Chapter 609 - 485: Soul Tempering Pill
Ji An’s tone shifted as he said:
"There’s something I’m very curious about. Why do you trust me so much, fellow Daoist?"
He had a good relationship with Guu Tai, but it was more akin to mutual respect between two skilled craftsmen.
Essentially, the two of them were just in a client relationship, perhaps a rather close client relationship.
The fact that the other party was willing to let his most cherished grandson follow him to the Western Continent was somewhat unreasonable.
Guu Tai paused for a moment and said:
"Of course, I had to make sure I wasn’t entrusting the wrong person before making such a decision. I’m being honest, fellow Daoist, please don’t be offended.
I asked a trusted friend to visit the Golden Spirit Sect in the Western Continent and investigate your background.
The position of Agricultural Hall Master aligns well with the abilities you’ve demonstrated."
He decided to speak the truth because, although they hadn’t spent much time together, he knew the other’s innate personality, which was the true pride of a skilled artisan.
Things were discussable when they were clearly stated, but deceiving would mess things up.
Upon hearing the explanation, Ji An felt uncomfortable for a moment, as being investigated secretly wasn’t pleasant.
However, if it were him, he would make a similar choice.
Entrusting a beloved grandson to a ’friend’ of only a few years wasn’t the act of a fool unless there was no other option.
Guu Tai lightly coughed and said:
"I know this action is quite impolite, so I wish to gift you a present to compensate for any harm caused.
I will refine the face armor of the Celestial Soaring Armor for you, free of charge."
There’s no such thing as unwarranted goodwill; he hoped to ask the other to take care of his grandson in the future, and gifting such a present was just right.
"It’s somewhat valuable, but I’ve agreed."
Ji An smiled, understanding that the other’s agreement meant assurance for himself.
This saved him dozens of top-grade Spirit Stones, a considerable amount indeed.
Receiving a favor makes one indebted; he would pay extra attention to the other’s grandson when the time came.
The refining of the face armor is priced at forty top-grade Spirit Stones, but excluding labor costs, the material costs amounted to at most about twenty top-grade Spirit Stones.
Moreover, such actions also benefited the Sect.
In Ji An’s view, the other’s actions seemed like the kind of decentralized investment a family power would do; the Golden Spirit Sect and the Red Rock Immortal City were far apart, not affecting the development of each branch.
The other’s exquisite craftsmanship would likely give the grandson a piece of heritage, and the refining of talisman brushes and Celestial Soaring Armor were commendable skills.
Even if the grandson didn’t hand these ancestral skills over to the Sect, the Sect cultivators could still benefit from them.
There wasn’t a very skilled master for refining talisman brushes within the Sect, and though Celestial Soaring Armor, such close-fitting Spirit Armors, weren’t mainstream in the Cultivation Realm, they were indeed marketable to Body Cultivators.
"Hehe, I’ll use the best materials for refining. Now let me measure your dimensions, fellow Daoist."
After speaking, Guu Tai took out a cloth bag and raised it:
"This is plaster, which can conveniently imprint the contours of your legs and face."
Just like that, Ji An held his breath and placed his face into the basin filled with plaster pulp.
He used a layer of magical power to protect his face, ensuring not a bit of plaster stained his body.
After the measurements were completed, Guu Tai casually asked:
"When will you return to the Sect, fellow Daoist? Hongming is already twelve years old; the earlier he integrates into the new environment, the better."
"I still have a year left on my agreement with the Wey Clan, after which I’ll leave directly."
"Tomorrow I’ll be gathering materials, and the Spiritual Artifact will definitely be completed before your departure. By then, I’ll host a banquet for your send-off at the Drunken Immortal Inn."
"Haha, I’ll inform you of the specific departure time a few days in advance, then indulge after a few days of hunger."
"No problem, I’ll certainly ensure you’re satisfied."
The two chatted idly for a while, then Ji An bid farewell and left.
...
Three months later, at the Red Rock Auction House.
This is the largest auction house in the Immortal City, named directly after the city itself, indicating its backing by numerous major powers within the Immortal City.
Ji An took out his invitation and, under the guidance of an attendant, entered a private room on the second floor of the auction house, with a view overlooking the auction stage.
This area is specifically dedicated to Chao Origin Stage cultivators, while the third floor is reserved for Golden Core cultivators.
A maid served some spirit fruit refreshments, then handed over a list, speaking softly:
"Senior, this is the list of items for this auction. If you come upon any treasure you fancy, you can bid directly.
Since you’re a VIP client, there’s no need to deposit Spirit Stones to prove your qualification. Once you successfully bid, the auction house will directly deliver the item.
If you bid maliciously without backing, you’ll be penalized by the Golden Core Daoist Master responsible for maintaining order."
Ji An chuckled and said, "No need for such detailed introductions; I understand the limits myself."
The invitation was given to him by Wey Chengyuan; malicious bidding would offend not only the auction house but also friends.
To his knowledge, malicious bidding incidents were rare unless it involved two enemies with deep-seated hatred.
Such actions deeply offended the auction house; in the territory of Red Rock Immortal City, as an outsider, he wasn’t entitled to act so recklessly.
Even if he had the power to be so arrogant, he wouldn’t do so; only a fool would offend others without any benefit.
"Thank you for hearing me out, senior. It’s the rule, and I must fulfill my duty to remind."
The maid’s smile was sweet as she lit the incense.
The subtle fragrance wafted like smoke and mist as Ji An took a light breath and nodded internally, with Pine Mist Incense of Tier Two Lower Grade being a great item for calming the mind.
The aroma was pure and without any undesirable components.
Some auction houses add ingredients that stimulate excitement to the incense, making bidders more irrationally competitive.