8 Old pervert 3 (1/2)

The darkness that engulfed Ed only lasted for a second. When Ed blinked, he now stood in an inn somewhere that looked exactly like the Valley. Disoriented, he looked around trying to figure out where he was.

”Sit and eat.” a familiar voice said and he looked in that direction. It was the old pervert. He sighed as he noticed Lady Jian's way of addressing this man had stuck with him so quickly. He sat as told as the man called for food to be brought. The man saw Ed still looking around, trying to figure out where they were and sighed.

”We are just outside the valley. This town is where people wishing to enter the valley stay and wait for an opportunity.” the man said. Seeing that Ed no more looked around, but looked outside the window, he paused.

”Usually this is where you ask who I am.” the man said. Ed stared at him as though waiting for him to continue.

”You don't talk much, do you?” he asked Ed. When no reply came, he took in a breath and looked as though in thought before saying, ”I am Tie Nse. The patriarch of the heaven alliance.” the man announced with a proud expression. He nodded his head with pride, he heard no sound from Ed and thought he had been silent in shock this time. He looked up expecting to see a shocked stiff Ed but met and blank expression.

”Oh? You don't know what the heaven alliance is? You see, all the gates are door ways into different worlds including the god hand gate. There are five sects, two alliances and two clans that rule the Ohm realm. The two alliances rule over two gates each and the clans take three each. This Godhand gate and the Earthbound gate is under my command. I am the patriarch of the heaven alliance!” he raised his head high and his grin widened even further. He peeked at Ed's face and was met with the same blank stare.

”You really are an old pervert.” Ed commented, causing his face to freeze.

”What? You don't believe me? I really am! Do you know how many people want to be my disciple? I am the great Tie Nse, the...”

”How does who you are help me?” Ed asked and Tie Nse froze again.

”Well, I have all the resources to make you stronger, of course. Who I am, helps you!” the old man insisted. The food was brought by a little boy. Ed waited as the old pervert ate. When he was done, the boy returned with the bill. Tie Nse looked at the bill and a sly look crossed his eyes.

”Well, disciple, the first quest to becoming a true master is to bear all weight. Only then would you be stronger.” Tie Nse said and vanished. The boy turned stiff with fear, but still remembered to look at Ed for his payment. Ed sighed and paid before leaving the Inn.

He made sure his hood covered his face as he walked out. Keeping his head down, he entered a store and bought a map. He considered staying the night in the inn before starting his journey the next day, but he did not want to stay in the valley any longer. He needed to find a place and train till he could reach his goal. Silently, he made his way from the town into the forest. He made sure to stay away from the main road as he passed.

He had been travelings for two days now without seeing the old pervert and honestly, he liked it that way. He needed to find a place with dense spirit land and try to break through to spirit picking stage. Slowly, he made his way through the forest till the sun started to fall. He went round picking some wood to prepare a fire for the night, spotting clearly a good cave to rest.

When he returned from picking wood, the night was darker, but he saw a light coming from the cave he chose. Cautiously, he approached, he wondered if someone else had taken the cave while he was gone.

Inside was the old pervert siting on a log in front of a fire roasting a whole bird. He frowned at the sight of the man. He wondered what brought him back.

”Why are you here?” he asked.

”Come boy, sit. Let's eat!” Tie Nse said cheerfully.

”How did know I was here?” Ed asked taking a seat on the log opposite him.

”I just went away for a while, I always knew where you were. Afraid I had forgotten about you?” Tie Nse laughed heartily.

”I was hoping you would forget about me.” Ed muttered ripping the large bird's leg and taking a bite.