18 Red Eagle Pavilion (1/2)
Chapter 17: Red Eagle Pavilion
Van considered Yu Lin's words thoughtfully and turned to the man that was nervously watching his expression.
”How much are you going to sell it at?”
”I was thinking... about 20 gold.”
”20 Gold?!”
Van's jaw dropped as he heard the man's price. The price for this rock was 10 times more than the worth of all the other items in his shop combined! Lin Ming started to sweat as he saw Van's shocked expression.
”But if the honored guest is willing, I would like to trade this rock for a favor.”
Lin Ming picked up the rock, with both hands and held it out in front of him towards Van. Van bit his lip as he thought of what to say.
”THIS IS YOUR ONLY CHANCE! ACCEPT IT QUICKLY BRAT!”
Van winced in pain and rubbed the blood from his nose. This dragon mentor of his was very aggressive with his mental transmission. Luckily, Lin Ming had his head bowed and was busy staring at his shoes. Van sighed, a little too dramatically for Yu Lin's tastes, and picked up the rock.
”I accept. I am not strong at the moment, and will fulfill your promise when I can.”
”Wait!”
Van stopped in his tracks and turned around to face Lin Ming. Lin Ming took a long breath and stood up straight.
”I would like to request to become your follower and follow you on your journeys.”
Van scanned to find the man at the 8th Stage of Body Fortification.
”I would like to apologize, but where I am going, you wouldn't be allowed in.”
The man looked confused. Where in the lower reaches would someone with his cultivation base not be accepted or at least tolerated? Unless...
”You're going to the Middle Continent?!”
The man was exultant with joy. He had picked the right person. No one with the ability to advance to the middle continent would any ordinary person. He felt as if he had won the lottery.
”No matter! I will do whatever young master says!”
Van watched his new follower beam with joy and thought of what he was going to do. He was thinking of starting a business, maybe a Sect or Clan in the lower reaches to improve his power base, influence, and wealth.
”Go find my aunt. Her description is going to be on this jade slip that I am about to give you. Give it to her and tell her, Van sent you.”
He tossed over a bag of holding containing a few gold coins, a jade slip, and provisions for the journey back to Mulberry City. Lin Ming stared at his hands for a while before bowing to his new young master.
”I will follow you to the heights of the world and the ends of the earth! I acknowledge you as my young master!”
”This kid, ain't too bad. Hey Brat! Give him this pill. Tell him if he would like to try his fortune, consume it.”
A reddish green pill appeared in Van's hands, which he then quickly tossed over and relayed the message. Lin Ming nodded and bowed one last time before heading off to Mulberry City.
Van watched Lin Ming's retreating figure before turning around and pulling out a note. He started walking down the road until he reached a large building. This building looked like an ornament. It was made from many precious materials and would've attracted the eyes of many thieves if not for the fact that it was owned by the revered Potent River Sect and its patriarch. There was a large sign on it that read, ”Red Eagle Pavilion”. There were 6 guards in front of a 10-foot tall entrance that included a pearl white jade arch that depicted rivers and mighty figures. Many people would pass by and look at the building with awe and adoration.
The guards glared at Van as he made his way up the steps to the entrance. The guard captain stepped up and gave the other guards a look of ”I'll handle this one.” The people at the foot of the steps looked at Van with mocking expressions. Many people that had just come into the city would try to get into the building without realizing the requirements and would get sent away shamefully. A small crowd formed to watch an anticipated spectacle.
”Fellow Cultivator, I can tell that this is your first time here. This place is for only those with a command medallion from the Potent River Sect. I would like to request for you to show me your medallion.”
The guard captain had a dull expression. He was waiting for Van to reply with the anticipated ”I don't have one.”
”Would this work?”
Van released a cultivation base at the 3rd Stage of Dantian Formation. The guards and the guard captain gasped, they were already above 30 years of age and was only at the 2nd Stage of Dantian Formation. Yet, this youth that was not even 20 years of age had reached the 3rd Stage!
”Forgive me, young master. But I need to have proof of your authorization.”