"… So you're saying you can just transplant cultivation to me using your talent? No heretical methods, sacrifices, or slavery to entities from other dimensions? And there are no real downsides at all?" Ling Ling asked me, raising an eyebrow after my five-minute explanation. Her skepticism was thick enough to scoop with a spoon.
"Well, if taking cultivation from another person doesn't count as a sacrifice for you, and the control going into the negative isn't seen as a downside, then yeah, none," I shrugged calmly.
"Then what's the point of high cultivation if I can't cast spells?" Ling Ling clarified, not lowering her eyebrow.
Girl, I'm helping you here and sharing my secret! A little more gratitude in your tone? Though, after the emotional rollercoaster with the news of her father's death, I'm not surprised she's acting like this. Even her emotions are somewhat muted now. She's probably mentally exhausted but holding on by sheer willpower. That deserves respect. But still, if she were a bit more modest, it would be better.
"And what's my body enhancement technique for? I'm not against using it on you, which, combined with High-level cultivation that I can easily provide you with my powers, will immediately put you at the level of a Junior Commander. Paired with properly selected artifacts, tactics, and consumables, you'll be one of the strongest at your level. Especially if you fuse with a powerful Soul Seed. You won't be able to cast spells, of course, but if we pick an artifact that attacks with your concentrated magical power…" I didn't finish, as Ling Ling was a smart girl. She could figure out the obvious herself.
"Hmm, with proper training, combined with my knowledge and combat experience that I'll need to build up, it really does seem plausible. Of course, those kinds of artifacts will cost an astronomical amount of money, but it'll definitely be worth it. Your plan is feasible." Ling Ling's eyes lit up with thirst for power.
I decided to keep quiet about the ability to transplant talents along with cultivation. Not because Ling Ling isn't my girlfriend. I don't pull every woman close to me into a harem, as is clear with Gu Daiyu. Simply, while I fully trust her, I can't say the same about her grandfather.
One thing is having the ability to transplant a mage's cultivation, crippling the patient's control so much that without massive resource infusions, they won't differ much from an ordinary person. Quite another is making that mage combat-ready from the start, without any investments. That's a huge difference.
The first option is just an interesting opportunity for the powers that be to pass on their legacy if their heirs are total duds. The second is a direct path to building an army of strong mages. Many clan elders don't die from monster claws – they don't want to fight them at all, hiring mercenaries for that – but from plain old age.
And if they can pass their power to the young talentless generation while raising their heirs in parallel, that's doubling the family's strength each generation, which is nonsense. They could even use it on enemy mages… In short, I don't need the reputation of someone who can do that.
Additionally, I added a condition to my abilities: I can only take and transfer cultivation from someone at my level or below. Otherwise, elderly Incantation mages, even with negative control, would find me and "politely ask" me to give their power to the young generation. Maybe future generations will figure out what to do with such powerful magical batteries.
No point wasting the Fruit of the Land invested in them. Maybe they'll invent a way to power a city barrier with a few such half-mages, replicating the fruit's effect. Humanity won't joke with things like that. An extra city barrier means a new chance at peaceful life for millions. They won't pass that up without good reason.
"So, when can we start? And can you tell me the Crimson Devil's power level?" Ling Ling looked me in the eyes, shining with battle spirit and determination.
"We'll start tomorrow after you get a good sleep following today's shocks. Meanwhile, I'll zip to a nearby city tonight; there's a criminal acquaintance of mine at the High level peak living there. I'll do a good deed while I'm at it. As for the Crimson Devil's power, this particular specimen is around the second step of the Supreme level, possibly at its peak," I replied calmly, standing up from the table. This signaled the conversation could end. Ling Ling was barely holding on; I didn't want to burden her more.
Of course, the girl had a ton more questions, but she bit her tongue and rushed upstairs. The little devil understood that if she didn't sleep well, I might postpone the procedure, which she definitely didn't want. After saying goodbye, we left "Clear Sky."
"Girls, go ahead, I'll catch up. Need to wrap up one small thing," I nudged TuTu and Jiao Jiao forward and glanced at the building we'd just left. They got it right away, kissed my cheek, and hurried home to rest. The events in Jining had worn them out badly, though their behavior didn't show it.
Once they were out of sight, I said into the emptiness, addressing no one:
"Director Bao, did you want something from me?"
Nothing happened for a few seconds, then Ling Ling's grandfather appeared from thin air beside me, in the same clothes he'd worn when treating us to lunch recently.
"Heh, I'm getting old if the young ones are noticing me. Or are you just perceptive?" He asked, lifting the corners of his mouth.
"Just perceptive. With your Chaos element at Incantation level, Space element at Half-Incantation, and ninth spiritual boundary, I won't be able to detect you with my powers for a long time," I replied simply to the old man.
"True, I know how to hide; can't take that away. It was my job, what can you do. So, what did you want from me? I won't pay attention to your knowledge about me," He returned to a neutral expression and asked in a casual tone.
"What do you think of what I proposed to Ling Ling?" I got straight to the point.
"I'm not against it. If it's as you say, it's a gift from the heavens for her; I won't interfere. But if my granddaughter suffers after this, I'll hold you accountable," He eased his pressure a bit, making me break out in goosebumps. The old devil was strong; no wonder he held off the false Emperor in canon for so long. Not Marshal Hua's level, who couldn't hold him but could beat him, but still impressive.
"Don't worry, Ling Ling is like a little sister to me; I'll keep an eye on her. But since I've done your granddaughter a favor, risking exposure big time, return one to me, please." Unfazed by this formidable mage, I directly asked for a reward for help not yet rendered. Worst case, he'd beat me up; no big loss.
"Oh, and what do you want?" He didn't even get angry, deciding to hear me out first. Then he'd decide: beat me or agree. My death wasn't an option. Who'd help with Ling Ling's problem then?
"In about a year, I'll head to the Ancient Capital on business and wouldn't mind a good guide," I started from afar. This homebody wouldn't go with me just like that.
"And what do you want from me? For me to pay for your tour guide?" He raised an eyebrow.
"No, nothing like that. I want you to come with me. Don't rush to refuse; another person of your status… and power level will come too. You can chat about old folks' stuff." I smiled slightly as Old Bao noticeably frowned.
"Boy, what are you planning? I won't ask who you've already roped into your adventure, but help from two Incantation mages… That's only for crises threatening the whole country," He gave me a heavy look.
"Ideally, nothing should happen. But if it does, I'll count on your help. Preferably, if you agree, bring your full set of artifacts from your work days. You know the specifics of the Ancient Capital," I spread my hands.
"… I'll go with you. And help. But only if what I see doesn't contradict my morals. Otherwise, even if I can't subdue you on the spot because of your guard, I'll report you to the Sacred Court. Find me when you leave." After staring at me for a couple minutes, Old Bao finally answered and vanished without a trace.
Wiping sweat from my brow, I smiled happily. My second and final bodyguard for my precious self was hired. And I didn't even get beaten! Things are falling into place relatively well.
I just hope I really won't need their help…