Chapter 58: The Essence

...

Time was of the essence.

Eventually, Theo managed to extract a few concrete details.

No point delaying. He decided to set out that very day.

Before leaving, he left several days’ worth of wine for Vespera. He instructed Liana to ration it.

With that settled, he headed for the carriage depot.

...

Afternoon.

A luxurious carriage rolled down the mountain path.

Incense burned inside. Tea swirled in its cup without spilling.

"Theo, why did you take a mission to hunt a river pirate?" Kaelen studied the wanted poster on the table.

The sketch provided by the external affairs hall was blurry.

This era lacked photography. Without a live reference, portraits relied on verbal descriptions, which often varied even for the same person.

"I had to find someone anyway. Might as well make it count," Theo said offhandedly.

Vargas. A notorious bandit at the Inner Scenery realm. He had been severely wounded by an outer sect elder ten days prior.

He was a master of body refinement and blade techniques. He had dozens of lives on his hands.

For other Body Cleansing disciples, even an injured Vargas was a lethal opponent.

But to Theo?

Just a decent sparring partner.

He had yet to have a real life-or-death fight since the wilderness trial.

"Since you took the mission, I will turn the capital upside down to find your target," Kaelen vowed. He rubbed his head with a grin.

Theo chuckled.

Had learning the Adamantine Zen Body made Kaelen slightly simpler?

"By the way, who else are you looking for besides Vargas?"

"A little street urchin..."

In the carriage, Kaelen scribbled notes diligently. He hung onto every word.

He planned to enlist his grandfather’s help upon returning home.

The Valerius family’s intelligence network was reliable. Theo trusted that much.

Before long, the carriage entered the Provincial Capital. It headed straight for the inner district, where the architecture outshone the outer city’s.

"Valerius Manor."

Theo glanced up at the gilded plaque. The residence was among the grandest in the inner city.

"Young Master. Honored Guest."

The steward, clearly forewarned, greeted them warmly.

"Theo, make yourself at home."

Kaelen relaxed visibly upon returning.

Passing through galleries and gardens, Theo observed with interest.

This place dwarfed his family’s estate back home. Every detail exuded aristocratic refinement.

"Kaelen."

In the main hall, two elders sat before a lavish spread. They sipped tea. The one in crimson robes beckoned Kaelen over.

The other, a purple-robed elder with half-black, half-white hair, fixed his gaze on Theo. Then he looked at his blade.

"So this is Theo. The top scorer of the trial."

"Truly a hero among youths, as expected."

The crimson-robed elder rose with a hearty laugh.

"The Governor and I were just enjoying tea when we heard of your arrival."

"He insisted on staying longer just to meet you. He drank half my stock of premium tea!"