173: Thoughts on knife making and resource planning

Starfall Pavilion, Library Pavilion.

Tall bookshelves stood densely, and the air was filled with the unique scent of old scrolls and faint ink.

Li Ao was not in a hurry to look for profound Cultivation Techniques and Dou Techniques; instead, he walked straight towards the area that documented the continent's geography, mineral resources, forging, and miscellaneous studies.

Since that night when he confirmed the Dao of "Saber and Nirvana Unity" on the back mountain and initially created the [Silent Void Slash], a thought had become increasingly clear in his heart: he needed a brand new, life-bound weapon that could perfectly bear his Saber Intent and Nirvana Power.

The long saber he had used previously was already destroyed during the continuous battles in the Flame Abyss, and that kind of common iron simply could not withstand the incomparably overbearing power of the nirvana star core currently within him.

"To do a good job, one must first sharpen his tools." Li Ao's fingers brushed over rows of book spines, and an ancient maxim flashed through his mind.

As a Soul who Transmigrated from the modern era, he deeply understood that a suitable, or even custom-made, "tool" was far more important for maximizing his abilities than blindly raising his energy Rank without a goal.

He pulled out a thick volume titled "Continent Mineral Records," then took down a scroll titled "Rough Guide to Divine Weapon Forging," found a quiet corner, and began to read.

Most of the records in the books were superficial; the so-called "Divine Iron" and "Treasured Ores" mentioned, in his view, probably didn't even qualify to withstand the initial infusion of Nirvana Power.

His requirements were extremely high: Firstly, the Materials had to be tough enough to withstand the long-term erosion of Nirvana Power without being destroyed; secondly, it would be best if they had good affinity and conductivity for Nirvana Power or spatial power; furthermore, it would be even more ideal if they possessed certain innate characteristics, such as extreme cold, intense heat, or spatial fluctuations, to complement or balance the Nirvana Power.

"Alas, it seems the 'Materials Science' of this Fighting Qi Continent still relies too heavily on experience and individual Legacy, lacking systematic research and data support." Li Ao closed the scroll, rubbed his brow, and thought with some helplessness.

If he were in the modern era, he could easily simulate material properties via computer, analyze molecular structures, and find the optimal alloy formula. But here, everything relied only on the records of predecessors, the experience of the strong, and... luck.

"I must consult someone truly knowledgeable." Li Ao made up his mind. Teacher Yao Chen was experienced and knowledgeable, making him the primary consultant.

There was also Medusa; having led the Snake-People Clan for many years, she might have knowledge of rare mineral resources in the Western Region and even more distant areas.

Of course, he also had a boldest, and seemingly optimal, choice in his mind: the Ancient Void Dragon Clan.

Zi Yan, as the Dragon Emperor, led the Ancient Void Dragon Clan with its Legacy spanning countless years; their treasury certainly contained the continent's top forging Materials.

The "dragon emperors reverse scale" was, furthermore, the best choice he envisioned to serve as the core Dragon bone of the new saber!

However, asking Zi Yan for her reverse scale was absolutely no small matter. The reverse scale holds extraordinary significance for the Dragon Clan, concerning their dignity and foundation.

Even though his relationship with Zi Yan was quite close, this matter required careful long-term planning, seeking the appropriate time and reason.

"Let's take it step by step." Li Ao put down the scroll, his gaze deepening. "First, determine the Materials list, then use all the resources and contacts at hand to gather information."

"The trip to the Medicine Clan is imminent; a suitable weapon can greatly enhance my strength and confidence."

He did not linger in the Library Pavilion. After gaining basic knowledge, he got up and left. Knowledge is the foundation, but true resources must be obtained through strength and strategy.

Walking on the stone path of the Starfall Pavilion, Li Ao's mind was already sketching the vague form of his future weapon—it should not be a luxurious ornament, but a fierce weapon born purely for slaughter and destruction, simple, sharp, and restrained, yet capable of erupting with the terrifying power to sever and end everything the moment it is drawn.

"Perhaps... I could try refining a trace of spatial power into it as well?" A thought flashed through his mind. He recalled the leftover void crystal stone he had previously obtained, as well as the few words concerning space in the Nirvana Heavenly Scripture.

"Allowing the blade to not only sever matter but also cut space... the name 'silent ruin' perfectly fits this intention."

A concept that surpassed the conventional forging philosophy of this world began to quietly sprout in the heart of this Transmigrator. He wanted to not just forge a saber, but to forge an unprecedented, exclusive Saber of Nirvana for Li Ao.