Unlike the large-scale sects that continues to stand atop of this world today, the inheritance of the Swift Finger Sect doesnât have any rules about exclusivity. The meaning behind that was even if Ling Yue does learn the He Lao brothersâ skills and abilities, she could still continue learning everything else as she sees fit.
Besides, when He Lao Dai (big) was already showing this level of passion, thereâs no way she could continue to deny the request. After all, they did help her big time regarding Aâboneâs matter.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âThen I have to thank you Big Grandpa for this. From today onwards, Ling Yue is a disciple of the Swift Finger Sect. Please take my three kowtows as my form of respect to all those who came before me.â Not overly exaggerative, she immediately went on the knees to give the elders her respect.
Towards this, the He Lao brothers naturally couldnât be anymore happier because those gratified expression said it all. And as a way to show their emotions at the moment, the elders would of course want to give some gifts to the girl. But this was the wilderness, not the Treasure Cave back at Moon City, they only had whatâs on their bodies.
âLassie, our Swift Finger Sect isnât known for our martial arts, but rather our treasures. Because of how rushed we were in coming we couldnât prepare anything properly, but hereâs two things that should intrigue you nevertheless.â That said, the biggest brother immediately brought out a stone tablet as well as a flesh-colored glove from his pocket.
The stone tablet would of course be a martial skill. Itâs engraved with the ability called âGreat Stealâ, a fifth-grade martial technique. As for the gloves, they are called âDragonâs Claw Gloveâ, a precious treasure handed down within the Swift Finger Sect.
âNow donât underestimate this pair of gloves. Although its unattractive in its appearance, itâs actually very powerful and is said to be made from a dragonâs claw, making its sharpness and durability incomparable to those regular artifacts out there. Furthermore, itâs also impervious to swords and could withstand most of the elements in this world. For us treasure hunters, this is a must for those who wish to venture into the unknown.â Though He Lao Daiâs explanation did hold some exaggerations in there, but itâs not too far of a stretch from the truth.
âAnd thereâs another point. After you learn the Great Steal technique in that tablet, the benefits of the gloves will also truly shine through. You will see in time.â Maybe its because heâs afraid the girl wouldnât believe him about that precious thing, He Lao Dai made sure to add in that final sentence to emphasize his point.
But words are cheap, actions are better. In a split second, Ling Yueâs focus had lost sight of the seniorâs hand like it just disappeared. By the time it reappeared again, He Lao Daiâs hand was already holding a certain badge that was supposed to be on the girlâs body â itâs the Phoenix Edict!
Upon realizing what has happened, Ling Yue literally popped her eyes in astonishment.
Sheâs an alchemist, meaning her five senses are magnified and honed to an exceptionally high level. To have something so precious to her being snatched away without notice, it just goes to show how amazing that move truly was.
âHoho, Lassie, scared you right?â Showing off his smug smile, the elder cheekily tosses the item up and down from his palm.
What he did just there was putting his words into practice. By using the Dragonâs Claw Glove and the Great Steal skill together, he could instantly deceive the enemy into losing track of his hand like it had become invisible. So long as heâs fast enough then thereâs nothing he couldnât steal.
âIsnât that right. If not for that Great Steal skill then a good portion of the treasures in our vault wouldâve been impossible to steal. This is all thanks to Big Broâs unique skill.â The one speaking this time was He Lao San (Three) who appears to be quite proud of his eldest brotherâs illustration.
Coughing hard at his third brotherâs careless remark, He Lao Dai really wanted to smack the old fart a big one, Such a shameful thing and heâs talking so proudly about it.
Then just when the senior was ready to return the item to the girl, thatâs when he finally noticed the true nature of the badge, âLassie, why do you have the Phoenix Manorâs most valued treasure?!â
Most in this world wouldnât know about the meaning behind the Phoenix Edictâs existence, but whoâs He Lao Dai? Heâs supposed to be the heir to a legendary sect specializing in thievery. Such a precious item would be among the prized list to steal!
âThat was given to me by a friend. I intend to return it to him after I head over to North Qing.â A tad embarrassed, Ling Yue started to choke on her own words.
The fact that Feng Shen gave her such an amazing gift was something she wanted to keep a secret. To be caught red-handed in front of everyone, itâs only normal the girl would want to hide her blushing face somewhere.
I better keep everything important inside the Red Mist Sky from now on. Even my body isnât safe from thieves!
âYour friend wouldnât be Sir Ten, the Phoenix Lord right? Ling Yue, you and himâ¦. Oh forget it. These matters are for you young people to decide, us old folks should just watch. But a word of advice Lassie, the Phoenix Edict is no ordinary item, itâs meaning is very special. If you truly donât want to accept it then I suggest you to return it as soon as possible.â Casting a meaningful look from his eyes, He Lao Dai wanted to make sure his point got through by emphasizing it through his gaze.
The senior already knew Feng Shen held the girl in a special position back when they first entered their establishment, but never in his wildest dreams would he expect it to be this intense. To be clear, the elder knows full well what the Phoenix Edict stands for. Itâs a love token shared between the mistress and master of the House.
âI understand Grandpa, but why would you make that strange face when seeing the Phoenix Edict though?â
âRemoving the value of the Phoenix Edict itself aside, thereâs actually another rumor I heard from my master long ago. Itâs said that the jade tokens contained a great secret, as to what it is, I donât know. But know this though Ling Yue, it must be extremely important of amazing to be regarded so highly by those in power.â Readily handing the item back over, He Lao Dai didnât want to mention the other part in his mind and only focused on the dangers it might involve.
âThis Feng Shen, really, how could he so casually hand out something so important?â Ling Yueâs made up her mindâs now. Once sheâs made it to North Qing then she would certainly hand the thing back over to the boy, âGrandpa, the martial tablet is enough, why donât you keep the gloves for yourself. Iâm sure its very precious to you.â
âJust take it Lassie. Its already bad enough that we couldnât do more for your venture into the Star Cave this time, this is all we can do. Letâs not mention anything else, just the part about grabbing the treasures inside that place would require this Dragon Claw Glove. Itâs indispensable for such a task.â
âHaha, now as your third grandpa I canât be too stingy either. Here, this is an Aura Bead, it can mask your aura once you hold it in your mouth. If you use it with that Invisibility Dan pill of yours then it would be foolproof. As for your second grandpa, you can go blackmail some good stuff from him once you return to Moon City. The old fella may sound all poor and penniless at all times, but heâs actually the one with the most treasures.â
Once the fun chatting was finished and the He Lao brothers were sent away, it was then time for some planning of the ancient forest. After further discussion between Aâbone and Jin Wu Monster, it was eventually decided that a portion of the gold and jewelry be sold away in the nearby settlements to help fund the development during this period.