Chương 168: Chapter 168: Zhongding Sect's Geofurnace and the Demon Armor Chestplate

[Recent Opportunity One]:

It was heard that beneath Thousand Bamboo Lake near Heavenly Water City, there were rumors of a geofurnace from the Zhongding Sect. He intended to locate its precise position and present it to Luo Chaotian. Thus, the next day, he headed to Heavenly Water City.

After searching for several days, he discovered a hidden tunnel in a cave on the southern side of Thousand Bamboo Lake, which led into the natural geofurnace. There, he also obtained a Flame Prison Token.

[Recent Opportunity Two]:

Two months later, guided by the Flame Prison Token, after multiple searches, he finally located the cave dwelling of the Flame Hell Immortal within the belly of a desolate mountain outside Tang'an City. He acquired the Demon Armor Chestplate there.

Shen Mo's face lit up with joy.

The Zhongding Sect's geofurnace!

He hadn't expected to encounter such an opportunity!

The Zhongding Sect, a sect that dominated Xuanjiang Prefecture a thousand years ago, was renowned for its Zhongding crystal refining technique.

However, because of its overwhelming power and aggressive nature, it was jointly destroyed by sects like the Divine Sword Sect that rose later.

The so-called geofurnace was not an actual furnace but a natural furnace built upon geothermal fire.

These furnaces were enormous, with extremely high temperatures. They could refine the crystals of dozens of spiritual tools at once.

Even if the failure rate was high, the efficiency made up for it.

This is how the Zhongding Sect ruled over Xuanjiang Prefecture.

The Zhongding Sect had three geofurnaces in total. After the sect was destroyed, one furnace fell into the hands of the Divine Sword Sect, and another came under the control of the Thunderfire Sect, where they also produced Fiery Lotuses.

The location of the third geofurnace, however, remained extremely well-hidden. All related records were burned by the Zhongding Sect.

The geothermal fire there also seemed to have died down.

Various sects searched for many years but failed to find it.

A thousand years passed, and this matter was gradually forgotten.

Many people even believed that the geothermal fire had completely extinguished, making the geofurnace worthless.

The Heavy Weapon Sect was founded using part of the Zhongding Sect's legacy.

Shen Mo had also learned about the Zhongding Sect through reading the books of the Heavy Weapon Sect.

"The temperature of the geofurnace is extremely high. If I can occupy it, I could refine higher-grade demon crystals into spiritual tools!"

Shen Mo's heart stirred.

For top-tier profound-grade spiritual tools, the Heavy Weapon Sect's refining technique could only fuse third-grade demon crystals at most.

However, if within the geofurnace, he could take advantage of the extreme heat and refine fourth-grade demon crystals!

This would be a massive breakthrough.

If all of the Qingxuan Sect's cultivators were equipped with spiritual tools infused with fourth-grade demon crystals, their overall strength would soar dramatically!

While it might not surpass, it would swiftly close the gap with the Divine Sword Sect!

As for the Thunderfire Sect, Verdant Vine Sect, and Rising Sun Sect, they would undoubtedly be left in the dust by the Qingxuan Sect!

As for the Flame Hell Immortal's cave dwelling and the Demon Armor Chestplate within, they made him even more ecstatic.

The power boost from the Demon Armor was immense, beyond words.

But for now, he only had the right arm armor!

If he could obtain the chestplate, his power would be greatly enhanced!

"However, just this right arm armor alone consumes a drop of Ice Dragon's blood every day."

"If I get the chestplate too, wouldn't that be..."

Shen Mo chuckled to himself.

He had originally thought that three jars of Ice Dragon's blood would be enough. But now, it seemed like it was far from sufficient!

Shen Mo nodded slightly.

At the same time, he glanced at Xiao Fan, intentionally or unintentionally.

He noticed that Xiao Fan's temperament and way of thinking had changed significantly.

In the past, when Xiao Fan interacted with him, there was always a hint of reverence, and he didn't dare to speak freely.

But now, Xiao Fan's tone carried an indescribable depth.

It was as though he was both lofty and unreachable, yet at the same time approachable, right by his side.

"This must be the result of the complete fusion of the memories of the Nascent Soul stage cultivator and his own memories."

"So, who is Xiao Fan now? Is he still Xiao Fan, or the resurrected Nascent Soul stage cultivator? Or perhaps, neither of them?"

Shen Mo smiled faintly.

Before long, the two of them arrived above Heavenly Water City.

Soon, they reached the Qingxuan Sect's base in the city.

It was located in an inn called Clear Breeze Inn.

The inn, along with a large number of surrounding residential areas and a market, was now within the Qingxuan Sect's territory.

As Shen Mo arrived, disciples immediately came out to greet him with utmost respect.

"Young Master!" A familiar voice rang out as someone strode toward them.

Shen Mo smiled, "So, Elder Wei is in charge here."

The person was none other than Wei Xiongtie.

Wei Xiongtie smiled wryly, "Indeed, this place is fraught with danger. The other elders are somewhat lacking in strength, so I took the initiative to volunteer for this task."

Shen Mo nodded slightly.

Wei Xiongtie's loyalty to Qingxuan Sect was unquestionable.

"Young Master, Elder Xiao, please come in. Let's sit down and talk," Wei Xiongtie said as he led the way.

Moments later, the three of them sat in a private room on the top floor of the Clear Breeze Inn.

The room was elegantly styled, exuding a classic charm, clearly not the kind of place an ordinary person could afford.

From the window, one could look out and view the surrounding area.

Not long after they sat down, Shen Mo noticed a brawl erupting on the street below.

After the clashing of swords, a few bodies were left behind as both sides departed with hatred still lingering in the air.

Wei Xiongtie smiled wryly, "Did you see that? Heavenly Water City has become incredibly chaotic lately."

"I don't know who spread the rumor, but there's talk that within the triangular area of Heavenly Water City, Tang'an City, and Huangyu City, the temperature has been rising abnormally. It's said that it might be due to the third geofurnace of the Zhongding Sect reigniting."

"With this news, cultivators from all over have been flocking here. The Thunderfire Sect has been searching the area tirelessly, and the Divine Sword Sect, Rising Sun Sect, and Verdant Vine Sect are also not far behind."

Shen Mo chuckled, "What does Elder Wei think?"

Wei Xiongtie shook his head repeatedly, "I'm skeptical. The Zhongding Sect has been gone for a thousand years, and that third geofurnace has been dormant for just as long. No matter how durable the geothermal fire was, it couldn't have stayed dormant for a thousand years, only to reignite now."

Shen Mo smiled and nodded.

In fact, the truth was quite the opposite of what Wei Xiongtie had said.

The geothermal fire had indeed reignited at this very time, defying all logic.

However, since Shen Mo had learned of this through his life panel, he couldn't very well reveal that there really was a geofurnace here.

"Wait... Could it be that the Young Master has come here for the geofurnace?" Wei Xiongtie suddenly realized.

Shen Mo chuckled, "Elder Wei guessed correctly. That's exactly why I'm here."

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{The first arc in the stort has ended. The mc has left the novice village (xuanjing prefectre and will leave towards wider world. Join patreon to read ahead and experience his journey.)}