I'm not just human!

Chapter 311 The Rhine Blade is finally in hand! The secret of the Old Ones?

Chapter 311 The Rhine Blade is finally in hand! The secret of the Old Ones? (Part 2)

Nidhogg truly lives up to his reputation as the leader of the Church of the Wrong and the head of the Star Dragon family, daring to question even the soul of an Old One.

At this moment, even Amphion and Thorloki, the two archenemies of the Star Dragon family, felt a genuine admiration for Nidhogg's courage and bravery.

Of course, on the other hand, Nidhogg's "questioning" tone was also polite enough, which shows that he is still cunning and very shrewd. At least on the surface, no one could hear the slightest disrespect for the soul of the [Rhine Calamity].

Seeing this, Xia Fa was not particularly moved, because he understood that since he had already become the champion, he probably wouldn't change his mind.

Therefore, he wanted to hear how the soul of [Rhine Calamity] had rated itself as the champion.

Or, to be more precise, how exactly did he manage to advance from the first round to the second round, from the second round to the finals, and then win the championship in the finals? What judging criteria did he use?

The old blacksmith shop suddenly fell silent, and the soul of [Rhine Calamity] didn't speak at first.

Thus, this silence became a silence that instilled extreme fear and trepidation in everyone present.

Even Nidhogg himself felt some regret and lingering fear. He was really worried that the soul of the [Rhine Calamity] might be enraged and wipe out everyone except Shafa on the spot. Needless to say, as an Old One of the same rank as the true gods, even if only the soul remained, it could easily do this.

But at that moment, the soul of [Rhine Calamity] spoke.

His translucent face showed no anger whatsoever, as if he were not a former Great Old One, but the fairest and most impartial referee in the Old Forge, about to answer the contestant's questions.

"It's very simple."

The soul of [Rhine Calamity] spread its twelve hands and said, "Actually, in terms of crafting technique and style, I prefer your Wheel of Fate. However, in terms of overall quality, Nidhogg, yours has indeed lost to Shaphat."

Upon hearing this, Nidhogg was even more surprised, and the question "Why?" was about to escape his lips.

However, perhaps because the soul of [Rhine Calamity] mentioned a preferred style of crafting secret treasures, Nidhogg refrained from speaking, as if he had instantly believed in the impartiality of this "referee" and understood that he would give an explanation that would convince everyone.

The soul of [Rhine Calamity] indeed began to explain in detail, speaking quite quickly. Fortunately, the weakest among those present were all angel-level overlords, so they could hear clearly.

"If we were to categorize these treasures in the simplest and most convenient way, it would be according to the rank and status of you extraordinary beings. I believe everyone would agree on that."

"In this case, a treasure of demigod quality is a watershed moment, representing whether the treasure itself has initially touched upon the realm of gods."

"Further up, the treasures of the Dominator quality are another watershed. But the reason for this watershed is not only that there is a huge gap between treasures of the Angel quality and treasures of the Dominator quality, but that treasures of the same Dominator quality are also very different in themselves."

Even without the detailed explanation of the soul of the [Rhine Calamity], everyone understands what He is saying.

It's very simple. Just like how, even though they are both rulers, the difference between a ruler who has signed nine secret contracts and a transcendent monarch who has signed twenty-five secret contracts is like heaven and earth.

There is definitely a huge difference between a treasure that has just reached the level of a Dominator and a treasure that is equivalent to a veteran Extraordinary Monarch.

The soul of [Rhine Calamity] continued, "As for the watershed above that, you all know without me saying it. From mystical treasures and mystical treasures below the divine quality, as well as outer mystical treasures, and then to the most supreme orthodox mystical treasures and ancient mystical treasures, these are all very obvious watersheds."

"And this time, since neither you, Nidhogg, nor Shafa, can create a divine artifact, what you are competing with is actually the bit of divine divinity contained in the artifacts you create."

"Of course, this is primarily because the treasures you two created are similar in other aspects, so the only way to compare them is by the divine nature they contain."

Upon hearing this, Xia Fa was first stunned, and then his mind was filled with question marks.

Originally, he thought that after the soul of [Rhine Calamity] gave a long speech, it would come up with some incredible and extremely tricky angles such as "the ingenuity of crafting secret treasures" and "the beauty of secret texts and magical circuits" to prove that awarding him the championship was well-deserved.

But he never expected that the soul of [Rhine Calamity] was actually talking about the "divinity of the gods" contained in the secret treasures they had each created?

The treasure he created clearly has absolutely no divine essence in it!

To put it dramatically, he only realized that the treasure could be crafted into such a thing after he personally witnessed a trace of divine divinity emerging from Nidhogg's treasure!

To be honest, Xia Fa is now nervous because he has realized that something is wrong.

Could there really be something fishy going on?

Fortunately, this shady dealing helped me win the championship.

With a mix of trepidation and a quick glance at the others' focused expressions as they listened intently to the soul of the [Rhine Calamity] speaking, Xia Fa continued listening.

"Now that I've said that, you probably understand, Nidhogg. I really liked your idea of ​​combining the application of fate with the Klein bottle in your creation."

"However, it is a pity that the divine nature of the treasure crafted by Xia Fa is slightly more than that of yours."

"To be precise, about 30% of the contents of your Destiny Wheel Bottle are divine, which is extremely high. Even in my time, it was rare to see a genius treasure craftsman like you."

"But by chance, nearly 50% of the treasures created by Xia Fa are divine."

"I can only say that you are indeed a genius, but Xia Fa is an ultimate genius who appears only once in ten thousand years. In this creation, you lost to Him."

Upon hearing this, Nidhogg finally let out a soft sigh, as if accepting his defeat.

The others looked surprised, but not particularly puzzled.

The surprise stemmed from the fact that Xia Fa was able to create a secret treasure containing 50% divine essence, especially since Xia Fa himself didn't even seem to be a demigod.

Of course, many people also believe that he is a sealed artifact or secret treasure with a hidden aura. Perhaps in private, Xia Fa is already a secret emperor who has signed twenty secret contracts.

As for why no one felt puzzled, it was naturally because the soul of [Rhine Calamity] explained things very clearly, and everyone seemed to find it reasonable that a Mystic Emperor could achieve such a level of skill.

After all, that's the Secret Emperor who can sign two overlord-level secret contracts at the same time!

There are only a handful of Mysterious Emperors in the entire universe to date!

All one needs to do is sign thirty secret contracts and possess a kind of "eternal certificate" to become a mysterious emperor from God!

Even those who are not extraordinary beings of the Mysterious Emperor have their "Path to God" blocked; this alone demonstrates the vast difference in their abilities.

Naturally, it's not surprising that the Emperors of the Mysteries also possess some talent in other aspects of the extraordinary world, such as crafting secret treasures and setting up ritual arrays.

Of everyone present, only Xia Fa remained completely bewildered.

[Rhine Disaster], do you even want to read what you're saying?!

What do you mean that the treasure I created has 50% divine nature?

Can I really be that awesome? I didn't even know it myself!

However, despite all the complaints, Xia Fa would definitely not reveal a single word on the surface.

He simply maintained a faint smile on his face throughout, as if he was not surprised by the result at all.

It was precisely because Xia Fa had such an expression that everyone was even more convinced that he knew from the beginning that he could win the championship, and that he had just kept a low profile before.

"Possessing such extraordinary talent, yet always refraining from flaunting it, even deliberately activating a light shield to obscure the view when forging the secret treasure—Xia Fa—"

Nidhogg sighed, his expression suddenly filled with deep melancholy and profound regret: "—If only I had a son like you."

Xiafa: ————

Why do I feel like I've been scolded?

"Alright, since everyone agrees on who should win the championship, then..."

The spirit of [Rhine Calamity] spread its twelve arms and announced in a grand and solemn tone: "Let us invite Champion Shafa to the stage to receive his award!"

boom! boom! boom!

Dozens of octopuses suddenly appeared in the plaza of the old blacksmith's shop, holding spray canisters for spraying confetti and firing them into the air.

Beneath the dome, high in the sky, bursts of colorful fireworks erupted.

The atmosphere immediately became lively, as if it had really become an awards ceremony for the champion. Rusconsin and Sol Loki even clapped their hands in perfect unison.

Xia Fa chuckled inwardly, but still stepped out, walking step by step toward the golden pillar.

Nidhogg stood gracefully to the side, quietly watching Shafa's retreating figure as he went to receive the award.

It seems that, for Him, it was an acceptable outcome for Xiafa to win the championship.

He may have had doubts before, but he was more interested in knowing how he lost, not in accepting Xia Fa's championship.

What no one else knew was that Nidhogg's desire to recruit Shafa stemmed purely from his admiration for Shafa, and—the mutual respect between the Emperors of the Mysteries.

As a mysterious emperor, capable of becoming a god, Nidhogg has been the focus of everyone's attention since he signed the second overlord-level secret contract, [Celestial Spirit Mage], when he was young.

In the erroneous church, He was personally received by the true God, [the erroneous rules], and even taken in and taught by Him.

Within the Starry Sky Dragon Clan, he was designated as the next head of the clan early on and has always received the clan's top-tier resources for his upbringing.

Even in the "Carnival of Destiny," He was one of the most valued subordinates of the Wise One, answering almost every question and fulfilling every need.

Nidhogg's life has been smooth sailing ever since he signed the second Overlord-level secret contract, until he became the Pope of the Church of Errors, the head of the Star Dragon family, and one of the twelve Supreme Councilors of "Destiny Carnival".

Until now.

Therefore, He was too lonely.

That was the loneliness of being one of the most outstanding geniuses in the entire universe when I was young.

That was the loneliness of being one of the strongest beings below the gods in the real world after becoming powerful.

As the Emperor of Secrets, he could hardly find anyone to discuss with him what it felt like to sign two overlord-level secret contracts at the same time, and how to better integrate and develop the two overlord-level secret contracts he had signed, which made him feel lonely.

Until, the appearance of Xiafa.

The appearance of Shafa made Nidhogg feel as if he had found a kindred spirit in the boundless universe, among all kinds of beings.

The joy and excitement of a successful Mystic Emperor finding a future Mystic Emperor is something those mediocre talents who failed to sign two overlord-level secret contracts cannot experience.

Therefore, He repeatedly set aside his pride and spared no effort in recruiting Xiafa.

Therefore, when he saw that Xiafa had won the championship and taken away the "Rhine Sword", he not only accepted it completely, but also secretly felt happy for Xiafa.

Nidhogg's thoughts were unknown to others, and Shafa was unaware of them as well.

At this moment, Xia Fa finally stood before the golden pillar, facing the ancient and solemn Rhine swords, their blades laid out horizontally.

"Shafa, you can take your championship reward now."

When the soul of [Rhine Calamity] spoke, its voice was unusually gentle, carrying a hint of deeply hidden respect.

Xia Fachong nodded respectfully, then stretched out his hands and held the Rhine sword.

Boom-!

In that instant, a strange wave rippled outwards, carrying a sound like a huge heartbeat.

No one knew what had happened; everyone assumed it was the Rhine Blade, an ancient, incomplete treasure, recognizing a new master.

Immediately afterwards, the soul of [Rhine Calamity] vanished with a "bang," without any warning, and without even saying goodbye.

Although, given his former status as a Great Old One, the people present were probably no different from roadside insects in his eyes, and it was perfectly normal for him to say goodbye or not.

Almost immediately, Xia Fa heard the voice of the soul of the [Rhine Calamity] in his spiritual intuition.

"Master! I am finally complete!"

Xia Fa was taken aback at first, but then he immediately realized what was going on.

In that instant, all the doubts I had encountered during this trip to the old blacksmith's shop were completely cleared up, like silt being washed away by spring water.

"Wait, who are you—"

The unique voice of the soul of [Rhine Calamity] immediately said, "Hehe, Master, it seems you've discovered me. Yes, I am not the soul of [Rhine Calamity], I am the spirit of a secret treasure born from the [Rhine Calamity Blade]!"

really----

Hearing this answer, Xia Fa finally confirmed it and breathed a sigh of relief.

To be honest, he had some concerns beforehand, wondering if this unexpected championship was some kind of "deal" he was about to make with the Great Old One, [Rhine Calamity].

Under normal circumstances, being targeted by a wandering god in the Protoss realm is not pleasant, let alone being targeted by an Old One who is on par with the true gods, even if that Old One is only a soul.

Once the "deal" is completed, the price I pay will be unbelievably high.

But now that the identity of the spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] has been confirmed, there's nothing to worry about.

The scenes from stepping into the old blacksmith shop to the present flashed through Xia Fa's mind.

No wonder, at first the soul of [Rhine Calamity] looked broken and even stuttered when speaking, but it soon recovered to its full strength.

In retrospect, it was because the "Rhine Blade" originally contained only half of the treasure's spirit. As he carried the "Calamity Blade" into the old forge, the power of the other half of the treasure's spirit was channeled out, naturally restoring the treasure's spirit to its full potential.

On the other hand, it's no wonder that the nine great gods seem completely indifferent to the appearance of the souls of the [Rhine Calamity], because there are no souls of the [Rhine Calamity] at all!

From beginning to end, the spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] was the mastermind behind this treasure-making competition!

In comparison, although the spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] is also very powerful, after all, it is a spirit born from the "Ancient Treasures", the "Calamity Slashing Blade" in the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] has long recognized him as its master, and he is a member of the Silver Church, so what harm could it possibly cause?

As for why he was able to advance all the way and finally win the championship, there's no need to explain; the referees were his own people. However, there was still one question that Xia Fa couldn't shake off.

"Speaking of which, since you are the spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity], why didn't you just teleport them all out from the start and give me this Rhine Blade directly?"

Xia Fa asked a question based on his spiritual intuition. At that moment, the Rhine cleaver in his hand began to glow rapidly and shrink, about to transform into another Shark Tooth folding knife.

The spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] chuckled and immediately replied, "I have no choice, Master. This is a rule set by the former master, the great [Rhine Blade of Calamity]."

"Back then, Lord [Rhine Calamity] had already foreseen his impending annihilation as an Outer Great One. After all, no matter how the Outer Great Ones joined forces, they simply could not defeat [Absolute Defense]."

"Therefore, He placed two ancient divine oracles on me, corresponding to the Rhine Blade and the Calamity Blade respectively."

"These two divine pronouncements contain the same content: using the power of the Great Old Ones, two Great Old Ones forges were created directly, and treasure maps were scattered to various places in the real world."

"Then, once all the first-class treasure maps are found, the old blacksmith shop will open, and the person with the highest skill in forging using the secret treasure will receive the corresponding horse-slaying sword."

"But unfortunately, when Lord [Rhine Calamity] was being chased by [Absolute Defense], [Absolute Defense] shattered the old divine oracle on the Calamity Sword with a single palm strike, so only the one on the Rhine Sword remained."

Xia Fa understood and said, "You mean that the champion, whoever wins the Rhine Sword, must go through these ten people in one, two, or three rounds of selection. This was determined by the ancient oracle, and you can't change it, but you can act as a referee to determine who advances?"

The spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] chuckled boastfully, "Yes! That's exactly it! To keep the other contenders from suspecting anything, I've been playing the role of the great [Rhine Blade of Calamity] from beginning to end. Aren't I amazing, Master!"

Xia Fa chuckled inwardly, "You're really something. I almost fell for your trick."

The spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity] sighed, "Actually, I feel that by following you, Master, I haven't failed the expectations of the great [Rhine Blade of Calamity]. After all, you are the signatory to the Silver Throne! If the great [Rhine Blade of Calamity] were to come back to life and let Him choose, He would surely choose you to succeed Him!"

It paused, then added, "At the time, it was probably because no other signatories to the Silver Throne appeared that the great [Rhine Calamity] had no choice but to choose this method of succession."

Hearing these words, Xia Fa suddenly understood why the Calamity Slashing Blade was so eager to recognize him as its master back then in the nested strange domain of the underground cave, that is, in the city of the giant jaw beast, and even broke through the sealing formation to fly towards him.

Could it be because he sensed that he was about to sign the Silver Throne?

As for how the Calamity Slash ended up in the City of Giant Jaws, Xia Fa suspected that it was most likely collected by the giant jaws of the beheaded Outer God.

Just then, the Rhine sword transformed into a shark-tooth folding knife. Xia Fa casually pinched it, gave it a subtle shake, and it went straight into his sleeve.

Rumble—!

The old blacksmith shop trembled, and in front of the circular plaza, a large arched metal gate slowly opened.

Needless to say, everyone knows that now that the battle for the Rhine Blade is over, it's time to leave.

Xia Fa still had many questions he wanted to ask the spirit of the [Rhine Blade of Calamity], such as what was in the treasure chest and what that jet-black round gem was.

But now is clearly not the time to ask. He only managed to exchange a few words with the spirit of the treasure because the Rhine Blade was transforming and he appeared to be trying to master this incomplete ancient treasure.

"Xia Fa, congratulations!"

Nidhogg stepped forward first, a hint of admiration in his dignified smile: "So, you're already a Mystic Emperor, aren't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to forge a secret treasure imbued with divine nature. It's a pity, you've signed more than nine secret contracts, so you can't become a Celestial Saint."

Upon hearing this, Thor Loki immediately retorted, "What do you mean? Aren't you also a Mystic Emperor yourself? And you look down on Xia Fa, who is also a Mystic Emperor?"

Nidhogg ignored him completely, instead changing the subject, saying, "Shafa, although you can't become a Celestial Saint, as long as you're willing to join our Star Dragon family, I can find a way to give you the extraordinary talent of [Supernatural Body], and also help you find a Core Gold or Living Silver Star Dragon. Then, your strength can advance even further!"

Everyone fell silent, especially the members of the Gilgamesh family.

After all that, Nidhogg went through all that trouble, and it turns out he was still trying to recruit Shafa.

He's so persistent!

As if remembering something, Nidhogg immediately added, "Don't worry, even if you join our Star Dragon family, your Rhine Blade will still belong solely to you. You don't need to hand it over to the family. I can even swear to this before Lord [Wrong Rule]."

At this moment, Xia Fa finally felt Nidhogg's sincerity and enthusiasm, although he didn't know why.

So he smiled and replied, "Although I am a member of the Gilgamesh family, I would still be willing to visit the Star Dragon Planet if I have the opportunity."

Nidhogg was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Great! It's a deal then. I'll treat you to drinks later."

As they talked, they headed towards the door.

call out!

A bronze lance, swift as lightning, suddenly pierced through the door of the old forge.

It was ferocious, violent, insidious, and vicious, and without a word, it stabbed directly at Xia Fa's heart.

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