Zhou Shu reveals his mastery of forging connate divine weapons, claiming he can create them as long as materials are provided. This sparks a bidding war among the family heads, who eagerly place orders totaling over 600 divine weapons. Zhou Shu, still unsatisfied with the amount of materials, hints at another, even more powerful divine weapon.
The family heads of the Zhu Rong Nine Families weren’t unfamiliar with remarkable items. Despite the internal divisions within the Zhu Rong Heavenly Kingdom and the infrequent appearances of the emperor, these family heads occupied the highest echelons of power, granting them access to truly exceptional beings and artifacts.
Upon witnessing the long sword presented by Zhou Shu, an immediate consensus was reached: this was no common connate divine weapon.
“What is this?” the Cao family head’s eyes narrowed. “A grotto-heaven divine weapon?”
Another family head exclaimed in awe, “A grotto-heaven divine weapon, second only to a connate divine artifact?”
Each of the Zhu Rong Nine Families possessed a connate divine artifact, a sacred item forged at the very beginning of existence, beyond mortal crafting capabilities. Beneath these primordial weapons, the most potent artifacts were known as grotto-heaven divine weapons.
While aware of their existence, none of the assembled family heads had ever seen one firsthand.
“It is said that the emperor’s generals wield grotto-heaven divine weapons,” the Cao family head stated gravely. “Our ancestors also possessed such weapons, but they were not passed down through generations. Patriarch Dong, have you truly mastered the forging technique for grotto-heaven divine weapons?” His gaze was alight with covetous desire. Grotto-heaven divine weapons were in a league far above connate divine weapons. While connate artifacts were merely tempting, a grotto-heaven divine weapon was an absolute necessity.
As the Cao family head, he commanded the family’s sacred artifact, yet its use was restricted, making it impractical for regular combat. Typically, he relied on connate divine weapons for skirmishes. However, wielding a mere connate divine weapon failed to set him apart from his peers. The acquisition of a grotto-heaven divine weapon would instantly elevate his standing. In the Zhu Rong Heavenly Kingdom, where life-and-death struggles were rare, maintaining prestige was paramount for a family head.
“Indeed,” Zhou Shu responded with palpable pride. “The forging of grotto-heaven divine weapons is exponentially more challenging than that of connate divine weapons, over a hundredfold more difficult.
Fortunately, through the blessings bestowed by the ancestor of the Dong family, I have finally grasped the intricate technique.
I am now capable of forging grotto-heaven divine weapons!”
This declaration sent another wave of stunned gasps through the gathered family heads. He could truly forge these legendary weapons! The Dong family was poised for unprecedented ascendance!
Envy radiated from everyone as they looked upon Zhou Shu.
The Cao family head took a deep, resonant breath. “Patriarch Dong,” he declared, his voice low and firm, “I desire you to forge a unique grotto-heaven divine weapon for me. Cost is no object! My Cao family is prepared to demonstrate our utmost sincerity!”
A slight smirk touched Zhou Shu’s lips. Another opportunity presented itself.
“Patriarch Cao,” he began, “I must be clear. A grotto-heaven divine weapon is in no way comparable to a connate divine weapon. The resources and effort required for a grotto-heaven divine weapon could easily exceed those for a connate divine weapon by more than a hundred times.”
“I understand. That presents no issue,” the Cao family head affirmed solemnly. “Patriarch Dong, you need not concern yourself with forging materials at all. I will procure any quantity you require! My Cao family possesses considerable reserves!”
This was precisely what Zhou Shu had hoped to hear. *Acquire as much as possible! Take everything they have! If I don’t thoroughly bleed them dry, I’m no Zhou Shu.*
“Very well, one for Patriarch Cao!” Zhou Shu declared with a smile. “My capacity is limited. Within a century, I fear I can only forge three grotto-heaven divine weapons. Patriarch Cao has claimed one. Do any other family heads wish to secure a grotto-heaven divine weapon?”
“What?” The family heads were utterly taken aback.
Previously, they could obtain as many connate divine weapons as they desired, but now, only three grotto-heaven divine weapons could be forged in a century? With so many family heads present, how could these three be divided?
“My Mi family desires one!” the Mi family head proclaimed immediately, his voice ringing out. “Patriarch Dong, my Mi family has an abundance of forging materials. Simply provide a list, and I shall dispatch someone to deliver them immediately. The materials will be in your possession before nightfall!”
The Mi family head’s generosity was as remarkable as ever.
“Excellent, one for the Mi family.” Zhou Shu clapped his hands together. “There remains but one final grotto-heaven weapon!”
Without a word from Zhou Shu, everyone understood that the last artifact was highly coveted.
“The Mi family will take this one…” The patriarch of the Mi family started to claim the final weapon.
After all, the Mi family possessed considerable wealth…
However, in the very next moment, the gazes of the other family patriarchs shifted towards him.
He couldn't help but shrink back slightly. Offending them was out of the question. While the Mi family was indeed wealthy, provoking everyone was not wise. It would be better to secure one Grotto-Heaven divine weapon first. At worst, a private discussion with Patriarch Dong later might allow for the acquisition of a few more.
“Our Peng family…”
“Does your Peng family possess sufficient forging materials? My Tu family…”
“The Ji family…”
“And the Yun family…”
With the exception of the Cao and Mi families, the remaining families engaged in a heated dispute.
Only a single Grotto-Heaven divine weapon remained. The various families refused to yield, continuously driving up the price.
The Mi family’s patriarch’s eyelids twitched. These family heads treated money as if it were nothing; they were truly affluent. The Mi family couldn't compare.
He felt a sense of relief, secretly pleased that he had managed to snatch one earlier. Otherwise, he would undoubtedly have been locked in a life-or-death struggle for the last one.
A smile played on Zhou Shu’s lips. The higher the price, the better. Yet, he couldn't allow them to continue indefinitely. What if they eventually proved unable to pay?
