Tower of Heaven

See, weapons were only a single part of what the forges created. Many other races originally thought that the Neurics were only defeating them because of their weapon-making capabilities, but once they were subdued and saw the forge for the first time, they fully accepted defeat.

It was already impressive that they were able to go from stone tools to iron and steel weapons within a century, but if it was just that much, they wouldn't be praised by a mysterious treasure like the Formation Spark.

There was a stark difference between natural talent and learned skill. For the Neurics, natural talent was the driving force.

Even they didn't quite understand how to define what they did in the forge, but when they found themselves in front of materials and flames, they were able to create things they'd never imagined were possible.

As it started as a joy for tinkering, their first inventions were somewhat silly and at most useful as house decorations, but once they themselves realized what they could do, everything changed.

The first change took place when one of the Neurics working on forging swords for the army felt a strange pulse from his creation. He pressed his hand into the flames, feeling the same warm comfort he received when he was baptized as a child, and touched the blade.

That was when it happened.

The natural manifestation of qi within a beast species.

Every race had to discover qi at some point and learn how to maneuver it if they wanted to become more than themselves. Atlas knew it would happen for the Neurics as well, but for it to only take a century was still a surprise.

That Neuric blacksmith did not understand the force coursing through his body and instinctually imbued it into the blade. When he pulled it out of the forge, it retained its fire.

No, it was producing its own fire.

His eyes widened and he yelped in surprise, drawing attention to himself. The Neurics around him panicked when they saw the flaming sword and quickly came to his aid, splashing water they found in the underground river in the Gorean Snake territory on it.

However, the blade's flames did not die down. The water could not affect them whatsoever, as they were made of qi rather than natural forces.

The flames only stopped when the Neuric's small qi reserve was used up. At that moment, the blade crumbled and the Neuric collapsed in fatigue.

It was their very first discovery of qi outside of what Atlas had provided people like Rok.

When the news spread, conquest was immediately put on pause and Rok rushed back to the main cavern. He met with the Neuric who awakened his qi and confirmed that it really was the same force he received from the Shinnim.

This was a glorious moment. It meant that everyone in their race had the potential to receive their God's blessing. It wasn't reserved for just the chosen few anymore.

Rok started to do work within the expanding village to simplify the information Atlas fed him and make it understandable for the average Neuric.

Humans first learned how to use qi by mimicking the beasts and species they observed in the world. However, Neurics took a different approach.

They discovered qi through the forge, and they connected to qi through the same forge.

'Very good.'

Atlas nodded. At this rate, they would make it plenty far in 10,000 years even without his help.

Nevertheless, his help would propel them to even higher heights. To reward them for discovering qi and spreading the method to their fellows, Atlas gave the Neuric their first material gift.

One night, upon the altar at the center of the village, one solid ton of unprocessed qi steel appeared. It was the most basic spiritual metal, but that was more than enough for the current Neurics.

'Now, if I just wait…'

A "miracle" like this one would further their faith in him. And, at the same time, the Qi Steel was the final piece they needed for evolution.

When they learned how to maneuver qi and spiritual metals, they would eventually find the blood of the Igni Neurics hidden within them.

As their Shinnim, Atlas' main job was to watch over them and make sure they grew properly. He didn't contact them often, as he didn't want them to become overly reliant on him, but he also didn't only contact them to give them information or materials.

Every once in a while, he'd bless random Neurics he took interest in or provide them with opportunities. Sometimes, he would enrich the surrounding environment to give them more resources for success.

That was how the underground river in the Gorean Snake territory came about.

The reaction to the random block of metal that appeared in the village was obvious. Yin, who had become an expert at reading Atlas' intentions, immediately sent it to the forges to allow the blacksmiths to do as they pleased.

The Neurics' routines did not need to be expanded on after they reached this step.

They continued to conquer the subterranean world, and as the forges improved, the Neurics became an unstoppable force.

They stopped having to fight entirely in close combat and gained some ranged weapons as well. With their weak bodies, the creation of ranged combat was a great improvement.

It allowed them to use new tactics that made use of their small size and nimble bodies to siege enemies without ever being discovered.

In this way, the casualty rate of warrior Neurics was reduced significantly.

The forges continuously improved, using the Qi Steel in the best way possible to learn and improve their skills. One by one, all of the blacksmiths and craftsmen awakened their qi and learned how to control it.

Within their bodies, a great evolution was already taking place. Their bloodlines were being strengthened, and their internal bodies were becoming more equipped to handle qi and energy.

This kind of change continued for another four hundred years. The Neurics continued to cycle through generations, and even the original Saintess, Hero, and Generals were nearing the ends of their lifespans.

New candidates would have to be chosen soon.

'But, those four have lived long and arduous lives overseeing the development of the tribe.'

The society formed by the Neurics didn't just have a few thousand members anymore. Their age was catching up to them, and their chosen successors were finally ready to take on their roles.

'Rather than troubling them for an eternity, it's better to let them rest and have their descendants take up their responsibilities.'

And, if they were going to pass soon, this moment was really the perfect one.

Because, as Atlas was having such thoughts, he suddenly sensed a burst of energy from the forges.

He turned his attention there to witness a massive flame consuming the entire original forging area. The Neurics now had an entire compound for blacksmiths to work in, but the first ten forges they used when they were still a weak race were preserved in remembrance.

Only the best blacksmiths could use those forges, as they possessed the special spiritual power left to them by the Shinnim.

They called it Hakurat, and it was one of their many historical sites.

For the entirety of Hakurat to be consumed by flames–

'–can only mean one thing.'

Atlas watched in excitement. The eyes of the Heavenly Dao pierced through the thick flame qi and looked at what was taking place within.

Floating in the air was a Neuric that looked to be roughly eighty years of age. His arms and legs were spread and his eyes were closed as his chest raised towards the sky.

Within his mind, countless enlightenments flashed by. The flames of the forge congregated around his body and pushed into his bloodline.

The pain of his blood boiling made him scream in agony, but at that moment, he heard something in his ear.

"Persevere."

A word spoken in a voice that he could not fathom. For a moment, his pain faded away as his attention focused on it. Enjoy more content from empire

He could only reach one conclusion.

"The Shinnim has spoken to me!"

For the Shinnim, he had to hold onto his life with everything he had.

And when he finally came out of his cocoon…

'...he will be introduced to the world as the very first Igni Neuric.'