Mike, despite being much older than Leo, did not dare to act superior in front of him. Instead, he held a deep respect for Leo.
Before joining Lord’s Manor, Mike was at the peak of the upper Spirit King level, just one step away from becoming a Spirit Saint. However, this final step had eluded him for ten years.
Mike once believed he would never break through to the lower Spirit Saint level in his lifetime until he heard about the recruitment at Clearwind Town’s Lord’s Manor and the Ascension Pill they offered.
He traveled a great distance from the capital to Clearwind Town.
That day, on the northern city wall of Clearwind Town, he witnessed a young man in white slay four Spirit Saints before his eyes.
That unforgettable scene was etched into his memory forever.
The next day, Mike resolutely joined Lord’s Manor and was fortunate enough to receive an Ascension Pill from Leo.
With the help of the Ascension Pill, he finally succeeded in becoming a Spirit Saint.
On the day he broke through to the Spirit Saint level, Mike was moved to tears.
He was a grateful person and knew that his breakthrough was entirely thanks to Leo. Therefore, his respect for Leo was heartfelt.
He was also determined to serve Leo and Lord’s Manor with unwavering loyalty.
“Lord, the Garner family has been managing Phoenix Cry City for hundreds of years. They are deeply rooted with at least five Spirit Saints in their ranks. Their strength is not to be underestimated.”
“Moreover, the Garner family has formed an alliance with the Booth family and the Norris family. Although the Harding family is the second-largest family in Phoenix Cry City, there is still a significant gap between them and the Garner family.”
“So, I believe the Harding family may not readily agree to become our franchisee. Should we consider secret negotiations with the Harding family this time?”
Mike shared his thoughts and suggestions.
“Secret negotiations?” Leo pondered.
Mike continued, “If we secretly approach the Harding family in Phoenix Cry City, the Chase family in Heaven Wind City, and the Norris family in Maple City, and have them all announce their franchise agreements with Starfall Shop on the same day, it could create a significant impact.”
Leo nodded instinctively. The element of surprise could indeed be effective.
“Your suggestion is good. Let’s proceed with secret negotiations and have them announce their franchise agreements simultaneously,” Leo decided to adopt Mike’s proposal.
Leo brought Mike along because Mike had traveled extensively across Martial Dynasty since birth and was well-acquainted with various towns and cities.
An hour later, a grand city appeared in their sight from afar.
Phoenix Cry City was located north of Zratol and was much larger than Zratol.
Under Leo’s control, the Thunder Wing Beast landed in a deserted area outside Phoenix Cry City.
Leo and Mike dismounted from the Thunder Wing Beast and stored it in a Spirit Pouch. They slightly altered their appearances before entering Phoenix Cry City.
Two hours later, Leo and Mike left the Harding residence secretly and headed towards their next destination, Heaven Wind City.
“Lord, the head of the Harding family has agreed. Our plan should be fully achievable,” Mike said with a smile.
“In the face of great benefits, it’s only natural for him to be tempted,” Leo replied confidently.
The Thunder Wing Beast sped up, reaching Heaven Wind City in just over an hour.
Like Phoenix Cry City, Heaven Wind City was dominated by a single family-the Booth family. However, unlike the Garner family, the Booth family had only risen to prominence in the past hundred years.
The Chase family, an old-established family in Heaven Wind City, had declined over time and was eager to reclaim its former status.
Before entering Heaven Wind City, Leo and Mike once again altered their appearances slightly.
As with Phoenix Cry City, their secret negotiations with the Chase family went smoothly.
After securing an agreement with the Chase family, they rode the Thunder Wing Beast to their third destination, Maple City.
In Maple City, the Norris family was the largest family, followed by the Kidd family.
Negotiations with the Kidd family also went smoothly after Leo and Mike entered their residence.
“Lord, everything has been settled. Should we proceed to other towns?” Mike asked Leo.
“No need. Once these three families announce their franchise agreements, other families in different towns will likely follow suit,” Leo replied with a shake of his head.
“Understood,” Mike nodded respectfully.
“Elder Mike, how far is it from here to Falling Blossom Palace?” Leo asked after a moment of silence.
“Not too far. It should take about an hour,” Mike replied after some thought.
“Let’s visit Falling Blossom Palace. Now that we’ve secured our franchisees, it’s time to discuss Spirit Herb suppliers,” Leo said with a meaningful smile.
In truth, discussing Spirit Herb suppliers was only part of his reason for visiting. The other reason was that he couldn’t stop thinking about a woman with delicate features who wore a thin veil.
Although he had no emotional attachment to her, an unexpected relationship had formed between them, and he couldn’t help but think about her.
Leo recalled their conversation before they parted:
“My name is Leo. If I get a chance, I’ll come to Falling Blossom Palace to find you.”
“If you dare come to Falling Blossom Palace, I’ll kill you. If I can’t kill you myself, I’ll ask my master to do it…”
After more than two months, would Seraphina still want to kill him?
The Thunder Wing Beast let out a unique cry as it carried Leo and Mike towards Falling Blossom Palace.
Falling Blossom Palace was located on Sunset Peak in the Azure Dragon Mountains.
The three major forces around Zratol-Bloodsoul Sect, Broken Blade Gate, and Falling Blossom Palace-formed a roughly triangular position.
Falling Blossom Palace was situated north of Zratol, closer to Martial Dynasty’s capital.
The Thunder Wing Beast swiftly flew across the clear sky as a mountain range appeared in Leo and Mike’s sight.
Following Mike’s guidance, the Thunder Wing Beast descended towards Sunset Peak.
As they approached Sunset Peak, they saw vast fields of Spirit Herb plantations at the foot of the mountain and terraced fields on the slopes.
The Spirit Herb fields were protected by formation barriers and guarded by disciples.
“Lord, Sunset Peak’s surroundings are fertile with black spirit soil. Various Spirit Herbs grow well here and mature quickly,” Mike explained to Leo.
The Thunder Wing Beast flapped its wings and landed outside Falling Blossom Palace’s mountain gate on Sunset Peak.
Leo and Mike dismounted from the Thunder Wing Beast and walked towards the gate.
At the gate stood six women dressed in white with long swords on their backs. Seeing Leo and Mike’s sudden arrival, their eyes turned vigilant.
“Who are you? What business do you have at Falling Blossom Palace?” one of them asked coldly.
Mike stepped forward and introduced them: “This is Leo, the new lord of Clearwind Town.”