24 The Old Patriarch (1/2)

Chapter 23: The Old Patriarch

The retired patriarch continued to inspect Van with meticulous interest. After a few moments, the old patriarch ceased nodding and muttering and grabbed Van.

Van squealed in surprise and was hoisted away by the patriarch to somewhere rather far away. The Outer Sect Elder couldn't believe his eyes. He had just met the elusive retired patriarch of the Flowing River Sect.

The current patriarch was the 5th Patriarch of the Flowing River Sect. He had a cultivation base of Emperor and had only recently broken through. He had never met the current patriarch. Yet while recruiting a bunch of new disciples, he had a met a Saint ranked expert.

He felt as if his luck was on fire today and decided to go hit the casinos tonight. He also remembered to keep an eye on the rather ordinary looking youth. After all, a disciple that the old patriarch took an interest in would have a lot of influence.

Wait, wasn't the old patriarch the eccentric one that liked to dissect living beings? The Elder's expression turned to one of relief. Good thing the patriarch was after Van and not him. He gave Van a respectful salute before heading off to report his findings.

Van was currently wretching in the sky being dragged by the old Patriarch. Van had opened his mouth to ask the Old Patriarch what was happening when a variety of bugs flew into his mouth. The Old Patriarch was ignoring him and continued to fly at high speeds. Van stopped protesting after the first minute. He just stayed suspended limply, waiting for them to reach their destination.

The Old Patriarch realized that his appearance wasn't exactly presentable and used an Appearance Changing Technique to turn into a Dashing Middle-Aged Man with well-kept robes. A few minutes later, the flying sword started to descend and they entered a large chamber filled with many luxuries, but rather unkempt.

Van found a nearby stream and washed out his mouth. The taste of bugs would be one he would never want to repeat. After washing out his mouth, he turned to the Old Patriarch, now looking like a middle-aged man and waited for him to say something.

While he was waiting, Van looked around him to find a strange wooden door with a golden lock on it. When he reached out to touch the doorknob, he was stopped by the Old Patriarch. He said one word.

”Don't.”

A cold feeling crept down his spine and Van decided to listen to the Old Patriarch's advice. The Old Patriarch guided Van to a nearby couch and had him sit down. Van carefully inspected the chamber while the Old Patriarch got some tea. There were a lot of items related to science strewn around the chamber floor.

It wasn't too strange for an eccentric cultivator to indulge in acts besides cultivation, but he had never heard of a science maniac. The Old Patriarch came back with some Spirit Jade Leaf Tea and served some to Van, watching his every move. Van awkwardly picked up the teacup and took a sip. He didn't exactly feel comfortable doing anything, being watched by a strange old man.