"Because of that, we must build it even more. This shows that our Bronze Sect has long-term plans for the future," Qing Cang's voice was cold and hard. "Besides, we only need to build the framework; other facilities can be slowly perfected over time."
Chu Lingyuan had a bit of a headache, but seeing Qing Cang's resolute attitude, he thought for a moment and could only agree. "Alright, I'll give the order to dispatch them for you."
And Qing Cang added, "Not only resources, but I also need twelve Grand Architects."
Chu Lingyuan's eyelids twitched. "You really have the nerve to ask!"
In the Dust Star Sea, over 95% of professionals stacked their combat strength; very few walked the path of auxiliary classes.
But if they reached the peak, they were extremely popular. Top-tier Forgemasters, Architects, and even Chefs could play miraculous roles in their respective fields.
Take Grand Architects, for example. Handing them numerous complex blueprints and structures could shorten construction times by nearly tens of times.
However, such a Grand Architect had to be at least an 8th-tier Mental-type Class User, otherwise it would be difficult to mobilize so many complex materials.
This placed demands on their talent.
In other words, truly top-tier auxiliary professionals couldn't have low talent, which made them even rarer.
"In the entire sect, there are only five or six specially trained Grand Architects, and you're asking for twelve in one breath?" Chu Lingyuan couldn't help but say. "Just borrow them from other sects or factions."
Chu Lingyuan snorted coldly. "You really know how to find work for me!"
This meant he had agreed.
Only then did Qing Cang's gaze fall upon Qin Yun, his emotions smoothing out slightly. "It is rare for the two of you to be gathered together in one room. I wonder what great matter you're discussing."
"It's nothing major," Qin Yun looked somewhat helpless. "The Peak Star Tournament is approaching, and I was just thinking of asking for a few chances for Tianlin to use the Fortune Bronze Core to help him advance to the 7th-tier as soon as possible."
"Asking for chances to use the Fortune Bronze Core?" Qing Cang snorted coldly. After getting her purpose, he immediately became impolite. "Every time the Fortune Bronze Core is used, it consumes Master's energy. How can you have the nerve to ask?"
Chu Lingyuan also seemed helpless. "The qualification to use the Fortune Bronze Core is bound to the Challenge System. Master is essentially involved in all of this. The data within isn't something we can decide with a single word."
"I understand, which is why I only wanted to use my Contribution Points to make an exchange," Qin Yun explained.
The Bronze Ancient King's words about stripping him of the right to handle sect affairs were not empty words; all his access levels had been stripped.
Otherwise, with his status in the Morning Star Tier, he wouldn't need to come to Chu Lingyuan for such a matter at all, but things were different now.
Hearing this, Qing Cang was no longer overbearing. Even he didn't deny Qin Yun's contributions to the Bronze Sect.
Chu Lingyuan pondered for a moment before saying, "If that's the case, then there's no problem."
37
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Qin Yun said politely.
"It's what I should do," Chu Lingyuan waved his hand, offering polite praise. "Tianlin has a Divine Dawn Grade Talent and is highly valued by the sect. Once he advances to the 7th-tier, he'll also be a strong contender for Star Prime at the Peak Star Tournament."
Qin Yun chuckled and shook her head. "It's just to let him see the world. Not to mention that our sect's Shen Yi'an has already completed his Molten Casting Sacred Profession."
"Even Han Xingliu of the Royal Court completed his Molten Casting Sacred Profession years ago, and there are several other Divine Dawn Tier Star-Seeds who are even more terrifying."
"Which Peak Star Tournament isn't a clash of titans? It's still too early for Tianlin."
Seeing Qin Yun's "modest appearance" and recalling that Qin Tianlin had just snatched the position of Top Ranker of the 6th-tier on the Holy List, Qing Cang's mood worsened.
Just as he was about to leave, the expressions of all three moved simultaneously, and they couldn't help but look toward the door.
Someone barged straight inâit was Chu Ran, shouting impatiently, "Grandpa, Su Chen defeated Qin Tianlin and has become the Top Ranker of the 6th-tier!"
Before Chu Ran's voice had even fallen, the expressions of the three had already changed. The air in the entire room seemed to stagnate.
Chu Ran's heart skipped a beat, and his excited expression faded. Only then did he realize there were two other people in his grandfather's room.
Qin Yun and Qing Cangâthree disciples of the Ancient King had actually gathered here. His throat bobbed.
"Who did you say defeated Qin Tianlin?" Chu Lingyuan frowned tightly. Because of his reckless personality, he had scolded Chu Ran countless times, yet this kid hadn't changed at all.
"Su... Su Chen, my Grandmaster-Uncle, your Junior Brother," Chu Ran stammered. He had already noticed Qin Yun's gaze becoming sharp and chilling, while Qing Cang's face carried a certain emotion.
Chu Lingyuan's expression shifted in shock. "Isn't he a 5th-tier Class User? How couldâ"
With a mere thought, a virtual screen floated out before his eyes. The leaderboard appeared, proving that Chu Ran hadn't lied.
"This kid actuallyâ" Qing Cang's heart trembled. The painful feeling of missing out on a great disciple, which had been forgotten for a long time, surged up again.
But when he turned his head and looked at Qin Yun's gloomy face, he couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Ha!"
"This little Junior Brother of ours really isâ" Chu Lingyuan couldn't help but sigh. Glancing at Chu Ran, who was gulping, his dissatisfaction grew, and he scolded coldly, "So careless and impulsive! Don't you know how to knock before entering? Get out!"
Chu Ran was glared at until he backed out, his heart full of trepidation. He carefully walked out into the corridor.
Only after turning the corner did he excitedly dart away. He was already impatient to go to Old Wei's place and drink heartily.
Then he would embellish what had just happened and tell the story again.
Inside the room, Qing Cang looked at Qin Yun, whose expression was already somewhat uncontrollable. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly restrained itself, and a look of reverence appeared in his eyes. Only after a moment did he say, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, I will take my leave first."
After saying that, without waiting for the two to speak, his figure collapsed into a flowing wind and disappeared.
Chu Lingyuan's eyes flickered, and he looked at Qin Yun. "Was that just now... Master?"
Qin Yun's face was tight as she got up and left straight away. The secret on Su Chen's body seemed to be even bigger than she had imagined...
On Wei Zhenghong's floating island, it was brightly lit, and more and more people were arriving.
Zhao Ming, Jiang Mufeng, Zhang Heng, and some others he hadn't seen beforeâeveryone who should or shouldn't have come was here. Each of them came to toast Su Chen, their words filled with awe, yet subtly carrying curiosity and probing.
The alcohol at Wei Zhenghong's place was definitely not ordinary. With Su Chen's current body, even he couldn't quite handle it, so he could only pretend to be a lightweight who couldn't hold his liquor.
Once everyone's attention was no longer on him, he finally had Wei Zhenghong escort him out.
He didn't know the operation of directly expelling the alcohol from his body, so he could only wait for his Gluttonous Stomach to break it down.
A cold wind blew by, and Su Chen felt much more refreshed. He looked at Wei Zhenghong beside him and said, "I've already spoken with Master Qing. When the time comes, just bring your disciple directly to him."
"Thank you," Wei Zhenghong's expression relaxed further upon hearing a response to this matter. He escorted Su Chen to the port, watched him leave, and then hummed an unknown tune as he returned to the brightly lit main building.
On the flight vehicle, Su Chen shook his head. In truth, he had stopped drinking after feeling a bit dizzy, and naturally, others didn't pressure him excessively.
He was actually quite clear-headed right now. Adjusting the flight vehicle's destination, he headed straight for the Bronze Core.
"The Fortune Bronze Core..."
He had heard of its extraordinary nature several times already. Now that he finally had the chance to use it, he naturally wanted to experience it properly.
With a clunk, the flight vehicle connected to the Bronze Core's port. The bored management staff jumped in fright upon seeing Su Chen's figure, revealing a far more fawning smile than usual as they saw him off from the port.
"So few people. Did they all run to Old Wei's?" Su Chen walked for a while. He didn't encounter many figures on the road; it was very sparse.
This was just as well; he wouldn't have to respond to everyone's greetings one by one.
The location of the Fortune Bronze Core was not in the Core Zone; instead, it could be called remote.
Walking along the grand thoroughfare onto a small path, after taking left and right turns, his view suddenly opened up. What appeared before Su Chen was a square metal hall, as if cast from a single piece of red copper. No seams could be seen on its surface, and the area it covered wasn't particularly vast.
"A bit unexpected..." Su Chen scrutinized the Crimson Copper Great Hall before him. At the entrance stood four guards wearing bronze heavy combat armor, and the auras they exuded made him feel vaguely apprehensive.
"At least 7th-tier..." Su Chen stepped forward and presented his identification. The guards briefly inspected it before letting him inside.
The metal doors slid away to both sides. As he stepped in, his attention was immediately drawn to the bronze pillars on either side. Liquid copper flowed upon them, condensing into various patterns.
The dome was inlaid with bronze stars that slowly rotated, casting down fine motes of light that lingered like fireflies.
In the central area stood an illusion-like portal of light.
"Cough..." Just as Su Chen was about to step forward, he heard a dry cough from behind. His heart skipped a beat. Turning around, he finally noticed a skinny old man beside the main door. He looked like withered wood, his skin shriveled, lying on a floating silver-white metallic recliner.
When he walked in, he actually hadn't sensed him at all.
"Su Chen? A Star Seed?" The skinny old man lifted his eyelids. "You've made quite a commotion."
This old man is not simple... Su Chen didn't dare to be negligent and asked, "And you are, sir?"
"Just call me Senior Brother Ku. I am the manager here."
Sure enough, it was a guy of the same generation as Qing Cang and Chu Lingyuan. He was probably a 9th-tier Class User as well.
Su Chen hurriedly called out to him. The other party nodded slowly. "Star Seeds like you are rare in the sect's history. Here to use the Fortune Bronze Core?"
"That's right," Su Chen nodded, asking, "Senior Brother Ku, this is my first time using it. Are there any things I need to pay attention to?"
"There's nothing to pay attention to. You'll naturally understand once you go in." The aura of decay on this old man was frighteningly heavy, as if he would fall into a deep sleep in the next second and never wake up again.
"ThisâAlright then." Su Chen looked at the virtual portal in front of him. Just as he was about to step into it, he asked hesitantly, "Senior Brother, the things that happen in here won't be known by others, right?"
"Others?" The old man's chest moved slightly, and a half-smile appeared on his bark-like old face. "This Fortune Bronze Core is a manifestation of the Ancient King's abilities. Who could spy on it?"
Su Chen was startled inwardly. This was actually a manifestation of the Ancient King's abilities? He had never heard anyone mention it before.
Since that was the case, aside from the Ancient King, others probably had no way of knowing what happened inside.
"Understood." Su Chen nodded. With one step into the portal, he felt the world spin. Streaking light intertwined before his eyes, eventually transforming into an otherworldly landscape of the starry expanse.
"Welcome, Star Seed Su Chen. How may I assist you?" A voice sounded by his ear.
Su Chen felt a vague sense of familiarity and suddenly asked, "Are you the Copper Spirit?"
The voice fell silent, only responding a moment later, "Correct. I didn't expect you to still recognize me."
What exactly is this Copper Spirit?
Su Chen speculated in his heart. The Fortune Bronze Core was a manifestation of the Ancient King's abilities. Could this Copper Spirit be one too?
"I want to use the Fortune Bronze Core to complete a profession requirement. What is the process?" Su Chen asked.
"You only need to inform me of the profession requirement, and I will shape the environment for you."
Su Chen opened his status panel to take a look and said, "I need to heal the injuries of at least 5,000 people."
The Copper Spirit's voice was peaceful. "Are there any requirements for the severity of the injuries? Are there any requirements for the healing methods? Are there any requirements for the healing environment?"
Su Chen took another look at the Stigmata Healer's requirements. "It's best to use medical techniques. As for the rest, there are no requirementsâ"
"Understood."
As the Copper Spirit's words fell, the surrounding starry landscape gradually transformed into a pure white room.
It looked like a surgery room, with various pieces of medical equipment placed around, and a medical bed in front of him.
Someone had already walked in from outside. They looked no different from ordinary humans, dressed decently, their pace hurried.
"Doctor Su," the person called out, his face bearing the fear and apprehension common when facing a doctor. "I accidentally cut my arm with a knife. How do you think we should handle this?"
He stretched out his arm, revealing an injury about three or four centimeters long, bleeding profusely.
"Thisâ" Su Chen was somewhat shocked in his heart. Looking at the person in front of him, they were extremely lifelike, showing no signs of being a puppet.
"Doctor Su?" the person called out, even showing a bit of anxiety. "This hurts terribly. Could you give me some pain relief first?"
"Oh, right," Su Chen came back to his senses. Although he hadn't studied this kind of simple medical treatment, he had seen it done.
First use alcohol, then bandage it with gauze. Simple treatment should count as a medical technique, right?
He glanced at the requirements; it counted as completing it once.
Only after this person left did the Copper Spirit's voice ring out: "Is this method of treatment acceptable?"
"It is," Su Chen nodded, unable to resist asking, "What is the situation with these people?"
"Please rest assured, they are nothing more than humans woven from data," the Copper Spirit replied. "Please make your preparations."
"..."
Woven from data?
Next, Su Chen truly had his eyes opened.
People walked in one after anotherâmen, women, old, young, the weak, the sick, the disabled, and even pregnant women. Their injuries varied greatly, and he even encountered unreasonable folks. It truly was eye-opening.
By the end, he had grown somewhat numb, merely repeating the motions mechanically.
He didn't know how much time had passed until, at a certain moment, the Copper Spirit's voice suddenly rang out, "The treatment of five thousand people is complete. Do you require more?"
Su Chen's body trembled slightly, and he finally came back to his senses. Glancing at the panel requirements, it already displayed a completed status.
He couldn't help but ask, "How much time has passed?"
"Are you asking about the time in the outside world? It should be six hours."
"Six hoursâ" Su Chen clicked his tongue. If such a requirement were placed in the outside world, just gathering the right people, arranging the time, and managing the deployment would consume a massive amount of time and energy.
But inside this Fortune Bronze Core, six hours was enough to easily complete it. It could truly be called 'Seizing the Universe's Creation'.