In the basement directly beneath the castle.
Xu Zihuang sat before a massive metal table. Spread across the table were countless fine metal parts of various shapes.
Most eye-catching among them were five hexagonal metal plates engraved with intricate core arrays. These were the most important components of any soul tool. Different types of core arrays required different rare metals.
The five hexagonal plates before him, each of a different color, bore five distinct third-tier core arrays.
Aside from those, there was also a sharp blade of black and white. The spine was as black as ink, the edge as white as snow, its chaotic patterns forming tiny cross-shaped marks. Under the soft glow of a soul lamp, it shone with chilling brilliance, its sharpness carrying an ominous aura.
The main material of this blade was the tooth of that 20,000-year Evil Demon Orca. Xu Zihuang had spent much effort grinding it into its current form.
Although he had already succeeded in creating his first third-tier soul tool more than a year ago, the soul tool before him, not yet fully completed, was the work he had truly poured his heart into.
To embed five third-tier core arrays into a single third-tier soul tool—the difficulty even exceeded that of crafting an ordinary fourth-tier tool.
Eyes flashing with brilliance, Xu Zihuang steadied his mind, immersing himself fully in the task.
Clear metallic clicks rang out as his long, pale, almost artistic fingers moved nimbly. The scattered metal parts on the table were swiftly and neatly assembled under his hands.
Several soldiers of the Imperial Dragon Soul Tool Regiment, who had been carving core arrays in the basement, noticed this scene. Unconsciously, they slowed their steps and quietly moved behind Xu Zihuang, their gazes drawn in.
A soul tool's main structure was usually divided into shell, inner layer, and core. The core was the array—no different between melee or ranged tools.
But melee soul tools demanded far more complex shells and inner structures than ranged ones.
Ranged soul tools typically used the hardest, most heat-resistant metals for their shells, ensuring durability through long use. The inner layer, by contrast, was designed to amplify and conduct soul power, requiring precious conductive metals like crystal silver. Through the inner layer's amplification, soul masters could conserve soul power while using the tool.
For melee soul tools, however, the shell requirements were stricter. Take the short-bladed weapon Xu Zihuang was crafting: the blade itself served as the shell, and also as the main source of its destructive power.
This was why melee soul tools often surpassed ranged ones of the same tier in sheer force.
Of course, this did not mean melee tools were always superior—each had its strengths. Melee tools suited seasoned battle soul masters, while ranged tools were better for soul engineers.
Xu Zihuang's expression grew ever more solemn. Only when he finally embedded the last piece of deep purple rare metal engraved with a core array—at the joint between blade and hilt—did his brow relax.
This metal was called Thunder Crystal Gem. Even a small piece was worth over ten thousand gold soul coins. Once inscribed with a core array, the user could, upon infusing soul power, grant the blade the force of lightning.
Crack—
Xu Zihuang gripped the hilt. The natural fit against his palm gave him a powerful premonition.
He had succeeded.
Sure enough, the moment he poured soul power into it, violent purple lightning burst to life along the blade. The once-ink-black spine transformed into crystalline deep violet.
"No wonder he is the Young Master." The onlookers could not help but exclaim in admiration.
Each of them was a fifth-tier or higher soul engineer. They could all see how difficult this melee soul tool had been to craft.
Even if they attempted it themselves, they could not guarantee success.
Xu Zihuang picked up a silver sheath made from the skin of a Demon Soul Great White Shark, slid the blade inside, and stored both in his spatial ring.
"Fortunately, my efforts weren't wasted."
Breathing a sigh of relief, he nodded lightly to the others, then left the basement with a faint smile.
Since the main material was the tooth of the Evil Demon Orca, he named the short blade Whale Tooth—a fitting name.
In the spacious upper room of the City Lord's Mansion at the center of Moon Pivot City.
Yao Yang, dressed in an elegant silver-white soul master's robe, sat by a large floor-to-ceiling window, frowning at a scroll on the desk.
"Another merchant ship from the continent has gone missing. Eluo, if this is truly your doing, what possible benefit is there for you?"
The Moon South Archipelago was far from the Douluo Continent. Its prosperity depended at least half on the merchant ships traveling between the archipelago and the mainland.
But over the past three years, accidents among these ships had sharply increased.
Though there was no clear evidence, Yao Yang had noticed subtle clues.
From a profit standpoint, Eluo had no reason to do this. He stood to gain nothing, and would even harm his own interests.
Unless, of course, the benefits he gained outweighed the losses entirely.
Yao Yang's eyes narrowed slightly as this thought flashed through his mind.
But he quickly dismissed it. It made no sense. Returning to piracy was far less profitable than legitimate trade.
Controlling two islands of the Moon South Archipelago, Eluo had only to maintain good relations with the merchant ships from the continent—no risk, and far greater profit.
Knock, knock, knock—
A gentle knocking came. Zhuyao, wearing a light silver gauze dress, entered carrying a tray with a steaming pot of fragrant red tea.
She poured Yao Yang a cup herself and softly suggested, "Rest for a while."
"Mm." Yao Yang's expression eased slightly. Feeling the warmth and delicacy of her touch on the back of his hand, he lifted his head helplessly to meet her expectant, faintly wistful gaze.
His heart stirred, yet he steeled himself, giving no response.
"Is it because of Zihuang? My intuition tells me so. That clan relative's identity must be false, right?" Zhuyao's red lips moved lightly. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "You don't need to reply. I know you have your difficulties."
Yao Yang looked away, his expression complex. "Yao'er, there are things I truly cannot tell you. But Zihuang, to me, is like my real younger brother. Give me some time to think, alright?"
At his final words, Zhuyao turned aside, hiding her face. A faint smile curved her lips, and mischief gleamed deep in her eyes.
Yao Yang's words had revealed his true feelings clearly.
Her tactic of retreating to advance had worked perfectly!