Tower and the Gun brothers returned with the head of Duke Vaegle. They brought back the horses, and wealth that was present in the Nobles tent. The three were awarded special rewards as the MVFs of the battlefield (Most Valuable Fighters). There was a great deal of cheering and a celebration was in the works to celebrate their victory and the heroes of the day.
Grand General Hawkins grabbed the three men and brought them to the noble's tent where an excited Duke and Master Shannon were waiting. General Hawkins told the trio that their antics had earned the interest of a well known Martial Scout, Master Shannon. General Hawkins cautioned them to be respectful and grab this opportunity. Not just anyone got to join the sects!
When he was a young man, General Hawkins used to dream of joining a sect, but he learned that he wasn't gifted enough. He threw himself into the army and became the Grand General of Chikra County. To his soldiers, this seemed like a high and esteemed position, but to General Hawkins, it was a disappointment.
Arriving at the tent, the three men greeted the Duke and Master Shannon making formal bows. The Duke was extremely excited. He looked at the three men like they were his most prized treasures.
"Good, Good, what good boys, arise." Master Shannon said, he immediately had a good impression of the three.
"I won't mince words, how would you boys like to join a sect?" asked Master Shannon.
"We young ones believe this would be an opportunity beyond our merits or worth, thank you, Master Shannon for this grand favor," Tower said for the group. The three young men decided that they would talk with one voice and the voice would be Tower.
"Excellent!" cried the Duke.
Turning away from the young men, the Duke beckoned for Diederiun to fetch his previously decided gifts.
"I am losing three powerful warriors today, but you have rendered great service to my Chikra County. You have impressed Master Shannon, and this brings great prestige to Chikra County. I have prepared a few rewards for you boys in recognition of your merits from today's battle, and as recognition of the good you have done for my County and my family." The Duke smiled as several treasures were brought forth.
Three bags, sitting on silver platters were brought out.
"These are bags of holding. You can store a great deal more in them then you would think. There are special inscriptions within that through some magical means expand the interior to be much larger than normal.
In your future life in the sects, you will certainly come across more precious treasures, but for my Chikra County, these are priceless treasures. Within each bag, you'll find ten thousand gold coins, a noble robe and one level one protective talisman. Please accept these humble gifts, future immortals." The Duke said with a smile on his face. It was never a bad idea to get on the good side of young people with lots of potentials. Maybe he wouldn't benefit from these actions, but perhaps it will establish some goodwill that will benefit his children or his County.
"Good, now that's done, boys finish up any business you have here and we'll leave in an hour." Master Shannon said. The trio nodded and excused themselves to prepare themselves for the journey.
Master Shannon was waiting in the tent with the Duke when he turned surprised. On his finger, Master Shannon wore a ring, the ring blurred slightly as a medallion appeared in Master Shannon's hand. It was a gold medallion with seven gems on it. Each gem was the color of one of the colors of the rainbow. On each side of the medallion were two different inscriptions. On one side was the image of a stone with water coming from a rock. On the other side was a small inscription. The gems were glowing and Master Shannon's hand trembled as he placed the medallion against his head.
With widened eyes and fear on his face, Master Shannon's demeanor changed several times from fearful, to hopeful, fearful, and finally excitement.
"Yes, I understand Lord, everything will be done as you command!" Master Shannon said with great respect before putting the medallion back into his spatial ring once more. Master Shannon smiled widely and started to laugh. Finally, he looked over at the Duke who sat and looked at Master Shannon with confusion. He knew better than to ask any questions of Master Shannon. This was especially true when he was using one of those medallions.
"Jackpot, Duke, we've hit the jackpot!" Master Shannon said.
"Master Shannon, may I be impertinent enough to ask you what you mean?" The Duke said with hesitation. He had a very good relationship with Master Shannon. He had known Master Shannon since he was a boy, the old man was still old even back then. Over the years they became close. Normally, he felt at ease speaking with Master Shannon. But that medallion meant things were different. He needed to tread carefully.
"Hahaha! You asked about a favor for your son earlier?" Master Shannon asked.
"Yes, is it too much?" The Duke asked with worry.
"Too much? Hahaha, do you know who I was just communicating with?" Master Shannon asked.
"No." admitted the Duke.
"I was just talking with the Sect Master of the Water Rock Sect, a Supreme Sect." Master Shannon said.
The Duke's eyes widened so much that it looked like his eyes would either pop out of his head or explode on the spot! What did a supreme sect represent? They represented Supreme power. The continent of Afrina only possessed two Supreme Sects. The Water Rock Sect and the Endless Heavens sect. The two sects held neither good or bad relationships with each other. Each sect tried to become the number one sect, but they were too evenly matched. Eventually, the sects settled for sharing the title of best on the continent.
Typically, sects wouldn't be so quick to end competitions with rival sects. However, it was necessary as the Continent of Afrina needed both sects to remain strong. The two sects often cooperated.
There were too many enemies that wanted to consume Afrina. If not for these two Supreme sects Afrina would have been overrun by malevolent forces long ago. Such forces would only bring disaster to the inhabitants of the continent.
"The Sect Master of the Water Rock Sect wants all three young men. I don't even know how he learned of them or knew to contact me, but Supreme Sects are Supreme Sects. The sect master commanded me to bring the three to his sect immediately!" Master Shannon said.
"What will you do if one of the other sects find out about these geniuses? What if they demand them?" the Duke asked.
Master Shannon brought out the medallion once more and showed it to the Duke. The seven gems were still glowing.
"This medallion is lit up which means that I am on a mission for the sect. Once I infuse the aura of the boys with this all four of us will be connected to the medallion. It will monitor us until we reach our destination. If necessary, I can use it to inform the sect of any problems. If someone is still foolish enough to act, then the medallion will record the person and place a tracker on them. They'll never escape from the sect. This makes us very safe." said Master Shannon with a smile.
"Duke, you know that I've never married and have no children. I was good friends with your father and grandfather. I know I've never said much, but I've always considered you like my nephew. I will do my best to get maximum benefits for you!" promised Master Shannon.
The Duke was very touched, he had always been very fond of Master Shannon and felt very close to him. He had known him since he was a child.
"Thank you, Master Shannon, I have always thought fondly of you in the past I just never felt worthy to..." the Duke began to gush with emotions.
"Now now, there's no need for all that. From now on, just call me Uncle Shannon. I don't have long to live, all I'm trying to say is as my nephew I want to give my reward to you. What do you want?" Master Shannon asked.
"I..I...don't know. You know I'm not overly ambitious. I've always felt that being overly ambitious would bring disaster sooner or later. I don't want more power or fame. I just want a good future for my people and my family...maybe we could do something about this passageway so my people are spared from the constant war?" The Duke said.
"Hahaha, I've always been aware of your temperament. You're a good man. If you trust me, I'll take things in hand on deciding the reward." Master Shannon said.
"Do as you see fit, Uncle Shannon, I trust you." The Duke said.
Both men were very pleased with their deepened relationship.
Very soon, Tower and the Gun brothers returned before their hour was up. They were ready to set out on their new journey.
"All right boys, we have a long way to go to arrive at our destination. The three of you are at an impressive level for Chikra County, but if you were to enter a sect as you are now you would be trash. I can't have you seen as trash, it means I make less money. I have high hopes for you boys, high hopes!
Thinking about it, I've decided to provide you with some training materials. Our trip will take us several months. We're going to spend the next two months heading for the capital to catch a flying boat near our destination. That will take another three months, and the trip from the port to the sect will take another four months by a horse.
I expect you boys to train the entire way! If you slack off don't think I won't box your ears or leave you behind. I'm giving you boys my best materials and greatest care. You better prove yourselves worthy of my consideration!" Master Shannon spoke harshly.
It's not that he felt hostile and he certainly wouldn't leave any of them behind. That was a bluff. However, he wanted them to be in the best shape possible. He also didn't want them to become complacent because they were going to a Supreme sect. So, he didn't tell them that they were destined for the Water Rock Sect. He planned on mercilessly training these boys on the way. He did this with all his talent. They always thanked him for it in the end.
"We understand Master Shannon, we will work hard." The three men responded together and bowed their heads. They were extremely grateful for this opportunity they wouldn't slack off or get big heads just because of an opportunity. Nothing was guaranteed until the money was in your hand.
Besides, the three of them were training maniacs the only thing that happened when they heard of the harsh training was that they grew excited. A bright flame burned in their eyes.
"Good, then let's be off!" Master Shannon said. Without further comment, he climbed on board his wagon and motioned the boys to climb join him. As they climbed on, Master Shannon tossed a jade crystal to them. Each man placed the jade crystal in turn and felt the information for a cultivation technique imprint on their minds.
'Cultivation of the Earth Heaven Origin.' This was the cultivation technique provided to Master Shannon by the Water Rock Sect. They wanted the boys to master it by the time they arrived. Master Shannon gave it to them immediately.
None of the three had ever had a cultivation technique. As soon as they learned it, they began to cultivate as Master Shannon drove the wagon away from Chikra County.