“Oh, they know plenty of people. Many of the visitors who came claim to know the two of them. However, Mr. Maison passed away some time ago. Given that you’re unaware of this, I suspect you aren’t particularly close to him.”
As the elderly man spoke, he pulled out a communication device.
As the elder imbued the communication device with his spiritual energy, an incredibly aged voice quickly resonated from within. “What’s the matter?”
“Elder Rhys, there’s a person of unique status here who needs to enter the Land of Finale. Please personally come and verify him.” The elder hastily spoke in a hushed and humble tone.
“Understood,” the other party responded curtly.
Moments later, a chilling aura suddenly swept in. Then, an elderly man, clad in a traditional robe, materialized. Following his appearance, the surrounding void seemed to distort.
The elder in the traditional robe was Immortal Realm Level Two. Whether in terms of power or attire, he was clearly superior to the other elderly man.
The black-robed elderly man leaned in close to Rhys, whispering, “Elder Rhys, he’s a big fish…”
Rhys nodded, striding over to Jared with a measured grace. He studied the latter briefly before speaking. “You’re only on Ultimate Realm Level Three. What brings you to the Land of Finale?”
“To have fun. Is that disallowed?” Jared asked nonchalantly.
“Of course not. As long as you’ve paid the fee, we-”
“I’ve already paid the fees,” Jared interrupted.
“Elder Rhys, he’s already paid all the different fees…” The black-robed elderly man desperately tried to signal Rhys with his eyes.
“I’m aware, and of course, you’re allowed to enter. However, your cultivation level is too low. You must know that the Celestial Stairway is about to open, and thus the Land of Finale has attracted many experts. If you, with your current level, don’t have someone to protect you, you could be killed in an instant. So, to venture into the Land of Finale, you need someone to protect you. Someone has to take responsibility for your safety, hence, a security fee is necessary.” Rhys spoke with great seriousness.
“How much is needed?” Jared asked.
“Five thousand-”
The black-robed elderly man coughed loudly, then he firmly grasped Rhys, pulling him aside..
“Elder Rhys, this is a big catch. You better not be afraid to squeeze him dry,” the black-robed elderly man whispered.
“I think five thousand is enough. If I ask for more, I’ll scare him off,” Rhys replied.
“You won’t. He didn’t even blink when he handed over seven thousand celestial crystals to me,” the black-robed elderly man said.
“He’s that impressive?” Rhys was taken aback for a moment, then he started laughing joyously.
Jared, who was standing to the side, couldn’t help but smile as he watched the two muttering to each other. These two have no clue.
“I just deliberated on your situation. You’ll need to pay fifty thousand celestial crystals. Hand over fifty thousand celestial crystals, and we can assure your safety in the Land of Finale. When the Celestial Stairway arrives, if you’re interested in exploring it, we can help.” Rhys explained in detail to Jared, probably fearing that the price of fifty thousand celestial crystals might scare the latter off.
“That’s not too much.” Without any hesitation, Jared pulled out his item pouch and tossed it to Rhys.
Rhys glanced at the celestial crystals, smiling warmly. “All right, you may proceed. I’ll have someone ensure your safety right away. If there’s anything you need here, don’t hesitate to ask me. I can fulfill all your desires.”
“Thanks,” Jared said, striding in without glancing at them.
“We’re rich! We only need to give a thousand to the higher-ups, and the rest is all ours,” the black-robed elderly man said excitedly.
“Why are you so worked up? The fifty thousand celestial crystals are mine. As for the seven thousand celestial crystals you need, hand over a thousand to the higher-ups. Keep the rest for yourself. I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything.” Rhys cast a stern glance at the black-robed elderly man.
