Since Molly Greer was determined to thank him, Carson Flores saw no need to decline.
After all, Carson Flores had no intention of joining the Thousand Swords Sect. Since he helped by returning Elder Su’s remains, wasn’t it only right that he should be compensated?
Molly Greer was taken aback, his tone tinged with helplessness, "Dark Iron Raven Essence is even rarer than magical treasures. Over the years, your Senior Sister Delaney has used all kinds of means to scour the entire Nutwood Heavenly Cave of its Dark Iron Raven Essence. Even if I wanted to give you some, there’s none left. Why don’t you ask for something else?"
Molly Greer’s expression was subtly awkward as he had proactively offered to thank Carson Flores, but now, he was unable to fulfill Carson’s request, making the situation somewhat embarrassing.
Carson Flores was also stunned. Delaney Hunter had cleaned out the entire Nutwood Heavenly Cave’s Dark Iron Raven Essence?
So, what was he to do now?
Carson Flores smiled and said, "I am not particularly lacking in other things, so let’s just forget it. After all, I came across this matter by chance. It’s not much trouble, and considering Miss Su’s face, it seemed only right to do it."
Branson Jaramillo, who stood aside, pondered for a moment: "Everyone in the Nutwood Heavenly Cave knows that cultivating the Three-foot Sword Veil requires Dark Iron Raven Essence. Indeed, we have none to spare, but other Blessed Lands of Cave Heavens might. Some may be willing to trade. I’m going to attend a meeting of Cultivators soon. I’ll do my best to see if I can procure some for you."
A meeting of Cultivators?
Carson Flores was startled. "Haven’t our Cave Heavens been sealed?"
Now a direct disciple of Delaney Hunter, with Delaney and several Sect Masters on equal terms, Carson Flores naturally had a different say in matters. At least now he could openly raise questions without having to hide anything.
Regardless of his strength, with his seniority and status secured, everything was easier to discuss.
Molly Greer replied, "The Cave Master’s closure is directed towards the general public and regular disciples. We still need to partake in essential activities. Every Cave Heaven has its own Secret Realm to obtain Cultivation resources, but they vary in type. Trade is necessary to exchange for the needed resources."
Pausing briefly, Molly Greer then smiled and said, "You may be new and unfamiliar with things here, but as you have become Peak Master Cameron’s Disciple, you are naturally different from ordinary Disciples. If you wish to go out, just seek Peak Master Cameron’s consent."
Carson Flores was pleasantly surprised. Delaney Hunter’s agreement was all he needed to leave?
He had originally thought that after entering the Cave Heaven, he might not be eligible to leave for many years. Yet now, shortly after his arrival, the Cave Master was his martial uncle, and Cameron Hunter had become his Senior Sister, who was also to teach him the unique Three-foot Sword Veil.
Molly Greer turned to Killian Jaramillo with a smile, "Killian, since you and Carson have a history, why don’t you show him around and extend our hospitality?"
Killian Jaramillo bowed in agreement, "Yes, Sect Master."
After leaving the Thousand Swords Hall with Killian Jaramillo, Killian smiled and said, "Come sit at my place."
Carson Flores and Killian Jaramillo walked with purpose. After a few steps, Carson softly said, "Condolences."
Killian Jaramillo’s voice was calm, "My grandfather entered the Secret Realm when the Spirit Rhinoceros Storm began, but he never returned. Everyone knew he had met with misfortune, as the Storm is deadly for Cultivators. Initially, we thought he was completely gone, but now that you have brought him back, it’s already a good outcome."
Carson Flores nodded, "Has your Jaramillo Family always been with the Thousand Swords Sect?"
Killian Jaramillo nodded, "Those with talent naturally join the Thousand Swords Sect. The rest are still below the mountain."
Carson Flores chuckled, "That’s nice. You can visit your family whenever you wish."
Killian Jaramillo turned to look at Carson, "How are your family members doing now?"
Carson Flores laughed, "My parents are in the Mount Kahdas Cave Heaven. After I was born, due to some mishaps, they were injured and taken back. I was raised by a friend of my father’s."
Killian Jaramillo looked a little surprised, "Have you... seen them?"
Carson Flores laughed, "Not yet."
Killian Jaramillo’s eyes held sympathy, "I’m sorry."
Carson Flores laughed heartily, "It’s only been twenty-eight years. To ordinary people, that might seem long, but for Cultivators, it’s not much time. There’s plenty of time to meet in the future."
Killian Jaramillo, looking at Carson’s smiling face, felt a mix of pity and admiration for him.
The two of them strolled around the mountain, then flew off on their swords.
Killian Jaramillo’s residence was located among a grove of bamboo: three simple wooden houses, one kitchen, one bedroom, and one quiet room for usual Cultivation or Alchemy.
In front of the wooden houses, they grew various vegetables and fruits—red, green—a delightful sight. Further afield, there was a lotus pond where lotus leaves fluttered in the wind, carrying a faint floral scent.
By the vegetable and fruit garden, Killian Jaramillo took out a stove and started serving tea to Carson Flores, engaging in casual conversation.
They were enjoying their conversation when a familiar call from Francisco Smith came from outside the bamboo grove.
"Junior Sister Su, Junior Sister Su, are you there?"
Carson Flores glanced at Killian and chuckled, "Seems you have a visitor."
Killian Jaramillo frowned slightly, "Someone rather bothersome at that."