Hearing his decision, Jiang Linglong smiled faintly.
"You've made the right choice. Although the medium-sized flying vessel is slightly slower, its utility and combat capability far surpass those of a small vessel. It might even play a significant role in the future during the Beast Tide."
"That's reassuring to hear," Elian said, letting out a breath of relief. He then asked, "What materials are needed to refine the medium-sized flying vessel?"
"The materials are readily available," Jiang Linglong replied.
"In the Wood Vein, there's a grove of green-gold wood. This wood is both durable and lightweight, making it an excellent material for crafting flying vessels."
After some calculation, she informed Elian that thirty second-tier green-gold trees would be sufficient to craft the medium-sized vessel.
"Thirty trees?" Elian felt a headache coming on. Second-tier green-gold wood was incredibly valuable, and thirty trees were enough to craft thirty second-tier magical treasures.
Even at a base cost of six hundred spirit stones per tree, thirty trees would require eighteen thousand spirit stones.
"Are you worrying about the cost?" Jiang Linglong asked, her sharp eyes seeing through his concerns. Fixing her gaze on him, she said seriously, "You have something you can use to offset the expense."
"Offset the expense?" Elian looked at her, feeling that something was off. Could she be... craving something?
Seeing his bewildered expression, Jiang Linglong chuckled softly and continued, "Of course you can offset it. Doesn't the Chen family own an black iron mine?"
"I happen to need a large amount of black iron. If you bring me thirty thousand catties of it, that will cover the cost of the thirty green-gold trees."
Elian: "…"
Realizing he was being teased, Elian could only respond, "I can agree to this, but the Chen family's black iron reserves are insufficient. It will take us over ten years to gather thirty thousand catties."
After defeating the Gold-Eating Beasts, the Chen family had acquired over twenty thousand catties of black iron from the beasts' hoard.
The old patriarch used two thousand catties of black iron and the beast's core to enhance the Nine Deflection Bell. Over the years, Elian had consumed six thousand catties while refining magical treasures and improving his craft.
This left the Chen family with just over fourteen thousand catties. With an annual mining yield of about one thousand catties, it would take roughly more than ten years to accumulate thirty thousand catties.
Hearing this, Jiang Linglong nodded and said, "Deliver the twenty thousand catties first. The remaining ten thousand catties must be delivered before the Beast Tide begins."
"You can count on it," Elian replied firmly, understanding that the black iron was likely a contingency for the rebellion. He treated the matter as a solemn commitment.
With the decision made, Jiang Linglong wasted no time. She went to the Wood Vein, felled thirty green-gold trees, and returned swiftly on her flying sword.
The grove had only about one hundred mature second-tier green-gold trees. Jiang Linglong had already harvested thirty in the past and now took another thirty, leaving only a few remaining.
Returning to Tianxu Mountain with the materials, Jiang Linglong began crafting the medium-sized flying vessel without delay. Once again, Elian observed the entire process.
Crafting a medium-sized flying vessel was a labor-intensive process, equivalent to assembling dozens of magical treasures. Even with Jiang Linglong's abilities, it took her two full months to complete.
When she infused the last strand of five-element essence into the vessel, she finally exhaled in relief and handed Elian a three-inch-long model of the flying vessel.
"This vessel can expand to ten zhang when activated. Not only does it retain the Thunder Flash Escape ability, but I've also inscribed three formations into it," she explained with a smile.
"These formations are the Essence Convergence Array, the Six Harmonies Divine Defense Array, and the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Array."
Elian quickly grasped the significance of this third-tier vessel after her explanation.
The Essence Convergence Array served as the energy core, enabling the vessel to function. When fully charged with spiritual energy, the vessel could travel a million miles or sustain a high-intensity battle. If the energy was depleted, the vessel could be recharged with spirit stones or spiritual energy.
The Six Harmonies Divine Defense Array was the vessel's protective barrier, capable of withstanding attacks from mid-stage Purple Mansion beasts.
The Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword Array was the vessel's offensive formation. It required seven Foundation Establishment cultivators to activate. Once triggered, it unleashed a sword aura comparable to the full-power strike of a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, capable of killing an early-stage Purple Mansion beast if used effectively.
However, the sword array's energy consumption was enormous, allowing only a single use before the vessel's reserves were drained.
"This is truly remarkable," Elian said, marveling at the vessel.
"Since the sword array defines it, let's call it the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Vessel."
As he caressed the vessel, he couldn't hide his excitement. Such a vessel would significantly bolster the family's strength. With seven Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was almost equivalent to adding the power of an early-stage Purple Mansion cultivator.
Jiang Linglong smiled as well and cautioned, "Don't reveal this too soon. When the Beast Tide comes, it might give them a nasty surprise."
"I understand," Elian said, suppressing his joy as he stored the vessel.
With their business concluded, silence fell between them. After a moment, Jiang Linglong looked at him and suddenly said, "Walk with me."
"…"
After over two months of crafting, the vast eastern wilderness had entered deep winter. Snowflakes fell gently across the land, covering the endless expanse in a pristine white blanket.
The two walked silently through the snow, admiring the rare scenery. After some time, they stopped at the edge of a cliff, gazing out at the snowy expanse.
Jiang Linglong stood quietly under a paper umbrella, her voice breaking the silence. "Do you know how Qingji died?"
"Qingji?" Elian frowned, quickly realizing she referred to the creator of the Pure Water Green Lotus Codex. (A Purple Mansion cultivation technique)
Without waiting for his answer, she continued, "The overlords of the Eastern Sea coast, the Liu clan of Rama Island."
"Our enemies are far stronger than you imagine," she said, her tone heavy.
Elian felt a jolt in his heart and asked a question he had long harbored, "Why do you treat me so differently? Why do you regard me so highly?"
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D