The materials that old coot requested were truly very rare. I even think some he threw in the list randomly to knock me down a peg.
Not everyone can claim they can get any material, even the rarest, even for Intermediate level artifacts. The old man wanted to rub my nose in it. But he picked the wrong guy! I got EVERYTHING!
Blood Spider webs for inner armor lining? Got 'em! Who cares they went extinct on human turf a century ago, and wild sightings are rare every few decades. Brought double volume, fresh too. His face was priceless when he realized it was recent.
Giant swamp water strider legs for Speed Boots? Here's enough for six pairs! Don't care that species was seen only a couple times in history. Asked? Take it!
Same with every material he requested. Whatever nonsense he asked for, if history had purchase records or the creature was within my power to hunt, I delivered. The old man could only scratch his head and get to work.
Once he jokingly asked for the current Ghost Queen's panties, one of Chinese undead generals. The ones she wore in life, naturally. He paled when I didn't tell him off but seriously pondered. Hasn't joked since; saving his psyche.
Naturally, he can't make all artifacts in a week. Even the best master couldn't; it's handmade, and some materials need special solution soaking.
If he does it well and on time, at the end of our deal, I'll boost his body to Servant level. That'll ease his old injuries and add some life force, letting him last another 5-10 years.
His declining skills should recover too, so he won't waste precious materials anymore. A farewell gift for the nice old guy.
Shame I won't go back to him. Among High level artifactors, he's far from best, and that's the quality I'll need later.
In the week I gave the girls for rest, he finished two armors. That's the core gear; if you don't survive a surprise attack, you can't flee or counter.
The armor covered the whole body, white with gold inserts. With the hood, it gave an assassin vibe, not like it could tank big damage. But that's magical armor for you—often looks like a tight bodysuit, but protection's no joke.
I ordered identical armors for the girls. I know how they compare "whose is prettier," and screw it if only Ai Tutu is my girl. Who knows what might short-circuit in Mu Nujiao's head and offend her. Nah, let 'em match.
On the girls' seventh rest day, I entered the living room with two folded armor sets. They were watching TV on the sofa, munching snacks. Probably post-cultivation chill.
"Catch your upgrades, girls! Master only finished armors in seven days, but that'll do for now. I'll pick up the rest as training progresses. Don't forget, Three-Step Tower every three months," I handed the sets to the interested girls.
"So cool! Sister Mu, look at these gold inserts! I'll look like a secret order's hidden guardian!" Tutu eyed the armor starry-eyed. Sigh, women. No asking about protection first.
"What damage can it take?" the other girl in the room asked interestedly. Thanks, Jiao Jiao; you restore my faith in women!
"Made from best materials, it can tank several junior Warlord frontal hits. But needs repair after. Handles elemental damage as well as physical," I told them proudly. And I earned it. Didn't make 'em myself, but gathering materials wore me out.
"Very strong. Even High level mages wouldn't scorn such armor. As far as I know, Intermediate armors can't take that damage," the girl eyed Master Pin's creations skeptically.
"If you pour in as much as five High level armor sets cost, you can achieve that," I grinned. Master Pin got rich off my order, and leftovers covered part.
"...I just don't know what to say," Mu Nujiao went stunned at the costs.
"Don't sweat it, Sister Mu; if Mu Bai gives, take it. His sugar mommy covers all expenses anyway," Tutu grinned slyly. She knows Tang Yue gave me no money.
Storing the armors in their spiritual worlds and summoning them on, the girls were thrilled. Magical armors auto-fit within limits, and I gave the master their measurements. Fit like a glove.
They looked great, even sexy. Sigh, shame I have other plans for tonight with Tutu. No time for armor roleplay.
"Anyway, girls, I know you've packed, but since we're heading to wilds tomorrow, check everything again. Up at seven a.m., no oversleeping," I reminded them.
"Oversleep with you?" Tutu smirked slyly, hinting we share a bed. Mu Nujiao's ears went red. Our model clan lady isn't used to lewd hints.
"I'll head to my room; need good sleep before tomorrow," she hurried off. Such a cutie.
"Tutu, tonight we'll do something very exhausting..." I started telling her what awaited soon.
"Finally mustered courage to use more than my mouth?" Tutu cupped her cheeks, blushing. Tempting minx.
"...No. Tonight I'll help you practice body enhancement technique. Original version's near-heretical magic due to risks for the practitioner, but I devised a way to zero them out and tested on several sentients, including myself," I continued awkwardly. Not chickening; waiting for the right moment.
"Oh." Did she seem a bit disappointed?
"What about Sister Mu?" she asked.
"This'll be our family method. Might sell the technique later for perks, but the lightning elemental for safe practice is only mine," I summoned grumpy Pikachu.
Lately I've summoned him rarely, and the bare stone island in my summoning dimension bores him. Oh well, wilds will let him romp.
"...Would you consider making Sister Mu your second girl? I wouldn't mind if it's her," she floored me with the suggestion.
"Tutu, even if I take a second girl, it'll only be for love. Toward Jiao Jiao, it's just simple lust at most," I said stone-faced. A test?
"...Got it," she replied with an inscrutable look.
Then, in awkward silence, we went upstairs. Putting Tutu in an unconscious state on the bed, Pikachu and I boosted her body.
Meanwhile, I pondered her suggestion. Why'd she make it? Am I missing something? Something obvious...