Chapter 168 - 135: Request, Magical Artifact Advancement
In his bedroom, Zhao Zuo composed himself and opened the red-lacquered wooden box containing the Artifact Refining materials.
At the same time, he also placed the Black Flame Saber next to the Artifact Refining materials.
Once everything was ready, Zhao Zuo summoned the transparent panel and lightly tapped the "Advance" option.
A familiar gray light spread out, enveloping all the materials. The advancement materials for the Black Flame Saber were all from the Fire Series, and their characteristics were remarkably consistent: they all possessed fiery, combustible properties. A simple analysis was all it took for Zhao Zuo to conclude that this advancement would increase the temperature of the flames.
Within the gray light, flame-like patterns gradually appeared on the surface of the Black Flame Saber. Like a raging inferno, these patterns emanated a scorching aura.
At the same time, the many precious Artifact Refining materials melted down. Their essence was separated from their impurities, leaving only the purest components behind. The molten materials began to fuse intimately with the Black Flame Saber, and each point of contact produced a faint spray of sparks, like shimmering starlight.
The temperature inside the gray light rose rapidly, forming a searing current of air. Even though the gray light acted as a barrier, waves of fear washed over Zhao Zuo, mixed with excitement and anticipation.
He knew that after this advancement, the Black Flame Saber’s power would increase severalfold, at the very least.
As the internal temperature continued its rapid rise, the fusion of the Artifact Refining materials began to accelerate.
Inside the gray light, flames blazed fiercely, like a Melting Furnace. Zhao Zuo felt a faint vibration from the Black Flame Saber at the center, as if it were conveying a sense of joy.
Zhao Zuo focused his mind and spirit, pouring all his attention into the fusion process. He tried to understand and learn from this miraculous transformation, hoping to one day incorporate it into his own Artifact Refining techniques.
The fusion process concluded perfectly. Black flames suddenly erupted on the surface of the Black Flame Saber, radiating intense heat and destructive power. Simultaneously, a golden light flowed from between Zhao Zuo’s eyebrows and merged into the blade. Set against the black flames, it exuded a mysterious and majestic aura.
Within the confines of the gray light, the black flames emitted a heart-pounding aura. The flames themselves were like the wings of Fallen Angels, enveloping the long, slender blade.
Golden patterns took root and spread throughout the blade’s interior, forming an intricate design. However, something was still missing; it only seemed to reach four-fifths of completion, with the final fifth yet to be formed.
The gray light gradually dissipated. Zhao Zuo reached for the Black Flame Saber, feeling the warmth that still lingered on its surface. The long saber now possessed a palpable sense of might.
Zhao Zuo was very satisfied with the Black Flame Saber’s transformation. Immediately after, the transparent panel appeared.
[Advancement Description: Greatly increases the power of the flames attached to the Magical Artifact and raises their temperature.]
[Advancement Description: Moderately reduces Mana consumption during use.]
Just as Zhao Zuo had guessed, the Black Flame Saber’s advancement was related to temperature.
𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
The next second, new data appeared.
[Grade: Upper Grade Magical Artifact · Black Flame]
[EXP: 2452/20000]
[Status: Not upgradeable]
Zhao Zuo got up, intending to find a place to familiarize himself with the Black Flame Saber.
On the platform outside the Cave Mansion, a cold wind howled, causing Zhao Zuo’s Taoist Robe to flap noisily. The sky above glittered with brilliant starlight, and the distant mountain peaks, shrouded as if by a black veil, were only faint, blurry silhouettes.
Zhao Zuo held the Black Flame Saber in his right hand, his body slowly beginning to move.
SWOOSH!
It was a standard downward slash. The muscles throughout his body engaged in unison like precision gears, channeling an immense, surging force that erupted from the slender edge of the blade. A sharp whistle tore through the night air.
Zhao Zuo slowly retracted the blade, contemplating the power behind the swing. The twinkling stars seemed to watch his every move. The Black Flame Saber cut through the night sky, leaving behind arcs of light like the fiery trails of meteors streaking through the silent darkness.
Wisps of black flame blended perfectly into the night. Zhao Zuo continuously adjusted his strength, adapting to the advanced Black Flame Saber’s new weight. He gradually rediscovered his old familiarity with the weapon, accompanied by a spontaneous increase in his Mana output.
Every swing of the Black Flame Saber was accompanied by black flames that churned and danced beneath the starry sky.
The surrounding temperature began to climb, growing scorching hot. The sound of burning flames intertwined with the whistle of air being sliced apart, creating a chaotic symphony.
Half an hour later, Zhao Zuo retracted his blade and stood still. His posture was ramrod straight, carrying a certain majesty.
He quickly brought his ragged breathing under control. The rapid flow of his Mana stilled. Even the surrounding wind seemed to soften. Zhao Zuo was gathering his power for an attack.
The next second, the Black Flame erupted, stirring up a storm of Energy.
Every Slash released a wave of intense heat, as if intending to incinerate everything in the vicinity.
Zhao Zuo gradually focused all his attention on the long saber in his hands, feeling the power extend from the hilt to the tip. He began to move his feet, expanding the space for his practice swings. The last trace of unfamiliarity vanished, and the bond between man and blade became seamless once more.
Gradually, sweat soaked his undergarments, causing his Taoist Robe to cling tightly to his body.
Zhao Zuo finally stopped swinging. The Black Flame went out, and he put the Black Flame Saber directly into his Storage Bag. He then took a deep breath, savoring the incredibly fresh mountain air. Though his body was exhausted, his mind was buzzing with excitement.
After breathing in the fresh air for a while, Zhao Zuo walked slowly back to his bedroom and sat down quietly on a soft cushion.
He closed his eyes and began to absorb the Spiritual Power between heaven and earth to increase his Mana. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his racing mind, and soon entered a state of deep meditation.