The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 146 - 145. The Rich Berg Island

Chapter 146: 145. The Rich Berg Island

As the first light of dawn illuminated the horizon, the storm finally relented, revealing a clear path to their destination. By morning, Tyler’s ship approached Rich Berg Island, a sight to behold after the tumultuous journey. The island came into view, its grand architecture and meticulously designed pathways standing in stark contrast to the wild ocean they had just crossed.

Rich Berg Island was a marvel of design and innovation. Towering buildings lined the neatly paved pathways, their exteriors gleaming in the morning sun. The air was abuzz with activity as people hurried along the streets, many dressed in finely tailored garments, clearly professionals heading to work. Above the bustling streets, numerous flying carriages and boats moved through the sky, ferrying passengers to various destinations on the island. These elegant vehicles floated gracefully, their soft hums filling the air, offering an efficient means of travel across the island’s expanse.

."I thought Rich Berg Island was supposed to be a floating island," Tyler remarked as they approached.

Lily Gomes, standing beside him, nodded. "It is, but with so many visitors, they’ve decided to keep it anchored. They only activate the floating mechanism in emergencies, like a tsunami or an enemy attack."

At the port, the scene was no less impressive. A constant flow of ships arrived and departed, the docks alive with the sounds of sailors and merchants conducting their business. The sheer number of vessels, from small fishing boats to grand merchant ships, highlighted the island’s significance as a major trade hub. The organised chaos of the port was a testament to the island’s prosperity and strategic importance.

As Tyler’s ship docked at the busy port, he noted the expensive docking fees, though they were no burden to him. Lily, always the knowledgeable guide, continued to explain. "There are two powerhouses on Rich Berg Island. The Bank of Atlantis, which manages the island, and the Kong Family, who own a secret realm here. Only with a Kong Family token can someone enter that realm."

"Secret realm?" Tyler’s interest was piqued.

Lily smiled. "It holds Aura stones, exquisite herbs, and many other valuable items."

But Tyler quickly lost interest, his mind wandering elsewhere.

Before they disembarked, Tyler instructed Silvia to stay close to Lily as she went shopping. Mathilda, Darla, Mana, and Taka joined them, excited for the excursion.

"It’s a girls’ group!" Mathilda declared with enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" Silvia, Lily, Mana, and Darla shouted in agreement.

"B-But I’m a man, here," Taka, the octopus fishman, protested.

"Girls and squid group!" Mathilda corrected with a laugh.

"Yeah!" the group echoed, leaving Taka to mumble, "I’m an octopus, not a squid," as he followed along.

Girls love to hang out with Taka Because of his Tentacles. *Cough* because he carries a lot of stuff with his Tentacles.

Even though they had storage items, showing off their purchases was something the Girls loved to do.

Tyler and Astrid, with her disguised as an ordinary water mage, strolled through the bustling streets of Rich Berg Island. The morning sun had fully risen, casting a warm glow on the island’s grand buildings and neatly paved pathways. The air was filled with the hum of activity as people hurried about their business, and flying carriages zipped overhead.

As they walked side by side, Astrid glanced at Tyler. "So, what are we going to do?" she asked, her voice curious.

"First, we need to find a passenger ship that sails to the Rosefall Kingdom," Tyler replied, his tone casual but focused.

Their conversation flowed naturally as they wandered the streets, touching on various topics. Eventually, the subject shifted to Silvia, the young elf who was part of their crew.

"Silvia wants to become a mage?" Tyler inquired, his interest piqued.

Astrid nodded. "Yes. She’s probably around 11 or 12 years old and already a 5th-grade Heaven cultivator with dual attributes of Water and Wood."

"Elves are natural-born mages," Astrid continued. "It’s best if you let her join an academy. Her potential is immense. I also noticed she has a slight affinity for the Light attribute."

"I’ll keep that in mind," Tyler said thoughtfully, appreciating the insight.

Their footsteps led them to an office at the port, a place that kept meticulous records of all the ships that docked there and provided schedules for passenger ships. Inside, Tyler scanned the available options. There were numerous ships travelling to different islands, and even a rare one that came only once every six months, heading to the North. The ticket prices were steep, but the steady stream of passengers showed no sign of slowing down.

"Hmmm... Let’s decide later," Tyler remarked, his gaze shifting as he turned to leave the office. Astrid, puzzled by his sudden change of mood, followed him outside.

"What happened?" she asked, noticing the tension in his posture as they walked a short distance.

"Someone is following us," Tyler said quietly, his voice calm but alert. "I don’t know if it’s just a random thug or someone after you."

Astrid’s heart skipped a beat. "What are we going to do?" she asked, her eyes scanning the crowd nervously.

"Just walk into that alley," Tyler instructed, pointing to a dark, narrow passageway between two tall buildings.

Without hesitation, Astrid followed Tyler into the alley, her pulse quickening. A man wearing a hood trailed them, his movements careful but intent.

*Pow* *Bam* *Boom!*

Before the man could react, Tyler launched a swift attack. The force of the blows sent the man reeling, and his hood fell off, revealing a handsome face framed by brown hair.

"Lutz? Tyler, stop!" Astrid cried out in shock, rushing forward to catch the falling man.

Tyler paused, his fist still raised, as he looked down at the unconscious figure. "This is Lutz?" he asked, his expression wary.

Astrid nodded, concern etched on her face as she gently cradled Lutz in her arms. Tyler didn’t lower his guard, his eyes still scanning Lutz because he has some suspicion.

A few minutes later, Lutz opened his eyes, finding himself lying on a lap. "Astrid?" he murmured.

"No, it’s me," Tyler said with a grin.

Lutz, slightly surprised, quickly stood up and bowed. "Sorry for being sneaky, and thank you for taking care of her."

Tyler nodded, but as ice began to form on the ground, binding Lutz’s legs, Astrid called out, "Tyler..."

Tyler ignored her and pressed Lutz, "Now tell me, how did you know she is Astrid?"

Lutz hesitated but eventually confessed, "I was there when she visited Grandma."

"Then why didn’t you meet me?" Astrid asked, hurt.

Lutz’s face fell. "I felt guilty for what happened to you. I wasn’t strong enough to protect you."

"It’s not your fault," Astrid said with resolve. "It’s the prime minister’s greed that led to this turmoil. I still don’t know who poisoned my father, but I will make them pay."

"I promise I will find the person who poisoned Uncle," Lutz vowed.

"Wait, you were in your grandmother’s house?" Tyler asked.

"Yes," Lutz confirmed.

"But I couldn’t sense your presence," Tyler said, suspicious.

"Lutz is a water mage with the best concealing ability," Astrid explained proudly. "It’s hard to find him in hide-and-seek, especially in water."

"But you always find me," Lutz said in a defeated tone.

"That’s because you always hide in the castle fountain or the well," Astrid teased.

"Stop flirting," Tyler said, irritated.

"We’re not!" both of them protested, blushing.

"If he’s so good at concealment, why did I find him now?" Tyler asked, still suspicious.

"It’s... because..." Lutz stammered, but under Tyler’s piercing gaze, he confessed, "It’s because you two were together. A man and a woman going on a date and then suddenly walking into an alley... I panicked."

*Bang*

Lutz was knocked down by a blushing Astrid. "What nonsense are you talking about?" she fumed, giving him two more kicks for good measure.

Lutz tried to move, but the ice binding his legs made it impossible. "Huh? Can you melt this ice?" he asked, glancing at Tyler.

"It will dissolve in a few hours," Tyler replied nonchalantly.

Before Lutz could protest further, Astrid kicked the ice, shattering it with ease. Lutz stumbled slightly, regaining his balance, but before he could say anything, Tyler’s expression turned serious.

"What happened?" Astrid asked, noticing the sudden change in his demeanour.

"The girls are in trouble. Someone’s targeting Silvia," Tyler said, his voice tense. He had just received a message from Mana, alerting him to the danger.

A cold realisation hit him as he remembered the mysterious figure who had targeted Silvia back when they joined the Crimson Blood Sect. "Is it them?" Tyler muttered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.

Without wasting another moment, Tyler grabbed Astrid’s hand and started moving quickly. "We need to get to them, now!" he urged, his usual calmness replaced by urgency.

Lutz felt a pang of something as he noticed Tyler holding her hand. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could utter a word, they quickly dashed away.

Determined not to be left behind, Lutz called out, "I’m also coming!" He hurried after them, his legs moving swiftly as he caught up, unwilling to let them face whatever danger lay ahead without him.

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