Chapter 64: Commission
[Teleportation complete, you have arrived at the Eternal Light World · Demon Insect Nest.]
The spatial fluctuations gradually subsided as Su Xiao stepped out from the space insect tower. This location was the front area of the insect race's main base. The number of Demon Beasts and Demon Flame Dragons was relatively small, with more Worker Scorpions and Soul Jellyfish present.
The entire insect race main base was surrounded by hundred-meter-tall living high walls, covering an area comparable to a large city. Divided by the mother nests, the area in front of the mother nests was the front zone. Here, the fungal carpet on the ground was relatively thin, suitable for Worker Scorpions to move back and forth. In the rear zone, however, the fungal carpet was at least thirty centimeters thick, better suited for Demon Beasts, Demon Flame Dragons, and Titan Giant Beasts to slumber, thereby reducing bio-energy consumption.
This type of thick fungal carpet also had a clinging property. When Demon Beasts, Demon Flame Dragons, and Titan Giant Beasts slept on it, a thin layer of fungal carpet would adhere to their bodies, preventing direct sunlight from reaching these combat insect races while also inhibiting the growth of various supernatural bacteria and fungi.
Su Xiao arrived at the central area of the front zone, where the Star Giant Tree stood. The tens of thousands of meters tall Star Giant Tree had a massive canopy that cast this area in shade, with faint blue light particles falling like stars.
The concentration of natural elements here was the highest Su Xiao had ever seen. Coupled with the fact that he had restored the Eternal Light World to normal, allowing the natural elements here to recover as well, simply being in this place made one feel at ease... no, it was occasionally feeling at ease.
Su Xiao raised his hand and waved it back and forth in front of his face, finally managing to drive away the fire-type natural elements that had gathered around. The other natural elements were fine, but this fire element, once manifested, was very hot on the face, and it was especially enthusiastic about getting close.
Arriving under the tree, Su Xiao found an area with the highest concentration of natural elements and had Amu, Baha, and Bubu Wang clean it up.
Su Xiao turned his head and only saw Amu and Baha. He looked around and found that Bubu Wang had already started climbing the Star Giant Tree and had reached a height of several hundred meters. However, judging by the situation, it neither dared to climb higher nor could it come down. Its gradually panicked little expression clearly said: 'Save me!'
After a while, Amu cleared a ten-meter-diameter open space and even built a wooden shed nearby. He was now sitting on the shed's bench, disassembling his antique clock. He used professional tools to turn the gear structure, holding it close to his ear, listening for the subtle differences in sound to determine where the damage was.
Baha flew down from above, his eagle claws clutching a large bundle of fluorescent blue vines. These were companion plants of the Star Giant Tree, effective at repelling insects.
After making the preparations, Su Xiao took out a large wine barrel that was three meters in diameter and three meters high, covered with reinforced metal structures. The shape of this wine barrel was somewhat bloated, and it was filled with Elemental Brew.
The material of this large wine barrel alone was enough to astonish. Between each thirty-centimeter-wide stave was a one-centimeter-wide narrow stave. These narrow staves were made from collected Black Maple Tree branches. It was impossible to make the entire wine barrel from Black Maple Tree branches, but this current large wine barrel was already luxurious enough.
In addition to these, the outside of the large wine barrel was inlaid with pieces of [Time Crystallized Objects]. Any item touched by these [Time Crystallized Objects] would experience a thousandfold acceleration in time flow. That meant that in the time of one mission world progress for Su Xiao, the Elemental Brew inside this large wine barrel would be equivalent to a hundred years of aging.
After Su Xiao removed the Elemental Brew from the large wine barrel, he began to brew a new batch of Elemental Brew. The concentration of natural elements here was very high. The Divine King Brewing Method he mastered meant that the higher the concentration of natural elements in the environment, the better the wine. Coupled with the triple enhancement of Eternal Spring Water, top-tier raw materials, and the Black Maple Tree large wine barrel, this batch of Elemental Brew was worth looking forward to.
After sealing the large wine barrel, Su Xiao teleported through the space insect tower to the Gray Sanctuary in the Wild Overgrowth. As soon as he arrived, he heard a pained grunt, and then Yusha flew past in front of him, crashing into the wall. She slid down a bit before falling to the ground. Seeing this, Bubu Wang panicked a little, retreating behind Su Xiao's legs to observe secretly.
It wasn't an enemy attack; it was the Dark Daughter, who had just returned to the Gray Sanctuary, teaching Yusha practical combat.
"Help!"
Yusha's eyes were filled with tears. Seeing this, Su Xiao took out an injection gun, loaded a Recovery Potion, and injected Yusha.
This moved Yusha to tears of gratitude. At this moment, she realized that she had misunderstood this Law Destroyer. He was actually quite kind. Just as this thought emerged in Yusha's mind, Su Xiao had already determined that Yusha was fine. He said, "No problem, you can continue the practical training."
"??"
Yusha showed a confused and dazed expression, and then she was dragged back to the training ground by the Dark Daughter.
Su Xiao arrived at the forging workshop, but there was no clanging sound of forging coming from inside. Every time he came here, the Molten Giant was forging something, and judging by the shape, it was a weapon.
The Molten Giant had temporarily left, going to the Soul Library. He was an old acquaintance of the Spider Lady. The first time Su Xiao went to the Soul Library, the Spider Lady mentioned that the Molten Giant was in the Eternal Light World and commissioned Su Xiao to help save this old friend.
"Bring it."
The Demon Blacksmith spoke. He still looked the same: dark red, rough skin, a pair of curled ram horns on his head, eyes that seemed to have magma burning in them, a taciturn and indifferent demeanor, and an intense sense of pressure. He only occasionally spoke a word to Su Xiao, his blood oath ally, and ignored everyone else.
Don't confuse the Demon Blacksmith with the Demon Race faction. The relationship between the two and the Law Destruction faction was incomparable.
Su Xiao was about to draw the Dragon-Slaying Flash, but the Demon Blacksmith said, "With the sheath."
After Su Xiao put down the Dragon-Slaying Flash, he took out the [Soul Gem]. Seeing this gem, the Demon Blacksmith became somewhat interested. He took it and said, "The power of this gem is mostly sealed. Otherwise, it would be one of the top few gems."
Su Xiao was, of course, aware of the situation with the [Soul Gem]. If the [Soul Gem] were just an Origin-level gem, how could it be called the most suitable gem for a Blade Grandmaster?
"As for the reward..."
Su Xiao just started to speak when the Demon Blacksmith glanced at him and interrupted, "It seems the expenses of the Three Grandmaster abilities aren't high enough yet, since you still have spare money to pay me a reward."
The Demon Blacksmith clearly didn't want a reward and was helping for free this time. Su Xiao didn't say anything. He took out a barrel of Elemental Brew. This wooden barrel was about fifty centimeters high and contained about twenty liters of Elemental Brew. Seeing that the reward was fine wine, the Demon Blacksmith didn't stand on ceremony.
Taking the wine barrel, the Demon Blacksmith pulled out the stopper and took a big gulp. A momentary look of surprise appeared on his indifferent face. He savored the taste for a few seconds while holding the wine barrel, then asked, "Which treasure vault did you steal this good wine from?"
"I brewed it myself."
"Is that so? Then leave another barrel."
"..."
Su Xiao took out another barrel of Elemental Brew. He was about to wait outside the workshop when the Demon Blacksmith said, "How much Space-Time Power do you have left?"
"Over five thousand ounces."
"Keep the odd amount for yourself, give me the five thousand. I'll go get some materials."
"Oh."
Su Xiao took out several containers sealed with Space-Time Power and lined them up on the forging table. Seeing this, the Demon Blacksmith said, "Your demon spirit is stronger now. This sheath needs to be upgraded."
The Demon Blacksmith tapped the sheath of the Dragon-Slaying Flash, [Seal Demon], then said, "Go on, don't bother me while I work."
With that, the Demon Blacksmith ignited the forging furnace. With a whoosh, orange-red flames erupted inside the furnace, and sparks scattered everywhere. Even though Su Xiao had reached the Absolute Strength level, he still felt the intense heat wave coming at him. From the Law Destruction era to the present, there were only three forging masters in the myriad realms, each one of considerable weight.
As soon as he stepped out of the forging shop, Su Xiao saw Yusha sitting obediently on the steps. As unruly as Yusha was with her own master, she was just as obedient in front of the Dark Daughter.
Su Xiao sat down on a stone chair and gestured for the Dark Daughter to sit on the chair opposite the small stone table. After the Dark Daughter sat down, he asked her to remove her shawl and outer coat, placing her right arm naturally on the stone table.
Crack, crack, crack~
A crystal layer climbed onto Su Xiao's right hand. He tapped the Dark Daughter's right forearm, then placed his index finger on her shoulder. Spirit Shadow Threads sank into the crystal arm. Under the Dark Daughter's somewhat surprised gaze, her right arm gradually detached.
Clang, clang, clang~
Su Xiao used his crystal-wrapped fingers to tap various parts of this right arm. Finally, he judged that, even excluding the factor of its age, this crystal arm was inferior to the [Combat Prosthetic] he could construct. Although the Combat Prosthetic couldn't last as long as this crystal arm, it was inferior in terms of strength and speed. As for the nervous system and tactile sensation, this crystal arm was far behind.
"My abilities have recently improved. I can help you forge two better arms."
Hearing Su Xiao's words, the Dark Daughter didn't feel much at first. But when she saw Su Xiao's gaze, she suddenly remembered the look in this Law Destroyer's eyes when he had treated her before. It was exactly the same now. So she said softly, "Law Destroyer, I've used these two arms for a very long time..."
A few hours later, the Dark Daughter, leaning back on the surgical bed, opened her eyes. As the look in her eyes returned to normal, she stared at Su Xiao with a deep gaze. But after a moment, she said, "Law Destroyer, it seems... I've grown arms again."
As she spoke, the Dark Daughter slowly raised her translucent blue crystal arms. She used her right index finger to touch a nearby metal bracket. The cool touch made her retract her right hand as if slightly startled. But after a few seconds of pause, her index finger touched the metal again, feeling the cool sensation on her fingertip.
"Get used to it. In a while, you'll go on a trip with me."
"Mm."
The Dark Daughter sat up. She lowered her head to admire her arms. Not one to show her emotions, she had a faint smile on her face after Su Xiao left the room. But this smile vanished in an instant. It was clear that the Dark Daughter really liked these two new arms.
Three hours later, the Dark Daughter changed into a black long coat and pulled the sheathed sharp sword from the sculpture.
"Are you used to it?"
Su Xiao opened his eyes, ending his meditation. Meditating while possessing the [Origin Stone: World] was truly refreshing.
"Mm."
The Dark Daughter didn't ask where they were going. She just stood beside Su Xiao, one step behind.
Su Xiao took out the [Giant Kingdom: Vault 10 Key]. This was obtained by opening the chest dropped from killing Dean Guya. It had been unusable before, but this time in the Eternal Light World, this item could be activated.
Su Xiao felt that this had nothing to do with the location. It was more likely that the residual soul energy of Dean Guya within the key had completely evaporated over time. This item had become ownerless and could naturally be activated.
Since he wasn't sure how long this item could remain active, Su Xiao decided to go to the Giant faction while he could. Since the Dragon-Slaying Flash was still being upgraded, he brought the Dark Daughter along.
The Dark Daughter's combat power was beyond doubt. Only someone like Su Xiao, who possessed [Extreme Blade: World] capable of cutting through domains, could defeat her. Otherwise, among the Absolute Strength level, there were very few who could beat the Dark Daughter. Her domain ability was simply too strong, especially now that she no longer needed to seal the darkness.
As he activated the [Giant Kingdom: Vault 10 Key], a teleportation sensation came. This teleportation was quite weak and lasted for over ten seconds before completing.
When the spatial mist dissipated, Su Xiao found himself inside a magnificent building. Looking around, it was like being in a Giant Kingdom. The overall setup was a giant bank. Upon closer inspection, some of the seemingly large furnishings actually had stairs or elevators on them. Both human-sized individuals and giants dozens of meters tall could conduct business here.
Passersby of various races were around, dressed in different styles. A giant security guard, over ten meters tall, stood solemnly by the door. At the counter in the distance, many customers were conducting business.
"This way, honored guest."
A Devil race member in a suit and small round sunglasses approached. He introduced himself as Fulk, the business manager of this Giant Bank.
The Giant Bank had a considerable reputation in the myriad realms, especially in storage and trust services. Its financial strength was only slightly inferior to the Goblin Merchant Guild.
"Honored guest, this way."
Under the guidance of the Devil race Fulk, Su Xiao entered the VIP passage. They proceeded deep into the bank until they reached a row of safety deposit boxes. The Devil race Fulk pointed to Vault 10, then turned his back.
Su Xiao had originally thought it would be a treasure vault, but it turned out to be just a safe deposit box, and a thirty-by-thirty-centimeter one at that. He inserted the key into the lock. Fortunately, there was no password.
When the safe deposit box opened, it revealed a space of over ten square meters inside. It really was a vault. By simply placing one hand on the inside of the safe deposit box door, one could use their mind to freely take out items from this vault.
Storing things in the Giant Bank was safe, but definitely not as safe as storing them in the magic towers of Arcane Eternal Star, especially for a high-ranking member of Arcane Eternal Star like Dean Guya. Thinking about it this way, what Dean Guya had stored in the Giant Bank was quite intriguing.
The space inside the safe deposit box was not small, but there was only one sealed box. Su Xiao took it out, and the next moment, the sealed box was in his hand.
A faint black smoke drifted from the sealed box, which was wrapped in bandages reinforced with sealing formulas. These bandages were quite tough, likely made from the skin of a high-level evil being. As for the sealing formulas on them, even with Su Xiao's current level of sealcraft, he felt they were masterpieces.
After sensing it and determining there was no major risk, Su Xiao untied the sealing bandages, revealing a black wooden box. Although this wooden box had been carbonized, he recognized at a glance that it was made from Black Maple Tree branches. Moreover, the craftsmanship was such that, across the entire void, fewer than three people could produce such an item. Narrowing the target to Arcane Eternal Star, this item must have been made by Sefeiliya.
As a fellow high-ranking member of Arcane Eternal Star, it wasn't surprising that Dean Guya had this carbonized box. Su Xiao opened it and saw a fist-sized, dark, writhing object inside. This thing looked somewhat like brain matter, but brain matter wouldn't be this tough.
[You have obtained Dark Writhing.]
[Dark Writhing]
Origin: Former Lord of the Abyss.
Quality: Abyss Level.
Category: Dangerous Object.
Effect 1: While maintaining contact with this item, you can understand dark knowledge from the Abyss during this time.
Effect 2: Holding this item with both hands, you can use it to open any level of Abyss seal or Abyss energy coverage.
Warning: After each use of this item, you need to pay sufficient darkness. If the darkness paid is insufficient, you will be devoured.
Currently payable darkness: [Dark Devouring (Immortal Rank · Special Equipment)], [Blood-stained Cloth of the Immortal Old Man], [Star Core Stone].
Rating: -- (This item will not be certified with a rating).
Description: This is part of the brain fluid of the former Lord of the Abyss. It also contains a metal fragment inside, but it has been corroded black by this brain fluid, making it impossible to identify its original form.
Price: After acquisition, it cannot be traded, transferred, abandoned, etc. It can only be submitted to Reincarnation Paradise to increase authority level.
Su Xiao put away the [Dark Writhing]. This item was not simple. No wonder Dean Guya had stored it in the Giant Bank. With the current trend of the Abyss invading the void, this kind of Abyss-level item was indeed safer in the Giant Bank.
"Honored guest, do you need any storage services? You can store anything here. Rest assured about confidentiality. However, we only recognize the key."
Hearing the Devil race Fulk's words, Su Xiao became very interested in the Giant Bank's storage service. He asked, "Anything can be stored?"
"Of course."
The Devil race Fulk's tone was firm, his smile calm and confident. He was also in a very good mood, as business had come. He continued, "As long as the guest's budget is sufficient, you can safely store anything in the Giant Bank."
"What about Original Sin Objects?"
"Huh?"
The Devil race Fulk let out a confused "huh?" He reacted as quickly as possible but still stammered, "Well... we've never handled this kind of business before. It's a business blind spot. How about this: you leave a contact method, and when we have some leads later, I'll contact you. Is that acceptable?"
"Mm."
"Guest, please take care."
The Devil race Fulk quickly went to open the door and escorted Su Xiao and the Dark Daughter all the way to the teleportation array. After the teleportation started, the Devil race Fulk stood in place and reflected for a long time, vowing never to boast to guests again that they could store anything.
...
Eternal Light World, Gray Sanctuary.
Su Xiao leaned back in a recliner, holding a very thin book on sealcraft. He had a few days of stay time in the Eternal Light World, and he couldn't waste these days.
This time in the Eternal Light World, Su Xiao learned about the permissions for coming here. After each stay in Reincarnation Paradise was exhausted, he could choose one of two options: either return to the Real World or come to the Eternal Light World. However, the stay time for both was the same. After this stay time was exhausted, the next mission world progress would begin.
Su Xiao had already stayed in the Eternal Light World for two days. Yusha, who had just finished her training, was using a hot egg to soothe her cheeks. But after a moment, she couldn't resist peeling the shell and eating it. She chewed the egg with a satisfied look and asked vaguely, "What are you reading?"
"..."
"Still ignoring people."
Yusha continued eating the eggs boiled by Bubu Wang and then started her chatterbox mode. But after a while, she was gagged with tape and hung upside down.
A few hours later, Yusha hummed an indistinct tune. Having just finished her training, she poked her head over again and asked, "Is the book you're reading very interesting?"
"..."
"Is this knowledge? It looks very ancient."
"Sealcraft."
"Oh~, you actually answered me. But why learn sealcraft?"
"To seal Original Sin Objects."
"Oh~, that sounds impressive. Have you sealed many Original Sin Objects? By the way, do you want to eat this? I noticed you haven't eaten for a long time. Don't Absolute Strength level people need to eat? If you're hungry, it's really uncomfortable. I used to go hungry in the Dark Street."
Yusha put down a fruit. It looked like an apple but was a bit larger.
"..."
Su Xiao sat up. He looked at Yusha for a few seconds, then suddenly raised his hand and flicked her forehead with his index finger with a snap. Yusha let out a loud "Ah!" and crouched on the ground, holding her forehead with both hands.
"Why did you suddenly flick me? It hurts so much! I'm not injured, so why does it hurt this much? Sigh~"
"Energy Penetration."
A ball of energy the size of a marble appeared in Su Xiao's hand. Tiny energy spheres penetrated each other, making the energy ball beat like a heart, pulsing one after another.
Seeing this, Yusha, who was holding her forehead, was stunned. Her eyes widened a bit. She cupped her hands, trying to imitate Su Xiao, forming a ball of energy in her hands, then making it turn into tiny spheres that collided with and penetrated each other.
Pop!
The chaotically gathered energy ball hit Yusha's forehead. She screamed again, crouched on the ground holding her forehead for a long time, and only then recovered. But Yusha didn't give up. She went to the side by herself, slowly practicing with her hands cupped.
Su Xiao leaned back in the recliner. Sornes had just gone out to Black Iron City and asked him to teach Yusha for a while. That was fine, but this girl was too talkative. Now that was solved. For the next few days, she would have something to do.
Early the next morning, Yusha held a ball of energy in one hand. The tiny spheres that made up this energy ball penetrated each other back and forth while still maintaining the overall spherical shape.
"Haha, I'm amazing..."
Pop~
The energy ball became unstable and slapped Yusha's forehead again. She held her forehead and muttered for a while, then went to a quiet place to practice.
Su Xiao continued to study sealcraft. Time flew by. Unconsciously, the stay time here was almost up. Just then, a prompt appeared.
[Prompt: You have received an invitation and a commission.]
A golden email appeared in Su Xiao's field of vision. He opened it, and subsequent prompts appeared.
[You have received an invitation and commission from the Witch Realm · Night Temptation Witch Guild.]
[Invitation Content: Travel to the Witch Realm.]
[Commission Content: Investigate the Dark God Cult.]
[If the Hunter accepts this invitation, your next world progress will default to the Witch Realm. Entering the Witch Realm will have a high probability of activating the second stage of your Law Destruction talent awakening mission.]
The Night Temptation Witch Guild was quite generous. However, this invitation seemed sudden at first. But upon second thought, it was very normal. Su Xiao had nearly wiped out all the world-destroying beings and world-destroying races in the Eternal Light World, and he had also restored the Eternal Light World, which had an extreme elemental environment, to normal. Such results were convincing enough.
The Witch Realm had long been troubled by the Dark God Cult. It wasn't a matter of insufficient combat power, but rather that the Dark God Cult was too secretive and difficult to completely eradicate. Moreover, any misstep could lead to huge losses.
Showing sufficient sincerity and commissioning Su Xiao to help solve this problem was undoubtedly a good choice. The situation in the Eternal Light World fully demonstrated that Su Xiao was a professional in this area.
As for whether this was a plot by the Archbishop of the Abyss, that was impossible. The hostile relationship between the Night Temptation Witch Guild and the Dark God Cult had lasted for many years. However, this commission did have some connection to the Archbishop of the Abyss. It was precisely because the Archbishop of the Abyss had broken free that the danger level of the Dark God Cult had greatly increased.
In this regard, the Night Temptation Witch Guild did not blame Su Xiao for letting the Archbishop of the Abyss escape. Instead, they wanted to cooperate with him. Since both sides had a common enemy, they would deal with it together. And it wasn't an empty promise; they offered very substantial sincerity. Moreover, this sincerity had been certified by the Void Tree and had already been submitted to the Void Tree. As long as Su Xiao completed the commission, various rewards would be obtained immediately.
The Night Temptation Witch Guild was indeed very vengeful, but they were also very reasonable. From their perspective, for so many years, the Archbishop of the Abyss had been imprisoned by the Law Destruction faction in the Eternal Light World. Without this premise, the Dark God Cult, led by the Archbishop of the Abyss over the years, might have devastated the Witch Realm. At the very least, the Witch Realm would not have its current level of prosperity.
Su Xiao's Law Destruction talent awakening mission had the highest probability of being triggered when entering a Transcendent Primordial World. Conversely, entering other high-level worlds had less than a 20% chance of triggering.
[Prompt: A new world is about to open. You are about to return to Reincarnation Paradise.]