Chapter 00150: Ox Horse Holiday
# Ox-Horse Holiday
Chapter 150
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 150: Ox-Horse Holiday
A bell rang.
In an instant, the desolate coastal industrial area transformed into a ghostly hell.
The drizzling rain, the swirling white mist, and the blurry, fragmented outlines...
Under the disturbance of countless lingering spirits, the dark world became a terrifying realm where the living dared not tread.
Then, the second bell rang from Professor Ye's hand.
It grew more piercing, sharper, and bone-chilling.
Following that, maddened cries erupted from the lingering spirits.
Their howls turned into ripples of spiritual energy, spreading outward.
Individually, they were insignificant.
But what if there were hundreds, thousands?
When countless screams and roars overlapped, what reached Ji Jue's ears was a soul-shaking, mind-rending wail of despair.
It made his vision go dark.
This was no mere wail—it was the signature skill of the Ascension faction: transforming one's spiritual energy into a soul-crushing projectile to hurl at the enemy!
If hit, one might suffer dizziness and confusion at best, or descend into madness or outright idiocy at worst, as the spiritual energy corroded and overwhelmed them.
After Professor Ye lifted the workshop's seal, the lingering spirits outside surged in.
Flickers of eerie green phosphorescence swayed in the mist, gathering together like a green tide.
After the second bell, all the lingering spirits fell into a frenzy.
Finally, the third bell rang.
The sound was so profound it seemed silent.
Ji Jue couldn't even tell if it was real or just his imagination, except for the sensation it left in his body.
Then, in the misty drizzle, a vortex appeared.
Under the dark sky, the endless phosphorescence gathered once more through the sound of the bell.
The frenzied spirits devoured each other within the vortex, dissolving and merging into one.
Outside the open gate, the phosphorescence dissipated as if burned away.
From the vortex and rain emerged a skeletal giant, several stories tall, wreathed in eerie green flames, radiating ferocity.
Yet, upon seeing Professor Ye, the overwhelming malice vanished.
The giant bent down, kneeling on one knee, bowing its head in reverence.
It offered its loyalty to its creator.
"See, Ji Jue," Professor Ye said disinterestedly, tossing the bell aside.
"This is a pure spiritual alchemical construct based on lingering spirits. Though it's a hastily made temporary form and can't last long, reaching this level is enough to earn a master's title."
In an instant, the giant crumbled like a sandcastle under the rain, disappearing without a trace.
Ji Jue stood frozen, dumbfounded.
He felt the cold wind and damp air rushing in through the open door.
*Click.*
The door closed, and warmth returned.
"The Soul-Summoning Bell," Professor Ye explained.
"The first ring awakens all lingering spirits within the perception field. The second ring forcibly activates their spiritual nature, driving them into a frenzied state. The third ring fuses all the spirits into a new form—varying based on the craftsman's skill and needs. It's a decent tool for combat and assistance, especially in areas teeming with lingering spirits. The downside is the high spiritual energy consumption. If the resulting construct is too ferocious and the caster's spiritual energy is too depleted to control it, backlash from the spirits is inevitable. For the weak, it's a luxury. For the strong, it's more like a toy. It's most suitable for high-level chosen ones who have spiritual energy and rank but lack combat skills or know-how. It's likely designed as an aid for Ember craftsmen and Ether scribes. Overall, it's a decent tool, though incomplete."
"Incomplete?" Ji Jue's hands trembled as he held the bell.
"What's the complete version like?"
"Who knows? I didn't make it. I just feel there's something missing in its functionality and application. The creator's skill is high, so such a basic oversight seems unlikely. If it were me, I'd include something complementary—like an Eternal Gate Sealing Jar to preserve the fused spirits, or a Soul Book from the Ascension faction or an Ether Record to shape the spirits into specific forms, saving trouble. But even if such things exist, the creator probably hid them. He'd never tell anyone."
Professor Ye sneered.
"Given his twisted sense of humor, he'd probably relish others running into trouble using it."
"Do you know him?" Ji Jue grew more curious.
Professor Ye calmly flipped the bell, showing Ji Jue the mark inside—a crude, grinning face.
"This mark, if I recall correctly, belongs to a master from the Age of Chaotic Kings, named Takamiya. Even in modern alchemical history, he's an eccentric. According to later researchers, he suffered much abuse and hardship as a child, leading to psychological issues more pronounced than other masters. Most of his surviving works are a type of specially treated glowing stone—cheap, but those who see the light are struck by greed and desire, unable to resist wanting it."
"Uh..."
Ji Jue blinked in confusion.
It sounded strange, but given the general temperament of craftsmen, it seemed almost normal?
"He'd often place those stones in traps, cages, monster nests, and other forbidden places," Professor Ye added nonchalantly.
"Every rift and dangerous zone he visited was littered with them, 'for the benefit of future generations.'"
Damn, what a devil!
"Besides, he particularly loved a creation called the Vile Water Flask. A palm-sized, unremarkable bottle that, when shattered, releases a rapidly expanding, foul, sticky, and toxic liquid. Once touched, the victim is poisoned, unable to live or die..."
Professor Ye continued, "Basically, every ruin he explored was doused with this stuff, with a few glowing stones left in the middle. After destroying all achievements, he'd leave a little surprise for future explorers."
Ji Jue's temple throbbed.
Destroying ancient ruins was bad enough, but luring people into a cesspool? Unforgivable!
"His most widespread creation, though, is a door that can't be opened from the outside. It's highly defensive and unbreakable, only openable from within. It's often used for secure doors in key departments, with excellent results. The downside is that even users sometimes have to take long detours to open it."
Professor Ye said slowly, "Rumor has it, he got the idea when he couldn't find a restroom..."
Enough, enough!
Ji Jue's fists clenched.
Just because you got caught in the rain, you have to push others into the ditch?
He couldn't help but want to strangle that old coffin dodger.
It's because of people like him that craftsmen have such a bad reputation!
"Well, it seems I don't need to mention his other 'achievements'..."
Professor Ye finally picked up the bell.
"I've checked it for you. Aside from the obvious flaws, there are no hidden traps. However, it's a blessed artifact usable only from the Rebirth rank onward. The burden is still too heavy for you. I made some adjustments, added a limiter. You should be able to use it now, though the effects will be... passable."
She rang the bell again.
This time, the sound was faint, and only scattered remnants of light gathered, forming a ghostly bird similar to Gloria.
Gloria pecked at it curiously, and it promptly disintegrated.
"As a scout, it's quite useful. You can also use it to check for traps."
Professor Ye handed the bell over.
"It's also good for practicing spiritual shaping."
"I'll try, I'll try!"
Ji Jue's eyes sparkled as he took the bell and shook it vigorously.
Under the flow of spiritual energy, scattered lights gathered.
The consumption was minimal, and the results... barely noticeable.
Soon, a writhing, mud-like monster appeared on the table, squirming and emitting sharp screeches.
Then, it exploded.
"..."
Professor Ye was silent for a long time before nodding.
"It could be effective for distracting enemies."
Ji Jue wiped his sweat and forced a laugh.
He didn't dare admit he'd been trying to make a bunny.
Spiritual shaping and material shaping were entirely different in principle and operation.
He needed time to adjust, but after a few tries, he got the hang of it.
Soon, a lifelike spiritual creature appeared on the table.
Its sixteen long limbs gleamed like metal, and its head was covered in eyes that sent chills down the spine.
Under Ji Jue's 'masterful' grasp of bionics and biology, a spider-like creature scuttled across the table, then climbed the ceiling to chase Gloria.
After waiting for a while and seeing what Ji Jue had created, Professor Ye looked somewhat speechless.
Under Ji Jue's expectant gaze, she sighed.
"From an engineering perspective, insect-like designs are indeed optimal."
"Right, right, that's what I thought too."
Ji Jue grinned shamelessly, only to hear Ye Chun sigh.
"Auntie means your aesthetic sense might be hopeless. Shouldn't we offer an art and aesthetics course in the workshop? Otherwise, this guy will become a stain on your teaching legacy."
"What nonsense!"
Ji Jue flushed with anger.
"How can you understand my genius and brilliance?"
Ye Chun sighed, saying nothing.
She brushed off her chest as if dusting it, then lifted her head to show off the badge she wasn't wearing, instantly making Ji Jue's recently straightened back hunch over again.
He bowed to his senior.
"Go, cut some fruit for me!"
Ye Chun snorted, sitting down grandly.
"And cook a few more dishes today. You're not allowed at the table!"
Ji Jue obediently got up, wiping away imaginary tears as he headed to the kitchen, only to hear Professor Ye's voice behind him.
"Not today."
"Huh?" Ji Jue peeked out.
"Are we eating out?"
"No, you don't need to cook today."
Professor Ye waved her hand.
"I've adjusted the schedule. The workshop's tasks are temporarily on hold, and we'll have a rare few days of relaxation. Why not give you a break too?"
"Huh?" Ji Jue was stunned.
"Considering how busy you'll be in the near future, possibly to the point of a brain hemorrhage, take some time to rest before then."
Professor Ye picked up a newspaper, not looking up.
"You're on holiday."
Now? A holiday? Rest?
No way!
Ji Jue was dumbfounded: he'd just gotten the hang of spiritual manipulation, the perfect time to push forward.
What holiday?
Are you serious?
But knowing Professor Ye's decisions were non-negotiable, he didn't try to argue.
Instead, he hesitantly asked.
"How... how long?"
"Hard to say."
Professor Ye pondered for a moment.
"Short, maybe two or three days. Long, maybe a week. I have some preparations to make during this time. If nothing comes up, stay out of my sight."
"Uh..."
Before Ji Jue could protest, his vision blurred, and he found himself sitting on the seat of the Ox-Horse in the garage.
Then, his pocket watch, bell, and toolbox fell from the ceiling into his arms.
He'd been kicked out of the workshop.
Even as he walked down the road, he couldn't process it.
A holiday?
What's a holiday?
Only those useless to Ember take holidays!
Someone like him, a pillar of alchemy, a talent of Ember, when did he ever take a holiday?
But with a holiday... what would he do?
In the drizzling rain, he felt lost.
For a long time, he hadn't had the concept of a holiday.
Before, he'd spent holidays working odd jobs or competing with classmates.
Now, he spent every day and night in the workshop, competing with his senior.
Suddenly being told to take a break, he didn't know what to do.
He scratched his head.
Should he go to North Mountain District to play with Xiao An?
But the shadow of Xiao An's sister made him hesitate.
Besides, the entire Safety Bureau seemed swamped these days.
Going there would only add to their troubles.
When he came to his senses, he realized he'd subconsciously wandered to the market near Auntie Lu's house.
The drizzle continued, but the market under the large rain canopy was bustling.
Raincoat-clad aunts weaved through the narrow aisles, expertly picking through vegetables and meat, haggling with vendors.
The layout was so familiar.
In the past, whenever Ji Jue had saved a bit of money and had some free time, he'd come here, buy a heap of groceries, and haul them to Auntie Lu's for a meal.
Auntie Lu never minded if he showed up empty-handed.
There was always a bowl of rice for him, with the most meat and freshest fish piled on top.
Then, he'd sneak the meat to Er Niu, Lao San, and Lao Yao when Auntie Lu wasn't looking, and snatch meat from Lu Feng's bowl.
The dinner table would come alive.
Unlike his perpetually cold and quiet home, Auntie Lu's house was always warm, with a pot of soup steaming on the stove.
It felt like a dream.
After so long, the moment he thought of a holiday, Ji Jue had instinctively come here.
Lost in nostalgia, Ji Jue didn't hesitate any longer.
He jumped off the Ox-Horse and rolled up his sleeves.
It had been a while since he'd visited.
Shouldn't he bring something good?
Lao San had just started middle school, and Lao Yao was still in elementary school—both at the age where they needed to grow.
Plus, Er Niu, Lu Ling, had just started university and was as thin as a reed.
They needed nourishment.
Ji Jue bought five pounds of pork ribs, along with several pounds of cauliflower, winged beans, tofu, and other common vegetables.
As he crouched at the fish vendor's stall, carefully selecting, he heard an incredulous voice behind him.
"Second Brother?"
Lao Yao, in an old raincoat, poked his head out from the crowd, tugging at someone behind him.
"See, I told you it was Second Brother! You said I was wrong!"
Ji Jue turned to see Lu Ling, her hair damp from the rain, and the ever-energetic Lao Yao.
"Shopping for groceries?"
Ji Jue was slightly surprised.
"What a coincidence."
"What coincidence? There's only one market near home."
Lu Ling sighed, deftly taking the groceries from Ji Jue.
"Every time you bring stuff back, we end up eating it for days... Cauliflower again? Big Brother bought a bunch a few days ago. Lao San almost cried. Didn't you get any potatoes?"
"Potatoes?" Ji Jue was confused.
"How are we supposed to stew the ribs without potatoes?"
Lu Ling sighed helplessly, shooing Ji Jue aside.
"Let me handle it. It's not the season for sea bass. Auntie, don't weigh it. We don't want it. Your fish is practically dead... Brother, let's get crabs instead."
"Ah? Oh, okay."
Ji Jue obediently stepped aside, watching Lu Ling bustle about, finishing the shopping.
She instructed, "We're out of star anise and Sichuan pepper. Go to the southeast side and get some. Don't buy too much. And vinegar, and some salt too."
"Meat! I want meat!" Lao Yao cheered.
"Eat, eat, eat. All you think about is eating. Look how fat you've gotten!"
Lu Ling pinched Lao Yao's cheek.
"You go with Second Brother to get the stuff. Remember, go to Auntie Cheng's, got it? And get more soy sauce. We've been using a lot lately."
"Okay, okay!"
Lao Yao puffed out his chest, agreeing readily.
Once seated in Ji Jue's arms, he expertly wrapped his arms around Ji Jue's neck.
"Second Brother, I want ice cream!"
"Ice cream in this weather?"
Ji Jue hesitated.
"How about ham sausages instead? I'll buy extra for you and Lao San."
Lao Yao's eyes lit up.
"Third Sister doesn't eat ham sausages. Just give them all to me!"
"Then I'll buy two more workbooks."
Ji Jue smiled.
"Er Niu told me you only scored in the sixties in math this week. Teaching you math almost broke Big Brother. If you're bad, practice more!"
Lao Yao froze, his eyes darting around.
Then, without warning, he burst into tears.
Unfortunately, he was too young to understand that crying had no effect on whether his homework increased.
Crying only made the overachiever more excited.
Ji Jue casually bought him a whole quarter's worth of math lessons on the Learning King app.
You can't skimp on education, especially when you have the money.
With the family's homework and exams to handle, wasn't it up to him to solve them?
As he pondered whether to buy Er Niu some courses too, Ji Jue returned with bags of groceries.
All three of them were laden with bulging bags.
It was still raining, and Lu Ling suggested taking the bus back, but Ji Jue led them to the Ox-Horse.
For a moment, both of them stared at the once-again unrecognizable Ox-Horse, speechless.
"Brother, has our motorcycle... changed again?" Lu Ling ventured.
"What do you mean?"
Ji Jue turned back, confused.
"It's the same as before!"
For a moment, Lu Ling wanted to spit blood in his face to wash his eyes.
Are you serious?
Before, even with an extra wheel, she could still recognize it as a motorcycle.
But now... what the hell had it become?
The Ox-Horse wriggled excitedly, beeping.
Its four wheels twisted on the ground, splashing water.
Yes, four wheels.
If the Ox-Horse had once been a common farm tricycle with a trailer, after the villa battles and countless upgrades, it had evolved into a PLUS version.
Not only had the trailer's capacity greatly increased, but a row of seats had also appeared behind the driver's seat, and a cabin had grown...
In the blink of an eye, it had transformed from a tricycle into a pickup truck.
But the transformation wasn't complete.
At a glance, it looked like an illegally modified tricycle used for black-market hauling.
The kind that could carry an entire kindergarten class...
And it didn't even have a license plate!
Lu Ling's worldview shattered.
After a long pause, she asked, "Won't the traffic police fine us?"
"Don't worry, they won't."
Ji Jue patted her shoulder, smiling mysteriously.
"They can't catch us."
(End of Chapter)