The Sand-scale city already sent their soldiers to check out the occurrence in the Sand-scale forest led by the deputy chief and ninth division commander of their force, Salza Marble. He was the closest link they had with the forest.
Though the forest spread wide to some parts of the north and south extents of the city, the report they heard was that the changes begun at the east before it spread widely to the north and south simultaneously thereby covering the entire forest.
It was also reported that it went beyond the walls of the east going further east of the city. All in all, it covered a large expanse…
The city's soldiers were not the only group who had left to survey and search the forest seeking information pertaining to the occurrence. A blood red gas-like energy covering an entire forest and even going beyond it, covering outside the city wall!
They surely won't miss it.
It must be something worth checking. Who knows if it was a good thing or something unfortunate, but as cultivators they have to take risks and that's also the reason they are alive and strong today.
Such occurrence appeared once in a while and people who went seeking opportunity came back with good news while others met bad fate. Even if they didn't get the real thing something must come out from this.
It could be plants mutating or pristine herbs, any of this would mean great for any sect, family, or faction.
_______
Five minutes after the phenomenon…
The Shaffa clan of the Sand-scale city was a clan who entirely devoted themselves to alchemy. They made and had the best alchemy product in the entire city. They were renowned and respected for their conducts.
Hardly does any of the members of the clan dive into other subjects even when they have a higher talent in that subject. The clan simply does not allow such act, and anyone found connected to other subjects except alchemy would be disowned and banned from the clan.
Although this case was relatively small since most members of the clan has high talent in alchemy which by itself was a lucrative business, it does happen.
In a lofty courtyard, encased in the smell of distinct plants and herbs with different scents and glow in the atmosphere. It was extremely pleasing and comfortable. In its open space was a large table.
A fashioned chair was in the corner and adjacent it was other chairs arranged neatly.
On the head chair was seated an aged man with a small table facing the others, his face was extremely refined and devoid of wrinkles as if it was brand new, but his aged aura could still be sensed!
He was the current family head of the clan, Iman Shaffa.
Iman Shaffa looked out to the around 6 men seated on the chairs out of the ten total chairs.
"You've heard of the strange occurrence in our city's forest?" Iman asked with a sinister smile.
"Certainly, clan head." said a man in the front who was on the right of the clan head. He is also the first elder of the clan.
"Elder Shan, sorry to say this but we wouldn't trouble you with such trivial work. And your vigil physique isn't meant for this. It would be a waste of your valued time!" Iman pleaded with the first elder.
The first elder was too old for this task. Him leaving with a group won't necessarily be a problem but also giving the juniors some work would be the best interest of the clan.
The first elder, Shan Shaffa, nodded in understanding after considering some things. If he had insisted the clan head wound have agreed but considering the clan's head point of view, it seem he had to leave the exploration work to the juniors from now onward.
Iman was satisfied the first elder retracted without much discussion. The first elder, and the grand elder were the most reasonable of all. He looked around the others seated and said,
"Balin Shaffa." Iman called out.
"Yes, clan head!" a dark-skinned young man full of vigor answered the call. His voice full of enthusiasm. He was clad in silver robes, reaching the ground. His eyes were sharp and currently shining like the sun.
"Hukk!' the clan head chuckled before he said, "After much consideration and accessing your previous achievements and also being the first elder's direct disciple, we named you as the overall head of the group going for the expenditure."
"Balin is honored!" Balin said, his voice a little straight. It looked as if it would lose its profoundness any minute, so he quickly followed,
"Balin would go immediately with the group and clan master should rest assure for good news. We wouldn't fail you."
"Hmmph!" Iman snorted outwardly but he was immensely pleased. He loved Balin's attitude as that is sometimes good in the cultivation world. Being proud and bumpy all the time might get one closer to the grave.
It's good to be arrogant as a genius, but arrogance also has their grade. He just wanted to impress the first elder whose skills was best used with the cauldron.
"Alright, you can go. Be good while away. There are many experts in the world and in this city so, you should be very careful." the clam head instructed before he added, "We awaits your good tiding."
"I will obey, clan head." Balin said and immediately left.
Before he could leave the courtyards doors though he was stopped by a deep voice, "Wait for me before you depart. I have some things for you."
Balin immediately stopped and looked at his master seated at the front sit. "Yes!" he replied, his voice extremely earnest and instantly left.
The clan head smiled, 'having a promising disciple sure makes you proud' he thought in bitterness.
They discussed some miscellaneous matters and the meeting was adjourned.
Balin Shaffa was the most promising of the youths in the clan, being only 17 and also the son of the grand elder.
The clan head offsprings were only so-so compared to Balin except one, being graded as a little beneath Balin, but that's also an issue of dispute in the clan. Anyway, he loved his children very well most especially his talented daughter.
Balin Shaffa came out of the courtyard while his earnest facade was directly replaced with an arrogant and evil smile.
Even his master couldn't discern his expression not to talk of the clan's head. Only his parents he could tell knew his true emotions. He'd been practicing well, he commended.
Using righteous mode to uplift one's fame would be cumulatively slow and cumbersome in this world hence, he used one of the other means available—deceit. 'This is also a righteous means provided the other is gullible and dull' different thoughts rushed into his mind incessantly…
"Sir Balin." a woman called. She was the elected leader of the warrior group. They were already told beforehand that they would follow Balin and his crew. She didn't like it at all and protested but was only left with deaf ears.
The Shaffa alchemy clan do not produce warriors, so they have to hire city guards or soldiers from the city lord's army. Since they weren't warriors themselves, they have to protect the clan and treasures one way or another.
With their bustling and increasing reputation day by day, the city lord was auspiciously motivated to 'help'. Of course, the Shaffa clan would pay for their service.
Alchemy knowledge was never to anyone a distaste. Even if one can't learn them, they might as well sell or give it to others and benefit thus.
Alchemy product of the same or higher grade could also be bought outside the city wall. However, the surrounding cities and towns are mostly of lower or same grades with the city.
The higher grades were far away from the city…
"Shiva, nice meeting you again. Especially within shorter time frame than estimated!" Balin laughed slightly then followed with a lecherous smile.
Shiva scowled, "It's really unfortunate meeting you so soon." she voiced out with obvious distaste.
Balin doesn't mind though, "Alright. I see you don't want to continue this, and I also wants to see that usual face of yours. Now, let's go. There is no time for dallying." Balin said with a slight grin and instantly reached out for her wrist.
Poww!
Without warning, Balin was immediately sent flying as he met the courtyards door behind.
The elders were already there. One of them reaching for the middle door when this followed…
With that sound, the elders passed through the middle door and came out one after the other only to see their most promising junior on the ground, writhing in pain.
They looked ahead and they could only sigh. He'd truly outdone himself!
The young junior disrespected the city chief's daughter. That's the business for the kids to settle. They could only leave with a sigh and a head, moving slightly left and right!