The second day.

A large number of blacksmiths continued to discuss their issues.

Many people expressed that with the recent frenzy of tomb raiding, they almost forgot they were a force focused on smithing!

Now it's time to refocus their main energy on development, farming, and advancing technology.

This also aligns with Ning Zheng's development needs.

It's precisely the time to convert abundant resources into strength.

First project:

Research Self-Transformation Realm materials and design the Free Will Immortal Artifact.

Second project:

Continue to update the Eye of Identification version to be more civilian-friendly.

Third project:

Research the Ghost King Demon Embryo fusion of No-Life Female Ghost, preparing to create a Longevity Infant Emperor.

Fourth project.

Assembly line factories for standard magical artifacts need a widespread implementation.

Apart from this, there's Ning Zheng's Five Elements Spirit Root...

A force isn't always about fighting non-stop.

There are times to fight and times to rest.

Having acquired abundant resources, it's time to reap the fruits of victory and bolster the foundation.

...

East Sea.

Ning Zheng transformed into the Bronze Statue Monarch from ancient times, sitting in a deep-sea valley, and his consciousness merged with a mural armor on his body—Adventure Town.

Ning Zheng counted the resource warehouse collected by Adventure Town over the past few days.

Only four words could describe it:

Rich as a nation.

The burial objects of a dynasty were terrifyingly abundant.

Ning Zheng calculated and showed a slight smile, "At least it's enough to cultivate dozens of Self-Transformation Realms; no wonder the Nine-State is so keen on tomb raiding."

"Each tomb represents the lifelong accumulation of its owner."

Previously, Ning Zheng was in dire need of resources, but in the future, this would never be a limitation again. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Of course.

Resources for dozens of Self-Transformation Realms might not be too many for cultivating Ning Zheng's force, right?

Perhaps.

At this time, most of this imperial mausoleum had been emptied, leaving only some buildings and cities, desolate and devoid of life.

In this vast and empty land, it's unknown where Xin Xichen hid the Emperors of Longevity.

"Clear the area, clear the area!"

At this moment, in Adventure Town, Swollen Eyes shouted, suddenly hanging a closed sign.

"Hello, cultivators, the Tomb of Longevity has basically been emptied, and there's no need for your help anymore."

A cultivator below immediately became anxious, shouting, "Wait, there are still many spiritual medicines, city buildings, and various things in the tomb that haven't been taken. We've only taken about 60%, and there's still plenty..."

"That's enough!"

Swollen Eyes said coldly, "Taking even the land and buildings is no good."

"The Tomb of Longevity ends here... This grand Longevity Tomb will become one of our force's true strongholds, used to house a large population."

"Cities are welcome to migrate their populations here."

As these words fell, everyone realized.

Now, under the threat of the Embers Disaster, every city is gathering its population, and the other party clearly wants to use the Chronicles of Time to gather people.

This divine artifact, which suppresses the Nine-State, serves as a refuge, akin to a fortress!

This is very enticing to most of the populace.

These remaining buildings and facilities can be used with minor repairs.

A cultivator stood up and asked, "Since your Tomb of Longevity has ended, what about the next tomb?"

Swollen Eyes smiled, "No rush, after we've digested this, next month we'll open it up."

"In the future, every month, we will open a new tomb. This is called the monthly limited instance, and we hope you like it."

Everyone remained silent.

How could they not understand their intention?

This is called a steady flow.

Prolonging the timeline as much as possible, always keeping them engaged, ensures a constant flow of people, driving demand and supply, turning this into one of the most prosperous areas in the Nine-State.

...

...

Sword Casting Manor.

Ning Zheng turned his head, transforming into the old steward, appearing in the square.

"Sir, we think we can move Sword Casting Manor into the Chronicles of Time."

Jiucai Rong approached, greeted, and went straight to the point, saying, "The Tomb of Longevity has been cleared, we can settle in!"

He was full of confidence:

"Now, with just your command, Sword Casting Manor will leave the Sea Abyss and march into the Chronicles of Time."

Back then, Ning Zheng chose to lead a team into the Endless Sea Abyss to evade pursuit and find an opportunity nearby to launch a surprise attack on the Giant Shell Holy Land.

Later, the goal was achieved.

Having raided the Giant Shell Holy Land and earning the first pot of gold from tomb raiding, they managed to create the Demon God out of Giant Shell Ancestor, which led to later snowballing success.

In theory, leaving the Ten Thousand Feet Sea Abyss for the Chronicles of Time is the safest choice.

Because the wilds will become increasingly unsafe.

Sword Casting Manor is not within a large shelter. If hit by the Embers tide, it's utterly defenseless.

The inner space of the Chronicles of Time is indeed the safest place in the Nine-State.

However, Ning Zheng was still hesitant.

Firstly.

The Chronicles of Time is ultimately a focal point. Moving the headquarters risks being wiped out.

Secondly.

Sword Casting Manor residing in the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum might get attacked by other ancient emperors in the future. They might assault Sword Casting Manor.

Yet not entering the Chronicles of Time poses real dangers.

Ning Zheng, being cautious by nature, after much deliberation, refused Jiucai Rong's daring proposal:

"The Chronicles of Time is a place at the forefront... let's wait a little longer. If there's truly no choice, then we'll go."

Jiucai Rong wasn't upset at the rejection, "Then we'll find ways to enhance defense, concealment, seeking survival in the Endless Embers tide."

This matter was temporarily shelved.

Sword Casting Manor will remain hiding in the Ten Thousand Feet Sea Abyss for now.

Jiucai Rong added, "By the way, our first baby is already in the process of being nurtured and training inside the womb."

"Oh?" Ning Zheng was curious and went to take a look.

It's been a while since Ning Zheng inspected their research projects in different areas.

Soon, Ning Zheng arrived at the experimental laboratory beside the Pseudo-human Three Flowers studio, in front of a maternity lab.

Through a glass cover.

Several white-coated blacksmiths were pacing back and forth, seemingly recording something.

Only to see...

In the lab, there was a bizarre, eerie blood and flesh Guanyin Female Ghost King, shockingly striking a pregnant belly like a drum.

"What are they doing?" Ning Zheng asked.

"Practicing punching against the mother's belly," Jiucai Rong explained.

"Every day, ten sets of punches must be practiced before it's satisfied."

"Now that's interesting."

Ning Zheng watched as the Female Demon Ghost King was beaten, her belly pounding like a drum.

"According to our calculations, daily practice inside, consuming Heavenly and Earthly Treasures, is necessary to complete the foundation!"

Jiucai Rong said, "A large research team must be tailored to fortify such a foundation!"

After spending about ten minutes watching the research project on the demon embryo, Ning Zheng found his mind broadened.

Then he went to the Free Will project for another look and found they had already transformed into the Silk Cave, and everyone was skillfully weaving with the Human God Flower's spiritual root, quite avant-garde.

After taking three hours to make the rounds, Ning Zheng, as the overseer, chatted with each person in charge, fulfilling his role.

Afterward, Jiucai Rong said, "Sir, tomorrow is New Year's in our hometown. We're planning a big celebration."