The Cultivations Association, founded by powerful cultivators, predated the Kysore Kingdom where Kevin currently resided. It served as an international organization to assist ordinary people in their cultivation journey. However, due to the strict protocols and rules, it didn't have the best reputation in smaller kingdoms like this one. Additionally, their assistance came at a high price that many people in the city couldn't afford.
Observing Sia's confused expression, Kevin explained, "Why not register there? It's just a matter of paying some money, and in return, I'll receive valuable items like the transforming knife and inner armor. Trust me, it's the best deal you can get for that price." Kevin had spent the previous night researching everything about the Cultivations Association. The registration fee amounted to 2000 units, a significant sum.
But in exchange for that, he would obtain two low earth-grade cultivation treasures: an armor and a knife. Kevin thought to himself, 'It's a fucking steal!'
Sia interjected, sharing her knowledge. "But they're weaker than normal weapons. To make them strong enough, you need to place them in an area abundant with world qi for at least a day, so their performance can match that of normal earth-grade weapons."
Kevin nodded with a smile. "Yes, I know."
Sia seemed a bit annoyed by his smile and remarked, "If you know that, why waste your time when you don't have access to an area with an abundant world qi?"
Kevin burst into laughter and replied, "Hehe, my miner friend, we just returned from there."
Confusion washed over Sia's face, but soon it transformed into shock as she realized where they had been. "You mean the mine?"
"Yes, the mine," Kevin confirmed, shocking both women.
Just then, Sia stopped the bus and announced, "We have arrived."
Kevin nodded and said, "Miss Venice, I had quite a fun ride. How about we have more rides like this sometime?"
Venice blushed at his suggestion and nodded in agreement. Kevin smiled at her response and said, "Good. Let's meet again sometime." With those words, he exited the bus, followed by Sia bidding her friend a farewell. "I'll contact you when I'm free, okay?"
Venice nodded, still burdened by guilt, as she watched Kevin and Sia leave the bus. Her guilt-ridden conscience lingered, but she pushed it aside, determined to secure a better life for her children. "At least better than mine," she muttered and took off as she still have a route to go.
After waiting for a while, a taxi finally arrived, which Sia had called when Kevin mentioned his visit to the Cultivations Association 'Why does he need me for such a simple task? Booking a taxi and finding the location is not rocket science,' Sia's face looked annoyed as she stared out of the window. Even a child could easily handle these tasks with a few taps on a smartphone. Yet, here she was, being bothered by Kevin's lack of independence.
Meanwhile, Kevin, oblivious to Sia's inner frustrations, gazed outside the taxi window with anticipation as they passed through the bustling business district and the affluent area of Lucima City. The towering skyscrapers, a mix of modern marvels and traditional architectural gems, mesmerized him, and he couldn't help but feel captivated by the ever-changing cityscape.
After a twenty-minute ride, the taxi arrived at their destination—a modest four-floor building with a signboard that read "Cultivations Association." Kevin stared at the building with skepticism, his expectations deflated. He had envisioned a grandiose organization, larger than even the kingdom itself, with an air of mystery surrounding it. However, the reality before him was a simple-looking, unassuming building that failed to meet his lofty expectations.
But as Kevin's gaze stayed on the signboard, he felt a strange sensation wash over him. His mind seemed to calm, his thoughts becoming clearer, and the weariness in his body gradually diminishing.
"Why isn't he paying? Stupid bastard," Sia muttered under her breath, her impatience growing as she observed Kevin's slightly disappointed expression. Frustrated by his inaction, she reached into her own pocket and decided to take charge by paying the taxi driver herself.
Startled by Sia's annoyed voice, Kevin snapped out of his daze and shifted his attention away from the sign. "Okay... but wait, where is he going without the money?" Kevin asked, confusion etched on his face as he realized that the driver had already departed.
"I paid him. You can pay me back later," Sia replied briskly, already striding towards the entrance of the building, her determination unwavering.
As Kevin and Sia stepped into the Cultivations Association, Kevin's senses heightened, absorbing the unique atmosphere that enveloped the place. The air crackled with potent qi, and an inexplicable sense of calmness washed over him, reminiscent of the experience he had felt at the entrance board. He glanced around and noticed that most of the floor appeared empty, save for a reception window occupied by a middle-aged woman.
That was the only notable feature in sight, apart from a door situated to the left. The space from the building's main entrance to the reception area was rather narrow, accommodating a maximum of nine people at most. Kevin couldn't comprehend why they had chosen to be so stingy with the space. Even though the building spanned four stories, they could have widened the reception area and provided some seating for visitors.
However, in that moment, the lack of other people seemed inconsequential, as Sia and Kevin approached the reception area. Kevin took the lead and greeted the captivating middle-aged lady with a friendly tone. "Hello, miss. Is this where I can register as a cultivator?"
"Welcome, ma'am and sir," the middle-aged lady responded politely. "To register as a cultivator, we first need to check if you possess Qi. Could you please place your hand on the crystal panel in front of you?" She pointed towards a clear crystal embedded on the wall beside the reception window.
Kevin gazed at the crystal, slightly intrigued, and placed his hand on it. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but after a few moments, he felt a subtle wisp of qi leaving his body, making its way towards the crystal. Surprised by the unexpected sensation, Kevin hesitated, but decided to keep his hand in place.
To his amazement, the once-clear crystal gradually transformed, now emanating a mesmerizing purple smoke. The swirling mist within the crystal captivated Kevin's attention, leaving him curious about what this outcome might signify.