The five people were walking through a huge palace that made an unforgettable impression. Kai couldn't even call the place they were travelling through a corridor.....
This corridor was about fifteen metres wide and several dozen metres high. Everything was made of a strange white stone and glowing stones inlaid in the walls and ceiling. These stones glowed with a pleasant white-golden light. There were beautiful and incredibly detailed carvings on the walls. It was amazing that stone could be worked so skilfully.
The ceiling was in the shape of an arch and was decorated with various frescoes. In some places, there seemed to be holes through which daylight could be seen. The sun and sky peeked through them. But when Kai looked closer, he realised that the hole was covered by a crystal clear mineral. If you didn't look closely, it would appear to be empty.
Looking ahead, Kai saw that this corridor continued for another hundred metres ahead. At the end it ended in a huge black gate. They were many times more skilful than the ones that led to the Shadow Dungeon.
This palace seemed simply unimaginably large.....
'How could people even build such a thing! How long did it take?' - Kai pondered.
- Why are you ignoring me? Tell me! Tell me! - There was an impatient shout from the side.
It was Iris... She kept bugging Kai the whole way. She kept asking him how he copied her array. And also about his other knowledge. It was like she was going to die of curiosity.
- What's wrong with you?! I already told you that your array just isn't very complex, that's all! - Rolling his eyes said Kai.
- Not complicated?! It's very complicated! If my array is so simple, how complex do you think it is?! - Iris shouted indignantly, but her voice was still filled with immense curiosity. It was obvious that she was not offended by Kai's words.
'Damn... What a clingy person... Compared to the Alchemy Enhancement Array, your array is just a joke!' - Irritatedly thought Kai.
And at that moment, he instantly stopped!
'That's right! An alchemy amplification array! This... This could work!' - Shouted out in his mind Kai.
- My boy, what are you stopping for? - Noticing Kai's strange behaviour, Elder Ovian asked.
- Heh-heh-heh. - Kai laughed evilly. - Elders... You said that my joining both of your Alliances was out of the question... Why have you never considered merging your two crafts? - Kai suddenly asked, with a strange expression on his face.
- Alchemy and Arrays together? Nonsense!' said Brood arrogantly.
- How can an art as fine as Massives come together with barbaric alchemy! Some create masterpieces while others sweat in the heat of the flames! - Caius answered proudly.
Kai had already realised that Alchemists and Array Masters couldn't stand each other. Kai decided to ask this question to be on the safe side. But from the reaction, he realised that no one in the Shadow Sect had ever thought that such a thing was possible.
'I obtained this technique from Astral Grad... It's possible that this method hasn't survived at all. None of my contemporaries suspect it...' - Kai thought with a smile.
- Kai, why do you ask such strange questions? - Elder Ovian asked in surprise. It seemed that even for him the question didn't make sense.
- Elders... Iris just asked me a question, about a complex array that I know. So... It's an alchemy enhancement array. Hehe. - Intrigued, Kai replied.
- What?! That can't be right! - Caius shouted out.
- For a fucking scribble to enhance my craft? Nonsense! - Brood rejected the idea outright.
But curiosity, mixed with scepticism, appeared on Elder Ovian's face.
- What do you mean? Tell us more about it. - The old man asked with interest.
- You were surprised that I have developed in both of these crafts. I, in turn, was surprised by the enmity between the Alchemists and the Masters of the Array... And do you know why? - Kai asked rhetorically, -Because I developed on my own, and didn't know that in society they are considered incompatible... In one ancient scroll I found in the Endless Wasteland... In a scroll obtained outside the walls of the Border City of the Beast, I found a fascinating array. I was even able to understand it and recreate it in reality. - Kai explained, ''It's an alchemy enhancement array! - With a sly smile, he explained.
At this moment, contradictory expressions appeared on everyone's faces. They didn't believe Kai's words, and at the same time, they didn't want to think that he was lying. Everyone had a good impression of Old Man Mo's disciple.
- Elders, I'm not asking you to take my word for it. But I would like to make a bet with you so that you don't think that I'm a liar.'' - Kai said with a smile.
- О? What kind of bet? - Brud asked interestedly.
- It's simple. I will create this array for you. And if it works as I said it would... You Elder Brood and you Elder Caius must accept me into your Alliances! If I lied... Then you will decide among yourselves which Alliance I will join. And I will not resist the winner. - Kai smiled.
Hearing these words, the old men's facial expressions changed. This wasn't the first time they were competing for some disciple. The Elders had their own methods of settling disputes... And winning it, would be much easier than changing Kai's mind with words. Even more so... Although they didn't want to believe in Kai's words, but if such a thing was possible... Then it would be a definite revolution in the cultivator world!
Just as Elder Brood wanted to speak, Kai beat him to it.
- Oh! That's right! Elder Ovian... I don't mean to be rude, but I won't just give away my research. I'm interested in a lot of research and I need points. If my hypothetical array is indeed possible... How much will I get for it? - Kai asked with a carefree smile. But at that moment there was a noticeable cunning in his eyes.
Everyone's mouths fell open at Kai's sudden words. Watching this, Elder Ovian laughed out loud.
- Hahaha! You are definitely Old Man Mo's disciple! You haven't even joined the Shadow Sect yet, yet you already want to make a bet with some of the most respected Elders and profit from it! That's really something! Hahaha! - Wiping away tears of laughter, the old man said, ''You don't have to worry about it. The Shadow Sect values its talents! I take it that you're referring to Reputation Points as Talents. If you put such an array at our disposal, then you definitely won't be offended.'' - Ovina announced solemnly.
- I can't believe your words. But out of respect for your master, I accept this wager.'' - Brood replied.
- I don't think the Great Mo would take a liar as an apprentice. I'm in! - Caius said with a bit of excitement.
- Thank you for trusting the Elder! It will take me some time to do this. But I assure you that I will not disappoint you! - Respectfully replied Caius and bowed to the Elders.
- If you are telling the truth, then it will be amazing. Alchemists will be able to improve their pill-making process. And Array Masters will find new paths for themselves, and will be able to study the principles of such an array. - Beginning to move forward again said Ovian.
- That is exactly right, Elder Ovian. But Array Masters will get a little less... Learning an Array without the guidance of the creator is incredibly difficult! - Said Kai.
- Don't worry Kai. Even the very possibility of seeing a new path is already incredible. It can give inspiration to masters whose research has reached a dead end. Naturally, if this array exists and you didn't make it up to impress us. Hehe. - Elder Caius said with a laugh.
- Why would I make up stories? I am already memorable to you without them. - Laughing, Kai replied.
- You have a lot of modesty... I can feel the spirit of Old Man Mo... - Caius said, rolling his eyes.
Although Kai had only recently met these old men, he found them to be very nice people. Their attitude towards him was very warm. Because of this, Kai allowed himself to banter sometimes, and be a little impertinent. Kai realised that they probably wouldn't let others do that. But if they forgave him, why not enjoy such a privilege?
'Hehehe. Things are getting very interesting! The introduction went very smoothly... Plus, I'm about to be fed and drunk as well!' - Smiling thought Kai.
- Why are you smiling so strangely? It's creepy... - Iris asked.
- Then why are you looking at it? - Kai asked, shifting his gaze to her.
- So now I won't! - The girl said, pouting and quickened her step.