Chapter 77: Kyushu's Great Device

Chapter 77: The Great Artifact of the Nine Provinces

Steward Liu and his associates lay on the street like dead dogs, barely breathing after being severely beaten. Their past egregious actions had long incited public anger. Had it not been for the intervention of a few sensible elders, they might have been beaten to death, resulting in fatalities. Finally, the crowd dragged them like dead dogs and left them at their doorsteps, an incident that brought immense satisfaction to all.

At noon, the small restaurant was filled with laughter and joy. Little Tingting’s smile was exceptionally bright, free from worry or fear. Old Man Jiang, too, had shed his suppressed frustration, his facial wrinkles seeming to soften. He enthusiastically prepared several dishes: braised rabbit, clear soup rabbit meatballs, sweet and sour rabbit ribs, aromatic chicken wrapped in green leaves, spicy diced chicken, and various vegetable dishes made from greens and wild fruits.

The meal lasted a long time, interspersed with laughter. This harmonious atmosphere created a fleeting illusion for Ye Fan, making him feel as though he had returned home.

After lunch, Ye Fan went directly into the deep mountains and began to attempt controlling the "Divine Marks," a process crucial for his future cultivation.

Each "Divine Mark" resembled a divine iron chain, coiling above the golden Bitter Sea, its original form condensed from life essence.

Cultivators can forge "Divine Marks" into various shapes, such as flying knives or daggers, which can be projected to attack enemies, proving more effective than the raw marks. Some devote considerable time and effort to shape these original "Divine Marks" into flying swords, small shields, or divine halberds, finding them easier to control and significantly more potent in combat.

Even rarer individuals, undeterred by complexity, repeatedly refine their "Divine Marks" into sophisticated forms such as "Tripods," "Bells," or "Pagodas," capable of unleashing various mysterious powers.

Legend holds that in exceptionally rare instances, the "artifacts" forged by cultivators from "Divine Marks" may undergo unexpected transformations in later stages, interweaving "traces of the Dao" within their core, thereby possessing unfathomable power.

Such an occurrence, however, is exceedingly rare, reserved only for cultivators of extraordinary talent and immense power.

Past experience suggests that the more complex and profound an "artifact" forged from original "Divine Marks," the greater its power. Comparatively, "Tripods," "Bells," or "Pagodas" offer a slightly higher chance of interweaving "traces of the Dao" within them.

Naturally, more intricate "artifacts" are significantly harder to form; one might expend endless energy and time without even forging a basic outline, thus wasting years.

Furthermore, even if one miraculously succeeds, the payoff in later stages of arduous cultivation is rarely realized. The hope of "traces of the Dao" appearing is exceedingly slim; for most cultivators, it remains a mere legend, accessible only to a select few individuals of astonishing brilliance.

Forging original "Divine Marks" into an "artifact" is of paramount importance to cultivators, and everyone approaches it with seriousness, as it forms the very foundation for their future ability to "control objects."

For instance, Han Feiyu’s command over the Azure Wood Treasure Seal, Elder Han’s control of twelve green wooden swords, and the Shameless Daoist’s manipulation of various psychic weapons all stem from having first forged their original "Divine Marks" into an "artifact," which then enables them to control and wield diverse armaments.

Most cultivators, after forging their "Divine Marks" into an "artifact," select a spirit treasure of the same shape, as this congruence allows for the greatest power to be unleashed.

While it is possible to wield other weapons even if their shapes differ, there will be a noticeable reduction in their potential power.

Some cultivators, however, continuously condense "Divine Marks" and repeatedly refine their own "artifact," turning it into their primary spirit treasure without needing to wield other physical weapons.

According to the "Daoist Scripture - Wheel Sea Scroll," an "artifact" can be forged in each of the four great realms: Bitter Sea, Life Spring, Divine Bridge, and Other Shore.

Ye Fan, having already reached the Bitter Sea realm, was about to forge his first "artifact." He meticulously considered his choice, understanding its profound significance, as once an "artifact" was formed, altering it would be exceedingly difficult.

Moreover, this first "artifact" would serve as his fundamental cornerstone, far more significant than those forged in subsequent realms.

Having committed to the path of cultivation, Ye Fan approached everything with a long-term perspective. He first dismissed common weapons like flying swords, shields, and spears.

Despite knowing the slim odds, he still hoped his "artifact" might eventually interweave "traces of the Dao." Consequently, he resolved to choose from among the most intricate and profound "artifacts."

"What should I choose...?" Ye Fan pondered carefully and at length, his eyes eventually lighting up with resolve.

Ultimately, he made a definitive choice: he would forge his "Divine Marks" into a "Tripod."

This was no impulsive decision, but one born of deep deliberation. Ye Fan’s choice was not merely due to his personal fondness for "Tripods," but more importantly, because the "Tripod" stood as the most mysterious artifact in ancient China.

The Tripod permeated the entirety of ancient Chinese history. Its presence was inseparable from events like the collapse of kingdoms, the changing of dynasties, the rise of feudal lords, and the unification of the Nine Provinces. It was revered as a divine artifact of the Nine Provinces and a sacred national emblem.

Phrases like "contending for the Central Plains" and "a flourishing Spring and Autumn period" are among countless idioms linked to the Tripod, all evoking a sense of grandeur. With its deep roots in ancient China, the Tripod was the most enigmatic "national artifact"; indeed, one could argue that it embodied ancient China itself.

The full extent of Huaxia’s ancient history is difficult to ascertain, as some aspects were neither recorded nor passed down. Reflecting on this, Ye Fan made his choice, settling on the "Tripod."

During the pre-Qin period, numerous holy emperors and ancient kings, including Fuxi, Shennong, Huangdi, and seventy-two others, performed the Fengshan sacrifice on Mount Tai. To Ye Fan, this era was steeped in too much mystery. Inferring from his own experiences, it was clear that ancient China remained enshrouded in an endless mist.

Ancient China appeared to have an intensely mysterious period, an era swallowed by the vast river of history. Various clues hinted that its ancient inhabitants might have wielded extraordinary powers.

Given its status as the most mysterious artifact passed down from that enigmatic period, the "Tripod" naturally held immense significance for Ye Fan. As the most crucial sacred vessel throughout ancient Chinese history, it was logically his choice for a "formidable artifact."

Ye Fan felt immense confidence in this choice. Representing the essence of ancient China, the Tripod was perfectly suited to be his first "artifact" and foundational implement.

Tripods exist in various forms, with the three-legged round tripod and the four-legged square tripod being the most renowned. Which to choose? Ye Fan carefully considered the options once more.

"The three-legged round tripod appeared earlier..." A decision slowly crystallized in his mind.

Beyond its earlier origins, other reasons weighed on him. From his perspective as a cultivator, he sensed that the three-legged round tripod embodied certain enigmatic principles.

Three legs provide greater stability than four, representing the most stable configuration. Furthermore, a circle embodies broader and deeper principles and meanings of the Dao than a square.

Three legs symbolize stability, firmness, steadiness, and fortitude!

The circle represents the heavens, earth, cosmos, and stars. Legend states that Pangu created the world by breaking open a circle, shattering a spherical space, in a process of primordial chaotic evolution. Thus, the circle signifies the ultimate origin.

"Yes, the three-legged round tripod it is!" After careful consideration and deliberation, Ye Fan made this crucial decision.

Forging the original "Divine Marks" into an artifact is far from easy; it is an arduous and lengthy process that cannot be accomplished overnight.

First, the desired form of the "artifact" must be firmly imprinted within one's mind, serving as an unwavering reference for all future refinement, allowing no room for even the slightest imperfection.

Holding a Bodhi seed, Ye Fan entered an ethereal state. He mentally etched an image, using his divine sense to simulate nineteen "Divine Marks," then began to refine them, initially shaping them within his mind's sea.

Through relentless effort, the nineteen "Divine Marks" melted and eventually coalesced into a pea-sized golden mini-tripod, radiating brilliant light and appearing utterly perfect.

Yet, Ye Fan was not entirely satisfied. He felt something was still missing; the form was perfect, but it lacked the profound essence of the Dao.

"Ah, yes, it's missing the tripod ears."

Ye Fan resumed his refinement, slowly forging a pair of ears onto the pea-sized golden mini-tripod.

The instant this golden mini-tripod was fully formed within his mind, Ye Fan immediately sensed a natural Daoist essence. Feeling utterly satisfied, he couldn't help but murmur to himself, "One tripod, two ears, three legs. Yes, the Dao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things. All things carry Yin and embrace Yang, and through the blending of their forces, they achieve harmony..."

The more Ye Fan gazed, the more satisfied he became. The pea-sized golden mini-tripod appeared increasingly profound in his eyes, eventually filling his entire mind’s sea, becoming ancient, majestic, and inherently natural.

"Yes, this is it!"

With the shaping complete, the three-legged round tripod was permanently etched into Ye Fan’s heart. From this point forward, he would commence forging a tangible "Tripod" of this very design within the Bitter Sea.

"The most mysterious artifact that permeated the entirety of ancient Chinese history..." Ye Fan's heart swelled with anticipation.