by <unknown>
Li Yao did not think it was a good idea, either. He shook his head.
Cao Tongtian was not a bad-tempered man. He said with a smile, "Alright. If you are not willing to, I think it's time we bid farewell and go our separate ways.
"However, before that, I suggest we go to the mainframe crystal processor together first to find out guidelines for newcomers as well as more information about our contribution points, so that we won't be lost like headless flies!"
It was a rather practical suggestion. They all walked to the center of the square.
In the center of the square, thousands of gold electric arcs mingled and weaved into an oval about six meters in length, which was full of bumps and hollows. At first look, it seemed to be a translucent electromagnetic brain.
On the surface of the 'brain', countless light beams were flickering.
Several Cultivators were standing near the electromagnetic brain, busily looking up information and communicating with the mainframe crystal processor.
Seeing seven obvious rookies coming close, there was curiosity in some of their eyes, while a few others were staring at them with contempt and hostility.
Li Yao walked to the electromagnetic brain. An electric arc immediately darted out and stopped one meter away from him where a translucent light beam was opened up.
Pondering for a moment, Li Yao typed in the first question with his telepathic thought.
"I am Li Yao from the Grand Desolate War Institution. Please display my current contribution points and the prices for the key facilities in Empyreal Star City such as training rooms of all levels."
"Beep!"
Lines of information were quickly manifested on the light beam.
"Orb Patroller Li Yao has 1,244 contribution points at this moment.
"There are 1,643 training rooms in Empyreal Star City. The specific information and their respective price are as follows…"
Li Yao skimmed through them quickly. Compared with the price of middle-level training rooms, he had quite a decent amount of contribution points, which should be enough for him to train in Empyrean Star City for about two months.
But of course, considering that the nutrition liquids, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, medical equipment, etc. would also need to be redeemed by contribution points, he wouldn't be able to make two months with his current contributions.
"Second question. Please download an inventory of all the secret treasures that can be redeemed by contribution points to my mini crystal processor."
"Sorry. For confidentiality, all the files can only be read in this place and are unavailable for personal crystal processors. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Li Yao was dazed for a moment. Then he realized that it did make sense. Suppose someone downloaded confidential files to their crystal processor, it would be a terrible disaster if the crystal processor was lost or stolen by the demons.
No wonder so many Cultivators would rather gather in the square for the mainframe crystal processor than use their own mini crystal processor.
Li Yao was patient enough to browse over the inventory of the secret treasures on the light beam of the mainframe crystal processor, only to find that the all the secret treasures were remarkably expensive. His contribution points were far from enough for the cheapest secret treasure.
It seemed that his contribution points were indeed 'complimentary', only enough for him to survive in Empyreal Star City. That was the best they could do.
But his fellows seemed to be even poorer than him.
Li Yao 'accidentally' noticed that Zhao Mo and Nie Junxia had no higher than 800 complimentary contribution points.
Cao Tongtian, on the other hand, had almost 1,100 complimentary contribution points.
Thinking for a moment, Li Yao figured out the reason. It appeared that hybrid-type Cultivators were more popular for the missions in the Occult Orbs. They had received additional contribution points because of their multiple talents.
It was quite reasonable. For a team of less than six members, of course, Jack of two or even more trades would be better appreciated.
"Third question. Do you have any suggestions for newcomers such as myself?"
"For the Cultivators who are new to Empyreal Star City, the one thing that is of paramount importance is to train and to participate in matches, so that the Star Teams will be able to discover you after you upload the videos of your performance to the mainframe crystal processor.
"Of course, you can also choose to gamble in the casino to win more contribution points in order to stay longer in Empyreal Star City."
The mainframe crystal processor answered quickly, "However, you are a hybrid-type Cultivator who has talents in both combat and creation, which are two most popular talents in Occult Orbs Fellowship.
"With talents in combat, you won't drag the team down too much.
"With talents in creation, and also as a registered refiner, you will be very useful in the exploration of many Occult Orbs.
"According to my records, you've met the conditions of seven Star Teams which are open to new members. I can help you contact them and ask for an interview."
"You may also find a refining workshop and record several videos of your refining and modification work in order to attract attention from more teams."
Pondering for a moment, Li Yao shook his head.
"Not so fast. I want to see the basic information of all the teams and their most distinctive mission videos."
Now that the mainframe crystal processor had described hybrid-type Cultivators to be honeypots, he was not in a hurry to send out resumes now.
There was still plenty of time. He could select a team that fit his appetite most after cogitation.
Right then, a feminine voice called out to him from behind.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Li Yao from the Grand Desolate War Institution?"
Li Yao raised his eyebrows. He took a step to the left front before turning around.
Two men and a woman in silver combat suits were in his back, who were all good-looking without the least flaw. They were looking at him with a smile.
But Li Yao somehow felt that some sort of coldness was hiding behind the warm smiles.
Back when he was in the magical equipment graveyard, he had seen too many guys who were talking and laughing while they stabbed a knife into the chest of their friend.
The three of them gave Li Yao the same feeling that those friendly-look villains in the magical equipment graveyard did.
Li Yao was surprised. He was pretty sure that he did not know the three Cultivators.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Guo Yu, and I'm a member of Team Lingering Wind which ranks the 83rd in the Rank of Stars this month. This is Long Chengde, our deputy captain. This is Wan Feihe, the best warrior in our team."
The feminine young man smiled and continued after a brief pause.
"Mr. Li Yao, I'm told that you are a hybrid-type Cultivator talented both in combat and creation, which is what Team Lingering Wind desperately needs. If you're interested, how about we going for a test in an arena? As long as your combat ability is reasonably acceptable, you will be a member of Team Lingering Wind!
"Our team has ordered a trip to the Occult Orbs next week. If you are willing to join us, this trip will be focused on you in order to help you improve your strength. How does it sound?
"Although the rank of our team is not very high, we are offering you our invitation sincerely. We hope you can think about it."
Li Yao blinked his eyes and glanced at the light beam which were displaying the names of the seven teams that were hiring combat-type refiners.
As he expected, Team Lingering Wind was not on it.
It was all the more confusing for him what these people wanted.
He was about to turn down their offer, when a fat figure crammed in between Guo Yu and him and shrieked in an extremely unpleasant voice, "I'm sorry, Guo Yu. Mr. Li Yao is my close friend, Bi Ran. He promised
to join Team Chosen Ones long ago. Stop wasting your time here!"
While he was talking, the fat man turned around and winked at Li Yao.
His face was also a stranger's to Li Yao.
Besides, Team Chosen Ones was not among the seven teams hiring refiners, either.
Things were getting more and more interesting.
Li Yao didn't see much hostility in Bi Ran's eyes. So, he simply smiled and continued watching the show.
"You—"
Bi Ran's appearance interrupted Guo Yu's neat plan. The two parties probably had been holding a grudge for a long time. Right now, all the four faces suddenly turned gloomy in a vibe of intension.
Guo Yu almost lost control over his pretended courtesy. His fists were clenched and loosened. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke to Li Yao.
"Mr. Li Yao, Team Lingering Wind is really interested in you. If you feel the same way, please contact us later. We look forward to hearing from you any time."
Then, he glared at Bi Ran, before all the three members of Team Lingering Wind turned around and left.
Watching them walk out of the square, Bi Ran exhaled a long sigh of relief. He then turned around and smiled at Li Yao.
"Mr. Li Yao, had I not intervened, you would have been beaten up terribly, to the extent that you might have to spend a few days in bed because of bone fractures and internal organ injuries. You would be humiliated by them. You would be a loser from inside to outside!
"I risked my life doing you such a great favor. Now it is only fair that I ask you to return a favor that is far less difficult, isn't it?"
Chapter 359: Really Not Your Fault |
Li Yao smiled, his sharp teeth glaring. He glanced over Bi Ran casually as he said, "So, Team Chosen Ones is not interested in me?"
Bi Ran shook his hands and answered casually, "Indeed it is not. Although I think highly of your personal ability myself, Team Chosen Ones is full; we have six members at this moment. A new member would be a burden for the team. Many classic tactical operations will be not able to be carried out. It's not like that we can kick out any team member. So, sorry, we can't take you in.
"However, I first heard of your name a long time ago. Vulture Li Yao, a rising star on the Grand Desolate Plateau. I even bought one of your Demon Beast Detectors before. Haha!
"Allow me to reintroduce myself. Besides a member of Team Chosen Ones, I'm also a mediocre disciple of the Hundred Saber Alliance, which has a lot of connections with the Grand Desolate War Institution. So, there is no need for you to be so hostile, is there?"
Bi Ran was the kind of person who could emit endless warmth when he was smiling. He seemed straightforward and not much of a threat to anyone.
His identity was a greater relief for Li Yao.
The Hundred Saber Alliance was one of the biggest sponsors of the Grand Desolate War Institution. The Refining Department had received a lot of patronage from the Hundred Saber Alliance, too.
Even his Occult Orbs Card had been offered by Long Wenhui, vice president of the Hundred Saber Alliance as well as a Core Formation Stage Cultivator, who was in effect his introducer to Occult Orbs Fellowship.
A disciple of the Hundred Saber Alliance who had no conflict of interest with him shouldn't have any reason to trick him.
Thinking for a moment, Li Yao asked, "What kind of favor are you asking for?"
Bi Ran's eyes beamed. He unsheathed a battle saber which was about 2.25 meters long with a sawtooth tip and handed it over. He said,
"Mr. Li Yao, I went through a lot of trouble to get this saber. It is supposed to be a good one, but I've always felt that something is wrong when I exert my strength. I sent it for maintenance to several refiners, who all failed to see any fault in it. Can you help me take a look at it?"
"Good saber!"
Hearing that the man wanted to have his saber repaired, Li Yao was greatly interested. Without bothering with anything else, he took out a silk, smooth handkerchief from his pocket and cleaned his two hands thoroughly with it, before he took the saber over solemnly in the end.
He played with it carefully in his hands for a moment. Then he tested its barycenter. After that, he patted the back of the saber with his finger and listened to the sound that was triggered by his movements. Pondering for a moment, Li Yao said slowly, "This battle saber is an 'Ultimate Phantom Battle Saber' developed by Blood Phantom Valley seven years ago. However, it is not a random one made through the assembly line. It should be one of the limited editions crafted by one or even more experts no lower than Elders of Blood Phantom Valley.
"Then, in a fierce battle, the tip of the sword broke off. So, the saber was repaired in the southern refiners' style. The edge of the saber was added with sawteeth to increase its power of cutting.
"The repairer of the saber is an expert. His work does not have the slightest flaw. The excellence of the battle saber was not affected at all. Instead, more brutality and cruelness were added. You seemed to be a muscled man. Your strength will be perfectly good for this battle saber.
"Therefore, there is not a problem with the battle saber per se. Of course, those refiners failed to find anything wrong. It is you who has a problem."
Bi Ran was dazed. He pointed at himself with his short and thick finger.
"What problem do I have?"
"You are too stout."
Li Yao explained, "This Ultimate Phantom Battle Saber is 2.25 meters long. Its barycenter leans forward to the front in the first place. With its sawtooth edge, its barycenter is further to the head. It is most suitable for people whose height is between 1.79 meters and 1.82 meters. You are, on the other hand, 1.71 meters high at most. Besides, your upper body is disproportionally long. All these factors together lead to the imbalance of your body when you're waving the sword. That's why you find it difficult to exert your strength.
"The problem is very easy to address. You can either redesign the shape of the saber and re-forge it, or, if you want a simpler way, dig a hole on the back of the saber to reduce its weight and adjust its barycenter.
"But as to how the hole should be dug in order to move the barycenter to the perfect location without affecting the hardiness of the saber, and how the hole can leave more possibilities for your future advancements, they are all very complicated issues.
"I've already done you a favor by pointing the problem out to you. If you want me to refine it for you, you will have to tell me why Team Lingering Wind asked for my trouble without a good reason.
"Even if they were merely bullying newcomers for fun, I have six companions who joined Occult Orbs Fellowship with me. Why did they come to me directly? Do people hate to see me?"
Bi Ran was deep in thought hearing Li Yao's words. But Li Yao's last sentence made him laugh out aloud. He said, "Mr. Li Yao, this is what one might call 'undue disaster'. You are not to blame. You were merely being tricked because of someone else's wrongdoings.
Li Yao raised his eyebrow. "How so?"
"You will know."
Bi Ran smiled. "Everyone in the Hundred Saber Alliance knows that I like to make friends best. Now that I've encountered such a superstar as Vulture Li Yao, of course I need to foster a good relationship with you, don't I?
"Although Team Chosen Ones is full at present, I have a lot of friends in quite a few other teams who can refer you to their captains. However, we need to get out of this place right now, or we'll be in trouble."
It was when he gestured that Li Yao noticed that many Cultivators nearby were eyeing them with a hint of hostility.
Bi Ran led Li Yao into an alley and slowed down.
Li Yao couldn't be more curious.
"What's with those people? Why do they look so unfriendly?"
Bi Ran sighed and said somewhat helplessly, "Mr. Li Yao, I believe you've already heard of the conflicts between the Children of Occult Orbs and the outsiders, haven't you? Those people you saw just now are Children of Occult Orbs who have been raised up in the Occult Orbs. Of course, they are n
ot particularly fond of us outsiders.
"Although the two parties are cold to each other, we always keep away from them, and so do they. But you've come at a bad time. Recently, the relationship between two parties has been quite intense. Quite a few matches have been held in the arenas."
Li Yao asked, "Why?"
Bi Ran replied, "Because a super awesome big shot emerged among the outsiders!
"You may not know this, but the Children of Occult Orbs have been dominating the top 100 teams all the time. Not only are the top 5 teams all made of Children of Occult Orbs, they even make up sixty percent of all the team members.
"The Orb Patrollers from the outside, such as you and me, have always been suppressed by the Children of Occult Orbs. They are arrogant, but they do have every reason to be!
"It all started three months ago, when a super awesome big shot appeared among the newly recruited Orb Patrollers.
"It is said that the parents of this big shot died young. So, the big shot grew up as an orphan. With the natural gift and all kinds of lucky coincidences, the big shot became one of the youngest Cultivators to enter the Building Foundation Stage. At that time, the big shot was not even thirty yet.
"After the big shot joined Occult Orbs Fellowship, it was the usual one month of training and presentation time. Unfortunately, a big-headed Child of Occult Orbs thought that the big shot was young and decided to make some fun. Naturally, a conflict burst out. In the end, the big shot beat the Child of Occult Orbs to such an extent that even his own parents wouldn't be able to recognize him.
"As a result, the big brother of the said Child of Occult Orbs, was pissed off.
"His big brother is Guo Yu, whom you've met just now.
"The conflict continued, and then, one thing led to another, Guo Yu and the big shot organized a deal to duel in an arena to settle everything once and for all.
"Guo Yu and the big shot were both in the beginning level of the Building Foundation Stage. But Guo Yu had been training in the Occult Orbs for years and grasped several ultimate arts from the Occult Orbs. He thought himself to be a sure winner.
