Clan Rise: Starting as a Grandfather Chapter 1486 - 931: Cloud-Piercing Crossbows and Sky-shattering Thunder (Part 2)

Considering the Piercing Cloud Crossbow, Yang Zhenshan’s thoughts turned to the Artifact Foundry. This significant establishment boasts several Artifact Forges scattered across the Spirit Source Land, including one within Jade City, another near Flame Mountain, and a third situated by the Mystic Iron Ore Vein.

The primary role of the Artifact Foundry involves the creation of spiritual weapons, pioneering research into spiritual weapon mechanisms, and cooperating with the Hundred Crafts Hall. This collaboration leads to the construction of various structures, such as flying carriages, essential building components, and rudimentary array instruments, all originating from the Artifact Foundry’s expertise.

While the Immortal Cultivation Artifact Workshop in the Spirit Source Land operates on a modest scale, the Martial Artists’ Artifact Foundry is a vastly extensive entity, having cultivated a fully comprehensive system.

Yang Zhenshan was aware that the Artifact Foundry produced a wide array of items, encompassing practical and effective creations, numerous experimental products that were largely non-functional, and a multitude of peculiar contraptions.

"What about the Sky-shattering Thunder?" Qu Changkong inquired once more.

"Sky-shattering Thunder? What is that?"

"It’s this!" Qu Changkong produced an iron sphere roughly the size of a fist.

Upon receiving and examining it, Yang Zhenshan’s expression became peculiar.

Did this not resemble a hand grenade?

Naturally, it wasn't a gunpowder-based explosive but rather achieved its effect through a combination of talismanic restrictions and the clash of spiritual power attributes. This type of device was not entirely novel; Immortal cultivators possessed similar magical artifacts, such as Thunder Bombs and Fire Bombs, which wielded considerable power, capable of challenging even Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, Immortal cultivators seldom employed such items due to their prohibitive cost. It was generally more efficient to use a talisman than to expend such a consumable artifact. Consequently, these single-use magical artifacts were often deemed somewhat impractical among Immortal cultivators, with few individuals, apart from Puppet Masters, making use of them.

Puppet Masters were compelled to rely on these devices because their puppets were incapable of wielding talismans, leaving them with little alternative but to utilize these less-than-ideal options.

The Sky-shattering Thunder in Yang Zhenshan’s hand was a simplified rendition of the Fire Bomb, possessing significantly diminished power. Its potency paled in comparison to the Fire Bomb, yet its production cost was remarkably low, estimated at merely a dozen or so Spirit Stones per unit.

Of course, this affordability was relative to the Spirit Source Land; for certain Innate Martial Artists, it remained a considerable expense. Discarding one such item meant losing a dozen or so Spirit Stones, a cost likely beyond the reach of ordinary Innate Martial Artists.

"It's a passable item; feel free to use it if you wish!" Yang Zhenshan offered a candid assessment.

He surmised it would be beneficial to gain a deeper understanding of the Artifact Forges within the Spirit Source Land, perhaps even offering insights to facilitate the creation of more intriguing weaponry.

If a Sky-shattering Thunder, akin to a hand grenade, could be fashioned, were rocket launchers or missiles also within the realm of possibility?

Rocket launchers!

Yang Zhenshan mused.

The creation of such devices did not appear entirely infeasible. The explosive impact could be generated through the interaction of spiritual power attributes, while talismanic restrictions might simulate a fiery jet. By integrating various talismanic restrictions and arrays, the range and destructive power could undoubtedly rival that of a missile.

Nevertheless, such an invention seemed inadequately effective against Immortal cultivators. Their ability to fly and evade swiftly rendered it difficult for such projectiles to achieve a direct hit.

However, it wouldn’t be entirely without merit. If the manufacturing cost remained sufficiently low, it could serve as a formidable weapon for area-of-effect attacks during wartime conflicts.

It possessed utility; its effectiveness hinged entirely on the method of deployment.

Yang Zhenshan felt confident in his ability to provide valuable guidance to the endeavors of the Artifact Foundry.

The Artifact Foundry operated differently from an Immortal Cultivation Artifact Workshop. Its Artifact Refiners, being Martial Artists, were unable to craft magical artifacts or treasures. However, they could forge specialized weapons using techniques akin to the casting of spiritual weapons.

Armaments such as the Piercing Cloud Crossbow and the Sky-shattering Thunder were indeed quite commendable. The limited power of these initial creations was not a fatal flaw, as their capabilities could be progressively enhanced and their potency amplified over time.

...

With the majority of matters settled, Yang Zhenshan accompanied Jian Changkong to meet Jian Guyun. He also facilitated an introduction between Ma Qiuyan and Ning Yun, and Jian Guyun.

Assisting Jian Guyun in the setup of a Guardian Array presented a rare and valuable learning opportunity for Ma Qiuyan and Ning Yun. They required the tutelage of a renowned master and the chance to gain practical experience in the deployment of large-scale arrays.

Given this exceptional chance, Yang Zhenshan earnestly desired that his two promising disciples would absorb knowledge and skills from Jian Guyun.

Once all arrangements were finalized, despite the seemingly compressed timeline, every task proceeded without a hitch.

Two days later, Martial Artists dispatched from the two sects and eight clans, acting upon military orders, congregated at Wuxiang City. The initial contingent of Martial Artists was not substantial, numbering fewer than five thousand individuals.

Nevertheless, the two major sects and eight prominent clans were actively mobilizing their Martial Artists. After receiving Yang Zhenshan’s directive, they pragmatically faced the looming reality, accepting their responsibilities without hesitation or retreat, and commenced preparations for the impending conflict.

However, in stark contrast to the fervent activity within the Spirit Source Land, their endeavors seemed like child's play.

As soon as the war edicts were issued, the Spirit Source Land, which had known decades of tranquility, suddenly stirred with heightened urgency and activity.

Ziwei Tower, Conference Hall.

Yang Chengmao surveyed the assembly within the hall, his voice grave as he declared, "By the esteemed ancestor's decree, we must commit every resource to this battle!"

"All three Yujing Guards have been dispatched to Wuxiang City, and the regular garrison has secured Yang Family Town and Wuxiang Sect. Our sole remaining duty is to provide comprehensive material support to the three Yujing Guards stationed at Wuxiang City!"

"Firstly, let us ascertain our immediate Spirit Stone production capacity."

Lin Zhan, the newly appointed Lord of the Heavenly Market Tower, reported, "Our current Spirit Stone reserves stand at 3,400,000 low-grade Spirit Stones, all of which are available for immediate deployment!"

The former Lord of the Heavenly Market Tower, Lv Xinghe, had been dismissed during the recent purge within the Spirit Source Land, making way for Lin Zhan’s ascent to leadership.

The Heavenly Market Tower functions as the financial hub of the Spirit Source Land, overseeing all matters pertaining to livelihood management and economic development, essentially serving as Ziwei Tower's treasury.

Beyond the significant reserves held by the Heavenly Market Tower, each of the Twelve Floors maintains its own smaller caches, with Tianquan Tower, responsible for commerce, possessing even greater Spirit Stone holdings than the Heavenly Market Tower.

Lin Zhan’s assurance that 3,400,000 Spirit Stones could be fully mobilized underscored the Heavenly Market Tower’s sufficient provision for imminent needs.

"Excellent. Immediately transfer these Spirit Stones to Tianquan Tower. I require Tianquan Tower to expedite the procurement of all necessary supplies!"

"Master Jiang, are there any unforeseen complications?"

Yang Chengmao directed his question towards Jiang He.

"No complications, Young Master. Tianquan Tower will offer its full cooperation!" Jiang He affirmed.

Yang Chengmao then turned his attention to Yang Mingcheng, "Uncle, our forces require a substantial quantity of elixirs and armaments. Specifically, elixirs for detoxification, healing, and recovery – the more, the better! Does the Pill Hall possess adequate elixir reserves?"

Yang Mingcheng maintained a composed demeanor as he replied, "The Pill Hall’s elixir reserves are sufficient to supply thirty pills per soldier of the Yujing Guards. We have a comprehensive array of types and the highest quality of ingredients, ready for immediate allocation!"

"That is satisfactory. What of the armaments? The Yujing Guards have submitted requisitions for additional Piercing Cloud Crossbows and Sky-shattering Thunders!"

Yang Mingcheng’s expression grew slightly more serious. "Both Piercing Cloud Crossbows and Sky-shattering Thunders are maintained as standard reserves. The Artifact Foundry does not maintain extensive stock. Should we require further quantities, production must be initiated on demand!"

"Then initiate production on demand!" Yang Chengmao stated emphatically.

Despite Yang Mingcheng being his uncle, Yang Chengmao asserted his authority decisively in this critical juncture.

Yang Mingcheng contemplated for a moment. "The Artifact Foundry will require a significant influx of labor. Can Phecda Tower contribute a contingent of apprentices?"

Phecda Tower holds the responsibility for education within the Spirit Source Land, overseeing numerous academies, including specialized institutions for cultivating Artifact Refiners.

While the Artifact Foundry currently possesses a sufficient number of skilled Artifact Refiners, the mass production of Piercing Cloud Crossbows and Sky-shattering Thunders in a compressed timeframe necessitates additional apprentices as support personnel.

Yu Tonghai responded, "Certainly. The Artifact Refining School can allocate over a thousand disciples to assist with the endeavor!"

Yang Chengmao nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. For materials, consult Tianquan Tower; for personnel, liaise with Phecda Tower. According to the Martial Hall's projections, this conflict may devolve into a protracted war. We must prepare for sustained engagement!"

"Furthermore, there is one additional, crucial matter!"

"We must establish a reserve force for the Yujing Guards. The current three Yujing Guards are to be expanded. As per the Martial Hall's directive, these three Yujing Guards will be augmented to a total strength of 15,000 soldiers. Tianliang Tower will assume responsibility for soldier recruitment and subsequent training."

Wu Zhan stepped forward, accepting the command. "Tianliang Tower shall commence recruitment with utmost urgency!"

Tianliang Tower’s purview encompasses the garrison and the maintenance of order throughout the Spirit Source Land. In essence, it functions as the Ministry of War, overseeing officer selection, military registration, equipment allocation, and overall military administration.

As Yang Chengmao’s directives were disseminated, the entirety of the Spirit Source Land transformed into a meticulously synchronized war machine.Recruitment drives, the training of new recruits, the mass production of military armaments, the procurement and logistical movement of provisions – these were all ongoing tasks. With the Spirit Source Land initiating its mobilization efforts, the entirety of the western Yunxiao Mountain Range felt the ripple effects, and Qingli Immortal City, in particular, bore the brunt of these changes.