After he had fought with all his might for around ten minutes, the force of the confrontation that had
been placed upon him began to abate.
He patiently waited for it to pass completely. A few moments later, the pain subsided, and the tension in
his muscles began to loosen. At this moment, Austin was completely soaked in sweat and was panting
heavily.
As much as he was utterly exhausted and completely out of power, Austin was excited with the
progress he had made.
He studied the Three-layer Grand Pagoda that he created. By this time, it had turned into a solid,
dazzling tower that contained such tremendous power that its energy brought a terrifying chill to the
surrounding air.
"It is done."
Staring absorbedly at the brilliant light that was pouring out of the Three-layer Grand Pagoda, Austin
murmured under his breath. A triumphant smile formed on his face.
At last, Austin had succeeded in his cultivation of the first step of the Grand Pagoda Summoning Skill.
Now that he had obtained the Three-layer Grand Pagoda, Austin would inevitably have more vital
energy and tactics when confronting his enemies.
The following day.
"Austin? Does Austin live here?"
Austin was woken when he heard someone calling his name.
Judging from the voice, it was a young girl.
Who could she be? It was not even daybreak yet. After his challenging cultivation the night before,
Austin really needed a good night's sleep to rejuvenate his muscles. Being disturbed was the last thing
he wanted at the moment.
Nevertheless, the persistent knocking at the door continued, and the sound of it got even louder. Very
reluctantly, he crawled out of bed and went to open the door.
When he pushed open the door, Austin saw a familiar face.
It was Mindy.
She was one of the members of the Evil Ape Hunting Team on Beast Mountain. She looked sweet and
affectionate as ever. Her short, leather skirt revealed her long, slender legs and her fringed, small
waistcoat framed the curve of her delicate breasts and waist.
Austin had always thought that Mindy was beautiful.
Austin was just about to greet her when he felt as though something was amiss.
In the next instant, he placed his hands on his lower body and retreated to his bedside, for he did not
want Mindy to notice.
Although perfectly normal, it was inappropriate for Mindy to see that he had nocturnal penile
tumescence.
However, Mindy was too innocent to understand why Austin had rushed back without even saying hi.
"What's wrong with you, Austin? It is me, Mindy," she cried.
Confused but indignant at Austin's queer reaction and his impoliteness of not greeting her, she followed
Austin into the cottage. And Austin, after having waited there for a short time with his back facing
Mindy, finally felt relief as his awkward physical phenomenon had vanished. He drew a deep breath
and walked towards Mindy.
His behavior confused her even more. "Austin, what the hell are you doing? Are you hiding something
from me?"
Mindy asked. She always spoke her mind and didn't think twice before openly confronting Austin about
his behavior.
"I…nothing… I was just fetching something." The explanation died on his lips. He grinned and tried to
laugh it off, and let the awkwardness pass.
After all, he was an unmarried young man. Not to mention he was now facing such a sweet, pretty girl.
It was natural for him to feel shy.
He pretended to cough and lowered his head as he tried to drive away the blush on his cheeks.
Mindy watched him. There was something unusual about Austin's manner, which she could not make
out immediately. Just as she was about to ask, Austin interposed," It's nice to see you again. Might I
ask what brought you here?"
Austin skirted around the sensitive subject.
"No reason in particular. I just came to see you. I heard that Marvin was bothering you again. Is he?"
Easily distracted by Austin's question, Mindy asked him with an expression of seriousness.
A warm tenderness filled Austin's heart. He did not expect that she would be so concerned that she
would visit him at such an early hour. His affection for her intensified as he watched her delicate,
brilliant face.
"Yes, he did. But don't worry about me. Look, I am safe and healthy. I believe he will not be bullying me
much longer. Very soon, I will defeat him," Austin said with a resolute light shining in his eyes.
It was true. Given the fact that Austin had already succeeded in cultivating the Grand Pagoda
Summoning Skill, his cultivation base would inevitably soar, and he would easily be able to defeat
Marvin.
"Oh, really? You surprise me. No wonder you were the first-ranked outer disciple back then. I wouldn't
be surprised if you acquired the power needed to defeat him. How silly of me to come here and ask you
this silly question," she said in a mocking, satirical tone.
Apparently, she was upset at Austin's lack of honesty about his true identity.
Understanding that he had offended Mindy, Austin grinned and brushed his hair sheepishly with his
fingers.
"You are right. I was the first-ranked outer disciple before. But you know I failed in last ranking exam
and lost my cultivation base. I am much weaker now," he explained, looking furtively at Mindy lest he
should annoy her more.
However, Mindy burst into laughter at Austin's attempt to coax her. Looking at Austin's shapely and
handsome face, her heart ran hot with affection. Not wanting Austin to see her flushed face, she hastily
lowered her head and turned aside.
Although Austin was currently a grunt disciple, the time she had spent with him had increased her
attraction towards Austin. The way he overcame hardships and difficulties made her want to know
more about him. She believed in his ability to regain his honor eventually.
The belief was strong in her. He was not like any other man she had met so far. There was something
in him, something powerful and reliable, faintly showing and vaguely revealing. She often wondered
over his potential and the brightness of his future. However, she could not be certain. But her intuition
told her it would be astounding.
"Hey, what are you thinking? You just came to see if I was okay?"
Seeing Mindy in a trance-like state, Austin held out his hand and waved it in front of her beautiful face.
"No, not just that reason." Coming out of her trance, she said," I missed the contribution credit
recording date at Merit Hall as I had returned to my hometown. I got some valuable things when I was
on Beast Mountain. I have them with me now. I plan to visit the Marginal Trade Market and exchange
them for vital energy crystals. It is not far from here, and I was wondering if you'd like to come."
The Marginal Trade Market?
Austin knew of this place. He had even been there once. It was a place where people exchange their
cultivation objects, like a secondhand market.
With a bit of luck, Austin could find what he needed.
Last time, when they were in Merit Hall, Austin had exchanged part of his beast cores for contribution
credits. He still had many cores left. He was hoping to find a chance to sell them for vital energy
crystals.
This Marginal Trade Market seemed like the perfect place where he could sell his diabolic beast cores.
"If you are going to the Marginal Trade Market, I am coming with you," Austin said decidedly.
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