I Can Contract Beauties-Chapter 161: Maras

A white haired and bearded old man greeted Miguel and Edith the moment they arrived at the bar table.

He looked towering and very tall, but one should not be deceived by such a facade. This bearded old man was actually just standing on a stool right behind the bar table to appear tall. He was actually just around Miguel’s waist in terms of height.

Miguel nodded his head in pleasantries and sat on the tall stool with Edith by his side. He did not reject his offer; it was the old man’s way of showing good will toward him. Why must he reject it without any apparent reason?

"You have my thanks, Mars." Miguel stated as he received the glass of liquor handed by Mars toward him and Edith.

Maras was also a Martial Artist. From what Miguel could tell, he has the strength of a Bronze Grade Beast, or an equivalent to an Adept Martial Artist.

He was also a well-known mercenary. However, due to an injury that he took when he was still active, Maras had long been retired and has only managed this Maras Tavern to personally brew some liquors for his customers and some old friends.

"The pleasure is mine, Elder Journey." Mars replied in the most respectful tone possible.

His appearance was already that of a grandpa. Wrinkles were all over his head and paired with his white hair and grown beard, he looked even more old and wizen. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

If he knew that he was speaking so respectfully to a young man, it was a wonder what kind of reaction he would make.

For Miguel, though, he did not mind an old man like Maras calling him ’elder’. Although his body appearance may look young, and he may act immature and impulsive from time to time, ultimately, the one controlling it was still the one known as the Boundless Sage of Knowledge.

"This is Ember Ale. One of the specialties I offer here at Maras Tavern. I specially brewed it from a Flame Fruit that can only be commonly found around the foot of Cyanid Volcano. Due to overharvesting, they have become harder to find compared to a few years ago. So, a glass of Ember Ale now costs 5 Silver Coins, compared to just 1 Silver Coin years ago."

Maras introduced proudly as Miguel and Edith took a little sip after he made sure that there was no strange substance mixed on it.

The ale’s taste was not strong. It was only a little hot to one’s tongue, maybe due to the properties of the fruit it was made from. It also tastes a little sweet and sugary, much to Edith’s liking. This should be a drink especially made for a woman’s taste buds.

In truth, the only reason why Miguel decided to come here was to familiarize himself with the surroundings as well as to pass some time.

However, after hearing that such a fruit existed, he was immediately curious about it. Especially after knowing its properties.

As he tasted the Ember Ale, he also noticed something special about it.

’It can actually increase my Yang Energy?’ He thought to himself curiously.

For male dual-cultivators, Yang Energy was as important as water. It was indispensable as it was the currency that they needed if they wanted to dual-cultivate. The same goes for the female dual-cultivators.

Every session of dual-cultivation, a male’s Yang and a female’s Yin Energy would always be expended.

Even when it was not consensual, a male cultivator would still have to expend their Yang Energy, as it would cause problems if they bottled up their Yang Energy for too long.

If done for too long, it might even cripple them for life. The same goes for the Yin Energy for the female.

Unless one has a special physique, this was something that no dual-cultivator would do.

When they expend their Yang and Yin Energy, it would accumulate for a certain period of time. Treasures that could increase one’s Yang and Yin Energy were obviously very precious to dual cultivators due to this reason.

The Yang Tri Flower, and the Yin Lotus were just among the many treasures that could increase one’s Yang and Yin Energy.

This Ember Ale that was made from a Flame Fruit was also showing characteristics of a Yang based treasure. Although it was miniscule, Miguel was still able to sense the changes of his Yang Energy inside him. As he was a dual cultivation practitioner now, he was obviously curious about such a fruit.

"Do you have more of these fruits?" He asked Maras as he took another sip.

Maras was surprised that he managed to hook Journey’s interest with the Flame Fruit. Although it was a little rare nowadays, it has no practical uses and can only be either eaten raw, or brewed into ale.

Maras shook his head, "All my stock is already in the process of being fermented. I know some mercenaries who always deliver good quality Flame Fruit, though. I can introduce them to you, if you want." He said.

Miguel nodded his head. If he could obtain at least one Flame Fruit, then he would be able to study it and possibly learn of some of its uses.

As for going to Cyanid Volcano to search for them personally, Miguel did not think that it was worth his time. He still had other things to do, so he could only commission some mercenary to fetch some Flame Fruit for him.

After ’Journey’ agreed, Maras suddenly waved his hand as a waiter approached the bar table. Maras whispered something to the waiter, before the waiter left without asking more questions.

Maras explained to Miguel that the waiter went to inform the mercenaries that he was talking about.

"If I may ask, why are you interested in this fruit?"

Miguel shrugged his shoulders in response. "Nothing in particular; I was just curious about its properties. I heard of some fruits with similar effects before, but I had never heard of one with such a direct name as the Flame Fruit."