The Last King Of Darkness-Chapter 1605 - 578: Development II

The wind said, "High-quality sun stones or fire kindling, one of the important elements of Fire Burning Element, are also essential battle resources and cultivation materials. There’s a great demand in all aspects, and with our current production, it’s far from enough."

Hullen coughed and continued his partner’s words, "And this is just one element in the Ascension Ceremony. The cost of refining Light Stone is so high. I believe the costs of equivalent materials, Pure Star Source and Pure Star Marrow, won’t be low either, and Trolian can’t afford it."

As the words fell, the hall of the Holy Church fell silent. The statue of the first hero, Trolian, looked down upon them, silently.

After a long time, Horus spoke, his voice hoarse.

"The Ascension Ceremony must be carried out, overcoming any difficulties. If paying these costs can give birth to a third True King, I think it’s entirely acceptable."

Bossivale asked more directly, "What are you trying to say?"

He sensed keenly that these two resource managers pointing out difficulties didn’t mean they intended to reject the Ascension Ceremony, as that would be impossible.

Perhaps what they wanted were some conditions.

Hullen and the wind exchanged a look and said in unison, "We currently have too few resources, and Trolian needs more minerals, a larger territory. We hope Trolian can start expanding fully again, not just focusing on the west, but in all four directions."

The red-haired wind softly said, "We believe our current expansion strategy is too conservative. We definitely have the strength to occupy a larger space."

Hullen said, "When we occupy the entire Gray Soil continent, these resource issues will no longer be problems. Our sword can plow us a larger living space!"

Horus was silent for a moment before saying, "Was it Luo Weiya who asked you to say this?"

Hullen smiled, "No, it was our own idea. Lord Luo Weiya merely strengthened this conviction."

Horus nodded, "We’ll consider this issue but we must wait for the King to awaken before making such a significant decision."

"It will be the same with Lord Rod here."

Bossivale chuckled, "Lord Rod isn’t the King yet, don’t be in such a rush. The King’s injuries are improving rapidly and he will wake up soon."

However, Horus had other thoughts, "Letting Lord Rod decide isn’t out of the question... Once all preparations for the Ascension Ceremony are complete, I will bring it up with him. But now, we must immediately begin to arrange the Light Stone Refining Array. We’re not aiming to complete all seven rounds of the Ascension Ceremony at once, and it may not even be seven rounds. The shortest is three rounds, usually four to five..."

"Be careful!"

Bossivale immediately interrupted.

"Don’t speak of these secrets outside the Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground. Without the cover of Holy Fire and the True King Domain, it will trigger the black fog’s taboo."

Horus immediately closed his mouth. Before the meeting ended, Rod had particularly instructed that the key contents and details of the ceremony must not be exchanged casually, as triggering taboos might result in ominous consequences.

Bossivale coughed and continued, "Aside from the Light Stone Refining Array, there’s also the Star Source Gathering Ritual and the Star Marrow Refining Furnace. They consume an astonishing amount of spiritual materials like True Silver and Spiritual Crystals, especially the Star Source Gathering Ritual."

He didn’t say the latter part; it involves the secrets of the Star Source Gathering Ritual. According to Rod’s description, Bossivale discovered that if deduced by the logic and principles of the Star Source Gathering Ritual, its central position involves three True Kings, the middle layer involves thirty Monarchs, and the outer layer involves three hundred Commanders.

Clearly, such high requirements are currently impossible for Trolian to meet, but the Star Source Gathering Ritual does not necessarily have these high demands. The closer the ritual is to the starry sky, the lower its requirements. The farther from the starry sky, the higher the demands.

If it can be conducted within the starry sky, one Monarch would be sufficient.

But how to approach the starry sky?

It’s above the high-level Spirit Realm, with an insurmountable vast space rift and plane barriers. Normally, it’s impossible to approach.

"We’ll hold off on preparing the Star Source Gathering Ritual for now. Let’s first prepare the Star Marrow Refining Furnace."

This is a high-efficiency heater. Its principle of condensing star marrow using thermal Spiritual Energy is no different, just more efficient. If all goes well, it can produce a portion of pure star marrow in a week, unlike him, who takes half a year to squeeze out one portion. Additionally, constantly heating the star marrow suppressed his spiritual energy, producing an inhibitory effect on his soul, affecting his efficiency.

If the Star Marrow Refining Furnace is built, it can completely liberate Bossivale. Moreover, the Star Marrow Refining Furnace can be used repeatedly, its only downside being its extreme fuel consumption.

"Here are the materials for the Star Marrow Refining Furnace."

Bossivale handed over a list.

"You prepare the materials; I will personally oversee the construction process."

"Also, we should start preparing star marrow. It needs to be of high purity, as high as possible."

The higher the purity of the refined star marrow, the faster the refining speed of pure star marrow. Its essence is actually a purification process, but star marrow is too reactive. Pure star marrow, once exposed in an unprotected space, will combine with various materials, forming impure star marrow. It has a substantial suction power; one portion of pure star marrow can draw in many impurities, often forming a purity ratio exceeding 1:10000.

"Yes, my Lords." They answered in unison.

They took the list, recalculated all the resources needed, and quickly returned to the logistics and resource department.

Horus and Bossivale also started preparing for the various matters required for the ceremony.

On the other side, Rod arrived at the Eastern Fortress.

This is the location of the Star Marrow Altar, the starting point of the Spirit’s Curtain and the Black Fog Great Wall. It lies behind Trolian’s eastern gateway, the "Sword Fortress."

As Trolian’s "wall," it’s heavily guarded by the Church; a large number of Fire Priests and Fire Guardians guard the Star Marrow Altar day and night, protecting the altar, ensuring its daily operation, and providing the spirituality needed to raise the Spirit’s Curtain.

Due to its extreme importance, there’s usually a Special Level Combatant guarding it.

Today’s guardian was an old friend, Chucher from Apple Town. As soon as he saw Rod, he laughed heartily and embraced him warmly.

"Brother Rod, we meet again. I never thought that this time meeting you, you’d be a True King, while I’m just a Commander, far from matching you."

Chucher’s words were full of sincerity and joy, with no hint of being displaced or surpassed.

Rod smiled, "Brother, we’re all one, the power of humanity. I also stand on your shoulders."

Chucher grinned widely, "That is the honor of my life."

Rod chuckled and turned to look at the Star Marrow Altar.

The massive altar was spotless as if new, the towering Spirit’s Curtain soared from the top of the altar, drawing black fog from the western directions, forming the majestic Black Fog Great Wall.

Chucher confidently said, "The Star Marrow Altar is in excellent condition, without any corruption. I regularly send people to its core space. Any black fog that penetrates in is quickly dispelled by us."

Rod nodded, "That’s wonderful."

Stepping onto the Star Marrow Altar, he moved into a circular area located in its center, where seven differently shaped gaps appeared on a peculiar metal disc.

Rod knew that this was the key to the Star Marrow Altar, and its core.

Only by inserting all the Soul Weapons of the Seven Gods into it can the Star Marrow Altar operate at full power.

If the power of the key is enhanced, the Star Marrow Altar will become stronger, moving towards a form even its designer had not completed.

Rod took a deep breath and inserted the Soul Weapons of the Spider God and the God of Aberration into it.

In that instant, the Star Marrow Altar vibrated violently, intense Spiritual Light radiated from the altar, alarming the fortress’ garrison.

"Do not worry, it’s me."

Rod’s voice echoed throughout the fortress, calming the frightened hearts of its people.

The phenomenon soon ended, and Chucher was astonished to find that the Star Marrow Altar’s efficiency increased by at least twofold compared to before.

Atop the altar, a Fire Priest shouted, "The Star Marrow Altar has strengthened, the limit of the Spirit’s Curtain has extended by at least twice!"

Cheers immediately erupted throughout the fortress, and everyone shouted Rod’s name in unison.

Rod smiled slightly, "Maintain the altar well; it is our wall. Also, Chucher, try to explore the internal space... I’m leaving."

"Where are you heading?"

"It’s time for fire to illuminate this continent."