Aaron naturally caught the tune and understood the elegant intent. He lavishly praised the Three Mountains Association for handling affairs with fairness and rigor, and for a time, host and guest alike were thoroughly pleased.
After another round of tea was served, Zhong Wuyou's expression turned solemn. He took two jade boxes from his storage pouch. "Our Association Head has also heard of your name, Fellow Daoist. To celebrate your Foundation Establishment, she has specially ordered this old man to deliver a modest gift!"
"Many thanks for Patriarch Hongyu's kindness."
Aaron cupped his hands toward Three Mountains Peak before opening the jade boxes.
Inside one of them lay a white-jade, boat-shaped artifact.
"This is a high-grade artifact—the White Cloud Shuttle. Having only just advanced, Fellow Daoist, you likely have not yet fully equipped yourself with artifacts, have you?"
Zhong Wuyou introduced it. "The White Cloud Shuttle has astonishing escape speed and may serve you well."
Aaron nodded and opened the second, smaller jade case, discovering within it a crimson jade slip.
"Fellow Daoist seems to have been searching for artifact-refining and alchemy inheritances?"
Zhong Wuyou smiled. "This contains an artifact-refining inheritance... it is quite ancient, tracing back at the earliest to the 'Fire Refining Furnace' of East Gate Market. Though it is only first-tier, it is still exceedingly valuable... This gift from the Association Head shows her utmost sincerity!"
In his view, this first-tier artifact-refining inheritance was worth even more than a high-grade artifact!
"I understand the Association Head's goodwill."
Aaron picked up the jade slip, sighing inwardly. Sure enough, once a person became strong enough, the things they had once begged for in vain would be delivered right to their door.
*'But... the Fire Refining Furnace? That shop was indeed quite famous. Though it could only forge mid- and