Chapter 296: Objective Received, Objective Complete
At my words of affirmation to his proposal, he smiles brightly, and I hear the happiest his voice has been since we started talking.
Im glad to hear youve chosen well. Here, I have a contract for us to sign.
He waves a hand and in it appears a contract, bound in gold ribbon and sealed within a transparent jade scroll carrier. Something that seems to be used for securing various contracts.
With another flourish, he opens the container with the contract sliding out of it and into his palm. Which is then transferred over to me.
Now in my possession, I check carefully through it for any catches or loopholes. Im quickly surprised by the clear inclusion of the undisclosed items he mentioned earlier.
To heal him and the Patriarch to the same standard that I did the Sister Nuan.
I cant help but look up at this to meet his eyes. He gives a mysterious smile and looks away.
Her healing and massive increase in power were clear, and the presence of the surrounding elders was a huge clue, so I shouldn't be surprised.
I can probably expect other requests in the future, though Sister Nuan already mention she would field most of them. This one she probably couldnt deal with.
Head Librarian Mao Boqin and Patriarch Tao Feng.
I feel that even after this contract is done, Ill have to deal with this duo.
Turning my eyes back to the contract, I notice the penalty is soft. If we cannot find the pearls or I decide to give up on the reward, I will have my memory wiped of any project-specific sensitive data on the project, library, and sect. We can then discuss other ways to achieve my goal of acquiring the data in the library.
Feeling wary, I check deeply for anything that will cause issues for me, but it seems simple. There isnt anything in this meant to screw me over.
So, I sign it, right beside his signature.
Like the other times, I feel a new connection form with the man in front of me. And an even bigger smile it shown on him.
He moves close to me and gives off even more of a dwarf-like feeling, as he slaps my back merrily.
Excellent! The group has been looking forward to working with you on this pearl project. Weve been stuck on finding the connection to the mountain tribes for so long that your hint gave a welcome leap forward.
But theres no need to start the research now. Well have time for that later.
I open my mouth a bit, wanting to say something. Instead, I close it and give a slight cough before speaking up.
Actually, if you dont mind, Id like to tell you the location of the two pearls now to save time.
At my cough, he looked annoyed, but he completely freezes at my words.
Y-you already know their locations?
And so, I achieve the accomplishment of making a prominent elder stutter.
Thats correct, Head Librarian. And in fact, both of my answers should be quite easy to confirm with the proper level of spiritual sense and knowing where to look.
I use the momentum to continue and possibly control the flow of the conversation.
He pauses.
What about the second pearl in the pair?
I give an audible sigh.
I believe for this one, your group already has a fair idea of its location.
He nods his head, but remains silent. Waiting for my answer.
The Han Clans personal Alchemist and son of the Patriarch have reached great heights, carrying on the traditions of their family of being able to concoct difficult to create elixirs. Though, there seems to be a slight weight to the type of elixirs they create. Theres a tendency for them to rely on having access to extremely cold and controlled temperatures.
I should note that their familys cultivation techniques dont specialize in that area. Of course, there are other ways to reach those temperatures, but considering for the past 3 generations, this has been happening
I cant help but laugh at the leap this is taking.
Of course, thats speculation based on the commonly known data. However, where things get interesting is when you can find the purchase logs of the now-deceased Elder of their group and how soon after the purchase of some unmarked treasure boxes, they suddenly were more proficient at creating the aforementioned elixirs. All coinciding with the pearl being removed from black market lists.
He stops me there, showing I dont need to go further. Adding to that, he shows a pleasantly surprised, but wry smile.
Well. It seems youve held up your end of the agreement for that part far faster than I could have assumed.
He tilts his head, as if listening to someone.
And it appears you are correct about the pearl at the base of the mountain. Which seems to be protected by multiple spirit beasts underground and in the aquifer but that should probably be expected, considering its power.
Youve done well. I consider that portion of the contract complete.
The moment he says that, I can tell a line of the contract has been crossed out. A flair of this particular contract.
He continues unabated.
Theres still the matter of the hospital and us old mens request, so well meet you after you are done there, to clear things up.
The Head Librarian nods to himself as he stands up out of his seat. As he stands, we all follow as well as courtesy.
With only a glance at the twins, he throws out some words.
You two should work with and follow him, as necessary. You should know what to do from there.
They briskly nod and bow to him, as it is clear he is leaving. I follow, as per this worlds culture.
Hahaha, I see why old Tao was interested in you. Well certainly talk more in a bit, Disciple Delinion.
He laughs a bit, just before his presence disappears before my eyes.
And with that, I turn toward the twins.
A huge hurdle, complete.