Ja Sun and Ah Yin silently sat next to each other in the carriage. Right now, their appearance was quite different. Aside from the Vajra Gauntlets, Ja Sun continued to wear his Starry Black Majestic Battle Robes. What different was his mask. Unlike the full face mask that he took from Ah Yin previously, Ja Sun wore a dull black masquerade mask. Meanwhile, Ah Yin didn't cover her face at all.
After Ah Yin had successfully evolved, she didn't continue to absorb from the core. She wanted to, but for some reason, Ja Sun hinted that it would help her later once again and by now, if she didn't take Ja Sun's advices seriously, she would be a fool. An ordinary individual would never have a Blue Silver Emperor's Core with themselves. And for the next three days, Ja Sun continued to make her memorize various scripts.
This was extremely important because even if Ah Yin's life wasn't on the line, Ja Sun's was.
Ja Sun had even created a mission for this very task but didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
[Objective: Successfully enter Spirit Hall and find a place to stay as a member.
Mission Rank: D
Mission Rewards: Feather of Seraphim
Time Limit: 7 days.]
Although the mission was considered only D-ranked, Ja Sun wasn't the one to lower his guard.
This carriage was none other than Spirit Hall's mode of transportation but Ja Sun had no delusions. He knew from the very beginning that even with all his strength, he will never be taken by any organization in the manner that he desires. He was going to be 21 in four months and he still hadn't crossed the mark of rank 33. Even though it will be false, to others, his natural talent would be considered ordinary.
However, if someone else could charge through and pave a path for him then it was different. In this continent, others might feel uncomfortable by asking a woman's help, a younger one at that. But how can Ja Sun feel these things when he had even given up the Blue Silver Emperor's Core? If he didn't take Ah Yin's assistance then he would simply be an egotistical fool.
If it was Ja Sun alone, he would only be a part of the Clergy, however, he would still be sent to Spirit Hall to participate in the Advanced Spirit Hall Academy. Now, the person riding the carriage was the cardinal of Balak City's Spirit Temple himself!
How would Spirit Hall not attach importance to a 19-year-old Spirit Emperor? Although Ah Yin didn't have a spirit ring yet, she was still considered a Spirit Emperor now.
Within the carriage, the mood was slightly heavy. Ja Sun and Ah Yin both understood the stakes. But deep down, they also knew it would be hard for the Spirit Hall to not accept them once they revealed a talented side of themselves.
---
From Balak City to Spirit City, the journey would have taken 10 days if traveled slowly. However, the cardinal seemed to be in an even greater rush. Although nobody knew of Ah Yin, many potential recruiters knew the Ultimate Grandson and wanted him to grow under their name slowly. It was entirely possible that they might send a small team to make that happen.
But Ja Sun's speculations emerged victoriously. The moment he was given up for the final mission, he understood that his importance was very low. Though frustrated at the loss of an optional objective, he still decided to make the best use of this lack of attention and passed the baton to Ah Yin.
In six days of quick traveling, the carriage entered the territory of Spirit City. This was an independent power and within the territory of the city, the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire held no jurisdiction.
However, unlike the majestic entity he had expected previously, the Spirit City was still under construction. The giant hexagonal walls weren't ready yet and failed to reveal their true splendor. This was even more prominent when one looked at the half-built Supreme Pontiff Hall over the hill around which the City is constructed.
The Cardinal, after revealing his identification, entered the city and only stopped once he reached a large mansion. Meanwhile, Ja Sun and Ah Yin continued to observe the streets and their surroundings. On this trip, Ja Sun didn't bring Human-tongue Owls with himself. Should the plan go south, at least, he wouldn't be burdened by them.
The mansion itself looked extremely elegant. The construction used silver and gold minerals, most possibly, plates, that layered the roof and the pillars of the mansion. Separated from the streets by a large perimeter marked with stone fence and a gold gate leading to its entrance, the domineering plaque of Spirit Hall Academy couldn't be ignored.
Ah Yin took a deep breath. It would be a lie if she said that at this moment, she wasn't losing a bit of her nerve. But sometimes, feeling pressured is better than feeling calm so Ja Sun didn't try to calm her down at all. The carriage finally stopped after moving around the round fountain in the middle of the entrance surrounded by a beautiful garden on either side and the Cardinal led the duo into the core of the building without wasting another second.
---
Within the plain wooden study, Xunji calmly looked at a completely covered figure. Her body's shape and structure described that this individual was a female. She had a plain gold mask over her entire face, the ones that Cardinals would wear. However, her clothing was purple with a golden lining. From her body, Xunji could easily feel a terrifying and chilling intent. Though uncontrollable, this intent only made Xunji smile and he nodded after carefully inspecting the figure with his piercing gaze.
"Good. Grandmaster has arranged for you to be the teacher of the rogues. It is a test for you. Everything you need to know is in here," Xunji flipped his hand and revealed an ornate scroll. The scroll slowly floated towards the woman and disappeared once it touched her cloak. The figure nodded and a melodious yet cruel voice echoed from behind the mask.
"This disciple obeys."
*Knock*
With a soft knock, a figure appeared within the room. The door wasn't opened but this entity still appeared in the room regardless. Wearing a completely black set of clothes, the pale, uncovered face looked striking. Over his cheeks, faint black mist could be seen roiling gently.
"Master," the figure whispered, clasping his hands and bowing slightly. His lips moved but no voice emerged. However, Xunji's eyebrows were raised in surprise. This emotion only lasted for a moment and then he gave a slight smile.
"Notify the Elder's Hall. It might just be another elder's chance to accept a disciple. Dong'er, follow me."
The person who had entered the study disappeared in black mist and Xunji stood up. Silently, the woman followed Xunji, and the moment they stepped out of the study, everything changed. The lavish corridor was layered with a red carpet and the walls were decorated with paintings. The very sight of this luxury was completely opposite to the simplicity of Xunji's office.
The two of them walked silently. On the way, there were a few young individuals wearing the silver uniform of the academy who would hurriedly bow towards Xunji. In return, Xunji smiled peacefully and swept them all up with the slight use of his spirit energy. However, whenever anyone with a slightly weaker mind gazed at the masked woman walking behind the Supreme Pontiff, nine out of ten times, they would pass out. And those who don't would simply fall on their knees with a terrified look. Too terrified to even scream.
Soon, Xunji stopped in front of a dark wooden door and pushed it open. This room looked like a conference hall. A large table was set in the room close to the window where seven individuals sat. The man in the middle was none other than Xunji's father. To his left and right sat men with tremendous power and astonishing potency. At least, all of them were a step stronger than Xunji himself.
"It seems raw talent attracts attention everywhere," Xunji smiled and bowed slightly. Instead of the large table, Xunji found his seat on a different chair. The table for the elder was placed a little to the left, and Xunji's chair was placed a little to the right, signifying that even within an organization, these two represented completely different interests.
Present in the room, aside from the masked woman, was a masked youth. He silently stood behind the old man wearing dull yellow robes that sat to the right of Xunji's father. This youth's gaze landed on the figure behind the Supreme Pontiff and his heart instantly shuddered.
'Don't look at her, brat. She hasn't found her control yet.' A deep voice rumbled within the youth, breaking him out of his trance as he gazed at the old man sitting in front of him gratefully.
"Everyone is here. Bring her in."
The grey-haired handsome male sitting in the middle of the elders spoke softly. The door was once again opened but this time, a very effeminate individual walked in wearing beautiful yellow robes with a flower pattern. His golden hair looked carefully styled, his pale face and phoenix eyes may arouse intentions in the hearts of ordinary men and even extraordinary men. But right now, his beauty paled in comparison to the pure picture of serenity walking behind him.
Flowing blue hair tied behind loosely with blue locks framing her charming face. Sapphire eyes that glittered and looked beautiful than an actual gem. Soft pink lips and a heart-throbbing physique. Wearing a pure white skirt only enhanced her beauty.
Unconsciously, the woman standing behind Xunji fell into a slight daze. The sapphire-eyed woman also felt a rather different gaze and looked towards the masked woman. Instantly, both of their faces revealed a slightly startled expression. The change lasted for a moment but the two of them looked away, indifference soon reigning in their hearts.
Everyone present in the room, save for the masked youth, observed this 'clash' and they were quite surprised with the result. Pleasantly surprised, in fact.
"Yue Guan pays respects to the elders," the leading figure gave a charming smile and bowed deeply.
The elders nodded calmly and Yue Guan walked towards Xunji, standing behind him next to the masked woman called Dong'er.
"Greetings. My name is Ah Yin," the girl politely bowed, her hands clasped. But the indifference in her tone couldn't be hidden.
---
"Indifferent? Wouldn't that be arrogant?"
Ah Yin recalled the memory of Ja Sun teaching her how to present herself.
With a chuckle, Ja Sun replied, "Nobody purchases an item whose benefits are forcefully pushed on the prospective buyers. We are going to sell our worth. We have it, they want it. As a talented individual, indifference can never be arrogance until you openly oppose those stronger than you.
But it is imperative that you don't reveal too much of your strength. Just your martial soul should be enough. Reveal too much, and you will get restricted in the end.
Remember, they are the ones who want you to join the Spirit Hall. They will be the ones who will end up benefiting. Make them work for it. Raise conditions. And then... leave the rest to me."
Ah Yin still recalled that dangerous gaze. It wasn't a chilling intent. It was a playful one. The kind that wouldn't stop ever.
---
"Ah Yin..." a few of the elders mumbled and nodded.
The elders didn't introduce themselves. In fact, all of them knew the procedure. In the eyes of the public, the Elder's Hall is basically a rumor, but not the Recruitment Committee. In the guise of Recruitment Committee, these seven elders would often appear and measure a talented individual and see if they are worth pulling into their tutelage.
"Where do you originate from?" The one sitting on the last seat to the left inquired with a gentle smile. In fact, aside from the man sitting in the middle who had a handsome visage and an extremely serene aura, the kind that even made Ah Yin peaceful, the remaining men were old. Some bald, some scrawny, too. But all of them were old with white hair and beards. Not only that, all of them gave a sense of ethereal pressure.
"From the Red Rose Town near Nuoding City. I was raised by my adoptive grandmother."
The man nodded and didn't speak further.
All of their gazes concentrated on Ah Yin. Even Xunji and Yue Guan were no exception.
Ah Yin instantly felt the pressure on her increasing. Her silky blue hair waves without any wind but her expression still remained calm and indifferent.
Everyone in here had astute senses. Ah Yin's spirit energy was more potent than others and she seemed to have just hit the peak of rank 60. Although she would need to take quite a bit of time to stabilize and get used to her new powers, she wasn't in a hurry to get her sixth ring.
The pressure on her continued to rise. But until now, she didn't reveal a wisp of spirit energy to bear the pressure.
Ah Yin knew what worth she needed to reveal. Strong physique, mind, and martial soul. As for her domain, she wouldn't release it and keep it hidden.
As expected, the strength of her body already astonished everyone present in the room. And as the pressure continued to rise, her mental stability kept Ah Yin propelled on her feet.
To bear the pressure worth several spirit kings without even raising a wisp of spirit energy made everyone's eyes glitter.
'This potential... isn't any lower than hers.' They all thought silently.
Even the masked woman's gaze brightened momentarily. Her chilling intent receded for a moment but soon, it overcame her and the woman returned to her slightly dull yet dangerous senses.
Finally, when every elder pushed the pressure equivalent of a Spirit Sage's, Ah Yin's body gave a blue silver glow. Finally, to the masked youth's eyes, it was revealed that surrounding the girl was a sea of spirit energy continuously pressuring her and he was startled by this realization.
Stretching her milky white right arm, a single blade of grass appeared, and instantly, all the pressure on Ah Yin disappeared.
Carefully and silently, all the elders present inspected Ah Yin's martial soul. The more they observed, the happier they became!
Everyone's gazes fell on the man sitting in the middle. The only indifferent one was the old man with ruddy cheeks sitting to this man's right. He glanced at the youth standing behind him and only revealed a satisfied smile.
"What is the name of your Martial Soul?" Xunji inquired calmly.
"Blue Silver Goddess." Ah Yin's martial soul disappeared as she replied softly.
"Please let us see your spirit rings."
Ah Yin nodded at the raised request. Slowly, rings rose from her legs, covering her body and rotating around peacefully and slowly.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, and Black.
Five spirit rings came under the scrutiny of everyone.
This was the extent of talent Ah Yin was willing to reveal. Everyone's gazes finally brightened. Seeing is believing. This was a 19-year-old Spirit Emperor!
"It is enough, Ah Yin," the middle-aged man sitting in the middle spoke lightly. As Ah Yin withdrew her spirit rings, the middle-aged man continued.
"If given a chance to become a Titled Douluo's only disciple and having the resources of the Spirit Hall at your expense, what would you feel?" The middle-aged man inquired calmly. Even now, under his presence, none other dared to try to pull a fast one. The strength of the speaker can be considered the most terrifying in this room.
"I would feel that my Partner should be given a chance. At the same level, I'm not his match." Ah Yin's reply made everyone startle and a few elders frowned.
"Junior Brother?" The middle-aged man looked at Yue Guan and his lips trembled. Enlightenment flickered in Xunji's and the middle-aged man's faces. They glanced at each other and the middle-aged man gave a calm smile.
"If a junior like you proclaim as such, let all of us also inspect your Partner."
This is what Ja Sun wanted. For a spirit elder, would a Titled Douluo be present?
Spirit Hall was the holy land of all Spirit Masters. Ja Sun's problem was with the pope and none other. If he fears the Pope and not even try to gain the greatest benefits, what is the point of cultivating so much for the last year? What was the point of almost losing his eyes in the process?
At this moment, another figure opened the door. He was the same man that appeared in Xunji's study.
"Gui Mei pays his respect to the elders," he clasped his hand and turned in Xunji's direction. Behind him stood a dark-haired youth. He continued to stand there silently, only nodding at Ah Yin once. His figure wrapped in a set of devilish black robes with silver lining and his fists covered with Vajra Gauntlets. The top half of his face covered by a masquerade mask. Seeing him, the body of the masked youth standing behind the old man wearing dull yellow robes trembled. His reaction was intense and everyone could observe it. Those who knew this man's identity— the middle-aged man and Xunji, even knew the cause of such reaction.
"It was certainly a pity that the last mission couldn't be handed down to you," Xunji spoke up. He could have never expected that the thin body he once tried to kill only to fail horribly was standing in front of him.
Removing his mask, Ja Sun gave a deep bow and spoke calmly, "Ka-ul pays his most humble respect to the Pope, the Supreme Pontiff. I dare not blame the Spirit Hall, but only my luck."
"Ka-ul? That's certainly a strange name," The middle-aged man and others could easily sense deception and the name wasn't a lie. And that is why the middle-aged man inquired calmly.
"I have a poor sense of naming," Ja Sun straightened his back, "Being an orphan, the kind who will only be called names on the street and be pursued for a stolen piece of bread, I had to give myself a name. That way, I wouldn't need to refer to myself as a Bastard."
Gui Mei's and Yue Guan's eyelids twitched. None of the men and women present here expected such a reply. Not even Ah Yin.
Suddenly, an overbearing pressure enveloped Ja Sun, and a cold voice filled with killing intent almost pushed him on his knees.
"Ka-ul. A good name nonetheless. It is because of you I have finally found a worthy disciple. However, he paid a heavy price for it. What should I take from you to settle the score?"
The speaker was none other than the old man with flowing white hair that wore a dull yellow robe. Behind him, the masked man stared daggers at Ja Sun and the only thing Ja Sun could reply with was genuine confusion.
This wasn't a part of the plan but this situation only worked for Ja Sun better than before.
Seeing Ja Sun still not pushed on his knees, a faint sense of surprise flickered in everyone's eyes. What Ah Yin said was true. Maybe, on the same level, she might not be this man's match.
With a soft snort, the pressure on Ja Sun increased tremendously and he finally fell on his knees. But when many expected a bitter, hateful, or indignant expression on Ja Sun's face, everyone was surprised by the cool and collected look. Creaking sounds emerged from his body, but still, Ja Sun continued to smile and nodded.
"I don't understand what is going on. But I cannot bear offending a Titled Douluo."
Although none of them stated expressively, they knew that it would be hard for others to figure out their true cultivation. The group of elders had given Ah Yin an explicit hint to make her understand their true status, but not Ka-ul. But when doubt bubble in everyone's heart, Ja Sun stretched his left arm slightly. Due to the pressure, he couldn't even move it up completely.
"Please consider my left arm as the payment."
"Elder, it should be beneath you to act as such. Or are you saying that we ourselves can break the rules? The acts committed in war, will stay in the war. Enlighten him on the cause of your anger and give him a chance to explain."
Xunji finally spoke and the pressure over Ja Sun disappeared.
***
I have 30 stocked chapters and was thinking of placing this one on patre on, too. Thoughts?
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