Chapter Fifty One - The Martial Arts school has a request system too

Leon, of course, was not aware of Sun's thoughts and was a little glad (and a little saddened) that Jin Li had made a friend in the martial arts school. He was also settling into the school well it seemed. Maybe he wouldn't be so quick to depend on Leon in the future? This thought was not as happy a one as he would assume and Leon knew that it was he that had become dependant on Jin Li for company. He missed him when he wasn't around, even though his overbearing, arrogant nature was sometimes too much when he was.

Pike came for them not long after Sun and Jin Li had woken and handed Leon the payment for his pills; the leather belt and scabbard and the new boots. The boots fitted well and were much more comfortable than his old worn slippers. He wiggles his toes within the confines, a smile upon his lips.

However, his clueless nature reared its head once more, causing Pike more mirth. He overly enjoyed the boy's innocence, was always amused by the widening of his bright eyes when he learnt something new. It began as they were about to leave; Leon hovered in the door of the guest chamber, not quite ready to leave.

"Um, P-Pike," he said, his cheeks staining pink as he readied himself to question with a whisper; "What about the ch-chamber p-pots and b-blankets? They were used." The pink morphed to red as he saw the hints of held back laughter and the rolling of eyes by Jin Li and Sun.

"Don't worry about it," Pike struggled to not chuckle between words. He gently tapped Leon upon the shoulder. Jin Li stopped laughing in an instant. "Someone will deal with it. A first year perhaps."

Leon looked confused so he explained further; "Each school works on the method of supply and demand, you need herbs to practice making pills, the school supplies them in exchange for some of those pills, right?" Leon nodded. "The martial arts students need techniques, pills and cultivation methods, but have nothing to offer the school in return. The school does supply basic and common techniques and cultivation methods in the library as well as through lectures as well as basic equipment to every student, regardless of school. But to earn more, a price must be paid. Martial arts student earn points through guarding, cleaning and later through missions. I believe some of the other schools do the same, but the tasks differ. Your school uses herbs and pills for its payments to tasks. The only time this changes is when the request crosses schools."

"I didn't know this," Jin Lin stated, but then, he never felt the need to learn a new cultivation technique as he had the one passed down from his family. It was likely far superior to any a Middle Realm could offer.

"Jin Li, it was mentioned during orientation," Sun whispered to him.

"I was busy cleaning my sword," Jin Li said dismissively.

"Anyway, there is no need to worry," Pike concluded, shaking his head. The country bumpkin had surely attracted unusual friends, he thought to himself as he lead them to breakfast. As they sat down, he recommended to Jin Li to look at the request board in the outer school when he returned their. "Your cultivation is good as are your skills, but you may still need other things?"

"Such as," Jin Li asked, giving respect to Pike, by briefly pausing the motions of his chopsticks.

"New equipment, pills," Pike named a couple of things off of the top of his head. "The school does not supply either unless you happen to be apprenticed by a specific Teacher. Even a simple clear spiritual pill can cost 20 points."

Leon thought about the side effects of taking certain low level pills and paused in eating his own breakfast. "Don't worry about p-p-pills," he told Jin Li. "If you n-n-need something, c-come to m-me f-first." If he could supply Jin Li an improved version, it would be better for him in the long run, less side effects and sometimes more efficient.

Jin Li was also aware of this, so he nodded, understanding what Leon wanted to say, but arrogantly added; "I never intended anything else." Although his tone surprised Pike, Leon seemed happy with the response, so he said nothing, just smiled. Sun was mired in his own thoughts wondering why Jin Li's servant felt the need to remind his Master in the first place!

Once breakfast was over, Pike guided them to the portals, but turned to Leon and stated; "You should come and watch the Standings, I will ensure you a seat!"

"Thank you," Leon smiled, brightly in agreement. For some reason, this caused Jin Li to grind his teeth in irritation.