The elder said, “Given the difficulties, it is precisely because of the princess that we can ease the worries of the prince. The Empire is now in a time of turmoil; it is much harder for Sir Qian Ye to return to his clan than it was in the past. After all, we have been away from the Imperial Capital for many years, and there are no more reliable people on the noble’s side. If someone were to stir up trouble and secretly sabotage him during the verification of his bloodline, it could damage Sir Qian Ye’s foundation again. This is likely why the prince has not brought up the matter of returning to the clan.”
Princess Gaoyi nodded, saying, “Yes, and the inspection by the maternal clan will not be easy. Many eyes are watching my husband, the master of the Zhao Clan.”
“But with strict kinship rules, an adopted son cannot inherit titles, which leaves us considerable room for maneuver. As the adopted son of the princess and the prince, he would be much more prestigious than any ordinary minor noble. As long as Sir Qian Ye accumulates enough battle achievements, securing a title for him would be no problem. This would give him a path to rise, and any deficiencies in his status could be remedied.”
Princess Gaoyi pondered for a moment, then said, “This matter is of great importance, and we should hear what my husband thinks. Also…” She left her words hanging.
The elder stole a glance at the princess’s expression and added, “In the opinion of this old servant, the brotherly bond between Sir Qian Ye and the young masters Junhong and Jundu is undeniable. The lady also seems to harbor some affection, as the original crystal once saved her life, and it is understandable for her to be grateful.”
“When my husband went out that one time…” Princess Gaoyi suddenly sighed, a hint of loneliness in her voice. “Let’s do this: My husband will prepare other things for him. From my private treasury, I still have some Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals. Send a bundle to the Craftsmen’s Mansion and add them to the Dongyue. It can increase its grade by half. Additionally, you should keep an eye on what else Qian Ye might need over the next few days.”
“Understood, Your Highness. I will attend to it right away,” the elder said, hesitating for a moment before carefully advising, “The lady’s health is as it is, and although the young masters are all exceptionally talented, it seems most of the burden will fall on Master Jundu. Having an additional brother to support him is always a good thing, especially since it was the young master’s own choice.”
Princess Gaoyi remained silent, merely waving her hand.
As the elder retreated from the hall, he cast a glance back. The elemental light inside the hall was extremely bright, yet it seemed to outline a vague and motionless figure.
After spending two days recuperating in the “Mountain-Opening Courtyard,” the Craftsmen’s Mansion sent word that the first round of tempering for the Dongyue was complete and that it was about to enter the most crucial forging stage. Remembering the instructions from Zhao Weihuang, Qian Ye decided to go and see the forging of the Dongyue. Zhao Yuying, who loved excitement, naturally clamored to join.
Qian Ye originally thought that the Craftsmen’s Mansion would be something like a workshop, primarily using traditional methods to craft the finest equipment. But as they boarded the vehicle and drove out through the side gate of the Zhao Manor, following a winding mountain road, he realized his mistake.
The mountain road was clearly specially constructed, wide enough for four heavy trucks to travel side by side. Along the way, Qian Ye saw no shortage of loaded trucks, and from the number and size of these trucks, it was clear how much material the Craftsmen’s Mansion processed daily.
To Qian Ye’s slight surprise, he saw many heavy trucks carrying Blackstone. The fact that the Zhao Clan’s Craftsmen’s Mansion used Blackstone as an energy source was somewhat unbelievable. Most similar places in the major clans had long abandoned Blackstone in favor of Black Crystal, and even more extravagant ones used Void Crystal.
For example, the Tian Gong Workshop, which served the senior members of the Song Clan, was powered by a single Void Crystal, supplying all the energy needed for the entire workshop. This was truly high-end, while Blackstone was generally considered an energy source for commoners within the Empire.
After driving several dozen kilometers along the mountain road and turning a corner, they faced a massive natural stone standing upright. On one side of the stone, the characters “Craftsmen’s Mansion” were engraved.
Continuing forward, Qian Ye found himself in a vast expanse, realizing that the Craftsmen’s Mansion occupied the entire valley, practically a city in itself.
At the entrance to the valley, the guards carefully checked their pass, and soon a steward boarded the vehicle to guide them. The Craftsmen’s Mansion had everything from main roads to small paths, blocks, and squares, making it a full-fledged city. Without a guide, it would be difficult to find the right place.
In each of the four corners of the Craftsmen’s Mansion, there stood nearly hundred-meter-high power towers, their silver-gray metallic walls gleaming in the sunlight. White steam continuously rose from the tower tops, dissipating into the sky. Comparing this to the cities he had seen, Heilucheng had only one power tower, and compared to the Dark Blood City in the Evernight County, the scale was barely comparable.
Seeing the four power towers, Qian Ye understood why he had seen so many trucks transporting Blackstone on the road.
The vehicle proceeded, and along the way, tall factories and trucks loading and unloading could be seen everywhere.
In the valley, the roar of machinery was deafening, and the smoke and steam produced by burning Blackstone formed a massive column reaching the sky. The Craftsmen’s Mansion was like an enormous steel beast, constantly consuming metal and Blackstone, and producing various weapons and equipment.
The last time Qian Ye had been so awestruck was when he first arrived in Qin Lu’s Xiangyang years ago, a young man fresh out of the Yellow Springs training camp, uncertain of his future.
They drove deep into the Craftsmen’s Mansion, stopping in front of a giant building spanning a kilometer. The steward and the guards completed the confirmation process and led Qian Ye and Zhao Yuying inside.
As they walked, the steward explained, “Sir Qian Ye, this is the most critical location in the Craftsmen’s Mansion. Your Dongyue is made of special material, and only here, with the Kuafu Press, can the Heavenly Water Heavy Silver be fused with the sword body. In fact, Miss Yuying’s Kai Shan and Young Master Jundu’s Azure Sky gun barrel were also forged here.”
Qian Ye and Zhao Yuying followed the steward through two gates into a grand hall. In the center stood a nearly hundred-meter-high press, with four supporting pillars extending to the ceiling. Each part of the press was as tall as several people. Before this steel castle-like press, the craftsmen and technicians looked like tiny ants, scurrying about.
Countless pipes extended from the press, curving and weaving in all directions.
A loud rumbling sounded as the massive press slowly lifted, revealing the work platform below. Several craftsmen quickly jumped onto the platform, carefully applying a silver liquid to the Dongyue’s blade.
This silver liquid was the Heavenly Water Heavy Silver, unbelievably heavy despite its small size. A silver jar the size of a palm required two strong men to carry. With his True Sight, Qian Ye noticed that the men carrying the jars were both Eighth-level warriors, and the three craftsmen applying the silver were actually warlords.
After the Heavy Silver was applied, the craftsmen covered it with a thick layer of an unknown material, placed the Dongyue in a mold, and set it on the platform.
A piercing bell rang, and the craftsmen and technicians leaped off the platform, standing outside the red safety line. As three gongs sounded, the press released a large burst of steam, and the press head descended rapidly, crashing heavily onto the platform.
The massive press trembled, causing the ground and the hall to shake violently, truly a scene of earth-shattering force.
The press head lifted again, and the craftsmen quickly jumped back onto the platform, attempting to pry the Dongyue from the mold, reapplying the Heavy Silver and covering material, and replacing the mold. This process was repeated several times, allowing the layers of Heavenly Water Heavy Silver to gradually infuse into the Dongyue, with silver patterns beginning to appear on the blade.
During a break, the steward explained the principles and performance of the press to Qian Ye. When the press head descended, the pressure generated was in the tens of thousands of tons. Even with Qian Ye’s current strength, if he stood on the platform, he would be instantly crushed into a pancake.
Under such immense pressure, nothing could withstand it, no matter how slowly it fell.
Since cultivating the Great Profound Martial Art, Qian Ye’s attacks had become increasingly powerful, and he had begun to rely more on brute force. Seeing this unstoppable, unblockable press, Qian Ye felt a sense of enlightenment, becoming increasingly fascinated.
Under such pressure, the properties of the Dongyue subtly changed, continuously integrating the Heavenly Water Heavy Silver into its blade. After a moment, a jar of Heavy Silver was used up, and the craftsmen opened a new one. Qian Ye suddenly noticed a unique emblem on the seal of the silver jar, one he had seen in Princess Gaoyi’s Qingping Hall.
He turned to see three more jars of Heavy Silver in the storage area, all bearing the emblem of Princess Gaoyi. This Heavy Silver was so heavy and capable of repairing the Dongyue, its value was incalculable. From the looks of it, the gift from Princess Gaoyi was far more valuable than that from Zhao Weihuang.
When Princess Gaoyi mentioned the Heavy Silver earlier, Qian Ye had not expected such a generous amount. What was the purpose of such a generous gift? Qian Ye had a faint idea.
Zhao Yuying also noticed the emblem on the silver jars and patted Qian Ye on the shoulder, saying, “Those seem to be from Princess Gaoyi. Shall we use them?”
Qian Ye took a deep breath and calmly replied, “Use them. Why not?”
Zhao Yuying shrugged and said no more, continuing to watch the pressing of the Dongyue.
Another jar of Heavy Silver was used up, and the craftsmen had already replaced several batches. Even warlords would deplete their essence after three or four rounds of pressing.
As the laborers were about to open a new jar of Heavy Silver, a slightly effeminate voice suddenly called out, “Wait!”
Qian Ye turned to see the Chamberlain who had guided them earlier, leading several eunuchs, approaching quickly.
The Chamberlain extended his hand, and the eunuchs behind him presented a golden silk-wrapped tube. The Chamberlain bowed to Qian Ye and said with a smile, “Sir Qian Ye, the princess has specifically instructed me to bring you a bundle of Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals. Adding these to the sword will significantly increase its power.”
“Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals?!” Zhao Yuying was surprised.
“Correct, Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals.” The Chamberlain opened the tube and carefully removed several hair-thin crystal filaments, shimmering with a faint golden light. These filaments were so fine that they seemed to break at the slightest breeze, and given the Chamberlain’s elderly appearance, one couldn’t help but worry that a slight tremor in his hands would shatter them.
Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals were a natural medium for elemental energy. Any weapon or equipment that incorporated them could better contain elemental energy, significantly increasing its power. This bundle of Hair-Silk Obsidian Crystals was even more valuable than the Heavenly Water Heavy Silver.
Beside him, Zhao Yuying gave Qian Ye a meaningful look and said, “This sword is getting quite expensive.”
Qian Ye smiled and said, “It’s worth it, and so am I.”
Zhao Yuying shrugged, “Good, as long as you understand that.”
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