"These, I believe, are the cores of top-tier magical beasts." The Sorceress lovingly turned over several blue crystals. "Any beast possessing these must have cultivated for at least ten thousand years. Each one contains immensely powerful magical energy, as well as concentrated essence of Dou Qi. Whether forging weapons or armor, incorporating even one of these would significantly enhance the item's durability, its magical condensation, and its Dou Qi cohesion. And the Prince obtained forty-nine of them at once."
"So, they are all extremely rare materials then." I murmured instinctively.
"More than rare," Jidu exclaimed in awe. "They are truly objects of chance, impossible to seek out."
Damn, I had always suspected these things were significant, but I never imagined they were this extraordinary.
"I really want to see what kind of equipment can be forged with these materials." Jiuyou Chongyang couldn't help but fantasize.
"Materials alone are not enough." The Sorceress turned grave. "Without exquisite forging skills, these materials will simply go to waste."
"If Uncle Lu Tong were here, that would be perfect." Mentioning forging inevitably brought Lu Tong to mind.
"That is true. Lu Tong is the foremost divine craftsman of this era; perhaps he could fashion something magnificent from these components," Jidu agreed.
"It seems necessary to pay Bichi a visit." I realized suddenly. "There are still three months until the Crimson Moon arrives anyway." Mentioning Lu Tong reminded me of Master Jianli; it had been a long time since I had seen him.
"Your Highness should not expose yourself easily," the Sorceress seemed to read my thoughts and said seriously. "If the Church discovers your presence, the situation will become dire."
"......" Although slightly helpless, what the Sorceress said was undoubtedly true; this was certainly not the time.
"As for what to forge with these materials, we should discuss that in detail later," Jiuyou Chongyang concluded.
In the days that followed, my life remained quite leisurely. Aside from spending time with Mother and Yin Shuang, I would chat with the little one by the shore of the Heart-Cleansing Lake.
In the blink of an eye, three months passed!
We finally awaited the annual Crimson Moon season!
In the square before the Sunset Pavilion of the Demon Dragon Empire's Imperial Palace!
The colossal Thunder Hawk lay motionless on the ground, resembling a Boeing 747.
This upcoming journey to the Snow Territory Continent was a top-secret operation, and considering the long-range flight and the Thunder Hawk's load capacity, keeping the contingent small was crucial.
After careful selection!
The decision was made for only four of us to depart: myself, Mò Huī Mò Chá, and Yin Shuang!
Though Mò Huī and Mò Chá are young, their cultivation levels are astonishingly high; combined, they could even overwhelm Jidu. Before I awoke, they were considered one of the Four Pillars of the Empire!
Originally, there was a plan for Jidu to accompany us, but considering his age and physical condition, Jiuyou Chongyang ultimately decided to keep him at the Palace!
Though somewhat reluctant, Jidu did not press the issue.
"This time, it's up to you to manage things diligently," Jiuyou Chongyang stated gravely.
"Yes, your subject will certainly bring them all back safely."
"Father Emperor, rest assured," Yin Shuang replied with absolute confidence.
Originally, Yin Shuang was not slated to participate in this mission. However, she is the highest Daoist practitioner in the entire Demon Dragon Empire, second only to the Sorceress. Furthermore, crossing the Dead Sea required a master with supremely high Daoist cultivation to serve as the crucial helmsman, thus making Yin Shuang an essential member of this expedition.
After much busy preparation, we loaded all necessary provisions and finally climbed into the cockpit built upon the Thunder Hawk's back!
"Everyone, await our good news."
"Be extra cautious."
"Take care!"
Although it wasn't my first time aboard a giant Thunder Hawk, I was startled by the sight upon entering the cabin!
"What a huge cabin—it’s practically a small room."
"Of course. This is a specially modified cabin, fully considering the myriad factors of long-distance travel. It contains everything needed for eating, sleeping, and daily use. Moreover, the load-bearing Thunder Hawk is the largest species, the Gadian Giant Thunder Hawk, capable of flying continuously for a month without issue."
"Hmph, impressive," I muttered inwardly, thinking it was comparable to a luxury suite in a modern airliner!
"Everyone secure yourselves; we are about to take off," Yin Shuang said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Ah, take off?" I hadn't registered it yet.
"Wait, I haven't fastened my safety harness!" Mò Huī and Mò Chá's expressions changed drastically as they scrambled and tumbled back to their seats!
But before we could even secure our harnesses!
A piercing shriek that tore through the heavens suddenly erupted!
Followed by a violent lurch!
I felt suddenly much heavier. Through the crystal panes of the window, I clearly saw the earth receding with astonishing speed!
Ah, what speed, what breathtaking momentum! It felt exactly like a rocket launch!
The ground!
The massive grey shadow shot skyward in an instant, vanished into the clouds, and was gone!
"Hah! The specially selected giant Thunder Hawk’s speed is truly astonishing!" Jiuyou Chongyang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
"Naturally," the Sorceress replied. "I trust they will reach the Snow Territory swiftly."
One month later!
We finally reached the far side of the Dead Sea—the Snow Territory Continent!
The journey, though arduous, was not particularly perilous, given the extensive preparations we had made before setting out.
Through the crystal viewport of the cabin, a vast expanse of pure white could be clearly seen.
The entire world was blanketed in layers of ice and snow, conveying an indescribable desolation and bleakness.
"Everyone, be cautious," Yin Shuang quickly said, pulling several crystal orbs from her spatial pouch. "First, let's investigate the magical elements here and the frequency for long-distance communication to see if we can contact Xingye and the others!"
"Yes!" Mò Huī and Mò Chá also began their tasks. I was not very familiar with these technical jobs and could only watch dumbly from the side.
"The magical elements are extremely chaotic!"
"The long-distance communication frequency is also different from the original oscillation. No wonder Your Highness Xingye and the others couldn't reach us."
"Alright, first we must find a hidden spot to conceal the Thunder Hawk before making further plans," Yin Shuang directed.