Chapter 150: Xuan Yin Thunder

To his surprise, Shopkeeper Wu recognized it instantly, exclaiming in shock, "It's the Dark Yin Thunder!"

Seeing Qin Sang's puzzled look, Shopkeeper Wu volunteered an explanation: "Artifact forging is a minor path, Fellow Daoist Qin, focusing on the grand cultivation path, may not have heard of the Dark Yin Thunder. Thousands of years ago, the Dark Yin Thunder was a notorious demonic artifact, originating from a demonic sect called the Ghost God Sect. It once struck fear into righteous cultivators, and its renown in the cultivation world was comparable to the Heavenly Thunder Orb. Since the Ghost God Sect's demise, its crafting method has also been lost, and for a long time now, there have been no reports of Dark Yin Thunder circulating in the world..."

As he spoke, Shopkeeper Wu leaned closer, holding the Dark Yin Thunder with obvious affection, examining it repeatedly as if he wished he could embed it in his eyes. His face was filled with fascination as he continuously praised it.

"What a marvelous artifact! What exquisite craftsmanship!"

Qin Sang nodded. "Indeed, I obtained it from a demonic cultivator. What's so special about this Dark Yin Thunder?"

"It's fortunate Fellow Daoist Qin didn't let that demonic fiend unleash the Dark Yin Thunder!" Shopkeeper Wu continued gravely, "This item is the one-time-use artifact I mentioned. By simply activating the restrictions on it with divine sense, it can be detonated, unleashing terrifying power with astonishing force. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator could be severely wounded if they're not careful. Its only drawback is a relatively small range; the explosive power is concentrated within a core area of about ten feet in diameter, with the residual force being far less potent."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang felt a jolt of belated fear. When he fell into the Three Calamities Soul-Devouring Formation at the base of Yuanzhao Peak, he hadn't witnessed the actual explosion. He hadn't realized that even Foundation Establishment cultivators would struggle to resist it. The Dark Yin Thunder's power was truly astonishing.

Zhao Yan's two Dark Yin Thunders must have been a defensive measure given to him by the old ghost Yi Tian Nie. For the sake of the Nine Illusory Sky Orchid, the old ghost had truly spared no expense. Had he not reacted quickly and made a decisive escape, he would likely have been reduced to dust.

Originally, when the snake demon broke free from the Ten Directions Yama Formation, Qin Sang had planned to use the Dark Yin Thunder to force it back. He hesitated and ultimately didn't use it. Fortunately, he didn't, or it would have been a terrible waste of a valuable item.

After allowing Shopkeeper Wu to examine it to his heart's content, Qin Sang retrieved the Dark Yin Thunder. Shopkeeper Wu knew Qin Sang wouldn't give it to him for research. He watched wistfully as Qin Sang put the Dark Yin Thunder back into his mustard seed bag.

"As Fellow Daoist Wu suggested, let's forge a Soul-Devouring Cone then! How do you calculate the price?"

Qin Sang quickly made his decision. He wasn't lacking in top-grade magical artifacts; what he needed was a life-saving measure for emergencies. No matter how precious the materials, as long as they could be put to good use, he wouldn't regret it.

Shopkeeper Wu replied, "To be frank, Fellow Daoist Qin, artifact forging cannot guarantee success, and the grade of the finished product can vary. I dare not charge any payment before the artifact is successfully forged. For this reason, we need to agree on three terms before beginning the process. Of course, I will do my utmost. If Fellow Daoist Qin minds, then I can only..."

Qin Sang expressed his understanding. It was like breaking through a bottleneck; one couldn't simply achieve a breakthrough at will, otherwise, immortal cultivation would be far too easy. Unless done intentionally, no one wished for failure. Shopkeeper Wu was clearly obsessed with artifact forging and wouldn't engage in self-defeating or harmful practices.

Qin Sang pointed to the snake demon's remnants and asked, "If we're forging a Soul-Devouring Cone, which parts won't be used?"

Shopkeeper Wu glanced at them and said, "Some of the fangs, scales, and beast bones should remain. I can help Fellow Daoist forge a few small magical artifacts with them."

Qin Sang shook his head, gesturing lightly with a finger. "Just give them all to Fellow Daoist Wu. Could I perhaps observe your artifact forging process?"

"This..." Shopkeeper Wu's expression showed hesitation. These were indeed excellent materials, especially the fangs, of which at least more than half would remain. Adding them to a spiritual sword in the future could enhance its power by several points.

"Don't worry, Fellow Daoist Wu. I'll only observe and won't ask questions. I just want to watch the forging process. If it involves any ancestral secrets, just let me know, and I'll step aside."

Qin Sang was indeed very curious about artifact forging and alchemy and wished to broaden his knowledge. He knew his own limitations; with his talent, it was impossible for him to focus on other pursuits. However, many low-grade magical artifacts also had miraculous effects, and if he could learn a few techniques, he wouldn't have to rely on others as often.

Ultimately, Shopkeeper Wu couldn't resist the temptation. He gave a wry smile and said, "These are all rudimentary techniques, nothing secret. If Fellow Daoist Qin doesn't mind my humble, messy workshop, please follow me."

Ten days later.

Qin Sang left Moon Inquiry City, activated his Flying Shuttle, and transformed into a streak of light. He flew past the Shaohua Mountain gate but didn't enter, heading directly towards the Ancient Abyss Kingdom.

When he reached an uninhabited area, Qin Sang raised his hand, and a palm-sized single horn appeared in his palm. The horn curved slightly upwards, looking exactly like a rhino horn, though it had shrunk considerably after being refined. It was entirely aqua-blue, almost transparent, and wrapped with circles of golden patterns. At its tip was a needle-like spike, glowing with a faint green light.

This was the Soul-Devouring Cone forged by Shopkeeper Wu.

Qin Sang examined the Soul-Devouring Cone, then put it into his mustard seed bag, a thoughtful expression on his face. He had observed Shopkeeper Wu's entire forging process, which was much as he had imagined: the steps were extremely intricate, requiring a great deal of time and effort—precisely what he lacked most. It was said that alchemy was even more difficult than artifact forging.

The payment for the Soul-Devouring Cone was allowing the almost-廢 Chi Dragon Sword to remain with the shopkeeper for a year for observation. After breaking through to Foundation Establishment, Qin Sang had noticed something peculiar: the restrictions on the sword were not demonic techniques but a unique type of forging restriction. Shopkeeper Wu had always been fascinated by the Chi Dragon Sword and was delighted by this arrangement. He gave Qin Sang a book of artifact forging insights, which might prove helpful when forging his own natal artifact in the future.

As he neared the Ancient Abyss Kingdom, Qin Sang, finding the Flying Shuttle too slow, summoned his Ebony Sword. It transformed into a sword light, and his speed instantly surged. He hadn't returned for over a month, and it felt as though he had left his child alone at home. He couldn't shake the worry, his heart constantly tugged by an unseen force.

Returning to his cave dwelling, he finally felt at ease upon seeing the Nine Illusory Sky Orchid safe and sound. Qin Sang knelt by the pond, scooped up some water, and murmured, "I wonder when the spiritual spring will fully form. Otherwise, how can I leave with peace of mind?"

Sealing the cave dwelling, Qin Sang sat down in the lotus position. Although he had released the snake demon, the battle had been more intense and profound than his encounter with the white rhinoceros beast. His understanding of the 'kill talisman' deepened. As his mind entered a state of meditation, he visualized the kill talisman, which now seemed much more solid than before. The ultimate killing intent was drawn into his primordial spirit, tempering the spiritual sword within it.

Just then, a look of delight suddenly appeared on Qin Sang's face. The bottleneck that had plagued him had indeed broken with a mere touch. He realized that with a period of diligent cultivation, he would naturally break through, engraving the kill talisman onto the sword body and forging his natal spiritual sword!

Seasons passed. Days turned into weeks, and Qin Sang returned to his previous routine. Except for his monthly visits to Returning Dragon Temple at the end of each month, he remained secluded in his dwelling. A year later, a sound transmission talisman flew from Returning Dragon Temple. Qin Sang happened to be at Returning Dragon Temple. He took the sound transmission talisman into his hand, and after reading its contents, he pondered for a long time before activating his escape light and heading straight for Shaohua Mountain.