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*****
"Next, we're going to find a Consolidation Master. When the time comes, show off your Space attribute talent and become his apprentice. If we can get some free Consolidation Scrolls out of it, we will," Su Wen said.
He didn't bother re-planning a new equipment route for Zhou Weiqing. He remembered that in the original story, the boy followed a strength-based path—something about the "Hate Heaven Without Rings, Hate Earth Without Handles" set. One set belonged to Zhou Weiqing, and its counterpart was held by Long Shiya.
And Zhou Weiqing's set originated right here in Feituo City. Su Wen didn't remember the city specifically because of its name, but rather because he recalled Zhou Weiqing encountered the opportunity during his very first attempt at consolidation. Naturally, the first attempt would happen in the nearest major city. It was a simple deduction.
Su Wen's spiritual sense remained spread over a vast area. While he didn't cover all of Feituo City, he encompassed a good 70% to 80% of it. He quickly filtered through the noise until he located his target: Huyan Aobo.
He realized his initial thought was slightly off; Zhou Weiqing hadn't obtained the actual legendary set directly from Huyan Aobo. Instead, he had learned the fundamental skills of a Consolidation Master from him.
"Let's go. Consolidation Masters are different from other professions. Because Space-attribute Elemental Jewels are so rare, the masters usually have to hunt for disciples. Once you reveal your Space attribute and your status as a Heavenly Jewel Master, you should be able to apprentice under him smoothly," Su Wen instructed.
Zhou Weiqing was inherently clever. He might still be "honest" right now, having not yet been corrupted by a certain rogue, but that didn't mean he was dull. Hearing Su Wen's advice, his eyes darted around as he took it all in.
However, deep down, Zhou Weiqing felt a pang of disappointment. Su Wen had refused to take him as a formal disciple, yet was now pushing him to apprentice under someone else. It seemed the title "Master Wen" truly was just a title. Even if this apprenticeship was specifically for consolidation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
"Come. This Huyan Aobo is among the highest-level masters in the entire Fei Li Empire. You can learn a great deal from him."
Consolidation Masters are divided into six ranks: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, Master, Grandmaster, and God-rank, corresponding to six levels of scrolls. Huyan Aobo was a Master-rank Consolidation Master—a high tier. In fact, among those who weren't Heavenly Jewel Masters by birth, his achievements were arguably at the pinnacle.
Unfortunately, while Consolidation Masters held high status, Heavenly Jewel Masters with the Space attribute almost never chose to study under a master who originated as a mere Elemental Jewel Master. This was because the ceiling for such a teacher was usually capped at the Master rank.
Su Wen led Zhou Weiqing through the streets of Feituo City until they reached a quiet, secluded courtyard in the innermost district.
The person who opened the door was a middle-aged man. He was exceptionally tall, standing at two meters, but he wasn't bulky. He had a slender frame and wore simple grey cloth robes. His gaze sharpened the moment it landed on Su Wen.
"Hello. Are you here to purchase Consolidation Scrolls?" Feng Yu asked politely. Feeling the immense pressure radiating from Su Wen, he showed no trace of arrogance.
"Hello, Senior. We are indeed here to buy scrolls," Zhou Weiqing replied respectfully.
"I see. Follow me. Old Man Huyan has successfully crafted a few scrolls recently." Feng Yu opened the door wider and led them into the courtyard.
Following a small path through the garden, Feng Yu brought them to a central room. "Old Huyan, you have guests," he called out before leading them inside.
In the room sat a desk, and behind it was a figure that resembled a ball of flesh. The elderly man appeared to be in his sixties or seventies, with hair and a beard as white as snow, yet his face was ruddy and full of health.
He looked at Su Wen and frowned. Unfathomable.
Huyan Aobo shot a questioning look at Feng Yu. Feng Yu signaled back: This is a major figure. Don't provoke him.
"Gentlemen, I've recently completed three Consolidation Scrolls. These are the three; feel free to take a look and choose," Huyan Aobo said. Even though he knew he couldn't afford to offend them, he didn't grovel—he simply dropped his usual haughty attitude.
"The matter of the scrolls can wait. We came today for another reason," Su Wen said.
Feng Yu grew slightly wary. Could this be a vendetta? He tried to recall if Old Huyan's foul temper had offended any powerhouses recently, but Su Wen didn't match anyone in his memory.
At a nod from Su Wen, Zhou Weiqing stepped forward and introduced himself. "Junior Zhou Weiqing, from the Heavenly Bow Empire. I awakened as a Heavenly Jewel Master recently. My Elemental Jewel attribute is Space, and I wish to become a Consolidation Master."
Huyan Aobo sat bolt upright, his eyes fixed on Zhou Weiqing. His breathing became ragged. "What did you say?"
A Space-attribute Heavenly Jewel Master? And he wants to apprentice under me?
Huyan Aobo felt as if a meat pie had fallen from the sky. Since the boy was from the Heavenly Bow Empire, he likely had little contact with high-level masters, making the choice to seek him out plausible.
Huyan Aobo scrambled out from behind the desk, walking forward to inspect the boy's talent. "Release your Elemental Jewel. Let me see."
Zhou Weiqing took a deep breath and manifested his jewel. It flashed briefly—just enough for a clear look.
Huyan Aobo's pupils contracted. Alexandrite! And if he wasn't mistaken... Cat's Eye!
An Alexandrite Cat's Eye! At least four attributes, and it included Space! All these conditions combined...
Huyan Aobo turned abruptly to Su Wen. "Senior... with such talent, this child could apprentice under anyone. Why me? What right do I have?"
Huyan Aobo was self-aware. This man beside the boy was at least a High-Level Heavenly Zong; surely he had the connections to find a Grandmaster-rank Consolidation Master. Even if they weren't close friends, a powerhouse of that level could get a meeting, and any Grandmaster would jump at the chance to teach a child with this talent.
"In terms of fundamentals, is there any Consolidation Master who can rival a Master-rank expert who reached the peak despite starting as a mere Elemental Jewel Master?" Su Wen asked calmly, glancing at him.
Huyan Aobo had no rebuttal. Although he was "only" a Master-rank, it didn't mean he lacked pride. He was confident that his understanding of the basics was not inferior to any Grandmaster or God-rank master. In fact, it was only his own Heavenly Energy that limited his progression. Had he possessed the energy of a Heavenly Jewel Master, reaching the Grandmaster rank would have been natural, and even the God rank would have been within his reach.
"Kneel and apprentice, kid," Huyan Aobo said to Zhou Weiqing, his doubts vanished.
Zhou Weiqing immediately knelt. "Disciple greets the Teacher."
"Haha, good, good! Get up, my disciple."
Zhou Weiqing didn't get up. He looked up at Huyan Aobo with wide, expectant eyes.
Huyan Aobo's lip twitched. With a flash of light from his right hand, three Consolidation Scrolls appeared.
(End of Chapter)