True Immortal of the Netherworld

In the morning, the wind is sunny and sunny.

A group of young talents from the Ning Mansion came to the location of the family's sword furnace.

The sword furnace is located on a mountain ten miles north of Ningfu. Because the name of the founder of the Ning family has the word "wind" in it, the mountain was named "Zhufeng" mountain by later generations.

Zhufeng Mountain is the private land of Ning Mansion and is a place specially used for sword making. No one else is allowed to enter except for the swordsmiths of Ning Mansion.

The Ning Mansion made great achievements in forging swords for the royal family of the Kingdom of Wind, and generations of clan leaders were awarded the title of Sword Forger.

In this family sword-making competition, the patriarch of the Ning Mansion specially wore the three-color elegant uniform exclusive to the sword-making officer and presided over it in person.

The clan leader and deacon elders climbed onto the central command platform, where they could overlook the entire sword furnace.

Eighteen sword furnaces form a large semicircle with the high platform as the center.

Because the fire at the base of the sword furnace never goes out all the year round, the sword furnace is red, like a large string of red beads hanging on the mountainside.

The clan leader personally placed the Ning family flag at one end of the high platform, then walked to the center of the high platform and said:

“Today is the Swordsmith Selection Competition within our Ning Mansion, and the winner will represent the family in the Swordsmith Competition in the Kingdom of Wind.

I hope that all young people participating in the competition will use their best sword-making skills and not miss this rare opportunity.

This time in the National Swordsmith Competition, our Ning family was a little unlucky and only got one spot. "

After hearing the patriarch's words, the crowd in the audience started talking.

"It turns out there is only one quota, which is too few. In previous years, there were only three or five quotas."

"If there is only one spot, it must be Ning Yu."

"The most important thing for a swordsmith is fire control. When it comes to fire control, no one else is enough in front of Ning Yu."

"Ning Yu is the only one born with nine spiritual veins in our Ning family in the past hundred years. Usually those with spiritual veins reaching six are considered geniuses, and Ning Yu is a genius among geniuses."

"How can the rest of us compete? Originally, I wanted to give it a try and compete for the top five. Looking at it now, it's completely hopeless."

The clan leader waved his hand, and the crowd became quiet.

"I went to the Bai family in Beicheng a few days ago. The Bai family agreed to give us a quota that originally belonged to them, so we have two quotas. In other words, this time the best two will be selected in the preliminary round. I personally represent our Ning family."

When everyone heard the clan leader's words, they started talking again.

"Okay now, there is one more spot. We supporting actors who didn't have a chance can compete for it."

"Ning Yu occupies one spot, and others will fight for the remaining spot."

The commotion in the audience was seen by the patriarch on the stage.

The clan leader nodded slightly and said:

"I used one hundred thousand wind spirit stones and a quota for the coming year as a bargaining chip to trade back a quota from the Bai family in Beicheng. The purpose is to give everyone a chance to participate. Swordsmith selection is not just a competition. It’s more of a festival, a festival that belongs to the sword-making family.”

There was a burst of applause from the audience.

The clan leader turned to look at the elder deacon and asked in a low voice: "Who do you think will take these two quotas today?"

The elder deacon thought for a while and said: "In terms of talent, Ning Yu naturally comes out on top among all the contestants. If nothing else happens, he will have an exclusive spot. I can't say for the remaining spot."

The patriarch asked again: "What do you think of Ning Tian?"

The elder deacon shrugged and said, "Ning Tian works very hard to practice sword-making, but he has no talent at all. To be honest, I don't think highly of him."

The patriarch smiled slightly and said: "You are telling the truth. Generally speaking, if a person's success requires 10% of the foundation, then 90% of the effort is not as good as 10% of the talent. But I would like to see more, Those who work hard will be rewarded, which is why I strive for the second spot. Spring is not when a single flower is alone, but spring is when the garden is full of flowers.”

The elder deacon nodded repeatedly and said: "The patriarch has good intentions. Only the younger generation of my Ning family can keep the family prosperous."

Off stage.

Ning Yu stood in the front row of the crowd, dressed in blue brocade, quite conspicuous, and he could clearly hear the words of the people around him.

"Ahem," Ning Yu made a deliberate sound, then raised her collar with her hands, holding her head high and chest high, like a proud rooster.

Ning Yu glanced at the surrounding crowd with the corner of her eyes, a hint of pride curled up at the corner of her mouth, thinking:

"In the next sword-making competition, I will let you idiots see the difference between genius and mediocrity on the spot. Being able to compete with me, Ning Yu, is already a compliment to you."

Among the elegant uniforms dedicated to swordsmiths, blue represents the status of a first-grade swordsmith, while the second-grade and third-grade swordsmiths below have red and green costumes respectively.

Further down are the substitute swordsmiths, regardless of rank, who can only wear elegant clothes of other colors, usually brightly colored ones.

Standing behind Ning Yu is an assistant wearing gray elegant clothes, it is the inconspicuous Ning Tian.

When the eyes of the surrounding crowd fell on Ning Yu, Ning Tian also cast envious glances.

"Ning Yu, this time in the family competition, you have to be the first. I really envy you. My current rank is just a trainee sword-making attendant. This time I have the honor to be your assistant. I will do my best." Ning Tian spoke his mind.

Ning Yu turned around and said:

"Ning Tian, ​​you are right, the first place is naturally mine. However, in the next sword-making competition, what I want you to do is not to go all out, but to stay out of the way. You are born without touch, A waste that cannot feel temperature is destined to never become a good swordsmith in this life."

When Ning Tian heard these words, he blushed and lowered his head, feeling unconvinced, but what the other party said was true.

Ning Yu gave a fake smile and said:

"Ning Tian, ​​I just said that, can't you be angry? Don't be petty, your face is red. I was just joking with you. Of all the people here, you and I are the only two direct descendants of the Ning Mansion. "Pulse, in terms of age, you are the elder brother. I just turned eighteen last month, and you are already twenty-three years old."

Ning Tian smiled awkwardly and thought to himself: "Twenty-three years old may be still young for a swordsmith. But for a trainee swordsmith, he is indeed an old guy."

Ning Yu patted Ning Tian's shoulder with her hand and said:

"Brother Ning Tian, ​​when I make swords, you will stay very close to me. If you are cunning enough, oh, no, smart enough, you can secretly learn 10% of my sword-making skills, and that will be enough. You’ve been using it your whole life. Others don’t have this opportunity.”

Ning Tian nodded and clasped his fists: "Thank you, brother Ning Yu, for your kindness. I will learn from you seriously."

Ning Yu curled her lips and smiled and said, "That's right."

Ning Yu turned around and ignored Ning Tian behind her. She sneered at the corner of her mouth and thought to herself:

"Ning Tian, ​​Ning Tian, ​​you are such an idiot. Do you really think you can learn anything from me? With your useless skills, even if I teach you step by step, I'm afraid you won't be able to learn even half of my sword-making skills. . Although we are both direct descendants of the Ning family, we are still in a competitive relationship. Of course, you are not qualified to compete with me."

Since there were two places, all the participants started gearing up.

Next, the deacons and elders of Ning Mansion spoke.

"I am going to announce the rules of this swordsmith competition next. All contestants please listen carefully."

The scene suddenly became quiet, and almost everyone pricked up their ears and widened their eyes. Only Ning Yu hugged her shoulders with her hands, lowered her head and closed her eyes, as if taking a nap.

"This sword-making competition adopts a points system. It will be scored from five aspects: the time it takes to make the sword, the difficulty of the finished product, the degree of completion of the finished product, the technique of making the sword, and the control of the fire spirit. The full score for each item is ten points. The first place will get ten points, the second place will get nine points, and so on, the tenth place will get one point, and no points will be given to the tenth place. The higher the total of the five points, the higher the ranking."

"The time limit for making swords is three hours. If you fail to complete it within the stipulated time, all points will be cancelled."

"At the end of the time, only those who cast qualified finished products will be considered successful."

"The furnace mouth used by every swordsmith is the same, and the basic fire in the furnace mouth is the flame caused by the earth's veins. But to refine a high-quality spirit sword, the contestant needs to use the fire spirit he carries for catalysis."

"The sword blanks are also prepared by the contestants themselves. The grade of the sword blank can affect the grade of the finished product, but the higher the grade of the sword blank, the more likely it is to fail. Choosing the one that suits you is the best choice."

"Finally, it is important to note that sword-making involves great risks. If an accident occurs, the clan leader and I have the right to suspend the game. Personal safety is always our top priority."

"I have informed everyone of the rules of the Sword Forging Competition. Now the contestants can enter the furnace mouth in the order of the draw. Please make preparations carefully. In half an hour, the Sword Forging Competition will officially begin."

All eighteen furnace openings of the sword furnace were quickly occupied by participants.

Each group consists of two people, a swordsmith and a swordsmith squire.

A group headed by Ning Yu and assisted by Ning Tian entered the No. 9 furnace mouth.

Ning Tian carefully cleaned around the furnace mouth and made a detailed inspection, and then solemnly reported:

"For the swordsmith, the area around furnace mouth No. 9 has been cleaned, and the furnace base and furnace base have been inspected and are running well."

Ning Yu looked indifferent and said:

"I understand. The game lasts three hours. I slept a little late last night and was a little sleepy. I'll take a nap first. Don't disturb me. Three hours is a waste of time for me. One hour, You can forge a great sword."

After speaking, Ning Yu pointed at her feet.

Ning Tian didn't understand what the other party meant and said, "Swordsmith, do you need me to do anything?"

Ning Yu's face sank and she said:

"Brother Ning Tian, ​​didn't I tell you? I want to take a nap. Although the place is clean, the ground is a bit cold after all. Please squat here and use it as a temporary stool for me so that I can sleep more comfortably."

Ning Tian said: "Ning Tian obeys the order. When we arrive at the sword-making field, the attendant's duty is to cooperate with the sword-smith unconditionally. I can do it."

Ning Tian hugged his knees with his hands and squatted on the ground. Ning Yu sat on his back with her face turned away, supporting her chin with one hand, closing her eyes and falling asleep.

Half an hour later, the sword-making competition officially began.

The swordsmiths sent the fire spirits they carried into the furnace mouth. Soon, flames of various colors rose one after another at each furnace mouth.

In the stands, the deacons and elders carefully monitored the conditions of all furnace mouths.

The elder deacon said:

"The No. 1 furnace mouth introduced the third-grade Owl Tiger Fire Spirit. The No. 2 furnace mouth introduced the second-grade Earth Snake Fire Spirit. The No. 3 furnace mouth introduced the third-grade Fire Scorpion Fire Spirit.... ..

Except for Ning Yu at the No. 9 furnace mouth, everyone else successfully injected the fire spirit and successfully activated the furnace mouth. "

The elder deacon stared in the direction of No. 9 furnace mouth and said doubtfully:

"I wonder what Ning Yu is doing? Sitting on Ning Tian's back to rest? Others have started to forge swords."

When the clan leader heard the report from the deacon elder, his gaze also fell in the direction of the No. 9 stove. He narrowed his eyes slightly, then stroked his beard with his hand and said:

"Ning Yu is a child with extraordinary talents. He has behaved differently from others since he was a child. On the surface, he appears to be perverse and independent, but in fact, he is very thoughtful. He is not sleeping, but quietly stimulating his own spiritual veins. If you look closely, his Tianling Cap There is a slightly chaotic spiritual energy flow above."

Upon hearing this, the elder deacon turned his hand into a sword and pointed it at the eyebrow arch of his left eye. There was a flame beating in the pupil of his left eye. After observing it for a while, he said:

"It was only after I used the Flame Eyes that I could see clearly that there was indeed a ball of fire-attributed spiritual power lingering on Ning Yu's Heavenly Spirit Cap. But why?"

The clan leader explained: "The other fire spirits at the furnace mouth are all second-grade and third-grade, which are relatively easy to inject into the furnace mouth and ignite. But if the first-grade fire spirit is injected into the furnace mouth, the caster needs to mobilize a powerful enough spiritual consciousness to control it. Natural preparations It will take a little longer.”

The elder deacon said: "I guess that's probably the case. However, I haven't seen anyone using a sleeping posture to mobilize their spiritual consciousness."

The patriarch said: "We just wait and see what happens. Maybe Ningtian will bring us something different, or maybe it will be a surprise."

Half an hour later, Ning Yu, who was sitting behind Ning Tian, ​​suddenly opened her eyes.

At this time, his pupils turned white.

"Ning Tian, ​​you did a good job. Next, I will inject the fire spirit into the mouth of the furnace. You can just watch from a distance. If I burn you to death, I don't want to take the blame."

At this time, Ning Tian didn't know whether it was because he was tired from squatting, or because his posture was too uncomfortable, or because the location of the air outlet was too cold. The sweat falling from his forehead fell on the ground and formed a layer of ice.

"Lord Swordsmith, Ning Tian knows."

After saying that, Ning Tian, ​​who was squatting on the ground, wanted to stand up from the ground, but found that he had no strength to stand calmly.

Ning Yu said from afar: "Ning Tian, ​​if you can't stand up, don't force yourself. If the deacon elders saw my assistant falling on the stove mouth, would they think there was an accident?"

Ning Tian quickly explained: "Swordsmith, please rest assured. I may have been squatting for a long time and my legs are numb. It will be fine if I relax for a while."

At this time, Ning Yu walked to the furnace mouth, stretched out her arms, and made a strange seal with both hands. The seal twisted into the shape of a white spider web.

Then, Ning Yu slapped the white spider web-shaped seal into the pit of her heart.

Boom!

His whole body shook.

Immediately afterwards, Ning Yu's throat bulged, her mouth suddenly opened, and she spat again.

A stream of white flames spurted out from his mouth and was accurately thrown into the mouth of the furnace.

A huge white mushroom cloud rose from the mouth of furnace No. 9.

A whining, strange roar like a beast came from the mushroom cloud.

"Cobweb universe, my soul is a sacrifice, nine-headed fire spirit, listen to my orders..." Ning Yu recited a secret spell in her mouth.

The mushroom cloud dissipated, and a huge white reptile appeared above the furnace mouth No. 9.

This thing has nine heads, eight long legs, and a white demonic aura emanating from its body.

In the stands, the clan leader and the deacon elders sat side by side, observing the changes on the field.

The elder deacon rubbed his eyes and exclaimed: "Did I see it wrong? What Ning Yu released was a nine-headed snow spider. This thing is only recorded in classics. Is there really such a powerful fire spirit in this world?"

The clan leader took a deep breath, calmed down a little, and then said:

"It is indeed a nine-headed snow spider. According to the fire spirit classics, this fire animal is a rare mutated fire spirit. It is one level higher than the fire spirit. Its attribute is ice, and the flame it spits out is cold fire. But this fire spirit is a naturally ferocious beast, and it needs to absorb the blood soul of the swordsmith to survive and evolve. According to our Ning family tree, only the founding ancestor of the family has ever controlled this object as a fire spirit. Even if I were to go out in person, I wouldn’t be able to suppress it. Ning Yu’s sudden appearance today was really beyond my expectation.”

The elder deacon stood up and said: "Judging from the growth rate of this snow spider, although it is not yet a complete body, it should still look like an intermediate level. It seems that Ning Yu has been secretly raising this fire spirit for several years. No wonder Ning Yu has been preparing for such a long time. Can he really control the Nine-Headed Snow Spider when he is only eighteen years old?

The patriarch's expression was a little ugly. He thought for a while and said, "Just wait and see what happens. If an accident happens, you and I will end up together."

The elder deacon clenched his fists involuntarily, showing nervousness on his face.

The patriarch's eyes fell on Ning Tian, ​​who was still squatting on the ground. He shook his head slightly and thought:

"It's not that Ning Tian can't stand up now, it's that his body is frozen by the cold air escaping from the Nine-Headed Snow Spider. Because he is born without touch and can't feel the temperature, he doesn't notice it. Ning Yu, this kid, deliberately made Ning Tian Share the cold air that escapes when the extremely cold fire spirit is released. Although this method is feasible, it will cause harm to Ning Tian. However, although Ning Tian has no sense of touch, he is born with a warm-blooded constitution. His body temperature is much higher than that of ordinary people. For an ordinary person, it would be like a high fever. It seems that Ning Tian's breath is quite stable, and it should be fine if he takes a breath."

After a while, Ning Tiancai stood up from the ground, moved his arms, looked in the direction of the furnace mouth, and said: "Ning Yu has already started to forge the sword. I will be ready to assist him as soon as he gives the command."

Ning Tian took a few steps towards the furnace mouth and stood at a safe distance, not daring to say a word, quietly watching Ning Yu control the Fire Spirit Forged Sword.

"The flame in the furnace mouth is actually a white color that I have never seen before? The distance between me and the furnace mouth is now three feet. Judging from the wind blowing over, the wind speed is very fast, which means that the fire spirit is very strong. The airflow is sinking, which means that the fire spirit is strong. The spirit is of ice nature.”

Ning Tian looked at Ning Yu's back.

"Being able to control such a powerful fire spirit with ice attributes, Ning Yu is indeed very powerful as a swordsmith."