Chapter 43: Zhao Wei (3)

Chapter 43: Zhao Wei (3)

While changing into Zhao Weis spare clothes, a mere ten or so steps away, the disciple lays the torn dress on the ground and brings a box out of his internal storage device.

I focus on the ring on his finger.

[ Analysis: Spatial Storage Ring (Treasure - Earth) ]

No information on its storage capacity or additional functions if it even has any. I almost feel something dangerously close to envy when I somewhat realize that this object could have a greater storage capacity than I do.

Still, it is only a spatial ring. I have a dimensional array. I dont know if there is a difference, but if there is, mine is superior. And also of the Mortal grade.

I should, at the very least, upgrade the array to the Earth grade.

[ Blood points: 23,461 ]The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.

I am so close to obtaining [Nooparallelism], so I hold off on upgrading my array. I thought about asking Lan Xiaohui to engrave some additions on the array that could expand it, but in reality, I am not so sure if it will work, and the consequences could be disastrous. The best course of action is to obtain the upgrade from the exchange and observe how my array changes.

As Lan Xiaohui fastens her new sash, she returns to the campfire and sits down.

Meanwhile, a needle springs out of Zhao Weis box, floating in the air, while a silvery-white thread slips through the eye of the needle. Then the needle flies towards the dress, and begins sewing the tears closed.

I only detect faint traces of Qi in the needle, and no presence of any kind of energy. At least none that I can detect.

This is clearly under the control of the disciple, but I cannot divine how. My first and only guess is that this is the power of his consciousness or soul. It would be similar to how Lan Xiaohui can make me float. It is a mix of consciousness, Qi and sword energy.

Brother Zhao, I did not think you would be so good at this, Lan Xiaohui says. Did you plan on joining the Crafting Halls?

Zhao Wei laughs. I did join the Forging Hall, sister Xue.

This surprises Lan Xiaohui. But brother, if you did not join the Martial Hall, what are you doing here?

Zhao Wei looks up from her dress and focuses her gaze on her. There is a mysterious twinkle in his eye.

Lan Xiaohui presses further. You do not practice many martial arts. Isnt it dangerous for you to be here?

Zhao Wei sighs and looks back to the dress. I needed spirit stones, sister. Studying in the Forging Hall is very expensive. I need medicine to strengthen my body. I need to practice my consciousness and perception. Buy manuals and recipes. And cultivate my Qi on top of all that.

But you are an inner disciple. Do you not get enough spirit stones for your needs?

Oddly enough, I experience that thing sentient meat calls gratitude. I am grateful? To Lan Xiaohui?

You are from the martial hall though?

Lan Xiaohui nods. Yes, brother.

Zhao Wei sighs in relief and nods. Good. That is very good. I can tell, too, he says. These tears. I see blood on your clothes too. You have fought many times, and sustained many injuries. Still, you have made it this far. And you are still only in the Early stage of Foundation.

Lan Xiaohui chuckles. You are correct, fellow brother.

Zhao Wei sighs again. I should suggest that you come with me, sister. We should leave this place together while we still live.

Lan Xiaohui nods, her expression growing colder as the matter suddenly turns serious.

But if you want to push deeper, I am inclined to ask if you would allow me to travel with you, Zhao Wei suggests.

I dont know, brother Zhao, Lan Xiaohui says.

Why not?

I cannot protect you. I can barely protect myself.

Zhao Wei sucks in a breath and then nods. That is unfortunate, but you are also right. What if I tell you that whatever happens to me is my fault?

Lan Xiaohui shakes her head. I would still be responsible for you, brother. Even if you accept the risk, I would still be the one that convinced you to go further.

Zhao Wei, once more, seems surprised by her words. She is indomitable. Her words cut like a sword made of ice. Even if Zhao Wei could come up with a counter-argument, it would be difficult to voice it.

After a long moment, he laughs once more with less joy than before and nods. As you wish, sister Xue. Thank you.

Lan Xiaohui shakes her head. No, no. I should thank you. You are so very generous.

Zhao Wei smiles. Dont mention it. Lets have a drink tonight as friends, and promise to have another when we return home to our sect.

Lan Xiaohui smiles, but I can feel the guilt in her heart. She will never return to the sect.

Very well, brother Zhao.