The couple arrived at a small building with a banner reading 'Runehand's Array Hall'.
Justin assumed their number would be low, given the poor state of this continent.
However, their numbers suppressed his expectations. There was a board with information regarding the masters and their availability.
'Guess we will have a deal!' He thought, intending to hide a few of the best.
There were fifty, a small number in general, but a high one for a small city like this.
Justin walked to the reception desk and said, "Please bring me the best ones available."
"The ones you are requesting charge Jades at minimum, are you sure?" The worker responded.
Justin said, "We don't lack riches.", retrieving ten jades and placing them on the desk.
"We seek ones experienced with illusions, defense, pressure, and maintenance." He continued, making it clear.
"Please allow me a moment, I will bring them here." The worker nodded before taking the stairs to the second floor.
He returned with ten more, some of them being old and some being middle-aged.
The hall's master stepped forward, cupping his hands.
He was surprisingly a young man, standing out from the rest.
His facial features were sharp, and his hair was a mix of deep orange and shimmering red. He wore a fancy black robe, matching his status.
"My name is Alaric Starthorne. It is an honor to meet you, esteemed guest!"
Justin smiled, nodding his head. He responded lazily, "Likewise," muttering a single word.
"Please come along," Alaric said, guiding Justin and Amelia to the guest room.
He knew they belonged to the Azure Sword Sect since Amelia's outfit gave it away.
They took their seats, then Justin began explaining directly, laying out his requirements and requests.
Besides the formations, he made it clear he needed the highest quality.
Alaric frowned, "The higher the quality, the more resources the formation will consume.", responding to Justin's statement.
It was either that way, or cultivators would be forced to support with their own Qi.
"We don't lack resources either, will this surface?" Justin responded, placing five spirit diamonds on the table.
He knew these items contained vast amounts of Qi, making them very suitable.
Alaric picked the diamonds, inspecting them carefully.
"Yes, those work. However, they will require some automation because they won't last more than ten years."
He spoke, knowing ten years were plenty to mortals, but not to cultivators, at least.
Justin nodded, "Of course, do what's needed and you shall be paid in kind.", flaunting his wealth.
"I understand. When shall we start working?"
"Once the sect is back to its normal state, I will return to find you by then," Justin answered the question before standing up.
He wondered why Amelia remained silent through the whole exchange, then he understood the moment they left.
"Just how rich are you?" She questioned, no longer hiding her shock or surprise.
Justin grinned, "Enough to rip the world of its colours."
"What? Why would you do that?" She asked, acting very serious.
He said it, intending to relay something beyond her imagination.
But unfortunately, she understood the metaphor, making it awkward for him.
"Of course I wouldn't, it's only an example." He explained, shrugging as shoulder as they continued on their way.
"But would you do it if...?" She asked, only to get cut off.
He understood what she meant, giving her no chance to continue.
"I would do worse, dear." His response caused her heart to beat faster and louder as she lowered her head in embarrassment.
His answer was fine, but 'dear' was not quite expected.
Both remained silent until they arrived at the Varalis family.
The guards respectfully led them inside, announcing Justin's arrival to the patriarch.
They chatted for a few minutes about the profit and the obstacles Daniel faced while doing the deed.
Once everything was decided, they returned to the sect.
"How about you come over? It will be better than staying the night in the core zone."
Because Amelia's residence was destroyed, Justin invited her to join him.
She shook her head, refusing politely, "I'd rather not annoy you."
But Justin didn't give up, "No, it will be completely fine, and how could I allow that?!" he said.
His words and the way he insisted made her feel shy, causing her to ask an unexpected question.
"Do you guarantee my safety? Even from yourself?"
Justin frowned, thinking it was logical for her to have those thoughts.
He was extremely strong, far beyond her reach.
If he wanted to do anything, she knew she stood no chance.
Although he had no intentions of doing such a thing, he wanted to score.
Justin responded, "If anything, it wouldn't be dual cultivation.", believing the way cultivators did it was boring.
"But if it makes you comfortable, then I shall make an oath to heaven." He continued, pausing for a few seconds.
Amelia shouted, "Nooo," attempting to stop him, only for him to ignore her completely.
"I, Justin Valemond, swear before the heavens to never hurt you—if I break this vow, may lightning strike me and perish my soul!
The invocation caused the world around them to tremble lightly, sealing the deal.
Finally, Amelia gave in and agreed.
Meanwhile, Justin breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his effort was not in vain.
Logically, there was no place for her since the residence was merely a small room containing one bed and a few furniture.
But none of them slept, so it was fine.
As for the bed, it was kept for something else later.
"Feel free to do whatever you want, I won't disturb you." Justin waved his hands, taking a seat nearby.
He opened his status windows, hoping he was close to breaking through.
{Wealth & Chaos System}
[Status]
—Info—
Name: Justin Valemond
Title: Chaos Adept [323/500]
Physque: Chaos Charged (+450 Elemental Resistance)
Cultivation: Core Forging (7/19) | Experience: 106,100/125,000
Health: 2150/2915
Spiritual Energy: 84,360/112,000
Remaining Lifespan: 5180/5200
Chaos Charges: 107,930