Tackling A Challenge

Right now, Edrick only had six quests left. It seemed like the system either wasn’t planning on refilling them immediately, or was waiting for what was left to be completed to do so- In any case, two of those quests were already lined up to be completed at a later date. One concerned Yin and was dependent on when she would show up at the residence. The last three were the ones Anoteros was preparing to go and complete right now.

After informing Shu of a certain piece of information concerning Yin’s preferences, he spent the next few days doing the usual routine, receiving intel from the inner disciple after their daily sparring session.

Currently, Xiao did not seem to be embarking on any new plot point. Instead, he spent his time training and being lovey-dovey with Ai. It seemed like the secret realm event was truly the very next plot device, and thus, there was no need for him to go anywhere. That was a good thing. Edrick did not want to lose sight of this protagonist.

He was already frighteningly strong despite being deprived of his weapon artefact and having only practised a most basic weapon cultivation technique. Truly, it seemed like being the main character of such a vast script came with plenty of advantages. The instant he embarked on the journey of cultivation, his power soared far above that of his peers…

If Anoteros wanted to keep an eye on him and not be eclipsed in terms of combat power, he too, needed to seek strength. Of course, one shouldn’t rush or be in a hurry. That was a recipe for disaster.

It was uncertain whether completing the three missions tied to the lord of Oie would grant such power, but it wouldn’t hurt to try... Besides, the quests themselves were rather tantalising. They promised a real challenge with real stakes at play.

So to get started on that, after following his usual routine, taking a nice bath, and getting dressed, he accepted the invitation to dinner that the lord had given him. Although the said invitation was starting to date a little bit, the lord was overjoyed by the fact that Edrick was going to visit.

He had been starting to fear that the Elt might not hold him in very high regard… Something he knew was still a very high possibility.

The lord's family had always been very close to the crown. Their relationship dated back even before the royal family actually ascended to the throne. So to this day, without a single true blemish throughout the years, the descendants of both families still enjoyed amicable ties.

Galdon Oie, the current lord, however, was not foolish. He knew well that there was another reason why the crown maintained such a strong link to them and trusted them to manage Oie without intervening much, if ever at all.

The reason was that the Oie lineage was not one known for its strength or cultivators, not at all.

They practised cultivation techniques that sharpened the mind and extended one's lifespan a bit. That was mostly it. In generations, they had not seen a single formidable warrior, only strategists, leaders, economists, and the like. Which meant that they were easy to control and had basically no means or reason to betray Leynlornd.

Truthfully, Galdon Oie did not mind. It also meant that they were free of any suspicion and could enjoy beneficial treatment. The city prospered, and so did its rulers. That was far more than he could ask for.

However, he was afraid that this lack of combat prowess would make him a symbol of ridicule in the eyes of the great clans... But not inviting an Elt would be improper, and also, it should be a good opportunity to perhaps create some new bonds. It also demonstrated that, even if the Oie lineage wasn’t martially gifted, they still wielded considerable influence.

So the lord, with his thick moustache and still bright blonde hair despite his age, readjusted the small glasses perched atop his nose, awaiting the noble scion’s arrival.

He had naturally sought out information on Zixuan Elt, who called himself Edrick Lucien Anoteros for some unknown reason. Although what he had first found out didn’t exactly paint a good picture of the young man, but coupled with what he knew from the Myriad-Arm Sect, clearly, Zixuan was completely different from the man he once was.

The young Elt arrived a few minutes in advance. Appearing all by himself, without any of the numerous wives he was said to have.

Whether that was a good or bad sign, he was not quite certain... In any case, he personally stepped out alongside a butler and maid to greet the esteemed guest.

“Greetings, Sir Anoteros! I am Galdon Oie, Lord of this city. It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance!” he extended his hand for a handshake, quite surprised as Edrick accepted the gesture. It was obvious that the noble was of great stature, but Galdon still had not expected his own hand to appear so small next to Edrick’s.

“It is my pleasure as well, Lord Galdon” he spoke with a smile, soon being invited inside and led to a lavish dining room.

It was to be said that the Lord’s manor was not too impressive from the outside. In fact, it did not stand out much amidst the city--Not that it was overshadowed by the Myriad-Arm Sect--But it seemed like there had been a conscious effort not to overdo it and loom over the rest of the city.

The place was secure, with personal guards patrolling the area. They were different from the city guards in attire, but in truth, all of them had once been city guards who had received a rather substantial promotion, either for good services or for doing something of note.

They were mostly stationed outside the manor, however. Inside, the halls were occupied by butlers and maids in the majority.

On the table, a veritable feast had been laid out. One could smell just how expensive the food was, and naturally, the main dish was the animal the city was known for, and which served as the symbol of the Oie family--Geese.

This animal was actually raised in abundance throughout the year, growing tall and heavy. Geese were mostly raised for their meat, although goose eggs were also rather common as a food source.

As Edrick arrived in the dining room, although the food on the table was certainly appetising, his attention was mostly on the fine pieces of meat sitting in the chairs…