Chapter 9, Transformation
With a clatter, Tian Maoping emptied all twenty-five items from his belt, instantly illuminating the room. With only these resources at hand, to obtain better components and metals, he must venture to the nameless valley to scavenge before the night of the second day of the second month. There are still thirteen days until next month. For now, he will make a simple modification to this three-instant flying sword to make do, and once he gathers the materials, he will undertake a larger project.
The results are quite disappointing. The warehouse contains some unprocessed furs, which have been stored for an unknown period. In any case, they are in a state of severe decay. Not to mention that it is uninhabitable; even walking around inside would induce retching for quite a while. It seems that I will have to throw in some camphor balls and onions on another day to eliminate the odor and clean up properly, otherwise it will be truly unbearable
Tian Maoping found it quite interesting, and thought that starting a small business at Tianyi Gate might be a good choice in the future. He clasped his fists and said, "Hearing you speak like this makes me really want to see Brother Song's demeanor. As a newcomer, I haven't had the time to explore the city, so I would greatly appreciate it if you two could show me around."
Inquire about the specific location, I walked along the edge of Fengyuan Mountain City for nearly 5 or 6 kilometers and arrived at Lengshan Stream. This desolate place is even worse than I had imagined, with the sound of trickling water in my ears and half-meter-high weeds everywhere. A gray-blue tiled house stands not far away, accompanied only by a solitary small wooden cabin.
In fact, the Phoenix Tower is quite close to the dock; it takes just five hundred steps and a turn to get there. Perhaps these two disciples are being lazy, but Tian Maoping does not mind. He found a street-side seat on the second floor and ordered eight dishes and one soup, three jin of beef, five bowls of shredded chicken noodles, and a bucket of fragrant rice, putting in all his effort to enjoy the meal. The few pieces of pastries he had on the airship were hardly enough to fill the gaps between his teeth, so he is now making up for it thoroughly.
After the reorganization of the flying sword, it still retains the appearance of three moments, but its actual flying speed has reached five moments. If the material of the components is enhanced, six moments will be easily achievable
It turns out that someone is giving a lecture, so let's listen for now
The tip of the tongue touches the upper gums, a single arm exerts tremendous strength, and the heavy wooden box beside the seat is lifted. Eleven flying swords are not light; without a certain level of cultivation, one cannot lift them at all. However, Tian Maoping possesses a physique superior to that of ordinary people and understands the way of breathing, thus he does not exert much effort. Wiping his mouth, he walks downstairs; what follows is the time that truly belongs to him. Since the Cold Mountain Gorge in the western district is quite secluded, it is indeed suitable for focused cultivation. Everything is ready except for the east wind, and he must quickly learn the cultivation techniques from the teachings of Wu Yan.
Tian Maoping asked in surprise, "Is the owner of Phoenix Tower a disciple of Tianyi Sect? Are they also part of the one hundred thirty-fourth generation like us?"
The echo on the cliff was clear, and the speaker continued: "Approximately 19,000 years ago, a great calamity descended, the starry sky was obscured, and thunder raged. Countless cultivation planets turned to ashes. The most accomplished, wise, and determined individuals of that time gathered to conduct joint research. Ultimately, they activated 81 celestial artifacts to seal the space. After hundreds of years of effort, they finally managed to evade the great disaster, yet countless cultivators perished in the process. From then on, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth diminished even further, and the geological and topographical features of the stars undergoing tribulation underwent significant changes, forming the prototype of the present world. After a period of recuperation, the ancient divine paths among the stars resumed operation, and the righteous and demonic paths became distinct. However, the demon race underwent a bloodthirsty mutation, frequently persecuting later cultivators, causing the calamity of that time to extend to the present day. We, the practitioners of the righteous path, must undertake the task of upholding justice, eradicating the demonic atmosphere, and restoring a clear and bright world, thus preventing countless tragedies from occurring. In order to benefit newly initiated disciples, I, Zheng Qinghui, will open the doors of convenience at the Immortal Slaying Rock, sharing experiences and techniques, hoping that everyone can gain something from it."
Uncertain when the furnace fire will extinguish, a sudden mountain breeze blows, making one feel a bit cold. Tian Maoping hurriedly extracted the broken sword for examination. After a moment, he smiled proudly and said: "Damn it, I knew there was something fishy about this thing; it has revealed its true nature! What a brilliant idea, actually using the different melting points of metals to mix in a bit of secret silver. This makes many things possible, and I have finally found a reasonable answer"
The sword sheath measures 1.56 meters in length and 22 centimeters in width. It appears quite heavy on the outside; however, in terms of design, it has reached a state of perfection in showcasing technical sophistication, with no signs of bulkiness. Due to material limitations, at least 35% will be lost during the conversion of energy, making it seem very unprofitable
Brother, there is nothing remarkable about it. It is quite difficult to sustain daily expenses while cultivating within the sect. Some clever disciples find ways to manage projects, which is certainly better than idly consuming what one has. Song Mingyu, the owner of Phoenix Tower, is a prime example. He entered the sect ten years ago, and through diligent management, it is said that he purchased seven Instant Flying Swords two years ago, with his cultivation progressing rapidly. Among his contemporaries in Fengyuan Mountain City, few can compare to him. Brother Song has also won the affection of several female disciples, truly making others envious.
Throughout history, the disciples guarding the No. 1 warehouse have never had the intention to stay peacefully. Personnel changes occur as frequently as a revolving lantern, with some directly assigned to work at the Fengyuan Mountain City treasury, even skipping the routine inventory checks that occur every half month. As long as they can bravely scoop out a few jars of stock while pinching their noses when fetching the heavy water from the gate, that is sufficient to meet the requirements. The key focus is on leveraging connections to be transferred from this place, which has gradually led to the current situation.
Twisting the magnetic ring, the flying sword halted before his knees. To accommodate the rapid acceleration, the sword sheath was crafted with a rotating "tiger claw pedal," which could automatically secure the front foot. He gently leaped onto it; at first, it was extremely difficult to maintain balance as he swayed from side to side. Gradually, he began to drift forward, slowly finding his rhythm, primarily focusing on controlling his center of gravity. He attempted to jump over the first storage room as an obstacle, diving rapidly from above. Suddenly, he slightly bent his front leg and lightly pressed his back foot, utilizing the principle of leverage to execute a perfect vertical jump. Tian Maoping felt as if he had transformed into a dolphin leaping through the waves. At thirty-two, he was no longer in his impulsive years, yet he still let out a joyous shout to celebrate the success of his trial jump. He attempted to jump over the first storage room as an obstacle, diving rapidly from above. Suddenly, he slightly bent his front leg and lightly pressed his back foot, utilizing the principle of leverage to execute a perfect vertical jump. Tian Maoping felt as if he had transformed into a dolphin leaping through the waves. At thirty-two, he was no longer in his impulsive years, yet he still let out a joyous shout to celebrate the success of his trial jump
Few people are extravagant enough to use Na Yuan for heating, as it is a waste of money. Tian Maoping had limited tools at his disposal, making it no easy task to melt a flying sword. Thus, he had to waste it once, but he only used Na Yuan to synthesize a simple combustible agent. He had previously purchased some furnace ash, which he mixed with wood chips and vegetable oil, and resolutely added one thousand Na Yuan. It must be said that this method made the furnace fire unusually vigorous. After six hours, he had hardly added any coal bricks, and the edge of the copper furnace had turned to molten copper. Fortunately, the sword body had turned slightly red, which was sufficient for conducting the experiment.
Taking a moment to reflect, incorporating magnetic pole manipulation is not merely superfluous; it actually offers numerous advantages. Firstly, by modifying the sword sheath in conjunction with the mechanism of armor-splitting techniques, one effectively adds a mysterious and unpredictable shield in ground combat. Secondly, with the sophisticated magnetic control techniques, learning to engage in rapid combat becomes exceptionally easy
Certainly, Tian Maoping would not seek to purchase flying swords from Zhou Qinghong again, not because he lacks confidence, but because he possesses that confidence. Having devoted many years to the study of mechanism theory, he has a mind that is different from the ordinary. He is currently proficient in gear transmission techniques, mechanism cracking techniques, magnetic manipulation techniques, mortise and tenon locking mechanisms, and three-dimensional kinetic arrays. Not to mention anything else, just the three-dimensional kinetic array alone can exponentially increase the utilization rate of the essence, and when combined with other technologies, it may give rise to entirely new types of flying swords.
Pick up a diamond-shaped component; this is the central hub for the transformation of the sword sheath during flight. Unfortunately, it remains at the most basic application level of kinetic arrays, with a significant gap compared to multidimensional kinetic arrays. After repeatedly selecting from the available materials, I extracted the auspicious shen shell produced by the Golden Lake of Tianfu Star, as this material is the easiest to engrave with a magic array and also convenient for embedding
The sight before me brightened; the sealing capability of the three-instant sword sheath is clearly superior to that of the two-instant version. It is made of a copper-tin-tungsten alloy, with a loss of no more than twenty percent when converting nanoyuan. It can be confidently asserted that more advanced flying swords must incorporate amplification materials and support high-power output. I now somewhat regret not purchasing those two six-instant flying swords, priced at three hundred fifty thousand each, which is not expensive. Assuming a daily saving of ten nanoyuan, that would amount to nearly four thousand additional expenses over the course of a year. This was a miscalculation in the deal.
Under the lamp, a flying sword with two moments is placed on the wooden table. The sword sheath has been disassembled, and various components and mechanisms are spread out beside it. Tian Maoping lets out a breath and thinks to himself: "Impressive, they are indeed a sect that has mastered flying swords for millennia. Although the study of mechanisms has long been lost, the remarkable achievements made through the collective efforts of several generations cannot be underestimated in the slightest"
Since there is no shortage of magnetic materials at hand, it is decided to infuse magnetic control into the sword handle and install a low-level nano jade wall. This setup is quite important because Tian Maoping currently has no cultivation and cannot autonomously channel energy. As the saying goes, "mistakes can lead to unexpected outcomes." At present, developing a unique sword control technique different from that of the disciples of Tianyi Sect may eventually lead to the creation of his own distinctive combat skills. Overall, the gains are considerable.
Carefully pour the green vitriol oil into a large ceramic bowl and insert the broken sword, ensuring its cross-section makes contact with the liquid, as a pungent odor wafts through the air; next, all that remains is to wait patiently
With two hours left until nightfall, Tian Maoping hurried to Fengyuan Mountain City to purchase daily necessities. He needed to study the flying sword thoroughly tonight, as the current conditions were not sufficient.
The small wilderness cannot satisfy the desire for soaring; turning the sword light, it ascends straight up. In just a few breaths, it rises to an altitude of two thousand meters, gazing far and wide, almost parallel to countless mountain peaks. To dare to traverse the skies without cultivation indeed requires great courage. To withstand the wind speed, one must enhance the protective energy; otherwise, over time, the skin cannot endure the fierce onslaught.
Only Tian Maoping has been able to study the essence of flying sword manufacturing and begin improvements overnight. After sleeping for three hours, as the sun rose over the ridge, he washed up and summoned the modified San Shun flying sword. He needed to familiarize himself with its condition first, and fortunately, Cold Mountain Gorge was extremely remote, ensuring that no one would come to disturb him.
The kettle gurgled as the water boiled. In the afternoon, Tian Maoping also purchased three hollow copper stoves inscribed with the character for longevity when he entered the city. The nights in the mountains are relatively cold, making heating equipment particularly important. If his cultivation level were to increase, these would naturally be unnecessary; even meals could provide him with the energy needed by absorbing the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. However, he currently lacks such strength
Shifting his gaze to the sword body, he strived to recall the scene of his duel with the masters of the righteous path during the time of the Moon Star. After a long while, he let out a low gasp in astonishment. All along, he had regarded the sword sheath as a flying mechanism. This notion was not entirely incorrect, but the essence of the flying sword always lay in its sharpness. Without practical experience and relying solely on theoretical understanding from books, he ultimately went astray.
The shell is engraved with grooves, and after being polished, it transforms into an extremely thin and lightweight rhombus-shaped component that fits together seamlessly, resulting in a piece that can be considered a work of art—a three-dimensional kinetic array. Of course, the process of creating more robust and powerful components is quite complex. Next, the technique of magnetic pole manipulation will be introduced; only a flying sword that can be skillfully controlled is a true weapon
Zhou Qinghong suggested taking a chance at Lingxi Rock, where Ge Qingyun had practiced in his early years. Perhaps one could trace the footsteps of this master in his youth. Tian Maoping was not in a hurry to utilize this information; he intended to savor it slowly, one piece at a time. He would not overlook any of the seventeen places of preaching and listening at Wuyiyan. He would first imprint all the books into his mind using his exceptional memory. Even if he could not digest everything, it did not matter; he would gradually chew through it, eventually forming an advantage. Over the years, he had developed an effective skill for information retrieval, but he was concerned that there might not be enough books.
Go to Phoenix Tower, where the chef's skills are the best, and the food is not too expensive. We disciples always make sure to enjoy a few days of good meals at the end of the month. However, the drinks are too bland, suitable for female disciples. Sneaking in some strong liquor will also be managed by the owner, after all, we are all fellow disciples.
Set your course directly towards Fengyuan Mountain City and listen to the teachings at Wuyan. To excel in the sect competition, one must strive relentlessly, making the most of every moment. It is important to understand that only the direct disciples of Tianyi Sect receive the careful guidance of their elders; other disciples must rely on their own exploration and cautious verification, with the best approach being to seek out the cultivation notes of predecessors. It can be said that rising to prominence is extremely difficult, yet everything has two sides. As the saying goes, "In the struggle for survival, the fittest prevail." Overcoming various challenges and growing from them is undoubtedly the mark of a prodigy. It is important to understand that only the direct disciples of Tianyi Sect receive the careful guidance of their elders; other disciples must rely on their own exploration and cautious verification, with the best approach being to seek out the cultivation notes of predecessors. It can be said that rising to prominence is extremely difficult, yet everything has two sides. As the saying goes, "In the struggle for survival, the fittest prevail." Overcoming various challenges and growing from them is undoubtedly the mark of a prodigy.
He splashed several basins of cold water onto the sword body, utilizing the sudden drop in temperature to trigger physical properties. With a swift motion, he drew out the three flying swords with all his strength, and a metallic sound echoed as they fell to the ground, their cross-sections clearly exposed to the air. Tian Maoping chuckled softly, using tongs to grip the remnants of the flying sword and placing them in the basin to continue cooling. The rapidly evaporating water vapor formed a mist, and with the refracted light in the room, it added a touch of mystery to the mountains and fields.
Slowing down, stepping on the three instant flying swords, if one performs too prominently, it may arouse suspicion from others. In front, a knife-cut mountain rock gathered several hundred people, and disciples arrived from time to time. Everyone's expression was solemn. Tian Maoping, with a mindset of joining the excitement, also flew over. A voice like a great bell echoed far away, carried by the surrounding circular mountain walls, as someone spoke: "Since the formation of the universe, the evolution of the primordial chaos, the opening of heaven and earth, the separation of the turbid and the clear, the world has undergone countless changes. The ancient shaman clan was rampant, the ancient Buddhist and Taoist paths coexisted, the cultivation of truth flourished in the medieval period, but in recent times, it has shifted from prosperity to decline, with only a few ascenders, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has become increasingly difficult to produce, likely due to billions of years of continuous consumption, disrupting the natural cycle. Furthermore, as the methods of cultivation became more widespread, everyone sought to extend their lifespan, leading to the collapse of heavenly order, the fall of reincarnation, and a dimming of the firmament, presenting a scene of apocalyptic despair." The ancient shaman clan was rampant, the ancient Buddhist and Taoist paths coexisted, the cultivation of truth flourished in the medieval period, but in recent times, it has shifted from prosperity to decline, with only a few ascenders, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has become increasingly difficult to produce, likely due to billions of years of continuous consumption, disrupting the natural cycle. Furthermore, as the methods of cultivation became more widespread, everyone sought to extend their lifespan, leading to the collapse of heavenly order, the fall of reincarnation, and a dimming of the firmament, presenting a scene of apocalyptic despair.
Oh, esteemed senior brothers, where can I find something to eat in Fengyuan Mountain City? After a whole day of travel, I am quite hungry. It doesn't need to be a high-end place, as long as it can fill my stomach.
After careful arrangement, the small wooden cabin has completely transformed. The originally rough wooden tables and chairs have vanished, replaced by a short-legged zitan bamboo joint long table, adorned with incense, from which a faint wisp of blue smoke is gracefully rising. The four walls are illuminated by eighteen bright gathering lamps, filling the humble abode with light. The floor is covered with more than ten layers of dry hay, complemented by meticulously woven bamboo mats, creating a sense of home reminiscent of harmony and tranquility.
Carefully lift the fish-tail file to thin the rhombus-shaped component, and do not be surprised where the tool comes from; Fengyuan Mountain City also has a workshop dedicated to manufacturing automatons. Tian Maoping even considered purchasing a few, but after contemplating the inconvenience of transport, he decided to wait until storage space is forged before collecting them, thus temporarily setting this matter aside.
Thank you, Uncle Zhou, for your concern. When one is out, it is essential to exercise. I would like to seek accommodation on my own. You must have many matters to attend to, and I am unsure how long it will take to deliver my elder brother's luggage back and forth. I will not trouble you any further this time. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly prepare fine wine and dishes to pay you a visit, and at that time, you must not decline.
Soon, the auspicious shenbei was severely damaged, its golden exterior becoming mottled and unsightly. Tian Maoping felt no regret whatsoever and continued to work with complete dedication. Ultimately, he carved it into a diamond-shaped component, etching nine layers of patterns on its surface at varying depths. These patterns represented the operational sequence required for the flow of energy. In a certain sense, it resembled the heart of a mechanical creation, the significance of which is self-evident. He carved it into a diamond-shaped component, etching nine layers of patterns on its surface at varying depths. These patterns represented the operational sequence required for the flow of energy. In a certain sense, it resembled the heart of a mechanical creation, the significance of which is self-evident.
The renovation project was forced to come to a halt; if it continued, the cost of this three-instant flying sword would likely rise to over one hundred thousand. In that case, it would be more convenient to directly purchase a five-instant flying sword! Meanwhile, a question arose in my mind: how do the disciples of the Heavenly One Sect use flying swords? They cannot possibly understand magnetic pole manipulation techniques, and there are no corresponding components placed in the sword sheath, so how do they engage in aerial combat?
Picking up the broken sword, Tian Maoping returned to the room to continue his research, pondering and nodding: "What Zhou Qinghong mentioned about cultivating energy pathways likely involves creating a resonance between the secret silver and true essence, akin to cultivating an avatar externally. There is indeed some profundity to it. From a certain perspective, these flying swords are also forms of life, possessing 'meridians' formed by secret silver, which, after achieving a high degree of compatibility, connect with the owner's flesh and blood. Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
Using a flying sword is actually quite simple; one only needs to grip the hilt and channel the inner energy. As for combat in the air, it is even less of a problem, akin to skiing or a toddler learning to walk, continuously attempting to achieve coordination between the body and the sword sheath, thereby executing various dazzling maneuvers through adjustments in posture during each turn, roll, and jump
Hehe, you young man are quite thoughtful; it's good to go out and explore. I will find two disciples to help you carry the flying sword. A promise made to others is a matter to be fulfilled, and your father’s entrustment can be considered successfully completed. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to me and share your troubles. The waters of the Tianyi Sect run deep, and there are some people you absolutely cannot offend. Fortunately, you are a sensible child, which makes things easier for others.
It is time to employ the trump card. This afternoon, I spent a considerable amount to acquire several bottles of "green vitriol oil," which is an acidic solution not widely used. Made from green vitriol, it is subjected to calcination in a distillation apparatus to induce decomposition, releasing gas that is then condensed simultaneously with water vapor to obtain this substance. Green vitriol oil has a strong corrosive effect on metals; if it were not for the workshop using it to refine a certain elixir, it would truly be difficult to obtain.
The apprentice responsible for moving the boxes asked, "Junior brother, where are we supposed to deliver the goods? The work at the dock is quite busy, and I hope it won't take too long"
The cross-section of the broken sword is corroded to a dull gray, with only a few nodes the size of grains of rice still retaining their luster and faintly shimmering purple. Mithril is an ancient metal that has been passed down through the ages, relatively scarce in supply. It not only possesses strong corrosion resistance but also has unparalleled energy conductivity. Unfortunately, its toughness exceeds its rigidity, which has prevented it from being used on a large scale, thus keeping its price relatively low
This is destined to be a sleepless night. After taking a few bites of dry rations, I stepped out of the wooden cabin. At the entrance, two hollow copper furnaces shaped like longevity characters were placed side by side, on top of which a second-tier flying sword was being roasted. Only through a detailed analysis of the essence of the flying sword can one understand the mysteries of the energy pathways. A true master wielding a flying sword is quite special, accompanied by an endless hum and tremor. Each strike is cunning and difficult to defend against, maintaining a defensive posture with a solid barrier, making it far from easy to deal with. Only through a detailed analysis of the essence of the flying sword can one understand the mysteries of the energy pathways. A true master wielding a flying sword is quite special, accompanied by an endless hum and tremor. Each strike is cunning and difficult to defend against, maintaining a defensive posture with a solid barrier, making it far from easy to deal with.
He picked up a scabbard for the three-instant flying sword again and used a file to grind out a fitting seam along its edge. Just finding this unsealing point took quite a bit of time. He inserted a steel cone with all his strength, prying it open little by little. Fortunately, after Tian Maoping's body had recovered, his strength was formidable. Even so, it took him half a day's effort to remove a piece of the outer shell, and by the time it was completely disassembled, two hours had already passed.
Zhou Qinghong pulled Tian Maoping and turned to leave, quietly advising: "Wang Er is a well-known chatterbox in the sect. Avoid engaging him in conversation, as it will be endless. Do not disclose anything to him; otherwise, he will surely spread it around the next day, making it known to everyone. His mouth has never been kept shut. You should find a place to stay in Fengyuan Mountain City first; the Cold Mountain Gorge in the west is too desolate. At night, the mountain wind is cold, and after just recovering from an illness, be careful not to get sick again."
The two arrived at the Sky Dock, where empty cargo containers were scattered everywhere. Zhou Qinghong placed the flying sword and called over two disciples from the 134th generation, rewarding each with fifty Nayan. He instructed them to assist Ouyang Haotian in transporting the goods. After a brief farewell, they boarded the Cloud-Soaring Airship, which ascended into the sky with a "hum" and disappeared among the towering mountains.
Apart from the fact that the boss was not seen, given that the food here is delicious, Tian Maoping plans to come again next time. The total bill came to thirty Nayan, which should be considered extremely cheap compared to the prices at Tianyi Gate. He also bought three large bags of beef and dry rations, which made him feel satisfied. The surrounding disciples dining were already stunned by the gluttonous diners, thinking to themselves: "Where did this bumpkin come from? How many years has it been since he had anything decent to eat? He is simply a glutton, but he does look quite handsome."
Hastily taking a few steps, I pushed open the door and entered the wooden cabin. Upon closer inspection, the conditions were truly poor; there was nothing but a wooden table and chairs, and not even a bed. Only a small amount of bedding was laid on the ground, which had become moldy and deteriorated due to the dampness of the earth. The smell inside the cabin was unpleasant, making it quite difficult to stay for long. Moreover, there was no source of light, rendering it impossible to do anything at night when it was pitch dark. I set down the wooden box and strolled out of the cabin, harboring a glimmer of hope as I walked towards the gray-tiled house, thinking perhaps the storeroom might be habitable.
It seems that the righteous path has long been widely applying secret silver, and the higher-ups of the demonic path could not have failed to study the essence of flying swords. It is lamentable that the two sides have taken different paths in their cultivation; even if they know, it would be in vain. This discovery is of great significance. Secret silver is not the best metal for energy conduction; secret gold is. The smelting process is not too difficult, as long as the temperature meets the requirements, and the properties are the same.
Busy until midnight, Tian Maoping ground a small handful of crystalline fine sand. This substance also originated from the relics of Ouyang Haotian's mother, specifically the aurora pearl produced by the permanent magnet island. Truly a high-grade material, it only required one-third of the total amount to make the sword sheath as responsive as an extension of the arm. When the specially formulated magnetic ring was slightly twisted on the finger, the sword sheath immediately levitated, even simpler than manipulating a mechanical device.
Tian Maoping sneered coldly to himself: "This Zheng Qinghui is quite extreme, wanting to eradicate even the demonic path. I shall see if you truly possess the skills and whether your teachings are genuine." As he pondered, his flying sword deftly maneuvered through the crowd, and in no time, he arrived before the Immortal-Slaying Rock.