Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 8
Within the forge, it wasn’t the traditional fire-and-hammer setup but rather a technologically advanced forging room.
Most tasks could be controlled from a central console.
At this console, Wu Xianyao studied the materials displayed on the panel, drawing upon his knowledge of blacksmithing to select appropriate components.
Currently, he could only forge 3rd Rank weapons. However, considering the balance in his account, Wu Xianyao opted for two pairs of 2nd Rank sabers and long spears.
Using the editor, he programmed the steps, then fed the purchased materials into the system to begin fabrication.
These were template-based forging processes; without them, manual crafting would still be necessary.
Noticing the estimated time on the console – forty-eight hours – Wu Xianyao decided to focus on breaking through first.
In the second realm of the Qi and Blood Martial Dao, one ignites their vital energy. As Wu Xianyao circulated his Cultivation Technique, he felt a burning sensation throughout his body, as if engulfed by flames.
His vital energy began converging towards his Dantian, coalescing and spinning until it formed a blood-red sphere, which continued to compress further.
Time ticked away, and Wu Xianyao experienced intense pain, a deep ache that seemed to penetrate his very bones.
Finally, after compressing the last trace of vital energy, a grain-sized vital energy sphere took shape, quietly resting within his Dantian.
Next came igniting this vital energy sphere, which could be achieved through two methods: one was to continuously agitate the sphere until it reached a boiling state.
The second method involved using attribute energy to ignite the vital energy sphere. Wu Xianyao opted for the latter approach.
The Sunfire power generated by the Nine Suns World Illuminating Art proved ideal for kindling the vital energy sphere.
Upon entering the Blood Ignition Realm, also known as the Gluttonous Stage, one required constant consumption of high-quality food to provide energy for the vital energy sphere.
Within his Dantian, Wu Xianyao mobilized the Sunfire power, enveloping the vital energy sphere. As the vital energy surged, he initiated the process of bone tempering.
There were 126 limb bones, 51 trunk bones, and 29 cranial bones in total. Wu Xianyao chose to start with the limb bones first.
Bone tempering consisted of three major stages: White Bone, Golden Bone, and Jade Bone. Only after reaching the Jade Bone stage could one progress further.
As bone tempering began, the localized pain, though intense compared to previous experiences, was still bearable for Wu Xianyao.
During continuous bone tempering, the consumption of vital energy was significant. Once ignited, the vital energy cannot stop boiling, necessitating a steady intake of high-quality food to maintain and replenish the vital energy levels.
During this stage, one’s strength rapidly increases. If previously cultivating added 100 pounds of force per day, during the Blood Ignition phase, it could escalate to 1,000 pounds daily.
Wu Xianyao opened his eyes feeling extremely hungry. He quickly consumed a Ginseng Spirit Medicine, alleviating some of the hunger. Sensing more deeply, he realized that just one dose of Spirit Medicine would sustain his vital energy for at least a month; however, with Bone Tempering, this duration would be significantly shorter.
The second stage required relentless dedication akin to grinding water from stone.
Noticing the time approaching, Wu Xianyao opened the forge door with a “crack!” A puff of white smoke emerged but was swiftly drawn away by the ventilation system.
He picked up one of the long spears, its silver-white blade gleaming menacingly. Channeling his Qi and Blood, a faint red aura infused the spear, enhancing its power at least threefold – similarly for the saber.
Carefully wrapping the weapons in cloth, Wu Xianyao stepped out of the forge under the curious gaze of the front desk uncle, leaving the shop behind.
As soon as he activated his communication watch, Li Junlin’s call came through.
“Xianyao, where are you? I’ve sorted out the details for our new base.”
Li Junlin’s voice echoed over the communication link.
Wu Xianyao enthusiastically replied, “Meet at our usual spot; I just happen to have something for you all.”
At the familiar square, Jiu Xian’er wore her white training attire, matching Chen Beixuan’s outfit.
Li Junlin, dressed casually today, announced, “I’m here! I drove my car this time, so let’s head straight to our new training base from now on.”
“Great!”
With Li Junlin leading, they departed the settlement in his vehicle, arriving at an abandoned factory.
The site wasn’t vast, only about 500 meters squared for a small factory, but to Wu Xianyao, it still felt quite spacious.
“This place may be rundown, but with all surrounding factories relocated, it has its advantages. It used to be a research facility studying Xenobeast blood, recently opened up after years of closure. Soon, major investors will likely develop the area further, making it a promising location.” Li Junlin surveyed the extensive grounds of nearby abandoned factories.
Acquiring such a site must have required considerable effort from Li Junlin, especially considering that Xenobeast blood is highly contagious. A single exposure could lead to certain death for ordinary people, while even traces in the air might cause severe illness or organ failure in them.
Undoubtedly, the nation must have exerted significant effort to mitigate the negative effects here.
“That’s perfect; I’m very satisfied with this location.” Wu Xianyao hadn’t anticipated resolving the issue of finding a new base so swiftly.
Now all that remained was recruiting students and setting up the space gate.
A twenty-minute drive away from home seemed quite distant, but according to national policy, once you own your business, you’re required to find independent housing.
This meant that by the end of the year, Wu Xianyao would lose his residence in the settlement area.
However, it wasn’t a concern as this factory could also serve as living quarters, promising even better accommodations in the future.
“Xianyao, since your lease expires at the end of this year, why don’t you start packing these days? We’ll help you move when the time comes,” Chen Beixuan suggested thoughtfully.
“Yes! This place is spacious enough that if we ever want to stay overnight instead of going back home, we can rest here,” Li Junlin agreed.
“Master, Master, can I come live with you here someday?” Jiu Xian’er asked eagerly, though her expression didn’t seem quite right.
“You’re welcome to visit, but not to live with me,” Wu Xianyao replied, somewhat speechless.
On this day, instead of practicing cultivation, they all pitched in to clean up the room.
Wu Xianyao ordered various exercise equipment online, including a small partitioned area that would serve as his future living space.
With the expectation of the space gate’s arrival, Wu Xianyao planned to reside within the academy itself, making the external residence merely for show.
By the end of the day, most tasks were completed. Observing the sky, Wu Xianyao clapped his hands, “Let’s go out for dinner together!”
Everyone eagerly agreed, and during the meal, Wu Xianyao outlined further arrangements.
As for Jiu Xian’er, since she didn’t wish to get married, her only option was to enlist in the military—a decision met with no objections from the group. Each person had their own choices; Jiu Xian’er shared her desire to find her father, whom she hadn’t seen in many years, having only communicated through her wrist device.
No one raised any concerns about her plan. On their way back home that evening, Wu Xianyao handed weapons to Chen Beixuan and Li Junlin.
“These are weapons designed for Qi and Blood Martial Artists, 2nd Rank. I initially considered getting 3rd Rank ones, but given your current strengths, 2nd Rank is more suitable.” Wu Xianyao explained the weaponry without mentioning the cost, feeling slightly embarrassed about his financial situation.
Having spent time together, everyone understood implicitly what each member was involved in.