Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2049: Purple Luo Zinc

"Purple Luo Zinc?"

Kelan Su identified it and voiced his astonishment.

This was an exceptionally rare metal, so scarce it was virtually unattainable.

Furthermore, its utility was quite specialized, being immensely valuable almost exclusively to the Su Clan, with its exorbitant cost tailored precisely for them.

The reason was its essential role as the foundational material for crafting 'Formation Molds'.

Prior to the advent of subsequent formations, efforts were directed towards resolving the Su Clan's vulnerability in surprise encounters. One avenue involved maximizing the potency and capabilities of existing formations, while another sought methods for them to engage in combat like other warriors.

However, the reality was that, aside from a select few combat-oriented individuals like Zhou Su, most Su Clan members possessed minimal aptitude, bordering on… ineptitude.

When exploring solutions, two primary paths emerged. The first focused on fundamentally altering the Su Clan's combat style; proponents of this would meticulously study the physical makeup and energy systems of Su Clan members, even resorting to dissecting numerous individuals from their own lineage for this purpose. Others concentrated on investigating the cultivation techniques of various races, hoping to uncover methods suitable for the Su Clan to practice.

The second path centered on achieving breakthroughs in formations, aiming to both enhance their power and devise methods for rapid deployment.

This latter direction had been the focal point of the Su Clan's research for numerous years.

Ultimately, a significant advancement in this area would directly surmount their most pressing challenge.

Yaohan Su's involvement was situated within this second direction; the formation discussed later largely originated from the perspective of enabling swift formation deployment.

Before the creation of mobile formations, the Su Clan's most significant innovation was the development of 'Formation Molds'.

Manufacturing these was intricate, but their concept was straightforward: essentially, pre-fabricating the foundational structure of a formation and inserting the formation core only when needed.

Formation Molds could not offer a complete solution, but they substantially expedited the process of setting up formations. In the event of an unforeseen battle in the wilderness, one merely needed to hold out for a brief period to erect the formation.

While enduring that short interval still necessitated a substantial sacrifice, it represented a considerable improvement over the previous scenario of inevitable defeat.

For an extended duration, Formation Molds enjoyed immense popularity and would likely have remained so had there not been a scarcity of Purple Luo Zinc.

Once a Formation Mold took its final form, it required the precise and efficient flow of energy across its surface, preventing rapid dissipation, and it needed to activate seamlessly upon the insertion of the formation core.

This imposed stringent requirements on the manufacturing material, and it was Purple Luo Zinc that the Su Clan identified after years of rigorous experimentation.

However, given that Formation Molds were expendable items, losing their efficacy after a single use, the inherent activity of Purple Luo Zinc would also diminish. Thus, as the Su Clan commenced large-scale acquisitions of this already limited metal, its price soared dramatically, eventually reaching staggering heights.

Due to the Su Clan's limited resource control, procuring Purple Luo Zinc invariably led to exorbitant exploitation. During those periods, the other two major factions amassed fortunes from the Su Clan, finding great amusement in their predicament, while the Su Clan tenaciously persisted, enduring their hardship as if consuming poison to quench thirst.

Until… the other two major factions also depleted their reserves of Purple Luo Zinc…

Purple Luo Zinc was notably dense. The segment Ye Zhongming presented, though not appearing substantial, weighed over thirty pounds. This quantity was sufficient for fabricating molds for dozens of minor formations, or more than a dozen medium-sized formations, or the mold for a single large formation.

"This item, how much more do you possess?" Yaohan Su inquired, his voice suppressed, yet his internal excitement was palpable.

His inclination was naturally to support Ye Zhongming, even if immediate personal gain was absent. However, if commensurate benefits could be secured, that would be ideal. His primary identity was as the leader of the Su Clan, a leader determined to rescue his clan.

"That hinges on the circumstances," Ye Zhongming responded.

The other Su Clan members were, to say the least, practically incensed. This time, even Yaohan Su and Jie Su displayed a degree of astonishment.

Yaohan Su turned his head, directing his gaze towards the leader of Kelan Su's faction. The elderly man's countenance had turned ashen, his eyes flicking incessantly between the War Weapon and the Purple Luo Zinc.

If, previously, Ye Zhongming was merely an emerging figure within the Star-Eye Clan, and his pronouncements, while not entirely dismissible, were viewed as mere eloquent assertions that the Su Clan members could disregard, then the appearance of the War Weapon and Purple Luo Zinc had irrevocably altered his standing in everyone's estimation.

He was no longer perceived as an individual from an insignificant clan.

Which inconsequential clan member could carelessly disburse ten million Moonspan Gold? Who could conjure a lost Weapon of War? Who could procure Purple Luo Zinc, a material previously exclusive to the two major factions?

With just these two commodities, a proposition for collaboration with the Su Clan would be justifiable.

Observing the elder feigning ignorance, Yaohan Su remained silent and conveyed a meaningful glance to Jie Su.

Jie Su could only offer a series of bitter smiles.

He grasped Yaohan Su's unspoken sentiment: had they known Ye Zhongming possessed these assets, alternative resolutions might have presented themselves, avoiding this congregation fraught with potential dangers and unforeseen consequences.

Jie Su felt utterly misrepresented; he genuinely had no inkling that Ye Zhongming's actions would consistently involve items the Su Clan couldn't possibly disregard.

"Elder, is this sufficient?"

Yaohan Su hesitated to pressure the elder into declaring a stance publicly. However, Ye Zhongming harbored no such reservations.

The clan leader recognized the unavoidable need to commit. The allure of these two items had swayed the other attendees, and he himself was not immune to their appeal.

Yet, the prospect of his own faction ascending to the clan leadership superseded any desire for these acquisitions!

He addressed Ye Zhongming, stating, "The items you've presented, provided the quantity is substantial, could indeed sway our decision. However, the Su Clan does not engage in partnerships with the inept, regardless of their wealth! They must also demonstrate commensurate strength! This ensures they do not become a liability to the Su Clan in the future."

The leader considered Ye Zhongming's background and the precarious standing of the Star-Eye Clan, believing that by imposing this specific requirement, the young man would find it impossible to comply.

"You must showcase your capabilities, even if only potential. If you can garner universal approval, what objection would the Su Clan have to collaborating with you?"

The leader added with a smile, "However, do not attempt to deceive us with claims of rapid advancement. In this vast universe, numerous methods exist for swiftly enhancing strength at lower cultivation levels."

Upon hearing the elder abruptly shift the focus of his scrutiny, Yaohan Su, Jie Su, and the others felt a pang of anxiety. They understood he had identified the critical vulnerability of Ye Zhongming and the Star-Eye Clan: their comparatively low combat prowess.

Their current strength was insufficient to compel the Su Clan into a cooperative alliance; the clan could still opt to procure the items at a higher price.

Yet, Ye Zhongming remained unfazed and rose to his feet.

"Very well, as you say. Let us proceed. I shall present our potential for your consideration."