Sand‑Scale City had already dispatched soldiers to investigate the strange occurrence in the Sand‑Scale Forest, led by Salza Marble, the Deputy Chief and Ninth Division commander, who was their closest link to the forest.
Though the forest stretched wide into the northern and southern extents of the city, the reports claimed the changes began in the east. From there, they spread simultaneously north and south, eventually covering the entire forest.
It was further reported that the phenomenon extended beyond the eastern walls, pushing even farther east of the city.
The city's soldiers weren't the only ones who had departed to survey the forest. Other sects and clans too sought answers about the strange occurrence.
A blood‑red, gas‑like energy had spread across the entire forest, even pushing beyond it to cover the lands outside the city wall!
Such a phenomenon couldn't go unnoticed. Every faction, and every curious eye was drawn to its presence.
It must be something worth checking.
No one could tell if it was a blessing or a misfortune. But as cultivators, they lived by taking risk. it was the very reason they were alive and strong today.
Such occurrences appeared once in a while, and those who ventured into them often returned with opportunity. Some brought back good news, while others met grim fate. Yet even if they didn't obtain the true treasure, something always came of it.
It could be plants mutating, or pristine herbs emerging from the altered land. Any of these would be invaluable to a sect, family, or faction, promising substantial growth, wealth, and power with the resources obtained from such phenomena.
This alone was enough for any organization as it was an opportunity that could reshape overall power structure of the factions in the city.
___
Five minutes after the phenomenon…
The Shaffa clan of Sand‑scale City was a clan entirely devoted to alchemy. They produced and possessed the finest alchemy products in the entire city, earning renown and respect for their conduct.
Hardly did any member of the clan pursue other subjects, even when their talents leaned elsewhere. The clan simply forbade such acts. Anyone discovered to be connected to arts outside alchemy was disowned and banned from the clan.
Although this case was relatively rare, since most members of the Shaffa Clan possessed high talents in alchemy—it did happen, but the clan's rigid rules left no room for deviation. The clan's iron devotion to alchemy was also the reason they remained unrivaled in Sand‑Scale City.
In a lofty courtyard, the air was encased in the fragrance of distinct plants and herbs, each carrying its own scent and glow. The atmosphere was extremely pleasing and comfortable.
At the center of its open space stood a large table, polished and sturdy. It was the kind meant for gatherings of importance. A fashioned chair stood in the corner, and adjacent to it were other chairs arranged neatly in order.
On the head chair sat an aged man, a small table before him facing the others. His face was refined, smooth, and devoid of wrinkles, as though newly formed. Yet his aged aura could still be felt.
He was none other than Iman Shaffa, the current family head of the clan.
Iman Shaffa looked out toward the six men seated on the chairs with a calm gaze.
"You've heard of the strange occurrence in our city's forest?" Iman Shaffa asked with a light smile.
"Certainly, Clan Head." said a man seated at the front, to the right of the clan head. He was the first elder of the Shaffa clan.
"Elder Shan, sorry to say this, but we wouldn't trouble you with such trivial work. Your vigil physique isn't meant for this. It would be a waste of your valued time!" the clan head pleaded with the first elder.
The first elder was indeed too old for this task. Sending him with a group wouldn't necessarily be a problem, but entrusting the juniors with this responsibility was in the best interest of the clan. It was a chance for them to gain experience, to prove themselves, and to strengthen the Shaffa legacy.
Shan Shaffa, the first elder, nodded in understanding after weighing the matter. He knew that if he had insisted, the clan head would have agreed, but considering Iman Shaffa's perspective, it seemed wiser to leave the exploration work to the juniors from now onward.
Iman was satisfied that the first elder had retracted without much discussion. Among the council, the first elder and the grand elder were always the most reasonable.
Iman's gaze swept across the remaining men seated in the courtyard.
"Balin Shaffa." Iman called out.
"Yes, Clan Head!" A dark‑skinned young man, full of vigor, answered the call. His voice rang with enthusiasm. He was clad in silver robes that flowed all the way to the ground.
His eyes were sharp and gleamed brightly, like the sun itself.
"Hukk!' the clan head chuckled before he said,
"After much consideration, and assessing your previous achievements, and also being the first elder's direct disciple, we have named you as the overall head of the group going for the expenditure."
"Balin is honored!" Balin said, his voice a little straight,].
Quickly, he followed with more words,
"Balin will go immediately with the group, and clan master should rest assured. We won't fail you."
"Hmmph!"
Iman snorted outwardly, though inside he was immensely pleased. He loved Balin's attitude as it was sometimes necessary in the cultivation world.
It wasn't completely wrong to be arrogant as a genius, but arrogance had its grades and limits. He only allowed Balin as the head, just to impress the first elder, whose skills were 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 warned before he added, "We await your good tiding."
"I will obey, Clan Head." Balin said and immediately left.
Before he could step beyond the courtyard's doors, a deep voice resonated through the air, halting his step. "Wait for me before you leave. I have something for you."
Balin immediately stopped in his tracks and turned toward his master.
"Got it." he replied and went through the doorway.
The clan head smiled.
Having a promising disciple surely makes you proud.
He thought in bitterness.
The elders remained, exchanging words on miscellaneous matters. The meeting was soon adjourned.
Balin Shaffa was the most promising of the youths in the clan, being only seventeen and also the son of the grand elder. He was also a peak Novice alchemist.
The clan head's offspring were only so‑so compared to him, except one, who was graded a little beneath him. That comparison was also an issue of dispute within the clan.
Balin Shaffa stepped out of the courtyard, his sincere mask instantly replaced by a haughty, malevolent grin. Not even his master could perceive his expression, let alone the clan head.
Only his parents truly understood his feelings. He had been practicing thoroughly.
The righteous route to fame was slow and burdensome. He thougth silently.
"Sir Balin." a woman called out. She was the elected leader of the warrior group. They had already been told beforehand that they would follow Balin and his crew. She disliked the either and protested, but her objections were met with deaf ears.
The Shaffa alchemy clan didn't produce any warriors, so they hired city guards or soldiers from the city lord's army. Since they weren't warriors themselves, they had to protect the clan and its treasures by other means. As their reputation grew day by day, dangers always lurk nearby, and the city lord was eager to 'help'. The Shaffa Clan had to pay for the service.
Alchemy knowledge had never been distasteful to anyone. Even those who couldn't learn it would sell or give out their formulas and profit.
The truly higher-grade alchemy products lay far from the city, which would take months to travel.
"Shiva, it's nice meeting you again, especially within a shorter time frame than expected" Balin laughed slightly with a lecherous smile on his face.
Shiva scowled,
"It's really unfortunate to meet you so soon" she voiced out with obvious distaste.
Balin didn't mind though,
"Alright. I see you don't want to continue this, and I also want to see that usual face of yours. Now, let's go. There's no time for dallying." Balin said with a slight grin and instantly reached out for her wrist, his fingers closing around her arm before she could pull away.
Poww!
Without warning, Balin was sent flying and struck the courtyard door behind him.
The elders were already gathered; one even had his hand on the middle door when the sound followed. At that noise, the elders pushed through the middle door and emerged one after another, only to find their most promising junior sprawled on the ground, writhing in pain.
They looked ahead in confusion and could only sigh.
He'd truly outdone himself!
The young junior had disrespected the city chief's daughter. The elders could only exchange resigned sighs and shake their heads, shifting slightly left and right.
That was a matter for the youngsters to settle.