124. Proud Elves

Clay placed down a thick encyclopedia on a table then softly tap on a another book he read earlier using his index finger then looked around the deserted 2nd floor of the library wondering if the sound of his fart would travel on the far side and echo back due towards him.

Today is his first official day at the sect and the first thing he wanted to research on is Dao and Mana Powers and the other is information about growing back his limb. He thought that by spending 3 precious contribution points to enter the sect library would result in a satisfactory answer but he just found out how backwards this world is.

Yesterday after his registration, he was briefed with the simple rules of the Sect.

Everyone has to contribute to the sect and for outer disciples, they are required to complete a total of 3 contribution points value every month or they will be expelled.

As someone personally recommended by Elder Nuu, he got a nice residence to stay in but other than that, he was no different from a regular outer disciple in terms of status. As a welcome bonus as well, he was given 24 contribution points which can be used to exchange for the sect’s cultivation mantra and other resources, but instead of spending them wisely on techniques and weapons, he used half of his points to hire someone to take care of his meals.

Later, he learned he can enter the library for 1 contribution point which he immediately paid. Unfortunately, unlike the library he went to during his previous life where everything was digitized, this sect’s repository has library scholars which he did not mind. However, after asking the staff about the information he needed, he was advised that they might be located on the 2nd floor of the library and it requires 2 additional points to enter which was still fine.

The problem is that the information about detailed Dao and Mana strength comparison which he was looking for cannot be found within the library or rather, the staffs are unaware if such book even existed. The closest they can recommend is a comparison between the levels of Spiritual Qi Users and Circle Mages which roughly explains how a 4TH circle mage can rival a Late Foundation Establishment expert.

He was advised that there are biographies about Dao Comprehension however those books are within the safekeeping of Grand Elders within the Inner Circles and to qualify for them, he must become a core member of the sect.

Since asking the scholar who looks like they don’t want to be disturbed is not going anywhere, he decided to ask about herbs that could boost his healing capacity to re-grow his arms back.

However upon reading the recommended book, he almost lost his cool. There is a herb the sect can offer for 10,000 points.

Just looking at the value is making him think if this sect is being run by greedy corrupted government officials. He does have an idea of how points can be generated but considering the rules and restrictions, he estimates that he can earn that amount by concocting pills everyday for the next 28 to 30 years.

At least it did mention about Rebeclum Flower located in the water regions within the warzone. With the cheat provided by his Dao Powers, he is confident he can venture out and eliminate Qi Practitioners but the moment he is faced with a Mana-based beasts or practitioners, he is worried as there is no telling if he can come out alive similar to that unlucky mishap nine months ago. He still have some lingering trauma on that goblin he encountered months ago.

Clay opened the last book he got. It is a more detailed map drawn by sect and comparing it to the map Khor displayed before they had a mishap, he now has an idea where he had been teleported to. He is close to the border of Anongus and Numora Kingdom, and to their south is Muinaar and after travelling the Perishing Sea southeast, then comes Manaar Kingdom which he came from.

He closed the book and exited the library. Right now his objective is to secure enough contribution points for 1 year stay and to do that, the easiest way is to concoct pills. Clay walked towards the Central Information Building where tasks are provided. While walking, he can’t help but compare his setting now to a magical fantasy world of animes he used to watch back on earth. It is like he is going to a guild where quests are issued.

Clay ignored the disdainful looks of other disciples. Majority of them are Elves and they are a proud race and it’s a given specially that they are in many ways superior to human cultivators. One look and he can already read their minds. He is tempted to display his cheat but the thought of being sucked into more trouble is what giving him strength to control himself.

Suppose he spread his Qi and imbue it with Dao and his killing intent, surely the feeling of being revered by everyone would be very satisfying but it comes with a drawback. They say that with great power comes great responsibility and the moment he displays his powers, he will likely become an elder of sect and things like protecting everyone and leading them during war is just not the kind of life he has in mind. Doing that is basically inviting himself to become a corporate supervisor and pressured everyday by someone higher.

“A cultivation wastrel and missing an arm. Who let you in?”

As soon as Clay stood before a wall full of missions, the elf to his right spoke. He was praying everyone can control themselves yet someone finally snapped out of their curiosity. Clay paused to sort out the initial responses that were generated on his mind.

>A. Shut the hell up and don’t talk to me.

It’s none of your god damn business so stay the hell out of my sight. I was too handsome some guy just gave me a token while I was passing by.

“Hmmm … Let’s see.” Clay was still thinking but when the Elf’s companion looked at him as well, he had a change of heart.

Clay slightly bowed and kowtowed with his fists and said, “My master sacrificed himself and helped Elder Nuu of the Affairs Hall and as a form of kind gesture, Elder Nuu wanted to me to try joining the sect which I am eternally grateful of. I apologize for disturbing my seniors. I have gotten what I need so I must leave.”

At the same time, Clay extended his Qi to pick up a quest on the wall then proceeded on the second floor for registration and confirmation. He moved with haste to not give them a chance to respond otherwise it may lead to him pretending to be bullied.

After a few minutes, Clay stepped out of the building and headed towards the Alchemy grounds. While passing underneath a tree, he can’t help but think what would have had happened if he said option C earlier. As a man, he has his own pride and his fist was itching to smack their faces as well and it could have been fun messing around with those arrogant Elves. Good thing he felt the presence of a Core Formation Expert so he had to leave before disaster happens.

As he got closer to the Alchemy grounds, the temperature of the air started to increase. Clay immediately activated his Godly Eyesight.

“Amazing!”

That is the first word that came out of him just looking at the flow of Qi. He thought the increase in temperature means he is headed towards a dead volcano but from what he can see, inside the mountain is a gigantic Essence Flame. He can already guess that the heat exuding from the Essence Flame is being utilized in place of an actual Fire Crystals.

Clay approached the receptionist.

“I have come to initiate a mission. This will be my first time. The mission is regarding 3 Low Quality Qi Enhancement pills.”

The Elven receptionist looked at him like a bug.

“Remember that if you fail, you will not be allowed to concoct pills again until next year. Are you sure you want to initiate the mission or do you want to use your points to trade for batch of ingredient for practice?”

“I appreciate the concern but I believe in my skills. Although I’m curious, what if I bring in Mid-Quality instead of Low?” Clay slight bowed.

“Ambitious human you are but if you can indeed do it, you will be awarded 1 extra contribution point for every pill. It’s room 204 for two hours. Now, take these ingredients away and get out of my sight.”

Clay stored the three sets of ingredients on the table into his ring and left. While he is immune towards scornful looks, who doesn’t want equal treatment?

Upon arriving at the entrance of the room, he activated the token to open the doors.

Clay ignored the magnificent interior design of the room and immediately spread his Qi toward the huge and stout cauldron in the middle. Different from a cauldron where it has compartments for Fire Crystals, this pot has three holes at the base and is directly connected towards the Essence Flame he saw earlier.

After a few test on the equipment, Clay took out all the medicinal ingredients he has in spatial ring including the sets Elder Nuu provided him. Since he won’t be using his own strength in concocting pills this time, simultaneous refinement no longer pause a problem.

Clay unsealed the cauldron and allowed the heat to flow out and distributed it all towards the floating sets of ingredients.