Arthur paused for a moment, appearing slightly taken back by the sudden offer. He needed to appear surprised in front of this man, in order to keep up the façade of being someone inexperienced with the world.
The seventeen year old showed an expression of consideration for a moment before turning back to face the elderly man.
"From my.... understanding, the two powers in the region are the Slavik Clan on the Western Coast and the White Dominion Sect in the East. The former specializes in Water Attributed and Dark Attributed Fae due to their proximity to the Azure Sea, while the latter make use of Corpse and Thought Attributed Fae due to their closeness to the Fae Grounds. Both are Clans with Rank 5 Fae Masters. Why would you want someone like me from the middle of nowhere. I may be from a backwater place like the Winter Rain Mountains, but I'm not an idiot".
The elderly man didn't show a single expression of regret of awkwardness, just merely smiling for a little bit shaking his head.
He was probably experienced in all manners of situations, being the owner of a store. He had the experience to settle, or calm down all manners of angered or annoyed customers.
He had shown his sincerity by telling Arthur just what his power was called, so it was obvious that he was just being wary, knowing that a much stronger power than his own Clan was involved.
"You must understand, that before becoming a Fae Immortal, Fae Masters can only comprehend two powers that exist outside of Fae. There are Sovereign Boundary Physiques, which go against this rule, but for the vast majority of Human Fae Masters, only the powers of Intent and the powers of Law can be comprehended before Ascension.
"Intent corresponds to the Mind, while Laws are compatible with every sort of power. Bloodlines and Spirits come after Ascension. Perceiving either Laws or Intents are extremely valuable to any Fae Master organization, regardless of whether they are a Sect or Clan. There are resources and certain Fae materials that can assist in the perception of these powers, however even then the possibility of someone forming a Law or creating an Intent is ridiculously low.
"There are.... talented individuals such as yourself you can do it without the use of resources, and both Clans and Sects try and rope these individuals in in order to increase the talent pool of their current and future generations. I'm not exactly sure what you know about Sects, but things such as hedonism exist everywhere. Clans are only upfront about it. But if you can join the Slavik Clan under my sister-in-laws branch, you should be fine".
Arthur raised an eyebrow before glancing towards the caravan parked right outside the Clan walls. The flag of the White Dominion Sect was visible from this point, and Arthur couldn't help but turn back towards this elderly man, with a curious expression on his face.
This time at least, this old man had the decency to turn slightly red in the face.
"My cultivation talents aren't that great. I can only serve as a liaison through trading between our two powers. We'll be heading towards Western Azure City in the next half year or so. Even if you don't want to join now, it'll be more than fine if you join up at a later date".
Arthur couldn't help but smile slightly.
"And if I end up joining the White Dominion Sect?".
The elderly man seemed to have expected such a response and smiled before shaking his head sadly.
"There isn't anything I can do about it, although I hope you don't do such a thing. Sects do tend to favour talented new blood more so than Clans, however considering you are only seventeen, a Rank 2 Fae Master and have comprehended an Intent, your talents will be more than appreciated in the Slavik Clan".
Arthur crossed his arms again, closing his eyes for a moment before turning back towards the old man.
"Before I say anything, I'm sure you, and the rest of your caravan are aware that one of the other Villages within Winter Rain Mountain had a child that possesses a Sovereign Boundary Physique, correct?".
The elderly man's eyes widened slightly, and he nodded slowly, unsure of where this conversation was going.
"Overflowing Ocean Depths. Yes, the Slavik Clan and the White Dominion Sect are all more than away of this fact. It was.... more than surprising, and from what I am aware of, some of the Elders curse their luck, seeing that the Azure Ocean Sect got it first. Being an Immortal Sect, they are more than worthy of nurturing a Sovereign Boundary Physique".
Arthur nodded.
"The Azure Ocean Sect has extended their protection towards the Marina Clan. Quite unfortunate for the rest of the powers within the Winter Rain Mountain. I have little doubt, that the day Antanasia Marina returns to her Village, she will allow the Kovacs Clan to continue to be the strongest force within the region. Even in the event that I join the Slavik Clan, I will still be Arthur Kovacs. And in the event that the Kovacs Clan is threatened, I will fight against it".
The elderly man's breath hitched, and he let out a sigh before shaking his head.
'Looking so far into the future, even if something like that wouldn't come around for another decade, it would inevitably happen. If that is the case, then the Slavik Clan might become implicated and forced to take a stand against the Azure Ocean Sect..... It seems that this is a lost cause'.
The elderly man gazed at Arthur, before nodding slightly and letting out another sigh.
This one much louder, and contained quite a few regrets in it.
"The Kovacs Clan is quite lucky. If even half of our Slavik Clan young generation had even a sliver of your courage and responsibility, perhaps we would also be an Immortal Clan. I can't say I agree with your decision, considering it will definitely affect your future prospects, but it isn't by any means a wrong one".
The elderly man patted Arthur on the shoulder, before waving his arm and walking away.
"If you ever change your mind, please visit the Southern Green Branch of the Slavik Clan! They will be more than welcoming to you!".
Arthur nodded, giving the man a small nod, watching him vanish back into the streets of Parachenko Village.
The smile on his face completely vanished the moment the elderly man had left, and an aloof expression took its place.
"Slavik Clan? White Dominion Sect?", Arthur rolled his eyes.
They were just a bunch of measly Mortal Clans and Mortal Sects! They didn't even have a false Bloodline, or any sort of inherited genetic trait! None of their ancestors even attempted Ascension! How could they even enter Arthur's eyes!?
Even the Kovacs Clan had a shared genetic trait, one that boosted the size and physical strength of all their male descendents. It was clear that one of their ancestors, even if they had failed, at attempted at forming a Bloodline!
Obviously, Arthur just wanted to refuse the offer that the elderly man had given, and opted to use the possibility of fighting against the Azure Ocean Sect as a buffer between him and joining the Slavik Clan.
Arthur had already started planning out what he was going to do after leaving the Kovacs Clan. The White Dominion Sect was important, considering that they could transport him from the Azure Envy Continent all the way to the Viridian Greed Continent.
The Azure Ocean Sect and the Nightime Demon Sect were also important in Arthur's plans. His plans involved him attracting quite a bit of attention after leaving the Kovacs Clan, so it was important not to leave any remnants behind of Parachenko Village once he left.
Once the caravan left, only then would everything fall into place.
Between now and then, Arthur didn't need to attract any attention. Once he finished that, only then would he finally be able to stop playing this role he had been for the past year.
Only then, would the demon within him be able to let loose without anything holding it back.