Getting swept up in the moment Hayden had briefly forgotten that he in fact didn't actually know anything about true cultivation methods. He'd heard that it was usually done at the base level by using herds, stones or treasures with special properties but what to use or how to use them was still a mystery to him. He was sure with his background from earth including his knowledge of the human body and comic books he'd overcome such a minor obstacle like his complete ignorance on the topic.
"First thing we need to do is go to the markets and see what we have in regards to materials" Pryor said with the confidence only a lier or a professor could have. "We actually have some corporate contacts with the Blackrock auction house, while it might be slightly more expensive they'd have the largest selection without having to run around searching for what we need" Hector chimed in. "I'll set us up a meeting"
A few hours of sending out messengers and arranging logistics with expert Pryor it was time for the meeting. Entering the auction house Hector Vale was reminded of the upper management's office's in the verdant path corporation. There were luxurious paintings, rugs and displays of wealth that made him feel small and unimportant. "No you are a dependent head of the foundational technique and strengthening division for the Westbank branch don't let this intimidate you" he told himself internally trying to convince himself of that more than anything.
Soon after they walked in they were greeted by a slender man with the auction house crest on his black suit jacket. Leading them to a private room he sat them down and poured them some tea "I'm aware that you fine gentlemen are interested in foundational materials but might I inquire for specifics, it would allow me to cater to your needs". "The verdant path corporation is nurturing a small batch of cultivators and hope's that the Blackrock auction house is as good as reported at acquiring resources" Hector said leaving the situation as ambiguous as possible in order not to give too much away. While their goals weren't technically secret he thought it best not to draw attention to their little operation for as long as possible.
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"Oh, for crafting or combat purposes" the attendant said with a pleasantly surprised look on his face. "Why would that matter" Pryor said with confusion before Hector could answer. "That's because the needs in both types and quality of materials greatly differ" the attendant impatiently explained "now I ask again what is it you intend on for these cultivators". "A small combat team" Hector said curious why Pryor didn't already know that, sure he hadn't either but wasn't the other man supposed to be some expert on the matter? Shaking it off he toned back into the conversation.
"Well we have an assortment of baths, powders, alchemic pills, treasures and even a few tempering formations" the man said happy to list the wide array of services. "Roughly how many cultivators are you sponsoring and do they all follow a single manual or are you looking for a general enhancement?" He looked at Hector for answers and he could only look back to his companion. "We're actually looking to build this particular squad from the ground up" Hayden said. Watching the attendant Hector could see his eyes light up already counting the his commission in his head.
" I see, gentlemen my interest you in any battle array cultivation methods?" He said in an overly eager tone. "It's something rarely used for it's requirements need at minimum fifteen members to start training it at a similar cultivation live and have compatible elements but when training a squad of twenty people would fit that perfectly" the attendants words sounded too good to be true and Hector Vale was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. "The method itself is only ten fundamental coins not counting the recommend materials of course though the method only requires middle grade materials I'd highly recommend high or even peak materials for greater results". Another ray of hope brutally smashed as Hector Vale was once again reminded of how screwed they actually were.