The news of the death of the Heaven Dou Empire's Emperor Xue Ye and Xue Qinghe's ascension to the throne quickly spread throughout the continent.
In the great hall of the Blacksmith's Association, which was filled with the sound of clashing metal, Lou Gao, this master who was known as the "Divine Craftsman," was intently hammering at the piece of iron in his hands. Every hammer strike contained an ultimate great power.
"Clang—"
"Clang—"
The sound of the hammer echoed, yet it could not cover up the waves surging in Lou Gao's heart. Not long ago, Lin Feng had had someone send him a few never-before-seen tools, and had attached a secret letter. In the letter, these tools were called "hidden weapons," things of a strange and devious path, which could display a miraculous effect on the battlefield.
Lou Gao was full of curiosity about these hidden weapons. The way of forging was not just in the improvement of one's skill, but was even more so in the exploration and innovation of the unknown.
He had spent his whole life studying forging. Naturally, he had very quickly thrown himself into the research of these hidden weapons. With the blueprints and the physical objects that Lin Feng had given him, he had quickly understood the principles and the forging methods within. He just needed to continuously accumulate experience, and he would be able to become skilled.
What had made him a little surprised were the "Peacock Plume," the "Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus," and the "Torrential Pear Blossom Needle." The ingenuity of their construction had truly surprised him for a moment. But in his hands, to replicate them was also just a matter of time.
And the final item, on the contrary, had surpassed his imagination. It was a cylindrical, dark black soul tool. In Lin Feng's description, this was a level-4 soul tool cannon. It was not personally made by Lin Feng. The raw materials used were a soul tool that had originally already been scrapped, which he had, with a unique formation, reshaped to its original appearance, and had infused it with energy with his True Qi.
Unfortunately, this soul tool cannon was in the end a reshaping of a waste product. The soul tool core formation that should have originally been there, its inscriptions had been seventy to eighty percent damaged. At present, it could only be used two or three times by relying on the energy that Lin Feng had forcefully attached.
But Lin Feng's purpose was only to inform Lou Gao of the "far ahead" of a soul tool compared to the currently forged weapons and hidden weapons. Just two or three uses would be enough.
"Emperor Xue Ye has just passed away. Xue Qinghe became the emperor while he was still in mourning... although it is also reasonable, it is a little strange."
Lou Gao put away the Life-Taking Mother-and-Son Soul-Chasing Gallbladder that he had just made and thought to himself. Although he was not involved in political affairs, as the president of the Blacksmith's Association, for the slightest rustle of grass in the wind on the continent, especially news related to weapons and technology, he was always particularly concerned. The sudden passing of Emperor Xue Ye and the rapid succession of Xue Qinghe, behind it there must be some unknown secret and turmoil.
"The hidden weapons and soul tools that this Holy Son Lin Feng has sent, the timing is on the contrary clever," Lou Gao squinted his eyes, gazing at the exquisite Life-Taking Mother-and-Son Soul-Chasing Gallbladder in his hand. A few guesses had faintly formed in his heart. "Could it be that he wants to take this opportunity to hint something to me?"
"And this soul tool cannon is truly a wonderful thing. On it, I have seen an infinite possibility. That Eight Treasure Ruyi Armor that can resist the attack damage of a Soul Emperor level, what kind of a divine weapon is that? This soul tool technology that has been lost to the continent for ten thousand years is the future of the way of forging! If one day I can create a soul tool that can slay a god, what a magnificent feat that would be!"
A scorching light sparkled in Lou Gao's eyes. It was a kind of a desire for unknown technology, a pursuit of the ultimate of forging. These hidden weapons and soul tools that Lin Feng had sent were not just as simple as weapons. They were more like the key to opening the door to a new world, leading him towards a brand new domain of forging.
"Even if the core formation has already been eighty percent destroyed, the might after a forceful reshaping is close to a Soul King's one strike. And this is just a level-4 in the Holy Son Lin Feng's letter. For him to be able to grade this thing, he must have mastered some knowledge. It seems this old one has to make a trip to Spirit City."
He put away all the items on his workbench and shouted outside, "Xiao Cheng, prepare for a moment. We're going to Spirit City."
Two weeks later, in Spirit City, behind the Pope's Hall, in a quiet garden, Lou Gao and Lin Feng sat opposite each other. The surroundings were meticulously trimmed flowers and trees. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers, completely different from the clamor of the outside world.
"Holy Son Lin Feng, the hidden weapons and soul tools you had someone send over have really opened my eyes," Lou Gao was the first to speak, the excitement in his tone hard to conceal. "Especially that level-4 soul tool cannon. It has let me see the infinite possibility of the art of forging."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "Master Lou Gao, you and I are both people who pursue the ultimate. I know that your love for forging far surpasses that of an ordinary person. Those hidden weapons and soul tools are just appetizers. The true mystery is still hidden in a deeper place."
Hearing this, Lou Gao's figure shook. "A deeper place? You mean to say..."
"That's right. The manufacturing technique of a soul tool is by no means something that can be mastered overnight. It requires a deep theoretical foundation, as well as an exquisite control of soul power. What I have mastered is also just the tip of the iceberg," Lin Feng said slowly. "This soul tool cannon is still the result of an order I had given years ago for the people below to search for. This kind of a slaughter-type soul tool is very rare on the continent. This is also the reason why it is so precious."
Lou Gao couldn't help but clench his two hands. "Then may I ask, Your Highness, Holy Son, this soul tool's forging technique?"
"You are a smart person. I suppose you should have already guessed that this is a product of a distant era. There are no classics or the like, nor is there a manufacturing inheritance."
"This..." Hearing this, Lou Gao's heart couldn't help but sink. A trace of disappointment flashed across his face. But soon, he had pulled himself together again. His gaze was scorching as he looked at Lin Feng.
"For Your Highness, Holy Son, to have sent these few things at such an opportune time, this old one doesn't believe there are no other possibilities. Your Highness, Holy Son, just say it. What do you need this old one to do?"
A trace of admiration flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. "In that case, then I will not say more. Join Spirit Hall. I will get the knowledge related to soul tools for you. In the future, you will be the new dean of the soul tool academy. All matters such as external propaganda and promotion will be handed over to you to handle."
Lou Gao took a deep breath, his gaze becoming firm. He stood up and gave a deep bow to Lin Feng. "Your Highness, Holy Son, I am willing to join Spirit Hall and to contribute a part of my strength to the development of soul tools."
"Very good."
"But I wonder, Your Highness, Holy Son, since the knowledge related to soul tools on the continent has already been lost, then where is Your Highness going to find it?"
Lin Feng waved his hand. "This matter is of no hindrance. I have my own ways. You just need to know that Spirit Hall, as a top-tier power on the continent, its foundation is far beyond what you and I can imagine. Since I have promised to get the knowledge related to soul tools for you, I will surely do it."
"This soul tool is an artificial tool that is completed by carving a core formation on a rare metal and a gem, and then through manufacturing."
"Spirit Hall has collected no small number of destroyed soul tools these few years. Among them, there are no small number with a core formation. You can, along with those that are in good condition, study them together. Within a year, I will bring you new knowledge."
Hearing this, Lou Gao's heart was slightly at ease. Compared to the power of Spirit Hall, he trusted Lin Feng's ability more. When they had met a few years ago, he could still sense Lin Feng's cultivation. Now, on the contrary, he could not see through it at all. The kind of a heavy feeling, like a mountain, had let Lou Gao know very well that Lin Feng's strength had already far surpassed his imagination.
Thus, he once again respectfully performed a rite. "Then I will have to trouble Your Highness, Holy Son. This subordinate will surely not fail to live up to your trust."
"Mmm. You can go down first. There will be someone to explain all the matters to you. Since you have entered Spirit Hall, Gengxin City will also be the same."
Lou Gao's pupils shrank slightly. This Spirit Hall has a great plot. He opened his mouth. "This subordinate understands. I wish the great enterprise an early success."
Lin Feng nodded lightly and watched as Lou Gao left the garden. Only after Lou Gao's figure had disappeared from his line of sight did he slowly stand up, his gaze deep as he looked into the distance.
After coming into contact with the power of faith, Lin Feng had realized that this power was more like another kind of worldly primordial qi, which had surpassed ordinary soul power, and contained the spiritual sustenance and wishes of the believers. It was a purer and more powerful form of energy.
If it was possible, he naturally had to collect it. The Sun Moon Continent, he had originally wanted to go and take a trip.
These few years, he had been secretly collecting the fragments, blueprints, and the few scattered pieces of knowledge that had been passed down in the world regarding soul tools on the continent. Lin Feng had long since accumulated no small number of clues.
He had also learned some shallow manufacturing knowledge. But in the end, it was just the surface. The knowledge system of soul tools on the Douluo Continent already had a fault. The inheritance had almost been annihilated in the long river of history. To want to truly master the essence of soul tools, he had to find its source: the Sun Moon Continent, to travel far across the ocean and to reach the other shore.
After reaching the realm of Titled Douluo, the soul power in his body at this moment could be described as vast as the sea, unfathomable, endless, and inexhaustible.
His use of the power of space had also reached the point of perfection. Before, just a third-level god, Gu Yuena, could do it by stopping and going, and could, within a few hours, come from the core of the Star Dou Great Forest to Spirit City. And at this time, Lin Feng could also, in an instant, cross a thousand mountains and ten thousand waters.
To go to the western Sun Moon Continent would just be a matter of one or two days. This kind of a speed of traveling by directly using the power of space, compared with other soul masters, was simply like a dimensionality reduction strike. With the growth of his cultivation, his speed would only get faster and faster. To cross the continent in an instant was also not impossible.
As expected of the noble space element. The moment it appeared, it was a subversive existence.
To return within three months was the time that Lin Feng had set for this trip. Three months later was the day the Star Luo Empire would officially announce Davis as the crown prince. It was also the day that Lin Feng had estimated for Tang San's return.
After his return would be the establishment of the empire.
After informing Bibi Dong of his plan, Lin Feng then planned to head for the Sun Moon Continent.
Qian Renxue at this time was still in seclusion. By the looks of it, she was going to, in one go, charge towards a higher realm. Lin Feng did not disturb her but just left a letter, explaining his itinerary and purpose.
Looking at her momentum, I'm afraid she was heading straight for the inheritance of the god-seat. Lin Feng thought to himself. For Qian Renxue's strength and determination, he had always been extremely appreciative.
Especially after Gu Yuena had appeared, this faint sense of crisis, as well as the kind of a domineering possessiveness of Gu Yuena from before, had made Qian Renxue develop a thought of resistance. She just wanted to quickly improve her strength to complete the magnificent feat of an angel slaying a dragon. Although the hope was a little slim, Qian Renxue seemed to have never given up on this thought.
Remembering the appearance she had had last time when she had used her Angel's Chains, Lin Feng had a toothache for a while.
What had made Lin Feng a little surprised was that Ling Yuan had, the day before he was to set off, come out of seclusion and had successfully broken through to the level 95 Super Douluo realm. This had made Lin Feng feel a pleasant surprise.
One must know that this was an important node for breaking through to Super Douluo. For Ling Yuan to be able to break through to Super Douluo in such a short period of time was enough to make people marvel.
Looking at the familiar yet more mature face of Ling Yuan before him, a thought moved in Lin Feng's heart.
She stood there, her figure tall and straight, her temperament noble. Between her eyebrows was revealed a confidence and a calmness after her breakthrough. Lin Feng couldn't help but step forward, his eyes sparkling with a gentle light.
"Sister Ling Yuan, congratulations," Lin Feng chuckled lightly and took hold of her soft hand.
Ling Yuan smiled faintly. The smile was like a spring breeze brushing one's face, making Lin Feng's heart melt with it. She gently pulled back a hand and lightly caressed Lin Feng's face, her eyes full of a tender and sweet love. "This is all thanks to you. Without you, it would also be impossible for me to break through so quickly."
Lin Feng grabbed Ling Yuan's shoulder and pulled her closer. The gazes of the two met tightly at this moment. He could feel the faint fragrance emanating from Ling Yuan's body, as well as the warmth of her breath. This close-range contact made Ling Yuan's heart can't help but accelerate. An ambiguous aura quietly filled the air.
Drip—
The horizontal silver bridge dripped to the ground. Ling Yuan's cheek was slightly crimson. Her delicate body was as soft as if without bones as it pressed against his chest. Her jade-like fingers were drawing circles on his body. She glanced at Lin Feng with a playful look. "It's been so long since we've met. How come you feel a little more skilled? To be honest, have you taken down Qing Xuan?"
"Ahem ahem," Lin Feng coughed twice with some embarrassment.
Seeing his appearance, Ling Yuan laughed. The meaning in her eyes was even stronger, yet it also carried a hint of a teasing meaning. "Alright, alright. I won't tease you anymore."
With a shallow smile, the guess in her heart had been confirmed. She gently took Lin Feng into her own embrace. Ling Yuan said softly, "I don't blame you. If you knew that I had a hand in this behind the scenes, you must not blame me."
Ling Yuan blinked her eyes playfully, her tone carrying a trace of cunning. She knew that Lin Feng had always doted on her. No matter what she did, he would tolerate her, and would even sometimes indulge her little willfulness.
"Naturally not. Whatever Sister Ling Yuan does is right. A caring big sister, how could I blame you?" Lin Feng said with a laugh.
"Mmm. Then," Ling Yuan raised her pupils to look at Lin Feng. "Can you explain to me what the situation is with that Bo Saixi?"
"Emmmm, a newly taken disciple."
"Is that so?" Ling Yuan looked at Lin Feng's somewhat evasive gaze with amusement. Ling Yuan chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a hint of a playful meaning. "A newly taken disciple? Then why have I heard that she seems to have a different kind of feeling for you?"
Didn't she just come out of seclusion? It must be Dong'er who is secretly passing the message.
Lin Feng helplessly shrugged his shoulders and said, "She is an important link in dealing with the Sea God. To pull her into our camp is for the best."
Hearing this, a satisfied smile appeared on the corner of Ling Yuan's mouth. But then immediately, she feigned a serious look and said, "Hmph, it had better be so."
"However," Ling Yuan changed the subject, a cunning light sparkling in her eyes. "Are you really not harboring any private thoughts?"
Before Lin Feng could reply, she on the contrary laughed out loud. "Forget it. Xue'er has not yet come out of seclusion. This trip to the Sun Moon Continent, I will accompany you, plus that Great Priestess of Sea God Island, Bo Saixi."
"Fine."