Yin-Yang Steel—this was a new material forged through repeated experimentation and refinement, combining various heavenly treasures from both the Yin and Yang realms. The result was a perfect fusion of hardness and flexibility, strength and gentleness. The power of Yin and Yang coexisted harmoniously within this steel, with no sign of internal conflict. Instead, the two forces merged seamlessly, enhancing each other.
"Excellent. It has reached the level of an Earth-grade treasure material. Moreover, Yin-Yang Steel contains both Yin and Yang energy. The combination grants it the potential for evolution and transformation. Though the chances aren't high, they're not insignificant either. Weapons forged from it have a chance to grow and evolve over time, making them lifelong companions in battle."
Yi Tianxing held the piece of Yin-Yang Steel in his hand and studied it carefully.
Red copper, cold iron, bronze, refined gold, ironwood, nether bone, yinwood…
As he examined it, the Wordless Heavenly Tome floated into view, listing the required materials to forge Yin-Yang Steel. Upon closer inspection, the materials originated from both Yin and Yang realms. Still, overall, they weren't particularly rare. In fact, most were common and easily obtainable.
"Five Yang elements, five Yin elements. Yin and Yang complement each other; the Five Elements nurture one another. This material contains Dao Runes of Yin and Yang. Among Earth-grade materials, it's top-tier—just a step away from reaching Heaven-grade."
Yi Tianxing pondered silently. From the listed materials, he could already glean much.
Of course, the exact proportions and formula were the key. Without precise data, merely having the ingredients was not enough—even the slightest deviation would ruin the entire product.
"Your Majesty, Yin-Yang Steel conducts true essence and magical power exceptionally well. Whether it's used to forge rune firearms or divine artifacts, it possesses natural advantages. It's no less effective than rare divine materials. It can better accommodate runes and enchantments, has high compatibility with various attributes, and can even absorb ambient spiritual energy to power itself. That means when wielding such artifacts, the user's energy consumption drops, while output increases."
Gongshu Lin continued confidently. He was clearly proud of the material and deeply trusted its potential.
"This is excellent. Can Yin-Yang Steel be mass-produced?"
Zhuge Liang asked, knowing that the implications were massive. If confirmed, it would revolutionize the military's equipment, replacing old materials and skyrocketing combat power severalfold.
The quality of weaponry often decided the outcome of war.
"Absolutely."
Gongshu Lin smiled. "When we designed the forging process, we specifically selected the most accessible, ordinary materials to avoid complexity. So forging Yin-Yang Steel in large quantities is not only possible, it's easily scalable. We can outfit the entire Great Yi military in the shortest time."
Indeed, Yin-Yang Steel was meant to be a universal-grade material. Rarity would defeat that purpose.
"Moreover, not only have we successfully forged Yin-Yang Steel, but we've also crafted several divine weapons using it. However, we can't demonstrate them in the main hall. Your Majesty and esteemed ministers, please follow me to the Heavenly Works Pavilion."
Gongshu Lin gestured.
"Very well. Let's see what our master craftsmen have produced this time."
Yi Tianxing nodded with a smile. With a wave of his hand, a spatial portal opened in the great hall. None of the ministers were surprised; they stepped in one after another.
In an instant, everyone arrived at the Heavenly Works Pavilion.
The so-called "pavilion" actually covered a vast area—more like a small city. It was populated by countless master artisans, tirelessly researching and inventing every day.
The atmosphere was thick with innovation.
Here, they even had a dedicated test arena for evaluating new inventions.
That was where the group now found themselves.
"Bring out the Godslayer Crossbow."
Gongshu Lin commanded.
Soon, a subordinate returned holding a weapon that resembled the original Divine Machine Crossbow, though this new one was slightly larger. Its body was black and white, with a dreamlike luster, exuding a cold, murderous aura.
"This is the Godslayer Crossbow. Stronger than the Divine Machine Crossbow, its body is forged entirely from Yin-Yang Steel. The crossbow housing can hold up to 100 bolts at once and fire them in rapid succession, unleashing a veritable storm of arrows."
Gongshu Lin opened the chamber, revealing rows of bolts glowing with black and white light.
"These bolts are also forged from Yin-Yang Steel. We call them Demonbane Arrows. They not only pierce through energy and armor, but also contain a powerful destructive force."
He continued, "The bowstring is woven from Jade Spider Silk, extremely strong and resilient, capable of withstanding enormous tension. After refinement through secret techniques, its durability has increased exponentially."
"The Godslayer Crossbow also incorporates a forbidden seal called the Yin-Yang Rotation Seal. Activating it channels Yin and Yang into the weapon. At magic tool level, each rotation adds 10%–90% more power. At spirit treasure level, each spin can double or even triple the arrow's destructive power, depending on the crossbow's quality."
"There are inlaid sockets on the weapon to insert spirit crystals. During combat, the rotation seal draws from three power sources: ambient spiritual energy, the crystal's energy, and the wielder's own true essence."
After explaining, Gongshu Lin raised the Godslayer Crossbow and took aim at a bronze Arhat puppet on the testing ground. The puppet, built with mechanical techniques, had extremely high defense.
Swish!
He drew the string. The crossbow shimmered with glowing runes. A Demonbane Arrow locked in place, then launched in a flash of black-and-white light.
In an instant, the arrow struck the puppet's vital point.
BOOM!!
With a violent explosion, the Demonbane Arrow pierced straight through, unleashing a surge of Yin and Yang energy. The balance ruptured, causing a catastrophic annihilation reaction.
The puppet was immediately torn to pieces, shredded to dust. Not even debris remained.
Hiss!!
Everyone gasped. Their hearts trembled violently.
"What incredible power! These arrows don't just pierce—they explode with devastating force. That's Yin-Yang Annihilation. Even a Manifestation Realm cultivator would be severely injured—if not killed outright!"
"Terrifying. On the battlefield, this is a weapon of mass destruction. Just hearing about it would make the enemy tremble."
"But these arrows are single-use. Once fired, they explode. It's like shooting gold coins with every bolt—eternal coins melting into ash!"
The ministers muttered amongst themselves.
There was no question—the destructive force was top-tier, absolutely lethal. Even a Manifestation Realm powerhouse would find survival unlikely if caught in a volley.
But yes, each arrow cost a fortune.
"Demonbane Arrows aren't too costly, actually. With the Universal Printer, we can mass-produce them rapidly—so long as we have enough Yin-Yang Steel. Of course, they're more valuable than standard arrows. But the Godslayer Crossbow is also compatible with older arrows. We can use regular ones for daily combat, and reserve the Demonbane Arrows for critical moments."
Lu Shi added with a laugh.
Great Yi could absolutely afford it.
"We also created a new rune bomb, named the Yin-Yang Annihilation Bomb, also crafted from Yin-Yang Steel. Its destructive force is enough to cripple a Manifestation Realm cultivator."
Someone brought out a black-and-white crystal orb, filled with intimidating energy. Unlike older versions, this one had improved safety mechanisms and wouldn't shatter easily.
The ministers could feel its immense threat just by looking at it.
"So powerful… Once these new weapons are deployed across the Great Yi military, their destructive capabilities will be terrifying."
Even Zhang Xianzhong and the others were shaken, struggling to stay composed.