Chapter 2997

Close the contact platform, Su Xiao emerged from the half-collapsed building and walked along the main street of the white town.

The insect tower, the forge, and the library—three buildings were distributed on either side of the main street, and Su Xiao first entered the forge.

The outer wall of the forge was black; though clearly made of stone, it resembled metal, and within the cracks on the wall glowed a scorching dark red.

Clang, clang, clang...

The sound of hammering metal came from within the forge; as Su Xiao entered, a wave of heat greeted him—so intense that even with his constitution, he felt a wave of dry heat, as if his blood were about to ignite.

The most prominent features in the forge were the forging table and furnace, etc.; along the inner wall was a workbench, and many weapons hung on the walls, most of them semi-finished products.

"The white town hasn't seen visitors in a long time."

A deep voice came from nearby; a figure two meters tall stood before the forging table, hammering a glowing red iron rod.

This figure was very burly, with well-developed muscles all over, but not the kind of physique seen in a bodybuilding Mr. —these were denser muscles, like steel tempered through a thousand hammerings.

The blacksmith's skin was dark red and rough all over, with curved ram's horns growing from his head; he turned his head to meet Su Xiao's gaze, and Su Xiao saw a pair of eyes in which magma seemed to burn—he was a demon!

"You are..."

A flash of disbelief crossed the demon blacksmith's eyes, then he calmed down.

"So the spell-breakers are not yet extinct; you possess the supreme blade—why have you come to me?"

The demon blacksmith no longer paid attention to Su Xiao, continuing his forging; from his earlier glance, one could see his mind was not entirely at peace.

Encountering a demon in the white town was something Su Xiao had not anticipated; he wondered why the demons did not remain in the void but had come to this primordial world, Dark Star.

"Wobol sent me to find you."

Su Xiao prepared to test the waters—Wobol was a major figure among the demons, one of their ancient undying.

"That little brat—after all these years, he still remembers me? Demons, spell-breakers, the Eternal Arcane Star—our grudges are long settled; I am merely a smith who wishes to die but cannot, living without purpose."

"The青钢 in your body—Marvin·Waltz? Gillian·Green? Belong to that generation—the most perfected, powerful, yet unreasonable generation, you little brats."

The demon blacksmith's origins were astonishing; heaven only knows how many years he has spent in the Dark Star world.

"I'm bored idle—hand over your blade."

The demon blacksmith set down his hammer; seeing this, Su Xiao drew the long sword from his waist and handed it to the demon blacksmith.

"Oh? Notarization from Paradise? Did the spell-breakers enter Paradise? Or did Paradise's travelers become spell-breakers? Interesting."

The demon blacksmith examined the Dragon-Slashing Flash for a moment, nodded with satisfaction—those spell-breakers who developed the supreme blade's ability had once invited him to offer advice; now he was naturally pleased with the Dragon-Slashing Flash.

"The gemstones on it are too poor—go find three decent ones; this blade is well-maintained, the forging technique of that lineage? Hmm, they don't forge weapons well, but they're good at repairs—in this aspect, I fall short of them."

The demon blacksmith tossed the Dragon-Slashing Flash back to Su Xiao, prompting a notification.

【Notification: The Hunter has reached an agreement with??? -rank unit · Demon Blacksmith; current status: neutral/friendly.】

【Demon Blacksmith has promised: gemstone inlay.】

【Due to this promise, favorability has dropped; current status is neutral.】

【To fulfill this promise, the Hunter must obtain three gemstones of Holy Spirit quality or higher; upon completion, the Demon Blacksmith will inlay the obtained new gemstones onto Dragon-Slashing Flash (Immortal-grade); after inlaying, the gemstone inlay effect will increase by an additional 30% on top of the original base!】

【31】【Notification: If the Hunter leaves this world before obtaining three gemstones of Holy Spirit quality or higher, the Demon Blacksmith will consider you untrustworthy and will never assist you in any way thereafter.】

【32】【If the Hunter fulfills this condition, the Demon Blacksmith will acknowledge your integrity and ability, granting??? items; upon future encounters, he will be willing to assist you to a certain extent.】

【33】【You have activated the achievement quest: Former Friendship.】

【34】【Quest Content: Before leaving this world, obtain three gemstones of Holy Spirit quality or higher, and complete the inlaying at the Demon Blacksmith's (free inlaying).】

【35】【Quest Reward:???.】

【36】【Any Penalty: The Demon Blacksmith will leave this world and head to the edge of the Star Sea.】

【37】...

【38】"Spell-breaker, you wouldn't dare try to steal something from me, would you? This is your kind's usual tactic—any enemy, anything can be taken; now I and you... perhaps we can no longer be called friends, too much has happened, your era is over, and I, this smith, am of no use anymore."

【39】The demon blacksmith was very calm, yet in his words, one could still hear a hint of desolation.

【40】"Leave this place; seeing you makes me think of them—go."

【41】The demon blacksmith picked up his hammer again, striking repeatedly; Su Xiao turned and walked outward—having reached this point, to continue asking would be tantamount to disrespect; everyone has things they never wish to say aloud.

【42】Exiting the forge, Su Xiao felt a slight headache—the demon blacksmith's demands were high; obtaining three suitable gemstones for Dragon-Slashing Flash in this world was unimaginably difficult, fortunately, the world's gemstone development was highly advanced.

【43】Su Xiao now had several avenues: first, the Cedo Academy; then, via the world contact platform, to inquire with merchants of the Paradise of Enlightenment; next, to establish trade with the Insect side; finally, the Beastmen side.

【44】Three Immortal-grade gemstones must be suitable for Dragon-Slashing Flash, and secondly, high-rated.

【45】Regarding the demon blacksmith's demands, Su Xiao naturally had no complaints—ultimately, he himself would benefit; after achieving this, the demon blacksmith would still gift him an unknown item, whose value should be astonishing.

【46】There is no such thing as a free lunch; through the earlier negotiation, Su Xiao sensed that the demon blacksmith harbored guilt and remorse toward the spell-breakers.

【47】This windfall feels more like the demon blacksmith's atonement and compensation for past events—other spell-breakers are dead, he has encountered Su Xiao, so he entrusts this compensation to him.

【48】It is no surprise that the spell-breakers, though tyrannical and having made many enemies in the void, were astonishingly united internally; in their final days, those few shared life and death, making disunity nearly impossible.

【49】As Su Xiao pondered, he entered the library opposite the main street—this place was very simple, with only a row of bookshelves holding a few dozen books; picking one at random and flipping it open, Su Xiao could not understand it—it was some special text from the void.

【50】Unable to comprehend the content, Su Xiao could examine the covers—among the few dozen books, the covers depicted either weapons or forging hammers, eighty or ninety percent related to forging.

【51】Thus, it is likely these dozens of books were brought by the demon blacksmith and stored here.

【52】"Blacksmith, I've taken the books."

【53】Su Xiao shouted toward the forge across the street.

【54】"Take them."

【55】The demon blacksmith gave a somewhat perfunctory reply, then continued forging, sending sparks flying within the forge.

【56】These books should interest Reid—his forging skill would improve, which would also benefit me; thinking this, Su Xiao gathered all the dozens of books.

【57】Exiting the library, Su Xiao approached the Insect Tower—this tower was not tall, overall oval-shaped; after pushing open the iron gate, the hollow-sounding insects on the wall came into Su Xiao's view.

【58】These hollow-sounding insects were all walnut-sized, several times larger than their outside counterparts; having just awakened, they were now crawling about everywhere.

【59】Su Xiao came to a stone platform before him—this platform was 50 centimeters square, with seven or eight metal discs on top, rotatable, with markings around their edges.

【60】From the inscriptions on the wall, Su Xiao learned the feature of this white insect tower: wherever there is an insect tower, this white one can connect; once the markings are set, transmission can occur—but there is a catch: from other insect towers, transmission into the white town's insect tower is absolutely impossible; the transmission of this white insect tower is one-way only.

【Hint: If the Hunter leaves this world before obtaining three gems of quality higher than Holy Spirit level, the Demon Blacksmith will consider you untrustworthy and will never assist you in any way thereafter.】

【If the Hunter fulfills this condition, the Demon Blacksmith will acknowledge your integrity and ability, and will gift you??? items; should you meet again, he will be willing to provide you with a certain degree of assistance.】

【You have activated the achievement quest: Former Friendship.】

【Quest Content: Before leaving this world, obtain three gems of quality higher than Holy Spirit level, and complete the inlaying (free of charge) at the Demon Blacksmith's.】

【Quest Reward:???】

【Any Penalty: The Demon Blacksmith will leave this world and head to the edge of the Star Sea.】

……

【"Lawbreaker, you wouldn't dare try to steal something from me, would you? This is your kind's consistent behavior—whenever it's an enemy, you'll take anything. Now, I and you… perhaps we can no longer be called friends. Too much has happened. Your era is over, and I, this blacksmith, am of no use anymore."】

【The Demon Blacksmith remained calm, yet beneath his words, a faint sorrow could still be heard.】

【"Leave this place, seeing you reminds me of them—go."】

【The Demon Blacksmith picked up his hammer again, striking down blow after blow. Su Xiao turned and walked outward. Having reached this point, to continue asking questions would be an insult—everyone has things they never wish to speak aloud.】

【Exiting the forge, Su Xiao felt a slight headache. The Demon Blacksmith's demands were high—obtaining three gems suitable for Dragon-Slaying Flash in this world is no easy task. Fortunately, gem development in this world is highly advanced.】

【Su Xiao currently has several avenues: first, the Cedo Academy; second, through the World Contact Platform, to inquire with merchants from the Initiation Paradise; third, to establish trade with the Insect side; and finally, to engage with the Beast Folk.】

【All three gems must be of Immortal quality and suitable for Dragon-Slaying Flash; secondarily, they must have high ratings.】

【Regarding the Demon Blacksmith's demands, Su Xiao naturally had no complaints—ultimately, he himself would benefit. After achieving this, the Demon Blacksmith will gift him an unknown item, whose value should be astonishingly high.】

【There is no such thing as a free lunch. Through this negotiation, Su Xiao realized the Demon Blacksmith harbors regret and guilt toward the Lawbreakers.】

【This unexpected windfall is more like the Demon Blacksmith's atonement and compensation for past deeds. Other Lawbreakers have died; he encountered Su Xiao, so he entrusted this compensation to him.】

【This is no surprise: though the Lawbreakers were domineering and made many enemies in the Void, internally they were astonishingly united. In their final days, only a few remained, sharing life and death—disunity was nearly impossible.】

【As Su Xiao pondered, he walked into the modest bookshop across the main street. It was very simple—just a single row of shelves holding dozens of books. He picked one at random and flipped it open, but couldn't understand it—it was some special script from within the Void.】

【Unable to read the content, Su Xiao examined the covers. Dozens of books bore either weapons or forging hammers on their spines—eighty or ninety percent were related to forging.】

【Thus, he inferred these dozens of books were likely brought by the Demon Blacksmith and stored here.】

【"Blacksmith, I've taken the books."】

【Su Xiao shouted toward the forge across the street.】

【"Take them."】

【The Demon Blacksmith responded somewhat perfunctorily, then resumed hammering, sending sparks flying throughout the forge.】

【Reid should find these books interesting—his forging skills would improve, which would also benefit me. Thinking this, Su Xiao gathered all dozens of books and carried them away.】

【Leaving the bookshop, Su Xiao approached the Insect Tower. This tower is not tall, overall oval-shaped. After pushing open the iron door, countless silent insects on the walls came into Su Xiao's view.】

【These silent insects are walnut-sized, several times larger than their outside counterparts. Having just awakened, they are now crawling about in all directions.】

【Su Xiao came to a stone platform before him—50 centimeters square—on which lay seven or eight metal discs that could rotate, their edges covered in markings.】

【From the inscriptions on the wall, Su Xiao learned the nature of this white insect tower: wherever an insect tower exists, this white one can connect to it. Set the coordinates, and you can transmit there—but with one caveat: transmission from other insect towers into the white insect tower within the White City is impossible. This white insect tower's transmission is one-way only.】

Su Xiao took out the 【Directional Coordinates】 from his storage space. Using this thing, he could construct a small spatial coordinate. If two small spatial coordinates were connected, they could teleport to each other, but the established small spatial coordinates could not be moved.

Su Xiao's idea was to use the 【Directional Coordinates】 to establish a "small spatial coordinate" in the White Town as a marker.

With this "initial coordinate," relying on his and Bahamut's spatial knowledge, he could set up a "temporary spatial coordinate" somewhere, connect it to the "initial coordinate," and return to the White Town.

The White Town had insect towers; wanting to go anywhere was convenient, saving a lot of travel time—a perfect plan.

"Bahamut."

"Here."

Bahamut flew over, and Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang and Am also rushed over.

Su Xiao explained his idea to Bahamut, and Bahamut grew more shocked the more he listened.

"Boss… boss, that thing, our spatial knowledge level~ is absolutely top-notch in combat, long-distance transmission, uh, this, uh~"

Bahamut panicked, and Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang and Am also shook their heads repeatedly.

"Probably… cough, definitely possible."

Hearing Su Xiao's words, Bahamut's expression almost turned into a囧 character.

"Boss, you really need to think it over."

Bahamut grew more panicked; he had absolute faith in Su Xiao's combat and potion-making, but as for spatial knowledge…

"Recently, I've made a breakthrough in spatial knowledge."

"Really… really? Last time I set up a spatial array diagram, my stomach almost got flung out of my asshole."

"There won't be a problem."

Hearing Su Xiao's calm reply, Bahamut, though somewhat doubtful, could only grit his teeth and push forward. Seeing this, Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang let out a long howl; in the subsequent journey, anti-nausea medicine was very important.

The exploration of the White Town was roughly complete; the remaining intact buildings on both sides of the main street needed keys to open, and forced entry would trigger dire consequences.

To activate these buildings, it wasn't about finding keys but finding their original owners and bringing them back to the White Town, which would yield unexpected gains, as hinted by the Reincarnation Paradise.

Su Xiao pushed open the door of a two-story stone building; there was no owner inside, all furnishings were complete, the second floor had three bedrooms, the first floor was very spacious. For some reason, Su Xiao felt something was missing, but he prepared to make this place his residence.

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Su Xiao began meditating, waiting for the Light King to awaken, at which point he could obtain key information to activate the second stage of the main quest.

Time passed quickly; a few hours soon went by, and Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang rushed into the small building in a hurry.

"Woof."

"Has the Light King awakened?"

"Woof!"

Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang anxiously circled around; his meaning was that not only had the Light King awakened, but the Ancient God had also awakened, inside the Pale Palace.

Understanding Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang's meaning, Su Xiao hurriedly rushed out. The Pale Palace was special, isolating his perception of the Ancient God, but the container had already been completely shattered? This left Su Xiao puzzled, as in his view, the container should not shatter so easily.

"Boss, not good, the Ancient God has already come out, inside the Pale Palace."

Bahamut flew low, while Am guarded the steps in front of the Pale Palace.

Su Xiao stopped at the steps, gazing up at the Pale Palace; strands of black qi drifted out from the palace's main gate.

Zheng.

Su Xiao drew the long sword at his waist and strode up the steps; Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Ignoring Bubu Wang, Am, and Bahamut followed behind him. The Ancient God had awakened? This was good; Su Xiao's idea was simple—either he would slay the Ancient God, or the Ancient God would kill him.