Jia Ruo Wants to Make Money

"Knock, knock, knock."

Urgent knocking echoed at Jia Ruo's residence.

"Who is it?"

Jia Ruo quickly got dressed and rushed downstairs.

Who would knock so early? It wasn't even dawn yet. Could it be old Weaver, confused in his sleep?

Creak

Jia Ruo opened the door, yawning.

Although he no longer needed to sleep at night: continuous meditation throughout the night not only strengthened his Mana but also restored his spirit and energy.

However, a habit formed over twenty years still left him feeling sluggish at this hour.

"Jia Ruo, urgent mission, come with me quickly."

It was Lyle outside the door.

"What happened?"

"Master Percy received word that an Azure Carved Golem has appeared northeast of Placidium. The Hall of Tranquility is organizing people to deal with it."

"Azure Carved Golem? What's that?"

"Wake Neeko up first, we'll talk on the way. We're in a hurry."

"Right, right, I'll go now."

And so, Jia Ruo, pulling a sleepy Neeko along, followed Lyle to the Hall of Tranquility's main hall in the pitch-black pre-dawn hours.

Along the way, Lyle gave a brief introduction to the Azure Carved Golem.

It was a product of ancient times, its appearance dating back to an era difficult to ascertain.

In the estimations of the people of Ionia, the Azure Carved Golem should have appeared in the Ancient Battlefield Ruins of Ionia.

However, whether the Azure Carved Golem was a magical puppet of an Ancient Sorcerer or a Titan created during the Rune Wars was a matter of much debate.

They occasionally appeared in Runeterra, causing destruction to their surroundings unconsciously.

Therefore, upon receiving the news of an Azure Carved Golem appearing northeast of Placidium, the Hall of Tranquility immediately assembled personnel, preparing to go and slay it.

At this moment, many Marshals had already gathered in the Hall of Tranquility's main hall.

Master Percy stood before everyone, clearing his throat:

"Most of the people are here, so let's begin."

He took the scroll from the civilian monk beside him.

"Three hundred and twenty miles northeast of Placidium, an Azure Carved Golem has appeared. Our scouts have confirmed this. Now, we need to organize a small team to destroy it. I'll ask for volunteers now. Please raise your hands."

Swish!

Almost all the Marshals raised their hands.

Jia Ruo didn't quite understand the situation, but seeing everyone so eager, he raised his hand too.

"So many people... In that case, those on duty for the Guard Group these past two days, and those in the Investigator Group with current tasks, please put your hands down first."

Master Percy finished speaking, and two-thirds of the Marshals sighed and lowered their hands.

"We haven't picked a mission yet, Jia Ruo," Neeko whispered from behind him.

"Right, we don't have to put ours down." Jia Ruo replied with a smile.

Percy scanned the room and continued, "Alright, then I'll pick from the remaining people."

"Hood, Laleno, Hert, Gary... Hmm, plus Jia Ruo and Neeko. These twelve people should be enough. Go back and get yourselves ready, and gather at the North Gate at dawn. That's all, the rest of you are dismissed."

The Marshals whose names weren't called looked disappointed.

"Brother Lyle, you weren't picked," Jia Ruo said, approaching Lyle.

"That was to be expected. The Azure Carved Golem is very difficult to deal with. Someone like me wouldn't be much help."

"Brother Lyle, it seems everyone really wants to go. Isn't this mission supposed to be risky?"

"The Azure Carved Golem is indeed very dangerous, but in return, it carries treasures."

"There's such a thing?"

"The Mana core of the Azure Carved Golem is on its head, known as the Crown of Insight. It contains an immense amount of magical energy. It's said that whoever kills the Azure Carved Golem will be attached to the Crown of Insight, thereby gaining vast Magic Power and mastery over magical elements."

"So, you mean one lucky person among us twelve will get this Crown of Insight?"

Lyle shook his head.

"If it were that simple, people would be fighting tooth and nail to go. The Council has a secret art to extract and preserve the Crown of Insight when the Azure Carved Golem dies. Master Percy will... He'll likely lead the team himself this time."

"However."

Lyle's tone shifted.

"There are also huge benefits for those who participate, and that is the right to purchase Sorcery Potions at half price. After the Crown of Insight is brought back, it will be made into Sorcery Potions and some other magical items. You must understand, although it's not comparable to the Crown of Insight itself, Sorcery Potions are also treasures that are priceless and in high demand. They can greatly enhance a Transcendent's control over magic, and ordinary people who drink them may also gain the ability to manipulate magic."

"My heavens, then our operation this time is truly a massive profit."

Jia Ruo couldn't help but exclaim.

"More than just a massive profit. To be honest, I've always envied you favored children of heaven. Magical talent is one in ten thousand. Do you know how many wealthy individuals are seeking to buy Sorcery Potions? Every bottle of Sorcery Potion sold starts at a minimum of ten thousand gold. What does ten thousand gold mean? The full set of high-end formal wear Lady Lesthara bought for me yesterday only cost thirty-five gold."

Jia Ruo had never really grasped the concept of money in Runeterra until now. He finally understood that no matter the world, items that make one stronger require money. (Mr. Ma from that penguin company deeply understood this.)

Jia Ruo gasped. He had previously thought that the monthly salary of twelve gold for a Marshal in the Hall of Tranquility was quite generous. He never expected that this was just the minimum guarantee, completely insignificant compared to these magical items that cost tens of thousands.

He made up his mind internally. After this mission, he would drag Lyle out on missions to save up the money for these Sorcery Potions.