Markus couldn't help but feel nervous despite the powerful chill of his bones reassuring him of his power. He stood behind expert Pryor as he sat with one of the most powerful men in Blackrock port aside from the various sect elders or the master of the black turtle sect himself.
Morgan was always a subject of discussion amongst the less reputable people in Blackrock port but no one was ever too loud if they weren't singing his praises. He didn't know of anyone he'd want to share a room with less than the ruthless core realm cultivator laughing and drinking with his boss. "Then I said if you're a young master then I'm the governor of ArkWood" Hayden proclaimed as he slammed his glass down sloshing the dark liquor all over the place to booming laughter from the core cultivator. "The look on that dullereds face must have been priceless" slamming back his drink Morgan seemed to master himself "as much as I appreciate the tales and a good bottle of mortal drink I think it's time I get to hear this once in a century offer you've proposed".
"Of course" Hayden waved at Markus and he stepped forward placing the black case holding the miraculous frost orb on the desk. Popping open the case Markus felt a wonderful chill flow through the air filling him with a sense of power and confidence. "I want to host a winner takes all tournament in your arena with a half step core realm treasure as the ultimate draw" Hayden was happy to see that this had Morgan's full attention.
Expert Pryor grinned at the effect this had on the man across from him while Markus was regretting being the one holding such a treasure in front of a man rumored to have killed his own cousin for a single foundational coin. Either unaware or uncaring of the man's bloody reputation Pryor continued with passion, "Struggle, strife, glory and great riches on the line like this arean has ever seen".
Eyes slowly switching from the valuable box in Markus's arms Morgan spoke " and what would such an event benefit myself, as I see it I'd find it far simpler take such a treasure myself without any of the hassle of such a contest". "Oh you easily could "Pryor said with a chuckle making Markus free up "but imagine the opportunities".
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"What do you really make off petty bets from drunkards, pick pockets and the occasional merchant or mercenary looking for entertainment" Pryor waved around the office. "It's impressive what you've built no doubt but imagine if catching the attention of fellow core realm cultivators, you'd go from mortal coin to dozens of Fondational coins a month" Pryor said with an easy conference. "I can make that happen under a few conditions" leaning back in his seat Hayden waiting to see if Morgan would take the bait.
With almost ferverous intensity Morgan demanded to know "HOW, yes that's an interesting prize but I doubt any core formation cultivator would truly be that interested". Knowing he was exactly where he wanted Hayden wanted to dance but somehow kept his cool, " advertising" Hayden said. "Advertising" Morgan said obviously not following the logic.
"My idea boils down to this, we hire, bribe and strong-arm every innkeeper, teahouse and merchant to advertise the event"! "A cultivator stops for tea and the waitress asks the brave sect fighter if he's entering 'the foundational champion's tournament". "Merchant's or mercenaries stopping at an inn asked who they are betting on and the merchants you control telling every sect, family, clan or rogue cultivator they do business with rivals have announced they'd entered" Hayden finished slightly out of breath.
"An wonderfully dangerous game you propose" Morgan said with equal parts of respect, awe and cautiousness. "What were those conditions you spoke about earlier though, I'd be very curious to know what you'd need to pull this off" Morgan was on the edge of his seat. "I'd obviously need a cut of the registration fees in advance as well and ten or so slots for our own fighters and those to gift as bribes" Hayden said knowing he'd already made a sale.
"Boss I can't believe you did that" Markus said walking beside expert Pryor as they made their way into their home base as Hayden mentally referred to the warehouse. "Never doubt an expert in the heavenly path" Hayden said trying to channel the experts in is old web novels he'd read. "I know boss but you went from almost getting us robbed to walking out with forty Fondational coins" Markus had stars sparkling in his eyes looking at the pouch in his waist.
Morgan sat back head swelling with possibilities "I might just have some use for that little turtle brat sooner than I thought. Taking out some papers Morgan began to write letter after letter, he knew he'd need to work fast to take full advantage of the opportunity the verdant path corporation had dropped in his lap. "I don't know where they sent someone like that expert Pryor but they've obviously have major plans for this region not just black Rock".