224: Calcination of Longevity

A torrent of data flashed in his eyes. Under Qin Jin's gaze, mysterious halos made of special symbols rose from Candle Kite's body. Silently, Candle Kite's clothes changed into a formal suit.

Evidently, this was a form of transmission, or perhaps an arrival; the main body had taken over the clone.

However, unlike the full arrival in the Weiyang Star System, this was more like a transfer of consciousness.

Under Qin Jin's watchful eye, Candle Kite's eyes closed for several breaths, then opened, her gaze completely different.

She looked forward and smiled slightly, "Qin Jin, hello."

"Hello."

Qin Jin replied.

The Candle Kite clone, who often interacted with Qin Jin and traveled with him, had a very lively personality. Qin Jin had also encountered the [serious] Candle Kite in the academy. Each Candle Kite clone had a distinct personality, excelling in a particular aspect.

In contrast, the main consciousness that had now descended into the clone was more like a collection of all Candle Kite clones' personalities. If not for her illusory form, countless people would probably mistake her for a living person, perhaps even more human than humans.

Thoughts flashed through Qin Jin's mind.

In front of him, Candle Kite raised her hand and lightly touched the void. The terminal on Qin Jin's arm vibrated slightly, and above the terminal, a progress bar appeared and quickly filled.

"On my way here, I've already organized the exclusive courses you need."

"From now on, you can learn progressively."

After the main body descended, Candle Kite's voice also changed slightly, becoming gentler. The torrent of data flashing in her eyes never stopped, as if she was still confirming other information, and at the same time, she said, "Qin Jin, since you want to dabble in formations, the first thing you need to do is understand their origin."

Qin Jin listened intently.

Candle Kite's main consciousness had descended, clearly to conduct the first lesson directly. Under Qin Jin's gaze, she raised her hand and lightly tapped the void, and a picture appeared: "The origin of formations within the Federation dates back to the ancient times of the Ancestral Star. In history, large battlefields in the cold weapon era were often clashes between military formations."

"On the battlefield, whichever side's [formation] did not break would gain the advantage."

As she spoke, relevant images flashed by, showing two armies on an ancient battlefield, deploying formations and engaging in combat.

"To this day, military formations still exist, and after continuous iteration, they have truly become one of the application directions of [Supernatural Formations], widely used in the military, capable of achieving effects such as [Unity of the Masses]."

She spoke eloquently, then changed her tone, "From the mundane to the supernatural, just like the Federation's Martial Path, the Federation first obtained information related to Supernatural Formations from the [Civilization Legacy] that truly allowed the Federation to step into the Star Sea."

"However, what truly allowed the Federation to soar in this regard and delve deeper was the Star Sea itself."

"Star Sea?"

"Exactly."

Candle Kite nodded gently, "The boundless Star Sea contains countless special zones. Many places are inherently unique and can themselves be called [formations]."

"This gave the Federation countless inspirations, allowing it to continuously break through on this path and derive countless directions."

"Take Martial Artists as an example."

Her voice was long and drawn out, "Federation Martial Gods, when piloting civilization-level treasure mechs, can even achieve a leap in combat power across major realms, from the Eighth Realm directly to the Ninth Realm."

"The supernatural technology contained within also bears the shadow of formations."

Qin Jin understood.

"Among the routes you will travel alone this time, there are such natural places related to formations. After you truly come into contact with formations, they will bring you different inspirations."

Inside the starship, one person spoke, one person listened, one person taught, one person learned.

As the artificial intelligence of Martial Abyss, Candle Kite deserved the title of truly knowledgeable and was also the best teacher. During her narration, she constantly cited examples and gave elaborations, allowing Qin Jin to understand as quickly as possible.

The content she taught was complex, as the essence of [formations] is continuous accumulation, requiring ample knowledge. However, the comprehension boosted by the Enlightenment Treasure Art was not limited to cultivation alone, and Qin Jin understood extremely quickly, which could be described as complementary.

The sailing boat sailed through the Star Sea.

After leaving the starfield where the Tianhuang Star window was located, the surroundings gradually became lively, and one could often see the dazzling streams of light left by starships warping through the Star Sea. The directional navigation had been confirmed, with the target pointing directly to the Myriad Phenomena Star System.

Inside the starship.

Qin Jin focused intently, absorbing and digesting all the information he had acquired.

Time passed.

Unconsciously, at a certain moment, Candle Kite's voice underwent a subtle change.

As if waking from a dream, Qin Jin looked forward. Candle Kite's attire had returned to its original state, and a lively smile hung on her face. Meeting his gaze, she quickly said, "The main body has already transmitted the organized courses to me."

"Captain, our daily study time will increase a bit from now on, to allow ample time for this course."

"Okay."

After nodding in agreement, he mused, "What was that just now?"

Having been completely immersed just now, he hadn't noticed, but now that the study was over, he clearly perceived that he had been exceptionally focused, completely undisturbed by external factors.

"That is a kind of Supernatural Formation that can cleanse the mind and make people more calm and focused."

The smile on Candle Kite's face grew wider, "Cultivation rooms above a certain level often have similar Supernatural Formations. The cultivation room within the sailing boat also possesses it, but after the main body descended, its effect was infinitely enhanced."

"So that's how it is."

Qin Jin nodded gently.

Although he was just beginning to learn about formations, he must have already encountered many formations inadvertently while studying at Martial Abyss, a top-tier Federation academy.

"Let's travel at full speed."

"Candle Kite, you will plan the specific course progress."

"Leave it to me."

Candle Kite replied, patting her chest.

After the study time ended, Candle Kite flashed and went to the cockpit.

Qin Jin, after eating, went to the lounge.

"There's more than just the Federation's channels for learning about formations."

His thoughts were clear. As he took out his badge and entered his portable base, his mind raced, "In the ancient lands of the Great Wilderness, there should also be places containing formations that I can explore and understand. Besides that, if necessary, perhaps I can visit Abbot Su and seek his guidance."

"However, this would require me to have accumulated a certain amount of related knowledge myself before it would be appropriate to do so."

"From a high vantage point, a casual word from such a person might contain profound meaning. If I don't have enough accumulation, I won't be able to understand it at all and will only waste the opportunity."

Inside the portable base, all the noise from the outside world was blocked.

Qin Jin let out a long breath, suppressing the distracting thoughts in his mind, and called up his professional panel.

The next instant, his figure disappeared, heading to the Great Wilderness, a place he hadn't visited for a while... outside Lei Yu Star.

After the anomaly that day, the Observer Fleet no longer remained in stealth but actively revealed itself, cooperating with the re-established ground communication team to record everything moment by moment.

To this day, the amount of relevant data and information is countless, constantly updating and synchronizing.

In the observation hall of the flagship.

Tang Qian sat in his seat, with constantly flashing information screens in front of him. The information inside was complex, and centered around him was a ring of data-composed halos, appearing to be performing rigorous calculations.

Just then, his movements stopped, and he opened his mouth slightly, as if transmitting a message to someone else. Before long, several figures in uniform arrived.

Tang Qian rose from his seat, and with a slight thought, screens appeared before the few people. He said in a deep voice, "Have you found the root and direction of these data changes?"

"Not yet confirmed."

After careful review, someone replied, "The changes in Lei Yu Star this time are extremely peculiar. These data changes indicate that the space inside Lei Yu Star is currently unstable. According to our preliminary judgment, Lei Yu Star should be undergoing an [expansion]."

"Looking at precedents from other Gaia Planets, planetary expansion is normal during the ascension process, but Lei Yu Star's extremely short duration makes it seem strange."

"I'm afraid it's not just a simple expansion."

Tang Qian's expression became stern, "Contact headquarters and retrieve the archived data of Buzhou Star. We need to reference it."

"Buzhou Star?"

"Manager Tang, do you mean?"

"Rather than expansion, it's more like a transformation. The entire Lei Yu Star is undergoing a transformation in a certain direction, and expansion is merely a secondary effect."

"Among the Federation's Gaia Planets, the only one with reference significance is Buzhou Star."

"Go and act."

"Yes!"

The few people left quickly. Tang Qian looked at the screen that was monitoring the planet's exterior in real-time.

When the anomaly first occurred, Lei Yu Star was shrouded in dark clouds, appearing dim.

Now, the dark clouds had long dispersed, but Lei Yu Star's overhead view from the Star Sea was even more peculiar. The entire planet's surface was like splashed ink, stained with various colors, appearing extremely strange.

"Buzhou Star, Lei Yu Star."

Tang Qian watched all this, muttering to himself, "Will this be the Federation's second special Gaia Planet?"

No one answered the question in his heart.

Buzhou Star, the capital planet of the Myriad Phenomena Star System, the true governing core of the Federation.

This was the first Gaia Planet controlled by the Federation, and also the most special one, because in its continuous ascension process, its appearance no longer even resembled a [planet].

The round-sky-square-earth shaped Buzhou Star was more like a super-giant continental wonder in the Star Sea... Great Wilderness, Si Huo Tribe.

After Qin Jin appeared, he could clearly feel that the space of the Sacrificial Spirit Hall was wider, and the spiritual energy within was even more abundant.

Change was the main theme of every anomalous place.

The Sacrificial Spirit Hall was located in the center of the Tribe, yet it was quite peaceful. The entire Si Huo Tribe, however, was bustling with activity, a scene of busyness.

It was clear that no major events had occurred recently.

A person's name, a tree's shadow. After Qin Jin truly made a move and eliminated a Sacrificial Spirit, his combat power was displayed, his [origin] was displayed, and no surrounding Tribe dared to provoke the "Dragon Whisker" at this time.

His consciousness projected outwards, and Qin Jin saw that the number of fierce beasts tamed by the Tribe had increased, and there were even [aerial units], clearly, the bird-taming method from the Iron Tooth Tribe had played a role.

A scene of prosperity.

After confirming that there was nothing amiss, Qin Jin gathered his thoughts.

"It will also take some time to travel from the border to the core Star System."

"Perfect, I'll focus on cultivation during this time. After undergoing the baptism of rules, I was already just one step away."

"Then, before reaching my destination in the Myriad Phenomena Star System, I will complete the eighth transformation!"

As his thoughts swirled, Qin Jin summoned the Abyssal Dragon, stepped onto it, and ascended into the sky, arriving above the Abyssal Dragon.

It was already common for his super-mech to undergo spiritual energy baptism during his cultivation.

Sitting cross-legged, with his eyes slightly closed, above Qin Jin, the Eternal Cave Heaven appeared!

Black and white colors moved within, their speed continuously increasing. In an instant, around the Longevity Divine Tree, a black and white storm coiled, sweeping through the Cave Heaven, refining the Cave Heaven.

The fruits on the Longevity Divine Tree continuously swayed.

At the same time.

Qin Jin multitasked, sitting cross-legged. At this moment, as the primordial power circulated, it drove changes in the domain. In a few breaths, the domain appeared, actually taking shape externally, forming the appearance of a furnace. Flames flickered within, and Qin Jin seemed to be in the midst of a furnace fire.

Observing the appearance of this furnace, it was strikingly similar to the Divine Martial Furnace.

The external furnace forged his body, while his chest rose and fell internally.

This was also one of Qin Jin's gains on Tianhuang Star.

His continuously integrated and organized Breathing Method also began to initially possess the characteristics of the Heavenly Azure Method.

Below, the furnace forged his body.

Above, the storm tempered the Divine Tree.

Proceeding simultaneously, on two fronts, within this Sacrificial Spirit Hall, it created a unique scene of cultivation.

At this moment, if someone with extraordinary means were to record this scene and pass it down to future generations, it could already be listed as a visualization diagram for future generations to contemplate and comprehend the mysteries of cultivation!

Furnace fire forges longevity... The journey continued.

After leaving Tianhuang Star, Qin Jin's cultivation place was mainly in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall.

Occasionally, he would travel to [ancient lands] for inspiration.

For his own cultivation, cultivating in the Great Wilderness was more comprehensive and effective.

Just today, after finishing his cultivation and returning to the Star Sea, Candle Kite extracted a special email, projecting it as a light screen in front of Qin Jin.

The email's sender was Tang Qian.

Inside, Tang Qian introduced his current identity and position, then explained the current changes in Lei Yu Star to Qin Jin.

As a Star God Chosen, Qin Jin was the closest person to the Lei Yu Watcher in the Federation, so he naturally had the right to understand all of this.

At the end of the email, Tang Qian also mentioned that when Qin Jin returned to his hometown, he hoped that he could ask the Star God about the root cause of the changes on Lei Yu Star to see if he could gain any insights.

When dealing with the Federation's most important allies in the Star Sea, the Federation often adopted a softer stance—thunderous against enemies, gentle with friends. Moreover, although the Lei Yu Watcher had not existed for long, it had already shown infinite possibilities. Therefore, they chose to let Qin Jin communicate and were not in a hurry.

"Lei Yu Star has indeed changed."

This information undoubtedly confirmed Qin Jin's conjecture when he was on Tianhuang Star. Coupled with various detailed contents in the data, as well as image and video materials from inside and outside Lei Yu Star, Qin Jin immediately analyzed the reason after reviewing it.

"Venerable Observer has made significant breakthroughs in the Immortal Dynasty's true scriptures."

"Tian Cang cultivators, while cultivating, are also cultivating the heavens and earth."

"Venerable Observer is not of the human race, but with supreme means, it oversees the cultivation path. This is a change that should have occurred within the Spirit Ruins' heavens and earth, but it manifested on Lei Yu Star due to its continuous attempts?"

"After all, the connection between a planet and a Star God is far superior, a true coexistence."

"As Lei Yu Star continues to change, and as Venerable Observer's research deepens, will it gradually become a [Sacred Land of Cultivation] for the Heavenly Azure Method? Or will other changes occur, transforming from a planet... gradually into [Heaven and Earth]?"

Thoughts raced in his mind.

He was undoubtedly happy to see this step.

As Venerable Observer's research deepened, and as he continued to climb the ranks in the future, encountering difficulties, he would have the best teacher to guide him.

"Just a clone going to the Great Desolate has yielded such gains and has even brought me help."

"Once the Observer clone returns from the true world outside the restrictions and transmits information to Venerable Observer's main body, perhaps Venerable Observer will make a great leap forward as a result."

"Even a deity is diligently researching; how can I be negligent?"

After a brief reply, Qin Jin closed the communication and continued his cultivation.

He would give the Federation an accurate answer, but only after returning home and communicating with Venerable Observer.

Traveling from the Liuli Star System to the Myriad Phenomena Star System required passing through several star systems. The sailing boat traveled, occasionally stopping for resource replenishment. Today, after passing through a warp star gate, Qin Jin arrived at the Rainbow Ring Star System.

The Rainbow Ring Star System is connected to the Myriad Phenomena Star System. The central area of the entire star system is filled with strange particle storms, making it impossible to penetrate, a veritable forbidden zone in the Star Sea. Due to the influence of the particle storms, when viewed on a star map, the entire star system resembles a giant star ring emitting rainbow light, hence its name.

The actual habitable star domain of the entire star system is relatively small, but due to the special nature of the star system, many life planets have appeared, and there is also a scene of prosperity.

Upon arriving here, after several transfers through the star gate network, one could enter the core area of the Federation.

Candle Kite piloted the starship forward.

Qin Jin, however, had already entered seclusion.

In the cultivation room of his portable base, he sat cross-legged, his expression calm, as if constantly brewing something.

At a certain moment.

The calm aura was broken, like a sheathed sword being drawn, its sharpness fully displayed. As the sharp aura flickered, the built-in barrier in the cultivation room was activated, blocking it from the outside.

Beside Qin Jin.

The Weapon Forging Manual was operating. In Qin Jin's spiritual world, the secret scroll of the Weapon Forging Manual unfolded. Strange power flowed out from it, and around Qin Jin, shadows of weapons formed from power condensed, appearing in different forms and constantly evolving, their numbers piling up.

As time passed, when the last weapon appeared, the sound of clashing weapons resonated. In an instant, they swarmed towards Qin Jin, cutting through everything in their path, moving forward relentlessly.

At the same time.

Qin Jin's expression was solemn, his sharpness fully displayed, without reservation, his aura soaring to the sky.

With one weapon, he faced ten thousand weapons.

For ordinary Martial Artists, transformation is a natural progression.

But how could the Weapon Forging Manual, as a secret transmission of a Martial God, be an ordinary item? The secret scroll itself, imprinted in the spiritual world, also had other uses.

Martial Artists who cultivate this secret record can use the Weapon Forging Manual to complete the final step when approaching transformation.

A weapon smith naturally knows when a weapon is complete.

All ten thousand weapons arrived, striking before him. Qin Jin did not dodge or evade; his domain unfolded, revealing weapons within it.

The next instant!

Ten thousand weapons against one.

The Weapon Forging Manual forges divine weapons, and since they are divine weapons, they must be invincible!

Shadows of weapons slammed into the domain, shattering, but quickly re-condensing. Some were directly bounced back, only to return again. Although everything appeared illusory, the substantive sounds of clashing weapons constantly resonated. In this process, Qin Jin clearly perceived that his blood was surging, his primordial power was boiling, and the last bit of disparity was rapidly being filled.

As this continued, at a certain moment, after a weapon shadow shattered and re-condensed, it no longer attacked. Instead, its tip lowered slightly, and it paused.

Next, this scene was repeatedly reenacted.

All ten thousand weapons bowed their heads.

In the instant they bowed, the sharpness within all the weapon shadows dissipated, replaced by a strange, refined power that at this moment merged into the domain, aiding cultivation.

In the instant it joined.

Around Qin Jin, amidst the intertwining powers, another change occurred. It was neither a cocoon nor ten thousand weapons. As the power continuously evolved, it actually formed a forging furnace. Qin Jin was situated within it, like a weapon in the furnace.

The eighth transformation had begun!

Perhaps because he actively initiated the transformation with the Weapon Forging Manual, Qin Jin's perception of everything external was extremely keen. Looking at the evolving forging furnace, as thoughts raced through his mind, he actively made an attempt.

Everything he experienced on Tianhuang Star made him more exploratory and brave enough to try.

Within the Spirit Ruins, the Fire God opened its eyes. With a slight thought from Qin Jin, an extremely refined spiritual power, like a fiery thread, left his body and fell into the forging furnace.

In an instant, a raging fire ignited within the forging furnace, and the flames intensified.

As the transformation continued, Qin Jin acutely perceived his own improvement. Now, with the rising flames, the improvement was even more rapid, but along with the rapidity, Qin Jin also felt pain.

Attempting this during transformation was undoubtedly an extremely bold move.

After all, transformation is a process of becoming stronger, but before it ends, a Martial Artist is also in their weakest state. However... Qin Jin had many protective measures; his skill made him daring, so he boldly attempted it.

Initially, it was just a thread of fire, but after Qin Jin adapted, it continuously increased. The entire cultivation room was dyed in a red glow. As the weapon was forged in the furnace, the pain became increasingly severe, but Qin Jin rapidly adapted.

Time passed.

In the cultivation room, only the forging furnace and the firelight reflected within it could be seen.

At a certain moment.

Silently, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface of the forging furnace. After supporting itself for a few breaths, the forging furnace shattered with a roar!

The weapon was forged, the furnace broken!

The scattered furnace fragments transformed into pure beams of power, striking the internal barrier and creating layers of ripples. The color of the internal barrier rapidly deepened, providing defense.

Qin Jin also keenly noticed this. Without any hesitation, with a thought communication, his figure disappeared, heading towards the Great Desolate.

The moment he appeared in the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, the forging furnace, which had already begun to crumble, completely exploded. The scattered light beams struck the divine light of heaven and earth. Within the furnace was Qin Jin, radiating brilliant light all over. Now, his sharpness was fully revealed. As the surrounding light converged, he continuously sensed himself, his expression slightly solemn.

"During this transformation process, I seem to have quietly broken through a life limit, and the room for improvement from the eighth to the ninth transformation has directly increased."

This was undoubtedly an unexpected pleasant surprise.

Not only did the Heavenly Azure Method take effect during the transformation, but it was also because he was no longer breaking through the life limit for the first time. Once some boundaries are broken, subsequent attempts become simpler.

"Eighth transformation!"

Qin Jin stepped into the air, feeling the surging power within his body, a look of exhilaration on his face.

The moment of breaking through a realm is undoubtedly the most exhilarating time on the long path of cultivation.

Just then.

As powerful primordial energy surged, at this instant, some primordial energy was attracted by the Dao Foundation and drew closer.

"What is this?"

The primordial energy circling near the Dao Foundation moved and continuously increased. Qin Jin observed this step, his heart stirred, and he actively opened his Spirit Ruins.

It was as if an outlet had been created.

His own primordial energy, following the opening Qin Jin had created, rushed into the Spirit Ruins.

The substantially manifested primordial energy was translucent white. Upon entering the Spirit Ruins, it became unique, intertwining and merging with spiritual power, creating a wondrous reaction within the Spirit Ruins.

Some primordial energy delved deep into the Spirit Ruins, while others, carrying spiritual power, returned. In this continuous process, a cycle was gradually established.

Qin Jin intently observed these scenes.

After he allowed the primordial energy to enter the Spirit Ruins, everything was almost automatically completed, not guided by him.

"Is this the self-evolution of an extraordinary life?"

A thought arose in his mind.

Some lives are born frail, while others are born extraordinary, gaining countless abilities as they grow older.

Now, with continuous breakthroughs in life limits and the enhancement of his life essence, Qin Jin himself seemed to possess this characteristic.

"It might be more than that. My continuous attempts on Tianhuang Star have also deepened the connection between the two systems. After this transformation, I met the requirements, and now, everything has fallen into place, completing the final step."

Initially, the channel was narrow, like a trickling stream, but as primordial energy and spiritual power continuously interacted, the stream became a lake, then a river, then an ocean. With a thought, power surged from Qin Jin's fingertips, seemingly unremarkable, but if one sensed it carefully, they would perceive its formidable strength.

Because this was precisely the power generated by the confluence of spiritual power and primordial energy, and it could even be said to be Qin Jin's unique power!

Immediately after, a further change occurred.

As the powers continuously converged, Qin Jin clearly perceived that the growth rate of the Eternal Cave Heaven was accelerating.

This was not like the feedback to himself after opening a Cave Heaven; rather, it was as if the Eternal Cave Heaven, having stronger support, was accelerating its own growth.

The self is the root, the Spirit Ruins Cave Heaven is the branches and leaves. Only when the root is more solid can the branches and leaves flourish.

"The gains are immense."

He carefully savored his improvements; this feeling of constantly becoming stronger was somewhat captivating.

"The natural convergence of the two systems will be of great help to me in creating my own law in the future."

"This Martial Saint path is becoming smoother."

Thoughts churned, and the professional panel appeared. Qin Jin's gaze focused on it.

[Martial Artist: Grandmaster Realm]

[Primordial Index: 233542]

[Number of transformations: 7]

[Extraordinary transformation: 1]

As Qin Jin observed, the Primordial Index was still rapidly changing.

When primordial energy and spiritual power initially combined, he seemed to have completed some kind of limit-breaking.

"Continue cultivating."

The Eternal Cave Heaven hung in the sky, with even more fruits forming above. Qin Jin would not miss any opportunity for improvement. The sailing boat sailed, and after passing through the last star gate and traversing a long distance, the sailing boat arrived at its target star system.

The Myriad Phenomena Star System.

Although he had only visited two locations, Qin Jin already had some understanding of the martial saint map. The destinations within it were divided by star system. Their first stop in the Myriad Phenomena Star System was one of its Gaia Planets.

[Crystal Branch Star]

After entering the Myriad Phenomena Star System, navigation became even smoother. As the core of the Federation, its star gate network was extremely well-developed, not even requiring starships to perform self-warps.

Qin Jin was initially focused on cultivation, waiting to reach his destination.

However, an anomaly in his spiritual world interrupted his plan.

As they approached Crystal Branch Star, in his spiritual world, the Miracle Corridor keystone, which had been sealed for a considerable time, was unsealed again.

Unlike the previous test phase, which only had a dozen participants, this unsealing meant that the Miracle Corridor was officially opening in the Federation!