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Quest Maker: 67
🕑 Added 2021-07-16 16:10:20 +0000 UTCTitle: Fair Forging
After inspecting all the changes, Ja Sun was pleasantly surprised when he found the toughest enemy of his, the pubes that grow within the unreachable valley, clearing out. To any grown person who had enjoyed the benefits of manscaping once, that location was a bitch and a half. Unexpectedly clearing off all his bodily hair save for his face and the head was quite the bonus.
His skin retained its wheatish tint and even if he grew to the height of 2 meters, instead of looking lanky, his body was slightly burly. What this body forging granted him wasn't unending strength, but it simply unified all his physical qualities. Now, his body could easily match a general Spirit Emperor and defeat it in a few moves. With physical and mental energy belonging to the realms of Spirit Emperor, Ja Sun could definitely jump ranks and absorb a stronger spirit soul than before.
His facial features were still the same and due to the growth of his body, even his Fiery Golden Pupils made great advancement as the qualities of his eyes simply increased. But he was still a bit far away from reaching the second realm of the technique.
Once he was through with the inspection of his body, Ja Sun covered his hands with the dark gauze once again and made the Vajra Gauntlets wrap around his hands. Picking up the scroll, Ja Sun began to silently read the contents of the blueprint. As he had expected previously, this was a forging blueprint but of an extremely high nature that also required a lot of spirit energy.
Storing it away, Ja Sun picked the Sigh of Immortal and began to infuse his spirit energy within its storage area as he also started to go through his previous experience.
'A God of War with a flair of chatting... a strange world that could be affected by killing intent... and that golden energy under the island. He also spoke of successor or something and divinity. What is that? If it is a part of cultivation, it wasn't noted in the Dragon's Observation. Does this mean there is a realm higher than Titled Douluo?'
Ja Sun calmly pondered over anything. But still, the greatest surprise was the fact that his killing intent seemed to have triggered something in that location.
'And why can't I be a successor to some divinity?'
He frowned and glanced at his right palm.
The whole debacle only took less than an hour and Ja Sun silently cultivated for the night after filling the Sigh of Immortal once more. In fact, he found that constantly expelling and regenerating spirit energy was a good way to cultivate. He wasn't also wasting his spirit energy at all like this. But stranded in a bottleneck, what else could he do but sleep comfortably once he was bored?
---
*Knock*
*Knock*
"Open the door, Little Ka-ul," a deeply effeminate voice broke Ja Sun's sleep as he woke up. He had slept in his previous clothes and when he found the pair of sleek dark golden gauntlets still covering his hands, the satisfaction in his eyes grew brighter.
"Who is it?" Ja Sun inquired calmly.
"It is me." The voice replied with a confident expression.
"Oh, really? Aren't you a genius? If I knew who this 'me' was, would have I asked?" Ja Sun frowned, "If this is some kind of door-to-door service by the inn then I'm not interested, please leave."
Seeing that there was no longer any response, Ja Sun slumped back on the bed once again. Since Bibi Dong said she would be busy for the day, he didn't intend to move from the bed and catch up on his rest.
*Knock*
*Knock*
"Ka-ul, it's me," a cool and soothing voice echoed once again.
"Bibi Dong?" Ja Sun inquired while opening the door, "Why didn't you say that back then and who were you impersonating?" Ja Sun sighed while opening the door and his next words were stuck in his throat. His stunned eyes gazed at the man behind Bibi Dong, a head taller than her. While Bibi Dong gazed at Ja Sun, equally speechless.
"Elder Yue... did you perhaps see the disturbance I just sent away?" Ja Sun inquired while bowing slightly, "Please come in."
He quickly gestured both of them to enter. The man behind Bibi Dong wore flowery robes with a headful of silky golden hair and a pale face staring in Ja Sun's direction. He didn't open his mouth for a particular reason and only nodded before entering.
Why wouldn't Ja Sun now understand who the owner of the effeminate voice was? He may not have met Yue Guan after his entrance into the Spirit Hall but his memory was instantly jolted awake.
As Bibi Dong entered the room, her gaze scanned the entirety of it but she failed to find any difference that can be tied to Ja Sun's change.
"There has been a change of plans."
Bibi Dong sighed softly before sitting. Yue Guan stood close to the window, silently looking out while having his hands behind his back.
"Yes, teacher?" He inquired while sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Grandmaster specifically asked you to accompany in this talk."
"Master did?" Ja Sun thought for a moment before nodding.
"Are there any specific directions? Should I wear my usual clothing or—"
"Little Ka-ul," Yue Guan spoke up and turned around, "Elder's words were clear. You are to follow his Holiness' disciple. You can also present your insight should the situation require it. As for the dress code, please wear anything pleasant. I will come for the two of you within two hours. Morning has risen only now and this mission would begin after a few hours."
Ja Sun nodded, "Thank you for the hard work, Elder Yue."
There were two kinds of elders in the Spirit Hall. The line of elders Yue Guan belonged to was under the authority of the Supreme Pontiff while the other line of elders had their own committee known as the Elder's Hall. Qian Daoliu happened to be the strongest and the leading figure of the Elder's Hall and for Yue Guan, too, he would be addressed as an Elder despite both of them being Titled Douluos.
Yue Guan nodded and left, unwilling to stay a single moment longer after being indirectly called a hooker. Against Ja Sun, elders like Yue Guan actually needed to keep their temper in check. If Yue Guan happened to be a Spirit Douluo, then it wouldn't have been a problem at all but Qian Daoliu's warning to every Titled Douluo of the Hall was clear and concise.
"What happened to your body?" Bibi Dong inquired. Her pink pupils observing his reaction as he shrugged, "I used a metal to enhance my body. If teacher wants to read more about it, I can lend you the books I took from Lou Gao about arrays. It is a common array, just that the material required is too rare."
"Metal to enhance body?" Bibi Dong's gaze grew interested as Ja Sun nodded, "Yes, but the technical knowledge of Array is needed."
"What kind of metal?" Bibi Dong queried.
"Living Essence Metal," Ja Sun smiled.
"What are the improvements?" Bibi Dong questioned again.
"I have yet to test them," Ja Sun sighed.
"I will check this with Grandmaster later. I don't have any knowledge in this regard and don't know if you took the right step or not."
"Bibi Dong..."
"Yes?"
"Why don't I and Ah Yin have a method to contact Master directly?" Ja Sun inquired.
Shaking her head, Bibi Dong stood up, "I don't know myself. Regarding clothing... I still want you to wear something other than your training robes. Do you have anything for the occasion? After all, you will be meeting the Emperor."
Thinking for a moment, Ja Sun took out the Blue Elegant Robes that he earned earlier in the start of this life.
"Is this good enough?"
Bibi Dong's eyes lit up and she nodded.
"You should wear more colors instead of black all the time. And... are you planning to wear your gauntlets? This is a new pair, I reckon," Bibi Dong gazed at Ja Sun's Vajra Gauntlets.
"Yes, I feel weird without wearing gauntlets," Ja Sun smiled.
Nodding, Bibi Dong left.
"I will tell others about your departure with me. It was just that Uncle Yue looked quite in a hurry so I led him here. You were sleeping before, so you can get back to it."
"I will," Ja Sun chuckled and shut the door before jumping on his bed.
---
"Ka-ul, it's me," Another knock woke him up. The voice still belonged to Bibi Dong as Ja Sun growled softly and woke up.
Looking at the time, Ja Sun hurriedly changed into the set of already selected blue robes, combed his hair with his hand, and walked out while wearing his mask.
"You were still sleeping, weren't you?" Bibi Dong frowned. She usually kept her face exposed ever since she controlled her killing intent and now seeing the frown on her face, Ja Sun only chuckled. So what if he was sleeping? It's not like he was getting late for school or a job.
"Let's go. There is still some time before Uncle Yue picks us up. You should reveal your changes to the group."
Ja Sun nodded silently.
Instead of another room, Bibi Dong led downstairs and walked up to the table occupied by their group. In Star Luo City, there wasn't any deficit of outstanding men and women so aside from a few glances towards the women, there was nothing out of the ordinary.
As they saw a broad-shouldered tall man walking next to Bibi Dong, everybody blinked.
"Ah Yin, do you want me to pick your jaw off the floor?" Ja Sun inquired with a snicker.
"Xie Xan, yours too?" He added once he noted that only these two were more expressive.
"What is going on?" Liu Erlong inquired curiously.
"Ka-ul went through a fortuitous encounter. Hear his story. If any of you manage to find anything similar, that way, you can make apt use of this opportunity, too," Bibi Dong remarked. If it was something she couldn't teach, that didn't mean she wasn't willing to inform the group. Ja Sun was acutely aware that if she was planning to learn about arrays after hearing his encounter, she would have waited for her hand and only disclosed the information once she knew how to work with arrays, like what she did with the Realm of Self that she was working towards.
Sitting next to Ah Yin while picking up Caihong and letting him nestle on his lap, Ja Sun inquired calmly, "Do you all want to hear the full benefits before the materials involved?"
"The materials involved first," Bibi Dong stated.
"Well, this is the book you can share amongst yourself then. Learn about all the materials mentioned here," Ja Sun took out the book and passed it onto Bibi Dong.
By now, he already knew what not to reveal about himself.
The greater the depth of a person, the more collected he will be. Qian Daoliu's depth was almost the point of an abyss. Mere enhancements or the display of absorbing of spirit souls wouldn't rattle him. What would rattle him is the knowledge that he can increase the cultivation pace of a third party by 15%. Or the fact that he has perfect knowledge of spirit souls, spirit rings, and bloodline evolutions. All these streams of knowledge could raise any organization to its peak.
Once Bibi Dong stored the book, Ja Sun continued on with how the array was required to complete the forging. He didn't leave the matter about having one weapon since aside from a rare few living metal essence, almost every essence required a weapon to complete Man and Weapon Fusion.
"So... what are the benefits?" Xie Xan's eyes were glowing.
"Aside from the remarkable increase in physical strength, I think will not grow hair in any of the other locations aside from my head."
Ja Sun's words stunned the group.
"What?" Ah Yin inquired once again.
"It means that the carpet no longer matches the drape... there is no longer any carpet."
Ja Sun closed his eyes.
"No hair?" Hu Lana inquired again.
"None."
For a moment, many similar things flashed in the minds of Bibi Dong and her student.
"But these are the basic advantage. If my guess is correct, aside from the increase in physical strength, every essence will have its unique benefits."
"What was the name of the metal you used? Hairless essence?" Xie Xan smirked.
"Very funny. Ask Hu Lana if she likes hair in her mouth."
"Pfft," Liu Erlong spat the juice she just drank over Hu Lana.
"Or juice," Ja Sun added.
"I'm sorry," Liu Erlong glared at Ja Sun while Hu Lana trembled with a furious expression. She stood up silently but her cold voice blew over, "Follow me."
In a few breaths, it was revealed who she was talking about as Xie Xan gave a deep sigh and gazed at Ja Sun with an expression saying: You just hard to speak.
He then stood up and followed behind.
"You can also gain height. Xie Xan isn't here but for him, this would be the most important benefit," Ja Sun completed his words.
"Why height?" Bibi Dong frowned.
"I think that would be inappropriate to say to three women," Ja Sun shook his head.
"Did that ever stop you?" Liu Erlong pursed her lips. Looking towards Ah Yin, Ja Sun thought for a moment before nodding.
"By height... I meant that it increased my length from... various positions."
Ah Yin closed her eyes and shook her head. She instantly understood what Ja Sun meant. Their companionship has lasted for more than a year now. A chuckle accidentally escaped her lips.
"What?"
"Nothing... I was thinking how... deficient you must have been to be happy over this fact."
"On the contrary, I'm not happy at all," Ja Sun sighed, lying through his teeth. He was happy. Too happy.
From the average joe to a Joestar. What else could he ask for? The war god really made him capable in more than one way. He just needed to 'test endurance now.
Bibi Dong finally understood what Ja Sun meant and her expression turned dark.
"Let's order..." Liu Erlong stated with a baleful aura surrounding her.
Not paying them any attention, Ja Sun leaned over to Ah Yin's side, whispering, "I'm going to the Palace with Bibi Dong. Want me to bring you a souvenir?"
"If you want to, why would I stop you?" Ah Yin smiled.
Thinking for a moment, Ah Yin added, "I was thinking of going out to check the Star Luo Auction House. If your work is done earlier, we can go together later."
"Of course!" Ja Sun smiled.
Even he was planning to enter the auction house. If not to purchase then put a few items unusable to him for sale.
---
Outside the inn, Ja Sun and Bibi Dong entered a lavish carriage pulled by three horses and found Yue Guan already sitting inside. Glancing at the duo, a smile touched his lips, "Mmgh, you really wore good clothes. We cannot let our presentation be worse than the two kingdoms today. But I was led to believe that you would have worn his Holiness' present. The Successor's Robe," he gazed at Bibi Dong inquisitively.
It was true. Bibi Dong looked extremely attractive and elegant in the purple glinted dress that wrapped from her shoulders to knees tightly before flowing out like an upside-down tulip. Her pinkish-blonde hair loosely tied behind by two thin braids reaching from the corner of her ears and matched the dressing sense of the southern continent entirely.
Once the Successor's Robe was mentioned, Bibi Dong glanced at Ja Sun who had already taken a seat opposite to Yue Guan, and sat a little further from him while replying calmly, "Uncle, I lost it in a bet."
"Hmm?" A trace of coldness flashed in Yue Guan's eyes as he inquired with his thickly sweet voice, "Who, little miss Dong?"
"Grandmaster's outstanding disciple."
The Chrysanthemum Douluo— Yue Guan's— expression froze and he glanced at Ja Sun who looked outside the carriage by slightly raising his curtain.
"Elder Yue, if you mean that beautiful white dress with inlaid purple gems then it is with me indeed."
Ja Sun hummed calmly.
"Little Ka-ul, it doesn't seem appropriate, right?" Yue Guan smiled.
'There's nothing little about me, not anymore,' Ja Sun scorned internally but replied without a hint of embarrassment.
"I enjoy hoarding woman's clothing, Elder Yue. You should see the varieties they have. Anyway, I plan to gift the most beautiful and elegant to them to someone in the Palace if they catch my eye."
Bibi Dong's eyelids twitched.
"You will gift my used clothes to another woman?" She frowned, a hint of distaste spreading in her mouth.
"Woman? Why would a woman want used clothing? It's for men," Ja Sun frowned.
"You mean?" Yue Guan frowned, too.
Looking at both of them, Ja Sun profoundly missed Ah Yin. She would have already caught on and realized that he was just finding pleasure by filling others with frustration.
"It is a joke, Elder Yue, Bibi Dong. Cheer up. Only I get to see your clothes."
"Enough," Yue Guan frowned and raised his voice. But if Bibi Dong didn't catch up before, she did now. Her expression turned slightly strange as she gazed at the cold expression on Chrysanthemum Douluo's face and then narrowed her gaze at Ja Sun.
"Ka-ul, making joked within the group is appropriate. Not with elders."
"Oh, apologies for that. I stepped out of the bounds."
Ja Sun gave a slight bow but his heart bubbled hilariously. The Elders are even easier than his group.
For the next part of the journey, everyone was silent. Although the capital is called a city, its size was absolutely massive but it still fell quite a bit short compared to Spirit City. Since Bibi Dong and the rest were resting in the outskirts of the city, the carriage took over an hour to reach the heart of the city which was filled with noble scions. But all of them revealed spirit energy flowing within them, even the weakest of which gave the pressure of a Spirit Grandmaster.
The Coachman leading the carriage was clearly well-equipped with passes. He was from the Star Luo's Spirit Temple itself. Along the way, the carriage didn't stop more than twice and the trio within the carriage continued to sit silently. As to why his master specifically wanted him in this meeting, Ja Sun didn't particularly care and continued to cultivate his Fiery Golden Pupils. But stunned, Ja Sun realized that even his speed of cultivating this technique had fallen. Once again, the pure yang energy would break into nourishing energy and get siphoned off by his body, raising its quality alongside his eyes.
Now, Ja Sun finally understood that even though his body's growth would never stop, if he didn't find higher resources, his speed of cultivation of Revitalized Blood Qi Art and Fiery Golden Pupils would be affected severely. The Man-Weapon Body Forging provided Ja Sun with many benefits but it also had its own restrictions.
Bibi Dong, meanwhile, continued to circulate her spirit energy. She still couldn't understand why she and Ah Yin lagged in this regard. Something that took Ja Sun less than two months shouldn't be this hard.
Yue Guan also continued to meditate with his eyes closed.
The carriage finally stopped in front of the Palace's giant entrance.
Exiting the Coach, Yue Guan, Bibi Dong, and Ja Sun was led by a Palace Attendant already waiting for them and led everyone into the throne room.
Official matters in the palace are certainly discussed within the Emperor's study but to host guests of this magnitude, only the Throne room of the Palace could be used. Led by the attendant, the trio entered the wide and majestic hall before bowing towards the man sitting on the lavish throne made out the pelts of a spirit beasts, from the looks of it, white tigers. Next to him was another throne made entirely out of dark fur that gave a violet luster. Observing both the Emperor and the Empress, Ja Sun looked around and found one acquaintance in one of the seats of the hall.
"Emperor Dai, it has been too long. Please excuse our tardiness," Yue Guan gave a soft smile, his sweet voice seemingly brightening the palace as he pushed his right leg back and brought his left hand over to his right chest, bowing slightly with an elegant manner.
Behind him, Bibi Dong stepped up and gave a sincere smile. A fake one, excruciatingly so, in Ja Sun's eyes, but her presence seemed to be the focus of everybody's attention.
"Bibi Dong pays respect to Senior Dai and Senior Zhu."
She calmly cupped her fist and bowed.
