200: Spirit Formation Assessment

The dark mine shaft did not descend vertically but spiraled down at a steep angle. The walls were not natural rock but showed regular excavation marks, their surfaces covered in a thick layer of shimmering metallic oxide dust.

The further down one went, the more pure and chilling the earth vein geng metal sharp Qi permeating the air became. It turned into almost physical blades, slicing at the protective spiritual light of any intruder.

The purple scales and rosy light on Gao De's body flowed automatically, resisting this sharp Qi, yet he could still feel a slight stinging sensation on his skin.

If not for his powerful Physical Body and the Fusion of his Suanni Bloodline and Neon Luan Rosy Cloud Charm, an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator would likely find it difficult to endure here for long.

He moved extremely fast, his Divine Sense probing forward like tentacles, alert for any potential traps or guards.

On both sides of the passage, he occasionally saw the remains of lighting crystals embedded in the walls that had been extinguished for countless years, as well as some semi-collapsed side paths. Inside those paths were piles of mined, high-purity metal Ores; though their Spiritual Qi had leaked away severely, the Materials themselves remained precious.

After descending about a thousand zhang, the path ahead suddenly opened up.

The end of the passage connected to a massive mountain hollow that looked as if it had been scooped out.

The space was nearly a hundred zhang high and several li across. Embedded in the ceiling were dozens of massive, strange crystals emitting a constant, soft white light, illuminating the entire space as if it were day.

The first thing that caught his eye was a towering nine-story platform in the center of the space, cast entirely from some kind of dark gold metal!

The platform was pyramid-shaped, each level about a zhang high. The edges were carved with intricate cloud and thunder patterns, beast-face motifs, and dense, illegible Immortal Qin Ancient Seal Script.

Hovering at the top of the platform was a massive dark gold disc, neither metal nor jade, with a surface as smooth as a mirror. The disc rotated slowly, emitting vast and majestic fluctuations.

Centering on the platform, a massive Formation was engraved across the entire floor of the space according to some profound logic!

The lines of the Formation were also cast from dark gold metal and deeply embedded into the ground. The lines were as thick as water buckets, and inside, dim flickers of light seemed to crawl slowly.

At the nodes of the Formation stood various metal statues, each more exquisite and majestic than the "Golden Men" outside!

Some held halberds, some gripped swords, some held books, and some carried seals... They were like the most loyal guards, protecting the central platform. Though devoid of life, they emitted a heart-palpitating aura of slaughter.

Additionally, regular stone rooms were carved into the rock walls surrounding the space. Some stone doors were tightly shut, while others were already open, revealing the remains of smelting furnaces, forging tables, and various strange tools and semi-finished metal components.

This place was clearly a comprehensive base integrating mining, smelting, forging, and even Puppet manufacturing!

“So this is the core of the Immortal Qin mine here...” Gao De was shocked.

He could feel that while the massive Formation on the ground was dormant, the energy contained within was as vast as an ocean. Once activated, its power would be unimaginable.

The central platform and that disc were undoubtedly the control hub of the entire base.

He did not rashly step onto the massive Formation on the floor, instead carefully scouting along the edge of the space first.

Most of the open stone rooms were empty; valuable items seemed to have been moved or destroyed long ago.

However, in a stone room labeled "Collection Room," he discovered a dozen Jade Slips scattered on the floor, covered in dust.

Sweeping his Divine Sense inside, the Jade Slips recorded a vast amount of information regarding the identification and smelting techniques of various metallic minerals, alloy recipes, and basic Puppet manufacturing and control principles. This strikingly included the simplified manufacturing blueprints for the "Undying Golden Men" outside!

Though they were only basics and from a long time ago—with many Materials no longer findable—the ingenuity of the concepts and techniques still opened Gao De's eyes, providing great inspiration for his path of Artifact Refining.

He also found some records regarding this base.

This place was named "Geng Metal Mine-Smelting Camp No. 73," belonging to the "Immortal Qin Empire Southern Suppression Armory." It primarily mined earth vein geng metal and associated Ores, smelting and forging them on-site to provide armaments and Puppet parts for the front lines.

The records ended before a certain "Great Change," followed by a complete blank.

“earth vein geng metal...” Gao De's eyes burned with heat.

This was an existence of a higher order than earth vein gold essence, a core material for refining top-tier metal-attribute Magic Treasures or even Spirit Treasures!

Since this was the core of the mine, there must be a storage!

He exited the Collection Room and turned his gaze toward the central platform once more.

The greatest secrets and Treasure Troves were clearly there.

However, just as he tried to approach the platform and his foot stepped onto the edge of that massive Formation—

“Buzz!”

The ground Formation of the entire space suddenly lit up!

It wasn't a full activation; instead, the Formation lines in the small area beneath his feet suddenly became brilliantly bright, emitting a strong sense of rejection and warning!

Simultaneously, the two metal statues holding halberds closest to him saw a crimson light snap on in their eye sockets. Their heads slowly turned, locking onto Gao De!

“Intruder, halt.” A cold, mechanical, and emotionless voice rang out from nowhere, echoing through the entire space. “Without an authorized body, corresponding ‘Verification Talisman,’ or ‘Military Rank,’ one may not approach the ‘Governing Profound Platform.’”

Someone was here? Or rather, it was the residual defense program of this Immortal Qin base!

Gao De's heart tightened, and he immediately stopped his advance, withdrawing his foot.

The red light in the eyes of the two statues dimmed accordingly, and they returned to stillness.

“How does one obtain access qualifications?” Gao De tried to communicate with his Divine Thought.

The cold voice rang out again: “Path One: Present a valid identity verification talisman from the ‘Immortal Qin Southern Suppression Armory.’

Path Two: Pass the basic assessment to obtain temporary ‘Artisan Status’ or military rank authority of ‘Corporal’ or higher.

Path Three: Break the Formation by force and destroy the core defense.

Warning: Path Three will trigger the base's highest-level counterattack. Survival probability is less than one percent.”

Assessment? Military rank? Gao De's mind raced.

Immortal Qin's System was indeed strict; even the authority of a mine-smelting base was so clearly delineated.

“I choose Path Two and apply for the basic assessment.” Gao De did not hesitate.

Forcing his way in was the worst choice; that Formation gave him an extremely dangerous feeling.

“Application accepted. Assessment content: Basic Aptitude inspection, combat power evaluation, and technical expertise assessment. Upon passing the assessment, corresponding temporary authority will be granted based on the evaluation results. If malicious intent is detected, immediate termination.” The Array Spirit's voice remained cold.

As the voice fell, the light of the Formation in front of Gao De flowed, condensing into three side-by-side light gates.

The first light gate was labeled “Aptitude,” the second “Combat Power,” and the third “Technique.”

“Please enter the assessment Secret Realms in order,” the Array Spirit added.

Gao De took a deep breath and glanced at the passage he came from; there was no sign of pursuers for now.

He stepped toward the first light gate.

Stepping into the “Aptitude” light gate, the scene before him changed, placing him in a void space.

A soft but irresistible light swept over his entire body.

“Race: Flood Dragon (Subspecies, Thunder-Fire attribute). Bloodline Purity: Upper-Middle. Bone Age: One hundred ninety-six years. Cultivation: Third-grade Peak. Comprehensive Evaluation: B-plus. Meets the basic Aptitude requirements for ‘Artisan Status’ or ‘Elite Soldier.’” The Array Spirit's voice rang out, carrying a trace of imperceptible fluctuation, seemingly slightly surprised by Gao De's race and Bloodline, but it quickly returned to calm.

Gao De felt slightly more at ease; a B-plus evaluation sounded decent.

Next, he entered the “Combat Power” light gate.

This time, three metal Puppets similar in design to those outside but a size smaller condensed in the space, all possessing second-grade Peak auras.

“Face three alone and remain undefeated for a hundred breaths, or defeat the Puppets, to pass the Corporal assessment,” the Array Spirit announced.

This posed no difficulty for Gao De.

He didn't even use his full strength, merely using Heaven-Confusing Illusionary Mist to interfere, coordinating with Prison Suppressing Thunder Domain to restrict them, and then using Violet Extreme Thunder Strike to pierce their cores. In less than thirty breaths, he had defeated all three Puppets while remaining completely unharmed.

“Combat Power Evaluation: Excellent. Far exceeds the standards of the same rank. Additional evaluation: Excels at crowd control and burst damage, with clear tactics.” The Array Spirit's voice was still as cold as a machine.

Finally was the “Technique” light gate.

This time, a virtual Artifact Refining table appeared along with several basic metal Materials.

“Based on your own strengths, refine a Magical Artifact. The grade is not limited, but you must demonstrate understanding and application of at least one of the three attributes: Metal, Fire, or Thunder. Time limit: One hour. If the examinee is not skilled, they may choose to forfeit.”

Artifact Refining? This was actually Gao De's forte; he completely ignored the option to forfeit mentioned by the Array Spirit.

After fusing the Suanni Bloodline, his understanding of Metal, Fire, and Thunder had significantly improved.

After a moment's thought, he decided to refine a small offensive Magical Artifact that fused the characteristics of the Purple Heaven Thunder Flame—the Thunder Flame Armor-Piercing Awl.

Using the “Red Copper Essence” from the virtual Materials as a base, he simulated his own Thunder Flame to temper and shape it, engraving simple runes that enhanced penetration and explosion.

The entire process was as smooth as flowing water. In less than half an hour, a three-inch long, entirely violet-gold Magical Artifact with a hint of hidden Thunder Flame at the tip was finished. Its grade reached the level of a High Grade Magical Artifact.

“Technique Evaluation: Fine. Possesses both creativity and practicality, with preliminary insights into multi-attribute Fusion and skilled refining techniques. Comprehensive Evaluation: Passed basic assessment. Total Rating: B-minus.”

Following the Array Spirit's voice, the three light gates vanished, and Gao De reappeared in the hall.

At the bottom of the central platform on the side facing him, the Formation lines flowed, opening a gap just wide enough for one person. Inside was a staircase leading to the interior of the platform.

“Assessment passed, comprehensive rating B-minus. Granted temporary authority: ‘Apprentice Artisan’ and ‘Elite Soldier Corporal’ of the Immortal Qin Southern Suppression Army. Access granted to the first level of the ‘Governing Profound Platform,’ including the ‘Military Merit Exchange’ and ‘Basic Archive.’ Stay duration: Twelve hours. May communicate with the Profound Platform core via intent to query exchangeable items and permissions.”

Apprentice Artisan? Elite Soldier Corporal? Twelve hours? Gao De understood; this was likely Immortal Qin's temporary status and trial period for newly recruited talents.

He no longer hesitated, quickly walking up the stairs and into the interior of the platform.

The space on the first level inside the platform was not large, but it was still dozens of times larger than it appeared from the outside; another spatial Formation must have been deployed.

In the center hovered a smaller dark gold mirror, seemingly from the same source as the massive disc at the top.

Beside the mirror stood two rows of metal bookshelves, holding many Jade Slips and thin metal sheets.

Gao De first walked to the mirror and sank his intent into it.

Ripples appeared on the mirror's surface, manifesting rows of clear text and a few images—it was exactly the “Military Merit Exchange List.”

However, most entries were grayed out, displaying “Insufficient Authority” or “Out of Stock.”

Only a few items were lit:

【earth vein geng metal】 (Standard portion, one catty): Requires 500 Military Merit points. Exchangeable with Apprentice Artisan/Corporal authority. Stock: 3 portions.

【Standard Magical Artifact · Armor-Piercing Crossbow】 (Third-grade Low Grade): Requires 300 Military Merit points. Exchangeable with Corporal authority. Stock: 5 units.

【Basic Puppet Control Technique · Volume One】: Requires 100 Military Merit points. Exchangeable with Artisan authority. Stock: 1 copy.

【Immortal Qin Basic Artifact Refining Outline · Metal-Fire Volume】: Requires 80 Military Merit points. Exchangeable with Artisan authority. Stock: 1 copy.

【Healing Medicinal Pill · Golden Sore Pill】 (Third-grade): Requires 30 Military Merit points per bottle. Stock: 10 bottles.

Military Merit... he currently had zero.

How to obtain Military Merit? Gao De tried asking the mirror.

The information on the mirror changed: “Methods to obtain Military Merit: 1. Complete base-issued missions (none currently).

2. Hand over valuable Materials, intelligence, or technology.

3. Kill hostile units (verification required).

4. Pass higher-level assessments to increase military rank and unlock mission authority.”

Hand over Materials? Gao De thought for a moment and tried to upload some of the metal-attribute Yao Beast Materials he killed outside, as well as some basic content from the Jade Slip copies he just obtained in the Collection Room, through the mirror.

The mirror's light swept over them and quickly gave feedback: “Several third-grade Yao Beast Materials, evaluated value: 80 Military Merit points. Basic smelting and Puppet knowledge already possessed, evaluated value: 0 Military Merit points. Total Military Merit obtained: 80 points.”

Only eighty points!

One portion of earth vein geng metal cost five hundred!

Gao De frowned slightly.

However, the 【Healing Medicinal Pill · Golden Sore Pill】 and 【Immortal Qin Basic Artifact Refining Outline · Metal-Fire Volume】 could be exchanged.

Gao De then took out several Human Race Cultivation Techniques he had acquired and handed them over, finally scraping together 260 Military Merit points.

He decisively spent the Military Merit to exchange for three things: two Jade Slips and the Medicinal Pills.

As the Jade Slips came into his hand, he swept them with his Divine Sense. The content was much more systematic and in-depth than those in the Collection Room, especially the Puppet Control Technique. Although it was only a fragment, it contained basic methods on how to use Divine Sense imprints to preliminarily control ownerless low-rank Puppets, as well as how to maintain and recharge them—exactly what he might need right now!

He kept the remaining fifty Military Merit points for now.

Next, he walked to the nearby bookshelves.

The Jade Slips and metal sheets in the “Basic Archive” mostly recorded Immortal Qin's general laws, military organization common sense, basic cultivation methods, and Yunzhou geography and local customs. Their value was relatively average, but they helped him understand this mysterious ancient Dynasty of Immortal Qin.

Just as he was quickly browsing these records, the entire platform suddenly shook slightly!

Faint sounds of booming and fighting came from outside!

“Warning! Unauthorized units detected attacking the outer defenses and attempting to breach the passage to enter the core area. Defense System partially activated,” the Array Spirit's cold voice rang out. “Apprentice Artisan and Corporal ‘Gao De,’ a temporary defense mission is now issued: Assist in base defense, repel or eliminate intruders. Mission Reward: Military Merit settlement based on kill contribution. Do you accept?”

Gao De's eyes narrowed!

The people from the Rong Family and Heavenly Sword Alliance, along with those Golden Men, had fought their way in?

After a brief thought, he immediately responded: “Accept mission!”

Rather than being cornered here, it was better to take the initiative. By utilizing his familiarity with the terrain and the potential assistance from Puppets, he could deal with the pursuers and earn Military Merit!

“Mission accepted. Temporary command authority of some low-rank Puppets granted, limit of five, primarily third-grade. Please proceed to the ‘Armory’ on the east side of the first level to collect basic standard equipment and head to the interception zone.” Just as the Array Spirit finished speaking, a wall on the east side of the first level slid open, revealing a small room. Inside hung several pieces of standard leather armor, sabers, swords, and crossbows; though they were only at the level of Magic Treasures, their craftsmanship was exquisite.

Gao De didn't touch those pieces of equipment; they weren't of much use to him.

What he cared about more was the command authority over those five Puppets.

Using the methods from the newly acquired 《Basic Puppet Control Technique · Fragmented Volume》 and coordinating with the authority temporarily granted by the Array Spirit, his Divine Sense quickly established a weak connection with five third-grade halberd-wielding Golden Men scattered across the Formation nodes at the edge of the core area.

“Very good...” A cold light flashed in Gao De's eyes.

He quickly planned an interception route, then turned and charged toward the direction of the passage he came from without hesitation!

The core treasures of the Immortal Qin abandoned mine, especially the earth vein geng metal, were close at hand but required Military Merit to exchange.

And that Military Merit was right on those intruders!