“


    Zhao Yunxiao had transplanted him to the edge of the pond, at a spot where Gu Qiansi had clearly left vacant for him.


    Not just that, but he also could not help but notice that the world origin energy density here was significantly higher than that at Ghost Fog Valley, which would only serve tohelp him cultivate at a faster rate.


    Perhaps that was to be expected of a famous faction like the Black Tortoise Sect. For them to have selected this spot as their base, there must be something special about this land!


    Thankfully, while he could still feel Zhao Yunxiao’s array constantly draining him of his demonic energy, that would only reduce his combat capabilities, not his cultivation rate.


    As long as he ignored the fact that he was currently being held as some form of prisoner, this was actually quite a good place to reside at for the time being!


    Let me warn you one last time – don’t try anything funny,” Zhao Yunxiao cautioned. “There might not seem to be anyone around, but the sect administrators are always watching. And if they are ever forced to take action, neither of us will get away unscathed. At that point, I might be punished a little, but your life would most likely be forfeit!”


    “


    When you regain enough strength, perhaps you can help Senior Martial Brother Nie break through to the Advanced Essence Gathering realm as well,” Zhao Yunxiao added.


    Just because he had done it before, did this kid think that doing such a thing was easy?


    Maybe he needed to reevaluate if it was truly a good place to settle down at.


    “


    I’ll pass,” Zhao Yunxiao shook his head. “And I will probably be spending the next few days forging my halberd, so do help me keep an eye out for any significant news in the sect.”


    Zhao Yunxiao knew that with Nie Hanchang’s way of life, he would most likely be the last to know about any interesting news in the sect. However, there was no harm in asking.


    I see. Will you be using your original plan or that famous designer’s?” Nie Hanchang asked out of curiosity.


    I think I will follow his blueprint. I have to admit that it is actually quite impressive,” Zhao Yunxiao shrugged.


    Is that so?” Nie Hanchang snickered. “I guess the trip is well worth it then.”


    “


    It had originally been a trip meant solely to harvest the grimoire fruit. Who knew that by detouring a little for a simple mission, they would actually end up obtaining so many benefits?


    Well, perhaps not so much for Nie Hanchang, but at least Zhao Yunxiao had obtained quite a bit of benefits!


    He carefully laid out all his materials and inspected each of them individually, comparing them against the blueprint as a final inventory check.


    Unlike Nie Hanchang’s Grand Annihilator, which was created solely with grimiron, Lou Yuan’s halberd blueprint comprised various materials.


    Each of these materials naturally had to be treated separately, making the forging process far more complicated in comparison. This meant that the time required would also increase in comparison.


    Of course, while it was true that creating basic equipment out of a single material was simpler, creating high-quality equipment in that manner was actually countless times more difficult. That only made the completion of the Grand Annihilator even more of a miracle!


    The energy expenditure required to process this many materials was not a joke. In order to maintain his condition at peak condition throughout the forging process, he had no choice but to start taking recovery pillsright from the very start. Otherwise, the recovery rate could fail to keep up with the rate of expenditure.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Zhao Yunxiao might be careful with his wallet, but he knew when it was necessary to spend as well.


    Of course, this method was not for everyone as it would result in a greater mental strain. Thankfully, this was not a problem that Zhao Yunxiao would need to worry about.


    While he had already run this through countless mental simulations by now, it remained a fact that this was still the first time that Zhao Yunxiao was actually doing it in person. All he could do was trust in Lou Yuan’s methods, and try to handle any complications along the way with his own gut feeling!


    While it was not exactly the same thing, they still provided a basis upon which Zhao Yunxiao could take reference to when reading the situation.


    In the end, most things in life did not have a hard formula that could ensure success.


    Instead, it was mainly about understanding underlying concepts and applying them wherever necessary. This went for cultivation, and the path of smithing was no different either.


    The molten liquid is then removed from the furnace and poured into another, repeating the process again and again to ensure the complete removal of all impurities.


    Just a little too cool and the metal would not be able to melt completely, which naturally meant that that separation of impurities was impossible. Bits of unmelted metal could also be filtered out along with impurities, drastically reducing the output of refined metal.


    It was definitely the toughest portion of the forging process.


    Not only did this process require a good control of the fire, but it also required a good understanding of the material he was dealing with.


    By doing this, he was trying to increase the compatibility between him and the resulting weapon, which would make it easier for his energy to flow through the weapon in the future.


    Zhao Yunxiao then released the liquid metal from the furnace, pouring it into a mould to take the shape of the halberd. In its molten state, the black liquid metal had been heated to a bright golden state, looking like liquid gold as it filled up the mould.


    The silver juice entered the golden molten metal like water into the ocean, silently disappearing without a trace.


    Nevertheless, he could not afford to stop here simply because of mere uncertainty. Instead, he quickly moved on with the next few steps before the metal had a chance to cool down completely.


    The shaft, beak, blade, and point of the halberd were all designed to be part of one whole piece of meteor steel, so the shape was mostly there after having it solidify within Zhao Yunxiao’s pre-made mould.


    Edges needed to be sharpened, and corners needed to be rounded off. Not just that, but there were also nooks and crannies that had to be engraved into the metal for various reasons. And that was only the main piece.


    Apart from that, there were also various separate parts that had to be smithed and attached. These parts might not seem to have too big of an impact if looked at individually, but the overall effect after they came together as a whole was not to be underestimated.


    From time to time, Zhao Yunxiao would pop another recovery pill or some small pieces of food, ensuring that his energy and hunger levels remained at an optimal level.


    The only thoughts that filled his mind were related to the current status of the forging progress, as well as the steps and materials that he had to prepare next.


    Before he knew it, only the final step remained.


    The pentagon-shaped joint had been crafted successfully. Now, all that remained was to add it onto the shaft right below the blade.