Chapter 225

Squeak—! Su Hao placed both hands on the great door, gave it a slight push, and the massive stone door, over ten meters tall, swung open.

Translation: "Squeak—! Su Hao placed both hands on the gate, exerted a little force, and pushed open the huge stone gate over ten meters high."

We need to keep the sound effect, translating it as 'Squeak—!' (preserving the em dash).

Thus line: 【1】 Squeak—! Su Hao placed both hands on the gate, exerted a little force, and pushed open the huge stone gate over ten meters high.

Check: the original line with the sound effect and Su Hao pushing the huge stone door is fully captured in our translation.

The space behind this stone door is equally vast, with a height of nearly a hundred meters.

Translation: "The space behind this stone gate was equally enormous, with a height of nearly a hundred meters."

Just like the space outside, whether it's the architectural structure or other facilities, everything appears to have been built for giants, looking enormously large.

Translation: "Just like the outside space, whether it was the building structure or other facilities, everything seemed built for giants, appearing extremely huge at first glance."

In the central area of this space stands a huge furnace; even though no one knows how many years it has been untouched, the furnace continues to blaze with fierce fire, clearly indicating it is a supernatural item.

Translation: "In the central area of this space stood a huge furnace; even though no one knows how many years it has been unused, the furnace still burns with roaring flames, clearly a supernatural item."

"This must be the item that Tie Gedie spoke of."

Translation: "This should be the item Tie Geda spoke of."

Su Hao nodded thoughtfully; this ruin, no matter how you look at it, resembles the architecture of giants.

Translation: "Su Hao nodded thoughtfully; this ruin, no matter how you look at it, resembles giant architecture."

If Tie Gedie hasn't yet entered this palace but knows that it contains what the dwarves need, then he ought to know the palace's origin.

Translation: "If Tie Geda hadn't entered this palace yet but knew that inside lay what the dwarves needed, then he ought to know the origin of this palace."

Like the dragon race, the giants are among the top races of this new world; obtaining information related to them might yield some supernatural items associated with the giants.

Translation: "Like the dragon race, the giant race is one of the top tribes in this new world; if we could obtain information related to them, perhaps we could harvest some supernatural items associated with the giants."

Su Hao then stopped pondering further; he would simply ask Tie Gedie later for the details.

Translation: "Su Hao then stopped thinking further; whatever the situation, he could just ask Tie Geda later."

What needs to be done now is to examine what this furnace is, so that later we can confirm a trade with the dwarves.

Translation: "What needs to be done now is to examine what this furnace is, so as to confirm the trade with the dwarves later."

He conquered this place himself; he has no intention of giving away the furnace for free.

Translation: "He had taken this place by force, and he had no intention of giving away the furnace for free."

Note: the original ends with the word meaning 'idea'; we will translate accordingly.

Sun Furnace

Translation: "【Sun Forge】"

Supernatural Rank: Fifth Order.

Translation: "Supernatural Grade: Fifth Rank."

Effect: By consuming energy crystals or other fire-attributed supernatural materials, it can unleash terrifying heat, accelerating the dissolution speed of supernatural materials.

Translation: "Effect: By consuming energy crystals or other fire-attributed supernatural materials, it can release terrifying heat, accelerating the dissolution speed of supernatural materials."

It also reduces the difficulty of forging supernatural equipment and increases the forging speed.

Translation: "Furthermore, it can reduce the difficulty of forging supernatural equipment and increase the forging speed."

Introduction: The forging furnace of the ancient dwarf master craftsman, Iron Goat, can quickly dissolve supernatural materials of fifth order and below, making it a rare forging artifact.

Translation: "Introduction: The forging furnace of the ancient dwarf master Tie Shan Yang can quickly dissolve supernatural materials below fifth rank, making it a rare forging divine artifact."

……

Translation: "……" (ellipsis stays same)

"Ancient times......"

Translation: "\"Ancient times...... \""

Gazing at the information displayed on the appraisal result, Su Hao fell into deep thought.

Translation: "Looking at the content displayed on the appraisal result, Su Hao fell into deep thought."

Looking at the current state of Tie Gedie's dwarf tribe, they don't even have a second-order supernatural being.

Translation: "Judging by the current state of Tie Geda's dwarf tribe, they don't even have a second-rank supernatural being."

However, the owner of this Sun Furnace is certainly not an ordinary dwarf.

Translation: "But the owner of this Sun Forge is definitely not an ordinary dwarf."

Being able to possess a fifth-order supernatural furnace means that Iron Goat's supernatural rank is at least fifth order, with a considerable chance of reaching sixth order.

Translation: "Being able to possess a fifth-rank supernatural furnace, Tie Shan Yang's supernatural grade must be at least fifth rank, and there is a considerable chance it has reached sixth rank."

Moreover, according to the appraisal results on the Blood Crimson Magic Tome and Blood Crimson Robe, Su Hao also discovered that the dwarf tribe once possessed divine-level or near-divine master craftsmen.

Translation: "Moreover, according to the appraisal results on the Blood Magic Scripture and Blood Magic Robe, these supernatural items, Su Hao also discovered that the dwarf race once possessed divine-rank or near-divine-rank divine craftsmen."

This is quite peculiar; even without mentioning divine level, just having a fifth-order supernatural ancestor would mean the dwarf tribe shouldn't be in such a sorry state now.

Translation: "This is quite peculiar; even if not speaking of divine rank, just having a fifth-rank supernatural ancestor, the dwarf race should not be in such a sorry state now."

Having a fifth-order supernatural ancestor, especially for a race like dwarves that excels at mining and forging, means they likely still possess a decent number of third- to fourth-order supernatural weapons, even if their current supernatural level isn't high.

Translation: "Having a fifth-rank supernatural ancestor, and being a race skilled at mining and forging, even if their current supernatural grade is not high, they should still have plenty of third- and fourth-rank supernatural weapons."

However, according to Su Hao's previous memory, he had only heard that dwarves have many second-order supernatural weapons, while third- and fifth-order ones are relatively scarce.

Translation: "However, according to Su Hao's previous memory, he had only heard that the dwarves had many second-rank supernatural weapons, but the numbers of third- and fifth-rank ones were relatively low."

It is obvious that the current dwarf tribe and the ancient dwarf tribe have experienced a rupture due to certain events.

Translation: "It is obvious that the current dwarf race and the ancient dwarf race have suffered a rupture due to some events."

Just like this Sun Furnace in the ruin, Tie Gedie knows that there might be something the dwarves need inside.

Translation: "Just like the Sun Forge in this ruin, Tie Geda knows that inside there might be what the dwarves need."

But he may not know exactly what it is; he has merely seen related records in some dwarf tribal classics.

Translation: "But what exactly it is, he might not know either; he has only seen related records in some dwarf tribal classics."

Seeing that overthinking is useless, Su Hao promptly had the skeleton warriors accompany Tie Gedie and the others inside, voicing his doubts.

Translation: "Thinking further is useless; Su Hao then had the skeleton warriors accompany Tie Geda and the others inside, asking his doubts."

However, regarding Su Hao's questions, Tie Gedie also looked bewildered; he only knew from some dwarf tribal classics that a supernatural item of great importance to the dwarves might have been lost in this palace.

Translation: "However, regarding Su Hao's questions, Tie Geda also looked bewildered; he only knew from some dwarf tribal classics that a supremely important supernatural item might have been lost in this palace."

But he has no idea what this supernatural item is, what its function is, or how high its rank is.

Translation: "But what this supernatural item is, what its function is, and how high its supernatural grade is, he has no idea whatsoever."

Even the records lack detailed accounts of Iron Goat being a fifth-order supernatural being, or even a fifth-order supernatural entity.

Translation: "Even the fact that Tie Shan Yang was a fifth-rank supernatural being, or even a fifth-rank supernatural expert, is not detailed in the classics."

According to him, that classic was left by their ancestors, containing many similar records.

Translation: "According to him, that classic was left by their ancestors, recording many similar pieces of information."

After hearing Tie Gedie's answer, Su Hao became even more puzzled.

Translation: "After hearing Tie Geda's answer, Su Hao became even more puzzled."

If the information Tie Gedie has obtained all comes from that classic left behind,

Translation: "If the information Tie Geda obtained all comes from that classic left behind,"

and combined with the fact that the current dwarf tribe lacks powerful supernatural beings and has left behind no high-tier supernatural items,

Translation: "and combined with the present dwarf race, which lacks powerful supernatural beings and has left behind no high-grade supernatural items,"

it would imply that the dwarves who wrote that classic knew their master and divine craftsmen could not return to the tribe, and even their supernatural possessions could not be left behind.

Translation: "then it would mean that the dwarves who compiled that classic knew that their master and divine craftsmen could not return to the dwarf race, and even their supernatural items could not be left behind."

But why is this? No matter how you look at it, the ancient dwarf tribe was immensely powerful.

Translation: "But why is this? No matter how you look at it, the ancient dwarf race was immensely powerful."

Yet the tribe's high-end combat power has seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving no trace or even any related information, which is exceedingly strange.

Translation: "Yet the high-end combat power of the dwarf race has vanished like evaporating into thin air; today it leaves no trace, not even any related information, which is exceedingly strange."

"Could it be that......"

Translation: "\"Could it be that……\""

"Is it due to the descent of an evil god, or because of the new world's fusion?"

Translation: "\"Is it due to the descent of an evil god? Or caused by the fusion of the new world? \""

Su Hao frowned, pondering hard for a while, but couldn't come up with anything, leaving him feeling uneasy.

Translation: "Su Hao frowned tightly, painstakingly pondering for a good while, yet couldn't come up with anything, making him feel uneasy."

Several of the supernatural items on his person were crafted by dwarf divine artisans.

Translation: "Several of the supernatural items on his person were crafted by dwarf divine craftsmen."

Moreover, the original owners of these several supernatural items were all deities.

Translation: "Moreover, the original owners of these several supernatural items were all divine beings."

A race capable of forging equipment for deities—how could it possibly decline to this state for no reason? This is utterly unreasonable.

Translation: "A race capable of forging equipment for deities, how could it possibly decline inexplicably to its present state? This is truly unreasonable."

Ruminating further won't help; Su Hao can only suppress these doubts deep inside, hoping to uncover some flaws in future exploration.

Translation: "Thinking about this further is useless; Su Hao can only suppress these doubts in his heart, hoping to discover some loopholes in future exploration."

Afterward, Su Hao roughly explained the supernatural rank and function of Iron Goat and the Sun Furnace.

Translation: "Afterward, Su Hao roughly explained Tie Shan Yang's and the Sun Forge's supernatural grade and functions."

"Boss Su Hao, you're saying this Sun Furnace is a fifth-order supernatural item?!"

Translation: "\"Boss Su Hao, you're saying this Sun Forge is a fifth-rank supernatural item?! \""

After hearing Su Hao's description, Tie Gedie's eyes widened instantly.

Translation: "After hearing Su Hao's description, Tie Geda's eyes widened instantly."

If it were merely a third-order supernatural item, that would be fine; given their stock of precious ores, acquiring the Sun Furnace through trade wouldn't be too difficult.

Translation: "If it were merely a third-rank supernatural item, that would be fine; with their stock of precious ores, the dwarves could trade for the Sun Forge without too much difficulty."

But the Sun Furnace is a fifth-order supernatural item; although only two ranks higher, its value could have multiplied manifold. A fifth-order supernatural item has undergone a qualitative change that cannot be compensated by sheer quantity—given the dwarves' current situation, where could they obtain suitable items for trade?

Translation: "But the Sun Forge is a fifth-rank supernatural item; although only two ranks higher, its value is unknown how many times greater. Fifth-rank supernatural items have undergone a qualitative change that cannot be made up by quantity; given the dwarves' current situation, where could they produce suitable items for trade?"

Even if they sold the entire dwarf tribe, they likely couldn't obtain a fifth-order supernatural item.

Translation: "Even if they sold the entire dwarf tribe, they likely could not trade for a fifth-rank supernatural item."

Yet after hearing the furnace's effects, how could Tie Gedie bear to give up such an item, perfectly suited for the dwarves? If they possessed the Sun Furnace, not to mention mass-producing first-order supernatural gear; with sufficient materials and manpower, even second- or third-order supernatural equipment could hopefully be mass-produced.

Translation: "Yet after hearing the Sun Forge's effects, how could Tie Geda bear to give up such an item, supremely suited to the dwarves? If they possessed the Sun Forge, not to mention mass-producing first-rank supernatural equipment, with sufficient materials and manpower, even second- or third-rank supernatural gear could hopefully be mass-produced."

Owning the Sun Furnace would certainly enable the dwarf tribe to reach a new height ahead of time! Although Tie Gedie knows the tribe's current finances probably can't afford it, he still mustered the courage to ask: "Boss Su Hao, I don't know how you intend to trade this Sun Furnace."

Translation: "Possessing the Sun Forge would definitely allow the dwarf race to reach a new height ahead of time! Although Tie Geda knows that with the dwarves' current finances they probably can't afford the Sun Forge, he still mustered the courage to ask: \"Boss Su Hao, I don't know how you intend to trade this Sun Forge. \""

"Don't worry so much; the price I offer will definitely be affordable for you."

Translation: "\"Don't worry so much; the price I offer will definitely be affordable for you. \""

Watching Tie Gedie's uneasy expression on his rugged face, Su Hao couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

Translation: "Seeing Tie Geda's uneasy expression on his rugged face, Su Hao couldn't help but let out a light chuckle."

Although the Sun Furnace is a powerful fifth-order supernatural item, it can greatly assist in forging supernatural equipment.

Translation: "Although the Sun Forge is a powerful fifth-rank supernatural item, it can greatly assist in forging supernatural equipment."

With the Sun Furnace's aid, even a first-order supernatural being could likely forge second-order, and possibly third-order, supernatural equipment.

Translation: "With the Sun Forge's aid, even a first-rank supernatural being could likely forge second-rank, and even third-rank supernatural equipment."

But, to forge extraordinary weapons, you also need to have skilled forgers.

If one doesn't even know the techniques and methods of forging, even possessing the Solar Smelting Furnace, a fifth‑rank transcendent item, they could only forge slightly sharper kitchen knives, daggers, and the like.

On Su Hao's territory, there isn't even a single person skilled in forging.

Rather than letting the Solar Smelting Furnace gather dust in one's hands, it would be better to trade it to the dwarf tribe for greater benefits.

As for the idea of returning the Solar Smelting Furnace, which originally belonged to the dwarf tribe, Su Hao never even considered it.

The Solar Smelting Furnace indeed once belonged to the dwarf Tie Shan Yang, but now that I've found it, it's mine—if anyone tries to take it away, they'll have to ask my fists whether they agree!

However, Su Hao also knows that, given the dwarf tribe's current situation, it's impossible for them to produce anything of equal value to a fifth‑rank transcendent item.

So he has no intention of completing a one‑time transaction with the dwarf tribe; he plans to rely on the Solar Smelting Furnace and transcendent plants like the Purple Gold Imprisoned Dragon to bind the dwarf tribe and himself tightly together.

Indeed, my territory lacks skilled forge‑hands, but the dwarf tribe already has ready‑made ones—why not just use them?

This is just like taking out a loan to buy a house before the apocalypse: I let you use the house first, then you pay me back in installments, and I'll also collect a little interest— isn't that fair?

Watching Tie Geda's expression shift from expectation to anxiety, Su Hao gave a faint smile and continued:

"I know you dwarves can't produce the corresponding materials to trade for the Solar Smelting Furnace, so I intend to conduct the transaction with you via an installment payment plan."

"Installment payment? What does that mean, boss?"

"You pay me part of the cost up front, I let you use the Solar Smelting Furnace, and you gradually pay off the rest later— how does that sound?"

"Sure, sure!"

After hearing Su Hao's explanation, Tie Geda's face lit up with delight, afraid Su Hao might change his mind, and he hurriedly nodded.

How could he possibly refuse such a good deal?

The Solar Smelting Furnace is truly vital to the dwarf tribe— even getting it just one day earlier would bring improvements beyond imagination.

But such a precious transcendent item, even if payable in installments, still requires offering something sufficiently valuable.

But we dwarves, do we really have items of comparable value? Just thinking about this, Tie Geda's face showed a hint of worry.

Su Hao, sir, we don't know what fee we need to pay for the first installment, nor what we need to produce for the subsequent installment payments.

Don't worry, I've said it before; you have everything I want.

Su Hao waved his hand, indicating Tie Geda not to be nervous. He didn't beat around the bush with Tie Geda, and said directly: "What I need is simple. For the initial trade goods, you just need to use copper ore, silver ore, and help me mine the Nengyuan Shuijing Kuang as quickly as possible."

For the subsequent trade goods, you only need to hand over half of the extraordinary equipment forged by the Solar Furnace as payment to me, until your debt is repaid.

In order to let you mine the Nengyuan Shuijing Kuang better and forge extraordinary equipment, I can prioritize providing you with enough Purple Gold Coiling Dragon Bamboo and Blazing Fire Dragon Fruit, a series of extraordinary plants that can enhance physique.

Of course, these extraordinary plants aren't free; you likewise need to pay the corresponding price.

However, I can give you two options. The first option, just like the previous trade, you produce the corresponding ore and trade with me.

The other option is to trade the extraordinary equipment forged by the Solar Furnace with me; as for how to choose, it's up to you to decide.

If you agree to my proposal, you can now take it from the Solar Furnace.

Agreed, we agree!

Without any hesitation, and without even thinking to consult the dwarf king, Tie Geda immediately agreed to Su Hao's proposal.

Such a good deal, as long as the dwarf who plays Iron Beard isn't an idiot, they will agree without hesitation.

By agreeing to Su Hao's proposal, it's equivalent to already possessing the usage rights to the Solar Furnace, a fifth-tier extraordinary item.

And you can also maintain a long-term trade relationship with Su Hao.

You should know that Purple Gold Coiling Dragon Bamboo and Blazing Fire Dragon Fruit are both important extraordinary items that can let the dwarves' physique approach, or even reach, First Rank extraordinary.

The more dwarves whose physique reaches First Rank extraordinary, the faster the mining speed, the more hands available for forging, and the more Purple Gold Coiling Dragon Bamboo and Blazing Fire Dragon Fruit you can trade for.

If this cycle continues, as long as Su Hao can truly supply unlimited amounts of Purple Gold Coiling Dragon Bamboo, Blazing Fire Dragon Fruit, and other extraordinary plants.

Sooner or later there will come a day when all dwarves' physiques can approach, or even reach, First Rank extraordinary! More importantly, the new world has only just merged for over a month, yet Su Hao already has such a large quantity of Purple Gold Imprisoned Dragon Clan and Blazing Fire Dragon Fruit.

So if we give him a bit more time, he might also be able to obtain higher-tier extraordinary plants.

Perhaps someday, the physiques of all dwarves could surpass First Rank extraordinary and reach Second Rank extraordinary, even Third Rank extraordinary!

Just imagining such a scene makes one's blood boil; how could anyone possibly refuse?

If Iron Beard refuses such a thing, then as long as this is spoken of, he will no longer be qualified to be the dwarf king! Afterwards, with Su Hao's consent, Iron Beard put away the Solar Furnace, and on the ground appeared an opening less than one meter in diameter.

(End of Chapter)