The Loyal Imperial Eunuch, given the opportunity to disclose top-secret secrets long buried, eagerly listened as Master Liu prepared to recount the enigmatic past behind Longquan—the rare firearm’s destruction during wartime was a confidential matter known only to the highest echelons. Knowing that Qian Ye, who was to eventually master the firearm’s frame and firing mechanism personally, must be thoroughly briefed before assuming charge, all focus was gathered in anticipation.
According to Master Liu, during a crucial battle, Longquan found itself surrounded three to one. Its resilience held long enough for it to nearly become more than just any ordinary celebrated weapon. Had destiny granted it just a bit more fortune, Longquan’s inclusion in any ranking of famed weaponry surely would rival, even topple the top trio.
Despite sustaining irreparable losses in that engagement, its preserved bodyframe and firing mechanism remained mostly intact; merely bearing a light compromise to the intricate webbing upon its array. Possessing this singular, rare gem was itself a stroke fortune that few throughout time experienced personally.
Hearing this tale firsthand, the weight of the situation was overwhelming—how would such treasures of legend find a home in one’s own palms. While the underpinning motives for bestowing it were likely tied ineluctably to Imperial schemes without further explanation. But, with Qian Ye in this chaotic period expanding his domain and influence relentlessly, there could be no dismissal when offered strength in tangible forms.
Since the melding of Longquan with Zangxin must occur for full function exploitation, each benefit and shortcoming required deep examination without compromise in quality. Lacking these details carried dire possibility akin to the tragic outcome of the Sage of War’s destruction—a catastrophe that none should be expected to suffer ever again. It became clear this revelation was not one hastily offered. As the tale unfurledduring an emotionally-charged retrospective of its design inception, the old Eunuch’s voice carried the gravity of ages past—a legacy borne on shoulders long turned to dust.
“Indeed, while Master Guo—Longquan’s Creator—attracted fame in his age unmatched, his own martial potential had limitations no secret, barely achieving Siren status never to surpass further. As its forging absorbed several national treasuries, one such treasure originated from the heart of the Grand Whirlwind itself—an object demanding prodigiont force for containment or processing. Albeit an artistic genius unparalleled, his mortal power failed him despite relentless effort—a slight flaw left in material refinement he himself remained unaware—a blemish known only later through meticulous inspection in the aftermath.”
“Thus, a mere flaw, small beyond belief, proved deadly in a clash as titanic. Its unraveling doomed that legendary piece utterly in the battle’s most pivotal strike—a fact uncovered only post-battle upon exhaustive examination of its wrecked fragments. Burdened from his craft’s toil and overwhelmed by grief-stricken remorsE, the master’s end approached swfitly in death. Prior to leaving the world though, he surrendered all wealth and life’s labors to crown one final wish—a single, supreme cultivatory scroll.”
At which Qian Ye, touched deeply by the recount, let slip a soft sorrowful breath:
“One able, against the Sage of War, withstand three of the age’s greatest arms for moments uncounted! Indeed such weaponry as it was—rare to find indeed even throughout heaven above.”
Ponder reverently ended swiftly by a pressing inquiry:
“Yet given these facts and the remaining pristine craftsmanship present, even now in a broken state the frame stands priceless still. Why give such a thing readily, knowing Imperial artistry can restore it?”
“To such inquiry, two answers I offer.”
“You have my complete attention,” Qian interrupted politely.
“The aftermath bore whispers of Sage of War’s untimely ascension from earthbound confines not ten years past—a loss premature as fate dictated for such martial dominance to depart mortal coils so swift led many courtiers suspect grave damage borne unseen in those fateful engagements—thus shortening lifespan’s thread unjust. Therefore Longquan found itself discarded thereafter—as ill-omen of calamity.”
Qian Ye exhaled sharply, a felling of bitter injustice at that notion:
“Unbelievable!”
“Furthermore,” Master Liu continued, “although Longquan’s frame remains sturdy indeed it was no simple feat requiring both Siren-level artisanship and the ingenuis level akin to Great Master himself.”
At once inspiration sparkled:
“So…were you then…”
A deep exhale punctuated this next admission—reveling the ancestral legacy:
“I was descendant and he, progenitor! From sage-like sacrifice emerged my line’s ascent—through that very scroll that ensured passage across martial barriers sought after for ages hence…Since youth bound to serve His Majesty as prince until rise upon celestial throne—through all trials borne witness through rise of Empire and its subsequent convulsions—so too did the path wind through palace, binding destiny further to duty.”
Qian Ye gently countered hesitation:
“To err was human—a noble legacy you must accept surely?”
Eunuch’s response came heavy laden in humility still:
“Far-reaching were those mistakes borne from confidence blind and oversight fatal to the Sage Of War himself—his untimely fate possibly avoided but now history etched in tragedy and my blood.”
Qian shrugged philosophically at this, but the old mentor’s heart held firm, so Qian offered:
“It’s only hypothesis; impossible now prove definitively.”
The eunuch then, with rare laughter, broke free:
“A point well made! Too long I linger in ancestral guilt’s shadow…But age finds me and matters once paramount wane now before time’s inexorable path. Now—test it—take the gun; see just what it makes of a user worthy.”
Qian’s eyes lit instantly—this being the moment long anticipated.
A spark of his own energy surged forth only to find unexpected pull from inner mechanism. The mingled energies of Golden Blood Darkness alongside Dawn and Eclipse found themselves swiftly consumed into the barrel’s depths. Alarms stirred as a desperate withdrawal nearly triggered—when suddenly—
Dark Gold brilliance flared outward—a sheath that glowed warmly in familiar resonance to his innate energy.
Understanding cooled him. Acceptance followed. Energy fed as needed. Unlike Zangxin’s struggle—harmony found with dual energies instead now eased effort greatly. After pouring in sufficient vitality the piece finally settled.
Still…Qian’s intuition prickled with primal dread unquellable.
Why had the artifact pulled of his energy autonomously?
How dangerous could this gun really prove?
Then the Eunuch spoke up:
“The modifications?—Somewhat unorthodox but tailored specifically for synergy with one bearing polar energies of both Dawn and Dusk realms.”
“Marvelous!” he cried.
Indeed, dual-affinity compatibility between Daybreak or Dusk factions’ advanced constructs was historically problematic. Though masters understood underlying mechanics universally—it was crafting such a feat requiring alignment of personal power. To master this synthesis bespoke an artistry rarely seen indeed.
Master Liu then added a technical elaboration:
“Upon priming its interior—a fully formed origin-bullet sits ready inside. Capacity maximum: two. Depending on blood-origin mixture vs dawn-force input will vary between penetrating capability and explosive efficiency respectively. Explore this yourself through battle’s crucible. Ah—and naming? You decide its title.”
Humbled respectfully and yet warmly defiant Qian Ye politely refused:
“By your hand and knowledge this creation arose—name it you.”
A final rebuttal followed before agreement unfolded:
“Ancestors forged Long-Quan. Worthy-King birthed Zangxin; I merged the halves. So…Let this be the humble title from one of ancient days—’LONG-ZANG.’ How sounds it?”
He mused:
“Indeed! Perfect…Perpetual!”
In his grip now, an ultra-range precision rifle of immense power—a custom fit to Qian Ye’s preference. Storage housed two bullets primed internally—a boon for sustained firepower unlike most rivals except where legendary weapons bore their trademark supernatural abilities unmatched easily.
Running fingers reverentially and he chuckled with joy:
“Love this no-nonsense power.”
Laughingly exhaled his mentor:
“What am I to do…with your kind?”
Qian questioned earnestly:
“What target for first testing then?”
The Eunuch’s suggestion arrived confidently:
“A new realm is the natural hunting ground! For a test-fire upon an average opponent cannot measure this creation’s potential. How does hunting the Lord of Beasts—Xu Sosa sound? He would know best how mighty this Long Zang has grown indeed.”
At once Qian Ye pales:
“To face him in battle?! In territory so perilous with his resources—how to evade him is challenge enough without provoking him openly.”
The aged companion reassuranced:
“But precisely for such confrontation we must prepare. Long Zhanguan is my hand-made treasure—and your trial I shall observe directly. And to make it fun, I’ve been curious about your Hall of Eclipsing Souls for such a long while—a chance, finally, for old souls like me to visit and rest my aching limbs a few nights.”
The warrior nodded with pleasure:
“Will be my honored guest.”
By afternoon’s light, preparations completed, their majestic craft—an airborne feat rivaling miracle—rose and passed through the great gate into New Realm beyond.
It soared unswervingly, targeting the gateway leading directly to the lands where Mo Saer’s Warg clans roamed free. After a single full day’s voyage the border woodlands emerged ahead—a forest holding Sacred Twin Tree groves of fame long familiar; mere several hundred kilometers more before reaching the grand gate at the heart.
Yet at this crossroads apprehension whispered.
Forward lies the very seat—beasts abound, the Lord would not be easily evaded.
The decision stilled his soul momentarily.
Until suddenly:
His keen gaze fixed beyond the woodlands’ edge where rising construction emerged—a newly-built encampment belonging to the lupines.
He called excitedly:
“What say you Master Liu—we engage at that nearby facility? Lure forth the beast-king in response, yes?!”
Observing silently before affirming:
“A fair thought. Their standards in warfare construction certainly declined indeed—base barely compares still to your famed Triune Grove stronghold.”
The reply came edged with grim pride:
“In recent assaults we’ve inflicted major disruption upon him indeed—not merely reducing major holdings, but looted arms and treasures freely, leaving our brethren equipped handsomely in arms he once guarded tightly in stockpiles that no amount remained safe. Many months’ supply may have found itself repurposed for us!”
Wisely Liu added caution:
“In the aftermath then beware—the hunter’s fury unleashed perhaps arrives swifter than even your keen anticipation expects.”
With a grin wide Qian affirmed readiness.
And thus, the Hall descended silently toward their ambush’s starting point. At a great height it launched the opener salvo. A massive thunderclap rang out as one titantic bolt of energy lanced from sky downwards—shredding towards the construction zone.
A fireball swelled in moments as the newly established energy spire crumbled instantly amidst rising inferno—shaking foundations even before foundations could be complete.
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