Chapter 135: Smelting Gold and Forging Form

Page 1/3

At dawn, sunlight poured over the training ground, where the Silver-Haired Rodent Prodigy, its golden teeth gleaming, was locked in relentless combat with the Fighting Corpses.

Strictly speaking, it was a one-sided beating. Although it had further awakened its bloodline after devouring the Rodent Blood Pearl, it had yet to enter the Qi Refining stage, making it no match for the Fighting Corpses. Nonetheless, the awakening had significantly enhanced its strength compared to before, especially in speed and defense.

“The Golden-Biting Rat is a type of demon once widely distributed across the four southern prefectures. They specialize in prospecting and mining, strengthening themselves by consuming iron and gold ores—hence their name.”

“Ordinary Golden-Biting Rats aren’t particularly powerful. Their main feature is their iron-like bones and steel-like body. Their size varies, and they possess tough vitality. Most remain at the Spiritual Perception stage, with some having the potential to advance to Qi Refining.”

“However, as a social species, there are royal lineages among them. The mark of the royal bloodline is silver fur and golden teeth. Possessing either trait denotes membership in the royal family.”

“Compared to the common Golden-Biting Rats, the royal line is much rarer. A small tribe may not even produce one royal. Yet, their strength ceiling is far higher. Throughout history, the Golden-Biting Rats have produced more than one Dao Foundation master, and there are even rumors of even stronger beings.”

“Yet, during a catastrophic event several centuries ago, the entire race of Golden-Biting Rats seemingly went extinct, vanishing without a trace.”

Gazing at the Silver-Haired Rodent Prodigy, Jiang Chen’s mind raced with thoughts.

After the rodent fully awakened its bloodline, Jiang Chen confirmed its origin without difficulty. Though the Golden-Biting Rats had disappeared, it was not long ago, and they had dwelled on this very land, leaving behind records.

Most notably, the rodent’s silver fur and golden teeth were too distinctive—rare among any other rat demons except the Golden-Biting Rat lineage.

“That’s enough.”

Watching the rodent scurry about, its arrogance completely shattered, Jiang Chen ordered the Fighting Corpses to cease their attack.

The unfair battle finally concluded. The once grimy and dust-covered rodent perked up, rolled to its feet, and hurried over to Jiang Chen.

“Squeak, squeak…”

Page 2/3

With spiritual energy flowing, the rodent’s silver fur regained its luster. It conveyed its feelings to Jiang Chen.

Having truly awakened the royal bloodline of the Golden-Biting Rat, though it remained at the Spiritual Perception stage, its strength had surged to a new level. It felt capable of facing three of its former selves simultaneously. Most importantly, it had acquired the royal bloodline’s legacy and understood the cultivation path suited to it.

With this inheritance, Qi Refining would no longer be a barrier—it sensed its cultivation speed accelerating markedly compared to before.

“Steel bones, iron frame, bronze skin, silver fur, and golden teeth—these are the five great traits of the Golden-Biting Rat royal lineage, each granting a distinct ability.”

“Steel bones, iron frame, and bronze skin endow formidable physical power; silver fur provides resistance to magical arts—the shinier the silver, the stronger the rat’s defense against elemental spells, acting like a natural enchanted robe. Golden teeth represent the power to break enchantments, inherently capable of tearing through magical arrays.”

As the rodent explained further, Jiang Chen’s eyes flickered with keen interest.

Steel bones and bronze skin were straightforward—offering strength and defense, though not overwhelmingly powerful at the Qi Refining stage, mostly just making the rat tough to injure. But silver fur and golden teeth were different.

Silver fur was akin to a rare, enchanted garment, but golden teeth bore a far deeper significance.

On a small scale, this ability allowed the Golden-Biting Rat to pilfer and sneak freely into dangerous places, obtaining treasures others could not. On a grander scale, it could alter the course of a war.

Magical arrays are complex to set but extremely effective. Some powerful arrays allow cultivators to combat foes across different realms. Take, for example, a first-tier sect-protection array: with just one early Qi Refining cultivator and several Spiritual Perception cultivators cooperating, it becomes nearly impenetrable even to those of great accomplishment or perfection in Qi Refining within a short time.

Yet, the royal Golden-Biting Rat’s golden teeth inherently counter arrays. Even a single rat could silently tear apart the enemy’s protective array, crippling their greatest defense.

“Compared to ordinary Golden-Biting Rats, the royal bloodline is indeed far more formidable. At this moment, I’m beginning to understand why the Golden-Biting Rat tribe was wiped out.”

Jiang Chen’s thoughts collided, forming a suspicion about the tribe’s demise. Such power would surely make them the first targets in any large-scale war.

“From now on, cover your golden teeth and silver fur—they’re too conspicuous.”

Facing the rodent’s hopeful gaze, Jiang Chen gave a word of advice and shared his speculation.

Page 3/3

At these words, the Silver-Haired Rodent shuddered and quickly concealed its golden teeth and silver fur, returning to a dull gray appearance.

Though it cherished its golden teeth and silver fur deeply, it valued its life more and did not want to attract unwanted attention.

Jiang Chen was unsurprised by this reaction.

Upon awakening its bloodline, the rodent had gained the royal Golden-Biting Rat’s legacy cultivation method, the “Golden Fusion Shaping Technique.” This inheritance focused on refining its true form by devouring various metallic ores, gradually perfecting the body until it became a powerful magical weapon—profound and wondrous.

Corresponding magical arts included the Minor Wish Technique, Fusion Gold Technique, Golden Edge Technique, Golden Armor Technique, and Burrowing Technique. The Minor Wish Technique allowed the rodent to alter its body at will—growing larger or smaller, longer or shorter—dependent on its own true energy and mastery of magic. It was the origin of the sigil art Giant Transformation Technique.

The Fusion Gold Technique was an auxiliary spell aiding the rodent in digesting ores and melting metals. The Golden Edge and Golden Armor Techniques specialized in offense and defense, complementing each other. The Burrowing Technique was an escape skill, enabling the rodent to tunnel underground.

With such a legacy, concealing its silver fur and golden teeth posed no difficulty.

“You’ve awakened your bloodline and gained the proper inheritance. Now, cultivate diligently and strive to reach Qi Refining soon.”

“As for ores, I will have the Taiping Sect gather as many as possible. Though they may not be exceptional, they should suffice for your early cultivation.”

Appreciating the depth of the rodent’s cultivation method, Jiang Chen reminded it once more.

Though the inheritance was excellent and the talent strong, until it reached Qi Refining, the rodent could not manifest even a tenth of its true potential. To fully unleash the wonders of its silver fur and golden teeth, it must consume a variety of spiritual minerals—ordinary ores offered no enhancement. The better its diet, the stronger these abilities would become.

Hearing this and sensing Jiang Chen’s expectations, the rodent stood tall, puffed out its chest, and nodded solemnly.