Rendric could only sigh as he braced himself to ask him about his deal with Garion.

"So you're telling me the reason why you wanted to work with him is just because it's… interesting?"

Raviel laughed. "Partly, yes. But also because I can tell when someone's genuine."

His eyes then turned serious.

"And also... do you think a man who's still in the second realm, yet managed to stand against me, would cheat me?"

Rendric froze for a moment, thinking carefully. Then he sighed and shook his head.

"No... he wouldn't. And if he does... then he was just a stupid strong man."

Raviel nodded with a satisfied smile.

"Exactly. He's straightforward, and he's already proven his strength. That's worth more than any contract full of empty promises."

Rendric bowed slightly. "Understood, Patriarch."

Raviel leaned back, smiling again.

"Good. And besides, I already gave him my word. The Patriarch of the Revalis Clan doesn't break promises."

Rendric lowered his head respectfully. "Yes, Patriarch."

He turned toward Garion. "Forgive my interruption, Sect Leader Garion. I only spoke out of caution."

Garion smiled, waving it off casually.

"No offense taken, Elder Rendric. I appreciate caution. It means you care about your clan. I'd expect the same from my own people."

Rendric looked slightly relieved and nodded as he stepped back quietly.

"Thank you for understanding."

Raviel turned to Garion again. "Sorry about that. Rendric's a good man, just too serious sometimes."

Garion chuckled. "Every clan needs one. He's the kind who keeps things stable while people like us cause trouble."

Raviel laughed loudly again. "You're not wrong about that!"

The tension in the room eased, replaced by laughter from both men.

Garion set down his cup and looked at Raviel with a confident smile.

"So, Patriarch Raviel, I guess it's official then. The first God Gym on the mainland will rise here, under your clan's name."

Raviel nodded proudly, his eyes gleaming. "That's right. And since it's official, let's go build it right now."

Garion blinked, slightly surprised. "Now?"

Raviel smirked. "You said you could build it anytime, didn't you?"

Garion scratched his chin. "Yeah, but… it's still night."

Raviel laughed loudly, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Oh, come on. We're cultivators, not sleepy mortals. One night without sleep won't kill us. What are you worrying about?"

Garion sighed with a helpless smile.

"I suppose that's true, but I thought you'd at least wait until morning."

Raviel crossed his arms.

"What should I do until then? Just sit here and continue eating and drinking?"

He gestured toward the tables full of foods and drinks.

"We've already eaten half the kitchen's stock tonight. If we stay any longer, my cooks will riot."

That made Garion laugh. "Alright then, fair point."

Raviel grinned. "Good. Leave your disciples here. There's still plenty of food and drink. Let them enjoy themselves."

Garion turned toward his table of disciples. "Alright, everyone, listen up."

The noise at their table dropped instantly. Dahlia, Rynar, Rynor, and the others looked up from their plates, half-chewing.

Garion continued.

"I'll be heading out for a while with Patriarch Raviel. You all stay here, behave yourselves, and don't destroy anything."

The twins immediately exchanged a glance.

"We didn't destroy anything last time!" Rynar protested.

Garion raised an eyebrow. "You cracked a restaurant wall with a single punch the last time we ate outside."

Rynor grinned nervously. "That was… testing."

Garion sighed. "No testing here. Understood?"

The disciples nodded quickly.

Rachel stood up, concerned. "You're going at night? Isn't it too sudden?"

Raviel laughed. "No need to worry, Sister. We won't be going far. Just to the main city grounds."

Garion smiled at her. "It's fine, Miss Rachel. I'll be back before dawn."

Arden stood and bowed slightly. "Master, leave them to me. I'll make sure they behave."

Garion chuckled softly. "Good. I'm counting on you, Arden. Keep the twins from doing anything ridiculous."

Rynar frowned. "We don't do ridiculous things."

Rynor added. "Yeah, we just do fun things."

Dahlia groaned quietly. "Same thing."

Garion shook his head, turning back to Raviel. "Alright then, Patriarch. Show me the way."

Raviel smiled broadly. "That's the spirit."

As they were about to leave, Elder Rendric quickly walked over. "Patriarch! Sect Leader Garion! Wait."

Both men turned to him. Raviel tilted his head. "Hm? What is it now, Rendric?"

Rendric bowed slightly.

"If you're going to the main city at night, let me escort you. I'm more familiar with the layout than you are, Patriarch."

Raviel scratched the back of his head.

"Well, that's true. I've been away training for years… Half the city probably changed already."

Garion chuckled. "In that case, it'll be good to have your help, Elder Rendric."

Rendric straightened up. "It would be my honor."

Raviel clapped his hands together, clearly excited.

"Perfect. Rendric, lead the way. We'll pick a good spot for the God Gym before sunrise."

Rendric sighed quietly. "It's really happening tonight, huh…"

Raviel laughed. "When I decide something, it happens immediately!"

Garion smiled. "I can see that now."

Raviel smirked. "Then let's move before you change your mind."

The three of them walked out of the dining hall together.

Behind them, the laughter of Garion's disciples echoed faintly through the halls.

---

A few moments later, they arrived at the Revalis Clan's main city.

The streets were wide and well-lit, glowing softly under rows of floating crystal lamps.

Despite the late hour, the place was still lively as the sound of laughter echoed from taverns and inns on every corner.

Garion looked around with surprise. "Your city is quite busy even though it was late at night."

Raviel chuckled, walking beside him with his hands behind his back.

"Of course. Daytime is for work. Nighttime is when people actually live."

Elder Rendric nodded in agreement.

"He's not wrong. Nighttime is one of the best times to relax here. The pubs are open, the food stalls stay busy, and..."

He paused awkwardly, glancing at Raviel. "Well, the brothels are also quite active."

Raviel laughed loudly. "Ha! Don't sound so shy, Rendric. It's not a secret. Half the elders visit those places after a stressful day."

Rendric frowned. "Patriarch, please!"

Garion chuckled quietly. "Looks like your clan knows how to unwind."

Raviel grinned. "Cultivators work hard, so we should relax just as hard. That's balance."

Garion smiled faintly. "Fair enough. Though I prefer my balance through training instead of drinking."

Raviel looked amused. "That's because you're a madman, Garion. Normal people don't relax by doing some trainings."

"Maybe they should," Garion replied.

Both men laughed as they continued down the street, passing through the lively district.

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