23 Rewarded with Wealth... and then More Wealth 1

Keyne Stronghold.

Feng Jin paced around worriedly. His daughter had been abducted despite the security of their stronghold. It has been a big blow on him and a question to his abilities as chief. What shame it was, he could not even ensure his own daughter's protection. Feng Jin sighed. It seems they have been too relaxed these years.

The Keyne Stronghold had been established by his grandfather. Their clan originated from the Eashen Continent, past the great Aegean Sea. Because of their unfortunate decline in Eashen, his family migrated here just after the great revolt.

They were originally a tribe of warriors and merchants. Hence, their choice of land naturally leaned to the mountains of Nephele. The Keyne stronghold was established and had continuously prospered through the years.

The Keynes were known for their Eashen medicine, unique craftmanship and smithing, and also their unusual fur tanning. Their warriors are also quite proficient in ferocious martial arts contrary to Idalia's combat arts. These things made them well-known in Araceli City of the Amaranthian fief. Very few try to cross them. The abduction of Feng Mian has rudely reminded them of their complacency.

"Chief! It's the Young Miss! She has been found."

Feng Jin abruptly stopped his pacing and turned to the boy who shouted frantically.

"Is that true? Where is she? Is she alright?

He fired off his questions rapidly while unconsciously shaking the poor boy's shoulders.

"Chief, calm down. Young Miss is unharmed. She's at the Great Hall. However, she has companions though."

While saying this, the boy's expression turned strange and his complexion paled a little. Feng Jin frowned. Companions? Are they perhaps Feng Mian's savior?

"Companions?" He asked with suspicion.

"It would be better if you come see yourself, Chief."The boy replied and they proceeded to walk to the Great Hall.

The Keyne's Great Hall was reminiscent of a small throne room. This is where the elders and officials of their tribe gathers. It is also where banquets and festivities of the tribe are held.

As Feng Jin went past the doors, he saw his daughter sitting at chair. Despite her unshevelled appearance, Feng Jin surmised that she was relatively free of injuries. What caught his attention more is the woman beside Feng Mian.

Her hair was darker than ebony. Her features undeniably beautiful. It was even more magnified by her startlingly brilliant emerald eyes. Eyes that he was quite familiar with.

Feng Jin's brows furrowed. Why was a descendant of the Amaranth Duke here? Direct descendants of House Amaranth has a particular distinguishing trait. That was their emerald eyes.

Being a tribal chief in the Amaranthian territory, Feng Jin is equivalent to a City Lord. It was necessary for him to know the notable people, their characters, and of course, their families and lineage. The first on that list is the Lord of their fief. As far as Feng Jin knows the current generation has only one heir. That was the only daughter of Duke Alaric. What was she doing in the Nephele Mountains?

Before Feng Jin could ponder more about it, his daughter has noticed his arrival.

"Father!"

Feng Mian approached him with a wide smile. He embraced her gently. Relief finally washing over him for real.

"Mian er, you're home. You're fine."

The girl smiled sweetly at him as she broke away from his arms. She approached the woman with her.

"Father, this person is the one who saved me."

---

Chalice stood up to meet the Tribal Chief of the Keyne Stronghold. She did a slight bow and studied the man discreetly.

According to the girl Feng Mian, her father's name was Feng Jin. Chalice thought that he was a perfect example of a tribal warrior. He was tall and quite muscular. His stern face was imposing in it's own ways. She could see a little bit of resemblance between the father and daughter.

Feng Jin's aura was reminiscent of a general. Chalice has to hand it to the old guy, his presence itself commanded respect. She knew without a doubt that he was powerful. It amazed her that someone actually dared abduct this man's daughter. And also Chalice couldn't help but pray for the tragic fate of whoever becomes his future son-in-law.

"Greetings, my name is Alice. It is an honor to meet the Chief of the Keyne tribe."

Chalice noted the strange glint that passed through the man's eyes. It seems he really was not a simple person.

Feng Jin cupped his fist and dipped a bow at her. Chalice figured it was one of their customs. She can now thoroughly confirm that they were more or less similar to the Chinese.

"Please forego the formalities, Miss Alice. You my greatest of gratitude. You have saved my daughter's life and for that we are indebted to you."

Chalice smiled at him, pleased at how polite he was. She had noticed it as they entered the stronghold. The Keyne people were a corteous bunch. They were all so cute, and Chalice was awed at seeing their dresses. She almost thought she was transported to old Huaxia.

"Oh, it was nothing. I was passing by and I can't possibly dismiss my morality and let such a young girl be harmed."

Feng Jin nodded at her. Though he did not smile Chalice felt that the man had considerably warmed up to her. This made her ecstatic. Befriending the Keyne's would be beneficial to her plans.

"Still, it is my daughter's good fate to have encountered you Miss Alice. This debt of gratitude is something we must reciprocate."

He said solemnly. The man then turned to his daughter and asked her to bring tea and snacks, to which the latter complied to immediately. However, Chalice was sure he did it so that he could talk to her in private. This conjecture of her was futher proven when Feng Jin dismissed the guards and other people within the Great Hall.

"Hmm. It seems that Chief Jin has something to say to me. Please, do feel free."

She reassured the man. He coughed for a bit before facing her, his gruff face was serious.

"Pardon me, it is not my intention to pry but may I ask what is the descendant of Duke Amaranth doing in the Nephele Mountains?"

Chalice half-smiled. She had expected for himto figure out who she was. And Feng Jin did not disappoint.

"What gave me away, Chief Jin?"

She asked with a mischievous grin, indirectly stalling in answering his prior question.

"Your emerald eyes are distinctive to your lineage, my Lady."

Chalice sighed at this. She knew it. Emerald eyes were unique to their House. To anyone with an understanding of the Amaranths, this is a dead giveaway.

"I thought so. Well, it doesn't really matter. After all, in this stronghold it is only you Chief Jin who is aware of this fact."

She met his eyes before she continued. Telling him her purpose wouldn't really hinder her.

"I am actually incognito as of the moment. Hence, the alias. I'm on a trip to inspect the key cities of the territory. We took a shortcut to Cloud Forest because I also needed to check up on the gemstone mines. However, due to some mishaps I got seperated with my retainers and stumbled upon your daughter."

Chalice explained to him, her tone nonchalant. Feng Jin nodded in understanding.

"I see. That is why. Thank you for the enlightenment."

She waved her hand signifying that it was nothing. Chalice then turned to him, her demeanor changing from languidness to an earnest one.

"Chief Jin has said that you are willing to reciprocate my saving your daughter. There is indeed something that I require your assistance to."

Chalice said slowly. Feng Jin signalled for her to continue. With that, Chalice took out the piece of the rough jade and slowly set it for him to see.

It did not take a long while before the Feng Jin's eyes widened, his face incredulous as he held the rock in his hands.