The Dawn of the New World Chapter 1541

"As long as that information benefits the city then of course, why wouldn't you?"

Hao Xuan paused momentarily, trying his best to make it seem like he was looking for the right words.

"I have...a lot of experience working in spirit stone mines. The size, location, and workers all represent different challenges but one thing is always the same- the beasts it attracts. The concentrated worldly energy is nothing short of the highest quality bait when it comes to this."

Rufgar agreed with him wholeheartedly, "I am aware of this. We have surveyed the surrounding area but found no evidence of any guardian beasts. It is rare but there is a chance none have found it so far."

"Yes, but it is far more likely that they have and the city is simply not equipped to detect their presence. Tell me, did you check under the mine?"

Rufgar's eyes narrowed instantly, "Under the mine? Why do you ask that?"

Hao Xuan shrugged, "I'm sure you can figure it out yourself. We are in a wasteland where the temperature goes from one extreme to another every few hours. Most creatures, like the worm, live beneath the sand. It is far more likely for there to be something below the mine rather than above. You should check it out yourself. Also, the mine should have enough stones to activate the temperature array once more. It should improve everyone's mood and keep them calm so maybe consider turning it on again."

Rufgar tapped his massive fingers on the wooden table while looking into Hao Xuan's eyes. They stared at each other in silence for several minutes before Rufgar allowed him to leave.

"Hmm, I will pass this on. Good work."

Before returning to the upper districts Hao Xuan went to inform Ketillaug about the medicine and other things that might be given out to the orphans in the city, asking him to personally take charge of the whole process.

**

As soon as Hao Xuan stepped inside the inn a tsunami of distressing emotions swept over him, most of them originating from Nae Shin who was sitting by the stairs under the watchful eye of several not-so-covert agents of the Song Clan.

He gestured to the stairs before running up, prompting Hao Xuan to follow.

"I DON'T HAVE IT~" he yelled through snot and tears the moment the door to his room was closed.

"Have what? And stop crying, what's wrong with you?!"

Nae Shin wrapped around Hao Xuan's arm like a vine, wiping his face on his robe.

"The mark~! I don't have a mark! I was so nervous my hair started falling out! My precious hair, waaah~"

"Oh, right."

'Fuck, how could I forget about something so obvious,' Hao Xuan berated himself inwardly.

The chosen he had selected was not even a member of the Sanctum let alone someone special.

"Did a man named Vilatgar come to visit you by any chance?"

Nae Shin paused his wailing to think about it, "N-No, it doesn't sound familiar."

"Good. Sit on the bed while I check how to give you a mark."

After freeing himself from Nae Shin Hao Xuan promptly activated the Crown of Darkness and looked for the relative information- which he found with ease.

'Hmm, not bad. Anyone with an upgraded mark can recommend another to the Will of the Nine. If they deem him worthy then an offer will be made. Sounds simple enough.'

Hao Xuan placed a hand on Nae Shin's shoulder and threw together some flowery sentences.

'I recommend this child of the abyss to serve the Nine. Grant him your...'

He tried to be as nice and eloquent as possible and it paid out big time. Within seconds three offers were made from each of his marks that had been sufficiently leveled up.

'From the King in Yellow, the King in Red, and the Silent Father. Not bad at all!'

But where the offers of the King in Yellow and Silent Father were rather ordinary, the King in Red stepped it up a notch.

'Hmm?'

Hao Xuan's interest was piqued as he looked at the rows of letters coming together in front of his very eyes.

'He is offering to personally take him under his wings and bring him to his realm within the Umbral Planes. But...why? No, it doesn't matter. The King in Red or rather- the [Mad King] is not a good choice for anyone. His proposal is not even worth considering.'

Hao Xuan wanted to go with the Silent Father purely because of Viltgar's presence but-

'He said the Silent Father did not take just anyone under his wings. It would be strange if he ran into two other people in the middle of nowhere who belonged to the same group, not to mention that he might be able to see the level of Nae Shin's mark since he is obviously much higher level within the sanctum.'

That only left one option.

'I graciously accept your proposal!' Hao Xuan tapped on the King in Yellow's name.

This act activated his own mark which released a blinding golden light that wrapped around Nae Shin, dimming into non-existence a moment later.

*Bing*