Dual Cultivation: Beasts and Women!

Liam browsed through the Runemaster shops in City One, passing by a pill and potion shop and then a magic weapon shop.

City One boasted an impressive array of options for cultivators up to the fifth realm, a fact that only served to underscore Liam's own financial limitations. While he could certainly maintain a comfortable lifestyle using Third Class resources, he knew that as his power grew, so too would his expenses.

A single fourth-class recovery potion commanded a staggering price of 2,000 gold coins. This sum, while not enough to bankrupt Liam outright, would certainly deplete his funds after just a few purchases. Other resources, such as pills and weapons, carried similarly hefty price tags. The cost of assembling a complete set of Fourth Class armor, weapon, recovery potions, and pills was enough to drain his coffers entirely.

Liam estimated he had just enough wealth to arm himself and enjoy the services befitting a fourth realm cultivator for about ten days before finding himself penniless. This realization was a stark wake-up call, revealing not only how far he was from true financial security but also the vast gulf in power between Spirit Sky cultivators and those of the third realm.

The exorbitant prices of cultivator goods were a direct reflection of the exponential increase in power levels between realms!

This principle held true for Runemaster products as well; Liam would need to invest at least 5,000 gold coins if he hoped to begin inscribing Fourth Class runes.

However, Liam's current excursion through City One's shops was purely exploratory. He knew he still had a considerable journey ahead before attaining the status of a Spirit Sky cultivator or a Fourth Class Runemaster. In the meantime, his focus was on accumulating resources and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead, particularly for when he would need to go on the run.

Liam had already mapped out a tentative plan: he would depart from Demon Gate after his realm ascension, likely coinciding with his opportunity to test for Third Class Runemaster. The Secret Hunt mission had granted him the right to three Spirits, a privilege he intended to utilize before leaving the sect. He planned to claim one for his fourth Spirit, while reserving the other two for the women who would accompany him in his escape.

At present, only Electa and Mary were privy to his plans and confirmed to join him. The thought of discussing his intentions with the others lingered in his mind as he made his way to the address Amzi had provided—a location Toby had helped him pinpoint. Liam resolved to broach the subject with the rest of his women later in the week.

As he approached the Law Enforcement Hall, where the Four Leaves contact awaited, Liam wasn't surprised to discover that his contact was part of the hall. He suspected Four Leaves had already been subtly guiding his integration into the sect's inner workings.

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Contemplating his future role within both the sect and the faction, Liam took a deep breath, setting aside his musings as he entered the building. Almost immediately, he caught the attention of a vigilant female guard.

The woman greeted the young Division Chief with a warm smile, her eyes appreciating both Liam's uniform and his striking features. After listening to his request, she directed him towards Division Chief Rique's office.

Rique, one of the four founding partners of Four Leaves, held a high-ranking position within the Law Enforcement Hall.

As they walked, the First Officer, clearly impressed, showered Liam with compliments. Her friendly demeanor bordered on flirtatious, subtly piquing his interest.

Despite her beauty and the allure of her status as a 3-Star Spirit Sky cultivator, Liam remained cautious. He was too invested in his escape plan to risk entanglement with someone he barely knew, regardless of how appealing she might be.

As they walked, Liam's thoughts drifted to his future. 'Once I'm free from the sect,' he mused, 'I'll have more opportunities to use my abilities without constant scrutiny. The outside world has its dangers, but the freedom to act without constraints could prove invaluable in my future endeavors.'

"Here we are, Chief Porter," Aaliz announced, flashing another smile as she gestured towards a red wooden door. They had arrived at one of the highest floors of the Law Enforcement Hall building.

Liam thanked her and walked forward, entering a spacious, antiquated office that offered a breathtaking view of the sect. Half a dozen First Officers were working at various tables scattered around the room.

Near the most coveted vantage point in the room sat a man on a cushion, his eyes closed in deep concentration. Several golden leaves hovered around him, emitting an ethereal, angelic aura. These luminous leaves seemed to connect with the seated figure, as if he were a beacon of light, the very embodiment of law and order.

Liam's curiosity was piqued by the man dressed in crimson, whom he immediately identified as Division Chief Rique.

A thought flashed through his mind, 'A member of Demon Gate with an affinity for Light? Is that even possible?' His wonderment was cut short as the golden leaves dimmed, gently settling in a pile before Rique.

As if on cue, Rique's eyes fluttered open, immediately recognizing his expected visitor. A warm smile spread across his face as he addressed Liam, "Division Chief Porter, I presume." He gestured for the young man to take a seat across from him.

Liam bowed respectfully in greeting, his voice steady as he spoke. "I'm here under the direction of Senior Watt."

"Hmm, I'm aware," Rique replied, his tone conveying a hint of omniscience. "I've been expecting you."

Finally, Liam lowered himself into the chair facing the enigmatic man. He couldn't help but notice that half of the room's occupants were now keenly observing him while the others continued their tasks with practiced nonchalance.

"I understand you belonged to another faction before, correct?" Rique inquired, his eyes studying Liam intently.

"Yes, the Leopards," Liam replied.

Rique nodded approvingly. "You've made a wise choice in joining Four Leaves. Someone of your caliber, Chief Porter, deserves to be among the elite." He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "It's best to put your old allegiances behind you. From this moment on, your focus should be on your responsibilities within the Law Enforcement Hall, as a member of Four Leaves."

Liam wasn't surprised to learn that Rique had played a role in his assignment to this hall. He decided to address the matter directly. "What exactly will my role entail here?" he asked, his gaze steady. "Senior Amzi Watt mentioned that other faction members might want to test me before allowing me room to grow as a Runemaster."

Rique's expression turned serious as he held up one of the golden leaves from earlier. "The duty of a Division Chief is to ensure the smooth operation of Commander's groups," he began. "We orchestrate the missions for these Commander-led groups and provide support. This ranges from recruiting new disciples to eliminating potential threats or obstacles."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "You'll be performing these duties in both the Law Enforcement Hall and the General Records Hall. Your inaugural task as a faction member will be to execute these responsibilities flawlessly and deliver exemplary results for the sect.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Don't worry about making a direct impact on the faction just yet. If you do well in these two roles, it will be enough for the faction members to accept the investment that Amzi suggested we make in you later."

"I didn't anticipate this…" Liam admitted candidly. He had expected a more challenging initiation, perhaps a dangerous hunt or a mission to prove his worth to the faction. However, it was becoming clear that Four Leaves operated with a more nuanced, political approach compared to the reactive nature of the Leopards.

Rique's lips curled into a knowing smile. "If you want some advice," he offered, leaning back slightly, "focus on your duties and steer clear of trouble. Continue honing your skills as a Runemaster and keep the faction informed of your progress.

We'll keep Eliakim at your disposal for now, but be aware that your master's interests might complicate some of your studies under him.

In any case, begin your responsibilities in City One as soon as possible. You'll know if the other members are satisfied with your performance."

Liam rose to his feet, gratitude evident in his posture.

Rique added one last piece of counsel, "Toby will guide you on how to navigate a path that aligns with the faction's interests. Use his wisdom wisely. He'll soon ascend to the role of Guardian or Commander and won't be available to mentor you for long."

"I'll keep that in mind," Liam replied.

As Liam exited the office, the reality of Four Leaves' far-reaching influence sank in. He had only just stepped into the inner wing of the sect, yet nearly every aspect of his future actions would be touched by the faction's invisible hand.

Rique's warning about potential conflicts between the faction and Elder Neill's interests echoed in Liam's mind.

'I will look into that later. Right now, it's time to sort out my situation with the Leopards and the situation with my women.' He made his way to the exit of City One, now heading for City Four.

After a few minutes of walking, Liam would pass through City Two and reach the peak of City Three, seeing the differences in construction, population, and average strength between the cities on his way.

There wasn't much difference between City Two and Three in terms of space, but the numbers were quite different, with one of the cities being more desert-like and the other more populated.

These perceptions intensified when Liam reached City Four, the weaker side of the inner wing, where most of the disciples were below the fourth realm of cultivation. When he arrived there, he saw several disciples clearing the way for him, and hardly anyone dared to approach or speak to him.

Liam liked the feeling of being respected and feared, and soon found himself in front of the Leopards' post.