SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

"Girl, first answer my question. Why are you acting so close to me? Do you need any help?" Kent asked with a questioning look.

"Big brother, how can you be so direct? First, we will visit a good place to eat. I will answer all your questions while eating. Let\'s go." Tata Lan turned around to lead the way.

"Wait..." Kent tried to stop the lady as he felt there might be some misunderstanding. But Fatty stopped him with a wide smile.

"Master, that little girl seems a bit dumb. Let her treat us with good meal. We can explain things later. Besides we are also super hungry." Fatty replied with a sheepish smile.

"Big brother, what are you waiting for? Come fast." Tata Lan called again.

With a sigh Kent took a step forward as he decided to see what\'s the chubby lady wants to say. With a wide grin Fatty followed. As the chubby girl said it\'s her treat, Fatty is rubbing his palms in anticipation.

In a small, dimly lit room atop the Sun Stone Tower, the air was thick with the scent of rare, aromatic wine. The old wizard, who had presided over the auction with an air of authority, now sat before a smooth stone table, pouring the wine into two delicate glasses.

Across from him, his granddaughter Jia, the enchanting auctioneer, sat gracefully, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and caution towards the third person in that room.

Opposite the old man, Peak Master Porus sat in shadow, his face obscured by a mask and cloak, his posture tense and serious. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding an air of intrigue to the already tense atmosphere.

"Porus," the old wizard began, his voice gravelly and laden with significance, "on account of your brother Fist Magus, who sacrificed his life for the Wizard Association, I\'m willing to help you this time." He slid a glass of wine towards Porus, who accepted it with a nod. "But in return, I need a small favor from you."

Porus\'s eyes narrowed slightly behind his mask. He took a cautious sip of the wine, its rich aroma filling his senses. "What kind of favor?" he asked in a low voice.

The old wizard leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. "Is that fellow named Kent your disciple, right?"

Porus nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, Kent is my disciple," he confirmed, wondering what the old man might be plotting.

"In exchange for this crucial information, your disciple must obey my granddaughter Jia if she requires any assistance inside the inheritance ground."

Jia\'s eyes flicked to Porus, her expression unreadable. The old wizard continued to stare at Porus, his eyes serious and unyielding.

Porus took another sip of the wine, considering the proposition. "And what exactly will you provide in return, old master?" he asked, his voice steady but edged with suspicion.

The old wizard\'s lips curled into a faint smile. "I will release the news about the inheritance ground," he said, his tone confident and commanding. "Information that could give Kent an advantage, and ensure he is well-prepared for what lies ahead."

Porus weighed the offer carefully. He knew the value of the information the old wizard held. If it could help Kent navigate the inheritance ground more effectively, it might be worth the risk. But the idea of placing Kent under someone else\'s command was unsettling.

After a long pause, Porus nodded. "Very well, Kent will assist Jia if she requires help. But remember, if any harm comes to him because of this, our agreement will be void."

The old wizard\'s smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Agreed."

As the two men stared each other down, Jia, sitting silently, watched her grandfather with a puzzled expression. She couldn\'t fathom why she might need Kent\'s help inside the inheritance ground, a place she had always assumed she would navigate alone.

The old wizard broke the silence, reaching into his storage ring and producing a small wooden box. He placed it gently on the table, its presence commanding attention. "Porus, this time, the inheritance ground belongs to the God of Storm."

Porus\'s eyes widened slightly, but he maintained his composure as the old wizard continued. "There is a chance to receive the Elemental Dao of Lightning, Wind, and Water. Along with these, there might be rare treasures we have never seen before, as the God of Storm inheritance is appearing on our Blue Planet for the first time.

However, the dangers will be devastating. The last time the God of Storm inheritance ground opened, it was on the distant 7th Realm. Only one person, a lady, survived."

Jia\'s eyes widened at this revelation. Porus leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Do you know anything more?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The old wizard nodded. "Every time the God of Storm inheritance ground has appeared, the inheritance of the Lust Goddess has appeared simultaneously, hidden somewhere deep within.

This is why I\'m asking your disciple to aid my granddaughter. The dangers are not only from the God of Storm challenges but also from the seductive illusions and unlawful desires that the Lust Goddess\'s inheritance might evoke."

He opened the small wooden box, revealing a single, gleaming pill nestled within. "This is a mind-calming pill," he explained. "It will help him in case he encounters any of the Lust Goddess\'s illusions. Make sure he keeps it close."

Porus reached out, accepting the box with a nod. The gravity of the situation was clear in his eyes. "I understand," he said solemnly. "Kent will be prepared, and he will aid Jia if needed."

Porus stood, the box clutched firmly in his hand. He glanced at Jia, who still seemed deep in thought, and then back at the old wizard. "I will ensure Kent understands the stakes. You have my word."

With that, Porus turned and silently left the room, the weight of his promise heavy on his shoulders. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Jia and her grandfather alone once more.

Jia finally spoke, her voice tinged with confusion. "Grandfather, why do you think I will need Kent\'s help inside the inheritance ground?"

The old wizard sighed, his eyes reflecting years of wisdom and experience. "Jia, the inheritance ground of the God of Storms is unpredictable and perilous. It is not just about strength, but also about resilience and trust. I believe Kent\'s presence will be a stabilizing force for you.

Also, you need a person as guard while learning water dao inside the inheritance ground. Together, you stand a better chance of surviving and seizing the opportunities that lie within. Take his assistance if needed, otherwise do as your own."

Jia nodded slowly, the old wizard\'s words sinking in.

_

Inside the Cauldron Delicacy, the aroma of spiced meats and exotic herbs filled the air. Kent and Fatty sat on one side of a wooden table, while Tata Lan sat opposite them, her hands folded in her lap and her expression earnest.

"So, you want to follow me inside the inheritance ground?" Kent asked, his brow furrowing in puzzlement. He took a sip of the steaming soup in front of him, its rich flavor momentarily distracting him from the odd request.

Tata Lan nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with determination. "Yes, big brother. I sincerely want to follow you. I promise I won\'t be a burden. Even if we find any treasures, you can have the first pick. Also, I have many rare treasures with me that can help you in case of danger."

Kent and Fatty exchanged a skeptical glance. Fatty, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.

"Little girl, you\'re thinking too much. What if you betray my master? Who knows what you might be plotting behind this honest action?" His tone was doubtful.

Tata Lan\'s face fell, and she began pleading her case, her voice tinged with desperation. "I won\'t betray you, big brother. I swear! If you want, I\'ll even swear on my heart dao that my intentions are pure. Please, just give me a chance."

Kent held up a hand to stop her, his expression softening slightly. "Wait, you don\'t need to swear. But tell me, why did you choose me instead of those big sect people who are stronger? What makes you think I\'m the right person to follow?"

_

/// A/N - My fingers were twitching and paining a bit. That\'s why I couldn\'t release chapters, yesterday. I will compensate for the chapter loss in near future. Thank you for understanding. ///