With Elian's consent, the old patriarch and Elian entered the artifact crafting chamber to refine the formation flags.
The old patriarch first smelted the seven demon cores, engraving them with second-tier defensive formation patterns, turning them into seven golden second-tier orbs.
He then modified the array patterns of the Blazing Fire Divine Flags and integrated the orbs into the flags. Repeatedly tempering and engraving the patterns, he infused the flags with the energy of Metal Essence and Fire Essence. After 49 days of continuous refinement, the new formation was finally completed.
The newly refined formation flags transformed into seven crimson-gold flags, each topped with a golden orb radiating a dormant, powerful aura.
"It's done," the old patriarch said with delight, holding up the formation flags and sharing their capabilities with Elian.
The most immediate effect of the reforging was an 80% increase in the formation's power limit. Previously, the Blazing Fire Divine Flags only wielded one divine ability, the Fiery Flame, which, while versatile, lacked exceptional offensive or defensive capabilities.
After the reforging, the old patriarch engraved defensive formation patterns onto the seven orbs, making the flags equivalent to a unified set of seven second-tier defensive artifacts.
With his cultivation, he could now activate the defensive formation "Diamond Glass Barrier," a divine ability with formidable strength that even early Purple Mansion cultivators would struggle to breach.
Additionally, the old patriarch activated the innate incomplete formation patterns within the demon cores, recreating the golden python monkey clan's divine ability, the "Purple-Gold Disruptive Slashing Light." When integrated with the formation flags' Fiery Flame ability, it evolved into the "Crimson-Gold Barrier-Piercing Sword Beam," an upgraded ability with even greater destructive power. (Well, I know that the name are long, but I like it :c )
With his current cultivation, the old patriarch estimated that the formation's offensive power rivaled a full-force strike from an early Purple Mansion cultivator.
Overjoyed, the old patriarch laughed heartily.
"This formation now contains three divine abilities, making it perfectly balanced between offense and defense. With my spiritual energy, I can even challenge early Purple Mansion cultivators."
Elian clapped his hands in admiration.
"Three divine abilities in one set of flags—your mastery of formations has likely reached the threshold of a third-tier formation master. Once you break through to the Purple Mansion stage, you'll undoubtedly be recognized as one."
Both were in high spirits after the successful refinement. Though the Chen Clan had not yet achieved Purple Mansion status, their combat strength was finally approaching that level, granting them some measure of security in the Chu Kingdom's perilous region.
The old patriarch, stroking the flags fondly, said, "After the reforging, the name 'Blazing Fire Divine Flags' no longer suits them. With their crimson-gold color and three divine abilities, let's call them the 'Crimson-Gold Three-Treasure Flags.'"
Having consumed the Xuanyu Pills, opened 50% of his Purple Mansion Dao Veins, and refined the Crimson-Gold Three-Treasure Flags, the old patriarch's strength had more than doubled. Satisfied, he returned to Pingyang City, confident that his current strength provided sufficient security.
Elian didn't linger at Linghu Isle. Once Chen Xianyan returned to oversee it, he departed for Boyang County.
The Wei Clan of Boyang County wasn't far from the Chen Clan. Traveling by sword, Elian covered 10,000 miles daily and reached Tian'e Mountain in less than three days.
Upon his arrival at Tian'e Mountain, Wei Xuyuan greeted him personally with a smile.
"Brother Elian, I've been waiting for you!"
"Many unexpected events delayed me. My apologies for keeping you waiting," Elian said with a smile as they sat on the guest peak outside Tian'e Mountain.
Wei Xuyuan poured tea for Elian and, with some excitement, asked, "How was your journey to Tianxu Mountain?"
"It went well, fortunately," Elian replied, smiling as he retrieved a jade bottle.
Wei Xuyuan examined the bottle and broke into a delighted expression. "To be honest, I previously consumed a Wood Crystal and only managed to open 30% of my Purple Mansion meridians."
"I thought I had no hope of breaking through to the Purple Mansion stage in this lifetime, but with this Xuanyu Pill, I finally have a chance."
Hearing this, Elian's eyes flickered slightly. He understood that Wei Xuyuan intended to gamble everything the Wei Clan had for one more attempt.
If successful, it would be a joyous event that could restore their resources manifold. However, failure would leave the Wei Clan in ruins, with little hope of recovery for at least a century unless they encountered extraordinary fortune.
Recognizing this as a matter beyond his involvement, Elian changed the subject.
"As for the three Heavenly Flame Sword Talismans I promised, I'll need a few more years, as I must first reach the late Foundation Establishment stage."
Wei Xuyuan laughed.
"That's fine. Once you reach the late stage, the talismans you make will be even stronger. I'm delighted to wait."
"Then I'm relieved," Elian said with a smile before adding, "There's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Whatever it is, consider it done," Wei Xuyuan replied eagerly.
Elian sipped his tea and said, "I'd like you to help me acquire some Metal Essence and Fiery Flame energy in Yang Region."
"Oh?" Wei Xuyuan smiled, thumping his chest.
"That's simple enough. How much do you need?"
"I need quite a lot," Elian replied, setting down his tea.
"A full 50,000 strands."
"Fifty thousand strands…"
Wei Xuyuan's expression changed slightly. Such a large amount of Metal Essence and Fiery Flame energy was worth 10,000 spirit stones—a significant expenditure.
Typically, refining a low-grade third-tier artifact required no more than 5,000 spirit stones' worth of elemental energy. Consuming such a vast quantity was rare and indicated either the crafting of a powerful formation artifact or a high-grade natal artifact. Both were extraordinary endeavors for a Foundation Establishment clan.
Wei Xuyuan scrutinized Elian briefly before smiling and saying, "Rest assured, with the Wei Clan's influence in Yang Region, this won't be difficult. However, collecting so much energy will take more than a year or two."
...
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I need POWAAA! Gimme Power Stones :D