章節 113: Rewards of Hero
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The coins were stored. And so was the 10th Grade Myriad Blood Mango. In fact, Ja Sun knew about this fruit. For any immortal herb, 10th grade represents the quality of the 100000-years of cultivation. But this mango only happened to have one ability and that was the fact in a special circumstance where a spirit master or spirit beast may be in contact with another bloodline, it can be absorbed with one already within the body without any conflict and improve upon both of them without any issue. A truly majestic fruit but its use was not present at the moment.
His trait rewarded him based on his actions. The coins represented the loot he obtained from the dead. One round of skimming through the Asura Sight Technique made him realize that this technique was the reward of bloodshed, and the 10th Grade Myriad Blood Mango Immortal Fruit was the reward for taking out probably the only 100000-year-old Beartaken with the stunning mutation of a Duskgold Dreadclaw Bear from the looks of it. Ground Devil was truly a sight of nature that Ja Sun put down for his benefit. But it didn't matter to him.
The purple jade with a technique engraved on it, the Rakshasa Soul Devouring Technique...
Ja Sun read it once. Then he read it again. The more he read it, the more startled he felt.
One of the greatest marvels of cultivation, quite possibly at the same level as Ground Devil— Violet and her cultivation problem...
Well, this technique left by an individual who penned himself as Rakshasa seemed to be the final result of what Violet faced. This jade held extremely tiny words and contained knowledge worth a tome. It detailed one particular aspect of cultivation— Soul Origin, and how to devour it.
This was a technique... too wild.
But Ja Sun can only consider this technique too imaginative and hopeful. It was a result of hope. To ponder on one of the vaguest aspects of cultivation and creating a new path out of it. While Ja Sun personally was only stranded on the idea, this technique... this technique filled his gaps of knowledge. But this technique couldn't be used without a specific martial soul: Rakshasa Scythe.
Although a bummer, Ja Sun didn't mind it. He would be reading and pondering on this technique for a long time to come. After all, he had lost an arm, there wasn't too much he can do besides acting like a hurt patient to get his teammates to continuously do chores for him.
'But... the only notable action in the optional objective was saving Bibi Dong from Ground Devil. This is clearly related to her, but how?' Ja Sun thought silently for the rest of the night before going to sleep. But his consciousness was still alert.
After all, Death Astral Combatant didn't need sleep. It was a strange state, but not uncomfortable. Not with Ah Yin silently slipping in to prop his head over her laps once again, this time, with obviously much less condescension and disgust on her face as she held his bald wonder... the head. The top... the source of all knowledge?
Ja Sun liked to call it many things in his free time.
---
The next day, Ah Yin silently slipped out while Ja Sun woke up with a yawn and then glanced at the pillow left under his head with quite a bit of hollow feeling.
'This pillow, I don't need it anymore!'
With that, he stretched a little. Rotating his right arm, rotating his right wrist, moving his right shoulder... he already missed his left arm. Adjusting his pants a little with difficulty, Ja Sun buttoned his shirt with the left sleeve swaying down.
Since there was nothing left to do within the tent while a few things remained incomplete inside the Dragon Rising City. Once everything was done, they could move on finally. With such great benefits, especially the Rakshasa Soul Devouring Technique that opened a new possible path of cultivation should Ja Sun really ponder on its metaphysical advancement, he walked out with expectations for his future adventures rising high.
The sun had risen and his bald head reflected the shine of it perfectly. As if waiting for his emergence... there was no one. After all, he hadn't specified the time he would emerge. The other tent was silent. With a sigh, Ja Sun took small and slow steps. His body didn't hurt anymore, but he wasn't into rushing things at the moment. Pushing open the entrance of the tent, Ja Sun's arrival startled everyone.
Bald, without any eyebrows or eyelashes and a calm stare that... creeped everyone out. Half of his head still outside reflected handsomely and the lack of left arm gave Ja Sun a certain charm. He only lacked an empty tin bowl or can and he could enter a whole new profession.
The moment he entered the tent, letting everybody silently absorb what fashion truly looks like, he was tackled into a hug and thrown out of the tent with a rather bulky body against him as he slid through the ground. It was Liu Erlong who had remained silent until now.
"Well, this is a good time for getting your revenge, I assume," Ja Sun mumbled as scratched his head while Liu Erlong silently laid on him. Her shoulders trembling while he felt something warm beginning to soak his shirt.
"You're a fucking idiot..." She whispered, "And you should have died but... I'm so glad that you're not..." her hug tightened as Ja Sun grew silent. He didn't wish to find some snarky comeback to have the last laugh. Not this time anyway. Maybe when Liu Erlong is injured to the point of death, he will just tackle her to the ground and spit on her top to soak it... that ought to teach her, right?
"I'm alive, aren't I? And if you're going to cry, at least, let me see it."
To make detailed fun of it later.
"I don't cry... it's just drool," Erlong's voice remained a bit muffled with her head buried into his chest.
"Pft— Hahahahahahahahaha!"
A loud, unbridled laugher broke as Xie Xan walked out with tears in his eyes. Holding his stomach, he continued to laugh.
"Look at his face, Nana! God damn! That's a scary ass—"
His ear was instantly pulled fiercely, making him scowl in pain and he looked back to find the slightly red-eyed Bibi Dong calmly glancing at him, making him feel a certain chill. Ah Yin coldly gazed at him before looking away with a scoff and Hu Lana, who had tears in her eyes for an entirely different reason twisted Xie Xan's ear.
"Bastard! You can still laugh? Let me teach you a lesson!"
She pulled Xie Xan back into the tent.
'And my day is made,' Ja Sun felt unimaginable relief bursting through his veins. Oh, wait, pain, too.
"I would have cheered you up with a magic trick but it needs two hands so... that's a lost cause," Ja Sun chuckled as he patted Erlong's back with his remaining arm
His words finally making her chuckle a bit herself as she looked up. Marks of tears were evident on her face as her smile looked a bit ugly but it was genuine in Ja Sun's eyes.
"I don't think I can die easily. And given the fact that I pulled through and broke into rank 56, leaving you far in the dust, by the way, I suggest you stop being lazy and work hard. Maybe that will lower your weight a little."
Erlong hurriedly cleaned her face before standing up, "You got it!" She didn't scoff or gave a twisted reply either. Not this time, at least.
As she turned around with a smile, her expression froze the moment she looked at Ah Yin and Bibi Dong and with a cough, she moved past them and entered the tent.
"Can you at least help me up? It's hard to move with one arm!" Ja Sun called out and Bibi Dong spoke up, "I have some matters to discuss with him. Could I get some privacy?" She looked at Ah Yin. Ordinarily, Ah Yin would have agreed but right now, she felt like refusing the request but before she could do it, a hand had already pulled Ja Sun up and he looked at the grey-haired handsome middle-aged man with surprise, "Master? Right on time! Do you have any way to quickly make my hair grow?"
Of course, with Ja Sun's knowledge of immortal herbs, he knew a few remedies but... where would he even find an immortal herb related to this matter?
Qian Daoliu looked at the trio before his gaze settled on Ja Sun. A wide smile covered his face. This was an expression Bibi Dong saw for the first time and Qian Daoliu patted Ja Sun's shoulder.
"Dong'er, everyone. Go inside. I will talk to all of you inside."
Xie Xan was the most grateful to see Qian Daoliu since his beating was cut short by the emotional Hu Lana who finally decided to let go of him for the moment.
Inside the tent, Qian Daoliu looked at everyone. He was certain by now that in this charade of a competition that Xunji created for his personal goals, this team was the best. Even without Ja Sun and Bibi Dong, the others could surpass their ordinary levels of strength because of Ja Sun's wild presence itself. The effect was already prominent: Xie Xan made an effort to break past his limits of spirit ring configuration and if one individual grows stronger, the others will try to keep up or else they will feel inferior by the lack of effort and even may end up being left behind.
"You absorbed a spirit bone. And it looks compatible, too," Qian Daoliu looked at Liu Erlong and then at Ja Sun. While Liu Erlong nodded, Ja Sun shrugged, "I thought I only have one arm left. Might spoil this darling as much as I can."
Since he was exposed so quickly, why bother hiding?
Qian Daoliu calmly nodded.
"I promised you a reward if you provide adequate assistance in this particular confrontation. That you did. Although it only proves your absolute healing capabilities, I have something that might balance the situation."
Qian Daoliu once left notes on the rooms of both of his disciples rooms. While Ja Sun's note only contained his lack of support in this matter, Ah Yin's stated a substantial inheritance should she prove her value.
Saying that, he flipped his palm and took out a spirit bone. It didn't look like a bone exactly but the spiritual fluctuations were too familiar. It was leg-shaped item that seemed to be made of dark-yellow vines intertwined without any hint of disarray. The size of the spirit bone wasn't as large as an actual human bone but its shape looked similar to an actual leg. From the thigh bone to the toes.
"This is the only plant-type spirit bone in the history of Spirit Hall. It is yours now. Its name is the Devil's Bark Left Foot. Hehe, you will certainly find its ability useful."
Since these were inheritances once used in the past, their abilities weren't unknown to Qian Daoliu. He didn't expose its ability and left it to Ah Yin to explore it on her own as she stored the Spirit Bone.
"As for you... I have something that is far more valuable than the act of killing a... Titled Douluo," Qian Daoliu smiled, "So, you will need to compensate for it a bit."
"What is it?" Ja Sun inquired curiously.
Qian Daoliu took out a small parchment. It was quite old and yellowed as he controlled his spirit energy to make the folded parchment float over to Ja Sun who carefully opened it. Ja Sun's eyes widened and he looked at Qian Daoliu before looking back at the parchment. A smile formed on his lips and he inquired, "Master, I was led to believe that... only Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has the most instructive knowledge on this profession."
"They do. Spirit Hall consists of spirit masters with potent combat potential. Only a guy like you who loves to chew stuff that he cannot swallow would even think of diverting his attention to his... whims. I have many more of these. But as I said, just the achievement of a Titled Douluos head isn't enough. As your master, I could give you a discount."
Ja Sun looked at the parchment in his hand once again. Unknown to Qian Daoliu, this level of inheritance had even more benefit to Ja Sun and he smiled, a little unwilling to just give up his treasures.
"As a master, shouldn't you gift it to me? Like you gifted that Spirit Bone to Ah Yin..."
"I have gifted this parchment to you," Qian Daoliu nodded, "But what I am presenting to you is not only the... technicalities, but also the origin of this particular profession and its theoretical knowledge to help you on a foundational level."
Ja Sun looked at others and then frowned slightly. Of course, without his brows, it was just the fold of his skin that made even the most emotional Hu Lana purse her lips in subconscious disgust and she dodged his gaze.
"Master... I'm just a poor fellow. Without an arm—"
"Oh, boohoo, I'm more than 120 years old. One crippled and one old. I say that we are on an equal level of a bargain."
Ja Sun's lips twitched. His master was a bit too stubborn.
"But... I just went through a traumatic experience," Ja Sun sighed and shook his head, "I still see that fat bastard in my dreams—"
"It happened yesterday." Qian Daoliu countered.
"That's what makes it so traumatic!" Ja Sun sighed.
"I will take the 27000-year-old Purple Demon Illusion Wolf Left Arm bone," Qian Daoliu spoke and Hu Lana's body twitched for a moment. Their agreement with Ja Sun was rather clear. They would be able to trade for a spirit bone that is compatible with them from Ja Sun for an equal value and this spirit bone was what Hu Lana eyed. Ja Sun thought for a moment and nodded. He can get spirit bones. If he can kill one 100000-year-old spirit beast then in the future he can hunt down more and given the large numbers of spirit beasts, there shouldn't be a shortage of such spirit beasts yet.
Seeing the somewhat complete left arm spirit bone reaching Qian Daoliu's hand and then Qian Daoliu taking out a small storage ring for it and handing it to Ja Sun, Hu Lana sighed softly. This was bad luck is what it is.
'Tch... who needs that spirit bone... I'll find a better one—'
"Hu Lana, this is for you," Qian Daoliu spoke and looked at Hu Lana with the spirit bone, making her shoot up, "Yes!" She stated hastily.
Qian Daoliu smiled and gave the Spirit Bone to Hu Lana. Finally, Qian Daoliu looked at Bibi Dong as she remained seated silently. The usual barely hidden fervent expression not present and seeing this, Qian Daoliu's gaze turned gentle and benevolent.
"You have many gifts from Xunji. You don't mind me not bringing anything for you but a word of advice, right?"
"Please, guide me, Grandmaster," Bibi Dong nodded calmly while Ja Sun looked at the Spirit Bone handed to Hu Lana, unable to understand what was going on. This wasn't a simple gifting ceremony, he began to slowly realize.
"You are on the right path. Spirit Bones surely provide great benefits. But as a spirit master, it is within your right to be more selfish. More demanding," Qian Daoliu's words seemed to resonate with everyone as they nodded. It wasn't just about the spirit bones. Qian Daoliu meant this for everything. "Liu Erlong has absorbed her first spirit bone which is compatible for her, so will Ah Yin. Ka-ul, you have this benefit and so does Bibi Dong. There is no reason to give in to momentary benefit. Each Spirit Bone is a permanent change. Even if it is the greatest treasure, think twice before taking action. Observe if it is even beneficial to you or not."
Ja Sun and Bibi Dong realized that Qian Daoliu meant this for the Ground Devil's corpse. But then Qian Daoliu gazed at Xie Xan, "Little one, don't you worry so much about a Spirit Bone. This continent is a large place and the entire world is still larger. Keep looking, right?"
"Yes, Grandmaster," Xie Xan nodded. In reality, among the spirit bones in Ja Sun's collection, nothing was compatible with Xie Xan. He was already jubilant that Hu Lana got a spirit bone for some strange reason. After all, even if Qian Daoliu has acted somewhat of an informal instructor to them, he never directly provided them with certain advantages that come alongside acquiring a powerful master.
"As for you..." Qian Daoliu looked at Ja Sun. Finally, everyone saw untainted pride flickering in Qian Daoliu's gaze as he spoke up, "Even if, with help, you did something everyone believed impossible. What was it like? Right, killing a Martial Soul, yes? Now you have the right to boast another fact that no Titled Douluo could ever achieve: Assassinating a Titled Douluo while being a Spirit King. You lost your arm, that is something you cannot and shouldn't feel regret over. You're young. Lost vitality can be cultivated. And also, you have the benefit of having the favor of my lovely disciple that can bring you from the dead."
"So, if I'm bald, I'm not lovely anymore—" Ja Sun frowned and Qian Daoliu frowned himself, "Don't interrupt."
Then, with a soothing smile, he spoke up, "Once again, I have laid important hints to all of you just now. Mull it over. Well, even if you don't understand my intentions, use every benefit to building yourself similar to a fortress. And Hu Lana," Qian Daoliu gazed at her, "Be more disciplined in your martial training. Your muscles still aren't quite good yet."
Hu Lana nodded and Qian Daoliu continued to impart some more instructions to everyone. By now, everyone realized that this was out of the ordinary. After Qian Daoliu left, they all remained silent until Ja Sun questioned, "What was all that about?"
"I don't care, hehe," Hu Lana broke into a smile. She got a spirit bone, too!
Now, in their group, only Xie Xan remained without one.
---
"So? Let's start dividing up Ground Devil," Ja Sun smiled. There was still a little time left before their meeting with Tang Siblings as it was set for nightfall.
"Before that," Bibi Dong gazed at Ja Sun. Her eyes swept over his entire form and when she looked at the armless sleeve on his left side, once again, she felt complicated.
"I want you to know, I'm grateful. Even if teacher and students... no, even if teammates, it takes a lot of courage, and madness, to willingly give up an arm for someone else. What I'm about to say will sound a little discourteous but I need you to keep in mind that no matter what my circumstances are, I am grateful."
Ja Sun nodded. She better be grateful. He got bald because of... no, he only lost the arm because of her. He got bald because of that disastrous explosion.
"You should have understood a little more about me. No need to speak it out loud. Keep it hidden, even the words that Ground Devil screamed before dying... please," Bibi Dong looked down and whispered, "But I wouldn't have died. I want you to understand this fact. Next time, if a situation arises where my life is in danger and you have a matter of extreme importance in front of you, my life isn't what you need to worry about. Not by anyone under rank 99, at least."
Ja Sun nodded once again. This was fair enough. She already asked him not to take this the wrong way so she might truly have some special treasure or advantage that can preserve her life.
"I will keep that in mind," Ja Sun smiled.
"As for Ground Devil, I only pulled him out of the ground. You are the one who exhausted him. You are also the one who cornered him and forced him to use that explosion. And you are the one who ended him. Consider my share as a price for... keeping my secrets."
"Thank you," Ja Sun shrugged. Spirit Bones might not be useable to him but he can at least see what else Ground Devil has, right? Especially his storage essence tool!
Bibi Dong then grew silent before fidgeting. She looked at the borders of the tent and then her eyes landed on the small shelf set aside. The duo remained silent for a few minutes until Ja Sun spoke up, "Did you understand what Master meant?"
Bibi Dong's gaze brightened and she nodded. Silently, she scooched forward before holding Ja Sun's hand and then leaned forward to hug him.
"Thank you... again," Bibi Dong whispered as her body wrapped around a confused Ja Sun tightly.
'Did he leave the hint for Bibi Dong to like bald men?' He silently wrapped his good arm around Bibi Dong and simply accepted this more personal reward for playing a hero.
But there was more.
Before pulling back, Bibi Dong made sure to peck Ja Sun's lips and she quickly stood up before walking out.
No hero has been left dry without a kiss, right?
***
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