Jev and Bhadru landed outside Maple Town. After entering, Jev took the lead and began walking toward the bookstore. It didn't take long for them to reach the establishment.
"It looks so normal; I wouldn't even be able to imagine that an expert lives here if you hadn't told me," Bhadru sighed, looking at the bookstore with reverence.
"Remember, Jev, since the expert wants to live peacefully and normally, don't speak unnecessarily, understand?" Bhadru said in a low and stern voice.
Jev recalled how Aadi had been interacting with them and understood everything. He nodded, not wanting to offend him.
Bhadru then approached the door and was about to knock when he noticed the bell button. Curiously, he pressed it. The moment the button was pressed, an electric current surged from the button to Bhadru's body, using his finger as a conductor.
Jev saw what happened and realized he had forgotten to warn Bhadru about the bell. He hurriedly went toward him and asked, "Are you okay, Your Majesty? I apologize for forgetting about this bell."
"I—I'm fine, but what was that?" Bhadru asked with a trembling voice, his body numb all over. All of his hairs were standing on end, and black smoke was coming out of his body. He quickly took out a Tier 2 Healing Pill and ate it.
As Bhadru circulated his Profound energy to maximize the pill's effect, Jev explained everything to him about the bell. While they were speaking, a voice came from inside.
"The door is open; you can come in."
Bhadru took a deep breath in nervousness and slowly opened the door, stepping inside. The sight of a young man elegantly drinking tea, a young girl serving him tea, and a cat lazing around came into view.
Bhadru also noticed the density of the profound energy. Although he was surprised, he kept his face straight and controlled his excitement.
"You can browse through the bookshelves and see what you like," Aadi said as he sipped his tea.
Soon, Jev also entered. He said, "Sir, we'll do that, but we came to pay for the book I took this morning."
Aadi nodded and replied, "Since you took only a single volume, you can pay 2 low-grade Profound stones. If you buy the whole set, I can even give you a discount."
Bhadru and Jev didn't think much of the price. It was very expensive for normal books, but was this bookstore normal?
Bhadru took out two low-grade Profound stones from his storage ring, stepped forward toward the table, and placed the Profound stones there.
"These stories are really good, sir. We'll finish this one first and then buy the others," Bhadru said with a smile. If he bought the set now, what excuse would he use to come here again?
Bhadru then took out a cricket ball-sized crimson pearl. It had runes on it, and its temperature was so high that Bhadru had to coat his hands with Profound energy to protect them.
He held out the pearl and said, "I really liked your books, so I want to give you this pearl as a present, a gesture of goodwill."
"It must be a treasure. I can't accept such an expensive gift, but still, thank you for the sentiment," Aadi shook his head and politely rejected the gift.
"It's not a treasure or anything; it's a simple accessory. It isn't expensive. I insist you take this," Bhadru continued to smile.
"In that case, I'll accept it." Aadi didn't press further on the topic and took the pearl with his bare hands, playing with it.
Bhadru wanted to warn him about the temperature, but before he could, Aadi had already taken it. However, when he saw how casually Aadi was handling the pearl, he immediately shut his mouth in defeat.
As Aadi tossed the pearl in the air, he accidentally touched a particular rune, causing the pearl to light up brightly.
"Oh, it's actually a torch. It's been a long time since I've seen one," Aadi exclaimed in excitement.
He then turned the pearl off and on by touching the rune, finding joy in it.
Jev and Bhadru were almost in shock, their jaws dropped. This pearl was their heirloom for generations, and many had died just to protect it. This justified how incredible it was. The person in possession of this pearl became 50% stronger if they had a fire Profound vein. Even for those with other Profound veins, it was a treasure, as it increased their fire resistance by 50%. And now, this treasure was being used as a mere torch.
Aadi stopped playing around with the pearl and said to both of them, "I really appreciate this gift. You have my thanks."
Jev and Bhadru returned to their senses and waved their hands, indicating it wasn't a big deal.
Aadi gestured for Aurora to serve tea to both of them and invited them to sit down. Jev and Bhadru accepted without ceremony and took their seats.
As their minds were occupied with various thoughts, they only now noticed Aurora clearly. Their eyes widened in surprise as they saw her cultivation.
Ninth Grade Spirit Profound Stage Artist!! At this young age!!!
After that bath in the hot spring, Aurora's body was cleared of any filth, making her look quite youthful—well, she was actually young.
Bhadru suddenly had an idea and proposed it to Aadi, "Sir, you see, a tomb of a runemaster has been found nearby. Only Origin Profound Stage Artists and those below can enter it. How about allowing your disciple to explore the tomb with our team? We'll guarantee her safety."
Jev's eyes lit up as he understood Bhadru's plan. He added, "I'll personally lead the team, so you can rest assured."
Asty watched this drama unfold silently, rolling her eyes in annoyance. This was far too cliché for her. She could predict every single line they would deliver.
She just couldn't guess why Aadi was enjoying this whole play and even acting alongside them.