It was early morning, the early hours of the day.
A young boy of ordinary appearance and dressed in common clothes was approaching a large city far from the capital. This city was ruled by the Albedo Clan, and its inhabitants consisted mostly of wandering cultivators or traders.
Lian decided to go undercover in the trading city, avoiding drawing the clan's attention at this time. His goal was to acquire materials for forging, inscriptions, and formations in the city. He also had in mind to explore the surrounding areas in search of information about the changes that had occurred since the upheaval, using the knowledge gained from the clan's books.
To his surprise, he did find something different. A large black tree that did not exist before on his original planet was recorded 15,000 years ago near his clan. The tree had a diameter of four meters and a height of fifty meters, with its roots as deep as they were high. Its bark far exceeded the strength of common iron and had great natural resilience. Even a cultivator in the Meridian Transformation Realm could only cause some superficial damage, which would quickly heal. (Check the auxiliary Chapter Zero to know more about the cultivation realms.)
With his knowledge of the Divine Plane, Lian suspected it could be a Dark Willow Tree. These trees inhabited areas with a strong presence of Yin Qi in the divine world. Their roots absorbed the surrounding Qi for 20,000 years, and then a living creature emerged from within them.
These creatures took on a humanoid form to cultivate more easily and then lived among cultivators, displaying astonishing and unique strength. Due to their close connection to natural Qi, the Elves protected and befriended them instinctively. The presence of a Dark Willow in the Mortal Plane was considered almost impossible; they usually only appeared in the Divine Plane. The fact that one existed there raised many intriguing questions.
For Lian, this discovery represented a great opportunity for Riria. Being in contact with this life form could accelerate her development, making her a reliable and valuable companion for him in the future. He was determined to investigate and explore this opportunity for her.
But Lian would still reap great rewards. When a tree absorbs all the Qi from an area, it always leaks a small amount. A powerful Demon Beast beast would be guarding and protecting it, considering it a great treasure for cultivation.
This tree posed no danger, and the leaked Qi did not compare to the existing Qi within the clan itself. It was truly very good, but only for someone like Riria. After investigating the tree, the clan decided to simply disregard it. Lian wouldn't do that, though. He would do some shopping and then head straight to the great tree.
Shortly before entering the city, Lian noticed a group of mortals harvesting medicinal herbs while being protected by hired cultivators. He found it strange because the profit from selling potions wouldn't justify the cost of the escort and the risk of collecting herbs in a dangerous area.
Expanding his senses with his soul, Lian sensed the imminent problem. Poisonous beasts lurked around the city in small numbers but in pairs. It was only a matter of time before they reproduced and attacked the nearby humans.
A shrewd individual, eyeing profits, had noticed the signs left in the forest and hired people to harvest the herbs. He planned to create a large stock of antidote potions to capitalize on the demand when the beasts attacked. His goal was to make a significant profit from this situation.
Lian entered the city and began carefully observing the products offered by the street vendors. After some time, he came to a conclusion: 'The quality standard of everything being sold is significantly lower than what I remember. The limited presence of dwarves on the continent after the upheaval resulted in the loss of much technology.'
As he walked, his eyes were drawn to a singular stall. There stood a young vendor whose presence stood out amidst the crowd. Despite being less than 1.50 meters tall, her essence radiated greatness that transcended the physical.
The young woman had dark skin, emitting a natural glow and an exotic beauty. Her gray hair cascaded down, adding a distinctive touch to her appearance. Adorning her body, she wore simple jewelry that shimmered with special brilliance.
Her figure was delicate and graceful, moving with captivating elegance. Every gesture she made was permeated by a gentle aura, leaving those around her feeling refreshed, as if caressed by a gentle spring breeze. And when she smiled, light dimples adorned her face, further illuminating her radiant expression.
That young vendor seemed to possess an undeniable charm, capable of captivating the hearts of passersby with her warm and welcoming presence.
She was a dwarf, a race known for their diminutive stature compared to humans. Her physical appearance, at first glance, resembled that of a ten-year-old child. However, due to the characteristics of her race, it was certain that she was older than she appeared. Even as the years passed, her childlike appearance and height would not undergo significant changes.
The young dwarf was busy selling a variety of items at her stall. Among her goods, her weapons stood out, seemingly made of a common material. However, upon closer inspection, one could notice skillfully carved inscriptions on the blades and handles. Examining the inscriptions, Lian realized their complexity and the talent of the one who made them.
Sensing his interest, the dwarf spoke. "Do you have an interest in these weapons? Although I am inexperienced in inscriptions, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed with them," the merchant said with a radiant smile.
"You created these? They're truly impressive," Lian expressed his genuine surprise.
While observing the other available products, Lian noticed the presence of antidote pills for sale. His previous curiosity found its culprit. She must have hired those people to harvest the medicinal herbs. In addition to her talent in inscriptions, she possessed an impressive profit-oriented vision.
Zeke led one of the four most powerful sects in the world, with a large team of cultivators recruited and trained by the sect. Recognizing the value of talents, Lian decided to test the young woman's understanding.
"I've been looking for an inscription to buy lately, but unfortunately, I haven't found one in the city. It seems like you know how to make some inscriptions. Do you have the skill to create a specific one for me?" he asked provocatively.
"My parents passed away when I was young, so I didn't learn much from them, but I've been studying as much as I can. I'll do my best!" she expressed confidence like that of a genius, and her curiosity was evident.
Lian shared tips about runes and their effects with her, and she had the necessary materials. The young dwarf carried out the work before Lian's eyes, completing it in less than an hour. Her radiant smile lit up the surroundings as she finished the inscription.
Meticulously examining the work done, he realized it was exactly as he had indicated. The level of skill demonstrated by the beginner surpassed his expectations. He let out a long sigh, reflecting his surprise and satisfaction with the talent of the young dwarf.
Before him stood great natural talent, causing him to reflect on his own journey. Just like the young dwarf, he also lost his parents at an early age and always demonstrated exceptional ability in cultivation and combat. However, he was born on a mortal planet where his life was marked by constant difficulties and trials.
He recalled the times when he had no resources and no one to trust and rely on. His path was filled with suffering and obstacles, requiring him to face each challenge alone and determined. It took a long time for the sect, which he would eventually lead, to accept him as a disciple. Even after joining, he was constantly treated as inferior. The resources needed for his growth had to be earned at a high price of blood and pain.
"Thank you for the work. I will pay you three times for it. What's your name?"
"My name is Meili Puippa, sir. Thank you for the tips." She seemed satisfied with herself.
Lian could guess what she wanted to do after ascertaining her talent. "You're still young. Do you plan to join the merchant guild?"
"I'm saving up some money to give it a try, yes. They're very strict, but I have confidence that one day I'll succeed." Her eyes reflected her determination.
For Meili to grow and develop, all she needed was an opportunity. Lian was fully aware of that, but he knew the world would never be kind to her. However, he sincerely hoped that she would have better luck than him, longing for destiny to reserve a more favorable path for her.
Lian then thanked and bid farewell to Meili. He headed towards the commercial guild, one of the three branches of a massive guild on the planet. After the "Great Rapture," he lost contact with the central headquarters that controlled everything. Now, the guild has been divided into three smaller entities, each led by a different person but still maintaining some connection between them.
Upon entering, Lian approached the attendant and handed over a list of various materials, including medicinal herbs. The attendant showed surprise at the quantity and value of the requested items and promptly went to fetch them. However, Lian noticed a greedy smile in the attendant's eyes, revealing their true intentions.
Next, Lian requested to rent a room for alchemy and forging in the guild. The attendant appeared ecstatic and quickly prepared the room, but their eyes betrayed their ill intentions. They believe Lian is a valuable customer who can bring in substantial profits.
The amount charged for the room and materials is at least five times higher than usual. Although money wasn't a major issue for Lian, as he had brought all his and his family's savings, he now realizes the true nature of this new commercial guild.
Previously, they were honest and sought profit along with customer satisfaction. However, now, profit and the opportunity to gain, even at the expense of others, seemed to be the rule.
While waiting for the attendant to prepare the room, Lian used his soul to observe everything inside the guild. Within it, dozens of cultivators were being subtly protected. Lian felt his eyes narrow. He recognized the Qi of those cultivators very well. They possessed the same type of Qi as the ones who had attacked him and Riria before. Also, the ones who attacked his mother and killed his father. Obviously, they were assassins working for the same organization.
When Lian awakened his soul previously, he killed everyone present. Now, he knew where the assassins had come from. It was a commercial guild that, for some, also provided dirty services by hiring assassins.
A demonic smile could be seen on Lian's face. A hint of wickedness and bloodlust manifested in him, indicating a desire to indulge in some violence before the appropriate time.