216: Divine Weapon Forged

Bamboo Rhyme Residence was tranquil and serene. The only disturbance came from the subtle, distinctly different fluctuations of aura swirling before the doors of two secluded meditation chambers deep within the residence. One chamber's aura was gentle, prolonged, and brimming with vitality, like the budding of trees in early spring. The other was deep, heavy, and unmoving as a mountain, yet poised like a volcano on the verge of eruption. This marked the critical moment for Xiao Chun and Xia Ya as they secluded themselves to assault the Martial King Realm.

Qin Feng and Ji Ruxue stood quietly in the courtyard, sensing the two steadily rising auras that were gradually reaching an optimal state. They exchanged a glance, both seeing reassurance in each other's eyes.

"It seems the progress is smooth," Qin Feng said softly, recalling the myriad difficulties and long duration he himself had experienced when breaking through from Grand Martial Master to Martial King. He deeply understood the formidable nature of this barrier. For Xiao Chun and Xia Ya to have such stable and profound momentum was due to the combined effect of the king breaking pills and their respective Foundations and fortunes. "However, the Martial King barrier is no trivial matter. The time required varies greatly from person to person. We both took nearly a hundred days to succeed. Since they have this excellent opportunity, we should not disturb them. Let them focus on their Breakthrough in peace."

Ji Ruxue gave a slight nod, her cool gaze sweeping over the chambers without a trace of worry. She had ample confidence in the resilient willpower of her two companions.

Without another word, their figures moved like two wisps of smoke, leaving Bamboo Rhyme Residence and speeding towards another area of the valley. That place was perpetually shrouded in faint waves of heat, with the constant clang of hammer and anvil echoing.

Stepping once more into the rugged, heavy main hall of the Fire Refining Hall, permeated with the scents of metal and earth fire, they saw Vice Hall Master Ouyang Lie already waiting. He stood with his back to the entrance, gazing at the pure cyan furnace flames that had not yet fully extinguished within the refining furnace. His red hair seemed to glow even brighter under the reflection. Hearing their footsteps, he slowly turned around. His bearded face wore a complex expression mingling exhaustion, satisfaction, and excitement.

"You're here?" Ouyang Lie's voice was somewhat hoarse, yet it carried robust energy. Clearly, he and that mysterious Senior Brother had expended tremendous effort over these past two weeks.

"We've troubled you, Master Ouyang," Qin Feng said, cupping his fist in salute.

"Enough talk. See the goods!" Ouyang Lie waved a large hand, pointing towards a stone table nearby covered with dark red fire-resistant cloth.

On the stone table, five weapons lay quietly displayed. Compared to two weeks ago, their forms had not undergone earth-shattering changes. However, the luster flowing across their bodies, their restrained aura, and even the overall impression they gave had been completely reborn!

The first to catch the eye was Qin Feng's ink plum sword.

The blade remained slender and straight, but its originally deep blue hue now exhibited a restrained dark golden color, like molten gold flowing beneath a deep night sky. Upon closer inspection, within that dark gold, ink-black patterns extended naturally like the branches of a winter plum tree, with silver starlight dotted where plum blossoms would be. The blade's edge did not deliberately display a cold gleam; instead, it possessed a simple, unadorned quality that returned to its origins. Yet, with a slight stir of his Sword Heart, Qin Feng could sense within it a sharpness, toughness, and a unique spirit of breaking through techniques far surpassing its previous state. The ancient seal script characters "Ink Plum" on the hilt seemed to have come alive, with a faint, flowing light.

"Earth Rank, Supreme Grade," Ouyang Lie stated solemnly, a hint of pride in his tone. "We incorporated the largest piece of Geng Gold you provided, using earth core flame marrow to temper the sword's spine. The spirit of the 'Ink Heart Iron' and 'Cold Plum Crystal' from your original sword was fully awakened and fused. This sword is now peerlessly sharp and exceptionally tough. It additionally carries the special effects of 'Armor-Piercing' and 'Mind-Concentration,' greatly enhancing the gathering and penetration of Sword Qi for your Finger Sword Among Flowers."

Qin Feng took a deep breath and reached out to grasp the hilt. It felt warm and smooth in his hand, as if connected to the Bloodline of his arm. When he channeled his Hunyuan True Qi into it, there was no obstruction whatsoever. The blade emitted a soft hum, faintly resonating with the Sword Heart and Sword Bone within his body! A sense of fluidity, as natural as moving his own arm, and a profound mental connection surged forth. Earth Rank, Supreme Grade! This was the pinnacle of weaponry a Martial King Realm practitioner could wield!

Next were Ji Ruxue's purple moon daggers.

A pair of daggers lay quietly there, almost completely merging into the shadow of the stone table. Only along their edges flowed a deeper, colder, more profound shade of violet light, as if capable of absorbing all surrounding illumination. The daggers' curves appeared even more fluid and elusive. The texture of the hilts had also become more ergonomic, with faint, weak shadow energy swirling within.

"Also Earth Rank, Supreme Grade," Ouyang Lie said, looking at Ji Ruxue with a trace of admiration in his eyes. "The Foundation of these daggers was too excellent. We used the remaining essence of the earth core flame marrow to refine the 'Netherworld Cold Iron' and 'Shadow Bat King's Fang,' achieving a new balance between their shadow properties and sharpness. Now, not only are their 'Stealth-Piercing' and 'Blood-Coagulating' effects stronger, they also possess a trace of 'Shadow-Dashing' ability. At critical moments, it can assist you in briefly transforming your body into shadow, allowing you to pass through solid obstacles. A perfect match for your Moon Shadow Divine Art."

Without a word, Ji Ruxue stepped forward. Her fair hand lifted slightly, and the pair of daggers slid silently into her sleeves as if possessing a life of their own, disappearing from sight. She closed her eyes briefly to sense them, then opened them. A faint, rarely seen flicker of satisfaction passed through her cool gaze. She gave Ouyang Lie a slight nod.

Xia Ya's giant tooth broadsword and Black Iron Greatshield stood side by side.

The giant tooth sword retained its broad, thick, and unedged appearance, but its overall color had shifted from dull to a heavy dark bronze. Natural, mountainous ripple patterns surfaced on its body, with a golden line running through the center. Its weight seemed to have increased, yet it felt even more stable and condensed, as if truly containing the immense power to split mountains and crack the earth.

"Earth Rank, High Grade," Ouyang Lie stated. "The properties of the Mountain-Sinking Iron Core and Law-Breaking Gold Essence have been further fused and stimulated. This sword now possesses even greater momentum and crushing power than before, with excellent armor-breaking effects. It also has a new 'Vibration' effect, generating multiple waves of hidden force upon impact. Its weight can also be adjusted over a wider range according to your will."

Beside it, the Black Iron Greatshield that had followed Xia Ya the longest, once covered in scars, was now completely renewed! The shield face was a deep ochre yellow, with faint, ancient patterns resembling a turtle shell emerging. A small piece of dark red crystal (clearly a remnant utilization of earth core flame marrow) was embedded at its center, emitting a warm and stable heat. The shield's edges had become smoother and more streamlined, yet the overall piece gave an impression of increased sturdiness and indestructibility.

"The shield's core was reforged using earth core flame marrow combined with 'Earth-Guarding Essence Gold.' 'Black Tortoise Armor powder' was mixed into the shield face," Ouyang Lie explained. "Also Earth Rank, High Grade. Its defensive capabilities are now greatly enhanced, offering excellent resistance against blunt force, piercing, and energy impacts. It possesses the inherent effects of 'Stability' and 'Counter-Shock,' with additional resistance against fire and earth attribute attacks. It should better complement that girl's defensive tactics."

Finally, there was Xiao Chun's yan luo umbrella.

The canopy remained a pale cyan and semi-transparent, but the color was now more lustrous, like the sky after rain. The ribs were jade-like, yet with a faint metallic sheen flowing within. The mechanical structures at the umbrella tip and handle seemed even more intricate and concealed.

"Earth Rank, High Grade," Ouyang Lie said, also showing appreciation for this unusual weapon. "The canopy was reinforced with 'Heavenly Silkworm Ice Silk' and infused with 'Illusion Light Sand,' increasing its defensive power and enabling it to create small-scale light-illusion effects to confuse enemies. The launching mechanisms and the needles themselves of the seventy-two Shadowless Needles have been strengthened, improving range, force, and concealment. The poison reservoirs have also been optimized. The mind-clouding incense pouch at the umbrella tip has been expanded, and a mechanism for rapid release has been added. As an auxiliary and control weapon, it is now more comprehensive and reliable."

Qin Feng and Ji Ruxue swept their gazes over the five weapons on the stone table, each glowing with extraordinary light and radiating exceptional auras. The shock in their hearts was beyond words. In just two short weeks, they had been comprehensively upgraded from Earth Rank, Medium and High Grades to Earth Rank, High and even Supreme Grades! This was almost a qualitative leap! The Artifact Refining prowess of Ouyang Lie and his Senior Brother was truly unfathomable!

"Master Ouyang..." Qin Feng took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart. Together with Ji Ruxue, he bowed deeply to Ouyang Lie. "This kindness of reforging divine weapons... we Juniors will never forget it for the rest of our lives!"

This gratitude came from the depths of their hearts. Weapons were a Martial Artist's second life. Such a significant enhancement would boost their combat power no less than a Realm Breakthrough!

Ouyang Lie let out a hearty laugh, his tired face full of exhilaration, and waved his hand. "Enough, enough, save the formalities. As long as the items perform well and don't tarnish the reputation of our Fire Refining Hall! You found the Materials yourselves; we merely did our duty. Now hurry and take them back to familiarize yourselves. Don't clutter up the place!"

Despite his words, the pride in his eyes and his satisfaction with the works were unmistakable.

Qin Feng and Ji Ruxue said no more. They solemnly collected their respective weapons. The ink plum sword returned to its sheath, concealed within the white dragon armor. The purple moon daggers vanished silently. The giant tooth sword, the Greatshield, and the yan luo umbrella were also carefully stored.

"Here is your soaring dragon token. The remaining unused Materials have been offset against it," Ouyang Lie said straightforwardly.

"This... Thank you for your great kindness, Senior. I will certainly repay it in the future," Qin Feng said.

Bidding farewell to Ouyang Lie, they walked out of the Fire Refining Hall. The afternoon sun was somewhat scorching, but their hearts were filled with fervor and anticipation.

With divine weapons in hand and their companions on the verge of Breakthrough,

The path ahead could be walked with greater steadiness and reach even further.