The Twelve Zodiac Signs represent not only the twelve Earthly Branches but also the twelve hours of the day and the cyclical operation of the cosmos. They are one of the foundational laws that uphold the order of Heaven and Earth.
Now, the innate Daoist aura infused in the Iron Ox was continuously merging into the Primal Phantom Armor. The scene resembled the gestation of an innate spiritual treasure—time flowing, ages shifting, and the armor being refined through the power of an innate spiritual vein. It was truly a convergence of Heaven's fortunes into one form.
The idea of the Primordial Phantom Armor ascending to the level of an Innate Spiritual Treasure took root firmly in Yi Tianxing's mind. If this came true, such a suit of armor would unquestionably become a supreme cornerstone of the Da Yi Dynasty.
"This suit of Primal Phantom Armor has already fused with the Chou Ox Statue, and is being nurtured by the Innate Chou Ox Spiritual Vein. If nothing goes wrong, once it matures, it will definitely reach the level of an innate spiritual treasure. Still, we need to incorporate various natural treasures to accelerate its gestation."— Master Lu, observing through his innate ability of qi-watching
The resonance between the armor and the Chou Ox Statue stemmed from the soul level, their life rhythms syncing in perfect harmony. The connection had become one of symbiosis and companionship.
The Da Yi Dynasty already possessed the Zodiac Formation Diagram. With the armor merging into the Chou Ox Statue, it effectively became part of the Zodiac Grand Array. The array's power refined the armor, inscribing endless Dao patterns, channeling vast amounts of worldly essence, and imprinting it with innate Daoist resonance.
The Zodiac Grand Array inherently represented time. As the array activated, the gestation and growth of the armor were significantly altered—accelerated by the array's manipulation of time flow.
"Master Lu, are there other Primordial Armors forged from Tide-Sound Purple Bamboo?"— Yi Tianxing
"Yes."— Master Lu nodded. "As long as one is forged, others can be printed using the same materials. I currently have three more suits."
"Go to the Phantom Beast Hall and hunt three more Zodiac-beast-type phantom beasts."— Yi Tianxing
Without hesitation, the three armors were retrieved. Rather than sending Lu himself, Yang Yanping took the armors and entered the Phantom Beast Hall. He quickly found and hunted snake-, sheep-, and rat-type phantom beasts, fusing them with the armors.
Upon exiting—
Shua! Shua! Shua!
All three armors emitted radiant purple light, runes dancing around them.
Baa!
A bleating sound came from the Wei Goat Statue, which responded by opening its mouth and devouring the armor infused with the sheep-type beast. The armor entered the statue without resistance, merging into the Innate Wei Goat Spiritual Vein, washed and refined by innate Dao resonance.
Just like with the Ox, the Sheep Statue and the Sheep Armor entered a miraculous state of resonance and unity.
Soon after, the Snake and Rat Armors also merged with their respective statues. The Zodiac Grand Array was once again activated, and its power surged. Each new armor accelerated the array's cycle—doubling its speed with every addition.
"Print eight more suits of the Primal Phantom Armor immediately."— Yi Tianxing to Gongshu Lin, providing more Tide-Sound Purple Bamboo
Before long, eight new suits were brought forth and sent into the Phantom Beast Hall to hunt the remaining Zodiac phantom beasts: Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
However, only seven suits came back.
"Your Majesty, the Dragon-type phantom beast is missing."— Gongshu Lin
The others were easily found, but true dragons are not to be trifled with. Hunting one was no small matter—it meant risking war with the dragon race.
"That's not right. I remember the Phantom Beast Hall once held a true dragon beast soul."— Yi Tianxing recalled.
Indeed, the Phantom Beast Hall had originated from the Underworld, gifted by Zombie King Nalan Rou. She had once hunted a young Nether Dragon, and its dragon soul was preserved inside.
Without further explanation, Yi Tianxing took the last suit and entered the hall himself. Moments later—
Roar!!
A deafening dragon's cry resounded. From the Dragon Statue, divine light shone as it resonated with the armor, instantly pulling it in.
As the twelve suits of armor fully merged with the twelve Zodiac Statues—
Boom!
Twelve divine beams burst from the statues into the sky. In the void above, the spiritual manifestations of the Twelve Zodiac Beasts appeared—coiled dragon, crouching tiger—each divine and awe-inspiring.
With all twelve suits in place, the Zodiac Grand Array gained sentience. The flow of time power, the inscribing of Dao marks, all accelerated at a staggering rate.
"One hour equals one year. Twelve hours per day means twelve years of growth per day."— Yi Tianxing, stunned
This meant each suit of armor would grow twelve years' worth every single day.
"These twelve suits are no ordinary armors. Once fully nurtured, they'll be peerless divine suits. They should be named—something worthy of their uniqueness."— Master Lu
"They are born from the Zodiac; let them be called the Zodiac War Armors."— Yi Tianxing
He turned to the officials:
"Once born, the Zodiac War Armors will choose their masters. These suits belong to Da Yi. Anyone who earns their recognition may wield them. The bearer shall be titled a Zodiac Guardian, charged with defending Da Yi and protecting the human race. Only the strong are worthy."
This proclamation wasn't just for the court—it was for the entire Da Yi Dynasty.
The idea of being chosen by a Zodiac War Armor, of gaining Innate Spiritual Treasure-level power, set the hearts of countless citizens ablaze.
"If I could be chosen… I'd become a Zodiac Guardian in one step!"
"His Majesty said everyone has a chance. But the stronger you are, the better your chances!"
Among Da Yi's bounty hunters and scattered cultivators, talent and power were abundant. The temptation of an Innate Spiritual Treasure was irresistible.
In time, the Zodiac War Armors might even surpass innate treasures—evolving into Innate Supreme Treasures.
In the Tongtian Pavilion, many honored guests and contributors felt their ambitions ignite.
Meanwhile, on a street in Xuanhuang City, a family of three strolled. The parents looked like seasoned bounty hunters—rough yet competent, while their child, about seven or eight, resembled his father.
"Dad, I want that Divine Dragon Armor."— the child said with longing
"Then grow up fast, Feng'er. Train hard. His Majesty said it—if you're strong enough to be chosen, you can become a Zodiac Guardian. I hope one day you will be one."— the father laughed heartily