Clearing away the clutter, the next step was to refine the black iron once more, removing its impurities and compressing its volume to increase its density. Another two months passed as all the black iron was refined nine times over. The weight of the black iron didn’t decrease much, but its volume was reduced by half. A seemingly insignificant brick-sized piece of black iron felt astonishingly heavy in the hand.

Less than two hundred jin of black iron, when combined, wasn’t much in size—certainly not enough to make a refining furnace. It could only be used to make a hammer and a long blade. The hammer was easy: make a mold, melt and pour, then add a wooden handle.

But the blade was different. After spending over another month and melting it three times, it finally took the shape that Brian Carter was satisfied with—a broadsword with a thick spine and wide blade, freshly forged. The days that followed were spent in constant heating and hammering. This method not only produced a satisfactory weapon, but also benefited cultivation. Each time the innate true qi was exhausted, meditating afterward produced even more noticeable results, especially with the added effect of the immortal stone. In just half a year, Brian Carter nearly advanced from the early to the middle stage of the Innate Realm.

Cultivating at the Innate Realm is a long and arduous process. Many Innate experts of exceptional talent, even after exhausting their five-hundred-year lifespan, may never break through to form a Golden Core.

Under the blazing sun, the blade’s edge glimmered with a faint, cold light. After half a year, the black iron zhanmadao was finally complete. Brian Carter gripped the broad, heavy, and imposing zhanmadao, gathering his energy and focus, standing tall before a massive boulder.

After a long moment, he let out a deep shout. The zhanmadao, carrying a chilling aura, slashed through the air. The exceptionally penetrating true qi passed through the blade, forming a faint, crescent-shaped arc of blade energy that shot out from the blade. With a thunderous boom, the boulder split in two.

Chapter 9: The Journey

Brian Carter was overjoyed—this move was truly powerful. Excitedly patting the zhanmadao, which weighed over one hundred and fifty jin, he praised, “Good companion! From today on, you’ll be called Xuan Yue. I’ll be relying on you from now on.”

A tiger’s roar suddenly sounded from behind. Brian Carter spun around to see the white tiger standing not far away, its eyes fixed on Brian Carter in a challenging stare. Compared to half a year ago, the white tiger was completely different. Its once over-four-meter-long, imposing body had shrunk to just over three meters, but its might had only increased. Especially its eyes, which now shone with a brilliant light, full of spirit. Clearly, the vermilion fruit had benefited it greatly.

“Brother Tiger, you’ve finally finished your seclusion. Tsk tsk, judging by your appearance, you must have reached the late stage of the Innate Realm, right? Just one step away from forming a core.” Brian Carter exclaimed joyfully, “Excellent! Let my newly forged Xuan Yue spar with you, a late-stage Innate white tiger expert.” With that, he took up his blade and assumed a fighting stance.

The white tiger had the same idea and immediately let out a roar, pouncing with incredible speed and ferocity, startling Brian Carter inwardly. Yet his face showed no sign of backing down; instead, he laughed heartily, “Well done, Brother Tiger!” With the advantage of Xuan Yue, he was confident in facing the white tiger.

Man and tiger became locked in combat, both experts at the Innate level. Sand and stones flew, dust billowed. One wielded powerful true qi, the other relied on the blade’s might. The fight was fierce and evenly matched. In just a few minutes, both man and tiger were wounded, and almost simultaneously, both wanted to end the battle quickly.

The white tiger let out a fierce roar, spitting a white energy orb from its mouth. Brian Carter, gripping his blade with both hands, laughed, “Perfect timing! Brother Tiger, taste the power of my Crescent Slash!”

Both the white energy orb and the Crescent Slash were highly condensed forces. When they collided, a powerful shockwave erupted. Brian Carter couldn’t help but stagger back more than ten steps, a sweet taste rising in his throat as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. He reversed his grip and stabbed Xuan Yue into the ground, barely managing to steady himself.

The white tiger fared slightly better, but was still sent tumbling twice by the shockwave, ending up in a sorry state.

“As expected, Brother Tiger, you’re still a cut above me,” Brian Carter laughed heartily.

The white tiger let out a weak roar, glancing at Brian Carter as if to say, “You’re not bad yourself.” Brian Carter said no more, sitting cross-legged to meditate and heal his wounds. The white tiger also lay down, licking its wounds.

After a day and a night, Brian Carter finally healed his internal injuries. Rising, he laughed, “Brother Tiger, yesterday’s battle should count as my farewell to you. Thank you for looking after me all these years. It’s time for me to set out on my journey.” All these years, Brian Carter had only the white tiger to talk to, always making it listen to his ramblings. Over time, the intelligent white tiger gradually came to understand his words.

Hearing this, the white tiger suddenly stood up, staring intently at Brian Carter, its eyes full of reluctant affection.

From initial hostility to accidental friendship, and then, over the years, growing ever closer, man and tiger had become nearly inseparable. Now, at the moment of parting, Brian Carter felt a deep sadness. The white tiger was the first and only friend he’d made since arriving in this world. But he knew he had to leave eventually, and that day had already been postponed for quite some time.