NOVEL WEB Chapter 75: Farewell Gift
"Moreover, the design of this is truly exquisite. It not only maximizes the protection of vital areas but also leaves the wearer's movements completely unhindered. It's lightweight, merely half the weight of iron of the same volume...!!"
"To craft such a perfect piece, Senior Brother, you must be just a step away from being a divine craftsman... No! Could it be that you've already reached that level?!"
Within the forging area of the military camp in Cold Wind, Ling Yi held a piece of golden armor that looked like innerwear and praised Lou Gao beside him in a loud voice.
Ling Yi never held back his words of praise. After all, words are cheap currency; they only require the movement of the lips to produce. Combined with Ling Yi's own excellence and a face full of admiration, along with worshipful eyes, the praised often find themselves quickly lost in the flurry of compliments.
At this moment, Lou Gao was somewhat lost. The pleasant words ringing in his ears made him feel as if he was floating on clouds, a pleasant sensation from head to toe.
Fortunately, he'd received no shortage of praise in the past. It was just that Ling Yi's unique status as a super-genius in Lou Gao's eyes made the effect more pronounced. But he soon collected himself, straightened his demeanor, and suppressed the upward curve of his lips. Waving his hand, he feigned nonchalance and said:
"It's nothing. You've already learned the formula for the 'Glorious Black Gold.' It's just that there are not enough materials here in the Cold Wind camp, giving you fewer opportunities to practice.
Otherwise, with your talent, it wouldn't be long before you'd be able to forge this alloy yourself..."
The alloy known as "Liuhua Wujin" is primarily made from rare materials, most of which Lou Gao retrieved from his own storage soul tool, having previously only smelted a small amount for Ling Yi to practice with.
"Otherwise~" Ling Yi humbly shook his head, frankly acknowledging his current limitations. "Even if I managed to smelt 'Liuhua Wujin', I would only waste such precious materials, unable to refine it properly or fully showcase its properties."
"Senior brother, a set of armor like this would start at no less than fifty thousand gold soul coins at the auction in nearby 'Cold Wind City'!
If it were in the capital of the principality 'Wooden Plant City', or even in imperial cities like 'Tiandou City' and 'Star Luo City', it would fetch an astronomical price!"
Listening to Ling Yi's words, Lou Gao couldn't deny a sense of pride, yet he still displayed a wry smile, speaking with a hint of ambiguity, "So what if they do? The buyers are mostly those who would use them as mere decorations. Rich folks, one and all, are too cautious to venture out and fight rival soul masters or engage wild spirit beasts."
"Soul masters who truly need such armor for battle are usually the penniless ones—
Ah Yi, wouldn't you say that's quite ironic?"
Ling Yi fell silent upon hearing this.
Indeed, the wealth distribution on Douluo Continent is highly skewed. Though, like in Ling Yi's previous life, ninety-nine percent of the wealth is controlled by one percent of the people and groups, here it's a world with extraordinary powers. Yet, even powerful individuals who can dominate regions often find themselves in dire straits.
The reasons are twofold. On one hand, the cultural literacy on Douluo Continent is extremely low; only a few smart ones know how to get rich, as most spirit masters engage in mercenary-like tasks to earn wages. On the other hand, the top and first-class powers control most of the continent's resource-based wealth, merely converting these resources into primitive wealth.
For spirit masters not born into major powers, when their pockets are empty, they find themselves at a loss on how to acquire wealth.
Some, in desperation, resort to robbery or plundering, extracting wealth from the weak, civilians, and small families. But ultimately, they are suppressed by the Spirit Hall and the two great empires, as well as major powers in respective regions.
Apart from money-making methods related to the Spirit Beast Forest, the legitimate ways for spirit masters to earn Gold Spirit Coins now include participating in the Great Soul Arena found in all large cities, where they can earn prize money, place bets, and gamble on outcomes.
Of course, there's a small number of spirit masters who neither want to engage in life-and-death battles with spirit beasts in the forest nor like performing combat on the Soul Platform. They choose to travel the continent, searching for historical ruins, digging out artifacts for sale. If they find one or two soul tools, selling them at auction could make for a huge income!
Shaking his head, Ling Yi dismissed these currently distant concerns. He handed the golden inner armor in his hand to Lou Gao, saying, "Anyway, with your current skills, senior brother, you'll be valued and respected anywhere on Douluo Continent... hmm?"
Ling Yi spoke, but saw Lou Gao raise his hand and, instead of taking the inner armor, pushed it all back towards Ling Yi.
A hypothesis flashed through Ling Yi's mind. Without resorting to any pretentious humility, he directly asked, "Senior brother, what do you mean by this?"
"It's yours," Lou Gao waved his hand nonchalantly, speaking as if he were giving away a simple hemp garment.
Seeing his demeanor, it was as if giving away such a rare item was as easy as giving away a worn-out garment.
"This..." Ling Yi couldn't help but think, 'As expected.' He showed a hint of surprise in his eyes and hesitated as he looked at Lou Gao.
"What are you hesitating for? Since it's for you, just take it," Lou Gao glared at Ling Yi, and said, "Since you call me senior brother, I have to look after you. Originally, I should have gifted you a soul guidance device of some sort. Unfortunately, I didn't think of it this time when I traveled out. Next time we meet, I'll make it up to you."
"This 'Liu Hua Black Gold Inner Armor' can withstand the fourth soul skill attack of a strong assault-type spirit master. Most importantly, it's lightweight and easy to wear, which suits a support-type spirit master like you very well..."
"Senior brother, are you preparing to leave?"
As Lou Gao continued his rambling, Ling Yi suddenly asked a question.
“……”
Lou Gao opened his mouth but finally nodded, “Yes, I have stayed here for too long and it's time to continue my journey— Ling Yi, over these past seven months, although I have been the one teaching you, I’ve also learned many novel and imaginative ideas from you. The realm of a craftsmanship genius, which used to seem so elusive, now feels within reach sooner than I expected...”
“Alright~” Ling Yi didn't attempt to persuade him to stay, but his face revealed genuine reluctance. Lou Gao had been a conscientious mentor and friend over six months, his character impeccable. This kindness, Ling Yi would acknowledge.
Ling Yi nodded and said, “Senior brother, indeed, you have delayed your time here enough because of me. But as long as the mountains stand and rivers flow, we, brothers, though still young now, will surely meet again someday.
When I leave [The Water and Wood Principality], I will definitely visit [The Star Luo Empire], and come to ‘Gengxin City’ to see you and Uncle Tie—”
(End of Chapter)
