Arya was deep in thought, absorbing all this knowledge carefully.

"Interesting, right?" the attendant said with a knowing smile. "There are many secrets yet to be discovered, and even I don't know all of them. This is all the information I can provide."

Arya nodded. "This has been really helpful. I also wanted to ask—how can I earn money quickly and in large amounts?"

The attendant chuckled. "Ah, so you wish to earn money? No problem. Didn't you just see Master Darian Zephyr? He recently returned after completing a mission assigned by the Commerce of Merchants. If you want to make money, you can accept tasks posted on that wall, based on your rank."

Arya followed the attendant's gaze and noticed a crowd gathered around a large board. That must be where missions were posted.

"And if you're interested and haven't committed to any other power, you can apply to become a Private Cultivator once you reach Level 31."

"What are the benefits and restrictions of becoming a Private Cultivator for the alliance? And would I be tied only to the Commerce of Merchants, or to the entire alliance?"

"It's exclusive to the Commerce of Merchants," the attendant explained. "There are a few restrictions—you must remain unaffiliated with any sect or faction. Additionally, you are required to complete at least one mission per month or twelve per year. If there's an urgent mission requiring extra manpower, you'll be obligated to accept it. You are allowed only one refusal."

"And the benefits?" Arya asked, intrigued.

"Besides the higher rewards for private missions, you will receive a 30% discount on all purchases from Commerce of Merchants shops—except for auctions, where you get a 5% discount. You'll also gain access to exclusive resources that are unavailable to lower-level cultivators."

"A 30% discount on all purchases? That's quite the incentive," Arya mused. "But does this mean one has to abandon their family and friends?"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The attendant shook his head. "Not at all. We don't restrict personal relationships. However, you cannot use your status or privileges to buy items for others. If caught doing so, you will face heavy penalties. That said, purchasing one or two items for others occasionally is acceptable. If you need to make larger purchases for someone, you must apply for special approval from higher-ups."

Arya thought for a moment before nodding. "That's an alluring offer. I was already considering joining the alliance, but since I'm not yet Level 31, I'll leave this for the future."

"No problem. You can apply anytime. Anything else you need?"

"Yes, I'd like information regarding the Weapon Smith profession."

"Ah, Weapon Smiths are responsible for molding Seed Weapons, refining weapons, and even altering their evolution forms at lower levels. They also specialize in crafting weapons using the bodies of monster beasts and natural treasures."

Arya absorbed the information, then moved on to his last question. "What major powers are stationed in this city?"

The attendant listed them. "Besides the three dominant forces—Finlet Academy, the local branch of the Commerce of Merchants, and the Pill and Alchemist Association—there are three other noteworthy groups. The Zephyr Family, the Asgar Family, and the Malrik Association, which is a mercenary group founded by a powerful cultivator. However, none of these three can match the status of the first three."

After gathering all the information he needed, Arya checked his remaining funds—only seven pink coins. He had spent nearly everything, and while it was painful, it had been necessary.

Despite wanting to explore the main shop of the Commerce of Merchants, he knew he couldn't afford anything. Instead, he focused on the first step—earning money by completing missions.

As he approached the mission wall, he overheard people discussing their experiences.

"Elite missions offer extra rewards," one person said. "They're the best way to get rich quickly."

"True, but they're also incredibly difficult," another replied.

Arya turned his attention to the large mission board, which was divided into four sections:

• Unranked Missions: Seven missions available.

• Bronze Rank: Eight missions available.

• Silver Rank: Four missions posted, with two already accepted. A notice at the top of the wall stated that each person could accept only one mission at a time.

• Gold Rank: Only two missions available, both seemingly unclaimed for some time.

Arya noted that Gold Rank missions required a Gold Rank Pass, which was only granted to cultivators at Level 51 or higher. In a low-level city like this, such experts were rare. In fact, the strongest person here, the principal of Finlet Academy, was only at that level.

With this knowledge in hand, Arya prepared himself for his next step—choosing his first mission.