Giving up for more benefits

Returning back to Parachenko Village Arthur first stopped at one of the Fae material stores on the main stretch of the Village, handing over the venom spider materials to the shopkeeper, earning himself a total of three origin essence stones.

He had hidden the venom spider bones underneath the Crimson Seed Maple Tree, to use at a later date, and sold the venom spider web sack and venom sacks for one origin essence stone and two origin essence stones respectively.

"Three origin essence stones is barely enough to keep up with my current cultivation. However, at least with the Bloodseeker Leaf Fae, I can reserve some of my origin essence stones to make purchases, rather than use solely on cultivation....".

In terms of convenience, Bloodseeker Fae, as well as Bloodessence Fae were head and shoulders above Bloodseeker Leaf Fae.

However, in the long term, Bloodseeker Leaf Fae was better, since it didn't harm a Fae Master's foundations.

Why Arthur was able to give rise to a Fae from the Viridian Greed Continent troubled him, but for the time being, was irrelevant.

In fact, he didn't even question why it was possible, only wondering if it was possible to do it again.

"If I can create Fae from the other six Continents in Azure Envy Continent, despite my lack of required Fae materials, the number of Fae I can produce and utilise will greatly increase, allowing me to make more changes, and better Fae to suit my needs".

Arthur only had three Fae on him currently.

For offensive purposes, the Rank 1 Moonsword Fae was used.

For cultivation, the Rank 1 Bloodseeker Leaf Fae was used.

And for generating wealth, the Rank 1 Water Leaf Fae was used.

In order to feed the Water Leaf Fae, normal water was used, albeit in relatively large amounts. While to feel the Bloodseeker Leaf Fae, the life force of leaves and plants could be used.

Even the Rank 1 Moonsword Fae only needed moonlight in order to be used. One hour a night, every night was all that was necessary in order to feed this particular Fae.

This was good. Although his strength wasn't too varied, it left room for growth and saving seeing as though no special materials were needed in order to feed his Fae.

For something like the Crimson Fae, or the Flamespike Fae, both of which needed special charcoal, harvested and prepared from certain trees within Winter Rain Mountain. For such a thing, someone like Randolf would need to prepare certain amounts of charcoal in order to use his Fae.

.... Of course, some of the Clan Elders probably prepared something like this in advance, so something as simple as that wouldn't limit Randolf at all.

Accumulating Fae and increasing his cultivation was always Arthur's original plan. He didn't need to worry about suppression from Elders, or attacks from other Villages, seeing as though he knew everything that would happen in Parachenko Village for the next few years.

Like a tree, he would plant his foundations in this Village, sucking everything he could get out of it, before moving on to the next source of water.

In order to prepare for that eventuality, Arthur had come back to the Clan Leaders residence. His Father was currently here, as was the rest of his family.

Entering the dining hall, Arthur stood before his parents and the rest of his siblings, his gaze solely focused on his Father, who returned the look somewhat.... confused.

"Father.... can I speak with you in..... private?".

The Kovacs Clan Leader froze for a moment before nodding slightly, standing up and walking towards Arthur.

Despite his massive frame, the Kovacs Clan Leader bared no hostility, and completely lowered his guard in front of his son. His normally stern expression was happy, and extremely blissful in the presence of his family.

"Walk with me".

Arthur didn't dare reject an invitation from a Rank 4 Fae Master, especially one that was his Father.

Walking down the various hallways and corridors of the Clan Leaders residence, Arthur and his Father eventually came down to the garden, causing the Clan Leader to dismiss the guards patrolling the grounds.

After a moment, the Clan Leader's expression turned slightly soft, and his gaze became familiar.

"Is something the matter Arthur? Have you run out of origin essence stones? Is your cultivation proceeding alright?".

Arthur nodded, meeting his Father's gaze calmly.

"Yes Father. I don't have any problems regarding my cultivation, or my ability to gather origin essence stones".

The Clan Leader nodded.

He had already heard about Arthur's gains at Robert's store, as well as the Water Leaf Tree Fae that he had chosen out of the Clan's Reserves. Despite his second-tier talent, he was fully aware that out of all second-tier talents, Arthur's was at the bottom.

He was worried for his son, but didn't want to show it publicly, so as to not show favouritism.

But since he had chosen Fae, and signed a contract regarding the Hidden Shadow Fae, he couldn't be more happier, more surprised with his third son's sudden blossoming!

His talents as a Fae Master might not be the greatest, but it seems, that his talents as a businessman, or perhaps a merchant seemed pretty good!

Under the protection of the Clan, perhaps Arthur might grow to become one of those travelling merchant Fae Masters that some larger Clans possessed! Something like that, wouldn't just by a huge boost to their own strength, but also their renown!

His first son was extremely talented in regards to cultivation, possessing a nearly perfect first-rate talent! His second son was also talented, but not as much so as his older brother, but still was a relatively famous defensive Fae Master within Parachenko Village!

His third son, while not as talented as either of his older brothers, possessed a business acumen that exceeded the first two by a huge margin!

Not to mention his first daughter and second daughters! Those two were equally strong in their own rights!

Niklos Kovacs couldn't be more proud.

Arthur shook his head from side to side.

"I was hoping I could ask something of you Father?".

Niklos nodded.

"Anything son. So long as it's within my power".

Arthur smiled.

"Then, I'd like to try and live on my own for the time being. Starting tonight if possible".

Arthur's Father frowned for a moment, showing a confused expression.

"Why the sudden rush? Most Fae Masters don't move out until after they finish their time at the Elders Lectures? Why do you need to move out so suddenly?".

Arthur pretended to sigh for a moment, glancing from side to side, so as to make sure that no-one was looking.

"Because of this Father".

Taking out the Bloodseeker Leaf Fae from his Body origin essence sea, Arthur allowed his Father to gaze at the unknown Fae.

It was pretty long for a leech, almost 20 inches in length, glowing a bright crimson colour. If one looked closely, they would see faint green patterns all over its slimy external membrane. If one looked even closer, they would see that these patterns, resembled different types of leaves.

Niklos eyed the unknown Fae for a moment, looking up towards Arthur with a curious expression on his face.

"What sort of Fae is this, son?".

Arthur prepared his answer long ago.

"This is called a Bloodseeker Leaf Fae. I found it along with the diary of the unknown Fae Master in the forest. It's sole ability is to refine the life force from leaves and convert it into origin essence".

Niklos eyes widened. He turned his head from side to side before forcing Arthur to place the Fae back into his origin essence sea.

The garden of the Clan Leader's residence was silent for a moment, not even the sound of rustling leaves could be heard.

".... did the diary state the Fae Formula for this Bloodseeker Leaf Fae?".

Arthur shook his head in disappointment.

"No. I still have a couple of Fae Formula that I have deciphered, but I nothing in the diary relates to this Fae. I'm sorry Father".

Niklos shook his head silently, letting out a loud sigh.

"That's fine, having both the Bloodseeker Leaf Fae and its Fae Formula would be too much. The power of such a thing would corrupt even the best of us.....".

The Rank 1 Bloodseeker Fae essentially increased the cultivation speed of Rank 1 Fae Masters. If Arthur really had the recipe to create more of these then....

For the Kovacs Clan, wouldn't all of their Fae Masters be Rank 2 or higher?

This sudden increase of strength would have a dramatic effect on the power balance within Winter Rain Mountain.

Even if the Clan Leader didn't want to push forward with expansion, under the pressure of the other Elders, he might be forced to give in.....

He sighed.

"I understand. In order to use this Fae effectively, you want to be able to enter the forest at will correct? Without having to worry about others seeing you, correct?".

Arthur nodded.

Niklos gaze down at his third son, seeing himself reflected in his deep, dark eyes.

He could see it clearly now.

Even though Arthur's talent paled in comparison to his older siblings, he still wanted to find a way to become a powerful Fae Master!

And the heavens sent this Bloodseeker Leaf Fae as a result of that wish!

He saw that his son had talent in business, and hoped that he would utilise that strength for the good of the Clan, but seeing this....

He sighed.

"I'll organize something. It won't be much, but it'll be yours".

Arthur smiled. The words that came next, seemed strange in his mouth.

"Thank you.... Father".