Lin Feng was nervously twitching in the side, as if trying or urging to say something quickly.
"Master Tie Yuan…Let me tell you about me…I am not new to Greenwater, I know this town and its surroundings like the back of my hands, even better. I would not disappoint you, please rest assured."
T-800 had no expectation towards Lin Feng at all, for him Lin Feng is just another means to an end, another tool for him.
"The Shadow Wolf Sect compound is on the north side of town," Lin explained, his voice trembling slightly because T-800 hasn't answered to his conviction. "It is the largest and most fortified area. The Sect Master and the Elders live there, along with the Enforcers and the elite guards."
The T 800 logged the information. The sect had a clear hierarchy, reflected in its physical layout. The most powerful members occupied the most secure location. This was a logical power structure for a hostile environment.
"Tell me more," the T 800 flatly asked, it was not a display of command, meaning, if Lin Feng does not answer, he will get his answer from another source, he is not valuable to him at all.
Lin Feng, although young and still naive to his age, but has observed, experienced a harsh life so he understood that tone, he took a deep breath to make himself useful and indispensable.
"The sect was founded fifty years ago by Wolf King Jiao, our first Sect Master. He united several smaller gangs of bandits and vagrants. We control the Blackvein Spirit mines to the east. That is our main source of income and power."
He pointed to a group of men wearing wolf pelt cloaks. "Those are the guards. They handle patrols and reinforce the mines in need. They all are at Third Stage of Foundation Realm and most of them are at least 5 strokes Penance Mark."
T-800 didn't react but his neural processor was logging all the information.
Lin Feng expected a counter question but seeing no reaction, he continued.
"The Sect Master is not in the town right now, he is at the forefront against the Sun Lizard Clan, near our Blackvein Spirit Mines, protecting our precious source of income and power."
Still nothing from T-800. Lin Feng felt he was not doing enough to impress his new master.
"Also, the three Great Elders are managing things while the Sect Master is gone." Lin Feng whispered.
"Elder Fang controls the sect's money from the mines and other means. Elder Mei handles information and spying on our enemies. Master Tie Yuan, will need to report to Elder Jin, who controls all Enforcers and guards."
Lin Feng hoped for a reaction after that information but still nothing.
"Elder Jin is known to be very strict and rewards strength above everything else. Gaining his favor is very important for any new Enforcer's career and survival inside the sect."
They reached the center square of the town. A large wooden notice board stood near an imposing Stone building. Many desperate-looking people gathered there, their eyes searching the papers posted on the board.
"That is the sect's Public Mission Hall," Lin Feng pointed out. "The sect posts tasks there for both its members and common residents. People find work there to earn enough coins and sometimes if lucky, they could earn a Spirit Stone or two too to survive."
The T-800's optical sensors scanned the mission board. Even from far away he was able to read all. Although he could not understand most of it but the drawings on those request slips cover the rest.
He saw requests for hunting dangerous beasts, mining Blackvein ore, and even guard duty for merchant caravans.
He logged the term 'Spirit Stones'.
Lin Feng then took him to the main gate of the Shadow Wolf Sect.
The main gate to the Shadow Wolf Sect compound was massive. It was made of thick, dark wood and reinforced with black iron bands. Two guards armed with long spears stood alert. Their expressions hardened as the T-800 approached, his size an immediate threat.
"Halt! Who are you?"
Lin Feng came close and addressed them.
"This is Master Tie Yuan," he announced. "Head Enforcer Wei Tuan just recruited him as a new Enforcer for the sect."
Those were just words, they do not recognize Lin Feng or T-800.
T-800 pulled out the token and tossed at them. One of them caught and examined it.
It was genuine but someone getting recruited directly to the Enforcer role is rare. Their suspicion didn't fade away when they felt an itch on their forearm.
Then their eyes immediately locked on T-800 shoulder.
"A Darker Brand?"
"Yes, 20 strokes as per the Head Enforcer."
"20 strokes!?"
Forget about suspicion, even if they had, what they going to do. Even if they are loyal to the Sect, but not stupid enough to hurt or die for it on some stupid reason.
"The Wolf Token has been identified. Enforcer Tie Yuan." Both guards saluted at the same time.
"And I am Lin Feng, Enforcer Tie Yuan's personal servant." Lin Feng immediately added himself.
Both guards nodded.
"Please follow along the path to the Main Hall and register yourself…Sect Robes also mark as one of the identifiers…thats why we raise the suspicion…Please accept our apology."
Without any words in reply T-800 walked past them, Lin Feng followed.
The air inside the compound felt different. The T-800's sensors registered a higher concentration of that unknown energy.
The absorption rate in his body also increased, they were all getting especially attracted to its nuclear power core.
Enhancing its output and stability.
This confirmed him that he is in the right place and he needs to gather more information.
His sensors kept reminding him that the people here were stronger, their movements more disciplined. They were the core of the sect's power structure, a clear level above the desperate crowd outside the Sect main walls and Greenwater Town's main walls.