The Rise of the Black Plain

Upon hearing Queen West's question, Minos wasted no time and got to the point. "I am in search of original techniques for array masters. Unfortunately, I couldn't order Black-grade techniques in the Flaming Empire because of some setbacks, but I want to resolve this before I finish my trip."

"Original Black-grade techniques?" Joan asked, knowing why Minos wanted to talk about this with them rather than doing his business directly with local array masters.

Any array master capable of producing their techniques could trade them as they wished. But many followed the recommendations of some larger organization that held power over some necessary resources...

At the same time, since it was not interesting to negotiate this kind of technique with anyone who had just the resources, many would simply not do this kind of business.

In this case, instead of wasting time talking to spiritual professionals, it would make more sense to go to an organization with the decision-making ability to authorize the deal at once.

Hence, the three women of the West family readily understood the point of Minos being there to talk to them.

Iris then asked. "This kind of technique can cause a lot of problems. What do you intend to give us in return for this deal?"

"I will make fair payment, of course, and we can also negotiate a bonus." He replied.

"A bonus?" Her eyes widened in interest.

"Hmmm, do you know what the Seraphim's Promise Medal is?" Minos asked as he spoke of this item that had previously led to much trouble on the Black Plain.

"Of course. The Spiritual Church is not only present in one state..." That woman said, promptly remembering the meaning behind such an artifact.

The Seraphim's Promise Medal was a debt guarantee that the Church would one day fulfill through the completion of a request. Of course, there were rules for this request, but in short, everything was allowed apart from crimes against the rules of the Church.

So this was a precious item!

Minos smiled and said. "Then we will give you a Black Plain Medal. Suppose one day you need something, as long as it doesn't violate the principles of my organization. In that case, someone from my forces with ability will help you."

After these words were spoken, Joan smiled and looked at Minos as if wondering if this young man thought himself a comedian to make jokes like that.

"King Stuart, don't be offended. But why do you think this will be valuable to us? What will the Black Plain be able to do that we cannot do with our own hands?" This local heiress asked while her mother waited for Minos' answer.

Minos was not offended and answered. "We will have many who will be able to do what you are not. Honestly, my forces will have a Spiritual Sage before your West family. That alone should be enough..."

"Spiritual Sage?" Lulu rose from her armchair to question Minos, finding it unbelievable how easily he used that stage in his lines.

"What?" Joan could not stand Minos' arrogance either and could not help but change the confident expression on her face to one of displeasure.

Minos laughed and asked. "I am telling you the truth. Do you doubt it? Do you think you can get it before we do?"

None of those women thought that their family could get a Spiritual Sage. After all, even the Flaming Empire, bigger and stronger than Albano, could only nurture one individual.

So how would they be?

Hell, they had not even had level 78 or 79 people in this state for hundreds of thousands of years. So how could they imagine having someone at level 80 in their ranks?

Therefore, none of them could answer Minos' question without looking like he was right.

"That's not the point..." Iris commented in a low voice, finding it fascinating how annoying Minos could be when he wanted to be.

Minos knew what they had in mind and asked. "Even if you don't believe we will have Spiritual Sages, do you at least believe we will have Spiritual Saints?"

Joan immediately answered him. "Of course." She looked at Gloria. "It's only a matter of time..."

"And you think I will stop my cultivation at the 7th stage?" He asked.

"No. You are too talented to encounter a bottleneck at this point." Iris said.

She did not know the level of Minos' talent. So she had no idea how far he could go. But from his cultivation speed and age, it would be strange if he could not reach the 8th stage.

Minos then opened his arms and said. "Then, when I reach your stage, I will be as strong or stronger than you. Won't that be enough for that medal to have its value?"

Iris finally realized that Minos' arrogance was not so high that he lost his reason. His words made perfect sense. He was only at level 62 and could already speak with Spiritual Saints as equals.

People of that stage respected him, and some even feared him.

So what would happen when he reached that stage, reached level 70?

She could only imagine that he would be even more impressive, and the possibility of him becoming stronger than she was was not an impossible dream. But, the opposite of that, it was something plausible. So, she could not help but consider the advantage of having the favor of someone like that for just a few Black-grade original techniques.

After giving it some thought, she responded to Minos' business proposal. "All right, I'll take that medal of yours."

"Oh?" His women opened their mouths in surprise at how quick that woman had been to see the advantage in this and believe Minos.

Minos did have the potential to become stronger than her. But for his proposal to be good, Iris would have to believe in King Stuart's project and that her organization would not end in the short term.

So Iris' answer said a lot about her views and thoughts regarding the present and the future situation.

She added. "You can discuss the details of the deal you need with Joan, and she will solve the matters regarding your techniques and the delivery to the Black Plain when they are ready."

Minos smiled at those words, promptly standing up to shake that woman's hand and close the deal.

After that moment of serious business, Iris had Lulu serve different drinks from the tea earlier for Minos' group, relaxing the mood in that office.

"So, Minos, I hear you don't approve of our ways..." Iris commented with a smile on her face as she winked at Lulu. "Why don't we change that? I don't believe you will continue to think that our business ways are bad if you try it..."

Her daughters smiled as they listened to Iris, hoping that Minos would accept the local traditions and give them some fun after so much serious talk.

Minos then closed his eyes and smiled, already knowing he would face something like this with these obsessed people.

...