(xvi.)

Without fanfare, Lazarus accepted the quest. Linda flashed him another too-smooth smile and made a note in a small book on the counter.

“If you don't complete at least one set of monsters from the quest you will be fined for the quest failure, so please keep that in mind,” she advised primly. “We also have escort quests to try to salvage goods or recover people's belongings, as well as scouting quests to just do general surveys. These typically entail counting how many monsters are in an a particular area, what types of monsters are present, that sort of thing.”

A worthy cause, especially the scouting and surveying. But let's take this one step at a time. Not to mention I'd get totally stuck in on a scouting quest.

“I appreciate the information,” Lazarus said slowly. “But I think I'll stick with the extermination quest for now. Thank you, Linda.”

Lazarus headed back over to the Dwarf's shop.

“Welcome back, boy. Your things are on the counter. Step on up.”

Lazarus handed the 65 gold over to the Dwarf who promptly bit on the gold coin then inspected it.

“Good lad,” the shopkeeper said, stowing the coin in a leather pouch on his hip. “Now, I promised you information, and you delivered. So! You should know there is still a faction of the nobility staying holed up in the country of Tal. Be aware that the nobles putting up the quests at the guild are pretending these other nobles don't even exist. Be ready to make some new enemies if you end up helping the wrong people while you're in the Tal country.

“Also, avoid the west most border of the country at all costs. A large monster has claimed it as its new territory. Most scouts won't be returning from that side no more.”

Lazarus nodded. “Thank you, Master Ashbard.”

“That's fine, that's fine,” he grumbled, waving the Lich off. In spite of his gruff exterior, Lazarus saw his beard twitch upward into a grin. “Get a move on, boy. You got all you be needing out there.”

The Lich nodded and moved to leave the shop, taking an appreciative last look at the place.

Such a delightfully reasonable chap, and helpful to boot! I'll have to come back here in the future.

Lazarus took the gear he purchased and tossed the bag over the shoulder of his shining armor. He strolled out of the shop and into the bustling cityscape. Other adventurers were heading in to Ashbard's shop from the southeast, looking a lot more mature than the last at least. As Lazarus moved away from the shop he heard Ashbard greet the group and he moved toward the city gate to start his journey to the Tal kingdom.

A young man with Taoist robes stood in front of an aged elder. His long black hair was tied up in a knot at the top of his head. Tang Lee stood before the Sect Master of the Immortal Sword Sect, Wayseeker Lotus. The elder was the most charismatic leader out of any other sect in the Immortal realms as well as the most stubborn to boot, though Tang Lee would never say so to the Immortal Master. Such unnecessary comments were met with great displeasure.

Sect Master Wayseeker Lotus cleared his throat significantly, bringing Tang Lee's attention back to the present.

“Elder Gossamer Shade has taken ill after his recent battle with the Spirit Fire sect. He fought their elder Vile Hornet and has been left bedridden; poisoned by his strikes. The underhanded scum!”

The Sect Master tsked and Tang Lee arranged his face into a semblance of righteous fury. It wasn't far from the truth; the man's actions were dishonorable.

“After already passing through your challenges, you have just finished your foundation establishment breakthrough and are ready to go to one of the mortal realms to earn your True Name. In the mortal realm we are going to send you there is an immortal inheritance located in what the local mortals call the 'Tal Kingdom'.

“The royals of the mortals know of us and will guide you to the inheritance. Once you have passed the trials you will be able to obtain one item from it. We request of you, as a show of your loyalties and fealty to the Sword sect, obtain the True Antidote. There are other options, but you must pass them up or do not return. Do you understand, Tang Lee?”

“Yes, Sect Master.” The response was immediate.

One does not contradict the Sect Master. Ever. To do so would mean a swift death.

“Take this flying sword.” The Sect Master produced an ornate broadsword and handed it to Tang Lee. “I assume you know how to work it?”

The Master raised an expectant eyebrow, knowing very well the answer to be affirmative.

“Yes, Sect Master.”

“Good. Now, take this talisman and stand on the formation we have set up for your travels. Once you have completed your mission, activate the talisman and you will be transported back to the formation immediately.”

Tang Lee took the talisman and put it inside his black cloak pocket. He moved to the center of the formation. The other sect elders were placed around it to provide the chi to activate the formation.

Once Tang Lee had taken his place in the center the Sect Master asked, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Sect Master.”

The Sect Master gave the signal to activate the formation. Tang Lee vanished from the Immortal Sword sect in a flash of light. The three elders looked to the Sect Master.

“Why did you not tell him the truth of what he is after?”

“The boy does not need to know what the True Antidote really is. All the boy needs to do is return with the item and we will give him a trifling reward. He does not need to know that we cannot travel back to that land ourselves. Let him believe it was a test. Besides, reincarnations can never be trusted,” the Sect Master said with great pomp and finality.