Chapter 62: This is at least the Nascent Soul stage!

He stood at the very forefront alongside three other Core Formation stage cultivators, signaling the disciples to evacuate first.

Watching the four Core Formation stage figures, the members of the White Sword Sect did not dare to act rashly, forced to watch helplessly as the enemy escorted their people away.

Leaving behind only a scattering of shredded flesh and corpses.

When the backs of the retreating figures vanished into the distance, cheers erupted from the crowd.

"We won! Those bastards are running away!"

"I knew we would never lose! Long live the Sect Master!"

"They were so arrogant just a moment ago, but look at them running now! The Sect Master is simply too amazing!"

They all knew that without Liang Chuan, victory would have been utterly impossible!

Seeing Liang Chuan standing before them, their eyes were filled with adoration and excitement.

Liang Chuan simply looked at the crowd with calm detachment, speaking at an unhurried pace, "Go and clean up that area first. As for their storage rings and other belongings, have Peng Shan collect them."

Although they had repelled the enemy, looking at the utter devastation before him still filled Liang Chuan with deep heartache—all of those explosions had wrecked the White Sword Sect's own territory!

Fortunately, the enemy had not pressed on blindly; otherwise, he would have truly run out of options.

While they did possess a mortar, only a single shell had been left remaining just moments prior.

Though the manufacturing process was not particularly difficult, the available materials were scarce, and any further production would have to wait for the disciples to return with more raw materials.

After cleaning up the battlefield, Liang Chuan did not forget to repair the grand protective sect array.

This time, the protective array had consumed a considerable amount of spiritual qi on their behalf, and Dai Xiao had already descended the mountain to invite the so-called Ancestor. Another fierce battle was likely imminent.

"Sect Master, our ammunition is running low."

After gathering the spoils of war, Peng Shan approached Liang Chuan to report.

If they ran out of bullets, they would have no choice but to engage in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat should the enemy attack again.

"Sigh." Liang Chuan emitted an imperceptible sigh, waved his hand, and said, "I will figure out a way to resolve this issue as soon as possible."

Although production had been ongoing in a steady stream, the quantity was simply too small. The moment they encountered a formidable enemy, the ammunition reserves would instantly be depleted.

Calculating it now, each person could only be allotted two or three rounds on average.

"If only there were a fully automated production line."

Liang Chuan thought of modern production lines, which could churn out thousands of rounds in a single day.

With that kind of output, one could use them casually without ever worrying about supply shortages. But under the current conditions of pure handcrafting, the difficulty naturally escalated exponentially.

After all, pure manual production was not merely about assembling components; it also required ensuring that every single bullet was completely identical in size.

Most of the time was wasted on fabricating cartridge cases and projectiles. Fortunately, they could salvage used cartridge cases here, which somewhat reduced the workload.

Just as Liang Chuan was deep in thought about what to do next, Liu Ruyan approached his side.

"Senior Brother, what was that weapon you used just now?!"

Liu Ruyan asked with burning curiosity. The destructive power she had witnessed moments earlier was simply astonishing; she could never have imagined that such a powerful magical artifact could exist in this world.

"This is called a mortar." Liang Chuan smiled and gently patted Liu Ruyan's head, noting inwardly that her hair felt quite pleasant to the touch.

Sensing Liang Chuan's caress, Liu Ruyan's cheeks flushed slightly. "Senior Brother, is this magical artifact something only you can use?"

Though she did not know the origin of the device, it undoubtedly stemmed from an ancestral heritage or an ancient legacy.

"This thing doesn't have that many restrictions; anyone can use it."

While it still required spending a bit of time cultivating the corresponding techniques, it was vastly superior to traditional cultivation.

Liu Ruyan raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly, "Even if anyone can use it, such a formidable artifact is still something only Senior Brother could wield to such effect."

Wielding this artifact alone was enough to massacre entire armies, possessing such terrifying lethality that it could even rival Core Formation stage practitioners.

This kind of power could elevate the White Sword Sect to rapid prominence almost overnight.

At that moment, however, Liang Chuan suddenly remarked, "Who said only I can use it? This thing can be mass-produced!"

???

As these words fell, everyone present froze in astonishment, having never imagined that such a terrifying magical artifact could ever be manufactured on a large scale.

Peng Shan and the others were struck dumb with shock.

Stuttering, Peng Shan asked, "Sect Master, do you mean... all of us will be able to use it?"

They had already considered the pistols to be formidable, but now they were being told they might wield an even more powerful weapon.

For a moment, they dared not even imagine how terrifying it would be if every single person possessed one of these devices.

Judging by the sheer destructive power just witnessed, it was capable of obliterating anything in its path, gods and mortals alike!

"Yes, though not right now. But one day, every single one of you will be able to use it."

As his personal guard, Peng Shan did not need to be kept in the dark; furthermore, letting him understand their true strength would be beneficial.

Hearing this, Peng Shan and the others could barely suppress the grins spreading across their faces.

With gear like this, they could practically walk sideways across the world without fear. They well remembered how badly the Core Formation cultivators had been frightened just moments ago.

Otherwise, those enemies would not have retreated so abruptly, a clear testament to the terrifying nature of this artifact.

"All of you, go and recover your spiritual qi first. Stay ready for combat at any moment; the enemy will likely arrive soon."

After issuing his command, Liang Chuan watched as the crowd quickly dispersed to carry out their orders.

...

Inside Nanyang City.

The Ancestor, who had remained in his chambers under the pretext of cultivation, sat on a bench, looking at the object before him with a joyful expression.

What was placed right in front of him was none other than... a bowl of oil-spiced noodles?!

If his disciples were to see this, their jaws would likely drop to the floor.

Usually appearing ethereal and beyond mortal sustenance, the Ancestor was currently holding a bowl of noodles with a face full of undisguised smiles.

"It wasn't easy, but I've finally gotten out!"

Despite his considerable cultivation, he still harbored a fondness for culinary pleasures.

Whenever he stayed within the sect, his meals consisted entirely of plain tea and coarse food.

Now that he had finally been invited out, he naturally hastened to dismiss his disciples so they could handle things themselves—after all, it was only a minor sect, entirely unworthy of requiring his personal intervention.

With this free time, he might as well enjoy a good meal. The mere thought of having to return and hide away in seclusion for cultivation filled him with deep sorrow.

Yet there was no alternative; he had to maintain the facade, no matter what.

After all, this concerned the dignity of the Sun-Birth Gate.

With that thought, he shook his head. "Forget about them for now, let's enjoy some good food first!"

Looking at the oil-spiced noodles before him, the Ancestor wore a radiant smile. The moment he shoved a mouthful of noodles into his mouth, his mood improved immensely.

Right at that very moment!

Boom!

The sudden, earth-shattering explosion startled him so severely that the noodles in his mouth flew right out.

Subconsciously sensing his surroundings, his expression abruptly turned grim.

"How could there be such a powerful spiritual fluctuation!"

"This is at least the cultivation level of the Nascent Soul stage!"