Chapter 145 - Not Enough Materials
The main difference between making a Low-Level and a High-Level Equipment was the amount of Spiritual Energy used. The procedures were basically the same. Of course, due to the materials' toughness and elasticity, different timings and temperatures were necessary.
That being said, Rean took a lot longer to figure out the best combinations. Other than going back to sleep and the morning training of the Iron and Blood District/Facion, Rean spent most of his time in the Blacksmith Hall.
During the years that he and Roan used the Light Sab-cough, cough... Spiritual Kaz Swords, Rean noticed a big difference. His Sword was much better on Roan's hands than his own. However, it had nothing to do with higher proficiency in weapons or combat. That difference was in the elements that they control.
First, we need to talk about the Light and Dark Elements they use. It is through the combination of the two that they can show their highest combat ability. It is really a Yin and Yang balance that couldn't be copied.
That being said, Rean's Spiritual Kaz Swords absorbed Light Element from the surroundings when you injected Spiritual Energy on them. However, Rean himself is already a Light Element user. At most, he could increase the Light Element power in the Sword. However, the main point of the Sword was its combination of Light and Dark Elements.
Because of that, Rean fell quite behind Roan in raw power when using his Swords. After all, it doesn't matter how much Elements the twins change with each other, Rean will never be able to use as much Dark Element as Roan. That is not his affinity.
Since that was the case, Rean had only one choice. He has to create a Sword of the Dark Element to complement his own Light one. In a certain way, Rean would receive the most significant boost of combat power after the new Swords are forged. Of course, just the fact that the twins are swapping Low-Level Equipments for High-Level ones is already a massive boost for both. It's just that Rean will get more from it.
Nonetheless, that is only raw power. Even after the Swords are ready, Roan will still be stronger than Rean due to his higher understanding of combat.
Unfortunately, Rean underestimated the fine control that he needed for forging a High-Level Equipment.
*Crack!*
A familiar sound that Rean had been hearing quite a few times during the past nine days came out again. Seeing the crack over the Sword made Rean sigh.
"Although my pool of Spiritual Energy can now be compared to a Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, I'm still not used to control it. I will probably need another two weeks or so before I can make this work."
Rean then looked at his remaining High-Levels materials and shook his head. He had already used 90% of all of them. There was simply not enough for him to train anymore.
"Should I reveal a few more secrets in exchange for more materials?"
However, Rean immediately got rid of that idea. A few simple procedures are okay, but anything else could lead to unwanted problems.
"The selling of Steel Weapons is increasing by the day as it makes a name in the market. However, considering the rate of High-Level Materials that Folca provides, it will take at least four to six months for me to get enough."
Rean pondered a bit before contacting Roan through their Soul Connection.
'Roan, do you know if there are any missions for our level that provide High-Level Materials?'
Roan was practicing in the arena against a disciple at the Late Stage of the Foundation Stablishment when he heard Rean's voice.
'Give me a second.'
Suddenly, Roan's hair changed into black and white as his combat prowess increased. His opponent was already at a disadvantage, let alone now that he began to use Light Element as well.
In the days that Rean stayed in the Blacksmith Hall, Roan became quite famous in the arenas. He accepted any challenges without asking for any Sect Points as long as the opponent was below the Core Formation Realm. As one can imagine, he was able to experience several different weapons styles, which proved beneficial for his own comprehension.
Others also loved to challenge him since he never severely injured anyone. Considering how strong he was, it proved to be of great help for their own training too. Everyone could see just how excellent his Swords Arts were too.
"Argh!"
The guy who was against Roan was then sent flying by a kick. Roan knew how to use his body in a way that no one could believe. That made facing him even more complicated.
After exiting the arena, he answered Rean's question.
'There are indeed a few missions that provide them, but they are Rank 4 ones. Of course, thanks to Elder Guliva's token, we can apply for a rank above our cultivation. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the difficulty of each one. The more materials, the harder the mission.'
Rean nodded, satisfied.
'I'm reaching a breakthrough in my Blacksmith Skills, but I'm running out of materials. If we wait in the sect for four to six months, I will get enough. However, I really don't want to postpone something that can be done earlier. Besides, it is related to our new weapons too.'
Roan didn't seem to mind.
'Then let's just take a mission. We have been in the sect for a month and a half. The last time we did real life and death battle was during the Entrance Exam. This is a good opportunity to hone your skills. Besides, there are a few new things I wish to test and pass to you as well regarding combat.'
In the end, both sides wanted to go out. Although their reasons were different, they complemented each other too.
Sometime later inside the Mission Hall, Rean and Roan were looking at the board of Rank 4 Missions.
"Which material are you lacking at the moment?"
Rean looked at the information before saying.
"Let me see... There are three good ones that provide a fair amount of high enough level materials. The first one is acting as a scout. The second is to acquire the blood of a demon beast called Qellaw Tiger. The third one is to subjugate a group of bandits that is causing problems around Cinquel City. You can choose the one you think is better for our combat training; the materials in all of them are enough."
Roan nodded and said.
"The first one is out of the question. Changes are that we won't fight anyone. That's not what I want. The second one looks good, but I'm tired of demon beasts already. That being said, the best one is the Bandit Group subjugation. A large number of opportunities to enter in combat against other cultivators. According to the information, the Leader is an Initial Stage Core Formation Realm while his two strongest subordinates are at the Peak and Late Stages of the Foundation Establishment. In my opinion, this is just perfect."
Rean and Roan looked at each other and nodded.
"The bandits' subjugation it is, then."