Mage's Cultivation Journey 44

I decided to host the visitors in the study; the same room that had been destroyed during the attack, a not-so-subtle point to make about the general security. Elder Kai and Hun Chu, I was familiar with. The three Bone Forging Experts stayed outside, but I had recognized their presence from a distance.

The Organ Refinement Expert was the only unknown party.

“Lord Steward,” Elder Kai greeted me. “This is Elder Yan, one of the great protectors of Iron Mountain.” I had to admire, Elder Kai was a good actor. If I couldn’t have sensed the way his internal energy churned aggressively when he spoke Elder Yan’s name, I might have missed the undertone of hatred.

I took a note of it. “Welcome,” I said. “Please take a seat.” While I did that, I nodded slightly, acknowledging his position in a way that implied that the only reason I respected him was that they were the host. The local customs about hierarchy were intricate, which was convenient for me. It allowed me to manipulate the information flow greatly.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Steward,” he said, though, unlike Elder Kai, he was unable to hide his distaste about the location. Too bad for him that it was the whole point. I wanted to rub their face to their failure, weakening their hand for the inevitable request.

Though, that distaste was nothing compared to the disdain he showed toward Elder Kai. I suspected it had something to do with their different martial ranks, yet sharing the same political weight.

“It’s the least I could do for the beautiful home you provided,” I said, not bothering to hide my sarcasm. I was trying to test their attitude. To my surprise, Elder Yan managed to keep his expression somewhat straight. Despite my open insult, he still hated his fellow Elder far more.

I focused on the moment. Whatever they were about to ask me, it would be big. I played along, as I wasn’t pressed for time. But, I didn’t call Su Mi to serve tea. She had just had a breakthrough, and it would be better to keep her concealed.

Yu Xing’s performance was already too much.

“We have a gift prepared for you, Lord Steward,” Elder Kai finally switched the topic after chatting for almost ten minutes without saying anything of importance. I nodded, and he shouted for the others.

One of the Bone Forging guards walked in, carrying a large, ornate chest. He opened it, revealing a chest filled with silver. A decent haul, one that I would have loved to accept greedily, but I didn’t need to fake my disappointment. Our situation meant that spending the treasure was not a realistic option. Even if I could visit the markets, it wouldn’t work.

Most of what I required would be treated as classified material, and the others, I couldn’t purchase without raising many inconvenient questions in the process.

With those factors combined, I had no trouble raising an eyebrow, and gave a dismissive gesture, rejecting the gift. “Lord Steward, we —” Elder Yan tried to interject, looking dissatisfied at my arrogance.

“I’m not a mule, carrying around spare cash,” I declared dismissively, like that wealth meant nothing. I looked at Elder Kai. “There’s no need to bother with this fiction. We are here because my young master wants to play the hero. You have nothing that can actually impress me. The best you can hope is to make my job slightly easier.”

That declaration was arrogant and smug, yet it had the effect I wanted. Elder Yan’s expression twisted into a momentary shock. It was probably my act of rejecting all that wealth worked to make him believe my fake persona.

Good.

“We have already prepared that as well, Lord Steward,” Elder Kai said and pulled a small manual from his sleeve. The symbol on its surface was distinctive. Furious Wind. I didn’t miss a few fresh droplets of blood on its surface as well. “I have managed to get my hands on one of the manuals from Duan Gang.”

I grabbed and flipped through, confirming that it had a section on Organ Refinement as well, though that part looked even more obscure. That didn’t surprise me. That had been the case for Dark Blade as well. “Better,” I said. “What do you need?”

Elder Yan spoke quickly, as if he were afraid he would lose his turn. I noticed Elder Kai was unhappy about it, likely because he had a different request planned; but the other Elder took the favor he earned.

I couldn’t help but be amused. The very makeup of the fundamental elements was different between the mage dimension and here, yet politics was still the same.

“Our Iron Mountain Hall has been an important part—” he started.

I cut him off with a gesture. “Cut to the chase, and tell me what you need.”

He shuffled, but that was the only obvious sign of his annoyance. “We have an upcoming meeting with Azure Blade Union, discussing how to distribute. We would be honored if an exalted lord like you joins the meeting as an observer.”

A threat, more likely, to prevent the meeting from devolving into a battle. I thought about asking why one of their famous Connate Masters couldn’t do that, but I decided against it. I could already guess that they were indisposed in some manner. “When will it happen, and how long will the meeting last?” I asked.

“It’ll happen in ten days. It’ll be hosted by the city lord himself, so it won’t last for more than an hour.”

I thought a bit. It was sufficiently far away, giving me the time to poke around and see if the situation was risky. But, a chance to make a direct connection with the actual ruling caste was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss, especially in a controlled situation.

And, I could always sneak away if I found the situation untenable.

“That’s acceptable,” I said, and made a dismissive gesture. “Just don’t expect me to actually argue for you. I’ll be there to prevent others from pulling tricks.”

Elder Yan still bowed happily. “Thank you, Lord Steward,” he declared and stood up. “Elder Kai, let’s go,” he said.

I looked at Elder Kai. “Stay. I made my point, and I need someone to fix this place,” I said, talking dismissively. “And, you’re clearly closer to the servant here. Don’t you agree, Elder Yan,” I said, smiling conspiratorially.

Like I had just done him a favor. “Elder Kai is one of our most promising martial talents, Lord Steward,” he defended, which would have been more effective if it hadn’t been for the big smile.

“A mere Skin Refinement peasant,” I added dismissively. “He’s not even worth considering.”

Elder Yan smiled smugly, and looked at Elder Kai. “You’re right. Our exalted guest is truly impressed by you,” he declared smugly before he walked away.

To his credit, Elder Kai managed to maintain his angry and betrayed expression until the footsteps disappeared. I turned to him. “Is every Elder you have as stupid as him? If so, you might have to look for a new organization to join,” I said.

He shrugged. “His great-grandfather was one of the founders of Iron Mountain.” Which, to be fair, explained a lot. Nepotism was another fundamental force of the universe.

Though, I was surprised by the time Iron Mountain existed. For what essentially was a mere mercenary organization, it was pretty good.

“Tell me what you want from me?” I asked.

He hesitated before admitting. “My injuries had made my cultivation regress.”

“And, you want treatment,” I asked. He nodded. I pulled my needle case and launched a few directly toward him. He didn’t flinch, or use his power. I used the internal energy I injected through the needles to explore his meridians, and frowned. His meridians were a mess, but only those that were leading deeper into his body. Worse, they were damaged only in certain locations. “Those injuries don't look like battle wounds,” I said.

He tensed, but said nothing. I had some guesses, but I didn’t question them. I just examined it, making sure that I could actually cure it.

“A month,” I said.

“A month?” he said. “Y-you can cure my meridians in a month?”

I waved my hand. “No. How long it would take for me to cure them will only depend on how much pain you can handle,” I said. “But, I need someone to spar with my young master while keeping an eye on him in case something like the ambush happens again. Maybe give him a hand while he gallivants around. You fit the bill.”

He looked shocked. “T-that’s it?”

“Well, a month, and more books on martial arts, particularly on water-based styles,” I corrected.

“And, you’ll help me return to Bone Forging.”

I scoffed, and his hopeful expression fell. “Bone Forging? Do you think I’m a backwater hack apothecary? Fulfill your mission appropriately, and I’ll help you break Organ Refinement. Surpass my expectations … Well, we can discuss it once you achieve the impossible.”

For once, I saw him genuinely frozen in shock.

“First, go and find a way to convince them I decided to insult your organization by using you as a servant,” I said.

He gave me a deep bow, and disappeared.