Arthur could sense that the boy was at the first transformation of the second mortal coil. So he had just transcended the first mortal coil after five years of being a disciple of the sect.
This performance isn't because the boy slacks off. Arthur knows that the boy does slack off in cultivating and focuses more on tinkering with forging. But the main reason why he is just reaching the second mortal coil now is because he entered the sect at the eighth transformation of the first mortal coil.
This boy had participated in the regional sect examination to try his luck. He didn't have much hope because he came from a poor background and was weak, but it was discovered that he had a bloodline that helped him sense and identify the properties of metals.
After his special ability was discovered, he was singled out, and his examination was interfered with to protect him.
For example, in the fourth test involving the hunting of quatic beasts, he was matched with people who couldn't threaten him. If he had decided to participate in the fourth test, the beasts in the forest would ignore him most of the time.
He was able to use his talent to get an S grade invitation, and it took him five years to go from the eighth transformation to the second mortal coil. It could have been faster, but he doesn't spend much of his time on cultivating.
In fact, the reason why he took time out of his busy schedule to reach the second mortal coil is because his supervisor made it a must for him to achieve this much before the next batch of disciples are admitted to the sect.
While everyone outside is concerned about the results of the performance tests, using the performance tests to gain access to better accommodation and the upcoming outer sect competition, he is only concerned about his next project.
His behavior is not odd among S-grade students. Most of them don't pursue cultivation. Instead, they pursue excellence. So they might be slow, but they are never weak.
After sensing Arthur, the boy pointed to a section of the room and said, "Help me with that, will you?"
He was pointing to a patch of soil. There were some silver trees growing on this patch of soil. The trees appeared to be pine trees, but they were silver and small leaves that were as sharp as blades.
In fact, Arthur is inclined to believe that the trees are blades. He believes that because he knows that normal blades will be cut in two if they ever clash with these leaves.
Arthur went over to the little forest and stretched his hands towards them. He used the Plant Growth spell, which caused green light to appear in his hands and fall on the trees.
The trees rustled after his spell took effect on them. They began to grow after a few seconds. They became taller and thicker as his internal energy was consumed.
After ten seconds, he stopped using the spell. He said to the boy, "I'm done, Thor."
The boy looked over to see what he had done. When he looked over, his colorful eyes were revealed. They looked like gems.
Thor's hair is white, and his skin is pale. He looks thin and unremarkable. His appearance has also been worsened by the soot on his face and all over his body. But once anyone sees his eyes, they can't help but sense that he was extraordinary.
Thor stopped what he was doing to examine the silver trees up close.
While he was doing this, Arthur warned him, "I think they have reached their limit. You need to remove some of them to make room."
Thor nodded. "Perhaps you're right. I suppose it is time to begin working on a new version."
Arthur asked, "When do you think this can reach the third mortal coil?"
Thor mused aloud, "The time is uncertain. But I don't think it is possible for now. It needs something as its foundation. Its potential is still capped at the second mortal coil."
Arthur thought about the problem and suggested, "Why don't you use a stronger alloy base?"
Thor shook his head. "I've tried. It is not stable. You know, this is essentially wood, not pure metal. Its life force can't handle the burden of a stronger metal. The living part needs a way to expand its foundation on its own first."
Arthur asked, "Have you asked someone from the farming hall? They should have expertise with this kind of thing."
Thor sighed and said, "I have. They do have the expertise, but this is an entirely new species. They don't have a way to help me. But they are all doing their own research. Their research and expertise with wood are better than mine, so I have higher hopes for them."
They too spoke some more about the silver pine trees. Arthur was truly concerned about it because he was hoping to use this material for the armament that would fit him.
He can use any corpse at the third mortal coil to build an armament. It won't be a lightning armament, but it will still enhance his strength.
However, the corpse of a third mortal coil beast or cultivator is very expensive. It will be best if he can use a cheaper alternative like wood that is as strong as steel and can conduct electricity very well.
These silver pine trees were engineered by Thor. His unique talent enables him to easily make superior alloys of metal. But he went further than mixing metals to mixing a metal with a living thing.
The silver pine trees are the products of his crazy idea to create wood that is as strong as steel but cheaper and lighter.
He made a hybrid of a plant and silver. This hybrid achieved everything he sought to achieve.
The hybrid can also grow and multiply like normal trees. So in a way, it is an innovative method to convert energy in the soil into high quality metal material.