Weapons possessing a spirit didn't surprise Lin Yuan.
In the Dragon-Tiger World, even the True Martial Sword had a spirit.
But the divine weapons of this world started raising humans, feeding on them periodically.
This wasn't merely spiritual awareness, but genuine intelligence.
The Thirty-Six Divine Weapons were akin to thirty-six quasi-fourth-tier or even true fourth-tier experts.
If they joined forces, it would be an easy task to slaughter all humans.
However, they chose not to do so.
Instead, they sought sustainable development, even finding representatives among humans—the royal families of the Thirty-Six Nations of Central Plains.
They supported a spokesperson from the livestock, who then managed the others, selecting the most suitable ones as offerings at intervals.
This established a perfect cycle.
This alone convinced Lin Yuan that the divine weapons not only had intelligence but high intelligence at that.
"At least, I'm not in any immediate danger," Lin Yuan thought silently.
Even among the livestock, there are tiers.
Like Lin Yuan, who belonged to the Great Flame Royal Family, chosen by a 'divine weapon,' his status was undoubtedly high.
Even though he couldn't escape being devoured, he would be the last to be so.
"Power. As long as strength is formidable, even a divine weapon can be shattered with a punch," Lin Yuan exhaled lightly as he stepped out of the wooden building.
In this world, all life is heavily influenced by the 'divine weapons' in how they cultivate.
No matter how talented they are, the peak they can reach is the Martial Saint.
Against the exalted 'divine weapons,' they would merely be delicious food.
But Lin Yuan was different.
His cultivation foundation did not originate from this world and was completely unaffected by the 'divine weapons.'
Back in the Eastern Palace, Lin Yuan sat cross-legged.
"Today, I can restore my full strength," he murmured with eyes slightly closed.
After traversing to this world for six years, constantly consuming various supplements, Lin Yuan naturally hadn't been idle.
He'd been quietly restoring his power bit by bit.
In truth, with Lin Yuan's cultivation speed, it would have taken him only five years to regain full strength.
But this world's cultivation system provided Lin Yuan with numerous inspirations.
The body refining methods, while somewhat bizarre with their stages of flesh, muscle, skin, bone, organ, marrow, and finally blood refinement, were truly perfect for tempering the body.
Each part of the body was honed.
Lin Yuan had spent over a year integrating this system flawlessly into his martial cultivation path.
"Nearly there," Lin Yuan closed his eyes.
His body underwent drastic changes.
Half a day later, Lin Yuan successfully returned to third-tier strength.
At this point, his power surpassed even his peak in the main world.
His understanding from Loulan He's body-transforming techniques was complete, and he fully absorbed this world's body-tempering methods, surpassing his past self physically.
"Take it slow," Lin Yuan's gaze remained calm.
By his estimates, the nation-guarding divine weapons of the Thirty-Six Nations of Central Plains each possessed at least quasi-fourth-tier, if not true fourth-tier power.
Compared to these divine weapons, Lin Yuan still fell short.
On this day, after his training, Lin Yuan saw his seventh sister waiting for him.
Lin Yuan's seventh sister, to be precise, was his half-sister, the Seventh Princess of the Great Flame Dynasty.
Despite being half-siblings, they had a good relationship and often chatted.
"Little Yuan, soon I will join the other sisters and head to the Divine Weapon Ancestral Land," her voice suddenly carried a hint of worry.
"Divine Weapon Ancestral Land?" Lin Yuan's expression remained unchanged.
The Divine Weapon Ancestral Land was where a nation-guarding divine weapon of the Great Flame Dynasty slumbered.
As for why his seventh sister and the other princesses had to go there, it had something to do with training the 'Weapon Masters.' To become a Weapon Master, one must first be acknowledged by a divine weapon, which inevitably meant approaching it.
Typically, the candidates for Weapon Master in the Great Flame Dynasty would come from the royal lineage first.
After all, the short life span of a Weapon Master was no secret.
If there were options, the emperor wouldn't readily send his children to such a fate.
But now, with no new Weapon Masters, the emperor, Liu Shi, had no choice but to send his children.
However, it was limited to his daughters, as Lin Yuan, being a crown prince, was definitely not suited to become a Weapon Master due to the short life span and the necessity of staying close to the divine weapon, indicating no future with the throne.
"You shouldn't have any issues," Lin Yuan comforted her with a few words.
"I hope so," his seventh sister's eyes reddened.
While the fate of Weapon Masters remained uncertain, every three or four decades, a new one was chosen, which implied the previous one was likely deceased.
Half a day later, his seventh sister came crying to Lin Yuan.
"Brother, I've been chosen," her voice was hoarse, laced with fear.
Not long after, guards entered.
They respectfully greeted Lin Yuan before escorting her away.
His seventh sister did not resist, knowing that once chosen by a divine weapon, fate was sealed, one even the emperor could not alter.
She came to see Lin Yuan for what might be the last time.
As a Weapon Master, one seldom left the Divine Weapon Ancestral Land unless tasked with wielding the divine weapon.
"Does it prefer strong souls?" Lin Yuan pondered as he watched his sister leave.
Compared to others, his sister's spirit was naturally strong, manifesting in an excellent memory and vibrant energy with minimal sleep.
Perhaps to the divine weapons, those with robust vitality were only ordinary fare, while those with strong spirits were the delicacies, meant to be savored slowly.
Lin Yuan's thoughts swirled.
He guessed why the divine weapons restricted the cultivation system against soul and spirit enhancement.
Allowing simultaneous body and soul cultivation might lead to entities surpassing the Martial Saint over time, potentially shaking the divine weapon's rule.
"Yuan'er, your seventh sister being chosen is an honor for her and beneficial for our Great Flame Dynasty," Emperor Liu Shi spoke softly to Lin Yuan.
Although the crisis of having no Weapon Master was averted, his mood remained heavy.
As the emperor, he knew what it meant to become a Weapon Master.
Had it been any other royal member, he might have been indifferent.
But when it came to his daughter... even so, Liu Shi remained resolute.
Despite the treaty, even if the Great Flame Dynasty temporarily had no Weapon Master, it wouldn't have severe immediate consequences.
But a dynasty with a Weapon Master differed vastly from one without.
While dealing with other powerful nations, lacking a Weapon Master would naturally lead to disadvantage and potential disgraceful treaties.
A Weapon Master, capable of activating the divine weapon—though rarely needed—served as a formidable deterrent.
Better off unused, yet vital to have.
Now that the Seventh Princess became a Weapon Master, the Great Flame Dynasty's most glaring weakness was mended.
For the next thirty to forty years, things should remain stable.
As for the princess's personal feelings, as one born to royalty, her privileged life insured she stood above millions.
Having enjoyed so much, sacrificing for the dynasty should not be questioned.
"Yuan'er, I know you're close to Xiao Qi. But bringing forth a 'Weapon Master,' no matter the sacrifice, it's worthwhile," Emperor Liu Shi comforted.
His visit was to ensure Lin Yuan understood, given his bond with the Seventh Princess.
"Father, actually..."
Lin Yuan paused.
"Actually, what?" A hint of anticipation crept into Emperor Liu Shi's spirit.
He sought Lin Yuan’s perspective, a form of test for Lin Yuan.
If Lin Yuan clung to sentiment over his sister, the emperor would be disappointed.
People could cherish sibling bonds, but as an emperor, one cannot afford to be swayed by personal feelings.
As the future ruler of the Great Flame Dynasty and the protector of countless lives, Lin Yuan's view should encompass the dynasty's vast expanse.
If the stability of the Great Flame Dynasty for decades could be assured, the sacrifice of even a thousand princesses wouldn’t make Liu Shi hesitate.
"Actually, there's no need to nurture a Weapon Master," Lin Yuan gazed at Emperor Liu Shi.
"Give me time, and I will surpass the Weapon Master."
Thank you to the book friend 'Not Missing How to Miss' for rewarding one hundred book coins.
Much appreciation.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(Chapter End)