Chapter 155 - Spirit Metal (2/2)
Weapon Materialization, or the materialization of a weapon-type Artifact Spirit. As you well know, Artifact Spirits differ in two types - formation and weapon. Those belonging to the formation type are Artifact Spirits created naturally, over time. They have their own consciousness and can act independently.
The Artifact Spirits of weapon type are instead devoid of conscience but follow the instruction of the user. They are created from the division of part of your own soul that would be put inside the weapon. In that way, they can mirror and amplify your Elemental Laws by creating a being of spirit power that reflects your very essence. Your combat power will enormously increase if you manage to reach the stage of materialization, but even before that, your attacks will suffer from a sharp increase in power.
The spirit metal, therefore, represents the only material at present for which all this is possible. Hence its importance and the strict control imposed by the Sun Empire. However, there is one detail to remember. To reach the stage of materialization, you must continuously infuse your weapon with your spirit power, and this is done through cultivation.
However, after dividing part of your soul to begin the process of forming the Weapon Artifact Spirit, every time you cultivate, part of the spirit power that should have gone into you will go to the weapon, consequently slowing your speed of cultivation. Not surprisingly, despite the attractiveness it possesses, only very few martial artists choose to take that path. But, whoever has the strength to persevere will become a dragon among men, dominating all the other martial artists with equal cultivation.
There is a point, however, that I must specify. The spirit metal is the only material presently capable of receiving part of the soul of a martial artist. However, whoever has weapons created with the body and bloodline of a divine beast is, in turn, able to reach the stage of materialization.”
When Song Yazhu finished his lengthy explanation, the students all had different reactions. Some were excited about the possibility of being able to get their hands on the spirit metal since only the Imperial Family and the Eight Big Families had free access to that resource. Others were hesitant because of the slowdown in cultivation that they would experience. Others instead had already firmly decided not to target the spirit metal as the asking price would be too high for them. And amid this flow of thoughts, Hei was reliving memories of the past in his mind.
”Weapon Materialization - Nāgarāja!”
A fifteen-meter half-human and half-snake figure appeared in the sky behind a man suspended in the air.
”Yes, Shé, meaning Snake! Ba Serpent Bloodline, Activate!”
The man's eyes became two vertical slits as the skin took on a greenish color.
”Then, Secret Technique of the Shé Family, Hydra Mode!
Nine long snake heads created with spirit power were generated from the man's back
”And finally, the final blow! Poison Domain - Snake Storm! ”
The spirit power of man expanded outside to create a gigantic sphere. Inside there was an infinity of small green snakes created with spirit power.
As he lived the clash between his mother and the family head of the Shé family, commanded by the One Who Hides Behind the Curtains, Hei's spirit power began to fluctuate threateningly as his face contracted with anger. But before he could unleash his tumultuous spirit power outside, Hei felt something warm touching his face. Turning around, he saw that Lian had stretched out her hand to caress his face. The young woman's gaze was fixed on Hei.
”Bao Bei left us your spear and my ribbons for a purpose. Even if it is the same technique, what is important is the use you make of it. Besides, if the materialization of the weapon reflects our essence, then I think I know what your Artifact Spirit will be.”
As Lian spoke, Leon and all the other companions near them looked at them more surprised than when Song Yazhu had mentioned the spirit metal. In these six months, they had learned about Hei and Lian, but it was the first time they saw Hei almost losing his control in that way. Fortunately, Lian's intervention brought the situation back to normal.
”Thanks, Lian. Sorry if I made you worry,” said Hei as he took a deep breath and calmed his anger. He thought he had become better at managing his emotions regarding that day, but as soon as he heard about the Weapon Materialization, the memories of that fight emerged back into him.
From his position, Song Yazhu took a quick look at Hei. He noticed the slight agitation of the young man's spirit power, but since nothing had happened, he feigned ignorance and continued.
”The test you will have to face consists of going to a region in the territories of the Empire, which is inhabited exclusively by spirit beasts. It is one of the many areas left as training grounds for young martial artists. Your task is to limit the population of spirit beasts existing there and gather their spirit cores. You must collect five second-level spirit cores to avoid being expelled, while from the sixth onwards, you will be given a certain number of contribution points based on the spirit power contained within each spirit core.
The region where you will go to is a vast forest with lakes and rivers inside. For security reasons, any spirit beast that has reached the third level and above will be cleaned up by a team of spirit master and spirit grandmasters. Therefore, inside, you will find only second and lower level spirit beasts. But don't think that just because you have to face second-level spirit beasts at most, the test would be easy. The mortality rate is very high, and I expect that at least one hundred of you will not return to the academy alive.
I'm not kidding, I really think so. I have carefully examined your every improvement over the past few months, and I am well aware of your strengths and your limitations. This even without having witnessed your understanding of the Elemental Laws. At best, a hundred of you will die, becoming food for the spirit beasts there. However, the number of victims is more likely to exceed that number.
If you don't feel confident in your abilities, then it is better that you withdraw from the Southern Royal War Academy. How others have done it previously, if you cannot bear the rhythm and difficulties of the academy, you aren't cut to stay here. Find something else to do for a living, or you can join a minor war academy where you will be nothing but a big fish in a small lake. As I said on the first day of the course, only the best of the best are accepted here, and those who don't have the ability should retire, or they will risk dying. This is true, regardless of whether you come from an ordinary family or an influential family.
Wars aren't won if you have the highest number of spirit soldiers, but are won with the number of spirit emperors at your disposal. And to create even a single Spirit Emperor, the Sun Empire is willing to sacrifice hundreds, thousands, or even millions of young martial artists. And this also applies to the children of the Eight Big Families' family heads or the Sun Emperor's direct children
To protect humanity from the danger represented by the demons, the Empire is willing to do anything it can do. If you don't dare to put your life at risk, get out of here!”