"Brother..." Aisha tugged on Essim's sleeve, her voice filled with concern.
Essim, however, was still reeling from the realization that Elder Wan knew about his Blessing Potions. What surprised him even more was their immense value in this world.
"Hmm, alright... but I don't have five potions right now. I only have three," Essim responded, testing the waters. He wasn't sure how much Elder Wan knew, but it seemed risky to admit how few potions he actually had.
"Three is enough for now. You can give me the remaining two later," Elder Wan replied smoothly, his calm demeanor suggesting confidence.
"Additionally," Essim ventured cautiously, "I'd like the Silver Badge as part of the deal."
Elder Wan, much to Essim's surprise, didn't hesitate. With a light chuckle, he pulled out a shimmering silver badge and handed it over.
"Haha... Of course. I almost forgot that you're a Player. For us cultivators, this item holds little value."
Essim found himself holding two Silver Badges.
[Silver Badge]
A warrior's medal of bravery, awarded after passing the trials of Gayun.
Essim had no idea what these trials of Gayun entailed, but it was clear that the badge had significance. Without wasting time, he stashed it away in his bag.
He then took out the three Blessing Potions he had promised, handing them over to Elder Wan.
As the potions left his hands, Elder Wan made a strange gesture. His fingers formed an intricate pattern, and suddenly, the world around them shifted. In an instant, they were in an entirely different dimension.
"Hahaha... Young Master Essim, very good... very good," Elder Wan said, his gaze fixed on the potions as he inhaled their fragrant aroma deeply. For a brief moment, an expression of deep satisfaction flickered across his face.
"The final ingredient... even if it's only three," Elder Wan mused quietly, almost to himself.
Essim remained silent, watching the old man closely. He knew Elder Wan was powerful—perhaps more powerful than anyone he had encountered. He was also aware that Elder Wan was still expecting the two remaining Blessing Potions.
"Young Master Essim," Elder Wan's voice pulled him back from his thoughts, "when will you deliver the remaining two?"
Essim hesitated. He truly didn't have any more potions at the moment, and producing them too quickly would definitely draw suspicion. Elder Wan's intense interest in these potions only added to the pressure.
Just as Essim was about to speak, a new notification appeared in front of him.
[Elder Wan's Hidden Mission]
Name: Wan Lu
Rank: S
Objective: Deliver two additional Blessing Potions to Elder Wan
Reward: 1,000,000 contribution points
Essim's heart raced. A million contribution points?! He glanced at Aisha, who looked at him, puzzled.
"Did you see that?" Essim whispered, but Aisha's expression told him she had no idea what he was talking about.
"Ahem... alright," Essim finally said, clearing his throat. "I will provide the remaining two potions in 25 days."
He had done the math in his head. This would buy him enough time without raising too much suspicion.
[Mission Accepted: Elder Wan's Hidden Mission – Deadline: 25 days]
"Agreed," Elder Wan said with a broad smile, clearly satisfied. With a simple motion, he removed the dimensional barrier he had cast, and they were back in the pavilion, surrounded once more by luxurious displays of equipment.
"Young Master Essim, it has been a pleasure doing business with you. As a token of appreciation, please accept this Platinum Token from Tou Pavilion."
Elder Wan produced a small, transparent token. Shaped like a royal shield, it was small enough to fit into Essim's palm but radiated an aura of importance.
Without further delay, Elder Wan vanished, leaving Essim and Aisha standing there, somewhat stunned by the events that had unfolded.
[Tou Pavilion Token – Platinum]
A token of high honor, granted to a select few by the Tou Pavilion. Valid wherever a Tou Pavilion stands.
Owner: Essim
Validity: Permanent
Privileges: Highest customer status at Tou Pavilion, with priority services and exclusive offers.
Essim looked at the token in awe, still processing everything. He and Aisha hadn't even been in the city of Guandu for a full day, yet they had already secured platinum-level customer status at one of the largest trading pavilions.
"Brother... why did Elder Wan act so respectfully towards us?" Aisha asked, her confusion mirroring his own. It didn't make sense for someone with Elder Wan's power to negotiate with them so evenly.
Essim shrugged. "I'm not sure either. Maybe we just got lucky this time."
There was no point in dwelling on it. Whatever the reason, it had worked out in their favor.
With their business concluded, they left the pavilion, intending to focus next on promoting to Tier-2.
Far above, on a floating island...
An old man appeared on an island high in the sky. It was a breathtaking place, filled with natural beauty—lush forests, sparkling rivers, and serene waterfalls. Majestic star creatures roamed freely, basking in the tranquility of the island.
At the heart of the island stood a grand, white palace. White swans glided across the pristine courtyard, and magnificent statues lined the long, spiraling staircase that led to the palace doors.
Elder Wan walked those stairs with calm, measured steps, his expression as serene as the landscape around him.
Upon reaching the palace doors, he stopped, standing silently and waiting.
Moments later, a soft yet commanding voice echoed from within the palace. "Elder Wan, what important news brings you here?"
A figure suddenly appeared in front of him—a young man, bare-chested, with long, flowing pants that brushed softly against the glass floor. His serene presence radiated immense power.
"I have found the final item you requested, Lord Pavilion," Elder Wan said, bowing slightly.
The young man's eyes gleamed as the Blessing Potions floated towards him. "Where did you find them?" he asked, his tone calm yet expectant.
Without hesitation, Elder Wan recounted his encounter with Essim and how he had obtained the potions. He left nothing out, ensuring the young man received all the details.
"Very good," the young man said approvingly. With a flick of his wrist, he produced an item out of thin air, placing it in Elder Wan's hands. "Give this to the boy when he delivers the other two potions. And remember, do not cause him any trouble."
Elder Wan's eyes widened slightly at the gift, and before he could respond, the young man vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
Elder Wan looked at the item in his hand and smiled to himself. "It seems I've made quite the gamble this time," he muttered, before turning and walking back down the stairs.
The chapter is now more polished, with better flow and clearer character interactions. Let me know if you'd like more changes!