Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1430 - 904: Refining the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron (Part 2)

Yang Zhenshan selected a third-rank top-grade Purple Sandalwood Heart Wood alongside a substantial portion of third-rank middle-grade Gold Vein Bamboo.

This Gold Vein Bamboo, characterized by its rough, tortoise-shell-like surface adorned with spiral patterns, flourishes by absorbing the spiritual energy from metals and stones. Its inherent hardness makes it an ideal material for crafting defensive magical treasures.

With these three spirit wood varieties secured, Yang Zhenshan eagerly anticipated returning to the Spirit Source Land.

Upon reaching the Spiritual Spring Mountain Plateau, Yang Jizhen swiftly responded to Yang Zhenshan’s summons and hurried to his location.

"Ancestor!"

"Haha, come along, let me show you what I’ve acquired!" Yang Zhenshan exclaimed, gently pulling Yang Jizhen towards his study.

Slightly taken aback by the elder’s palpable excitement, Yang Jizhen nonetheless followed obediently.

Inside the study, three pieces of spiritual material lay arranged on the desk.

"Could it be!"

Yang Jizhen’s initial surprise quickly transformed into elation as he stepped closer.

"Third-rank spiritual materials!"

His hand lightly grazed the Rongxin Wood, the Purple Sandalwood Heart Wood, and the Gold Vein Bamboo.

Yang Zhenshan inquired, "What are your thoughts? Can these three spiritual materials be used to refine the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron?"

His intention was to forge the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron, naturally requiring Yang Jizhen’s expertise in its refinement.

He had, in fact, selected these materials specifically according to Yang Jizhen’s stated requirements.

Yang Jizhen had already commenced his study of the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron’s refinement process long ago.

It could be said that from the moment Yang Jizhen successfully established his foundation, he had dedicated himself to researching this specific cauldron. To hone his skills, he had even refined several similar magical artifacts and treasures over the years.

After a brief contemplation, Yang Jizhen responded, "We might still require some second-order spiritual materials! Ancestor, allow me to prepare them."

"Very well, inform me of any needed materials, and request them directly from Jade Capital. Should Jade Capital lack them, approach me, and I shall procure them myself!" Yang Zhenshan declared.

The refinement of a magical treasure, particularly a soulbound artifact like this, demands meticulous attention to numerous factors, far exceeding the complexity of refining a batch of Demon Essence Pills.

This undertaking represented a significant challenge for Yang Jizhen.

Third-rank spiritual materials were not easily acquired, and given that this was Yang Zhenshan’s personal soulbound magical treasure, absolute care and maximum effort were imperative.

However, compared to their third-rank counterparts, second-order spiritual materials were considerably more accessible. Consequently, Yang Zhenshan personally journeyed to White Cloud Immortal City to acquire the necessary second-order spiritual materials.

Following this, Yang Jizhen dedicated over a year to meticulously finalizing the procedures for refining the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron.

With all preparations complete, two full years had elapsed.

On this momentous day, Yang Zhenshan, Yang Jizhen, and Ma Qiuyan converged at the Pill Hall located on Flame Mountain.

Flame Mountain was home not only to the Pill Hall but also an Artifact Refining Workshop.

This was due to artifact refining also necessitating the assistance of Earth Fire.

However, for the refinement of the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron, Yang Jizhen required the assistance of True Sun Fire, thus the location was designated as the Pill Hall.

In addition to the True Sun Fire, the refining process also called for the Water of Transformation.

Within the Pill Hall, Yang Jizhen meticulously examined each spiritual material, continuously conferring with Ma Qiuyan.

"The Ten Thousand Woods Revival Array must be inscribed upon the cauldron's base. Once I complete the cauldron's body, you must immediately proceed with inscribing the Ten Thousand Woods Revival Array!"

"The Wood Prison Array is to be placed on the three legs. These legs will form a tripod, and the Wood Prison Array must be inscribed without interfering with the Ten Thousand Woods Revival Array!"

"Finally, the Life and Death Array, which needs to encompass the cauldron's body and connect with the Divine Cauldron's core. You must identify the precise moment to link this array with the Divine Cauldron's core!"

As Yang Jizhen articulated these instructions, he concurrently provided practical demonstrations.

Although he and Ma Qiuyan had already reviewed these steps countless times and practiced extensively, they were diligently reviewing everything from the start as the critical moment approached.

For any Artifact Refiner, arrays are an indispensable component.

Every Artifact Refiner is inherently an Array Master. Naturally, the arrays that Artifact Refiners specialize in are those integrated into magical artifacts and treasures, with a primary focus on ensuring their compatibility and interconnectedness.

The Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron was endowed with a total of one hundred and thirty arrays. The majority of these were elementary, with only three core arrays: the Ten Thousand Woods Revival Array, primarily for recovery; the Wood Prison Array, for defense; and the Life and Death Array, the main offensive technique.

Other arrays, such as the Ruyi Formation, Spirit Gathering Array, Spirit Absorption Array, and Divine Soul Restriction, constituted the most basic configurations.

Observing their ceaseless discussion, Yang Zhenshan chuckled, "Alright, there's no need to be so nervous. Just keep a calm mind. Even if you fail, it doesn’t matter!"

He understood the immense pressure Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan were under, as they were refining his lifebound magical treasure.

"Ancestor!" Yang Jizhen managed an awkward smile.

"Just do your best and don't force it!" Yang Zhenshan reassured them.

The three types of spiritual materials were not easily acquired. It would be disingenuous for Yang Zhenshan to claim he truly didn't care. Furthermore, this was his lifebound magical treasure, destined to accompany him for a considerable duration.

However, he also did not wish for Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan to be weighed down by pressure, nor did he want them to be disheartened by failure.

It wasn't as though he couldn't find other individuals to refine the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron. Several Second-Order Artifact Refiners at the Ten Thousand Treasures Store possessed skills surpassing Yang Jizhen's, yet he still selected him for this crucial task.

Primarily, this was due to his absolute trust in Yang Jizhen, and secondly, he aimed to provide Yang Jizhen with an invaluable opportunity to hone his refining skills.

In both artifact refining and alchemy, persistence is paramount.

Through relentless trials and errors, practitioners gain experience and ultimately discover the path to success.

Refining the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron presented a rare opportunity for Yang Jizhen. Should they succeed, and the cauldron's grade reach mid-grade, Yang Jizhen's artifact refining proficiency would ascend significantly.

As for why they weren't aiming for top-grade, there was simply no necessity.

A lifebound magical treasure possesses the inherent potential to grow. While its initial quality could influence its ultimate potential, such a perceived flaw is not irremediable.

What Yang Zhenshan required at this moment was the completion of the Divine Wood Treasure Cauldron's refinement. Even if it were merely second-order low-grade, it would suffice for now.

Yang Jizhen drew a deep breath, steadying his nerves, and declared, "Ancestor, let us commence!"

"Mm!"

Yang Zhenshan nodded faintly, then turned to the Golden Crow, "I shall be counting on your assistance later!"

"Caw caw, rest assured, master, I will exert my utmost effort!" the Golden Crow squawked.

"Excellent!"

Yang Zhenshan assumed a cross-legged position beside the Golden Crow, linking his Divine Soul to the Origin Core of the Spirit Source Land.

He, too, had responsibilities. During the refining process, he needed to dispense the Water of Transformation at the opportune moment, imprint his Divine Soul Mark onto the treasure's core, and crucially, ensure Yang Jizhen's safety by warding off any potential threats.

Once all parties were positioned, Yang Jizhen initiated the process by employing spiritual fire to melt and shape the spiritual materials.

Sapphire flames enveloped the materials, transforming each metallic component into a liquid state before rapidly cooling to solidify.

Concurrently, Ma Qiuyan brought her fingers together as if wielding a blade, meticulously inscribing various array patterns onto the solidified spiritual materials.

Their seamless cooperation was a testament to their extensive practice.

Yang Zhenshan slightly closed his eyes, maintaining a serene demeanor as he entered a meditative state.

He refrained from continuously observing them, as such scrutiny would only amplify the pressure on Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan.

Two hours elapsed, followed by another two.

Each piece of spiritual material successfully underwent the fundamental refining stage.

Yang Jizhen retrieved a Gathering Spirit Pill, consumed it, and resumed his work on the spiritual materials.

At this juncture, Yang Zhenshan commenced his incantation, his lips barely moving, uttering syllables that manifested as faint, resonant sounds.

"Supreme Divine Star, ever-changing and ceaseless... Wisdom and clarity, heart and spirit serene..."

He was reciting the Purifying Heart Divine Spell, not for his own benefit, but for the ears of Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan.

The Purifying Heart Divine Spell's purpose is to cleanse the body and mind, dispel distractions, and pacify the heart, which would undoubtedly be beneficial to Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan during this critical phase.

Indeed, as the chanting commenced, wisps of Dao Rhyme emanated from Yang Zhenshan's form, swirling around Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan, instilling an immediate sense of calm upon their features.

Though they remained intensely focused on their refinement and were not consciously aware of Yang Zhenshan's chanting, they were nonetheless subtly influenced by the spell's aura.

Several more hours passed when Yang Jizhen abruptly called out, "Fire!"

With meticulous preparation, the Golden Crow unleashed a torrent of golden True Sun Fire, directly aimed at Yang Jizhen.

Whoosh~~

An immense heat instantly permeated the hall, making it feel as though their robes were on the verge of igniting.

Foreheads of both Yang Jizhen and Ma Qiuyan began to bead with sweat.