Tony's eyes finally set on the Moonstone Ring, which is very normally looking but there are several useful functions.
*****************************
[Item Available]
Name: Moonstone Jade Ring
Description:
A spatial storage ring crafted from refined moonstone jade. Contains vast internal space with neatly arranged compartments, a small herb cultivation land, and a life-energy liquid fountain to sustain resources. Capable of storing massive objects, even up to the size of a small mountain.
Cost: 13 Fate Points
*******************************
Without another thought, Tony purchased the Moonstone jade ring by giving up 13 fate points.
As he stretched his hand, he saw the plain white, polished-texture jade ring materializing in his palm.
Tony felt satisfied after observing the storage ring's contents. It is really up to its name.
"I think even my father's storage ring will be inferior to this one," Tony thought as he placed it inside his bamboo bag.
For a second, Tony thought about purchasing another storage ring for himself, but he immediately shook his head as he needed some fate points in case of any emergency.
When thinking about how his younger brother would react after receiving this storage ring, Tony finished cleaning up. As the black impurities washed away from his body, the mirror displayed his new refined muscles and glowing skin.
The change was apparent as Tony noticed his grip and the power surging inside him.
He thought about going to the family training hall to test out his new strength. With a big bath towel in his hand, he walked out of the washroom and began observing the outside arrangements through the one-way mirror wall.
His eyes finally fell upon his third uncle and seventh uncle, who were busily chatting with the Clay family patriarch.
"They are definitely cooking something! Are they conspiring to remove me as family heir?! My third uncle will go to any length to make his own son, Kevin as the next family heir. But my father won't let it happen that easily." Tony muttered as he observed all the gathered elders.
As the evening approached more and more people began gathering. The arrangements were lavish and worthy of the CLARK family name. Tony smiled as he watched his brother in stylish designer clothes… but in the next instance his smile faded.
Across from his brother, he saw Elvin, the clay family young master. "So, you are really complaining to my brother! Hahaha…" Tony smirked as he remembered what happened at the Herb Sanctuary.
***
Clark Family Herb Sanctuary…
The Clark Family Herb Sanctuary stretched across a quiet expanse within the outer estate. Unlike the outer gardens, this place carried deeper significance. The soil beneath every step was dark and fertile, infused with volcanic ash brought from Mount Meru and refined over years with nutrient-rich irrigation fluids.
Rare martial herbs thrived here, their growth supported by conditions that could not be replicated elsewhere, making the sanctuary one of the family's most valuable resources.
Tony Clark stood near one of the inner plots, casually observing a cluster of red lotus tea leaves swaying gently under the controlled airflow. He wasn't particularly interested in the herbs themselves… His presence here was more out of habit than purpose. Because the herb sanctuary was frequently visited by family youth.
The faint sound of footsteps broke the stillness.
Tony didn't turn immediately. When he finally shifted his gaze, he saw her.
Elsa Clay!
She had stopped several steps away the moment she noticed him. For a brief moment, her expression stiffened with fear. She tightly clutched the valuable seedlings in one palm.
"I must plant these before the sun sets. Otherwise, the harvest would be a complete waste. But…" After long hesitation, she decided to take a step forward.
"Young Master Tony, I came here to plant Umbrella Flower seeds," she said in a weak tone.
Tony finally turned.
"These flowers can only grow in this kind of soil," she continued, gesturing slightly. "The volcanic ash composition… and the irrigation here…"
She paused briefly before adding,
"I have permission from the Third Elder… and the Seventh Elder."
A faint silence followed.
From a distance, a few servants had already gathered.
Not openly… but enough to observe… their expressions carried a strange mix of anticipation… and pity. Because they knew what happens to outsiders when they meet Tony.
"The Third… and Seventh Elder…" Tony's lips curved slightly.
The Third and Seventh Elders, both of whom had never hidden their dislike for him. The fact that they had granted Elsa access to this place made the situation… interesting!
From a distance, the servants observed while pretending to remain occupied. Their expressions held a mix of curiosity and quiet pity, as if they already knew how this would unfold.
Tony's smile deepened, though it never reached his eyes.
"I see. Go ahead," he said calmly.
Elsa blinked in slight surprise but didn't question it. She nodded briefly before moving toward the designated plot close to Tony, kneeling down as she began preparing the soil.
Tony, while standing behind, continued to stare at her bosom with an evil grin.
"This bastard!" Elsa's cheeks turned red as she felt his gaze scanning her whole-body with an evil grin.
She could only bear the insult as she clearly understood he was intentionally provoking her.
Instead of leaving her to her task, he walked over and sat down beside her, close enough that she could feel his breath clearly.
"I'll help," he said, his tone casual.
Elsa's hands paused for a fraction of a second. Something about this felt wrong, but she continued working, choosing not to respond immediately. She focused on planting the seeds carefully, pressing them into the soil with practiced precision.
For a moment, everything seemed normal. Then his hand moved, intentionally, his elbow pressed against her mounds.
She flinched slightly, instinctively pulling back.
Tony didn't react. "Accidental," he said lightly.
Elsa said nothing, but her movements became more cautious, her awareness heightened.
A few moments passed… then it happened again. This time, the contact lingered, as obvious.
Elsa immediately withdrew her hand, her expression tightening as she turned to face him. "Young Master Tony, please maintain your distance," she said coldly.
Tony tilted his head slightly, as if mildly amused. "You're misunderstanding."
"No, I'm not," she replied firmly.
There was no hesitation in her tone now, only restrained anger. "I tolerated your behavior last time. Don't assume that means I will continue to do so."
Tony's expression remained composed. "Oh?"
Elsa met his eyes directly, no longer avoiding his gaze. "I am a Master Rank martial artist… Two realms above you. And you… are still at Disciple Rank, even at your age."
The words sounded loud enough for the servants to hear clearly.
"God, she did it!" one of the servants muttered as he stared directly.
"I really wonder what fate she must face today!" another whispered.