I can’t miss this great opportunity.” With that, Jared crossed his legs and sat in the middle of the arcane array. He merged with Dragonslayer Sword and absorbed the sword energy that gathered around him. All the torrents of sword energy were sucked into the arcane array before entering Jared’s body.
Astonishment washed over Sworder as he finally reached the depths of the lake. Before him loomed a colossal arcane array radiating a resplendent glow, voraciously drawing in the torrents of sword energy present within the lake. As a manifestation of sword energy himself, Sworder involuntarily trembled, caught in the gravitational pull of the arcane array.
Flustered, he exerted all his effort to resist the suctioning force exerted by the arcane array. If he succumbed and was drawn into its grasp, he would cease to exist, transmuted into innumerable streams of sword energy that would be absorbed into Jared’s being..
With utmost exertion, Sworder managed to break free from the relentless pull of the arcane array. A profound sense of despair engulfed him as he witnessed the inexorable fate
befalling the countless torrents of sword. energy being drawn away. After all, his very existence relied upon the flows of sword energy. If they vanished, and the lake, renowned for its ability to purify swords, lost its potency, Sworder would gradually fade away, for he was merely a spirit born of the sword energy itself.
Jared’s eyes were shut, and he had no idea what was going on in Sworder’s head. He was focused on absorbing the enormous amounts of sword energy within the sword-cleansing lake. At that very moment, Dragonslayer Sword began emitting a resounding hum as it vibrated within the heart of the arcane array.
Suddenly, a radiant burst of light materialized within the array, emanating a golden brilliance akin to the sun. The luminous glow soared high into the heavens before hurtling back to the earth with incredible velocity.
Boom! Consequently, the water from the sword- cleansing lake surged upward, propelled into the air. Simultaneously, within the depths of the arcane array nestled at the lake’s bottom, a radiant shard gradually ascended, departing from the sword-cleansing lake and soaring skyward.
Jared’s eyes snapped open as he glanced at the fragment floating away. He knew it was left behind by the person who set up the arcane array. Thus, he leaped into the air and went after the fragment. Seeing the fragment, both Sworder and Hammerhead burst out in surprise, “The smithing fragment!”
Jared had no idea what a smithing fragment was, but he reached out and grabbed it. In an instant, it became apparent to him that he held an ancient scroll adorned with intricate smithing techniques, its contents incomplete due to a missing fragment. As the tumultuous waters of the sword- cleansing lake calmed, Dragonslayer Sword departed from the arcane array, returning to Jared’s grasp.
Jared’s discerning gaze fell upon Dragonslayer Sword, noting that its once prominent cracks were now absent. Not only that, but the sword emanated a purer and more radiant glow than ever before, indicating a significant enhancement in its overall quality.
As Jared firmly grasped the hilt of Dragonslayer Sword, he could distinctly perceive powerful surges of sword energy coursing through its very core. Right then, Hammerhead approached Jared. His gaze was burning as he asked, “Jared, may I have the smithing fragment in your hands?”
Sworder also drew near to Jared, his eyes filled with excitement as he fixated on the smithing fragment. I’m astounded that the smithing. fragment was hidden within the depths of the sword cleansing lake. Despite my years of guardianship, I never uncovered its presence. With this smithing fragment, Divine Smithing Sect can reclaim its former magnificence!”
Jared’s expression transformed into one of surprise as he glanced at both Hammerhead and Sworder. “What exactly is a smithing fragment? This scroll merely contains partial smithing techniques. Is it truly of such great significance?”
“Jared, this smithing fragment is an invaluable treasure of Divine Smithing Sect. The whole reason our sect leader was abducted by our enemies was because they coveted this very fragment!” Hammerhead proceeded to reveal the historical background and immense significance of the smithing fragment to Jared.
Hearing that, Jared tossed the smithing fragment to Hammerhead. “Since this is ant invaluable treasure of Divine Smithing Sect, you can have it back. It has no use to me, anyway.”
