After a short time of waiting in line Gu Erin and Chan Ai found themselves in front of the green clad figure known as 'Swindler,' however, he would soon be called less flattering names. He had already overheard some people scouting out their 'ideal' cultivation technique from Swindler. However, Gu Erin already knew that one of the greatest set backs the cultivators from Earth would suffer would be their own greed.
Many don't realize that the level of cultivation technique doesn't really matter, each would get you to the limit of your potential. The only difference between the levels was the speed at which you would reach that level. Some might see this as a major limitation. However, as a possessor of a Black grade technique, which was only one step above the Mortal grade. He found himself leading the charge against the invaders in his past life.
Standing in front of Swindler now made Gu Erin feel a slight pain as he knew that he was about to lose a fair bit of wealth. He had kept a few spirit stones for himself, but, he had no doubt that he would at least be losing one of them. Thankfully there was only one dual cultivation technique so he already knew the price. Yet, he hoped beyond hoped that the price would be reduced somehow.
"I Would like a dual cultivation technique for the both of us." Gu Erin asked in a slightly quieter tone.
Contrary to expectation, he did not get a response back immediately like usual, instead the green clad figure was just staring at him intently like he had forgotten something. But… he hadn't? What was going on, was Swindler broken? Little did he know that there was a cosmic grade shitstorm flying about before time and space even existed over this exact moment.
Finally, the robed figure answered him, but Gu Erin noticed the difference, instead of the monotone like scripted tone, this one felt more… just more.
"Due to your physique, you have three available options. Would you like to hear your options?"
Gu Erin froze, what was this? What the absolute hell was this? There was only one option in his past life, this was not just for him. This was a commonly known fact for all of Earth cultivators, and even the cultivators of Heaven's Mercy shared this viewpoint. So, what was happening?
"What are the options?" Gu Erin asked tentatively.
"First is the Heart Connecting technique, which costs five gold each. The second is the Fate Amending Technique, which costs 1 low grade spirit stone each. The final option is the Chaotic Soul Technique, which costs 2 low grade spirit stones each." With its explanation done the robed figure stood still, waiting for Gu Erin's choice.
Meanwhile Gu Erin was contemplating over the options with a bleeding heart, what was with the Heavens? Was it greedy for his wealth? Why would the Heavens do this to him, was it wanting to nerf him? He only had a total of five spirit stones after he gave the other ten to Lee Shio Ming to get everyone their cultivation techniques and possible guides to their talents.
With a sigh he knew what he had to do, but it was not easy, to assuage his breaking heart he turned to Chan Ai for her thoughts. She had been quiet, thinking the proceeding to be completely normal, if only she knew how abnormal it was.
"Ai what do you think?" Gu Erin asked calmly, his mind starting to accept the loss.
"Do we even have enough for one of them?" She asked back.
"I can afford all of them." Gu Erin nodded in response. Making Ai look contemplative.
Finally, she answered Gu Erin. "Eri we should save money for now; I think it can be of use in other places."
Gu Erin didn't blame Chan Ai for thinking this way, however, this wealth would lose its value as more an more cultivators from Earth start to cultivate and fight stronger beasts to sell their materials. A week from now this would still be a decent bit of wealth, but nothing extraordinary.
So, Gu Erin reaffirmed his belief that this was the right course of action and asked for the cultivation technique that he knew was meant for him. Honestly he did not know why this happened, but he would not sit on his laurels and stick with what he knew just because he was comfortable with it. Even if he did fail, he had a bit of a safety net just in case it didn't work out.
"We'll take the Chaotic Soul Technique." Gu Erin answered firmly, which made Chan Ai look at him with a deadpan expression. No doubt she was annoyed with him over this.
Gu Erin gave a small sheepish smile as two jade slips were presented to them. Gu Erin took his and touched it to his forehead. His vision went blurry for a second as a wave of vertigo hit him. He nearly lost his balance as all his mental faculties went into trying to comprehend what he had just learned. He still didn't even fully comprehend it, although he could perform the technique the actual origin and power of the technique was still a mystery to him.
Gu Erin regained control of himself just fast enough to overlook Chan Ai undergoing the same thing. Gu Erin supported her as she did him, by steadily holding her shoulder. Their job here now done, Gu Erin and Chan Ai did not leave as one might think. Instead, Gu Erin brought Ai off to the side and started to talk to her.
The topics varied from shared funny childhood memories, to the upcoming beast tide that Chan Ai had somehow sensed. Gu Erin made sure to time these conversations with the distance of people around them. More than one time they were approached by a kind hearted stranger. However, more than half of those times Gu Erin could see through that veiled kindness. In Heaven's Mercy where the law was loose and the strong were creators of the truth. The darker side of humans emerged without fail.
It wasn't till they were approached by a younger woman that Gu Erin finally sensed something different. It wasn't bloodlust or anything of that nature, instead it was the complete opposite. This feeling somehow gave him an aversion, as this was the overflowing kindness in her projected aura. Chan Ai seemed to visibly relax, but Gu Erin tensed up.
Something the woman did not fail to notice, which immediately made her eyes turn sharp. However, that kind smile never left her face. "Hello, I'm Officer Xi, are you two okay? I have a group outside that's helping people find jobs. If you work hard you might get some food by the end of the day." She offered to the two of them. However, her eyes never stopped examining Gu Erin.
They weren't kind eyes; Gu Erin had no doubt that she was getting a mixed feeling from him. The aura she was emitting was that of kindness because that was her resolve. That resolve of hers had given form to a Dao Heart and made its presence known in an unconscious aura. Gu Erin normally wouldn't have trusted this. As some had learned to trick others with their auras before.
This woman however, Gu Erin did not have a problem with, it was too early for such methods to exist yet. He was both curious about her and wary of her at the same time. The good types were both a blessing and a curse in the cultivation world, at least in his mind. On one hand you had those who actually wanted to do good by helping those deserving of their kindness. Then you had those who wanted to do good by destroying evil, only to become evil themselves.
Gu Erin could only sigh internally as he responded to her with a straight face. "We're fine, we have our own group thank you." Gu Erin reached for his Jade token in his mind and forced a message into it. 'Lee Shio Ming have the strongest equipped with what weapons we brought back yesterday. I will be coming back to camp soon. I want to leave to hunt as soon as I get back.'
With a mental flick the jade token flew out at insane speeds, going unnoticed by everyone. With that said Gu Erin stood up. "Ai we should leave. We spent enough time here already." Gu Erin helped Chan Ai up, but to her surprise Gu Erin didn't immediately let go.
Trying to ignore Ai's slight blush he turned to Officer Xi. "it was nice meeting you."
She nodded, "Likewise."
Although Gu Erin felt childish and embarrassed for holding hands at his age, he was truly trying to get closer to Chan Ai, he was still having trouble in his heart as he felt like he was using her. Such emotions nearly send his Dao Heart into an unstable state every time. But, he reassures himself that he would not leave her behind like his last life.
Officer Xi, who was a good-looking woman herself only looked at the apparently young couple in front of her with some complicated emotions. Although she knew this was a mysterious world, she still trusted her gut. She would have one of her men watch out for the young man. All she knew is that she only felt that sensation with one other before. That was her sociopathic sister who went into the business world. Just thinking of that bitch made her teeth itch.
Gu Erin and Chan Ai who left the tower found themselves in a bout of silence. As Gu Erin had returned to his absolute expressionless self, not even letting slip a smile unless he saw something that truly amused him. One of which being one of the first cultivators getting their ass handed to them by the guards. He only shook his head. It was only going to get more turbulent from here on out.
Gu Erin however, smiled at the idea of what was to come next, the hunt. Hopefully they could at least get one Rank 1 beast. It would have to be low in the food chain, but Gu Erin thought it was perfectly possible with their current strength. However, he didn't really care for the materials and meat of the beast. No, what he wanted was the core.
***
Little Devil here! Important information for me to send a message like this, but I'm almost finished with the auxiliary chapter. All information, Including realms, currency conversions, gradings, and so forth can be found there!. Note some information will be withheld to avoid spoilers!