Connecting With Immortality Through Weaponsmithing

Connecting With Immortality Through Weaponsmithing . . .

As Qin Wentian stood before the last Immortality Bell, his heart quaked at the astounding spectacle that unfolded before him. There, he bore witness to the legendary tale of the Driftsnow Master, a man who had offered his very flesh and blood to refine an entire city. In that moment, the Driftsnow Master transcended mere mortality, transforming into a towering figure reminiscent of a primordial fiendgod. His entire being radiated with an ethereal brilliance, akin to a divine artifact.

Then, the unimaginable occurred—the Driftsnow Master willingly detonated his form, mingling his essence with the very heart of the city. A cascade of runic light enveloped the city, as if the sacrifice of the Driftsnow Master had breathed life into an otherwise inanimate creation.

Within the Nine Immortality Bells resided the soul of this city, their resonant chimes echoing through the ages whenever the Driftsnow Master's heart yearned for Immortal Jade. These chimes served as a poignant testament to the depth of his emotions.

The Driftsnow Master had been willing to lay down his life for the sake of his beloved Immortal Jade, an act that spoke volumes about the intensity of his devotion. However, Immortal Jade's love was no less profound. She hadn't aspired to wander the world with him but instead yearned for a life spent together in the creation of a city, a sanctuary where they could age gracefully while cherishing the beauty of falling snow. Their love, passionate yet divergent in expression and essence, eventually led to an agonizing rift. The heartache of this conflict resulted in a tragedy that left no heart untouched.

Two souls, both aflame with ardor, embarked on separate paths due to a single, fundamental difference in their ideals of love. This misalignment cast a shadow over their once-blissful union, unraveling their happiness. It was a story that touched the depths of the soul, an intertwining of profound love and tragic fate.

In the poignant words of the Driftsnow Master, "The world is vast, yet I am fated to remain here. I once aspired to reach the pinnacle of existence, but love confined me, destined to find my rest in this place. I will remain here with Immortal Jade, in the city we crafted with love, our very essence interwoven with its stones."

And then, the voice of the Driftsnow Master resonated through the heavens, though it was unclear who the intended recipient was. "After my passing, this city we forged will undoubtedly become a coveted treasure. To prevent it from falling into the hands of overly powerful individuals, I shall use the bell chimes as a guide, opening a path for future generations through the Nine Immortality Bells."

His voice carried a hint of resignation. "The Nine Immortality Bells do not discriminate among immortals. Should someone, through the art of weaponsmithing, ever connect with immortality, they shall inherit this weaponized city. That person shall be considered my half-disciple, tasked with safeguarding this creation from harm."

With those solemn words, the radiant light enveloping the city intensified, casting an awe-inspiring glow upon the world. And then, a resounding boom reverberated through the air, each bell chiming with a profound sense of longing.

These chimes, a testament to the Driftsnow Master's undying love for Immortal Jade, continued to resonate with each passing day. They signaled his eternal vigil, standing guard over the testament of their love—a city forged with their very souls, a legacy born of their unyielding devotion, and a creation that would stand for all time.

The resounding toll of the Nine Immortality Bells echoed through the ether, their sonorous chimes rippling like waves that could shatter the very essence of one's soul. Qin Wentian, however, did not experience the crushing weight that these haunting chimes might impose upon others. Instead, a deep sense of melancholy washed over him as he listened to the eternal symphony of longing.

"BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!~"

The chimes continued, as if there were no end to the Driftsnow Master's yearning for Immortal Jade. Each reverberation seemed to transcend time, a testament to a love that defied the boundaries of existence itself.

"BOOM!"

In the physical realm, a resonant bell chime abruptly jolted Qin Wentian from his contemplation. His eyes fluttered open, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips.

"The bells have rung," Qin Wentian murmured, his gaze drawn to the nine brilliant beams of light emanating from the bells. They converged into a singular entity, and an intricate dance of runic light played out, as if the Nine Immortality Bells had merged into one.

Around him, those who had been fervently forging their weapons were now agape with astonishment. They harnessed the newfound energy from the bells to refine their creations, each piece radiating an awe-inspiring brilliance, as if they were paying homage to the birth of an imminent divine masterpiece.

However, amidst the spectacle, Qin Wentian remained unusually composed. His gaze flickered over the expert weapon smiths, unfazed by their fervor.

It became clear that the Driftsnow Master had long foreseen the events that would unfold after his passing. He anticipated that covetous eyes would be cast upon the city he and Immortal Jade had crafted, thus inspiring the adage "The Nine Immortality Bells don't question immortals." The Driftsnow Master had allowed this place to serve as a crucible for young talents, granting them the chance to attain a glimpse of enlightenment. This safeguarded the city from falling into the clutches of power-hungry individuals who might seek to exploit it or even obliterate it.

Moreover, the city possessed formidable defenses. Unless confronted by supremely powerful adversaries, it was impervious to ordinary attacks. This was why the Driftsnow City had endured through countless years, weathering the tests of time.

Today, the Driftsnow City was no longer the same as the one crafted by the Driftsnow Master and Immortal Jade. Within its enigmatic confines, no living soul had successfully unraveled its secrets. Not within the Jiangling Country, nor the entire Cloud Prefecture, had anyone achieved this feat. As for those immortal kings and immortal emperors, they had more pressing matters to attend to, rendering the so-called legend of the city of little consequence.

For those capable of crafting a weapon that could touch the realms of immortality, the opportunity to inherit the city presented itself. They would become the Driftsnow Master's chosen successors, half-disciples entrusted with the city's protection. In the end, weaponsmithing remained the ultimate criterion, and the Driftsnow Master was meticulously selecting his heir. Only the finest would have the honor of safeguarding this city in his stead.

"Weaponsmithing?" Qin Wentian pondered, his thoughts drifting like a whisper in the wind.

Qin Wentian's voice, a soft murmur amidst the symphony of clanging weapons, wove through the air. His attention remained fixed on the airborne geniuses as they forged their weapons with an almost ethereal intensity. In this moment, a brilliant eruption of fiery light captured his gaze. It emanated from a fiery-red lance, its tip ablaze with a searing scarlet flame that seemed to hold a world-devouring power.

"A mid-tier fifth-ranked divine weapon. I've done it!" The young craftsman, a disciple of the Purple Flame Sect, couldn't contain his elation. His eyes gleamed with excitement, his heart swelling with pride at the masterpiece he had forged.

Throughout his time in the Purple Flame Sect, he had honed his skills in the art of weaponsmithing. Yet, among all the divine weapons he had crafted, this one had surpassed them all. It was a creation infused with the enigmatic energy of the runic inscriptions emanating from the Nine Immortality Bells.

These ancient bells, he now realized, held profound secrets within them. The mere whisper of guidance from one of these celestial artifacts filled him with immense joy. Amidst the sea of geniuses gathered here, he knew it was impossible to fully unravel their mysteries. The trace of enlightenment he had gained was a treasured reward, and he dared not ask for more.

"The man's cultivation isn't particularly high, yet he's produced a mid-tier fifth-ranked divine weapon. Impressive. Although I expect the true prodigies here to create even more formidable weapons," remarked Pei Tianyuan, the Jiangling King, as he observed from above.

Beside him, Ji Kong nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. The Jiang Clan and the Wondergate Immortal Manor alone will yield remarkable results. Moreover, we can anticipate extraordinary creations from other supremely talented weaponsmiths. I'd venture to say that their final products will likely rank as top-tier, fifth-ranked divine weapons at the very least."

Pei Tianyuan sighed, acknowledging the talent before him. "These individuals were already highly skilled weaponsmiths to begin with. Now, with the added power of the ancient bells, their creations will undoubtedly be exceptionally potent. Still, there remains an immense gap between mortal-ranked and immortal-ranked weapons, despite the narrow distance that separates them."

His contemplation was interrupted by a sudden change in the Nine Immortality Bells. All nine of them echoed in unison, their runic light intensifying. Pei Tianyuan couldn't help but hope that this extraordinary moment might finally reveal the secrets concealed within these ancient artifacts.

Throughout the air, the gathered immortals stared at the forging geniuses below, their expressions etched with keen anticipation.

Members of the Jiang Clan and the Wondergate Immortal Manor fixed their attention on their disciples, pride and hope gleaming in their eyes.

"Another divine weapon takes form," someone exclaimed, their voice filled with awe. "It's a battle axe, forged by a member of the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor. Though the craftsman is of advanced age, his proficiency is undeniably remarkable. The resulting weapon is a top-tier fifth-ranked divine axe, radiating an aura of formidable might. A single swing from it could easily dispatch any foe below the seventh level of Celestial Phenomenon."

"Exceptional work," Zurius from the Battle Heavens Immortal Manor praised the elderly craftsman. He himself was no weaponsmith, but rather, a warrior of immense combat prowess. Thus, he remained on the sidelines, observing the Nine Immortality Bells with a contemplative gaze. Regrettably, he had yet to glean any insights from their enigmatic depths.

Meanwhile, the forging continued, each creation a testament to the genius and skill of its creator. And in this exhilarating atmosphere, one name echoed through the air: "Jiang Yan."

The eyes of the esteemed members of the Jiang Clan converged upon a singular figure, Jiang Yan, amidst the clamor of creation. In the heart of this celestial gathering, Jiang Yan stood poised to undertake a feat of unparalleled difficulty—an endeavor that separated the gifted from the ordinary. He was embarking on the creation of a treasured pagoda.

In the realm of divine weapons, treasured pagodas were legendary for their complexity. Crafting one was a herculean task, fraught with intricate details and pitfalls. The process demanded unparalleled precision, as even the slightest misstep could spell utter failure.

Yet, here was Jiang Yan, boldly venturing into this perilous territory. And to the astonishment of all, the pagoda began to take shape under his masterful hands. It radiated with golden flames that danced around it, while an icy, formidable aura exuded from within. The crafting process was awe-inspiring.

"Jiang Yan intends to push his boundaries, connecting with the Nine Immortality Bells to forge a treasured pagoda, seeking the ultimate recognition of the bells," remarked an elder from the Jiang Clan. For Jiang Yan, this marked a turning point—a chance to transcend his own limits and impress even the most critical observers.

A resounding hum echoed through the air as the Nine Immortality Bells chimed in unison, streaming runic light into the pagoda. The divine weapon vibrated with newfound vigor, responding to the surge of energy. With practiced precision, Jiang Yan gestured with ancient hand seals, setting the pagoda into a spinning frenzy. It released a burst of boundless runic light that shot heavenward, carrying with it an air of indomitable power.

"Success!" Jiang Yan exclaimed with unbridled excitement. His treasured pagoda emitted a radiant glow, casting its brilliance far and wide. In the silence of the moment, a faint echo of a bell chime reached their ears—a clear sign of recognition from the ancient bells.

"Exceptional craftsmanship," Jiang Yan marveled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. This treasured pagoda stood as a pinnacle of fifth-rank divine weapons, an embodiment of the Nine Immortality Bells' unparalleled influence. It was a testament to Jiang Yan's prowess, yet, as he understood all too well, unlocking the secrets concealed within these ancient artifacts remained an elusive goal.

Jiang Yan shifted his gaze toward Cheron, who was diligently engrossed in his own forging. Cold determination flickered in Cheron's eyes as he focused on his task.

Jiang Yan, however, wasn't one to pass up an opportunity to banter. In a flash, he appeared beside Cheron, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Cheron, is a mere long spear truly your best effort? How can it hope to surpass my treasured pagoda? Why not save yourself the trouble?"

Cheron frowned, his concentration unbroken. He glanced at Jiang Yan without losing his composure, his mind unwavering in its singular focus.

"Jiang Yan!" A stern voice called out from above—a member of the Wondergate Immortal Manor. Jiang Yan turned to face the elder, offering a chilling smile. "You see, your disciple Cheron was quite arrogant toward me earlier. Naturally, I must return the favor today. Rest assured, I won't hinder him. I'm curious to see what he can create."

Having had his fun, Jiang Yan shifted his gaze once more, this time locking onto Qin Wentian. An unsettling aura of malice permeated the air as Jiang Yan took flight, his treasured pagoda soaring toward its new target with unmistakable intent.