บท 138: The Icy Training
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*Whoosh*
*Whoosh*
The beauty of the Icebound Forest was quickly overshadowed by the gloomy climate of the Extreme North. Sun couldn't peek through the ever-present dark clouds and mist that prevailed over the region and constant snowstorms made sure to increase the quality of survival and danger in every step taken.
"Ah, man, you're really hot!" Ja Sun's honest praise pulled a blush onto Liu Erlong's cheeks. Hidden inside a snowy cave that wouldn't melt no matter the cause, Ja Sun and Erlong sat together and due to the former's request, Erlong had activated her spirit transformation. Her arms grew into crimson-scaled claws and the scales covered her arms completely under her tunic. The same was true for her legs as she had to remove her shoes before achieving spirit transformation.
The unique trait of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is that the holder of such martial soul will only have their bodies transformed according to their spirit rank. A Spirit Master only has one hand transformed into claws, a Spirit Grandmaster has two of his arms transformed, and so on until rank 70. As a mutation of this lineage, Erlong followed the same tradition.
As a Spirit King, she had all four of her limbs completely dragonified and now the back of her neck grew crimson scales that reached a little below her cheeks. With this transformation and her attribute, the surroundings turned slightly warmer. The two of them sat on an extremely lavish sofa, something they looted in the Dragon Rising City during the hunt. In front of them, still within the interior of the cave, under the influence of a pale-gold domain, the remaining group meditated and constantly tried to provoke their spirit energy without going all out and temper their control over their own spiritual self.
With her cultivation increased, physique strengthened, and mind transformed daily under Ja Sun's acupuncture technique, Yuehua could last significantly longer than before and this advantage would only grow.
"I'll tell Ah Yin what you said just now," Erlong hissed and crossed her arms but Ja Sun only shrugged. He didn't lie and even if it was a deliberate attempt to tease the bloody and wholesome menace, Ja Sun knew it for a fact that Ah Yin would only have her mind roused with the slightest hint of jealousy if he actually complimented a plant or a flower. Humans? Ah Yin couldn't care less.
"Sure thing," Ja Sun chuckled as he closed his eyes. Even he had spirit transformed. His hair had been cut short by Ah Yin and now were pristine white. And his left arm showed no complication during the Spirit Transformation. The silver arm grew to be silver talons with thick fur lining his arms, shoulders, and back and the pattern of the third eye on his forehead looking even more prominent. His martial soul had opened its third eye but there was no qualitative change. And even with the formation of the Yin-Yang War Physique, the only advantage that came to him was a growing body with its capacity wildly increased and a force of regeneration of the body and stamina that was only limited by organs and limbs regeneration.
He had tried it secretly. Cuts meant nothing to him and only the old scars remained on his body because they had already become a part of him.
All in all, Ja Sun felt that he was at the cusp of a true, spiritual transformation for his martial soul. The spirit cores such as Life-Death Spirit Cauldron and Yin-Yang War Physique were a simple enhancement of his already enviable foundation and nothing more.
And discreetly, Ja Sun used the effect of his spirit transformation into the Three-eyed Silver Lion to quicken the pace of his cultivation because he needed it now. Every single advantage was needed because of how much extra his body needed for each breakthrough. A lot of good fortunes can also be a curse.
Ja Sun, suffering from his own success.
"You should cultivate," Ja Sun looked at Erlong.
"I cannot cultivate in this state. Spirit Energy is being constantly used," Liu Erlong groaned.
"You won't unless you try it. Come on, even I'm cultivating. Try it. It's going to be helpful," Ja Sun persuaded as Liu Erlong closed her eyes with a huff.
'Wait... what if he's looking at me pervertedly!'
Her eyes snapped open but she only found Ja Sun silently cultivating next to her. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and began using her time well, too.
The small cultivation session lasted for an hour with Yuehua completely exhausting her spirit energy which also led to some physical exhaustion only for Oscar to...
"Your grandaddy has a stinky tofu!"
He chanted seriously, his first spirit ring flashing, and on his outstretched hand formed a piece of square tofu with an 'itching' scent. He passed it onto Yuehua and pursing her lips, she ate it silently. How such a stinking object could taste so good was not something anyone could imagine, but it was the reality even if it could be disappointing at times.
Oscar's martial soul happened to be Stinky Tofu and his first spirit ability: Stinky Tofu, could recover physical weaknesses quickly. What was even more impressive about his abilities were that despite the limitation of the spirit rings and the subsequent quality of the product, the more spirit energy he pushed into his abilities, the product would certainly reveal slightly better effects. Again, this was quite limited but this also happened to be the focus of Oscar's training in the realm of self.
Having her stamina greatly restored, Bibi Dong looked at everyone and plainly spoke up, "Get ready. We're going out for exercise."
With that, the group was forced to face the extremely cold temperature that hit hard even with warm clothes. Oscar's food martial soul became a popular form of training as the tofu would restore the stamina of each member and Bibi Dong wasn't the slightest bit shy to wring every benefit from even her student. All for the sake of training, right?
And due to the extreme climate, the group also couldn't avoid natural injuries, something that even Bibi Dong soldiered through with a stoic expression. If there was anyone actually struggling then it was Yuehua. Not because of the pain, no. Yuehua had great tolerance to pain already due to the Mental Acupuncture Technique that she willingly requested in pursuit of strength. She had trouble following with the rest of them because of her physique still needing much tempering that this climate would provide her graciously.
Despite how long this run felt, the group had only returned after 45 minutes with Ah Yin prompted to heal everyone and Oscar asked to supply everyone with Tofu once again. Liu Erlong then provided a warm sanctuary for rest. The cave the group had selected was earned after a brief clash with a small family of White Goblins that were sacrificed for the 'greater' cause. None leaving any Spirit Bone but Ja Sun purchased the group's share of corpses for himself. With his ever-increasing knowledge of arrays and now the development of Essence Tools, Ja Sun needed to start accumulating more natural resources such as the blood of spirit beasts which would later be used for the formation of arrays, formations, and inscriptions.
During this period, Oscar and Yuehua also began meditating and recovering their spirit energy which served to boost their cultivation slightly. Yuehua was fine. Her Martial Soul was extraordinary and despite the severely late start, she had the hopes of catching up to others with various treasures and encounters. However, Oscar was different. Everybody's talent for cultivation is defined by their Martial Soul. That's why the Martial Souls that bring out Innate Full Spirit Power at the awakening ceremony are accepted with great fervor.
Oscar's martial soul was different in terms of talents. It was a food item. And thus, in the world of cultivation, it wasn't truly accepted well due to its low cultivation talent. Even at his awakening, Oscar barely had four spirit power, much lower than everybody in his group. Maybe it was because of this natural rejection that Oscar appreciated each bond formed in his life and also happened to be particularly salty if someone refused to eat his tofu.
Even Jun'er had once recited the story of how she and Oscar first met to the other girls. She had insulted his ability, got slapped in return, and then fell for him and his scent.
But reaching this far in cultivation spoke volumes on Oscar's temperament. He cultivated with utmost determination... because even he felt that in his life, cooking and cultivation took priority right along Jun'er.
---
"Hmm," Tang Peng hummed loudly. He sat on a large, stony chair shaped in form of a couch. His back straight, just like his long, greying bears. His slightly murky eyes gazed at Tang Jinluo, the Eight Elder he had sent out to look for his daughter alongside the forces of the clan.
The Patriarch's hall wasn't only visited by the Patriarch of the Clear Sky Clan and its Eighth elder, but also the Successor of the Clan— Tang Hao, and his elder brother, Tang Xiao and a stranger. A middle-aged old man with greying but straight hair that was combed back neatly with the strands reaching to the nape of his neck. A short mustache adorned his face while a green armored robe covered his body.
"Eighth Elder, I sent you to look for Yuehua. Explain," Tang Peng inquired impassively. He had quite a lot of time to ponder on what his two sons had said, and after his anger faded, even he agreed for a large part. But in the end, accustomed by his will overruling others', Tang Peng felt irked when Jinluo returned without any result.
Bowing courteously, Tang Jinluo replied in a great detail.
"Patriarch, we looked for Tang Yuehua in every forest controlled by the Spirit Hall and with the Bai Clan's report on Tang Yuehua being spotted within the Heaven Dou City, we finally decided to check the Sunset Forest. She had been there and evidence suggests that we lost her barely. There, I met with Dugu Bo. He claims that his personal garden has been looted and the herbs he had painstakingly accumulated for the chance of healing his son had been replaced by Blue Silver Grasses... and its variants. An act that is largely connected with Ah Yin of Bibi Dong's group.
Tracing their steps, we reached further north and got the pass to search the Icebound Forest, however, their trail ends there. The group had either discreetly returned to the Spirit Hall or determined themselves to brave the dangers of the Extreme North. All this while, Dugu Bo helped us and as I sent a word previously, he wishes to join us only if we have a possible method to save his son from the expected demise."
Tang Peng closed his eyes for a moment. Reflection and complicated plans had never been the strongest suit of the clan. It was violence, instead. And aside from Yuehua, Tang Peng had raised his own as such.
"So, you really believe that their group had cleverly returned to the Spirit Hall?"
Tang Peng inquired.
"Yes," Jinluo nodded.
"And Dugu Bo, is it, Rank 89 Spirit Douluo. Impressive," Tang Peng's sharp glare made Dugu Bo grunt and step back slightly. "If you proposed healing his son, you must have a way, right?" The old man looked at Jinluo and he nodded.
"Yes, Patriarch. Over my study of exotic spirit beasts, I have indeed come across a few things that are helpful."
"I see. Leave and call off the pursuit. I pray to see Yuehua during the competition. And Dugu Bo may join the sect only as an honorary elder. His stipend will be decided by all the eight elders and informed to me before making any official statement."
The Seven Upper Clans equally controlled personal sects. Each clan needs a complicated system of contribution and rewards to keep themselves afloat using various businesses so, in reality, it isn't only strength that is needed for a successful clan but a successful chain of business, too. These responsibilities fell on the sect members. While the clan consisted of talented and blood-related members, the sect consisted of the members from the subsidiary clans and quite a few talented and useful outsiders such as rank 89 Dugu Bo who was on the verge of becoming a Titled Douluo.
"What about that land?" Tang Xiao interrupted from behind. The two siblings were standing behind their father.
Dugu Bo's brows twitched while Tang Peng calmly replied, "It's his personal property and will remain as such."
Tang Xiao frowned slightly but remained quiet. In their family, the word of their elder was the rule so he didn't object anymore.
[A/N: Clear Sky Clan's rise as the top clan is largely based on their supreme martial soul and Tang Chen, the rank 99 Demigod. But the fall of this clan was also quite quick. While there are many factors such as Tang Peng's death after the shock that his son had married a spirit beast, the fact that the spirit hall could unravel the support of this clan i.e. the subsidiary clans and businesses, meant that as the decision-maker, Tang Peng wasn't the best. In fact, before Tang San's time, everyone looked for their own benefits, and the actual storyline was a revenge story caused by the consequences of these actions occurring themselves.
The only thing I have added is Hint of Evil because I really have a cool idea that can overturn Qian Xunji as a villain completely. And also, ||spoiler|| to add a backstory for Bibi Dong.]
Once the duo left, the Father and Son trio remained inside.
"The Clan is barely able to maintain its position and cannot send forces outside without considering their safety. You two need to cultivate harder, too. However, in the event that I lose Yuehua because of your decision... well, you're still going to be the Patriarch, but you won't be my sons, both of you."
Tang Peng stood up and left without looking back.
"You said that Dad will come around one way or the other," Tang Hao groaned. Not minding the particularly harsh words. He realized that once you tolerate his slaps, then only Ja Sun's verbal insults are more horrible.
"He did... partially," Xiao sighed deeply, "Well, give him six more weeks and he'll be asking us to hunt his dinner once again."
Meanwhile, Tang Jinluo led Dugu Bo to his private courtyard near the foot of the mountain where the Clear Sky sect is established and found a strange visitor present inside already. The rogue spirit master, Dugu Bo, grew cautious instantly as he gazed at the man with Blood-red hair with shades of crimson and a purely crimson armor that seemed quite luxurious. A terrifying feeling rose in Dugu Bo's heart as he saw his sickly son and daughter-in-law lying on the bed next to the man. However, before he could move, a chilling pressure stopped him.
"Jinluo, is Princess Dai Mu still here."
It was none other than Redstar, the leader of the Hint of Evil.
Jinluo knelt on one knee and spoke respectfully, "Yes, sir. The relationship between the Clear Sky Clan and the Star Luo Imperial Clan is growing stronger by the day. If everything goes in this direction, Tang Hao and Dai Mu will be married once she, too, reaches the rank Spirit Sage. What should we do?"
Chuckling with ease, Redstar shrugged, "We are just a simple group. What can we do? Bless this happy occasion, of course. Anyway, the information isn't always used to hurt others' interests and bring trouble but to simply prepared oneself. Good job. Go on, see to your clan duties."
Jinluo left while keeping his head low.
"Who are you?" Dugu Bo inquired cautiously but shaking his head, Redstar pointed at him.
"The fact is, I know about you, Dugu Bo. A rogue spirit master who would work for the Heaven Dou Imperial Clan as a mercenary from time to time to keep your family fed. However, the question isn't who I am, but what do you want.
And I know the answer. You want your son to live, right?"
"What do you want?" Dugu Bo spat coldly. He always respected his freedom and never joined a faction. But with his most expensive treasures robbed, Dugu Bo couldn't help but regret the decision of seeking a few healing masters to find a temporary remedy for his son.
"Hmm, now, now. I tested your son when you were meeting with Tang Peng. The source of your poison is your own martial soul, yes? It is honestly amazing," Redstar narrowed his eyes, "In terms of poison, there are no more than 6 Spirit Beasts and Martial Souls that can trump your Jade Phosphorous Serpent.
But let's get to what do I want.
First, your discretion. I respect freedom. And thus, I have slight respect for you— a man who deluded himself into thinking that taking care of an ill son is true freedom. So, I will not ask you to join us. But my spirit ability will force you to remain silent of our encounter... with the consequence of actions proving otherwise shouldered by your son and daughter-in-law."
Dugu Bo's heart was gripped with anxiety as with a menacing stare, Redstar smiled and continued, "Second thing I want is the man who robbed your garden. You have the cause, and you are weak enough to not demand any attention. You won't fight him, else you'll die... of course, by his hands, oh, no, hand."
He chuckled at his own words and stated, "Dugu Bo, my friend, you have to bring my message to a man named Ka-ul. And I promise you that your son will recover... with this."
Redstar flipped his hand and revealed a dark purple... thing which looked sharp.
"This, right here, is a piece of the mandible of the Death Spider Emperor which will not only rid your son of the negativity of his martial soul but further strengthen him... and also you."
Another piece of mandible appeared in Redstar's hand and even Dugu Bo felt a clear longing from his martial soul towards the items in Redstar's hands.
"Please heal my son before anything else. I will help you. You have my word."
Dugu Bo spoke sincerely but feared that his words might not be enough.
"Sure."
Much to his surprise, Redstar agreed and a deep sense of gratitude instantly burst from his heart and flooded his mind and rationality.
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