Sudden Enlightenment

Chu Liutang sighed inwardly, knowing that he couldn't escape this time; the marriage was a done deal.

While he was filled with melancholy, Chen Lu felt nothing, and even had some anticipation.

The two stayed at the weapon-refining workshop until the next day, when the two weapon-refining masters finally arrived.

The two weapon-refining masters were very polite and immediately asked upon meeting:

"Brother Chen, what are your requirements for observing the weapon forging?"

For example, should we add patterns to the vessel, choose different metals, and consider the style of the ritual implement?

"Well, sharpness is the most important thing, and the shape of the sword is fine. There are no special requirements."

Chen Lu didn't know much about this, so he only made a few rough requests.

"Alright, Brother Chen, let's use one of the most common methods in the cultivation world: the steel clamping method."

The sides are made of Hundred-Refined Azure Cloud Steel from Maple Forest Workshop, while the interior uses Spirit Marrow Iron specially crafted by Thousand Machine Sect, forged using a fire control array and supplemented with spirit charcoal.

The weapon-making master skillfully manipulated the various tools.

Before long, the stove roared to life, and the cave suddenly became hot.

Such high temperatures would be very uncomfortable for others; those who are exposed to such high temperatures for the first time would likely quickly become dehydrated or even dizzy.

Even for cultivators like Chen Lu who frequently refine pills, this temperature was somewhat unbearable.

He glanced at the weapon refiner, then took off his shirt, revealing his dark and muscular physique.

He changed into an animal skin apron, picked up the spirit marrow iron specially made by the Thousand Machine Sect, and threw it into the furnace.

He activated his cultivation technique, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, before focusing intently on the furnace.

The weapon refiner standing nearby explained:

"This is a secret technique that specializes in training the eyes. It allows the weapon refiner to see the essence of the iron billet without fear of the strong light inside the furnace, and to immediately detect any subtle changes."

However, for experienced craftsmen, practice makes perfect, and over time they can tell which step they're at without even looking.

But the metals used by the Thousand Machine Sect are different. They are of high quality, but extremely delicate. Even with experienced craftsmen watching closely, there's still a chance they might ruin them during the refining process.

Chen Lu squinted slightly, peering into the furnace, carefully sensing every change in the iron billet.

I often find myself reciting those few words written by Layman Bingyi.

The process of refining weapons is very long. Often, after a few hammer blows and slight adjustments to the shape, the weapon must be put back into the furnace and wait for a long time. This process is repeated every time the weapon is taken out.

"For cultivators, the best approach is to have one artifact and one person. We will make subtle adjustments in many areas based on the characteristics of each cultivator."

The weapon refiner observing Chen Lu sized him up and continued:

"For example, Brother Chen, although you mainly cultivate magic, you also often practice physical training. Compared to magic cultivators, you are more physically robust."

To maximize your strengths, this longsword, while maintaining its weight, would be better suited with slightly increased hardness.

Chen Lu looked away, somewhat puzzled: "Why is that?"

"Steel swords are heavy, extremely fierce in killing, and emphasize unstoppable advance. They are domineering and powerful, but lack adaptability and are extremely mentally taxing."

The soft sword is light and sharp, emphasizing unpredictable and unpredictable attacks, but lacks lethality; skill is required to subdue the enemy.

As he spoke, he brought over two pieces of metal, which were the materials used to forge this magical artifact, and handed them to Chen Lu, asking him to examine them carefully.

"Body cultivation makes you stronger than most magic cultivators, but you are still not as good as body cultivators in close combat."

When facing an enemy using magic, a hard enough sword allows you to break through all magic with force and defeat your enemy with the techniques of a steel sword.

When fighting an enemy, the sword is light enough to allow you to move freely, fight or retreat as needed, and avoid getting into a deadly struggle.

A heavier sword, while enhancing its lethality, will also hinder you in dangerous situations, making escape difficult. Ultimately, survival is paramount.

Spiritual Marrow Iron is light and tough, while Hundred-Refined Azure Cloud Steel is heavy and hard; for you, the combination of the two is the most suitable.

After listening, Chen Lu fell into deep thought.

"Sword cultivators should prioritize killing and conquest, while also cultivating inner peace."

With unwavering resolve, one can defeat the enemy through skill, knowing when to advance and retreat, concealing one's weaknesses, waiting for the opportune moment, and striking decisively to eliminate the enemy.

To outwardly display one's sharpness while inwardly remaining steadfast is the way of life, and also the essence of sharp metal.

After an unknown amount of time, his sea of ​​consciousness suddenly trembled, and a sharp golden energy surged from his heart, converging towards his dantian.

The spiritual energy swirling within his dantian was slowly coated with a sharp, dazzling golden light.

As the meridians circulate, the energy flows throughout the body and eventually converges in the sea of ​​consciousness.

A moment later, Chen Lu slowly opened his eyes, feeling completely refreshed and clear-headed. As he glanced around, a faint pressure suddenly emanated from him, causing the water glass beside him to tremble slightly.

"The Sharp Metal Sword Intent has finally been formed!"

Just as he was experiencing the feeling of this sharp metal sword intent, a sharp pain came from his meridians, causing him to shudder and several key meridians through which spiritual energy flowed to twitch.

Chen Lu quickly withdrew his sharp metal sword intent, letting it subside in his sea of ​​consciousness.

"Body tempering only means that the physique has reached the standard, but the meridians are still lacking and cannot withstand this sharp energy."

It needs a secret medicine to nurture it for a period of time, using the sharp metal sword energy to cleanse its meridians, allowing it to rebuild after its destruction, gradually strengthening, and eventually adapting.

The weapon refiner breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Chen Lu finally come to his senses, and stopped carefully suppressing his movements to complete the final step.

He pulled a jet-black longsword from the quenching furnace, picked up the animal hide, wiped away the liquid mixed with animal blood and cold spring water, revealing the bluish-green blade.

Under the firelight, it did not reflect any light at all; it was just quiet and peaceful, like a piece of blue stone that had been sleeping for a long time.

The weapon refiner wiped the sweat from his brow, extinguished the furnace fire, and sat down wearily, saying:

"Ordinary ritual implements can be completed in two weeks."

But refining this spirit marrow iron was too troublesome; it took almost a month to complete.

"What?! A whole month has passed!"

Chen Lu sorted out his thoughts, glanced around, and was shocked to find that the area next to the furnace was piled with a small mountain of burnt spirit charcoal.

"Hmm, it took me two weeks to fuse this spirit marrow iron in. I'm really getting old; my strength and energy are not as good as those of young people."

The weapon refiner sighed and pounded his lower back hard.

Outside the cave, Chu Liutang and his group heard Chen Lu's voice and hurriedly entered.

The brother-in-law followed closely behind, clutching a leg of animal brushed with honey and sauce, freshly roasted and emitting an enticing aroma.

Upon smelling the aroma, Chen Lu felt a sudden hunger pang in his stomach, his body swayed, and he nearly collapsed from weakness.

"Brother Chen, we dare not disturb your frequent moments of sudden enlightenment this month."

To prevent you from overexerting yourself, I'm giving you the elixir you'll be drinking all the time.

The brother-in-law pointed to the strange liquid emanating from the kettles around Chen Lu.

"This spiritual elixir is meant for people who are seriously ill. It does not require digestion and can be absorbed immediately by cultivators."

However, long-term use can cause physical weakness and fatigue. It's fortunate you stopped taking it in time; otherwise, you would have fainted in a few days.

Chen Lu's expression hardened. No wonder he had been drinking water incessantly these past few days; he had been focused on comprehending the secrets and hadn't paid much attention.

Now that I think about it carefully, it was Chu Liutang who stayed by my side day and night, refilling my cup whenever it was empty.

When one has an epiphany, one will also protect the Dharma, but because the movement is too small, one subconsciously ignores it.