Divine Beast Ascension

Chapter 484: To Forell City

Oli and Fulkar glanced at each other before shaking their heads.

“In that case, let’s head out!” Zelsh beamed as he led the two young cultivators away. They didn’t explain anything to the others, apart from saying they’d be back before morning. While walking through the city streets, Zelsh asked, “So, what made you agree to such an offer?”

“Well, if Oliver can earn your respect and become your secret pupil, then wouldn’t that mean he actually comes from some hidden power?” reasoned Fulkar, not saying any specific details while in public. “When my family first saw Oliver and what he was capable of, we dig some digging. Well, we tried. But we only heard about a general story of him being raised by dead, nomadic parents. While that’s possible, it’s hard to believe after considering the few things I’ve learned about him during this trip.”

Zelsh nodded slowly. “True... You were always an astute one, I’ll give you that. And considering you barely lost to Trantor in my qualifier, I’d say you’re more than just a great prospect...

“But don’t think your natural talent alone is strong enough to warrant getting such a deal from Oliver,” added Zelsh, startling the youth. “There are many factors that will be considered in this. That’s why we need to speak with your dad and verify a few things. But I’ll admit, such a deal isn’t outside of our expectations.”

“Really?” Oli chuckled after hearing that.

Nodding, Zelsh continued, “Yup, but I wasn’t the one to guess it. Hurman was.”

.....

Both Oli and Fulkar were surprised to hear that, each for their own reasons.

“Don’t forget, Hurman can be considered a prodigy that just chose a difficult path. He was stuck at the elder realm for decades. But in a matter of a few years, Hurman has formed a divine core and become a mid-perennial.”

“WHAT?!” blurted Oli.

Zelsh continued, “Despite what you would guess, Hurman and Fulkar’s father are long-time friends. They just don’t meet up very often due to their own schedules, duties, and constant secluded cultivations. That’s the true reason the Libarn branch family had to hide their debt and secret dealings. Because the moment their family head might learn about it, Fulkar’s father would’ve stepped in to discuss a reasonable plan of solution while dispatching those responsible.

“That’s also the biggest reason why Iron Territory and Forell Territory have gotten along so well. The moment Hurman became a perennial, Libarn was finally allowed to become official allies of the Practor Family as perennial clans of equal standing. That’s how Trenk Forell was given permission to train abroad in Iron Town without yet getting engaged to the Practor Family,” explained Zelsh.

“Wait, Libarn and Practor are allies now?” Oli looked to Fulkar for an answer.

Fulkar nodded without hesitation. “Yeah. That happened two years ago, so I didn’t think it was a big deal to mention.”

“Oh... That does change things...” Oli sighed.

Zelsh added, “That’s why I’ll be joining you for the discussion. Because Oliver’s been secluded for more than two years and doesn’t know any recent events. He got out of seclusion the same day we came here.”

“Seriously?” It was Fulkar’s turn to be surprised. “I didn’t know that... That’s some dedication.”

“Either way, this will be a fun discussion. I haven’t seen your old man since... Hurman beat him out of the prefecture qualifier so long ago.”

Fulkar didn’t give a verbal response but his shocked face said enough. Oli noticed that expression and asked, “Is Hurman allowed to be a part of this discussion?”

“Sure. If that’s what you want, Oliver,” Zelsh replied.

Now Fulkar was even more shocked. Right away, Fulkar realized that Oli and Zelsh didn’t have just a master-pupil relationship. From Fulkar’s perspective, it now seemed like they were talking as equals.

“Don’t get too surprised just yet,” chuckled Zelsh. “If you’re caught off guard by this, then you’ll get lost during the actual discussion.”

They continued to banter and chat until they reached Permafrost Palace. There, they kept quiet until they quickly used the teleportation circle.

As Zelsh arrived back in Bore Palace, the nearby guards were caught by surprise. But Zelsh just smiled and waved. “Send someone to Iron Town immediately. Inform Patriarch Hurman Practor that he’s needed at the Libarn Residence in Forell City, where we’ll be headed momentarily.”

“Yes, sir, King Zelsh!” The guard saluted and scurried away to find a messenger.

Without another word, Zelsh reactivated the teleportation circle to send them away to Forell City, formerly known as Trighton City. The group arrived in seconds and was immediately offered an escort to the territory leader’s mansion. But Zelsh waved them off and said he has business with Libarn, pointing at Fulkar.

They left the teleportation formation and made their way out of the newly named Forell Institute. Then, the group quietly walked through the city. Hardly anyone recognized Zelsh due to his constant low profile outside of Bore City and formal events. And no one remembered Oli’s face after seeing him only once years ago. It was Fulkar that drew the attention of people in the street, but everyone knew to only wave at best.

All three of them soon reached the front doors of the Libarn residence. They didn’t even knock as the guards recognized Fulkar and let them through without reservation. Fulkar then led them to a corner house of the residence. There, Fulkar knocked. “Father, it’s me and King Zelsh.”

“Well, don’t just stand there. Come in already!” a voice shouted from inside with a hint of surprise and laughter.

As Fulkar opened the door, Zelsh ducked under the door trim as he and Oli stepped into a plain-looking entryway. The same voice shouted back, “Fulkar, take them to the dining area so they can sit.”

Oli was stunned by how simple everything was. Unlike the rest of the Libarn residence that showed at least some kind of wealth and noble decoration, the patriarch’s house was shockingly... cheap. Only the simplest of decorations were on the walls or shelves as they walked through the house. After going through the entryway they crossed through a small lounge-esque area and reached the larger dining area. Though the table was plain, it was large enough and strong enough to seat the guests with ease.