*Cling* *Cling* *Cling*
On the training grounds of Lin Mansion, Allen and Lin Xue are engaged in a high-speed battle. While the latter isn't holding back even in using Ether Energy or skills, Allen was calmly dealing with her without a change in his expression. His movements are also very precise.
No matter what kind of attack she throws in, Allen would either dodge or block it with the heavy sword.
This made the lady a bit frustrated. She wanted to say to him to go all out but how could she demand when she never gets into an advantageous position even for once.
One more thing she realized is Allen's stamina. In three hours of sparring, never once did Allen ask for a break and neither does his moves became sluggish as if he had infinite stamina. It was more to do with the sun that constantly replenishes his stamina and make him at his best at every moment.
Not so far away from the sparring platform, underneath the parasol, Mark looked like he was having the time of his life.
Surrounded by beautiful maids, he was leaning on his back and reading a book. A maid is fanning him, one stands beside with wine, one is feeding him fruits like grapes and such once in a while, and the other is acting as a commentator, telling him the details.
However, in reality, Mark was extremely comfortable with the presence of the ladies around him who seemed to be attracted towards his appearance. If not for the book that is calming his mind, Mark would only have one choice left, which is to send them away.
In the past life, Mark fell into the trap and was kidnapped by Mafia because of a lady.
So, he will be extra cautious when facing a woman who gives flirtatious gazes. Not to mention, he is in Lin Clan, which is close to Song Clan that he demolished, not so long ago.
Moreover, he can't understand why he's being treated like royalty either. Is there a trap? Mark continued to keep his inventory open so that he can summon it and escape at any moment.
Meanwhile, the soldiers stationed in the compound were on high alert. After all, the person lying nearby them is the rumored person that heavily injured Song Yun, who was revealed to be a 6-circle realm mage.
Unknown to everyone, there were three more people hidden within the premises, keeping an eye on Mark. Yao Ling's eyes are constantly darting towards left and right, watching the battle and then Mark. Like Lin Xue, he was also surprised by Allen's sheer stamina, which seems to rival his own.
By 11, the sparring is finished. Mark and Allen were sent back in a horse carriage.
*Ting!*
The sword fell from her shivering hands. Sparks of electricity were dancing all over Lin Xue's body before they disappeared as she collapsed onto the dueling platform.
Her clothes were completely drenched in sweat and she was taking heavy breaths. Despite not gaining an advantage even for once, there was a huge smile on her face. "I have sparred Swordmasters many times in my 23 years of life but never felt so satisfying."
Usually, a smile was very rare on Lin Xue's face. She mostly has this cold expression all the time.
But, seeing her smile twice within just a single day, Yao Ling couldn't help but feel suspicious.
He knew that Lin Xue was probably the biggest sword addict he had seen in his life but at the same time, he also knew that she prefer a handsome guy as her future husband. She was still young and is at a marriageable age. On the other hand, Allen is strong and also probably the most handsome fellow in the Imperial city.
Spotless clear skin, aquamarine eyes, unique angular fringe hairstyle, golden ratio face, body with perfect proportions, everything about Allen is too perfect, except for his stoned expression. At the same time, there's Mark too who was also equally handsome and has this unique charm of attracting ladies with a smile. The best example is how the maids even fought over themselves to serve him, a mere commoner.
He decided to inform the minister of personnel, not intending to take a chance.
By noon, Mark and Allen to their home. Considering its lunchtime, Mark didn't open the store right away. He opened at around 1. Three successful transactions took place for the rest of the day.
He closed down the store late at 10 p.m. and slept right away after having dinner, putting aside the Daily Quests to hunt down the monsters. Still, he managed to complete the rest of the three daily quests, earning 30 credits. So, he was satisfied with it.
Twelve days passed away in a blink of an eye.
Mark opened the store at 7 a.m., a bit early than usual compared to before he made deal with Lin Xue.
Maybe, he did the right thing as within two hours of opening, a total of twelve transactions took place, although only single-shot pistols and bullets were sold.
Of course, there were reasons for it too.
One, the damage of a bullet shot from a Single-shot pistol is the same as the one-shot from a Semi-Automatic Pistol. The only difference is the rounds.
Two, most people who bought them weren't sure about buying an ungraded weapon at such exorbitant prices. Even minor nobles and well-off individuals hesitate to buy them.
Thirdly, the bullets were expendable and can't even be retrieved like arrows after firing them. So, a customer has to keep coming to the store to buy them. A commoner with a poor income cannot afford it.
But, still, it is the best weapon for those who don't possess Ether Energy. With the store's fame spread all over the city, mainly due to Song Clan's incident and Lin Clan's protection, the number of customers increased gradually along with the regulars who are wealthy businessmen.
Mark was happy with the progress. But, there's another issue that arose along with the fame. He attracted the attention of several wealthy individuals who wished to know the process behind the manufacturing of these modern weapons.
Mark would tell them that it's confidential and the suppression in the store and his rumored relationship with the Lin Clan protects him from others making their move.
***
Jin province, Eastern Yan, Phoenix Empire, Vermillion Bird Continent;
Lying in the eastern part of the Empire, bordering the Vast Ocean, Jin province is a land filled with beautiful landscapes. It was also called the land of hundred lakes.
With good quality of soil, an abundant amount of water, the majority of the natives were farmers and depend on agriculture.
The people were living without any issues, until one day, a red portal appeared out of thin air.
Dungeon portals existed all over the world from the beginning of time. But, they are not great in number as the spirit warriors usually enter these Dungeons in search of treasures or hunt the monsters.
However, the Phoenix Empire is another case. They have Bloodhill forest to venture on to search for ether crystals or to hunt the monsters. Considering how the dungeons have a horde of monsters, most of the spirit warriors, especially those living in the northern part of the Empire prefer the forest that has barriers.
Those who wanted to risk their lives… nothing can be done about them.
But, there comes a time like this when the spirit warriors were forced to go to the destination where the dungeon is located. It was when the portal turns red or a red portal appears.
A red Dungeon portal signified only one thing. It is the Dungeon Break where all the beasts will escape the dungeon and go on a rampage.
Due to the enormous corruptive energy released by the Red Portal, the temperature rose in the lands nearby, the rivers and lakes started to become dry, the soil becomes infertile. The more the land is affected, the more it is nearing the time of the Dungeon break.
Jin Clan didn't waste time in sending the troops to guard the dungeon and at the same time, a letter was sent to the Imperial palace and remaining noble families, guilds, and sects.
With a troop of hundred lead by a buffed man reached the place. One look at his man in exquisite armor, people would get the feeling of bowing to him in respect.
He who almost has the bearings of an Emperor, the General of the South, Second Prince, Shang Wen arrived at the Portal without bothering to go Jin Manor and rest.
He was serious while staring at the cracks developed on the portal.
"How many days, Brother Meng?" The second prince asked a question.
Jin Clan's representative answered with a grimaced look, "At best, seven days, Your Highness. But, the first attack by the lower realm beasts will probably start in four days. Estimating the size of the portal, the Dungeon Overlord will be at 7-circle realm."
"7-circle realm, eh?"
