell." They worked in perfect harmony; as soon as the bear clan berserker heard Emma call him, he immediately closed the door and took down the meteor hammer from his waist, standing guard behind the door.

The efficiency of such utilization has left those adventurers who purchased weapons bearing the Ge Zheng Tai Chi emblem overjoyed; these weapons, having departed from Wangshan City, can easily be acquired for 800 gold coins in any of the five major cities across the continent

Wearing the Forge of the Wanderer, Ge Zheng began the process of refining

Delson City is one of the five major cities of the Starry Sky Continent, and thus the High Priest of the Delson Temple is a High Priest of the Behemoth. It is no wonder that Powell is so proud to receive praise from a High Priest of the Behemoth

Ge Zheng casually sketched several plans on paper, ultimately selecting one: chain confinement, followed by securing its head and front paws with shackles

The phantom flickered a few times, gradually becoming clearer, revealing a scene of battle before my eyes. Surrounding it were lush green woods. In order to conserve magical energy, Duke did not depict these intricate details very clearly, and only a vibrant expanse of green could be seen

At dinner time, all four members of the team returned. Powell had the greatest harvest, which made this kind-hearted orc feel quite aggrieved, as people would become exceedingly obedient upon seeing him, giving him whatever he asked for. The four of them gathered together and finally managed to collect all the necessary materials, presenting them before Ge Zheng

Ge Zheng looked at the four people and said, "I understand, you want me to create such a cage. However, I would like to ask you a few questions: since this magician's magic can trap it, why not wait for his magical power to recover before hunting it?" "Because we cannot wait," Emma, in her urgency, revealed the secret: "We must return the heart of the Yalong Lizard within fifteen days, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable. However, Duke needs three months to recuperate, and there are no high-level magicians or warriors nearby. Seeking support by crossing the Fat Worm Desert would take sixteen days for a round trip, leaving us with no other option."

"How about it, Sarniel? Do you want to buy it? Tsk tsk, 3,000 gold coins. Everything you fancy is indeed not cheap." The elven beauty glanced at the price and shook her head. Sarniel stood under the blade for a long time, and finally shifted his gaze away: "Mastery in martial arts cannot be distracted. If I were to exchange for this magical blade, I would never be able to reach the pinnacle of martial arts."

Boss. The smile of the elven girl is evidently harmless, and all foreign affairs of the small team are handled by her. However, Emma knows this is a reluctant choice. Among the four, the violent bear was the first to be excluded. Even if he has a temperament as gentle as a cat, his appearance is too frightening; if he were to ask someone for directions, it would be surprising if they weren't scared off. Saniel's temperament is as foul and hard as a stone in a latrine; he often likes to put on a cool face and never smiles, making him unlikable to strangers. Emma knows this is a reluctant choice. Among the four, the violent bear was the first to be excluded. Even if he has a temperament as gentle as a cat, his appearance is too frightening; if he were to ask someone for directions, it would be surprising if they weren't scared off. Saniel's temperament is as foul and hard as a stone in a latrine; he often likes to put on a cool face and never smiles, making him unlikable to strangers. The wizard Duke appears weak, but in fact has a violent temper, ready to unleash magic at the slightest disagreement. Although she is not good at dealing with people, she is the only one in this small team who can "hold her own".

On the battlefield, three individuals are besieging a lizard-like giant beast the size of a cart. The four possess considerable strength; the berserker of the bear tribe is immensely powerful, wielding a meteor hammer that forces the giant beast to retreat a step with each strike. However, the beast is covered in a thick layer of scales, making it incredibly sturdy. Even the strength of the bear people is insufficient to breach its defenses.

... ...

The attacks of the elven archer are erratic and elusive, making them difficult to predict. Each arrow she shoots is aimed at the giant beast's eyes, yet no matter how fast her arrows are, they cannot outpace the speed at which the beast closes its eyes. As the two eyelids descend, they are covered with a circular scale, resembling a shield, rendering her sharp arrows ineffective against it

Ge Zheng specializes in magical weapons and also deals in some potions; Old Hans primarily focuses on scrolls and protective gear. The two do not conflict with each other and get along well.

The price is reasonable. However, you only have one night, and we will set off early tomorrow morning!" Sanier, who had been silent, stepped forward. As soon as he spoke, Duke muttered in dissatisfaction, but did not voice any further objections

If there were a sufficiently sturdy cage to trap the Komodo dragon, we could lift the scales on its eyelids and kill it

"I will narrate the rest, as it is not particularly important. After our attack was thwarted, the Komodo dragon began to counterattack. This large creature is a dragon species; although its breath is not pure, the flames it spews are still quite formidable. Coupled with its immense strength, we soon found ourselves in a passive position. To save us, Duke used an eighth-level magic, the Ice Mountain Prison, to confine it for a while, allowing us to escape," Emma said.

Her companions are also of considerable rank; the certification badge of the demon warrior indicates that he is a Level 6 fighter, while the bear tribe berserker has reached Level 5. However, once the berserker enters a state of frenzy, he can even exhibit strength exceeding his own level by two. Only that magician, clad in a black robe, lacks a visible certification badge and his magic staff, yet being able to walk alongside these powerful individuals, his strength should not be in doubt

"May I ask if you need anything?" Ge Zheng also noticed the extraordinary demeanor of the group, and was slightly more courteous than usual. Emma smiled sweetly: "We have a commission, and I wonder if you would be willing to accept it." Ge Zheng nodded: "As long as it is within my capabilities." "However, I need to clarify in advance that you must keep our matters confidential. Otherwise..." He did not finish his sentence, but the three people behind him, Sanier, flipped his palm, and a long knife with a deep blood groove appeared in his hand as if by fate. Emma smiled sweetly: "We have a commission, and I wonder if you would be willing to accept it." Ge Zheng nodded: "As long as it is within my capabilities." "However, I need to clarify in advance that you must keep our matters confidential. Otherwise..." He did not finish his sentence, but the three people behind him, Sanier, flipped his palm, and a long knife with a deep blood groove appeared in his hand as if by fate. Duke skillfully flicked a flame from the tip of his index finger to his middle finger, then to his ring finger and little finger. Although Powell felt that this behavior did not align with the teachings of the Shamanic Supreme, he also shook his plump waist like a hula hoop to match the atmosphere, the iron chains clinking loudly.

Four people walked around the alchemy shop, and Sarniel stopped beneath a blade known as the "Decapitating Broadsword." "What a fine sword!" he exclaimed, and upon hearing this, the hopes of the other three rose significantly.

The enchanted weapons are acceptable; the materials used are not excessively expensive, which is something Ge Zheng can barely accept. Each of these magical weapons is priced around 500 gold coins, with a cost of about 200 coins. Ge Zheng has crafted a total of three pieces, all of which have been sold over the course of two months. However, that one piece of magical equipment cost Ge Zheng a full 1,000 gold coins in materials, and it has been hanging there for a full two months without being sold.

"Go ahead, my mouth has been magically locked, so rest assured, your matters will go in one ear and out the other, and will definitely not come out of my mouth below," Ge Zheng said while gesturing, making Emma giggle uncontrollably: "That's good."

Early the next morning, Ge Zheng, with some bloodshot eyes, presented a wooden box to the four individuals. Duke stepped forward to open the box and was taken aback to find four iron pillars as thick as elephant legs inside. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this all?" Ge Zheng, uninterested in his reaction, turned to the beautiful elven girl and explained, "These four pillars can be buried underground to form a trap. As soon as any creature steps between these four pillars, the trap will be triggered. The two rear iron pillars will shoot out four chains to bind the prey, while a lock will snap shut between the two front pillars, shackling the prey's neck and front legs."

It is very simple to use, Emma nodded and said, "I understand." Ge Zheng reminded her, "Due to the time constraints, this item is a single-use alchemical product specifically designed for the Komodo dragon lizard, and I hope you can understand this." Emma nodded again

The members of the squad looked up and saw a tall flagpole with a banner hanging from it, on which were written two large characters: Ge Men. A hint of satisfaction flashed in the eyes of the demon warrior hidden beneath his long hair: "Emma, this alchemist's sign is indeed unusual; they must possess some strength." The elven girl pretended to ponder deeply as she stroked her chin: "Well, then, let us go and try our luck."

Duke stepped forward, poured a glass of water, and placed it in front of him. With his eyes closed, he recited a spell. The water in the glass transformed into mist as he chanted, drifting above the counter. Amidst the ethereal haze, a blurred image gradually took shape

Every day, one can cast the twelfth-level third-tier magic "Ice Breaker" and the three-hit fifth-level magic "Ice Dragon Wind". Almost every adventurer who enters the shop lingers in front of this weapon for a while, but the exorbitant price of three thousand gold coins deters everyone. Even for the leader of a medium-sized mercenary group, it is quite difficult to produce three thousand gold coins at once

The delicate-featured elven girl with long green hair, wearing a smile that feels like a breath of spring, inquired along the way: "May I ask who the best alchemist in the city is?" Soon, someone pointed to Ge Zheng's flagpole and told her: "Do you see that? Follow that flagpole, and that is his signature."

The human mage expressed some concerns: "He wouldn't leak our secrets to the library, would he?" The demon warrior, with a glint of cold light flashing behind his long hair, replied: "If he dares to reveal our secrets, my blood-soaked blade will certainly not spare him!" His words revealed boundless confidence. Surprisingly, the bear clan berserker spoke gently: "Sarniel, do not always think of killing; the Shaman of the Highest Heaven teaches us that force is merely a means of survival, not the entirety of it"

This weapon is not bad; on the contrary, this beheading broadsword is exceptionally good. Ge Zheng has inscribed two magic circles within this weapon, along with a spirit gathering array to replenish the consumption of magic.

Taking advantage of the time when the four were out to buy materials, Ge Zheng contemplated the design plan for this magical cage in his mind. Their requirement was to bind the Komodo dragon lizard so that it could not move. Clearly, using an iron cage was not suitable; even if it were trapped, the lizard would still thrash about inside. Using chains would not allow for a tight enough binding. While a stock could directly restrain it, the lizard would not obediently extend its head and claws into the stock.

However, seeing them with empty hands, it seems they have encountered some setbacks. The residents of Wangshan City began to speculate about what could have caused such a team to falter. Could it be that a powerful magical beast has appeared in the Liusu Mountain Range again

"Emma, hurry up!" Duke has been urging from outside. Emma turned around with a sweet smile and ran out, leaving Ge Zheng with a back full of natural vitality

The swordsmanship of the demon warrior is bold and expansive, infused with a resolute momentum akin to a mighty river in full flow. However, when the treasured blade strikes the body of the colossal beast, it merely produces a shower of sparks without inflicting any harm upon the creature.

As soon as they entered Wangshan City, they attracted the attention of the people. This small team entered through the southern gate of Wangshan City, which means they did not come from the northern continent for adventure, but rather returned from an expedition in the Liusu Mountain Range

Before the sun set, a team of adventurers entered Wangshan City. A towering bear tribe orc, with a massive meteor hammer wrapped around his waist, instilled fear in those who beheld him. A slender warrior of the demon race, clad in armor and adorned with a purple cloak, clearly possessed exceptional strength. There was also a female elven archer and a frail magician.

At this moment, Emma suddenly said, "Did you see clearly?" Ge Zheng nodded, and Emma called out to the magician, "Duke, that's enough!" Within just a few minutes, a layer of fine sweat beads had already formed on Duke's forehead. It seemed that he was forcing himself to cast the spell; although the level of this magic was not high, it was still quite strenuous.

Both the chains and the shackles must be stamped with "Triple Gravity Field" and "Cursed Magic Circle"; only then can the Yalong Lizard be subdued. After separately refining the two items, a simple synthesis formula is all that is needed to combine them into one.

Duke could not help but rush forward, but the big bear beside him quickly grabbed him. Duke struggled with all his might, and Powell hurriedly advised him: "The Most High advises us to control your anger..." Duke's face turned red from the effort: "Powell, I'm struggling because your fat, hairy arm is about to choke me to death!" Powell's face flushed, and he quickly released his grip, offering a couple of apologetic laughs.

Emma said: "You can only see it once. Duke has just used advanced magic and must rest for three months. This Water Shadow magic is a manifestation of his own memories that he extracted to show you. However, at this moment, he can only cast it once; otherwise, he will suffer a backlash from the magical energy and will never be able to practice magic again."

Ge Zheng's eyes lit up; this demon was indeed a martial arts enthusiast. Although this principle seemed straightforward, very few people in the Star Refining World could truly comprehend it.

For the sake of 2,000 gold coins, Ge Zheng did not hold it against him. Emma seemed to have great confidence in Ge Zheng, quickly covering Duke's mouth and dragging him out. Among the four, Duke's hand-to-hand combat skills were at a level where he could be taken down in an instant, and now that he could not use magic, even Emma could easily subdue him.

The archer carries a longbow slung diagonally across his back, with four silver threads wrapped around the bow's body. This is the mark of a level 4 archer certified by the Elders' Council of the Enchanted Forest. Like other professions, archers are also divided into twelve levels. In addition to the certification from the professional association, the certification from the Elders' Council of the Enchanted Forest is also recognized across the continent. However, obtaining the certification from the Elders' Council is considerably more challenging. Elven archers are a highly sought-after profession on the continent.

Ge Zheng almost laughed; this team is quite interesting. This is his assessment. If the cool demon warrior Sarniel knew that his fierce display left such an impression on Ge Zheng, he would probably be driven to commit seppuku.

Duke hesitated and refused to go out. Ge Zheng, dissatisfied, said: "What, do you still want to be a bystander?" Emma urged, "Duke, let's go out. Alchemists do not allow others to observe their operations." Only then did Duke reluctantly step outside, muttering to himself, "Do we really need so many materials? Who knows if he will cut corners..."

However, this also inspired us to think of a way to defeat it. Duke, who was beside us, took a moment to catch his breath and then continued to speak

The price of magic crystals is exorbitant; even a low-grade magic crystal of standard size costs ten gold coins. Having such an enchanted weapon is equivalent to saving countless gold coins

The Supreme Sky Sect categorizes the cities on the continent into five levels, and correspondingly, the temples within these cities are also divided into five levels. The highest level is the Level 1 Temple, overseen by a priest known as the "High Priest of Behemoth." The next level, the Level 2 Temple, is managed by a priest referred to as the "High Priest of Vajra," and so forth, including the High Priests of Mammoth, Iron Rhino, and Sword Tiger. Wangshan City is classified as a Level 5 city, with only one Sword Tiger High Priest in charge.

However, his teammates had clearly grown accustomed to it. The frail mage rolled his eyes and said, "Powell, I respect your faith, but the High Shaman only teaches you to control your bad temper, not to abandon the traits of a male creature!" The bear clan berserker Powell was evidently well aware of his teammates' tempers, and he was unfazed by such jibes. His massive bear mouth curled into a grin: "Say what you will, but the High Priest of the Behemoth in Delson City personally praised me as the most devout follower of the High Shaman!"

His magical weapons are low-cost and priced slightly cheaper than others, so naturally, his business has been thriving. As his reputation grew, he also attracted some high-end clients. Some larger mercenary groups passing through Wangshan City sought to replenish their stock of high-level magical weapons. As a result, Ge Zheng not only produced magic storage equipment but also crafted some enchanted gear and a very limited number of magical weapons.