The shop owner instantly changes his tune as he realizes that the disciple in front of him will probably become an inner-sect disciple of the Eleven Mountain sect.
Thousands of mortals with a talent for cultivation join the Eleven Mountain Sect every year. They then put their everything into cultivation to become stronger.
But most of their efforts go to waste. All of them have ten years to become an inner sect disciple and ninety percent of them fail to do so.
Half of them die in the process, some of them leave realizing that they cannot become one due to their lack of talent and some of them hold on to the very end. Once their time is done, they either start working for the sect as low-level members or leave the sect to become a noble in some mortal city.
To become an inner sect disciple is like hitting a jackpot. Only a few of them are able to do it and within those few, only a handful stand out.
Brax is definitely someone who will stand out.
If the show owner can get on friendly terms with Brax, his life is going to change drastically.
"Since the honored disciple is going to become a big shot, I have a gift for you," the shop owner says and calls one of his workers.
A beautiful girl walks in wearing the store uniform and bows down to Brax to honor him.
The shop owner orders, "Fetch me the artifact manual from my locker along with 4000 low-grade spirit stones. "
The girl nods and leaves.
"Honored Disciple, please have some," the shop owner says, passing a plate of sweets and berries to Brax.
________________
The girl returns with a metal box and a massive pouch and places it in front of the shop owner.
"Thank you, dear. You can leave," the shop owner says, sending the girl away. He then looks at Brax with a smile and opens the metal box. Inside is a roughed-up book, clearly showing signs of use, wear, and age.
"Please have a look," the shop owner hands it over to Brax.
Brax takes the book and turns to the first page. It is inscribed with the name and credentials of the owner. A 3-star artifact crafter, Roxenberg.
"Roxenberg? Is this artifact crafter famous?" Brax asks, as he has never come across this name before.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
"No, I don't know any notable 3-star artifact crafter with such a name. But do not worry, honored disciple, the contents of this book are legit. I made sure to get it appraised by an expert," the shop owner swears.
Brax nods and turns to the next page. It contains a design of a low-tier basic-level knife.
He closes the book and puts it inside his uniform.
"Nice doing business with you," Brax says.
"Here," the shop owner suddenly hands over the pouch filled with 4000 low-grade spirit stones to Brax.
"Hmm?" Brax raises his brows as he looks at the shop owner.
"Consider the artifact manual a gift from me, honored disciple. How can a simple man like me charge you for anything? I am just happy to serve you," the shop owner says with a huge smile.
'This bastard is taking a huge gamble on me,' Brax thinks as he looks at the fat shop owner.
"I see," Brax takes the spirit stone pouch out of his hand and asks "Do you perhaps sell cultivation pills?"
"Ah, yes, I do. But not here. I have another store near the Alchemy Guild that specializes in pills and elixirs. Does Honored Disciple need any? I can provide you with great discounts," the shop owner offers.
"No, I was just asking. Soon, I will be returning to my sect. In a month I will call for your presence as I have a business proposal for you," Brax says.
"May I know what kind of proposal this is?" the shop owner asks.
"I will tell you when we meet again, but I promise that it will make you one of the richest men in this city," Brax says.
The shop owner's ears start ringing with the sound of money hearing Brax's statement.
"Oh, then I can't wait for the honored disciple's summon." the shop owner bows his head.
"Tell me your name," Brax asks. "It's Bendon."
"Hmm, I will be taking my leave then," Brax says and gets up and Bendon follows.
Bendon, the shop owner, then sees Brax and Anna out of the private room.
"Wait a minute," Brax stops and looks at the necklace that Anna was looking at beforehand. "I want this," he points at the beautifully crafted necklace made of gold.
"Of course, honored disciple, whatever you need," Bendon orders one of his workers to present the necklace to Brax.
Brax takes the necklace, approaches Anna, and puts it around her neck. "I saw you looking at it earlier. It's a gift from me to you," Brax says.
Anna blushes under her veil as she looks at the necklace Brax just gifted. "It's beautiful, I will cherish this forever, master," she says looking deep into Brax's eyes.
"It looks amazing on you, miss," Bendon the shop owner says looking at the necklace resting between Anna's cleavage. His eyes can't help but get glued to them.
Anna completely ignores his compliment because the ones coming from Brax are the only one that matters to her.
Brax and Anna step out of the shop, board their carriage, and leave.
"I hope my investment pays off," Bendon whispers as he sees the carriage blend into the city's crowd.
"Where to now, master?" Anna sweetly asks as she is still in a state of happiness from Brax's gift. Even though it's a simple trinket, it means a lot to Anna. This is the very first gift she got from her master, after all.
"Find an inn near the alchemy guild to stay," Brax orders.
Anna drives the carriage deeper into the city where the alchemy guild is located.
The center of the city is completely dedicated to the alchemy guild and related businesses. Almost all shops and stores in the vicinity sell cultivation pills, elixirs, or other alchemical items, such as herbs and beast organs. Some high-grade stores even sell alchemy formulas.
So finding an inn amongst these businesses is rare. Luckily, some people were kind enough to point Anna in the right direction.
"Master, we are here," Anna says, stopping in front of a nice-looking Inn.
"Alchemy Central Inn," Brax reads the inn's name as he gets off the carriage. The name fits the inn as the center of this city is called Alchemy Central.
"Let's go in."