New concept of the mysterious way to ascend to immortality

Chapter 341 Refining the Armor

After listening to the requests of his ministers, Yuan Zhu decisively shook his head and rejected them: "Don't even think about it! Even I don't have pretty maids and servants, so what makes you think you can?"

Nie Yin couldn't help but retort in a low voice, "If you don't have it, just go buy it."

With large sums of money flowing out every day and no return in sight, Yuan Zhu was immediately provoked and angrily rebuked his ministers: "Buy, buy, buy! Buy a bed! Do you know the cost of training you? Do you know the cost of raising these 'mutant goblins'? Do you know the pressure I bear from taking out loans to build factories? Do you know that I, the emperor, still need to purchase at least 400 more goblins?"

Nie Yin tried to empathize with Yuan Zhu's mindset and suddenly said, "Since there's such a large shortage of goblins, why not buy them from outsiders instead of raising them ourselves?"

Goblins are renowned for their prolific reproduction. As recorded in high school biology textbooks, they reach maturity and are capable of reproduction around four years of age. A litter typically contains 4-7 goblins, with a gestation period of six months. Their average lifespan is about 20 years, but due to their harsh living environment, few live past 18.

The oldest living natural goblin (non-modified) is 73 years old, a result of a charitable experiment conducted by a long-established pet food company.

Inside their flagship store, they created a glass exhibition hall resembling a zoo, called the "Magic Mirror Room," for passersby to visit. They offered to provide the goblins with three meals a day at fixed times, free of charge and on a long-term basis, feeding them their own 'feed' to prove that the product had no adverse effects.

Initially, it was just a gimmick to attract attention. The company proposed to see the lifespan potential of the 'goblin' and to keep feeding it as long as its stomach didn't die.

As a result, this public welfare experiment went on for longer and longer, and its fame grew, with more and more sperm and offspring appearing in the glass exhibition room, the "Magic Mirror Room." Among them, the original earth spirits, who were the male and female protagonists, lived to the age of 73, enjoying good food and drink, and reproduced for more than 50 generations.

Nie Yin suddenly remembered this famous 'biological anecdote' and that's when he came up with the idea of ​​artificially breeding goblins.

"No, no, no! Absolutely not!"

Yuan Zhu shook his head repeatedly: "You simply don't understand the 'breeding cycle' and 'feeding costs' involved in raising goblins. To be honest, I don't even think it's profitable to open a [Frog Farm]. What I'm interested in is the profit from the potions that come from the [Frog Farm], and the cost price for raising [Goblin Warriors].

"The profit from raising goblins is even lower, far less than buying the old, weak, sick and disabled from the sewers. This is the most cost-effective way, and I have calculated it carefully. The only drawback is that the output from the sewers is unstable and has an upper limit. If you buy them for a long time, the 'sperm-catching team' will raise the price on the spot."

He once asked Snake to do the math: raising goblins costs money, effort, and a lot of time. But buying them from the sewers is different. Although they are dirtier, worse, and more wrecked, you only need to pay a little money for the effort, which is about the same as picking up leftover dead fish from the seafood market.

Nie Yin seemed to understand something, then said, "Then why not actively raise them? The Misty Mountains are so vast, with such abundant resources, and insects and frogs are rampant... Why not capture a group of goblins and release them around the Divine Realm, letting them roam freely and fend for themselves? We only need to send people periodically to clear away the surrounding dangers and create a barely survivable environment for them. We can then harvest them like weeds, crop after crop."

"To be honest, the environment of the Misty Mountains is far too treacherous for goblins."

Before he could finish speaking, Nie Yin interrupted, "That's why they should be allowed to roam freely. The [Divine Realm] won't attack them; instead, it deters predators from approaching, providing a safe environment for these free-range 'ground sprites.' If they dare to enter, they're walking into a trap; if they dare to stay away from the [Divine Realm], doesn't that prove they can adapt well to the forest environment? Anyway, it's risk-free and highly profitable, so why not give it a try?"

Yuan Zhu thought for a moment, and since it didn't cost any money, why not give it a try? "We can give it a try!"

At this moment, Nie Yin continued to press his advantage: "Furthermore, with our current strength, we can easily raise a group of goblins around the [Frog Factory]; we can even organize a special and dynamic group composed of 'fighters (goblins)' to control the street gangs in Running, occupy a section of the sewer, and use it to cultivate wild goblins! As far as I know, many small gangs have a business of using sewer goblins to process household waste, and then opening the sewers to others for hunting, making money from both ends."

Yuan Zhu became increasingly numb as he listened, and the more he learned about Run Ning, the more he felt that he was of noble character and integrity.

This is clearly treating goblins like Egyptian catfish, feeding them excrement to earn cleaning fees from outsiders, and then selling their meat to earn hunting fees.

So he turned his attention to Yuan Tiao.

The younger brother's expression shifted from one of confusion, as if to say, "Why are you staring at me? Don't come any closer!" to one of fear, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.

"The task of forming the [Twelve Zodiac Fighting Team], secretly investing in and controlling street gangs, and monopolizing a section of the sewers to raise 'Egyptian goblins' is entrusted to you. Zodiac fighters may have great physical abilities, but they lack practical street fighting experience. Instead of working in isolation, why not join a vibrant social group to gain social experience and generate income? Street fighting during the day and ring fighting at night will help you integrate into society more quickly."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tiao looked terrified and quickly shook her head: "No, no, I can't do this, it's too difficult."

He's only eight years old, and he's only been in the Upper Realm for less than half a month. And you expect me to lead a bunch of goblins to conquer the world? I haven't even mastered the Common Language yet.

"Little Tang".

Yuan Zhu looked at the little girl, who nodded repeatedly, clearly interested in taking over territory: "Leave it to me! I'll guide my little brother and help you carve out a huge street for your big brother! I have a lot of business cards from martial arts schools and fighting agents. They have connections and have hinted that I could take on side jobs and work as a henchman..."

Yuan Zhu stopped talking, but gave her younger brother Jun a look that said, "Look at your sister!" and let him figure it out on his own.

“Alright, now let’s talk about your cultivation.” Yuan Zhu tapped the table, changing the subject.

Yuan Tang tilted his head: "Cultivation?"

"Yes! [Anti-law], shadow, and the development and exploration of [uniform]."

After saying that, Yuan Zhu pointed to the various styles of [Shadow Uniforms] they were wearing.

This clothing is really good. Not only is the material and fabric excellent, but it can also adjust and change according to your desires whenever you see a style you like on the street.

Every day brings new clothes, and even the seemingly low-key and reserved Nie Yin is secretly and constantly changing the details of his outfits.

Yuan Zhu: "How are your preparations for feeding the [uniforms] coming along?"

He first looked at Nie Yin: "How is your sacrificial offering, the 'Goblin Sword Immortal,' coming along? When will you feed it to [Uniform] for its transformation and evolution?"

Then, Yuan Zhu looked at his younger brother Jun: "Is your [uniform] ready to devour the [knight's armor]? And you, Xiao Tang, what are you planning to feed the [uniform]?"

The [Furry King]'s uniform can absorb various high-quality 'polluted crystals', thus mutating and evolving. If one actively signs an [Anti-Law] with her, one can also break through the shackles of the [Species] by using the [uniform].

Now, Yuan Zhu is also using "private anti-law" to apply shadow labels to the "uniforms" she bought and then reinvesting them in the three women. She is using the "uniforms" as a medium for them to indirectly cultivate "anti-law shadows."

Nie Yin had many ideas for upgrading and developing the [Shadow Uniform]. He planned to cultivate a 'Sword Cultivator Goblin' and then sacrifice it to the [Uniform] to create a summoned creature that resembled a 'back spirit or substitute'.

The other party hesitated and stammered, "Those goblins... I didn't modify them."

Yuan Zhu looked puzzled: "?"

Nie Yin explained, "I had heard of the [Sword Cultivation System] before, but I didn't know much about it. Ever since you gave me two 'Sword Dao Talismans' that day, I specifically asked my senior to find relevant information to study. I want to better explore its potential and cultivate top-level 'Sword Cultivation Goblins'."

"Isn't this great?"

“But as I learned more, I suddenly realized that the value of this [Sword Dao Talisman] far surpasses that of the goblins. Using it on them would be a waste, not worthwhile. If I were to feed the 'Sword Cultivator Goblins' that I had painstakingly cultivated to the [Uniform], their already limited potential would be further diminished! It would be even more uneconomical, so I abandoned this plan.” Yuan Zhu said helplessly, “Then give me back the [Talisman].

I gave you a chance, but you didn't do it. He plans to train two 'goblin swordsmen' for fun.

As a result, Nie Yin shook his head, looking unmoved, clearly refusing to return the [Sword Dao Talisman].

"what do you mean?"

The girl said timidly, "I think this [sword cultivator] is quite interesting."

Yuan Zhu immediately realized: "You want to be a Sword Immortal?!"

Nie Yin shook his head: "Not necessarily. From the information provided by my senior, I discovered a path of evil sword immortals, called the [Torture Sword Sect]. I was attracted by its 'philosophy'."

The [Sword Correction Method] needs no introduction; it is a [Self-Destruction Faction]. Its nature is similar to the [Holy Light Correction Method]'s 'self-immolation'.

The [Fallen Seal Evil Method] is characterized by being lenient with oneself but strict with others. This [Torture Sword Sect], as its name suggests, amplifies the suffering of its prey through torture and abuse. Using enemies as a [sharpening stone], it utilizes the pain of others to hone its own sharpness.

The advantage is that the essence of [pain = sword aura sharpness] remains unchanged, and strength can increase rapidly.

As for the flaws, they are nothing more than an unstable foundation and an inability to grasp the true meaning of 'pain = sharpness'. The faster one improves, the faster one dies, and one may even gradually become addicted to the pleasure of tormenting others, leading to a distortion of rationality.

What truly captivated her was the philosophy of the "Torture School." A girl with a slightly dark side, she had used torturing little frogs as a self-healing method to regulate her unhealthy psychology since childhood.

Now, after encountering the "Evil Sword Immortal Theory" with similar philosophies, it's inevitable that I'm drawn to it and it resonates with me.

She believes that the "torture of sword cultivators" can be incorporated into her "frog-inspired" approach and integrated into the "skinning ritual" to create some innovations.

After listening to Nie Yin's explanation, Yuan Zhu asked, "You want to use a [Sword Dao Talisman]?"

"Yes!"

"Will this affect your development of your 'extraordinary system'? Will you be forced to switch to the [Sword Dao]?"

In his view, using a 'sword talisman' to obtain the 'sword's blessing' signifies embarking on the path to becoming a 'sword immortal.' That's how Lü Rang initially began his journey.

Once you embark on the 'Path of the Sword Immortal,' your soul is bound. Cultivating other systems becomes impossible unless you unlock the [Three Phases].

However, having witnessed the "three-in-one" pollution system of [Insect Cultivation] and personally merging "Shadow Pollution" with numerous other system products, Yuan Zhu gradually realized that the "pollution energy" of different systems could potentially merge and integrate.

Nie Yin then said, "Simply having the [Sword's Blessing] doesn't mean being completely bound to the [Path of the Sword Immortal]. As long as one doesn't go too deep down this path and develops a more mature [cultivation system], covering it with stronger contamination, there's a chance to absorb and integrate the [Power of Sword Cultivation]. Besides, isn't there the [Anti-Law]?"

"Inverse law?"

Nie Yin encouraged, "You can try to use [Anti-Law] to refine the [Sword Dao Talisman] and then give it to me. If I feel something is wrong and there is a risk of being corrupted and out of control by [Sword Dao], I will notify you to refine [Anti-Law] in reverse and remove this 'Sword Dao pollution' from my body as 'Anti-Law Interest' to eliminate the hidden danger."

Yuan Zhu: "Is this feasible?"

"Of course, this can be seen as me voluntarily and permanently offering a portion of my (sword dao) cultivation to the [Anti-Law Dominator] as repayment of the [Anti-Law]'s mortgage loan."

After saying that, Nie Yin handed over a somewhat old yellow paper [talisman], indicating that Yuan Zhu should quickly transfer the money to her.

"What about the other one?"

Nie Yin looked away, not wanting to say anything more to him. "Once it's in my pocket, I naturally accept the research and development losses. How can this person be so insensible?"

Yuan Zhu accepted the [Sword Dao Talisman], then turned to Yuan Tiao: "So, are you still planning to feed me your [Knight Armor]?"

The younger brother quickly sat up straight, adopted a serious attitude, and nodded earnestly: "I want to try it. I've become familiar with the uniform these past few days and am ready to start!"

Yuan Zhu was satisfied with his attitude and directly took out the somewhat tattered black metal armor from his [Soul Space]. It originated from the failed refinement of a lone 'Death Knight' during his first exploration of the [Feathered Realm]'s surface.

He placed the armor on the stone table and said, "Let's begin. Don't feel burdened. I'll protect you and keep you in check. I'll intervene if anything goes wrong."

One side dared to speak, and the other dared to believe.

Without hesitation, Yuan Tiao reached out and pressed his hand onto the cold, hard armor. Then, under his control, the shadow uniform on his arm disintegrated, releasing countless threads that flowed like water, covering the surface of the armor as his fingers touched it, spreading, enveloping, and permeating it...

It resembled an ever-growing pool of black liquid, enveloping the entire suit of armor like a thin film.

Yuan Tiao mobilized his own [Anti-Law] to continuously draw shadow power from the [Law Domain] and infuse it into the [Uniform], intensifying the splitting and proliferation of threads in the uniform, successfully wrapping the armor completely without leaving any gaps.

But when he tried to treat the armor as upgrade nutrients and feed it to the uniform, absorbing it whole... the uniform on his body transmitted messages such as 'crashed, choked, can't eat, very strenuous...'.

Furthermore, as numerous 'shadow threads' attempted to dissolve and absorb the [Knight's Armor], this shared 'shadow power' successfully awakened the dormant [Shadow Armor].

The latter is like a hungry wolf that has been awakened by noise. Faced with food delivered to its door, it doesn't know how to refuse and slurps it up like noodles.

Yuan Tiao's eyes widened in disbelief. The uniform, which had been dissipating and collapsing at an incredible speed, transformed into countless shadow threads in the blink of an eye and was absorbed into the armor. The original brokenness, cracks, and missing parts were now all repaired and filled in.

In contrast, the younger brother was only wearing a set of gray undergarments.

Yuan Tang looked at her naked brother and asked, "Where are my brother's clothes?"

Nie Yin: "It was eaten by the [armor]."

At this moment, Yuan Tiao suddenly spoke up: "It's a success!"

(End of this chapter)