Douluo Continent: The Eternal Order of the Azure Sky.

Chapter 53: Let's wait and see.

The thirteenth engraving knife on the list, Golden Scale Saintly Sigh, has the characteristics of breaking force, sturdiness, and weight.

Kong Tianxu felt the weight of the carving knife in his hand and recalled the time when he was five years old, when his grandfather gave him this carving knife as a reward for his first successful inscription of the core magic array.

Jinlin Shengtan's blade was indeed never sharpened, because it was neither necessary nor possible.

The biggest difference between it and other carving knives is that other carving knives that are good at cutting rely on their own sharpness to break through hard materials, while the breaking force of Jinlin Shengtan is closer to crushing and compacting, making the material denser and tougher without changing other properties.

It has a very simple yet powerful effect, especially for the two types of soul tools that have the highest instantaneous load: melee soul tools and stationary launchers.

Its sturdiness goes without saying, but its weight-bearing property can drastically increase or decrease the actual weight of a soul tool by several times, or even dozens of times, without changing its weight in the user's hand. This is a powerful property that can make a soul tool's performance surpass its own level.

With three unique and extremely practical features, this carving knife should definitely be in the top ten.

But what makes it thirteenth is one of the inherent characteristics of the carving knife itself—it is heavy.

It's really heavy.

Moreover, its weight changes depending on the level of soul power injected by the user, which puts the user's physical strength to a great test.

The regret in Luanfeng's voice stemmed from this: the raw material for this carving knife was actually a broken, golden dragon scale with an obviously extraordinary aura that Kong Deming had found together with her and several high-level soul masters in a ruin.

Her family is a family of sword forgers. The Sun, Moon and Star Mark sword that Kong Deming holds, ranked number one, was forged by her ancestor using the reverse scale of a silver dragon from three thousand years ago as the main material.

Driven by her desire to acquire the scale, she obtained it from Kong Deming and attempted to forge it into a legendary engraving knife that would be passed down for a thousand years.

After years of forging and polishing with her fire phoenix power, it finally managed to take the shape of a carving knife after the furnace was opened. When she was overjoyed and ready to use it as her own exclusive carving knife, she found that the thing's exaggerated weight made it impossible to use normally.

Both being level 94, she had difficulty even lifting it after injecting her soul power, while Kong Deming was able to use it to carve the core magic array, but it was impossible for him to use it for a long time.

Although the three characteristics of this carving knife are no less than the ability of the Sun, Moon and Star Mark to add more than three attributes at the same time, the conditions for its use are so harsh that it can only be sealed away.

Formed from golden scales, it inspired a sigh from a divine hand, hence the name "Golden Scales Divine Sigh".

"I didn't expect the Golden Scale Saint's destructive power to be so unique, it can actually strike without any interval. I wonder how its destructive power compares to my Morning Star."

Ye Yulin sighed.

He had complete confidence in Kong Tianxu. Having been tricked once, he knew all too well just how wicked the kid was.

Regardless of Kong Tianxu's initial performance, he would absolutely not make any premature judgments before the results were in. Moreover, as the person in charge of Kong Tianxu's entrance exam, he knew very well that the other party's true strength was definitely more than what he had shown at the moment.

Kong Deming stroked his beard and smiled slightly. When he gave this carving knife to Kong Tianxu, he was just trying it out. If it didn't work, he still had the Shadow Dust, ranked eleventh, as a backup.

However, Kong Tianxu clearly could not be judged by common sense. The Golden Scale Sacred Sigh, which was heavier than a thousand pounds in the eyes of others, was as light as a feather in his hands, making full use of the powerful characteristics of this peerless carving knife.

His movements were even accelerating, and before long, the inscription of the core magic array on the titanium piece was nearing completion.

Watching the golden energy dance in Kong Tianxu's hands, nearly completing a level-four core magic array in less than two minutes, Zheng Zhan frowned and muttered:

"Charging, charging, charging, charging, charging, charging, accelerating. Eight core magic arrays have been applied to such a small core magic array carrier, actually reaching level five. But what's the point of having seven charging arrays? Is this a baby bottle or a fixed-position soul missile?"

"Yes, titanium is tough, but with eight magic arrays and seven charging arrays added to this size, pursuing such an extreme, soul power can't be continuously inputted, otherwise it will be completely destroyed. What exactly is this being done?"

Elder Su was also filled with curiosity, craning his neck to get a closer look. Seeing this, the ninth-level soul masters became even more interested in the soul tool crafted by Kong Tianxu.

Just from that move, anyone with eyes could see that Kong Tianxu had a very good foundation. At the same time, adding so many magic arrays was something that only a level 5 soul master could do when going all out.

What's even more commendable is his steady hand. Despite the incredibly fast inscription speed, he didn't make a single mistake, clearly indicating that this wasn't his first time creating such a core magic array.

It should be understood that the core magic array is known as the soul of the soul tool; even the slightest error will render it useless.

"Gentlemen, it's a rare occasion for us to gather together. I'm not late, am I?"

Just as everyone was intently observing Kong Tianxu's final sword strike, a deep voice rang out, and Xu Guoyi, surrounded by several figures, entered the observation room.

"Your Majesty's arrival is just in time. Xu'er played a trick on us, and now it's time to reveal the answer."

Kong Deming responded with a smile, showing no surprise whatsoever, as if it were entirely expected. In fact, one could say this was the situation he had hoped to see by pushing things along.

"Xu Guozhong, Xue Chen, Xia Xuanchen, and Xiao Jingzi, everyone in Mingdu is here. Xu'er, Grandpa has set up the stage for you. Now, let's see what surprises you can bring us."

He thought to himself.

"Elder Kong," Xu Guoyi sat down next to Kong Deming, then turned to Jing Hongchen, "Hall Master Hongchen, who do you think will win and become the number one soul guidance genius of our empire?"

Jing Hongchen stood to the side, sweating profusely. He had no idea that Xiao Hongchen had done something so serious behind his back again. When he saw Xu Guoyi arrive with several titled officials, he thought something terrible had happened. Now, having calmed down a bit, he said:

"That depends on how they perform."

He was a competitive person, unwilling to easily back down even to his own teacher. Moreover, he had given Xiao Hongchen some pointers before the competition. Since their cultivation levels were similar, he felt that his grandson wasn't entirely without a chance of winning.

"Let's wait and see," Kong Deming said casually, turning his attention back to the competition stage.

Kong Tianxu completed the carving of the entire core magic array in just three minutes.

Not long ago, titanium was just a round metal ball, but now it looks like a work of art with openwork carving. The lines are shallow or deep, winding or straight, with a strong sense of three-dimensionality.

Setting aside the completed core magic array, Kong Tianxu turned to the pile of metal beside him. Xu Guoyi's appearance was somewhat unexpected. Judging from the few royal loyalists behind him, it seemed that almost all the ninth-level soul masters of the entire Sun Moon Empire had gathered in that small observation room.

The scene is grand enough; I like it. Kong Tianxu lightly tapped on the dazzling array of components, a sense of familiarity washing over him.

Long time no see, old friend. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of brilliance you'll show in this world this time.

Chapter 54 The Great Spear

His well-defined fingers moved with the agility of butterflies flitting among flowers, and the numerous complex components seemed to have been numbered beforehand, quickly taking shape in his rapid assembly.

If Kong Tianxu's speed in inscribing the core magic array was already quite fast, then his current speed is astonishing. It's reached a point where even Ma Jinlong can barely see it clearly.

He also noticed that when Kong Tianxu was assembling the outer shell of the soul tool, he didn't just assemble it simply; it seemed that he occasionally inscribed something on it.

While repairing the knife, he slightly turned his body to deliberately block his view.

When he changed his direction to look, dozens of iron metal parts had already been quickly assembled. Many of the intricate details were so dazzling that even he, as an eighth-level soul master, felt a bit overwhelmed.

But his eyesight was still extremely sharp. Although he didn't quite understand how these mechanical structures worked, he could see that Kong Tianxu could fit each component together perfectly.

As each unit emerges, graceful curves begin to appear. In the eyes of the Soul Master, that structural harmony and beauty is the most beautiful thing.

Finally, the core magic array was embedded into the inner shell, and the round, silver titanium ball fell precisely into the central opening, fitting perfectly with the surrounding metal.

This soul tool has finally revealed its full form.

It was a long, thin object resembling a steel pipe, narrow at the front and thick at the back. A complex metal block was inserted in the middle, with a curved rectangular box inserted underneath. Between the box and the curved handle at the rear, a small trigger extended from the arc-shaped metal guard.

"What is this thing? Even a soul-guided ray wouldn't have such a narrow aperture!"

Su Lao, who was most skilled in long-range soul tools, was quite puzzled. Apart from a few energy-concentrating ray soul tools, the soul tool master community had always pursued the larger the caliber, so he was very suspicious of this strange soul tool that went against the grain.

"Could it be some kind of energy-based melee soul tool?"

The taciturn Liao Mengkai finally spoke. There were quite a few level nine soul masters in the Sun Moon Empire, but very few who were skilled in using and making close-combat soul tools. Including him, there were only two.

He had seen melee soul tools that used multiple charging arrays before, but their effectiveness in actual combat was not very good, and this one was probably no exception.

Jing Hongchen's eyes flickered. Although the soul tool made by Kong Tianxu was extremely exquisite and incorporated some elements that were incomprehensible, iron essence was still iron essence and could not withstand many soul power outputs at the Soul Master level.

Xiao Hongchen might actually win this round. Although he didn't understand why Master Kong brought so many seniors, it was clearly extremely beneficial for Xiao Hongchen's future. Perhaps, the true prosperity of the Hongchen family could be achieved in his generation.

With his heart pounding with excitement, he stole a glance at Kong Deming's reaction. The other man didn't say anything, but his eyes gleamed with a strange, enlightened light.

"It should be some kind of soul-guided cannon," Elder Shen affirmed.

On the competition stage, Kong Tianxu had already raised the strange soul tool in his hand, which looked like a fire poker, and assumed an odd aiming posture.

Looking through the iron sights at the distant target, he gave a satisfied smile.

Not bad at all.

Xiao Hongchen was still single-mindedly carving his second core magic array, and at this moment, half of the time had passed since Ma Jinlong's call to begin.

……

"Boom—" A violent roar suddenly rang out. Su Muzhe retreated rapidly, and his six spirit rings—three yellow, two purple, and one black—rose up immediately, along with his martial spirit that released itself upon sensing danger.

The dark shadow on his body was being consumed at an alarming rate by the bombardment of the orange-red light. Su Muzhe looked at the large, inky shadow missing from his arm and his face was extremely ugly.

He never expected that, not only would he lose to his opponent when his soul power was suppressed under the two environmental conditions, but he would also lose even after raising his soul power to the third ring, and his martial soul was completely forced out.

You have to understand that although I suppressed my soul power to a certain level, my physical fitness and reaction speed as a six-ringed being are genuine!

Xu Tianzhen's breathing became slightly rapid, and the purple light behind her quickly dimmed. Her third soul skill, Sun God Light, had taken a heavy toll on her. Although she had temporarily repelled her opponent, she knew that this battle was far from over.

As expected, Su Muzhe's expression turned solemn, and black light re-condensed in his arms. Although he had not found the boy Xu Yunhuang had mentioned, the girl's tough attitude and the strange martial spirit that subtly restrained him had already aroused enough anger and fighting spirit in him.

With little time left before get out of class ended, he planned to finish the fight quickly before the academy patrol team was drawn to the commotion.

So engrossed in his battle intent, he didn't notice that Xu Yunhuang, who had been beside him, had quietly disappeared.

"Inheritance of the Sun and Moon, Solar Martial Soul, Xu Surname, Tian Generation."

"Damn it, what kind of monsters are in this class? Could it be that a princess is studying there?"

On a secluded path in another teaching building, Xu Yunhuang walked hurriedly, muttering to himself, trying his best to conceal his presence. His pale face was even more striking than the gauze on his head.

Su Muzhe and Ji Juechen had never been in contact with the direct descendants of the royal family, so of course they couldn't recognize Xu Tianzhen's martial soul.

But he was different. He possessed the Purple Jade Thunder Dragon Martial Soul and was quite familiar with the two powerful Martial Souls inherited by the royal family. Although he had never met the current emperor's most favored daughter, who was kept in seclusion, he had heard that she possessed one of them, the Sun Martial Soul.

That's why Su Muzhe's shadow martial soul feels suppressed. Shadow comes from light, and the sun is the greatest source of light in the world, so it is naturally suppressed.

Although the other person's fair skin was somewhat different from what I had imagined, considering his age, it was indeed about right. Beads of sweat were already faintly seeping from his forehead.

Fortunately, he didn't act rashly today, otherwise he would have been in big trouble.

It's too late to stop Su Muzhe now; that kid's just a reckless fool, he's getting more and more carried away. Anyway, with Jing Ziyan watching over him, nothing serious will happen. He needs to hurry back to the manor to explain the situation to his grandfather and clear his name first.

As he was pondering his words, an old woman dressed in coarse gray clothes blocked his way.

"As Your Majesty instructed, I cannot act rashly when Her Highness is not in danger, but do you think it's too easy for you to just run away like this?"

She spoke in a chilling tone, and amidst the terrifying pressure, eight spirit rings swirled upwards.

Xu Yunhuang felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

……

"Why hasn't Xiao Hongchen finished yet?" Kong Tianxu pressed the slender bullet, also made of refined iron, into the magazine, watching Xiao Hongchen's rapidly moving hands and the sand that was about to disappear.

On his workbench, the same cone-shaped ammunition were arranged neatly.

"Could this be a fixed-installation soul tool? If so, it's definitely the strangest fixed-installation soul tool I've ever seen."

Old Su's tone was helpless. The launching device was separate from the attack weapon, so it could only be a fixed-mount soul tool. But the key to a fixed-mount soul tool was the shell, and what kind of power could this iron-refined ammunition have?