Chapter 149

A single bell chime.

In an instant, this remote industrial zone by the sea seemed to transform into a nether hell.

The drizzling rain, the surging white mist, and even those blurred, shattered silhouettes... now, amidst the disturbance of countless lingering spirits, the gloomy world had become a terrifying domain where the living dared not enter.

Then, a second bell chime spread from Professor Ye's hand.

It was increasingly shrill, sharp, and hair-raising.

Following it came waves of frantic shrieks; the screams erupting from the lingering spirits transformed into a ripple of spiritual quality, spreading outward.

Insignificant.

But what if there were hundreds or thousands of them?

When endless screams and roars overlapped, what fell into Ji Jue's ears was a terrifying, soul-shaking, consciousness-tearing wail.

It made his vision go black.

This was no longer just a howl; this was clearly a signature skill of the Metamorphosis lineage—a soul shock that directly transformed one's own spiritual quality into a cannonball to smash into the opponent!

Once hit, the light cases resulted in dizziness and trance, while the heavy cases fell into madness amidst the erosion and impact of the spiritual quality, or simply became idiots.

When Professor Ye actively unlocked the workshop's blockade, the lingering spirits from outside swarmed in, and points of pale green phosphorescence flickered in the rain and mist, gathering together like a turquoise tide.

After two bell chimes, all the lingering spirits fell into madness.

Finally, there was the third bell chime.

The greatest sound is soundless.

Apart from a certain sensation caused by being in close proximity, Ji Jue couldn't even distinguish whether it was his own auditory hallucination.

Then, in the mist and drizzle, a vortex appeared.

Under the gloomy sky, endless phosphorescence actually gathered again from the bell sound; those frenzied lingering spirits cannibalized each other within the vortex, as if dissolving, and merged into one.

Then, just outside the wide-open door, countless phosphorescence dissipated as if burned out.

Finally, walking out from the vortex and the rain was a skeletal giant burning with eerie green fire, standing several stories high, its intent ferocious and grim.

But the moment it saw Professor Ye, as if it sensed something, the monstrous flames vanished without a trace.

The giant bent its waist, knelt on one knee, and kowtowed piously.

Offering loyalty to the shaper.

"Do you see, Ji Jue?"

Professor Ye dropped the bell with no interest and told him: "This is an alchemical construct of pure spiritual quality based on lingering spirits. Although it's just a makeshift, temporary composition that cannot last long, being able to reach this level is barely enough to earn a Master title."

In an instant, the giant, like a fortress made of sand, collapsed under the washing of the rain and mist, never to be seen again.

Only Ji Jue, dumbfounded, remained stiff in place.

He felt the cold wind and humid water vapor rushing in from beyond the opened door.

*Snap. *

The door closed, and warmth returned.

"Soul-Calling Bell."

Professor Ye introduced it: "After one chime, it awakens all lingering spirits within the perception range; after two chimes, it forcibly stimulates the spirituality of all lingering spirits, granting them a ferocious state.

After three chimes, it will melt and cast all lingering spirits into a brand-new appearance and form—which will vary according to the artisan's ability and needs, but it's still a decent aid and helper for struggle, suitable for use in areas with many lingering spirits.

The disadvantage is that the spiritual quality consumption is too high. If the result of the melting and shaping is too ferocious, and one's own spiritual quality consumption is too high to control it, one will be immediately backlashed by the lingering spirits.

For the weak, it is a luxury; for the strong, it is more like a toy.

The only ones it's suitable for are those high-rank Chosen who have spiritual quality and rank but are not good at fighting and don't know how to use them. It should be an aid built for the artisans of the Embers and the scribes of the Ether.

Overall, it's a decent thing, although it's not complete."

"This isn't considered complete yet?" Ji Jue's hand holding the bell trembled slightly. "What does the complete form look like?"

"Ghost knows. It wasn't made by me. I just feel that it is still lacking in function and application. The creator's level is not low, so there shouldn't be such low-level mistakes.

If it were me, there would probably be some accompanying things, either a sealing pot from the Gate of Eternity to preserve the results of the lingering spirit casting, or a soul book of the Metamorphosis lineage or a record book of the Ether lineage, etc., to cast the lingering spirits into a specific appearance, saving trouble.

But such things, even if they exist, are probably hidden by that guy, and he would definitely not tell others."

Professor Ye sneered: "After all, according to that guy's bad taste, he would love for others to have some trouble when using this thing."

"Do you know him?"

Ji Jue became increasingly curious.

Professor Ye calmly flipped the bell over and showed him the mark on the inside of the bell, which looked like a doodle; at first glance, it was a face with a crooked mouth sneering.

"If I remember correctly, this mark should belong to a master who appeared in the era of the Chaos of Kings, seemingly called Gao Gong. Even in the history of modern alchemy, that guy was a weirdo."

Professor Ye said: "According to the analysis of later researchers, he should have suffered a lot of abuse and setbacks when he was young, so his mental illness was relatively more obvious compared to other masters.

Among his works that can still be found today, the vast majority are a kind of specially treated flashing stone—although they are cheap things, those who see the light will be stimulated by the blessing of the Heart Pivot to have greed and desire, unable to help themselves from wanting to obtain them."

"Uh..."

Ji Jue blinked blankly.

It sounds a bit strange, but considering the average basic quality of artisans, it seems normal?

"He usually puts those things in forbidden places like traps, cages, and monster nests."

Professor Ye calmly added the second half of the sentence: "In every Rift Realm and dangerous area he has been to, he has scattered these things to 'benefit future generations'."

Damn, what a living Yama!

"Besides that, he also especially loved a work called the Bottle of Evil Water. The palm-sized bottle looks inconspicuous, but after being smashed, the internal solution will expand rapidly, foul-smelling, viscous, and poisonous.

Once contaminated, one will be poisoned, unable to live, unable to die..."

Professor Ye said, "Basically, in the ruins he explored, he would scatter these things, and then, in the middle of the evil water, he would leave a few flashing stones.

After destroying all the results, he would give the latecomers a mysterious surprise."

The veins on Ji Jue's forehead throbbed.

Destroying historical sites is one thing, but tricking people into jumping into a cesspit is another!

"However, his most widely circulated work today is a door that cannot be opened from the outside. Its defensive power is quite good, and it cannot be cracked. Unless smashed, it can only be opened from the inside. It is often used as a confidential defense door for key departments, and the effect is very good. The disadvantage is that even the user sometimes has to take a long way around when they want to open it." Professor Ye said slowly: "According to rumors, this was the inspiration he got when he couldn't find a toilet..."

Don't say any more, don't say any more.

Ji Jue's fists hardened. Does he have to kick others into the ditch just because he got rained on?

He couldn't help but want to scatter this old coffin board.

It is precisely because of such people that the reputation of our artisans is so bad!

"Well, it seems I don't need to mention some of his other innovations..."

Professor Ye finally picked up the bell: "I have already checked it for you. Apart from the obvious shortcomings, no backdoors have been left.

However, after all, it is a blessed creation that can only be used from the Rebirth Rank, so for you, the burden is still too heavy.

I modified it for you and added a restriction valve. Now you should have no problem using it, but as for the effect, I can only say it is barely satisfactory."

Saying this, she shook the bell again.

This time, when the tinkling bell sound rang, there was no longer such a terrifying scale. Only points of residual light gathered, falling between the two, and turned into a ghost bird identical to Gloria.

Gloria pecked at it curiously twice, and it immediately collapsed and scattered.

"As a scout, it's actually quite good. Occasionally, when encountering some mechanisms, you can also use it to scout the way." Professor Ye handed the bell over: "It just so happens that it can also be used to exercise the technique of spiritual quality shaping."

"I'll try, I'll try!"

Ji Jue's eyes couldn't stop shining. After picking it up, he began to shake it frantically. Immediately, amidst the flow of spiritual quality, he saw points of broken light gathering.

The consumption was very low, and at the same time, the result was better than nothing.

Soon, a mud-like monster that kept squirming appeared on the table, churning in an indescribable way, constantly emitting sharp popping sounds.

Finally, it exploded by itself.

"..."

Professor Ye was silent for a long time, nodded, and commented: "If it is used to attract the opponent's attention, it seems to have a miraculous effect."

Ji Jue wiped his sweat and laughed dryly.

He didn't dare to say that he originally wanted to pinch a little rabbit.

The principles and operations of spiritual quality shaping and material shaping are completely different. He needed some time to adapt, but after two or three times, he mastered the knack.

Soon, a vivid spiritual quality creature appeared on the table.

Sixteen slender limbs shone with metallic silver light, and the large and small eyes on the head made one's whole body feel cold. Under Ji Jue's 'exquisite' bionic and biological attainments, a spider-like thing crawled back and forth on the table, and then, under Ji Jue's manipulation, crawled onto the ceiling and began to chase Gloria to play.

After waiting for a long time, seeing that Ji Jue actually pinched such a thing out, Professor Ye's expression was also faintly speechless. After a long time in Ji Jue's eyes seeking advice, she sighed slowly: "From an engineering point of view, the insect-like shape is indeed the optimal solution."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think so too."

Ji Jue giggled, brazenly, only to hear Ye Chun's sigh: "Auntie means that your aesthetics may be like this for the rest of your life, there is no hope.

Can't our workshop open a course on art and aesthetics? Otherwise, this guy will sooner or later become a stain in your educational history."

"What kind of talk is this!"

Ji Jue was ashamed and angry: "How can you understand my talent and stunning operation?"

Ye Chun sighed and didn't speak. She patted her chest as if dusting off ash, raised her head, and showed the badge she wasn't wearing, which immediately made Ji Jue's waist, which had only been straight for less than a week, hunch down again.

Bowing to the senior sister.

"Go, cut some fruit for me!"

Ye Chun snorted coldly and sat down with a big horse-riding stance, "Cook two more dishes later, you are not allowed to sit at the table today!"

Ji Jue got up with his eyebrows lowered and eyes pleasing, wiping away small pearls, and intended to go to the kitchen, but heard Professor Ye's voice behind him.

"No need for today."

"Ah?" Ji Jue poked his head out: "Are we going out to eat?"

"No, you don't have to cook today."

Professor Ye waved her hand and said: "I have adjusted the schedule. The things in the workshop have come to an end for the time being. It will be rare to be relaxed for a few days next.

Why don't I just give you a holiday."

"Ah?" Ji Jue was sluggish.

"Considering that in the future, you might be busy to the point of cerebral hemorrhage, before that, go and have a good rest." Professor Ye picked up the newspaper and said without raising her head: "You are on holiday."

At this time? Holiday? Rest?

Don't!

Ji Jue was dumbfounded: Clearly, his spiritual quality operation had just caught a glimpse of a clue, and it was the time to struggle and work hard. What kind of holiday!

Are you serious?

But considering that the decisions made by Professor Ye generally had no room for negotiation, he didn't try to stay, and finally asked with a hard scalp.

"Holiday... for how long?"

"Hard to say."

After Professor Ye pondered for a moment, she finally said: "In my opinion, if it's short, it may be two or three days; if it's long, it may be a week.

I also need to prepare for some work during this period.

If there is nothing to do, don't come to be an eyesore."

"Ah, this..."

Ji Jue didn't have time to object. His vision blurred, and he fell onto the seat of the Little Niu Ma in the garage. Then, the pocket watch and the bell, along with the toolbox, fell from the ceiling and fell into his arms.

Kicked out of the workshop with one foot.

He walked all the way to the road without reacting.

Holiday?

What is a holiday?

Only those who are useless to the Embers will have a holiday!

When did an alchemy pillar and Embers talent like me have a holiday?

But on holiday... what should I do?

In the drizzle, he suddenly felt a little lost. For a long time, he had no concept of a holiday.

In the past, he was busy working part-time to save money or rolling with classmates. Now, he stays in the workshop day and night to roll with the senior sister.

Suddenly being told to have a holiday, he actually didn't know what to do.

He scratched his head. Should he go to the North Mountain District to find Xiao An to play?

But thinking of the shadow left by Sister Xiao An, he couldn't help but hesitate. Moreover, the entire Security Bureau seemed to be busy these two days, and he would only add chaos to them if he went over.

When he came back to his senses, he found that he had subconsciously run to the vegetable market near Lu Ma's house.

The drizzle was still noisy.

In the vegetable market under the huge rain shed, aunts in raincoats shuttled back and forth, walking skillfully in the narrow aisles, occasionally squatting down to check vegetables and meat, and bargaining with the stall owners.

The layout was so familiar.

In the past, if Ji Jue saved some money and had some spare time, he would come here, buy a lot of vegetables, and then carry them to Lu Ma's place to mooch a meal.

Lu Ma didn't care if he came empty-handed. Anyway, there was always a bowl of rice for him at home, and she would also pick the most meat and the freshest fish for him.

Then, he would take advantage of Lu Ma's inattention and quietly pick meat for Er Niu, Lao San, and Lao Yao, and then go to Lu Feng's bowl to grab meat.

The dining table would become lively.

Unlike the home that was always cold and clear, it was always lit with warm yellow light, and the soup pot was steaming with heat.

It was as beautiful as a dream.

After so long, when it came to a holiday, Ji Jue actually subconsciously came here again.

From emotion and nostalgia, Ji Jue no longer hesitated, jumped off the car, and rolled up his sleeves.

It's been a long time since I visited, shouldn't I bring something good?

Lao San just started junior high school, Lao Yao is still in elementary school, both are at the age of growing up. Moreover, the second daughter Lu Ling also just started college, thin as a reed, so she must be supplemented.

Ji Jue bought five catties of ribs in one breath, and then got a few catties of cauliflower, winged beans, tofu, and lettuce, etc., common vegetables. Just when he was squatting at the fishmonger's stall to study and select, he heard an unbelievable voice behind him.

"Second brother?"

Lao Yao, wearing an old raincoat, poked his head out of the crowd and pulled the person behind him, "Look, I said it was second brother, you said I saw it wrong!"

Ji Jue turned his head and only saw Lu Ling, whose hair was wet after taking off her hat in the crowd, and the constantly noisy Lao Yao.

"Buying vegetables?"

Ji Jue was slightly stunned, "What a coincidence."

"Where is the coincidence? There is only this vegetable market near the house." Lu Ling sighed and skillfully took the things Ji Jue bought: "Every time you buy things back, the family has to eat for several days... Cauliflower again? Big brother bought several catties two days ago, Lao San almost cried from eating it. Why didn't you buy potatoes?"

"Do you want potatoes?" Ji Jue was blank.

"How can you stew ribs without potatoes."

Lu Ling sighed helplessly and let the second brother step aside, "Let me do it. It's not the time to eat sea bass recently. Big sister, don't weigh it, I don't want it, your fish is almost suffocating... Brother, change to crabs."

"Ah? Oh, oh, okay."

Ji Jue obediently gave up his seat, watched Lu Ling busy back and forth, bought all the vegetables, and heard the order: "There is no star anise and Sichuan peppercorn at home. You go to the southeast side to weigh some back. Don't buy too much. Also, bring some vinegar and salt."

"Want to eat meat, meat!" Lao Yao shouted excitedly.

"Eat, eat, eat, only know how to eat every day, how fat have you become?"

Lu Ling pinched Lao Yao's face angrily, "You also go with second brother to buy things. Remember, go to Aunt Cheng's side, you know? As for soy sauce, get more, we use it fast at home recently."

"Okay, okay!"

Lao Yao raised his head and chest, agreed on the spot, and after sitting in Ji Jue's arms, he skillfully wrapped his neck, "Second brother, I want to eat a popsicle!"

"In this weather, eat a popsicle?"

Ji Jue hesitated for a moment: "How about changing to a ham sausage? Brother will buy you more, Lao San also has some."

Lao Yao's eyes lit up instantly: "Third sister doesn't eat ham sausage, just give it to me!"

"Then buy two more workbooks." Ji Jue smiled, "Er Niu told me that you only scored sixty-something in math this week. I'll teach you math, and it made Brother Feng angry. Practice more!"

For a moment, Lao Yao was stunned in place, his eyes turned, and he instantly cried out without any front shake. Unfortunately, he was too young and didn't understand that whether he cried or not had nothing to do with whether his homework increased.

Crying will only make the roll dog more excited.

He bought him a whole quarter of math classes on the Learning King APP.

Poverty cannot be poor in education, let alone when there is money?

This big family's questions and test papers, don't they have to be solved by himself?

While pondering whether to buy some courses for Er Niu, Ji Jue had already returned with big bags and small bags, and the three people and six hands were all bulging.

It was still raining in the sky, and Lu Ling was still talking about taking the bus back, but was led back to the side of the Little Niu Ma by Ji Jue.

For a moment, the two stared at the Little Niu Ma, which had changed beyond recognition again, and both fell into silence.

"Brother, is our motorcycle... changed its appearance again?" Lu Ling asked tentatively.

"What's wrong?"

Ji Jue turned his head blankly, "It's still the same one!"

For a moment, Lu Ling really wanted to spit a mouthful of old blood on his face to wash his eyes.

Are you serious?

In its original appearance, even if there was an extra wheel, she could barely recognize it. At least it was still a motorcycle, but now... what kind of ghost has it become!

Little Niu Ma twisted its body excitedly, *beep-beep* sounding.

Four wheels twisted back and forth on the ground, throwing out strings of water droplets.

That's right, wheels, four of them.

If the original Little Niu Ma was still a farm tricycle with a trailer that could be seen everywhere on the street, then after experiencing the villa struggle and the gluttonous eating of many tonics, the current Little Niu Ma had evolved into a PLUS version.

Not only has the capacity of the trailer been greatly improved, but there is also an extra row of chairs behind the driver's seat, and it has grown a carriage... In the blink of an eye, it has changed from the original small tricycle to a pickup truck.

It just hasn't changed very thoroughly. At first glance, it looks like a black car that has been illegally modified from the original tricycle to carry cargo.

And it's the kind that can fit a whole kindergarten of children...

It doesn't even have a license plate!

Lu Ling, whose worldview had collapsed, was sluggish for a long time, turned around and asked: "Won't the traffic police fine you if they catch you?"

"Don't worry, they won't."

Ji Jue patted her on the shoulder and smiled mysteriously.

He told her: "The traffic police can't catch up."