Evolution Begins With A Big Tree

Chapter 724, Sentient Artifact

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silavin

Metalization was the unique ability of the Steel Elemental Heart. It could alter the essence of objects, transforming them into metal. Furthermore, as it infused a trace of Quintessence of Steel, the target had the potential to grow.

For example, Yu Zi Yu infused a trace of ‘Quintessence of Steel’ into the Inferno Dragon Scale Armor worn by Long Shao, endowing it with boundless potential and transforming it into a growth-type metal.

If properly nurtured, it might even reach the ranks of the legendary Divine Metal.

However, potential was still just potential and not the actual thing. Had it not been for seeing the slight possibility in Long Shao and Inferno Dragon—Haposs, Yu Zi Yu would never have infused the Quintessence.

After all, the most precious aspect of the Steel Element Heart was its nine wisps of Quintessence of Steel.

Each use depleted one and restoring it would be nearly impossible even after hundreds of thousands of years.

This was why the Steel Elemental Heart, rather each Elemental Heart for that matter, could become the Supreme Treasure of the Elemental Clan.

[Carrying the power of creation, nurturing the Quintessence. No wonder the Elemental Hearts have such mysterious and formidable powers.]

“This trace of Quintessence… I wonder if it’s worth it?”

Despite the doubt, there was a slight smile on Yu Zi Yu’s face. He really was not concerned about this.

Actually, he was still unfamiliar with the Quintessence of Steel. Metalizing the Dragon Scales was one of the most fitting applications he could think of.

Considering the fact that these scales were part of Long Shao and Haposs’ bodies, the nurturing of the Dragon Scales cum growth-type metal was guaranteed. As such, the Dragon Scale Armor could potentially reach the level of a Sentient Artifact.

Should Long Shao fall, this Dragon Scale Armor would remain waiting for a suitable owner, becoming the true legacy of Misty Mountains.

Rather than bestowing a grand chance upon Long Shao, it could be said that Yu Zi Yu was nurturing a Sentient Artifact for the future Misty Mountains.

Long Shao and Haposs were merely the vessels for this Sentient Artifact.

Of course, if they managed to grow strong enough, they could wield this ‘Sentient Artifact’ and reach the true pinnacle.

The two aspects were not mutually exclusive. Thus, it could also be considered as a stunning blessing Yu Zi Yu had granted to the Human and Dragon duo.

As for why he did not bestow a trace of Quintessence of Steel to Sarcosuchus or Little Tenth, who also bore Dragon Scales…

*Ahem…* Yu Zi Yu cleared his throat as this crossed his mind, a hint of helplessness showing on his face.

Actually, he had learned to utilize the Quintessence of Steel just recently, and by then, Sarcosuchus and Little Tenth had already soared to Tier-4.

When he recalled their Dragon Scales, which were as large as palms, the corners of Yu Zi Yu’s eyes could not help but twitch non-stop. Even if he used all nine wisps of Quintessence of Steel, it would still not be enough for them.

More importantly, if these giant Dragons had their scales transformed into armor and donned it, it would just add to their majesty and beauty.

In contrast, the Human and Dragon were different. A Human Body covered in Dragon Scales would appear a genuine monster, whereas a Human Body donning crimson armor would appear as a God of War.

While a change in appearance might seem nothing, its impact on the duo was quite significant, especially for Haposs, who valued appearance highly. Becoming a monster might hurt his pride and, worse, affect his will.

Of course, this was just Yu Zi Yu’s speculation; he did not know for certain, and he cared not to delve into it. For the moment, he just wanted to see the true power of the Quintessence of Steel.

And the results were looking quite promising. The crimson armor, gently floating in the sky, gleamed with a vibrant red and intermittently flickered with flames.

It seems to have been born from the fire, exuding an indescribable majesty.

And yet, this was not the most frightening part. The most frightening aspect was that the crimson armor was adorned with intricate patterns. The intricate patterns on the armor resembled a Red Dragon roaring towards the sky.

Faintly, one could hear the vivid, lifelike Dragon Roar emanating from it. Upon closer inspection, it even seemed like the patterns were writhing, as if coming to life, exuding an indescribable mystique.

“Haposs has actually chosen to embed his Soul into the Dragon Scale Armor…” Yu Zi Yu could not help but squint his eyes as the corner of his lips rose into a playful smile, intrigued.

Haposs’s choice showed a keen sense.

In losing his physical form and recognizing the difficulty of reaching the pinnacle alone, he decisively became the Weapon Spirit of the Inferno Dragon Scale Armor.

Thus, as the armor grew stronger, so would he. Even when the Inferno Dragon Scale Armor became the highest-level Sentient Artifact—the Extreme Dao Imperial Artifact—Haposs could achieve true revival and unleash power that could sweep across stars.

At that time, even if he was just a Weapon Spirit, he would still command respect.

After all, the most top-tier Sentient Artifacts could exert power equivalent to a Half-Step Eternals through sheer individual strength.

Of course, this was a matter of speculation.

In the last era, over countless years, there were very few top-tier Sentient Artifacts, and each had the power to wipe out stars and commanded respect. They were revered by everyone and were even hailed as Eternals that roamed through Heavens.

Such Sentient Artifacts were exponentially more difficult to achieve than reaching the Eternity. So, how could it be that easy for the Inferno Dragon Scale Armor to reach such heights? Without a great fortune, becoming a mid-grade Sentient Artifact in a lifetime would be remarkable.

Yu Zi Yu’s blood-red Willow Leaf, even now, was merely a ‘low-grade’ Sentient Artifact, infinitely close to ‘mid-grade.’

When Yu Zi Yu advances further, it might also rise to the mid-grade, at that time, the Weapon Spirit would likely become completely sentient, and able to manipulate the artifact, attack and defend on its own.

…

[Sentient Artifacts are the foundation for a Force’s prosperity and longevity] Yu Zi Yu grasped the true application of the Quintessence of Steel: It granted the potential to grow, thereby providing the possibility of becoming a Sentient Artifact.

As such, trading the Quintessence of Steel for a chance for an artifact to grow into a Sentient Artifact was really worthwhile.

At this point, Old Ninth—Brewmaster came to his mind.

[It might be worth asking him if he has any good transcendent weapons. Then, perhaps the essence of steel could be used to provide them with growth potential.] Grinning, Yu Zi Yu came to appreciate the true terror of the Steel Elemental Heart. And this might just be one of its applications.

[No wonder Elemental Hearts were the Supreme Treasures of the Elemental Clans in the previous era!] With a deep sigh of admiration, Yu Zi Yu lifted his gaze, looking towards the distant figure kneeling in the midst of the fiery storm.