Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Everlasting Cold Iron.

Before the rise of demonic artifacts, it had been the primary material for crafting divine weapons.

Unlike other metals, its durability was overwhelming.

It was so hard that only master artisans dared to attempt forging it.

Centuries ago—

During the era when the Magyeong Gate opened, spewing demonic beasts into the world, a time known as the Era of Despair began.

Even back then, Everlasting Cold Iron was exceedingly rare.

Yet survival demanded its use.

Clans and sects alike were forced to dig up whatever Cold Iron they had and craft weapons out of it.

Why?

Because for martial artists of lower cultivation, defeating a demon beast required Cold Iron.

Moreover, by the time dozens of prestigious clans had vanished trying to hoard the precious material, people learned their lesson.