102 Change 2 (1/2)
Chapter 102: Change 2
Rampas was trembling in fury. He didn't want to argue with the Great Elder anymore, so he turned around and stormed off. His father was the Second Elder; his authority within the sect was only one rank below the Great Elder. He wanted to see his own father.
Unfortunately, regardless of whether it was his father or the other elders he was close with, they were of the same attitude: to ignore without exception. They felt that this was only a minor issue. Garen of White Cloud Gate threatened to obtain the Secret Martial Art collection but failed, then left in anger. Such display was not rare among the many small sects.
Representatives or Sect Master of these small sects often come over and take advantage of the times when Seven Moon Gate was in need of strength. Money, Secret Martial Art, precious herbs, power and resources, and so on; they've requested all manner of favors.
Initially, Seven Moon Gate received them with the intention of making more friends, but their demands became more and more outrageous as time passed. The whole sect gradually became more indignant and agitated about it.
Garen and Grace walked out of the Seven Moon Gate building with somber expressions. It was then that they saw a few other people walk out of the building furiously, obviously suffering the same fate as them.
”Seven Moon Gate, they're too much!” A fit old man was panting in anger as he walked out of the building accompanied by his two disciples.
”They are financially sound and have substantial power and true strength. They don't need common Secret Martial Art practitioners like us. Let's just pack and leave. The whole Southern Twelve Gates only needs Seven Moon Gate, the other sects are redundant,” a group of brawny men said in an off-tone. ”It's not just our two sects that have been driven away these few days. Of the Southern Twelve Gates, only Red Obsidian Gate has been shown meticulous hospitality, whereas the rest… hehe…”
Garen shook his head, speechless. He led Grace to the side of the road, ready to hail a ride.
”Senior Brother Garen?!”
Suddenly, the cute voice of a girl sounding surprised came from his left.
”Is it really you, Senior Brother Garen?”
Garen and Grace turned around. They saw a pretty girl dressed like a high school student carrying a small white satchel rushing towards them.
The girl was one of the members of Circling Dance Gate they met on their way back. Even though Garen didn't have any recollection of her, it was apparent that she viewed the strong and striking Garen with great admiration.
The girl ran to them. When she saw their somber expressions, she instantly guessed the situation.
”They are too much! They've even rejected Senior Brother Garen! Seven Moon Gate is really…” The girl was indignant.
”You're from Circling Dance Gate. You're…” Garen hesitated. ”Sorry, I have a poor memory…” He smiled in embarrassment. On that journey back, everyone from Circling Dance Gate—from ordinary disciples to the Eldest Senior Sister leading the group—completely didn't register with him.
I am Imogen Lilliette from Bodia. I'm a fifth generation disciple at Circling Dance Gate, ranked second! I'm twenty-one this year,” the girl patted her chest as she introduced herself with pride. Only when she approached did he realize, her height was only up to Garen's chest; she looked like a young teenage Lolita, only about 120cm tall.
Seemingly aware of Garen and Grace's strange look in their eyes, Imogen Lilliette anxiously emphasized at once, ”Twenty-one years old!”
”Yes, we know you're twenty-one years old…” Garen was speechless.
”Fine. I'm used to it anyway,” Imogen Lilliette said helplessly. Her expression returned to normal and said, ”Senior Brother Garen, you're here for…? Anything we can help you with, Circling Dance Gate will be behind you in full force!”
”Initially, I wanted to take a look at the low-level Secret Martial Art collections of Seven Moon Gate, as reference material. I didn't expect them to refuse me, so I just left,” Garen shrugged.
”If you don't mind, you are free to refer to the Secret Martial Art of Circling Dance Gate, including the hereditary Secret Martial Art of our sect,” Imogen Lilliette said solemnly. ”We've heard about the situation at White Cloud Gate. If you need funds, we've just raised two million on our end. You can have it to tide you over.”
”You have the authority?”
”I do! Because this is my mother's intention,” Imogen Lilliette chuckled.
”This is our first meeting. Thank you so much, Mr. Garen, for escorting my daughter safely home,” a calm female voice came from behind them.
Garen was stunned. He didn't notice anyone approaching him from behind. He frantically turned his body sideways to look behind him.
Suddenly, he saw a beautiful blonde with a calm temperament standing behind him. Her smooth blonde hair draped over her shoulders. She had delicate skin and features, and blue eyes as clear as the sea. She was a beauty who constantly radiated a cool temperament.
Garen was considered calm compared to Grace. She jumped in shock and almost twisted her ankle.
”Apologies.” The blonde lady smiled apologetically at both of them, but it seemed as if she was not used to smiling; her smile gave an odd and awkward impression. ”I am Imogen Lilliette's mother, Jaimea Lilliette, also the current Great Elder of Circling Dance Gate.”
”Why are you all here at Seven Moon Gate…” Garen was confused. His nose caught a hint of fragrance, and out of courtesy, he distanced himself away slightly.
”The headquarters of Circling Dance Gate and Seven Moon Gate are both in Dinah City,” Jaimea Lilliette explained. ”My daughter and I were just out to buy some sundries and coincidentally passed by. We didn't expect to meet the two of you from White Cloud Gate. Even though we're insignificant compared to Seven Moon Gate, but if you don't mind, why not come over to Circling Dance Gate for a while?”
Garen quickly thought about it, then accepted the invitation.
”Yes, that sounds lovely. Just as well we could pay a visit to the headquarters of Circling Dance Gate.”