50. Search for Death Qi Cultivators I
A young man with a fringe hairstyle is walking alone on an unpaved road wearing a green clad robe. Not far from the road are acres of golden wheat ready to be harvested in a few more days as printed on the faces of cheerful farmers inspecting the fields. If not because of the acropolis seen from the distance, one might think they are on a countryside.
Clay is currently walking towards the city of Bul Ak'aw. Having learned to fly, he accidently discovered this city and decided to consult an expert regarding his condition.
Yesterday, after separating himself from the caravan, he detoured from the main road and crossed a few uninhabited forests before stopping at a river to clean himself. Only then did he find out that the transformation of his skin has spread to the area of his spine forming a line that looks like a birth mark. Thanks to the mirror from the spatial ring of Alchemist Dego whom he killed, he was able to give himself a haircut by relying on his Qi Projections.
After setting up a camp, he took out the book containing a levitation spell to study. The technique is called Bilt Soaring Steps and it has two versions. The first one relies on simple magic tools and the other is relying on one’s body.
As a test, he took out a sword that did not have any suspicious Inscription on it and when he used his strength boosted to the 3RD Degree Power, the sword broke which made him realize that his strength is probably too strong for artifacts to handle.
He then tried utilizing the Major and Sub Qi Nodes on his back and similar to how Onus formed wings, he was able to do the same.
Clay did not have time to celebrate as the spell is very taxing but with his simple tests, he realized he could easily cover vast distances the more he boosts his power. In fact, when adjusted his energy to the 6th degree power, he easily covered ten kilometers in mere two seconds.
After recovering his strength, he tried flying again and as a result of his errant aerial navigation, he landed on a hill overlooking a city.
Clay waited until morning then decided to enter the city to gather information about his creeping transformation.
Upon reaching the city gates, he paid one of the guards to show him the way to a prominent Mercenary Group called Tang Lib Guild.
"I wish to speak to a powerful cultivator to satisfy my request" Clay approached one of the ten clerks of the spacious reception hall and tried to speak without sounding arrogant.
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"I have been working here for more than ten years and I am confident that if this esteemed guest would be kind enough to elaborate, I’m sure I can properly assist and accommodate your needs." The attractive clerk courteously responded but at the back of her mind, she thinks that Clay is an unruly brat. She reckons Clay is probably a fledgling who thinks that a hundred gold coins make him wealthy.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, the spoke again still maintaining the lovely smile on her face.
"There is a fee of non-refundable one hundred gold coins if your request is not verified by us and our Deacons may probably not entertain you if the transaction is less than a thousand gold coins."
The last thing Clay wants is to cause trouble however, his request involves a sensitive subject that abruptly triggered a friendly stranger hostile and he wants to limit the number of people involved. If he does sound boastful and disrespectful, he will apologize later.
“Here’s a hundred gold coins. Please verify the amount.” Clay summoned a pouch and slowly placed it on the table hoping the clerk would stop asking questions.
"Please follow me to our deacon's office." The clerk got to her feet then invited Clay.
As Clay followed the Clerk, he could not help but admire the splendor of the interior architectural design of the building. What is more are the bluish orchids evenly scattered on the walls and if not of the faint sweet fragrance emitted by the flowers, he probably will think they were paintings.
After a minute, he was brought inside an office and when he saw the so-called deacon, Clay got confused as the image he has for a deacon is someone like Sar Aran. Clean and friendly appearance, properly dressed, moves with elegance and finally, someone who knows how to greet and entertain a customer.
But what he is looking at right now is a huge muscular old man who looked like he had been convicted and sentenced for murder, theft, rape and all other list of crimes. In fact, if this deacon’s face had some resemblance with that brawny bald man who tortured him, Clay would immediately strangle this guy to death.
"This here is Deacon Urda.". The clerk introduced then left the room.
"I do not normally entertain guests like this.” Urda spoke as he stamped a paper not showing any signs of stopping.
Clay did not care about pleasantries and upon confirming that Urda is a Core Formation expert, he felt relieved. However, he is not quite sure how to start.
"I noticed the Qi is abundant within the city walls, at least two or three times thicker than the outside. If this esteemed elder could enlighten this young one."
There was a moment of silence and after a few seconds, Clay saw Urda took a deep breath and sighed slowly.
"You can take your one hundred gold coins back but if you do something reckless again in the future, I will ban you from taking step within our premises. Please see yourself out."
Clay did not anticipate the response. Here he thought he could start a friendly conversation before getting to his main point but Urda just showed how his appearance matches his unapproachable behavior.
Clay took out pouch containing a thousand gold coins then placed it on the table.
"I have a few queries to consult this elder. Regardless if they are satisfied or not, I am willing to commission this respected master to guide this junior. I do not plan on staying long."
"Do not blame me if you feel like taken advantage of later."Urda stopped what he was doing and looked at Clay then pretended to accede.