"Ordinary weapons, no matter how tough and sharp, are only considered sharp weapons with limited functionality and are suitable only for ordinary people. If a cultivator infuses mana into them, even the best sharp weapons will break down because they cannot withstand it. Magic artifacts, however, are different; they can endure and hold mana," Zhao Tong cleared his throat and explained enthusiastically.
"This sword can be infused with mana?" Yuan Ming asked in surprise.
"Try it and see," Zhao Tong did not answer directly but handed the sword to Yuan Ming.
After receiving the bronze longsword, Yuan Ming gripped it tightly and stimulated the mana within his dantian, guiding it towards his palm.
He felt the mana gathering in his palm and immediately finding an outlet, extending out and entering the bronze longsword in his hand.
The next instant, a layer of bluish-glow lit up on the bronze longsword, like a fish swimming from the sword guard up to the tip, clearly emitting a sharp aura.
Only then did Yuan Ming notice that there were two delicate characters for Southern Border engraved near the guard of the sword.
"This is inscription left by the refiner, not his own name but the name he gave to this sword. It seems that this sword was either his masterpiece or of extraordinary significance to him," Zhao Tong glanced casually and said.
"Then why do you say it is a half-magic artifact?" Yuan Ming asked again.
"Because usually magic artifacts possess some inherent powerful abilities, such as releasing ice, flames, thunder, etc. This is due to different types of array patterns contained within. Your sword, after being refined, had no array patterns inscribed, so it doesn't possess such capabilities," Zhao Tong continued to explain.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Ming realized that indeed the sword had merely become sharper and lacked any other inherent powers, so he asked:
"Then is it possible to remedy this and inscribe array patterns later?"
"Of course it's possible, but this requires an elder from the Fire Refining Hall, which ordinary disciples certainly cannot manage," Zhao Tong responded.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Ming knew it was hopeless for the time being. Given his current status as a Beast Slave, no matter how much he saved, it was absolutely impossible to engage a sect elder to refine a magic artifact for him.
"There is another item I would like you to take a look at," Yuan Ming said, taking out the black pottery bottle he had gotten from Ba Yin.
Zhao Tong took it, curiously opened it, and immediately smelled a pungent, spicy odor.
He quickly moved it away, pushing it back with a look of disgust, and said, "These are Blood Explosion Pills. Where did you get these?"
"What use are they?" Yuan Ming did not explain, but capped the bottle and asked.
Zhao Tong thought and understood how these had come to be, having seen many such fights for ownership among Fur Beast Slaves.
"They burn essence blood and stimulate potential, allowing a person to burst forth with strength far beyond their actual power for a short time. However, the side effects are severe, and it should never be used except in a life-and-death situation," Zhao Tong explained and cautioned.
Yuan Ming, hearing this, immediately understood why Ba Yin had suddenly rampaged, having the strength to kill the human-faced spider.
As for the side effects, considering the state of his corpse after death was enough to understand how terrible they were.
"Thanks for clearing that up. I'll just sell these two spider legs this time," Yuan Ming said, putting away his Green Fish Sword.
"Alright, what do you want in exchange this time?" Zhao Tong asked.
Yuan Ming pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any sword technique cultivation methods?"
"That... I really don't," Zhao Tong said, shaking his head.
Yuan Ming felt slightly disappointed.
"Our Biluo Cave is famous for its beast taming techniques, and the sect's methods are mainly in that area. We do have some miscellaneous low-level techniques, but I've really not seen any sword techniques," Zhao Tong explained.
"Since that is the case, let's not exchange anything this time. Keep the items here for now, and I'll accumulate them until I find something I want to trade for," Yuan Ming, after a brief thought, stated.
"That's possible. Or I could also help you inquire if there's an elder in the Fire Refining Hall willing to take a risk to inscribe array patterns for you, to see if they need the legs of the human-faced spider," Zhao Tong nodded and suggested.
"Thank you," Yuan Ming expressed his gratitude with a fist salute.
"It's all business, no need for formalities," Zhao Tong waved his hand dismissively. Find the translation on MV&LEMPYR.
Yuan Ming bid farewell and planned to leave.
Today happened to be the day for submitting Blood Food, and he intended to make a trip to the boundary marker.
Just then, Zhao Tong's voice suddenly came from behind, seemingly asking casually, "By the way, when you killed the human-faced spider, did you take its face skin?"
Yuan Ming moved slightly, asking, "That creepy thing also has a use?"
With that question, a hint of disappointment clearly flashed across Zhao Tong's eyes.
"That material is crucial for making a Thousand Mechanism Mask. If you didn't pick it up, never mind," Zhao Tong waved his hand, indicating that Yuan Ming could leave.
From his reaction, Yuan Ming deduced that the face skin of the human-faced spider was no ordinary item, at least it was very important to Zhao Tong.
"No wonder you were willing to explain so much, it was all preparation for this," Yuan Ming thought to himself.
He stopped walking, turned around, and asked, "By the way, do you have any books like Herborist here? Could you give me two more?"
It was indeed from Zhao Tong that Yuan Ming had obtained the Herborist, which allowed him to recognize the meat Ganoderma.
"What do you need those for?" Zhao Tong asked.
"To broaden my knowledge; the next time I encounter a human-faced spider or other fierce beasts, I'll know which parts are useful and which are not," Yuan Ming said with a smile.
Hearing this, Zhao Tong hesitated slightly, then pulled a blue book from his robes and threw it over.
Yuan Ming quickly caught it, glanced at the cover, which read "Common Beast Atlas."
"This contains comprehensive information about the commonly seen fierce beasts in the Ten Thousand Mountains, detailing their temperaments, attack methods, and usability. This should suffice," Zhao Tong said.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Ming felt a surge of joy internally. Just as he was about to thank him, he heard him add, "This book is quite valuable to a Fur Beast Slave like yourself. Let's just say it's traded for a spider leg."
The words of thanks Yuan Ming had were stuck in his throat, and he cursed silently before leaving.
When Yuan Ming arrived at the boundary monument, he met Elder Hu Huo again.
Elder Hu Huo, after just a brief inspection, accepted the thirteen portions of Blood Food, showing no particularly surprising expressions.
"Not many can adapt to life as a Fur Beast Slave so quickly; you've done well," he said indifferently, casually tossing over the antidote for a Corrosive Heart Pill.
Yuan Ming caught it but did not immediately take it. Instead, he spoke up, "Elder, I have some doubts about the Fur Cloak Technique; may I inquire about them?"
"No," Elder Hu Huo stated succinctly, outright refusing.
"It seems getting help from Elder Hu Huo is out of the question," Yuan Ming thought, his gaze flickering slightly without any sign of surprise.
"I have already told you about how to become a Registered Disciple. Just don't forget," Elder Hu Huo said coldly, once again.
Yuan Ming was startled by this comment, not understanding why he would mention it, but still bowed with a fist and thanked him:
"Thank you for the reminder, Elder."
Being a Registered Disciple of Biluo Cave would allow him to break free from the identity of a Fur Beast Slave; naturally, he wouldn't have to worry about the backlash of the Fur Cloak Technique anymore. However, the cost of collecting a thousand portions of Blood Food would significantly increase the risk and expedite the timing of the backlash.
"I'll take it one step at a time and boost my strength as much as I can. The road is long and, its repair distant..."
Yuan Ming sighed softly, murmuring to himself.
A few days later, the Green Wolf Gang finally confirmed that the small squad sent out to kill Yuan Ming had completely disappeared.
"Gang Leader, we've searched all around within a hundred miles and still can't find any traces of Vice Gang Leader Ba Yin and the others. It looks mostly grim. They had previously gone after that Yuan Ming; could they have been killed by that lad?" a burly man with a square face and fierce eyes said.
"Based on Wulu's feedback, that Yuan Ming might have reached the Second Level of Qi Refining, but even so, could he really kill Ba Yin who's at the Third Level of Qi Refining?" Wu Bao's facial muscles twitched.
"Right, no matter how incompetent Ba Yin is, he shouldn't die by the hand of someone at the Second Level of Qi Refining. I think there's certainly more to this story," Ba Tu pondered aloud.
"Ba Tu, if you have something to say, just say it straight. Don't beat around the bush," Wu Bao, in a bad mood, scolded.
"Gang Leader, what I mean is... our recent expansion was too rapid. Have we caught the eye of other powers? Otherwise, why would a mere Second Level of Qi Refining dare to strike against our men?" Ba Tu paused, lessening his voice a bit.
"Impossible! I am well aware of the situations regarding nearby powers. With Ba Yin's strength, even if unmatched, he should be no problem defending himself," Wu Bao, upon hearing this, knit his brows in thought and spoke in a low voice.
"Gang Leader, there's another possibility," Ba Tu suddenly slapped his forehead and said.
"What?" Wu Bao looked at him.
"Ba Yin has turned against us, leading his men to defect to some other group," Ba Tu said.
Hearing this, Wu Bao's gaze sharpened immediately, and he cursed, "You and Ba Yin have always had conflicts, which I never meddle in, but still, you shouldn't make baseless accusations at this point."
"Gang Leader, please calm down! I am just presenting my speculation. The collective disappearance of Ba Yin and the other three, no matter how you look at it, is frankly odd," Ba Tu insisted.
Hearing this, Wu Bao rested one hand on his knee, propping his chin with it, and remained silent for a long while.
"For now, let's drop the pursuit of Yuan Ming and call back our forces. From now on, let's move in units of ten and avoid any solo missions. Put all your efforts into locating Ba Yin and the others," he instructed after some time, raising his head.