Chương 80: Chapter 79: The Offer

The party was winding down, and Yang had gotten so caught up in the flow of discussion that he'd genuinely enjoyed the evening. He'd realized that he hadn't spent time like this amongst scholars and masters of their craft. The people in this room were experts, and Yang was immensely happy to be learning from them. Before joining White Cloud Sect, he'd had no chance for such intellectual discourse.

When he was in the sect, he'd preferred classes and solitude instead of joining his fellow sect brothers and sisters, despite Ye Xuan's many invitations to various gatherings. But then again, he doubted his fellow qi condensation cultivators could have taught him so much about any subject. He was enjoying the academic discussion rather than the social aspect.

It was late and Yang would have rather left long ago with the first departing guests, but unfortunately Lord Ardeth had asked him to stay because he wanted to speak with Yang about something. Yang was not pleased by this. Due to the difference in their status, it made it really difficult for Yang to refuse outright anything someone of Lord Ardeth's position asked of him. Still, he had no choice but to remain until Lord Ardeth said what he wanted.

It took some time, and almost everyone had left when Vadal finally came to find Yang.

"My apologies, Lucien," Vadal said warmly.

"There were many seniors I had to personally escort out. Couldn't leave them waiting."

"It's alright," Yang replied, "but I need to leave as well. It's getting late."

"Of course, of course. Come, I've just come to escort you to Grandfather. He's in his study." They made their way to the study, and it was just as grand as the other rooms Yang had seen in the Ardeth estate. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with what looked like rare volumes. A massive desk dominated one side of the room. The sitting area had comfortable chairs arranged near a fireplace. Yang and Vadal entered together. Lord Ardeth was seated in a chair near the sitting area instead of behind the imposing desk.

Likely a deliberate choice to seem less formal.

"Ah, Mr. Valemore. Please, sit." Lord Ardeth gestured to a chair opposite him. Yang sat as indicated. Vadal moved to take a seat as well, but before he could settle down, Lord Ardeth raised a hand.

"That will be all, Vadal. Thank you, but I would like to talk with Lucien alone for a moment." To Vadal's credit, he controlled his expression extremely well. He looked just as pleasant and smiling as always, showing no surprise or disappointment at the dismissal.

"Of course, Grandfather. Lucien, I'll see you soon." Vadal left, clicking the door shut behind him. Lord Ardeth turned his full attention to Yang.

"How did you enjoy the gathering, Lucien?" Yang noticed both grandfather and grandson were using his first name now rather than Valemore, implying a closer connection than actually existed.

"It was educational, sir," Yang said carefully.

"I got to talk with many brilliant minds. It was rather illuminating."

"I'm glad you got value from it, then." A pause. Yang decided to push things forward rather than letting Lord Ardeth control the pace entirely.

"Lord Ardeth, you wanted to speak with me about something?" Lord Ardeth's expression remained the same kind warmth, but the corners of his eyes tightened slightly. Recognizing Yang's directness for what it was.

"Yes. You are a promising Cardwright, and I couldn't bear to see your talent go to waste through lack of proper guidance." He leaned forward slightly.

"I would like to offer you a chance to become my mentee. I'm already guiding Vadal, and since both of you are the same grade and around the same age, it will be no great effort for me to guide you two together." Yang went quiet for a moment, not considering whether to accept but rather deciding how to refuse. He knew an immediate refusal would offend, so he took a few minutes before responding.

"I am honored by the offer, sir," Yang said in an ingratiating voice.

"But I wouldn't want to drag Vadal down." Before Lord Ardeth could interrupt, Yang continued quickly.

"I also prefer self-study. Working alone suits my temperament better." This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Lord Ardeth quieted, studying Yang's face. Then he said, "Lucien, I know your circumstances. The Ardeth family is powerful and has a long history amongst Cardwrights. Being my mentee will provide you access to knowledge and resources no normal Cardwright can expect to obtain with any amount of wealth."

"Thank you, sir, but I am better at working and learning alone." Yang kept his tone respectful but firm.

"I know I can never compare to a Cardwright of your caliber or even the potential of someone like Vadal. I just want to keep learning, keep making new cards. That is enough to make me happy." Lord Ardeth looked thoughtful. Then he said, almost casually, "Even if it means only ever being able to use energy stones to carve inscriptions?" Yang went quiet. His mind raced.

"Lord Ardeth?" This time Lord Ardeth looked like the cat that got the canary. Knowing his bait had worked perfectly.

"There are more ways to create cards than using energy stones," Lord Ardeth said, his tone becoming more educational.

"Someone who has truly mastered card creation can even use their own vitality and soul to inscribe patterns on cards. The effects achievable through such methods far exceed what energy stones can produce." Yang looked hooked despite trying to control his expression. Using soul energy to create cards? The implications were staggering. If he could combine that with his cultivation knowledge, with the Heaven-Refining Soul Sutra... But Yang was still wary. He decided to be blunt.

"Forgive me, Lord Ardeth," Yang said carefully.

"Someone of your caliber hardly needs a Second Grade Cardwright. Why do you want to be my mentor? What do you gain from this?" Lord Ardeth looked amused, which was the realest expression Yang had seen him wear all evening.

"You are a Grade Two Cardwright for now," Lord Ardeth acknowledged.

"But you achieved Grade Two on your own in around a year. That is a remarkable achievement. Even Vadal with my direct guidance didn't manage that pace." He paused.

"It's not your current capabilities I seek, but rather your potential." Lord Ardeth leaned back in his chair, his tone becoming more business-like.

"The Ardeth family provides people with a variety of cards. From basic utility cards for common folk to custom cards made for military and industrial applications and much more. But we are always looking to acquire more Cardwrights of higher caliber to help with creation of advanced designs." He smiled slightly.

"You may not be able to do much for the Ardeth family now, but once nurtured, you could be a strong ally. To retain our power and influence, we are always looking for potential allies and friends."

"Is it only my potential?" Yang asked quietly.

"Does it make up for my poor roots?"

"Power is power. Talent is talent," Lord Ardeth said simply.

"The one with talent may get power, but the one with power cannot buy talent. You are not the first person from humble beginnings we've allied with, and you will certainly not be the last." Lord Ardeth gestured vaguely.

"Even Airul is from humble beginnings." Yang looked confused for a moment before Lord Ardeth clarified.

"Zina. Mr. Airul Zina. He also came from poverty and achieved his Grade Four status through his own talent and skills. Now he's one of my most trusted friends." Lord Ardeth leaned back.

"Working with us will give you guidance, knowledge, access to materials difficult for others to obtain, and even financial support while you improve your skills. All we ask in return is that you work with the Ardeth family. Create cards for our clients. Develop innovations that benefit our business interests." Yang looked deeply at Lord Ardeth, weighing his options.

"I value my freedom too much to sell it."

"You will have all the freedom you need," Lord Ardeth replied smoothly.

"Work on your own projects. Experiment as you wish. We only ask that you also take on commissions for the family when needed. And that you don't work for our direct competitors, naturally." Yang sat in silence, thinking. The offer was generous. Access to knowledge about soul-powered card creation alone was worth considering. But the strings attached, however loosely presented, were still strings. Finally, Yang spoke.

"I agree to work with the Ardeth family. But I decline any financial support. I prefer to support myself." Lord Ardeth looked pleased, accepting the partial rejection easily.

"As you wish. But know that if you need anything, materials, resources, introductions, I will be there to support you. Consider the Ardeth family a resource available to you."

"Thank you, Lord Ardeth."

"We'll have a formal contract drawn up outlining the arrangement," Lord Ardeth said, standing.

"Nothing onerous. Just clarifying expectations on both sides. You can review it before signing, naturally." Yang also stood, bowing slightly.

"It's late. With your permission, I should take my leave."

"Of course, of course. Thank you for staying to discuss this, Lucien. I look forward to working with you." Yang bowed his head and left the study. He was almost halfway to the main entrance when Vadal appeared from a side corridor.

"Lucien! I'm glad you agreed to work with us," Vadal said with an easy smile.

"I look forward to us working together. It'll be good to have someone else my age in the family's network." Yang smiled back, keeping his expression pleasant.

"I look forward to it as well." They said their goodbyes, and Yang finally escaped to where his buggy waited. He told the driver to take him home, then settled into the seat as they pulled away from the estate. Yang was quiet and pensive on the way home, watching the countryside pass by in the darkness. Knowing he was helplessly trapped in this arrangement due to his low status and lack of alternatives. What had he gotten himself into? The knowledge Lord Ardeth offered was invaluable.

Soul-powered card creation could accelerate his progress immensely, both in this world and potentially when he returned to the cultivation world. But Yang had just tied himself to a noble family with their own agenda. Had accepted obligations that would demand his time and attention and had given up some of his independence. The buggy rattled along the road back to Markech.

Yang stared up at the stars, visible here away from the city's smoke, and thought of the life he'd been building before being yanked to this world. He needed to fill that status bar faster, it was his only hope. Needed to get home before he became too entangled in this world's politics and obligations. But he also needed to survive here, long enough to make progress. Working with the Ardeth family might be the price of that survival.

Yang sighed and closed his eyes, letting the motion of the buggy lull him into an uneasy rest.