Chapter 64: Before the Storm

The discussion about the blood-forging method under Peak Master Tie Shan continued for two more days.

It was called a discussion, but most of the time, it was simply Tie Shan explaining the method on his own or answering questions from the Forging Masters present.

Occasionally, he would direct a question toward someone in the hall and have them explain their understanding, but luckily, Gu Yuan was never singled out.

At last, the time came to distribute the prizes.

The remaining Dark Vein Essence and the Earth Grade sword that Tie Shan had forged.

The Dark Vein Essence went to an old female Forging Master, with Tie Shan explaining that she had demonstrated the best attitude toward learning among everyone present.

No one complained. The old woman was clearly a respected Forging Master, and her conduct during the discussion had indeed been excellent.

Now, what about the sword?

Gu Yuan was curious who would receive it.

"The sword will go to Mo Chen of the Disciplinary Hall," Peak Master Tie Shan announced. "He went out of his way to assist with today’s proceedings. It is only fitting that he receives this token of recognition."

His words were reasonable enough, but Gu Yuan could see the meaning behind them.

Tie Shan was giving the sword to Mo Chen because he wanted to build some goodwill with the Disciplinary Hall. However, he had naturally phrased it as a reward for Mo Chen’s contribution rather than openly admitting that he was seeking favor.

That was probably the most appropriate way for someone in his position to do it.

The Forging Masters were quite envious, and some even grumbled quietly that the decision was unfair. However, no one stepped forward to object directly.

Was it because Mo Chen belonged to the Disciplinary Hall, the most feared group in the sect? Or was it because Peak Master Tie Shan himself had made the decision?

Gu Yuan didn’t know.

Regardless, it was finally time to leave. He quietly made his way toward the exit, hoping to leave without drawing any attention to himself.

"Junior Brother, where are you going alone? Let’s go back together."

At these casual words from Mo Chen, the attention of everyone in the hall seemed to shift toward Gu Yuan for a moment.

"Yes, let’s be on our way."

Gu Yuan replied with a calm smile, even as his hand clenched slightly.

Being the center of attention among a group of Forging Masters was one thing, but there were still two spies among the crowd. Gu Yuan had wanted to remain completely unnoticed by them, and now that was probably impossible.

He could only sigh inwardly as he flew away on his leaf-shaped flying treasure.

"Junior Brother, what do you think of this sword?" Mo Chen suddenly took out the sword he had received earlier and asked, seemingly just to show it off.

"It’s good."

"Then, do you want it?"

What kind of bullshit is this man brewing?

Gu Yuan wondered as he shook his head. "No, thank you, Senior Brother. But this sword belongs to you. You deserve it after catching all those spies earlier."

Naturally, Gu Yuan had no intention of ever wielding a sword forged from human blood, but he wasn’t going to say that.

"Well, just say the word if you change your mind later." Mo Chen chuckled.

After exchanging a few more words, the two eventually returned to the Outer Sect.

Gu Yuan made his way toward the Teleportation Array to return to the Inner Sect, while Mo Chen seemed to have other business to attend to in the Outer Sect.

Back in his cave abode, the first thing Gu Yuan did was meditate.

Using his Heart of Comprehension, he began solidifying the insights he had gained at Hundred Refinements Peak. He carefully pondered everything he had seen and heard, especially Tie Shan’s explanations about blood forging and the various ways blood could affect an artifact.

He remained in meditation for an entire week before finally ending his session.

He would have liked to spend more time contemplating his forging techniques and, if possible, even practice some of what he had learned in his own forge.

But he didn’t have time for that.

His trip to the Outer Sect had made him realize that another war was coming to the Black Desolation Sect.

Previously, whenever he appraised spies, the information he obtained had always been related to investigating the condition of the Heavenly Twin Stars. But now, things had changed.

The spies were no longer simply trying to determine whether the twins were injured or what state they were in.

They were preparing for an all-out assault, and clearly, it wasn’t going to involve just one or two sects. Even sects from outside the Great Han Kingdom were beginning to interfere.

The scale of the coming war might be unprecedented.

Back when the Black Desolation Sect had fought the Crimson Flame Sect, most of the fighting had taken place on the other side, within the Crimson Flame Sect itself. And when the battle with the previous sect master occurred, the conflict had been limited to the upper echelons of the Black Desolation Sect.

This time was different.

Everyone seemed to be preparing to come with far greater force.

Gu Yuan might very well be dragged into the conflict even if he wanted nothing to do with it.

Most importantly, this time the Heavenly Twin Stars weren’t here.

The only silver lining was that the exact timing of the coming war was still unknown. It might happen tomorrow, or it might not happen for several more years. Gu Yuan couldn’t be certain.

Regardless, he couldn’t afford to simply wait.

Gu Yuan was currently at the Sixth Stage of the Golden Core Realm. He wasn’t too far from the Seventh Stage, but he would probably still need another year or two to reach it.

That meant he couldn’t expect his cultivation realm to rise significantly in a short period of time.

If he wanted to prepare himself for the coming war, he would have to increase his strength in another way.

What method could he currently use?

The Crimson Fire.

His techniques and treasures were already nearly all Heaven Grade, and he was currently in his best condition. Aside from increasing his cultivation, the only thing he possessed that could still provide him with a significant increase in strength was the Crimson Fire.

Refining it would definitely require the assistance of an array formation.

Unfortunately, because he had neglected his Array Formation practice while focusing on forging and his other techniques, his current array formation skills were still somewhat lacking.

Normally, Gu Yuan would have simply spent the next few years improving them before attempting to refine the Crimson Fire.

But he didn’t have that luxury now.

He would have to make up for his lack of preparation through something else.

Ice treasures and pills.

Gu Yuan inspected the treasures in his storage bracelet and found a few that could prove useful. However, they were still far from enough.

He needed more.

With that in mind, Gu Yuan decided to visit the Black Desolation Exchange Hall and make a few purchases.

The thought of running away never occurred to Gu Yuan this time.

Was it because of the twins? To protect this place that could now be considered their home? Or was there some other reason?

Even Gu Yuan himself didn’t know.