Chapter 1204 - Resource Envoy

First, let's look at its form. On the ancient land of Wanggu, the iron rod closely resembles a vajra pestle in its design. It differs significantly from the original appearance of Xu Qing's iron rod from years past. However, this current one is precisely like the very first version of the iron rod. It is long and slender, with an extremely sharp tip. Purely in terms of power, it's hard to say which of the two is stronger. The original iron rod underwent numerous refining processes, especially when infused with the spirit by Master Seven, housing numerous abilities restrained only by Xu Qing's then-limited cultivation. Yet, speaking of suitability... this very rod is the one that harmonizes best with Xu Qing's own Constitution of Time and Space. After all, in Xu Qing’s present state, his Constitution represents the core of his battle strength, and this rod, infused with his Constitution, is the ideal pairing, his ultimate constitutional treasure. It can follow his Constitution seamlessly into overlapping universes, resonating in manifold times and dimensions with him! Crucially, it possesses a tangible reality that, amidst resonance, not only multiplies its potency but also allows Xu Qing to enhance his methods and techniques in displaying his Constitution. Additionally, because it embodies the very essence of the cosmic order, this iron rod attains a significantly high status, possessing substantial "weight." This weight commands the respectful awe of quasi-immortal beings! Therefore, this iron rod can rightfully be hailed as the most powerful constitutional treasure that Xu Qing wields today! Others cannot wield it! Even a mere touch could cause them to be ensnared in time and space, akin to an innate perpetual prison. Even if forced apprehension could be imposed, it would take a demigod. "This treasure is excellent." "At the very least, it doubles your battle prowess." Before the blazing forge, an elder draped in a crimson robe gazed contemplatively at the iron rod he crafted and infused with rare materials, showing contentment in his work. With a wave of his hand, the iron rod emitted a resonant hum, lifting away from the forge and darting straight towards Xu Qing. It halted in front of him, floating serenely in the air. Xu Qing's heart surged with emotion as he reached out and grasped the iron rod. A sense of familiarity born from the rod's use in the past flooded his mind and, upon mingling with his spirit, this rod, revealed across infinite spaces and times, gradually vanished. It merged into Xu Qing’s palm, cloaked within his Constitution of Time and Space, resonating and harmonizing always, breathing life into his power. Xu Qing was immensely satisfied, inclining in gratitude towards the crimson-robed elder. “Thank you, venerable elder. May I have the honor of knowing your esteemed name, that I may eternally cherish this favor?” His appreciation for this demigod elder was sincere. Not only did this elder willingly aid in repairing Xu Qing's star tower, but he also forged such an invaluable treasure for him. Especially remarkable was the use of personal materials added into the rod during the forging process. Xu Qing understood well; each act of kindness was an extension of genuine goodwill. "There is no need for such formality, as it was something you rightfully earned. You may call me Nine-Thoughts True Monarch." The crimson-robed elder smiled gently, continuing to speak. "I am the second senior brother of Linsan." Xu Qing was momentarily stunned before comprehension dawned. Demigods are referred to by the title of True Monarch. The term ‘True Monarch’ is even more unique, exclusively a mark of disciples of Immortal Lords. Thus, Xu Qing became aware of this figure’s eminent background. Zhou Linsan, it turns out, was the true name of the Spirit Phoenix Fairy! "My little junior sister has communicated with several of us senior brothers to look after you.” “So if you ever have need, you may seek me out here in this realm.” “Go on now.” The warm voice of Nine-Thoughts True Monarch lingered, and with a gentle wave of his hand, the surroundings blurred. When Xu Qing's vision cleared again, he found himself no longer within the furnace room but on a massive astral belt. While populated by cultivators, this belt stood distinct from its predecessor, populated entirely by those departing after completing their treasure forges. Standing there, Xu Qing took one last look back at the furnace room and bowed again. Inwardly, he reflected. The journey to the Aurora Immortal Palace rekindled the severed bond of yesteryears for the Aurora Young Master and the Spirit Phoenix Fairy. The lingering warmth of those moments started spreading across the Nine Shores. “I wonder where they are now…” As images of the events at the Aurora Immortal Palace danced in his mind, carrying his best wishes for them, Xu Qing turned away and prepared to leave on the astral belt. Xu Qing had allotted ample time for this journey, and now that it concluded smoothly, he had saved plenty on the clock. “Next on my list is a visit to the Heroic Spirit Tomb!” Just as Xu Qing readied the teleportation jade slip meant for the Heroic Spirit Domain, a familiar voice drifted into his consciousness from far away. Raising an eyebrow, Xu Qing decided not to teleport away just yet and instead flew towards the source of the voices. As he neared, the voices grew louder, their tenor more heated. "This is beyond outrageous! Do they really take us for pushovers!” “Exactly, to humiliate us brothers is to humiliate all ascendents of this cohort; it’s an affront to our master Blue Heron Sword Immortal and all of us in the Sword Immortal sect!" The ones speaking were none other than the sword cultivators of the Thousand Troops Quell duo! “Thus… the sword stands firm!” they declared defiantly. Their expressions were enraged, and their voices rang with steely resolve, wielding every ounce of their noble heritage to confront the trio blocking their path. The three wore identical attire, dressed in hundred-pocket robes. As implied by the name, their gray robes were adorned with hundreds of pockets, each seemingly hiding extraordinary powers. Moreover, light death auras cloaked their forms, not emanating from within but adhered externally, residual from something else. Though they appeared different, a common air among them hinted at a certain vibe: something akin to a hungry coyote—an essence of greed and an innate gloom. As for cultivation, among the trio, two were at the Mastery Peak, and one was a quasi-immortal being. Browsing an indifferent smile, the quasi-immortal played with his fingers, as though dusting off his earhole, sporting a nonchalant grin. "I am well aware that you are this cohort's ascendents, yet... aren't we all ascendents at one time or another? We are ascendents from tiers past.” "Furthermore, beyond the outer realm, every sect in the Immortal Capital has its connections… who doesn’t have connections?” "We were merely proposing a purchase of your swords, that's all. If unwilling, we'll not press it." “However… our role grants us the authority to draft individuals.” "If refusing to cooperate persists, there’s really nothing I can do.” The middle-aged quasi-immortal shook his head. Their faces paling, the Thousand Troops Quell duo felt the gravity of their plight intensify. Amongst the observing cultivators gathered, discussions rippled. “Those three certainly appear to belong to that greedy bunch of Resource Envoys!” “Indeed, Resource Envoys are nothing but parasitic coyotes, draped under the guise of war resource gatherers, roaming across multiple universes, detested by all who encounter them!” “In particular, Resource Envoys operate in teams, several to over a hundred strong, deceitful yet notably united—a commoner dare not provoke them easily.” “And today? Seems those three brutes fancy the brothers’ immortal swords. Without a successful sale, they plot a draft exploiting the trio’s fresh ascendence.” "Should they be drafted, the swords, though not life, are destined for loss." Rumblings of hushed discussions echoed amidst the crowd, though none acted, cowed by the nefarious reputation of Resource Envoys. The Thousand Troops Quell were acutely aware of their predicament, their anxiety amplifying. Freshly ascended, they hadn’t sought previous ascendant kin, understanding that leaving Nine Shores meant stepping from the river into the ocean. The enduring rule of the Fifth Starring—competition is the norm. Without strength, if their swords were taken, survival of the fittest still held sway. Anxieties mounted, now fevered. On the brink of explosive escalation between the factions… Xu Qing blended into the distant crowd, his sharp eyes observing with cold calculation, pondering intervention. After all, technically those swords were his responsibility. Yet, before Xu Qing reached a decision, a rainbow streak barreled across the sky, descending with overwhelming momentum. Within the rainbow, clad in a black robe and adorned with severe black locks, a figure exuding quasi-immortal aura, cloaked in faint chains of order, drew unparalleled attention. It was the Starring Daoist. His path didn’t lie here, nor did he intend to rescue anyone—merely finishing his artifact crafting, passing by this area. Yet, while edging closer, his unrestrained and assertive presence made every pair of eyes on the Thousand Troops Quell alight. Without hesitation, they surged forward, calling out. “Greetings, senior brother!” “Senior brother, save us!!” Being of the same cohort, ‘senior brother’ sufficed as an address. And desperate in their plight, following formalities upon nearing, the Thousand Troops Quell laid veneration at his feet. Thus Starring Daoist paused mid-air. Brows furrowed. He had not attended to this ordeal, but a cursory glance gathered details, without intention to intervene, until the Thousand Troops Quell sidled behind his safeguarding back… Leaving now would mirror cowardice on his part. Thus, even amidst underlying displeasure, a cold sharpness enshrouded Starring Daoist’s gaze, directing it towards the three Resource Envoy interceptors of the hundred pockets, as a volcanic quasi-immortal aura erupted from him. The three faltered, gravity strickening the two Mastery Peaks, and the central quasi-immortal squinted his eyes. Literal steps forward ceased. Witnessing the retreat, Starring Daoist withdrew his stare, advancing onward. Relieved, the Thousand Troops Quell followed promptly after. In this manner, the trinity's figures gradually vanished from sight. Faced with this spectacle, spectators' eyes glinted. As for those Resource Envoys, they all fixed their gaze upon Starring Daoist receding steps, with the interior quasi-immortal suddenly spoke. “The standout ascendant of this cohort, shouldn’t be this individual!” “We must have underestimated them, this one is no ordinary individual, find out who he is!”