Contracts and Cultivation

"Indeed, it did, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "The Zenith Bloom Elixir is more than just a cosmetic treatment; it's a testament to the power of alchemy."

Valerius turned away from the mirror, his gaze fixed on Sun-woo. The initial shock had faded, replaced by a calculating look. "Your elixir is impressive, Sect Master," he conceded.

"More impressive than I initially believed. However, I am a pragmatic man. I see the potential for a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"I anticipated as much, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo replied, remaining composed.

"I propose a partnership," Valerius stated, his voice firm. "Azurebloom will become the exclusive distributor of the Zenith Bloom Elixir. In return, I will offer you the city's full protection and support. I will ensure access to resources, ingredients, and any assistance you require to expand your operations."

"Exclusive distribution?" Sun-woo echoed, his expression carefully neutral.

"Within Azurebloom, yes," Valerius clarified. "You are free to distribute elsewhere as you see fit. But within my city, I wish to control the flow of this… remarkable product. Consider it a safeguard, Sect Master. A guarantee that this elixir will not fall into the wrong hands."

"And the terms of this partnership?" Sun-woo inquired, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"A fair split of the profits," Valerius replied. "Fifty percent to your sect, fifty percent to the city. And, of course, a formal agreement, binding both parties to these terms."

Sun-woo considered the offer, his mind racing. It was a tempting proposition. The city's backing would be invaluable, providing security and resources that his sect could only dream of. But exclusive distribution within Azurebloom… that was a significant concession.

"I appreciate your offer, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo said, his voice measured. "It is… generous. However, I do have one condition."

Valerius raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "A condition?"

"Indeed," Sun-woo confirmed. "I have a partner in this venture, a skilled alchemist named Alaric. He has been instrumental in the distribution of the Zenith Bloom Elixir. I would request that his shop be included as an official distribution channel within Azurebloom."

Valerius leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "A partner," he mused. "And you value this partnership?"

"Greatly," Sun-woo replied, his tone firm. "Alaric's expertise and loyalty are invaluable to me. I would not enter into any agreement that excluded him."

Valerius considered Sun-woo's request, his mind assessing the implications. Including Alaric's shop would mean sharing a portion of the profits with another entity, reducing the city's potential gains. However, it would also demonstrate a gesture of goodwill towards Sun-woo, solidifying their partnership.

"Very well," Valerius said, his voice decisive. "I will agree to your condition. Alaric's shop will be included as an official distribution channel. However, I expect him to adhere to the same terms and conditions as your sect. He will be subject to the same regulations and oversight."

"That is acceptable," Sun-woo replied, his smile widening slightly. "I appreciate your understanding, Lord Valerius."

"Consider it an investment, Sect Master," Valerius said, his gaze steady. "An investment in a mutually beneficial partnership."

"Indeed," Sun-woo agreed. "A partnership that I believe will be… fruitful for both of us."

Valerius nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Then we have an agreement, Sect Master Sun-woo. I will have my scribes draft a formal contract, outlining the terms and conditions of our partnership. I trust you will review it carefully before signing."

"Of course, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo replied. "I look forward to a long and prosperous collaboration."

He rose from his chair, bowing slightly. "Thank you for your time, Lord Valerius. I will be in touch soon."

Valerius nodded, his expression unreadable. "Until then, Sect Master."

Sun-woo turned and left the office, his mind buzzing with the implications of their agreement. He had secured the city's backing, ensuring the continued success of the Zenith Bloom Elixir. And he had done so without compromising his loyalty to Alaric. He had played his cards well, navigating the delicate dance of negotiation with skill and finesse.

He walked out of the city lord's office, his steps confident and purposeful. He had a sect to build, and a future to shape.

The Zenith Bloom Elixir was just the beginning.

----

Sun-woo, now secure in his alliance with Lord Valerius, turned his attention to his own cultivation. The agreement had solidified his position in Azurebloom, but he knew that true power lay in personal strength. He needed to bridge the gap between his current state and the Awakening Sprout stage. He observed his own physical condition.

Thanks to his disciples' diligent practice of the Stone Skin Weave technique, his skin was remarkably resilient, far surpassing that of an average cultivator. Yet, despite their rigorous training and the steady accumulation of Qi, he remained stubbornly rooted in his current, unranked state.

He consulted the system, seeking clarification. "System, why have I not yet reached the Awakening Sprout stage? My Qi reserves should be sufficient."

The system's response was concise and revealing.

[Host's unique status as system host requires significantly greater energy accumulation for rank advancement. This is to ensure unrivaled power within each rank and the ability to challenge higher-ranked cultivators.]

[Currently, Host is unrivaled within his present level, but Awakening Sprouts pose a significant threat. Equipping a combat technique will enable Host to effectively counter Awakening Sprouts.]

Sun-woo understood. He wasn't bound by the standard limitations of cultivation. He was forging his own path, one that demanded greater effort but promised greater rewards. He was, in essence, building a foundation that would allow him to surpass his peers.

He decided to focus on acquiring a powerful combat technique, one that would suit his analytical and programming-like nature. He accessed the system's martial arts library, scrolling through the vast array of options.

He searched for a technique that would complement his already formidable physical resilience and allow him to channel his Qi effectively, a technique that felt almost… algorithmic.

He found it: the "Qi Pattern Analysis Strike." It was a complex technique that involved analyzing an opponent's Qi flow, identifying weaknesses in their defenses, and delivering precise, targeted strikes.

The technique emphasized precision, efficiency, and adaptability, perfectly suited to Sun-woo's analytical mind. However, unlike pure data analysis, this technique required a keen observation of the physical body.

He could only analyze an opponent's Qi flow by observing every minute twitch of their muscles, every subtle shift in their posture, every flicker in their eyes. He needed to see the physical manifestation of their Qi.

He purchased the technique with his accumulated Aetherium Points, and immediately began to study its principles. He visualized the Qi flow, the patterns of movement, the precise timing and execution.

He practiced the stances, the footwork, the strikes, each movement becoming more fluid and precise. He focused on sharpening his senses, training his eyes to perceive the smallest details, the faintest tremors.

He spent hours in his secluded training area, honing his skills, pushing his mind and body to their limits. He practiced the Qi Pattern Analysis Strike against training dummies, visualizing their internal Qi flow, interpreting the subtle movements of their simulated muscles, and delivering targeted strikes. He felt the Qi flowing through his body, not as raw power, but as a precise, calculated force, guided by his analytical mind and sharpened senses.

With each strike, he felt himself growing stronger, more confident. He felt the gap between himself and the Awakening Sprout stage narrowing.

The promise of unrivaled power drawing ever closer.