Chapter 62: Blood Forging (1)

Hundred Refinements Peak was one of the five peaks of the Black Desolation Sect. Gu Yuan had not only never set foot there, he had never visited any of the other four peaks either.

This time, he was making his first trip, along with Mo Chen.

Mo Chen, a Disciplinary Hall disciple who concealed his true cultivation, possessed a rare Lightning Spiritual Root and talent that ranked among the highest in the sect outside of the twins themselves.

Is it really the right choice to get involved with this lunatic? Gu Yuan wondered, even as the two of them flew toward Hundred Refinements Peak, each riding his own flying treasure.

"Do you know why this gathering is being held?" Mo Chen suddenly asked.

Still remembering Lin Hao’s words, Gu Yuan said, "Because of the current situation around the sect?"

"Yes. The spies are one reason, but that’s not everything."

Unlike Gu Yuan, who was more careful with his words, Mo Chen was much more blunt.

"During the fight between the Heavenly Twin Stars and the previous sect master, many elders died, including the sect master himself, while the Great Elder was imprisoned. A purge followed. But let’s not talk about that. Instead, let’s talk about the five peak masters."

Gu Yuan gave him his full attention. The information felt like the kind of insider knowledge he had never had access to before.

"Before that fight, the five peak masters stood on roughly equal footing within the sect. But after the battle, their situations changed."

"Shen Lian, who took the side of the Heavenly Twin Stars, now stands at the top."

"Zhu Cang, the peak master who stood with the sect master until the end, died."

"Now, three peak masters remain. Tie Shan Peak Master took a neutral stance from the beginning and did not participate in the fight. Although he remained neutral and was not punished afterward, his position within the sect is no longer as secure as it once was."

"That’s why he held this gathering?" Gu Yuan asked.

Mo Chen nodded. "Yes. He wants to demonstrate his loyalty to the sect, and more importantly, to Deputy Sect Master Luo Yunjin, the right hand of the Heavenly Twin Stars."

"So this gathering is basically Peak Master Tie Shan showing where he stands," Gu Yuan summarized.

"Yes. That’s exactly it." Mo Chen chuckled and nodded.

Hopefully, he will still talk about forging... Gu Yuan thought as he continued flying.

Finally, they arrived at Hundred Refinements Peak. Chengfeng, the personal disciple of Peak Master Tie Shan, seemed to have been waiting for them. The moment he saw Mo Chen, he stepped forward and said, "Welcome, Senior Brother. Let me show you to the place where the gathering is being held."

No, waiting for Mo Chen, more accurately.

Gu Yuan followed the two of them into a wide hall, where several large glass cases displayed all kinds of items.

Some contained rare raw materials that were difficult to find even in the Black Desolation Exchange Hall, while others held completed weapons and treasures. There was a Meteor Hammer, a folding fan, a flying shuttle, and even a small furnace.

They were all Mortal Grade items, but the exquisite forging methods used to create them were still an eye-opener for any Forging Master.

And Gu Yuan was not the only one who thought so. The other Forging Masters who had gathered here were just as engrossed, carefully examining the displayed pieces and discussing the techniques used to create them.

It’s good that I came... Gu Yuan thought with quiet delight. Just being able to observe these pieces already made the trip worthwhile.

Absorbed in studying the forged works, he completely forgot Mo Chen’s presence. He noted the subtle differences in each piece, the techniques he could learn from, and the areas that still lay beyond his current ability. Many of the methods were a step above what he could presently replicate, but with time and practice, he was certain he would be able to master them all.

At the side, Mo Chen chuckled when he saw Gu Yuan like that. He did not interrupt him. Instead, he went over to talk with some of his other acquaintances, leaving Gu Yuan to focus on what he had come here for.

Time passed like that, and before long, a loud voice rang across the wide hall, snapping the attention of the Forging Masters out of their discussions.

"Peak Master Tie Shan has arrived. Please pay your respects."

The Forging Masters immediately turned toward the entrance and cupped their hands.

"Disciples greet Peak Master Tie Shan!"

Everyone in the hall spoke in unison.

It was the first time Gu Yuan had ever been in such a formal setting. Naturally, however, he behaved just like everyone else.

Peak Master Tie Shan, a man with white hair and a long beard, nodded before making his way to the forge at the center of the hall.

He looked like an ordinary old man at first glance, but there was an unmistakable coldness to his presence. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, and his eyes carried the quiet sharpness of someone who had spent centuries surrounded by blood and death.

The forge had remained dormant until now, without even a trace of flame within it.

With a wave of his hand, however, fire suddenly ignited inside.

The temperature in the hall rose at once. For ordinary cultivators the heat would have been uncomfortable, but everyone present was a Forging Master... excluding one. None of them showed the slightest discomfort. Their attention remained fixed on the forge.

Tie Shan waved his hand again, and several pieces of Dark Vein Essence appeared before him.

Dark Vein was a plant, but the essence extracted from it possessed properties closer to metal. It was dark in color and could be considered quite a precious material.

But can it really be used as the main material? Gu Yuan wondered.

"Today, I will demonstrate a blood-forging method using Dark Vein Essence. We will have a discussion after the forging is complete, and afterward, I will give the remaining materials to the person I feel deserves them."

At his words, Gu Yuan found himself nodding. If Dark Vein Essence was going to be tempered with blood, then it could indeed be used as the main material.

But... blood forging?

Unlike Gu Yuan, who found the method uncomfortable, many of the other Forging Masters immediately became excited.

Tie Shan paid no attention to their reactions and began.

He slowly heated the Dark Vein Essence, allowing the material to soften within the flames. At the same time, his gaze shifted toward Mo Chen.

"The first one?"

Mo Chen glanced around the hall before pointing at one of the disciples gathered there.

Tie Shan raised his hand.

The indicated man was immediately lifted into the air and dragged forward by an invisible force.

"Peak Master, please...!"

His scream quickly turned into a miserable cry as blood began to ooze from his seven orifices.

Tie Shan showed no reaction.

He continued drawing the blood from the disciple’s body, his expression remaining completely unchanged as the man’s flesh withered away. Before long, nothing remained but skin and bone.

The man died.

Tie Shan casually threw his corpse to the side like a piece of trash before directing the blood toward the Dark Vein Essence.

"With the blood of these spies," he said calmly, "I will forge a sword today. This sword will also be given to one of those present."