5 The Village Elder (2/2)

”Elder, I see that your youngest granddaughter is doing well. Can I see her one hour from now, or will she faint from being overwhelmed by my presence?” Everyone in the hall started to berate Arnin for being shameless and arrogant, but the village elder suddenly released a terrifying aura.

”Everyone, I would like you to leave for now. I have something to discuss with this young man!” The people in the hall quickly left the hall with their tails between their legs. On the way, they silently cursed Arnin for causing such a mess, some even pitied him for receiving the anger of the village elder. He looked at Arnin and laughed with unhidden mockery.

Arnin was unconcerned with what the others thought. He only looked at the village elder, knowing that he understood the hidden meaning of his sentence. When everyone finally left the hall, Arnin walked towards a chair and casually sat down. He signaled towards the village elder to take a seat as well, but it was unnecessary because the old man continued to stare at Arnin.

”Little boy, how did you know about the ailment that my granddaughter has? Speak now or else the consequences will be dire!” The old man lost his calm and started to speak much louder, almost shouting. Arnin rubbed his ears and smiled towards the village elder.

”Elder, why the need to shout? I can help your granddaughter if that's what you really want to know, but in exchange, you will help me. Is that a deal?” Arnin with his small hands rubbed his chin. He felt like he was back on his throne, speaking to one of the stronger beings in the universe.

The village elder was at a lost for words, he didn't know how to reply to the young man. ”How will you cure my granddaughter of her illness? Do you, a little boy, even know what you are speaking about?” The old man became angry again. He felt that Arnin's demand may not be so simple, and Arnin would most likely be gaining more then he would. Yet, his granddaughter was more precious than his life so he was willing try betting on this kid.

”Well, that's a stupid thing to say. Why would I mention your granddaughter's ailment if I can't help you with it? Old man, have you grown muddle headed because of your age?” Arnin spoke rudely towards the village elder right from the start. He didn't feel that respect should be given to such a hypocritical person who claims to be impartial towards everyone but is still biased towards his grandchildren. He could remove the impartial title from his name then everything would be fine, but that title made him seem very hypocritical.

”You disrespectful brat, how dare you to speak to your elder in such a way? Did your parents not teach you respect? First, you humiliate my people in my own home, now you do the same to me? Where is your decency?” The old man was so angry that his pale white skin became as red as roses. His veins were about to burst on his forehead when he suddenly became dizzy and stumbled back. His granddaughters quickly rushed to support him, while the elder one glared at the casual Arnin.

”Remember, it wasn't me that wanted a fight, it was him. And who told you to have thoughts of killing me? Just consider me sparing your life as being respectful. Now back to the main topic, I can treat your granddaughter. All you have to do is agree to my demand. You and I can sign a joint contract that forces us to do as we are told in the given time frame. Do you have any other complaints?” Arnin drew up a black and white contract. He took the black one and signed it while sending the white one to the stumbling old man.

The village elder fell onto his seat and took in a deep breath. He caught the contract and read each piece of information carefully. Surprise filled his eyes when he read the demand. He knew the type of contract that was given to him and how deadly it was. He looked deeply at Arnin and signed his name on the contract.

”I read through the contract and know that if you go back on your word, you will suffer tremendous punishment. I don't know why you want me to give you tips about cultivation, but since I have already signed then I can only do just that.” The village elder reluctantly sent the contract back to Arnin, who happily stuffed it in his robe.

”Old man, since we are now in business, let's start right away. I will cure your granddaughter in front of you today so that you can train me tonight and tomorrow. I need a breakthrough by tomorrow, so you better not fail me.” Arnin spoke to the village elder as if he was the leader speaking to a subordinate. The village elder released a self-pitying laugh before sending his granddaughter towards Arnin.

”Well let's begin then!”