Playing inventor in a cultivation world-Chapter 8: Instructor Seraph

The expedition lasted for hours before Elder Cassius led the kids back to the clan. Tired and stressed out, almost every child slept as soon as they returned home. For Seraph however, things were quite different.

On his way home, he was stopped by a familiar mischievous brat in blue robes.

’Doesn’t she have any other clothes?’

Standing before him, Ariana struck a prideful pose with her hands on her waist.

"Hmph! I didn’t expect to see you here." She said, trying to deceive him.

Seraph’s smile turned cunning. "Of course, of course. I can see you’ve been waiting for quite a while."

Catching onto his sarcasm, she snorted but chose not to pursue the matter.

"Heh? Don’t you see? I’m already an Initial Beginner Stage Cultivator! Amazing, right?"

Seraph deadpanned. She definitely shouted that, right? Why couldn’t she just be discreet? He complained inwardly.

Realizing that her voice might have been too loud, she hurriedly covered her mouth. Her face turned as red as a tomato.

’Uh... w-was I too excited?’

"Congratulations, then. You did well. I’m impressed." He said in a dry tone, totally unimpressed. True, her breakthrough was a shocking fact if known by others. However, he already knew since over a month ago that she was soon to breakthrough. So why would he be impressed?

Ariana seemed disappointed by his reaction and hung her head low. It seemed she might cry at any time.

’Geez, what kind of crybaby is this?’

Seeing the strange gazes directed to him by the clansmen, Seraph had no choice but to comfort her.

Raising a hand, he patted her head softly, then said with a sincere smile—the best he could form.

"Don’t look so glum. You really did well. However, you shouldn’t share this too soon okay?"

She raised her head and looked at him with her teary blue eyes.

"R-really?"

"Yes. I’m impressed."

He lied without a single flaw. Her eyes scanned him doubtfully and then she smiled. It seemed she had waited just to receive his praise. What kind of information about him did her father give her?

Just then, a messenger ran up to them.

"Young Skye, you are being summoned to the Patriarch’s manor. Please follow me."

The messenger naturally noticed Ariana and bowed to her. After receiving Seraph’s approval, the messenger led him to the manor with Ariana tagging along.

Finally, they arrived at a familiar study.

Knock, knock!

"Patriarch, Seraph Skye and Lady Ariana are here." announced the messenger.

Seraph then entered with the girl right behind him. Inside the study, both Patriarch Gomen and Elder Cassius were present, seemingly in a conversation before they arrived.

"Patriarch, elder."

Seraph bowed politely, his smile ever-present.

"You can raise your head, boy." Gomen smiled warmly, "Actually, I called you here to apologize."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. I failed to find any information on the Rainbow Element from the city since it seems to be something unheard of. Unfortunately, I can only inquire so much."

He paused, letting Seraph digest his words, then continued.

"However, I heard that there are quite some rare talents who have affinity with two or three elements. Although I’m not quite sure, I believe you should try out Water and Wind Element Skill Scrolls. See if it works."

Elder Cassius then handed Seraph two scrolls tied with blue and green ribbons respectively. These were the elemental skill scrolls.

"Thanks for your consideration, Patriarch."

Seraph bowed slightly, truly grateful. Getting a few skill scrolls wasn’t available until a student became a ’Year 2’ student.

"No need to be so humble, you’re a talent of our clan." Patriarch Gomen waved lightly, "I also called you for another matter."

His gaze shifted to Ariana. "It’s good that she’s here. I actually want you to train her."

"Train her...?"

"Yes, I believe you’d undoubtedly be a suitable trainer for her."

Both Elder Cassius and Ariana were surprised. They didn’t expect him to say that. However, Seraph wasn’t surprised. He already knew that Elder Cassius had become aware of his skills in the spear and his insight towards swords. After all, he had corrected Lana and Toma several times today. What intrigued him was the fact that they clan leader didn’t question him about the source of his skills. Instead, he chose to remain silent and not touch the matter.

’This man is indeed cool-headed and wise. Quite a capable leader.’

Seraph gave the man a measuring look, then smiled wider.

Mistaking his silence as hesitation, Gomen quickly added. "Of course I’ll pay you. 70 Silver Spirit Crystals per month."

Seraph blinked. That was... quite generous. He knew how much seventy silver spirit crystals were worth.

At the side, Elder Cassius couldn’t hide his astonishment as he gazed at his nephew. This was equivalent to the salary of a clan guard for a month! Yet, he was willing to pay that much to a kid like Seraph.

From within, Halo dropped its opinion.

["I’d say you should agree. Having spirit crystals would help you cultivate faster than using the natural energy in the air. Besides, there’s no harm in tutoring a brat anyway."]

In the end, Seraph agreed. "Alright, I’ll accept your proposal."

Gomen sighed in relief, then smiled. "Thank you. You can now return home."

"Wait! Why don’t I have any say in this?"

Ariana pouted, her expression sour. Both Elder Cassius and her father looked away, unwilling to reply her. As for Seraph, he smiled while on his way out.

"Get yourself prepared. We’re starting tomorrow."

"Wait a minute!"

Shouting that, she hurriedly rushed after him.

Back inside the study, Cassius finally asked the question that had been gnawing at him.

"Nephew, why did you act like that? I didn’t expect you to appoint him as her instructor. Even paying him that much."

Gomen crossed his fingers and replied. "I understand your confusion uncle, but I have my reasons. Given his aptitude, I’m sure he wouldn’t be contained by our clan for long. Very soon, he’ll spread his wings wide and soar into the skies."

Cassius nodded in agreement.

"Also, that kid is very mature. He didn’t show greed despite me offering that much to him. He doesn’t really care. Letting him train my daughter with his great weapon skills will be great. Also, I can tell that Ariana has a huge impression of him."

Smirking, Cassius quipped. "Who do you think caused that?"

"Cough, cough. I don’t know."

Of course, Gomen refused to admit it. He’d rather enter a hole underground.

_______

After parting ways with the chatty and sour Ariana, Seraph finally headed home after visiting a store. Immediately, Kara rushed to hug him, squeezing him against herself.

"Ohhh! My boy is back! I missed you so much! How was the expedition? Are you injured anywhere?"

She immediately launched a series of questions while checking his body to ensure he was fine.

"Yes, mom. I’m fine."

He reassured her with a calm smile, then looked round.

"Where’s dad? He doesn’t seem to be around."

Kara nodded. "Yep. He’s on a business trip to the city. Said he’s going to take around a week. Anyway, come in. I already prepared dinner."

Seraph’s smile turned brighter at the mention of dinner and he eagerly followef her to the dining room. There, Yelena was eating peacefully. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw Seraph, though.

"Yo! Little brother. Took you a while to get home. Anything for me?"

Indifferently, Seraph passed her a small pendant necklace.

"Here. For your birthday."

Both Kara and Yelena turned stiff, surprised by this unexpected gesture. Since they were Seraph’s family, they naturally knew a bit about his true nature—most of his expressions and emotions were only half-genuine.

Seeing him sincerely give Yelena a gift brought them some surprise and joy.

Kara grinned. "Eiii. My boy has become a grown man. Won’t you get something for mommy too?"

Of course, Seraph ignored her and dug into his food.