My Infinite Cultivation System-Chapter 42: Copying a non elemental talent

Alex smiled faintly upon hearing that.

"So this place for the younger generation exists to acclimate them to the brutality of the world?" Alex asked Darion.

"That is correct. But you may also challenge them if you wish," Darion replied calmly.

"Then it has already fulfilled its purpose. Let us leave. I do not want anyone casting those revolting gazes upon the girls again," Alex said as he began walking toward the exit.

The girls remained where they stood, yet their hearts pounded violently within their chests.

A man like Alex, the supreme genius of Earth and perhaps the entire universe, who was so merciless toward his enemies that they could sense his killing intent from afar, was now displaying such gentleness.

He was concerned for them.

Their hearts raced uncontrollably.

Anna looked toward her cousins and saw their eyes. She could immediately tell what they were thinking.

"Why would he have to behave like a gentleman all of a sudden?", she complained in her heart but still she felt happy too.

"Very well. Where shall we go now?" Darion asked.

"Let us tour the city. We can sample various cuisines and explore its entertainments.

By the way, when do you plan to challenge the Inheritance Tower? You are nearly twenty, correct?" Alex inquired.

"Yes. I will challenge it after reaching Level Nine. I have approximately four months remaining before I can attain that level," Darion responded.

Alex gave a simple nod. Then they departed from the battle arena.

"Brother Alex, that fight was unbelievable. Why did you not enter the arena and confront some criminals?" one of the girls asked curiously.

"There is no necessity. At my current level, none with same level can defeat me. It would merely be slaughter. I would gain nothing from such meaningless bloodshed. And those criminals serve their own purposes," Alex replied in a composed tone.

The girl nodded in understanding.

They continued strolling through the city, having already removed their masks.

Suddenly, a rich and irresistible fragrance reached Alex’s senses.

He turned his head and noticed a modest roadside restaurant. A man was preparing barbecued meat.

"Let us eat. I am hungry," Alex suggested.

"Certainly. We are hungry as well," they agreed.

They took seats at a nearby table. The owner remained focused on grilling, so his face was not visible.

"Old sir, serve us your finest dishes," Darion called out.

"At once," the old man replied without glancing at them.

Shortly after, someone delivered the food. Darion looked at the server and froze.

"Why..." He could not complete his sentence.

The girls also stiffened when they saw who had served them.

However, Alex did not recognize him and began eating enthusiastically. The moment the meat touched his tongue, it felt as though an explosion of flavor detonated within his mouth.

His eyes widened. Tears streamed down his cheeks uncontrollably. He neither resisted nor wished to.

"Old man, what is this? Why can I not stop eating?" Alex asked while devouring the food.

He finished his portion instantly, only to notice that the others had yet to begin.

"If you are not hungry, may I have yours?" Alex asked innocently.

"No. Absolutely not. If you touch my food, I will declare war against you," they shouted simultaneously. Even Anna joined in.

Alex was speechless.

"Why such seriousness? I can simply order another serving," he thought.

"Old man, kindly provide me with another plate," Alex requested.

Suddenly, a thunderous burst of laughter echoed across the space.

"Hahahaha. This brat believes he can have more. We have been customers here for hundreds of years and have never received a second serving."

"What?" Alex glanced around.

The restaurant had appeared small from the outside, yet the interior was vast beyond imagination. Hundreds of tables filled the space, each occupied.

A chill ran down his spine.

"Why did I fail to notice them?" he thought with alarm.

He immediately activated his scan.

[Name: Varion Ashborn

Talent: Beast Master (SS)

Rank: Level 9 Emperor

Note: Possesses a contracted beast. Can merge with the beast to obtain its abilities while retaining his own power.]

[Name: Samuel Jackson

Talent: Invisibility (S)

Rank: Level 8 Emperor

Note: Can become invisible and pass through solid objects for thirty minutes. Cooldown time of two hours.]

Alex’s eyes widened.

Why were so many supreme masters gathered here?

He continued scanning.

Every individual present was either an Emperor or at least a high level Saint.

Then Alex looked at the server.

[Name: Harrison Ford

Talent: Wood Manipulation(SS)

Rank: Level 1 Emperor

Note: He can infuse life energy into others and heal them to their fundamental level.]

Now he knew why they didn’t start eating. They might have known this person.

Alex then looked at the old man.

The man had finally turned toward him. His appearance was ordinary, yet an indescribable noble aura radiated from him.

The old man appeared before Alex, holding a fresh plate of meat.

"Go on, child. You require greater nourishment if you wish to grow faster."

What?

Every Emperor in the establishment rose to their feet.

"Master, this is unfair. Why would you give him a second serving? Why would you break the rule you set yourself? We also want more," they protested vigorously.

The old man glanced at them with open disdain.

"Second servings? Continue dreaming. I will not violate my rules for you punks. This exception is solely for this kid," he declared.

No Emperor dared to object further.

Alex was shaken beyond comprehension.

Who exactly was this old man?

He scanned him.

[Name: Nolan Magnus

Talent: Alchemist (SSS)

Rank: Level 9 Emperor

Note: The foremost martial artist of the Light Domain and bearer of the first SSS rank talent. Capable of combining materials to create pills at least ten times more potent than the sum of their components.

He is the creator of nearly all serums and medicinal pills and the master of the current generation of Emperors.]

The information flooded into Alex’s mind.

"I want this talent. I want it badly," he screamed inwardly.

As if responding to his overwhelming desire, a notification sounded.

[Ding. Host has exhibited intense desire for a non elemental talent. You may sacrifice three external talent slots to copy a non elemental talent. In the future, you will be able to copy same type of non elemental talents to enhance this one.]

Alex nearly leapt from his seat.

He would have sacrificed five slots without hesitation if it meant acquiring such power.

"Old man, can I shake your hand? This is the most exquisite food I have ever tasted," Alex said, feigning ignorance of the man’s true identity.

"You wish to shake my hand? Very well. However, you must work under me once a month for one year," the old man replied with a faint smile.

"Would that mean I may eat your food without limitation?" Alex asked, practically drooling.

"Naturally," Nolan nodded.

The Emperors burned with jealousy yet remained silent.

"I accept. Why not allow me to work every day? I require no payment," Alex responded instantly.

The old man scoffed.

"I open this restaurant only once each month."

"Oh."

The euphoria within Alex diminished slightly.

The old man extended his hand.

"Welcome to my shop."

Alex clasped it firmly.

"Sacrifice three slots and copy the talent."

[Ding. Three external talent slots sacrificed. Non elemental talent "Alchemist" successfully copied.]