Hidden Exposure

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"So, this is the result of your research?" Qian Xunji had sent Redstar on a relatively simple assignment. Although Ja Sun's actions had never crossed the implied boundaries set by Qian Xunji, his methods until now were observed by many greatly. Although his current tactics did seem shameless, they were far from the ruthlessness that actual evil spirit masters were known for. Even if others weren't aware, how could Qian Xunji be a stranger to this path of power?

Ja Sun, on the other hand, revealed himself in the organized war between the Balak and the Silvers Kingdom. It could be said that the war was his dubbing stage and then he entered the Spirit Hall with a peerless talent- Ah Yin, whom Ja Sun had already caught up to. With the war being organized by the Spirit Hal, Qian Xunji was well aware that Ja Sun didn't commence mindless slaughter. This record already placed Ja Sun far above others.

Putting his records of passing the Slaughter City in a month aside, Ja Sun would prove valuable even if he was an actual Evil Maser. According to Qian Daoliu, Ja Sun was a prodigy in the side branch of the spirit masters- the profession of arrays. So much so that Qian Daoliu had granted Ja Sun almost every inheritance regarding the art. Aside from this monetary profession, Ja Sun's martial soul's ability to somewhat tame and communicate with the spirit beasts to persuade them to commit suicide was a heaven-defying ability!

The watershed between the purple spirit rings and the black spirit ring lay in the soul shock produced after the death of the spirit beast. But Ja Sun could bypass this entirely. Granted that the spirit masters who grow from this method will have lower mental fortitude, something that Xie Xan only ever overcame after the baptization of the slaughter energy. But, this was the case of quantity overcoming quality. Then came Ja Sun's personal strength and potential... which was the major factor that allowed Qian Xunji to tolerate Bibi Dong's developing relationship with Ja Sun.

With ease, Redstar sat in front of Qian Xunji and yawned, "I don't know what else were you expecting. Did you think that the Angel Douluo would not have run a check on his own disciples?"

Tampering with an honest report was quite easy for Redstar. Not to mention the fact that aside from the main clauses such as not committing suicide and accidentally becoming a god or contacting Bibi Dong and such, Qian Xunji's hold on Redstar didn't reach the level of his complete psychological freedom. Even Qian Xunji would feel regret over Redstar losing his deviousness for it was one of the main reasons why the Hint of Evil came into existence.

"Anyway, who should I aim for?" Redstar inquired as Qian Xunji's eyes flashed.

"Emperor Xue is weak, thus he can be manipulated and suppressed. White Tiger Douluo has barely recovered from the losses that Ka-ul inflicted on him. This balance is hard to come by naturally. The other clans are also quite balanced and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile's Star Sword Duluo is confirmed dead. Added with Ground Devil's loss, they only have wealth and barely enough force. Allied with the Heaven Dou Empire, they are still stable... hmm, since all of them are equal, launch an attack on every one of them. Finally, you should be clear that to remove the continent's apprehension, you will have to target the faction that earned the most."

Redstar's crimson gaze instantly lit up as he began laughing.

"What a wonderful master you are, Seraphim Douluo! For my final task, you did leave a way for me to achieve my desires!"

Boundless bloodlust shook the space in the room while Qian Xunji matched the intent with his own raw ferociousness as specks of golden flames and bloody drops clashed mid-air. Any astute master would see Qian Xunji in the losing end but the smile on his face never left.

---

"Here, here! The gracious gift-giving master of yours has returned," Qian Daoliu chuckled. He saw all nine individuals and chuckled. Nothing about this master of theirs had changed. His grey hair reached his shoulders and combed back neatly. His youthful face revealed a joyful splendor unlike his usual sincere calmness and the strange aura of harmony and comfort around him relaxing everyone in an instant.

Yet, Ja Sun kept his caution this time. Redstar had already revealed that Qian Daoliu was aware of his true identity and yet he decided to nurture him. Ja Sun wouldn't have done this easily and that is why he was a bit cautious. Overall, however, even Ja Sun was somewhat pleased to see a familiar face.

"Master—"

"Don't interrupt!" Qian Daoliu instantly scoffed as Ja Sun pursed his lips.

Some things never change.

It was only after Qian Daoliu settled on the couch and the nine members sat down on the floor, their legs crossed, did Qian Daoliu began conversing. He talked about how he explored the Star Dou Great Forest and found a few odd spirit beasts that aroused the interests of Jun'er, Oscar, and Tang Yuehua. The three of them did not have that much contact with Qian Daoliu in the first place so they were quite curious to understand the world from the eyes of a true master at the peak of the path.

"I found some delicious centipedes, too. One particular species was quite mouth-watering. They would cannibalize on the eggs of the weaker members and then lay even more delicious eggs," Qian Daoliu smiled gently.

A few faces turned bleak.

Bibi Dong felt the most complicated. Even after understanding her past slightly, she only had a high opinion of Qian Daoliu. Nobody is without sin, but Qian Daoliu, in her eyes, was the only person who might commit a massacre and still appear gracious. Humans are innately hypocritical. If this history was added on a stranger, Bibi Dong wouldn't have blinked for a moment and yet, she could only sigh. She understood all these aspects and that is why she could remain enduring. Qian Daoliu had never given her a reason to doubt him and even Redstar's tale excluded this master.

This wasn't a chance to confront her master or grandmaster. There was even a small probability that this was all Redstar's ploy but providing the pendant with her own picture dispelled such thoughts greatly.

Anyway, as Ja Sun had so clearly stated, with strength comes answers. She only needed to endure a bit more.

"Hmm, and I can see quite a bit of improvement. Dong'er, sigh... I'm a little disappointed," Qian Daoliu suddenly shook his head.

"Hm?" Bibi Dong's body shuddered. Qian Daoliu's gaze seemed especially piercing as if her secrets weren't hidden anymore.

"How could you..." Qian Daoliu started slowly, with an uncharacteristically gloomy expression. Bibi Dong's heart thumped and she grew nervous.

"... let yourself get beguiled by this horrible disciple!" Qian Daoliu pointed at Ja Sun as the sudden and embarrassing accusation made Bibi Dong fall into a daze before her cheeks turned bright red.

"Master--"

"Don't interrupt!" Qian Daoliu snorted with a stern expression and Ja Sun rolled his eyes. Whether Qian Daoliu knew about his identity or not, it didn't matter, Ja Sun might attack the man once he reaches his level just out of petty vengeance!

"Sigh, no need to feel ashamed, Dong'er. Well... you should, just a little. You could have found a man a hundred times better than this freak."

Qian Daoliu shook his head in remorse.

'Then why accept him as a disciple?'

Everyone thought with a speechless expression.

While Bibi Dong felt embarrassed, Qian Daoliu looked at Ah Yin and nodded, "You haven't fallen back... and your control needs just the tiny push. Good. But this competition wasn't meant to be your fortune... hehe, but you did win. And I did promise more items when you win so I will distribute the rewards issued by the Spirit Hall in a minute.

Hmm... if there's anything, I want you to keep on finding more applications of pure control type of plants. Keep them a secret, too."

Ah Yin nodded with a simple smile. She had already absorbed the spirit bone after Ground Devil's incident and she was definitely in a better mood knowing that there will be more benefits later.

Qian Daoliu's gaze then unexpectedly fell on Oscar. There was a strange glimmer in Qian Daoliu's face as he observed the youth, "Good... the applications of herbs... who could have thought. You need to reach the bottleneck of the Spirit Sage as soon as possible. Forget your foundations for a moment. Your circumstances need speed over slow quality."

Oscar was startled. After absorbing the Immortal Herb, he had developed a strange sphere that would absorb any additional spirit energy instead of consolidating it into his foundation. From this sphere, Oscar could also feel a strange thirst which allowed him to understand that whatever this object was, it was incomplete. Hearing Qian Daoliu speak up with such familiarity, Oscar nodded with a serious expression.

There was no reason for Qian Daoliu to lie and if he's saying that he needed to reach rank 70, he would try to reach it as soon as possible.

Qian Daoliu then exchanged a few short tips with Liu Erlong, Jun'er, Tang Yuehua, and Hu Lana. They were, for the most part, without any odd situation. Jun'er and Yuehua alongside Bibi Dong and Ah Yin had yet to reach their realms of self but Qian Daoliu's calm appraisal revealed that their control was getting increasingly better. Just not as quick as those who have already achieved it. This easily revealed that physical talent wasn't everything.

When it came to Xie Xan, Qian Daoliu actually praised the youth who wasn't his disciple due to his fortuitous encounter. According to Qian Daoliu, Xie Xan only lacked fortuitous encounters and now he seemed to be on a role. In fact, due to their own heightened individual strength, they had yet to find a great opponent to fully test the limits of their capabilities as a team.

Especially...

Qian Daoliu finally turned his gaze to Ja Sun. Deep down, Qian Daoliu could only sigh. The things he saw on Ja Sun... would be better every time he met him. And this made Qian Daoliu relieved that he managed to nap up Ja Sun before any other peak master could even chance upon him.

Rightfully, Ja Sun was aware that maybe, aside from his trait, nothing was even a secret to Qian Daoliu so he let his master observe him for the final appraisal. This wasn't due to trust, but a simple fact that if he had gained so many benefits from the Spirit Hall, as long as his identity isn't exposed, he will have to pay back to a certain extent. And right now, Qian Daoliu's reaction revealed that even the exposure of his identity wouldn't matter much since Qian Xunji is more pragmatic than anyone could have expected and Qian Daoliu seemed indifferent to the 'evil' attribute as long as it sided with their faction.

"Sigh, that silver arm of yours... hmm, I guess, the evaluation can be considered satisfactory," Qian Daoliu's somber tone almost made others cough up blood.

But Qian Daoliu didn't linger on Ja Sun neither did he expose his own disciple. As Qian Daoliu had admitted in the beginning. Teachers may teach everyone but masters only had the eye for genuine talent. Ja Sun was certainly a valued member with strength equivalent of a titled douluo elder of the political faction.

"Through Bibi Dong, the Spirit Hall has nurtured you all. But there is no doubt that all of your fortunes came from the continent itself. As of this moment, I would like to formally inquire, if you, Tang Yuehua, would like to join the Spirit Hall under your teacher and the Spirit Hall's successor— Bibi Dong's, force?"

Qian Daoliu turned his attention to Tang Yuehua. The sense of comfort around Qian Daoliu still remained but his serious and somewhat stoic look strangely frightened the girl. A sense of formidable pressure seemed to have isolated her from her surroundings and she nodded hurriedly.

"I- I do."

"Hmm, welcome," Qian Daoliu nodded with a smile. There seemed to be a form of petty glee hidden in Qian Daoliu's gaze.

"Now, the Spirit Hall has won this meet. After this, the future competitions will neither have the redistribution of various assets and resources and the age limit will be reduced to a mere 25-years of experience.

Bibi Dong, step forward."

Bibi Dong hurriedly stood up and walked in front.

"For your meritorious service of gaining benefits from other factions while adopting the responsibility of the ambassador and even leading your team to the victory, the Spirit Hall grants you the Clone Devil's Right Leg Bone."

Qian Daoliu smiled and revealed a pitch-black complete leg bone.

"You may use it as you see fit. Any trade of the inheritance spirit bones must be done within the Spirit Hall and appropriately notified about," Qian Daoliu calmly hinted and Bibi Dong nodded.

"Your master will have other presents ready for you in your own time," Qian Daoliu then sent Bibi Dong back.

"Ah Yin, step out."

As Ah Yin stood in front of Qian Daoliu, he smiled wryly.

"As I said back then. The Devil's Bark Left Foot is the only plant-type spirit bone we had. Other spirit bones are not appropriate for you. And thus, with the will of the Spirit Hall, and the personal inheritance that should have been granted to you, I would like to propose another opportunity to you instead."

Ah Yin gave a short bow, her voice a bit sweeter than usual as Ja Sun's lips twitched hearing such a tone.

"Of course, master. You wouldn't want anything bad for me."

Qian Daoliu snickered and pointed at her. A ray of light shot out from his finger and Ah Yin fell into a daze before nodding with a strangely greedy glint in her eyes.

"I accept," she smiled.

"Careful, don't let those old bastards know about this. As I said, this is an opportunity so remember, first come, first served."

Ah Yin nodded and returned.

Qian Daoliu then looked at the remaining six members who waited with an eager expression.

Seeing this, Qian Daoliu chuckled.

"Here, all these belong to you. Trade it without any fear of consequences. Of course, you know where the best price can be met."

Qian Daoliu revealed six strange and odd plants that continued to give out a powerful aura.

Ja Sun blinked.

Immortal Herbs!

While others might not necessarily know its use, this didn't stop spirit masters from collecting it. In fact, ancient Inheritance related to their knowledge was known to a few sections of the society. The Attack Clan was a good example. Ja Sun was sure that the clan had obtained some inheritance related to the art of medicine which included knowledge on the Immortal Herbs.

Of course, now, with the initial knowledge in his hands, it was only a matter of time before Ja Sun start creating appropriate missions and amassing the wealth of knowledge related to Medical arts.

Taking the six immortal herbs, the expressions of the six members were strange. They then sent Ja Sun knowing glances as he shrugged.

Qian Daoliu then eyed Ja Sun as he stood up.

"For you, my dear disciple," Qian Daoliu's tone was filled with complicated emotions. What could he really offer worth the current Ja Sun? He was too weak to enter certain regions and he was too strong to benefit from other regions. And Qian Daoliu only knew two special areas that could benefit the weak and the strong regardless. One was controlled by Golden Crocodile and the other one was controlled by 'her.'

"For your services and exemplary record, not to mention, the strength displayed, I would like to offer you a special service," Qian Daoliu smiled and once again pointed at the youth. A string of information instantly made Ja Sun feel a little dazed before he looked thoughtful.

"Is this true?" Ja Sun took a deep breath.

"It certainly is. A few decades ago, the previous Grand Priest came across her by chance and tried to subdue her. However, her protector slew him," Qian Daoliu revealed the demise of his father with a calm and indifferent expression.

Ja Sun hesitated before he coughed, "I accept."

Qian Daoliu rolled his eyes at such a hesitant expression.

"Now that the official conduct is finished, congratulations. I certainly can reveal beforehand that you will be announced victorious. The distribution of the two spirit bones depends entirely on you. Even its prospective trade is not controlled since it is not an inheritance," Qian Daoliu chuckled.

Hearing this, Tang Yuehua's expression eased.

"Now, you all can expect your 'free' phase to be completed. Because of the special identities of those within the group, all of you will be allowed to act together. However, I have a special training ground in mind which requires each one of you to reach the ranks of a Spirit Sage as quickly as possible.

Especially you, Liu Erlong. Your performance has grabbed the admiration of the Second Elder Golden Crocodile. He is also Yu Xiaogang's master. And he has offered a great benefit should you reach the realm of Spirit Sage before turning 30."

Qian Daoliu's words would have made Golden Crocodile choke on anger.

"And the rest of you will have a similar opportunity. Well, except Bibi Dong. This leaves the eight of you. Out of all, Tang Yuehua, if you somehow reach the ranks of a Spirit Emperor then that is also enough."

Qian Daoliu's words deeply shook Bibi Dong. She, alongside Ah Yin and Ja Sun already had a certain conclusion in their minds which made Ja Sun chuckle wryly inside. Should he feel lucky or stupid thinking that he was doing well until now?

'Well... stupid people are often lucky... so I might not consider myself too knowledgeable until I have the strength to shake off inspection of others,' Ja Sun instantly formed another goal in his mind.

Giving a knowing smile to Bibi Dong, the man continued for a few moments, and then he stated for them to prepare for the ceremony before leaving.

'Ah... I forgot to give the present I prepared,' Ja Sun thought of his first-ever invention and shook his head. He will have his time to present his skills to his master.

Surely.

---

Qian Daoliu had intentionally revealed more things this time and had given the group a lot to think about but they had to prepare for the ceremony and thus, they couldn't truly focus on Qian Daoliu's intent until they finally got over this competition.

By that, it meant, that they focused on finding the best dresses and suits to look well-off.

While others retreated to their rooms, Ja Sun found himself flanked by Bibi Dong and Ah Yin.

It was an open secret that Ja Sun monopolized Ah Yin's and Bibi Dong's underwear. He even got hold of many dresses that they once loved. Out of everything, Bibi Dong felt the need to acquire the dress that Qian Xunji gifted her. Although she had revealed a slight awkwardness unintentionally, he didn't want to spook Qian Xunji and felt that wearing the clothes her master had gifted her would be an appropriate response to reveal that her loyalty still lay in him.

"No matter the reason, you have to pay an appropriate price," Ja Sun remained stubborn which shocked Bibi Dong. After all, it would benefit them all if Qian Xunji doesn't feel threatened by them. Bibi Dong once felt that she knew her master but the recent revelations threw this thought out of the window. However, she was clear that if the trust was broken even if unintentional, it would be a hard one to repair. Especially with her master.

"Don't be so stubborn. Come on, I thought that we..." Bibi Dong shyly lowered her head as Ja Sun snickered.

"Of course, we're lovers, right? Ah Yin, You, and I can share the bed together, too! And that's why I know you're acting you, little seductress!" Ja Sun's words made Bibi Dong exasperated as she was seen through easily.

"Of course... I can lend you the dress for an appropriate price..."

Ja Sun's gaze roamed their bodies without shame.

"Let it be. It's not that important."

Ah Yin was the first to refuse.

"Really? I had a new necklace for you..."

Ah Yin's steps came to a stop.

Ja Sun chuckled.