Garakil (2)

The young man was a contact from the Artisan Palace that Shui was informed of through the information he was given at the Silver City branch. The Palace wasn't nearly as well-known in other regions as it was in the five-city region, but it was at the stage of gaining fame.

"Does the Palace own this property?"

"Not officially. We've begun spreading our influence in this region, but Garakil is particularly strict on regulating its real estate. We estimate that it will take at least a year to set up a branch, but plans are in place to expedite that process."

"That would be good. There's likely no better place in the Alterna Kingdom for subdragon materials. How's your information network?"

"We still haven't infiltrated the upper echelon, but as long as word makes it outside of their walls, we can find it out."

"Good. Get me as much information as you can about the current state of Scaly Canyon and on anyone in the city that may be after me."

"You may consider it done after three days at the latest. Shall I recommend an inn or hotel?"

"Sure."

Night was almost upon the city, so Shui didn't waste much time heading to the inn that the young man recommended. A hotel would have been better if he wanted to cultivate or craft something in his spare time, but in Scaly Canyon resided beings that even he had to be careful of, so he wanted to maintain his peak condition. Shui didn't plan to fight any of these beings since such a confrontation would inevitably draw attention, but if the opportunity presented itself, he wouldn't run from it.

Prior to Shui's arrival, core disciples from Maiden Academy and the Lava Stream Sect had also entered Garakil. The disciples from Maiden Academy were there because they were on an official mission, but the details were different for Lava Stream Sect. They were told to search for someone inside the city because they had offended a pampered young master in the sect. This person was from Storm Sky Manor, so though the reason behind their orders was petty, they didn't mind it too much. Still, staying in the city without even a glimpse of their target was starting to make them jittery.

"Damn it! We've been here for almost two weeks now!"

Of the two core disciples, the young man with violent red hair slammed his mug on the table. They were in a tavern that served alcohol that was effective for Earth Realm cultivators, so the furniture was built to resist basically any casual attack from him. Despite the atmosphere being the same as any tavern, the drinks were pretty expensive, but their expenses were being covered, so they didn't need to worry.

"Shut up already. It's not like you had anything else doing."

The young man across from him had plain black hair, but in terms of having a bad temper, he was even worse. He just didn't seem like it because he had already relieved some stress before coming to drink. He had to restrain himself in Garakil, but there was no one to interfere with his twisted hobbies in Scaly Canyon.

"Don't act like you're not upset too, Jali. You took almost twice as long as usual to finish that guy off."

"And I didn't tell you to follow me, did I, Harol? If you got so much of a problem, then head back to the sect. Just don't blame me when you get yourself killed."

Harol clicked his tongue but didn't refute his partner. While the two continued to drink, Harol suddenly noticed a folded paper note on the table as he was about to rest his mug.

"Huh? Where did this come from?"

He knew it wasn't there before, but the note was certainly there now. Jali also hadn't noticed when it appeared, but he shared the suspicion of his comrade. Both of them scanned the note with their spiritual senses and found nothing special about it. With a nod of agreement from Jali, Harol carefully opened it and showed surprise once he read what was written.

"Jali, look at this!"

Jali immediately took the note that Harol handed him, and a smirk arose on his face soon after.

"Looks like our vacation is finally over."

The two looked at the note with anticipation, unaware of the delicate figure that silently slipped out of the tavern.

As he waited to receive word from Artisan Palace, Shui meditated inside the room of the inn he was staying in. Though he didn't want to exert himself ahead of his mission into Scaly Canyon, spending his time casually didn't feel right either, so Shui decided to work on his soul cultivation. There was little hope of making further progress, but he could still refine his control over his soul. For the purpose of training, he carefully spread his spiritual sense throughout the city while ensuring that his surveillance wasn't detected. 

There were hidden experts that he couldn't sense upon first entering the city, but by using the Sage God Eyes, Shui was able to determine that the strongest person in Garakil had reached the peak of the Master Realm, but their vitality was like a trembling ember, so they likely wouldn't react to any minor stimuli. 

As he stretched his spiritual sense outward like tendrils digging into the city, Shui felt like he was forming a connection to the land. Every step taken and every sound made was transmitted to him as if his body had become one with the city. Maintaining this state not only required extreme focus but also a steady heart, as the slightest fluctuation could alert someone to his spying. Nonetheless, there were additional benefits to this training besides improving his control.

"Is everything in order?"

"It shouldn't take more than a few days."

"We'll get him as soon as he gets into the canyon."

"Good. The administration will be knees deep in trouble once we pull this off, which means the surveillance on the canyon will weaken."

"Perfect for us to make a profit."

"But are you sure we'll be alright?"

"Of course. By the time they realise, we'll be long gone."

"Yes, Mistress. Everything is under control."

"Those damn lizards won't be the only things in heat. Kukuku!"

"Then we'll do it like this..."

Among the many conversations happening within the city, there were a few that caught Shui's attention. He made sure not to get too invested while noting them down.

'I'm not sure if this is part of why they sent me here, but it seems this mission will be more dangerous than even I imagined.'