The sun was already high in the sky when Finn arrived at Mulberry City, the city where the territory of the Golden Lion Family was located. In this city, the Golden Lion Family was recognized as the ruling power, and every word they spoke was law to be followed by all who lived there.
The Golden Lion Family was known as a benevolent clan because they were always ready to defend the city should any attack occur.
They also did not impose high taxes on the citizens, which earned them great respect from the people. Even merchants offered discounts when they learned that their customers came from the Golden Lion Family. In this way, the people could repay the protection and kindness the Golden Lion Family showed them.
Upon stepping into this city, Finn wasted no time and headed straight for his objective. He quickly made his way to the exact location of the Golden Lion Family's territory. When he reached the gate, a guard standing watch immediately stopped him.
"Halt!" the burly guard called out firmly, eyeing Finn from head to toe. Seeing he was just an ordinary young man, the guard looked him in the eye and continued,
"This place belongs to the Golden Lion Family. If you didn't know, the Golden Lion Family strictly forbids outsiders from entering without invitation. Please, I must ask you to leave."
This guard was only at 5th Level Gold Rank, and though he sensed the young man's level and rank, he did not waver and showed the same firmness he would display to any non-member of the Golden Lion Family.
Finn did not take offense at being turned away. He knew the guard was simply doing his duty.
He smiled faintly and calmly introduced himself:
"I am Finn Doria of the Azure Wood Family. I have something I wish to talk to the higher-ups of the Golden Lion Family."
"What is a member of the Azure Wood Family doing in the territory of the Golden Lion Family?" Before the guard could respond, an old man interjected.
As soon as he spoke, an elderly man with pure white hair stepped forward, studying Finn intently.
"Aren't you the friend Young Master Isake introduced to us back at the Heavenly Auction House?" the old man asked seriously.
"First Elder!" the guard exclaimed, immediately saluting upon seeing who had spoken.
He was but a humble guard of the Golden Lion Family, and as such, it was his duty to respect the distinguished members of his clan.
When Finn saw this elder, he smiled at once. He recognized him—this was the same elder who had accompanied Augustus, the Golden Lion Family's leader, at the auction house: the First Elder of the Golden Lion Family!
Every clan had a First Elder, the elder who held the greatest authority among all ordinary Elders. Their opinions and decisions carried enormous weight—even the clan leaders valued their counsel deeply.
Finn offered a slight bow and spoke respectfully:
"It is an honor. I did not expect you would still remember me, First Elder."
"Hmm. You are a friend of Young Master Isake and—wait… your strength… you're a 9th Level Gold Rank?! How is that possible? When we first met, you were clearly only a 7th Level Bronze Rank!" the Elder exclaimed in shock and disbelief.
Finn did not answer that question. Instead, he spoke again:
"May I request an audience with Family Head Augustus? I have something important to discuss."
"Family Head Augustus, you say? Since you are a friend of Young Master Isake, I will bring you to him," the First Elder replied. He gazed at Finn in admiration and said,
"I can hardly believe that at such a young age you've already attained this level of power. The Azure Wood Family is fortunate to have you."
He turned around and began walking briskly into the heart of the Golden Lion Family's territory. Finn followed, leaving the guard still saluting at the gate.
--
Inside a spacious hall, an older man stood straight in front of a large window. This was Augustus, the head of the Golden Lion Family and father of Isake.
"Family Head, you have a visitor who wishes to see you. I'm sure you will be quite surprised," the First Elder announced with a smile.
"Oh? Who is this visitor?" Augustus turned, puzzled.
"Family Head Augustus," Finn said as he stepped from behind the First Elder, smiling politely.
"Hmm? Aren't you the friend Isake met at the institute? What brings you here?" Augustus asked, clearly surprised.
"You're right. I am Finn Doria of the Azure Wood Family," Finn replied with a smile.
"Family Head, have you not noticed his level and rank?" the First Elder asked Augustus.
"He is at 9th Level Gold Rank. Wait… 9th Level Gold Rank?! How did that happen?!" Like the First Elder earlier, Augustus was stunned, unable to believe the aura he sensed from Finn.
"I have been wondering the same thing, but no matter how I think about it, I cannot understand how it happened," the First Elder said gravely.
Augustus stared at Finn, still unable to hide his astonishment. He seemed completely baffled.
"I have yet to receive any reports about the competition between the new Outer Students. But if I am not mistaken, with power like that, you surely won first place. Even many Core Students would be no match for your current strength," Augustus said calmly.
"Thank you for your praise, Family Head Augustus," Finn replied, smiling. He recounted everything that had happened during the competition. As he spoke, the two elders couldn't help but smile.
"You humiliated Frederick's son before countless Adventurers—and even tarnished the Black Tiger Family's name. I am sure Frederick is filled with rage right now. You've truly impressed me with your courage, young man," Augustus said.
The First Elder nodded in agreement. The Golden Lion Family had long been rivals with the Black Tiger Family, so it was no surprise they were pleased by Finn's public humiliation of their enemies.
Even though their own clan hadn't done it, there was no denying that the Black Tiger Family had been shamed in front of many Adventurers. News of this would surely spread, and others would likely scorn the Black Tiger Family for it.
"It is fortunate indeed that you became a friend to Isake. Well then, what brings you here to our territory?" the First Elder asked, eager to hear what important matter Finn had come to discuss.
"Family Head Augustus, First Elder, I wish to propose an alliance between our two clans," Finn said seriously.
At these words, the elders' smiles vanished and were replaced by stunned expressions. They had not expected to hear such a statement. The two of them exchanged looks before turning back to Finn.
"Are you joking?" Augustus asked incredulously.
Forming an alliance between two clans was not unheard of. Such an alliance meant that both sides would stand together against any threat to either. But in this situation, the Azure Wood Family would clearly benefit more: once word spread that they were allied with the Golden Lion Family, no one would dare to attack them lightly. Even other Aristocrat Clans would think twice before making a move.
The Golden Lion Family was among the most powerful Aristocrat Clans, on par with the Black Tiger Family. If they chose to protect the Azure Wood Family, the Black Tiger Family would have to reconsider their actions.
"I apologize, but I am not joking. Within the next two months, I will be joining the Cloud Soaring Sect as a core member. During that time, I will need the Golden Lion Family's strength and influence to protect my clan," Finn explained earnestly.
"Cloud Soaring Sect?" the First Elder repeated in surprise. He studied Finn carefully and asked,
"Indeed, with your current power, entering the Cloud Soaring Sect would be easy—but how will you enter as a core member?"
Finn smiled politely. "An Adventurer helped me gain entry."
'Who?' the elders wondered silently.
Though they wished to know who had helped him, it was clear Finn did not intend to share that information.
Augustus shook his head and spoke calmly,
"Even so, simply becoming a member of the Cloud Soaring Sect is not enough to persuade us. You know that Frederick won the Profound Nurturing Pill at the auction in Heavenly Sky City. By the next time we meet, he may already be a Profound Rank Adventurer."
"There is conflict between your clan and his—and surely he will make things even harder for you. Moreover, there is no clear benefit for our clan in forming this alliance. I'm sorry, but we cannot grant your request," Augustus concluded.
Even after hearing this clear refusal, Finn remained calm and serious. He looked them both in the eye, sighed, and spoke slowly:
"Family Head Augustus, First Elder, I know that in this world, nothing is free. That is why I would like to offer compensation to convince you to accept my proposal for an alliance."