15: Star map reveals the secrets of soul forging

The vibration of the Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box did not cease with the initial appearance of the star map.

Instead, the strange energy drawn from the dark star meteorite iron surged even more violently into the Box.

The ancient runes on the surface of the Box glowed brightly, almost leaping from the bronze casing to become true stars.

Within Tang Yan’s consciousness, the incomplete star map was completing and expanding at a visible rate.

More stars lit up, connecting into unfamiliar star regions, their trajectories complex yet subtly conforming to some supreme law.

His mind was completely captivated by the ancient motto engraved in the center of the star map.

“Heavenly outer divine iron, capable of forging star souls…”

Every word seemed to contain infinite mysteries, challenging his understanding.

Divine iron? Did it refer to this dark star meteorite iron, or was it a general term for all strange metals from outside heaven?

Star soul? What was this? A power? A realm? Or a… life form?

Forging star souls!

These four words exuded an indescribable grandeur and vastness.

The Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box seemed to sense his questions, and the entire Box trembled slightly.

More information, accompanying the evolution of the star map, silently poured into Tang Yan’s mind.

It was not a direct answer, but a more primal “understanding,” as if this knowledge inherently belonged to him.

dark star meteorite iron was a type of “heavenly outer divine iron,” its core essence containing a trace of the power of stars from the universe’s beginning.

And “star soul” was a highly condensed entity based on soul and energy, a power far beyond the current world’s understanding.

Forging a star soul meant that dark star meteorite iron could be added to Tang Clan’s artifact refining, giving hidden weapons incredible enhancements, almost as if they had breath.

This Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box seemed to be the key to achieving all of this.

It was not just a storage and analysis tool.

It was more like a guide, a furnace!

Tang Yan gripped the dark star meteorite iron in his hand; beneath its cold touch was a burning tremor.

This item was far more precious than he had imagined.

The so-called pinnacle of Tang Clan hidden weapons, the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle, the Peacock Plume… and puppets…

If he could forge a “star soul,” what terrifying level of power would these hidden weapons reach?

He could even create “mythical-grade” hidden weapons truly belonging to this world, surpassing Tang Clan’s records.

Maki’s advice to “observe and learn,” the forging techniques of Takumi Ninja Village…

In front of the secret of “forging star souls,” they all seemed a bit insignificant.

Of course, technique was the foundation; without Takumi Ninja Village’s heritage, he would struggle to even process these materials.

As for that “plate crystal gold,” Master Master Qingmo said its origin might be related to the Land of Lightning.

The vibration of the Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box gradually subsided, and the star map’s light also became much more subdued, but it still clearly floated in his consciousness.

Some of the energy in the dark star meteorite iron seemed to have been extracted, but it remained abundant.

Tang Yan opened his eyes; the room was still dim.

He spread his palm, looking at the pitch-black meteorite iron.

“Star soul…”

He murmured to himself, his fingertip gently tracing the cold surface of the meteorite iron.

An unprecedented desire ignited in his heart.

This was not just power; it was a key to an unknown path.

He had to master it.

On the last day in Takumi Ninja Village, the air still carried that familiar, mixed scent.

“Yan, are you sure you want to buy more? You’ve already filled three scrolls!”

Qian watched as Tang Yan stuffed another bundle of well-made kunai into an empty scroll, unable to help but speak.

Her small face was full of helplessness.

This guy was sweeping up goods as if money was no object.

Zi Luo, standing nearby, chimed in, “Exactly, Yan! Are you planning to move the entire Takumi Ninja Village back to Sunagakure? Our Village isn’t without blacksmiths.”

Tang Yan patted the sealed scroll, a calm smile on his face.

“You wouldn’t understand this.”

He wiggled his finger, “The Ninja tools from Takumi Ninja Village are indeed top-notch in craftsmanship. Look at the counterbalance and wind groove design of this kunai; its precision and power are at least 10% higher than the mass-produced ones in our Village.”

“I’m restocking the high-end product line for my family’s blade tool shop, understand? Business strategy!”

Qian and Zi Luo exchanged glances, seeing the expression of “I give up” in each other’s eyes.

Ever since he showed off his skills at the “Divine Weapon Hall” last time and discovered the source of the danger in the forbidden mine, Tang Yan had gained some reputation in Takumi Ninja Village.

Those craftsmen who had previously ignored him now practically wanted to pull out their most prized possessions and ask him for guidance.

This also made his process of purchasing Ninja tools exceptionally smooth, even getting many friendly prices.

“Alright, alright, you’re the boss, you call the shots.”

Qian waved her hand, no longer dwelling on the issue.

She then tugged on Tang Yan’s sleeve, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Seriously, are you really not going to visit Master Master Qingmo again? I heard that the legendary Ninja tools he collects are the real treasures!”

Tang Yan was about to say the same thing.

He put away the scroll, adjusted his collar, and feigned profundity.

“I had the same intention. Let’s go, let’s pay a visit to Master Master Qingmo.”

Inside Master Master Qingmo’s workshop, it was still that familiar messy yet orderly state.

The old man was sitting in front of a large metal ingot, gently tapping it with a small hammer, seemingly listening to the sounds within the metal.

Upon seeing Tang Yan and the two girls arrive, his wrinkled old face uncharacteristically squeezed out a smile.

“Little rascal, back again? What, still trying to dig up some treasures from this old man?”

“Master, you jest.”

Tang Yan stepped forward, his attitude respectful, “This junior has come this time to broaden his horizons before leaving. I heard that Master has collected several legendary Ninja tools famous throughout the Ninja World. I wonder if this junior is fortunate enough to witness their splendor?”

Master Master Qingmo stopped his work upon hearing this.

A hint of self-satisfaction flickered in his cloudy eyes as he stroked his sparse beard.

“Oh? You want to see this old man’s collection?”

He stood up and walked to the back of the workshop, fumbling for a moment on an inconspicuous wall.

“Click-clack—”

A sound of mechanical rotation echoed, and the wall slowly moved aside, revealing a deep secret room.

A heavier metallic scent wafted out.

“Come with this old man. Since you have this desire, it won’t hurt to let you see them.”

Inside the secret room, the lights were bright.

Several Ninja tools, each with a unique shape but all exuding an astonishing sense of oppression, were displayed on specially made shelves.

Zi Luo’s eyes instantly widened, and her breathing became heavy.

“My heavens…”

Master Master Qingmo pointed to a set of dark red armor covered in holes, his tone tinged with pride.

“This is the ‘Infinite Pore Armor,’ capable of absorbing the opponent’s Chakra and converting it into one’s own strength. Wearing it, as long as the opponent’s Chakra is not exhausted, your stamina will be infinite!”

He then pointed to an ancient-looking longsword with a simple scabbard.

“This is the ‘Dragon Eye Retractable Sword.’ The dragon eye stone inlaid in the hilt can sense the flow of Chakra, and the sword body can extend and retract at will, changing unpredictably!”

Next were the “Peacock Twin Swords,” capable of changing wind direction and even reversing Wind Release Ninjutsu.

There was also a “Light Sword,” entirely crafted from high-density Chakra crystals, capable of directly firing high-energy beams.

What interested Tang Yan the most was a huge scroll in the center of the secret room.

“This is the ‘Reverse Scale Array,’” Master Master Qingmo’s tone became solemn, “It can gather massive amounts of Chakra, impact underground water veins, and summon a water dragon powerful enough to destroy a city. However, this technique consumes a great deal of the user’s energy and causes significant damage to underground water veins, so it should not be used lightly.”

Qian and Zi Luo were completely captivated by these legendary divine weapons, exclaiming in wonder around the display, their eyes full of little stars.

As for Tang Yan, on the surface, he was also listening intently and observing carefully, but his consciousness had long since sunken into his mind.

Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box, initiating material analysis…

Initiating structural Analysis…

Initiating energy circuit scan…

Infinite Pore Armor, core technology is ‘Chakra Reverse Conversion Rune Array,’ material is ‘Energy-Absorbing Obsidian’ and ‘Active Metal’… Data recording in progress…

Dragon Eye Retractable Sword, core technology is ‘Shape Memory Alloy’ and ‘Dragon Eye Stone Resonance Amplification’… Data recording in progress…

Peacock Twin Swords…

Light Sword…

Reverse Scale Array…

Massive amounts of data, like a bursting dam, flooded into the Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box.

On the Box itself, the star map runes that had just become clear were flashing at an extremely high frequency.

Tang Yan felt that the Myriad Forms Ingenuity Box, along with his brain, was like a super-high-speed computer, disassembling, analyzing, copying, and archiving every detail of these Ninja tools, from external to internal, from material to craftsmanship, from runes to energy circuits.

Master Master Qingmo was still eloquently introducing the glorious history of these collectibles, completely unaware that the pinnacle of technology he was so proud of was being subjected to a thorough “technical plagiarism” by a thirteen-year-old boy in a way he couldn’t comprehend.

I’m sorry, Master.

Your inventions are excellent, but the manufacturing process, I have already understood it perfectly.

Tang Yan silently recited in his heart, while maintaining a perfectly appropriate expression of awe and admiration on his face.

When they walked out of the secret room, Tang Yan’s mind already held five perfectly complete design blueprints and manufacturing processes.

This trip to Takumi Ninja Village was a huge profit!

The mission was nearing its end. In the evening, Maki, with three satisfied youngsters, found an inconspicuous ramen shop in a small alley deep within the Village.

The ramen shop had a small storefront with a few simple tables and chairs inside, and some yellowing posters hung on the walls, making it appear somewhat old.

However, it was precisely such an inconspicuous small shop that attracted countless diners to taste its offerings.

Each person ordered a bowl of their signature tonkotsu ramen.

When the steaming hot ramen was served, the rich aroma of the bone broth wafted over, dispelling the fatigue of the past few days.

The milky white broth was as smooth as milk, with a few slices of tender char siu, and vibrant green scallions and shredded wood ear mushrooms floating on top.

Tang Yan eagerly picked up his chopsticks, stirred the noodles, and then began to eat.

He first took a sip of the hot soup, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face, as if all his fatigue was dispelled by that one sip of soup.

The noodles, when put into his mouth, were smooth, firm, and elastic, each strand coated in the rich broth, leaving an endless aftertaste.

“Slurp—”

Zi Luo also eagerly picked up a large mouthful of noodles and stuffed them into his mouth, wincing from the heat but with a satisfied look on his face.

“Phew… delicious! Ramen is still the best!”

Qian ate in small bites, much more elegantly.

Maki looked at his three disciples, and his single eye softened with a rare tenderness.

“Once you’re full, we’ll set off back to the Village first thing tomorrow morning. Are you all ready?”

“Yes, Maki-sensei!” the three replied in unison.

“You all performed very well on this mission.” Maki put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth. “Especially Tang Yan, your performance in Takumi Ninja Village exceeded my expectations. When we return to the Village, I will report it truthfully to the Elder Council.”

Tang Yan nodded, saying nothing more.

His mind had already drifted elsewhere.

The return journey once again passed through the territory of Bear Country.

In that familiar dark forest, a faint smell of decaying vegetation still lingered in the air.

As the group bypassed a patch of poisonous miasma near the “Hell Valley” area, Tang Yan suddenly spoke.

“Maki-sensei, I have a request.”

Maki turned to look at him: “Speak.”

“I want to go see the central area of ‘Hell Valley’,” Tang Yan’s tone was calm. “That’s where Takumi Ninja Village discovered the extraterrestrial meteorite impact site.”

“Nonsense!”

Maki’s brows immediately furrowed, and his voice grew several degrees colder.

“You know how dangerous that place is! It’s filled with poisonous miasma; last time, we only encountered the Star Ninja’s attack on the periphery. Now you want to go deeper into the center? What are you trying to do?”

Qian and Zi Luo also looked at Tang Yan in surprise.

“Yan, this place is very eerie, we should leave quickly,” Qian whispered, trying to persuade him.

Zi Luo also scratched his head: “Yeah, what if we run into those lunatics from Star Ninja Village again?”

Tang Yan’s gaze did not waver in the slightest; he looked directly at Maki.

“Sensei, I’m not going to take risks. The ‘dark star meteorite iron’ that Master Master Qingmo gave me came from there.

I have a premonition that there must still be more in that meteorite crater, and this ore is very important to me!”

He paused, emphasizing his words.

“It can enhance the lethality of my hidden weapons. The value of this level of strategic material, you should be clearer about than I am. If we can determine the reserves and find a safe method of extraction, what does that mean for our Sunagakure? This is no longer just my personal matter.”

Maki’s single eye narrowed, staring intently at Tang Yan.

Strategic material…

This term precisely hit his weak spot.

Sunagakure, located in the desert, is resource-poor, and any rare and powerful material is crucial to the Village.

The abilities Tang Yan displayed made him realize that this kid’s level in hidden weapons, poisons, and puppet research was terrifyingly strong, and he might truly bring unexpected surprises to the Village.

He remained silent for a long time, and the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive.

Finally, he slowly exhaled.

“…Only reconnaissance, no extraction. One hour, you must withdraw. If you encounter any danger, give up immediately. This is the territory of Long Ninja Village, and you wouldn’t want them to notice, would you?”

“Yes, Maki-sensei!” A barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of Tang Yan’s mouth.

The group cautiously ventured deeper into Hell Valley.

The further they went, the denser the poisonous miasma in the air became, and even the light grew dim and eerie.

Finally, they stopped before a massive crater, as if punched out by the fist of a god.

This was the meteorite impact site.

The bottom of the pit was pitch black, seemingly bottomless, and the surrounding rock walls still bore traces of being scorched by high temperatures.

“This is it.”

Tang Yan’s eyes were solemn. From deep within the pit, his All Things Creation Box could clearly sense a faint but incredibly familiar energy fluctuation.

That was the unique aura of “dark star meteorite iron.”

He did not descend rashly but instead released the spider puppet again.

The puppet silently crawled down the deep pit, transmitting the scene at the bottom of the pit in real-time via its puppet threads.

The bottom of the pit was covered with shattered black rocks, the remnants of the meteorite.

The spider puppet used its segmented legs to pry open a scattered piece of ore, revealing the “dark star meteorite iron,” which was black with specks of starlight, and a small piece of silvery-white “heavenly meteorite shadow silver” next to it.

There was still more!

Moreover, judging from the intensity of the energy fluctuations, the main part was buried deep underground.

Tang Yan’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

“Heavenly outer divine iron, capable of forging star souls…”

That ancient prophecy echoed in his mind again.

The meteorite crater before him was no longer a simple mine pit but a broad road leading to a new realm of power!

“I found it, Sensei.” Tang Yan retracted his puppet and turned to Maki, saying, “It’s confirmed that there’s still more, and it’s abundant.”

Maki looked at the bottomless giant pit, his expression grave.

“However, they are buried very deep, and with our current abilities, we cannot extract them at all,” Tang Yan continued, his voice tinged with regret, but deep in his eyes, there was an uncontrollable burning intensity.

Inability to extract was only temporary.

Since the location of the treasure had been confirmed, the next step was to find every possible way to dig them out!

He would return to Hell Valley in Bear Country sooner or later.

And next time he came, what he would bring would not be a reconnaissance spider, but engineering puppets capable of splitting mountains and cracking rocks!

This enormous treasure trove, he, Tang Yan, had reserved it!

Maki’s gaze shifted from the deep pit to Tang Yan’s face.

On that young face was a perfectly appropriate mix of regret and unwillingness, a subordinate who was ambitious but knew how to assess the situation, displayed vividly.

But Maki had lived for so many years and seen too much of human nature.

He read something different in the depths of those eyes.

That wasn’t regret, but the fire of determination.

“Time’s up, withdraw. The antidote pill’s time is almost up.” Maki said no more, giving the command coldly.

He turned and led the way back, his back resolute, without a trace of lingering attachment.

As if behind him was not a treasure mountain, but an abyss that would devour everything.

“Yes.” Tang Yan replied with a lowered head.

Qian and Zi Luo immediately followed; they could feel the aura emanating from their captain, though they didn’t understand why.

Tang Yan took one last look at the massive meteorite crater, firmly imprinting that unique energy fluctuation deep in his mind.

This was the beacon.

This was his future path.

He turned and followed the team’s pace.

The group silently moved through the miasma-filled valley, the atmosphere more oppressive than when they arrived.

Maki walked at the forefront, his steps steady, yet carrying a persistent heaviness.

This kid, Tang Yan, was too good at hiding things.

He proactively suggested the reconnaissance, accurately found the location, and then, at just the right moment, gave the conclusion of “unextractable.”

Everything was too smooth, too perfect, so perfect it seemed like a meticulously choreographed play.

What he was scheming was far more than simply discovering a mineral deposit for the Village.

Tang Yan followed behind, his steps light.

He sensed Maki’s vigilance.

But so what?

The overt scheme was set.

He had already, through Maki’s eyes, nailed the existence of “dark star meteorite iron” and “heavenly meteorite shadow silver,” as well as their “unextractable” status, onto Sunagakure’s intelligence board.

In the future, no matter what method he used to obtain these materials, he would have a perfect excuse.

Thinking of this, the corners of Tang Yan’s mouth involuntarily curved upward slightly.

Maki, walking ahead, suddenly paused.

He didn’t turn around.

“Tang Yan, in the Ninja World, greed is the most taboo,” his voice pierced through the dense fog, cold and clear.

The smile on Tang Yan’s face instantly vanished.

He looked up at Maki’s broad back.

“Sensei is right, your student has learned his lesson.”