Chapter 77 Trade for Skins

Reflections of a 7-foot figure, in crimson skin, donning a sharp business suit and glasses, flickered across the surface of a large cauldron filled nearly to the brim with black liquid.

It was A.R.M., and he was encircled by six individuals exuding an aura of confidence. They engaged in conversation with A.R.M., their gestures directed toward a colossal arena where two cultivators squared off.

While the skeleton could discern A.R.M. through the rippling reflections, the dialogue between the machine and the 6 cultivators remained beyond his reach. Raising its bony hand, it instinctively reached out toward A.R.M., disturbing the dark waters and causing the reflection to dissipate.

A gravelly voice emanated from the skeletal figure's mouth. "Yes, a skin suit is what I need. Only then will I be able to whisper directly into his ear." It abruptly left its cave, calling for Lapaptzi. The green-eyed woman, who referred to the skeleton as master, promptly appeared. "You haven't managed to kill the Stubborn Will user yet, correct?"

Lapaptzi shook her head, before retrieving her brown bag. "Nope. I've kept him safe and bound in my pocket space after you confirmed that he might be worth quite a lot." The skinless skeleton, devoid of any facial expression, eerily brought its hands up to its mouth, imitating a smile.

Al had been returned to Lapaptzi's brown bag after his escape had been thwarted. Within that dark abyss, time lost all meaning. Only the ebb and flow of his thoughts offered a fleeting sense of its passage.

Though unable to cultivate, he could empty his mind and merge with the void, rendering time irrelevant. So, when he heard the voices of the Skeleton and Lapaptzi reach into the pocket space, he wasn't certain if it had been months, days, or even years that had passed.

Somewhere near the Great Slave Lake in the Northwest territories of Canada, inside the 19th Mortal Ring of the Evergreen Leaf, Jin raced at full tilt, narrowly evading a massive sand-formed palm that smashed down toward him.

The air crackled with static, and in a blink, Jin reappeared, skillfully sidestepping the descending palm. In a swift motion, he conjured a bolt of lightning, aiming it at a cultivator clutching a doll that bore an uncanny resemblance to the sand giant.

High above the arena, six figures observed the intense duel, the same individuals the skeleton had seen reflected in its cauldron earlier. Among them, a monkey-clad cultivator, adorned in blue and brown robes, spoke. "That boy is a member of the Takahashi Clan, if he manages to win one more match, he's qualifies to be a recognized disciple. However, because he cultivates Lightning Will he will likely join our Lightning-Stone Leaf."

"I see," A.R.M. responded thoughtfully. "So, your 'Gods' prefer cultivators who cultivate a similar Will as their own Will. In that case, I assume your God embodies both Lightning and Stone?"

The monkey grinned at A.R.M.'s astute observation. "Yes and no. It's accurate to say my teacher has two Wills, but that has nothing to do with his title of God. All immortals have two Wills; however, one has been formed into the Immortal's 'Immortal Spirit.' The title God exists because just as our cultivation is in the Immortal Chasm, theirs is in the God Chasm. If you ask me how their Wills manifest at that point, I haven't the slightest idea."

Meanwhile, in a labyrinth of tunnels deep underground, the skeleton and Lapaptzi found themselves in a strange land. Here, Dark acolytes roamed freely, each accompanied by a hybrid or two. Some of the Dark acolytes appeared more human than animal, and amidst them stood a towering 14ft Rakh-ahtan draped in ragged robes.

As the duo proceeded, they headed straight toward the Rakh-ahtan. The skeleton spoke to the red-eyed biomechanical demon, who loomed large over them. "I've heard tales of your people mastering the science of body modification long ago. I seek a skin that doesn't rely on magic or Will—a covering that would remain undetectable even to the most perceptive individuals." The skeleton said in a low voice.

The Rakh-ahtan appeared to be acquainted with the skeleton and responded with a quick, suffocating laugh. "Even if I possessed such a device, you know I'm not supposed to engage in any dealings with you, Taczepiloac. We tolerate your presence only because if we kill you someone else will replace you."

The skeleton remained unmoving and wordless, its expressionless visage unchanged. Suddenly, it shifted its gaze towards Lapaptzi. "Show him the 'fat calf' we have," it commanded.

Lapaptzi promptly opened her bag and tossed Al, still bound with his mouth wired shut, at the feet of the towering Rakh-ahtan. The creature's burning red eyes stared down at Al, seemingly unmoved. "You think we haven't encountered Stubborn Will before? Is this some sort of joke?" it grumbled.

"Pick up the dark twisted knife attached to his etheric shell through the chain," Lapaptzi instructed. The Rakh-ahtan seemed uncertain about her intentions, but complied, nonetheless. "Now try to snap, break, or shatter it." With great effort, the Rakh-ahtan exerted pressure on the knife, expecting it to yield immediately. To its surprise, the knife remained unyielding. No matter how hard it tried, the Rakh-ahtan couldn't inflict any harm upon the small weapon. "This is interesting," the creature mused, closely examining the blade.

Al although unable to move was listening intently; he was astonished that an underground market like the one he was in even existed but the fact the Rakh-ahtan and Dark acolytes spoke to each other blew his mind. Al moved his eyes to see the robed Rakh-ahtan trying to snap his twisted dark knife. It was clear that he was being traded like a piece of currency and it was all because of Midnight Abyss.

The Rakh-ahtan turned to the bound and gagged Al then back to the knife and spoke. "We've never come across a mutation quite like this. His Stubborn Will keeps him alive, and this additional etheric shell keeps his Stubborn Will's etheric shell from being destroyed. Very strange. Fine, you have yourself a deal."

The demon reached into its robe and took out a bracelet with a 14-leaf daisy flower. "This will work in the manner you wanted." it said before giving the bracelet to Taczepoliac.

Taczpoliac looked at the bracelet and didn't even try it on. He turned around and began walking away before loudly saying. "We're done here Lapaptzi let's go.'' Lapaptzi quickly caught up to him and the two left.

The Rakh-ahtan looked back at Al before picking him up and tossing it into its own pocket space deep within its robe.

Meanwhile the 50-year Mortal Rings Tournament was close to concluding. "The reason why the God leaves have a biannual Mortal Ring's Tournament is to make up for the Recognized Disciples that have passed away. Every 50 years the 6 God leaves start off with 156 Recognized disciples between all the God leaves they total 936 in between all the God leaves. However, after about 50 years at least over a 100 of them have died typically from old age." A woman with a deep emerald, green robe informed A.R.M.

The 6 of them and A.R.M. of them were now watching the conclusions of the tournament, two thirds of the last hundred participants eliminated had already qualified to become recognized disciples, Jin included.

The woman who was informing A.R.M. suddenly stopped, everyone all turned their attention to the arena as an incredible match was taking place. Powerful beams of yellow energy were being raining down upon a single man who easily evaded them.

"That unrecognized disciple has a unique Will he is being directly instructed by one of the most well-known Immortals from the Blood Leaf." An old man mentioned as he pointed at the cultivator who had unleashed a hailstorm energy, the old man was wearing a crimson robe with white rose patterns.

The old man turned to a bald man who was the only one not wearing a robe. The bald man wore very little above his waist. "Godfrey, I think you're quite familiar with the name Black-Metal Flame." The old man mentioned.

The bald man was Supreme Immortal King Godfrey, the man who had personally invited Al into the world of Will. His muscles bulged as he turned towards the old man with interest. "Mphh, Black-Metal should focus on his own cultivation!" Godfrey said turning back towards the battle.

A tall, slender figure with flowing black hair took a single graceful step, a stream of wind rushed towards at his commend. It was Cesar, his movements a blur, hurtling through the air at over a hundred miles per hour, brandishing a magnificent silver spear adorned with intricate engravings.

Hovering on the opposite end, bathed in radiant light, was a man with four resplendent wings and a halo. He extended his wings, and brilliant beams of golden light streaked forth. Cesar, becoming one with the wind, executed a mid-air spin, effortlessly evading the energy projectiles. With a swift slash, he sent the angelic figure shooting towards the ground.

Yet, Cesar's assault did not end there. He directed his spear towards the man, creating a potent suction emanating from its tip. The man was forcibly lifted off the ground, still reeling from the impact. As he ascended, Cesar hurled his spear with all his might, aiming to conclude the battle in a single decisive strike.

The man, now conscious, extended his wings, unleashing a barrage of yellow energy projections. Cesars's spear was sent scattering.

Cesar attempted to evade the onslaught as he descended, but a beam still found its mark. The energy pierced through him like an arrow, leaving a hole in the left side of his abdomen.

With that strike, the match was swiftly concluded. "Richard Josias emerges victorious, securing his spot in the semi-finals," a voice announced to the large crowd that had gathered to watch the match. Another figure swiftly joined the arena, focused on healing Cesar. In a matter of moments, the wound closed, and Cesar regained consciousness, the reality of his loss sinking in.

The announcer rushed over to him, enthusiasm in his voice as he announced, "Cesar Castello, you hv placed 6th! Is there any God Leaf you wish to join?" He placed a small stick next to Cesar which resounded with through some unseen speakers.

Cesar's thoughts turned to Al, and how it was an Immortal from the Supreme Leaf who had personally invited him into the World of Will. However, before Cesar could utter a word, the air above the arena began to warp, eventually coalescing into a strange grayish-yellow miasma.

From this peculiar phenomenon emerged a woman, draped in a beautiful yellow and brown robe. Her face, however, was veiled with a white linen cloth.

"Before you speak," she declared, "I want to introduce myself. I am Immortal Nightshade. Your Wind Will would flourish best in the Erosion Leaf. I am extending a personal invitation from the Erosion leaf if you say yes, I will take you on as my direct disciple."

Cesar found himself somewhat surprised that she was interested in someone who had just lost. Nonetheless, a singular goal was etched in his mind, and that meant he needed a formidable team. He had initially planned to work his way up to the rank of Captain of a Mortal Seed. However, being a direct disciple of a recognized Immortal would undoubtedly expedite that process.

Al had braced himself for an extended period of solitude within the Rakh-atans' pocket space. To his surprise, he suddenly found himself on the floor of an exceedingly strange room, where everything seemed to gleam with chrome. Towering 14 ft Rakh-ahtans surrounded him, examining his twisted knife with great interest.

With surprising care, they released him from his restraints, deftly severing the copper bindings and removing the wire from his lips. They guided him towards a bed formed from a strange, silvery liquid obviously Al knew there was no chance of fighting back and allowed himself to be place on the platform.

The liquid silver congealed and formed into multiple restraints. Once again, he was rendered completely immobile. The began surgically cutting into him but unlike Lapaptzi, who seemed to take pleasure in causing him pain, these entities seemed solely focused on understand how his regeneration, fueled by his Stubborn Will, interacted with his twisted knife.

"In a weird way, your approach feels even more invasive, hahaha!" Al couldn't help but quip, his voice laced with a sardonic laugh.

They cut into his nervous system to inflict as much pain as they could. The only thing the pain did was make Al feel as if he had momentarily left his body as he was staring at himself being operated on.