The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 416. Mysterious Encounter

Chapter 416: 416. Mysterious Encounter

It’s been three months since the ’Fake’ Phantom Pirates made their theatrical entrance at Veins Peak. Though they hadn’t stirred any trouble since their shadowy debut—a ship cloaked in darkness emerging like a ghost and vanishing just as mysteriously—their reputation still loomed over the island like a lingering mist.

Whispers filled the streets, inns, and tea houses. "Did you see that ship’s shadow? It vanished!" some said.

Others speculated about their origins, their powers, and most of all, the inevitable clash with the real Phantom Pirates.

With the grand auction approaching and the tension between the two so-called Phantoms mounting, the entire island was abuzz with anticipation.

After the showy arrival, Tyler had used high-grade concealment arrays to hide the ship near a desolate cliff, far from the busy ports.

The shadow of the ship that had once lingered on the water vanished within days, but the impression it left behind was etched in every mind.

Tyler just wanted to show off. Besides, it’s not possible to hide a ship in shadow for too long. This time, it worked only because the shadow remained still.

Veins Peak was a vast island with five villages, three towns, and one central city nestled around a towering mountain cracked like an open vein—a natural formation that gave the island its name.

The port town thrived with mercantile activity, but it was in Rogue Town, a quieter trade center, that Tyler found himself one lazy afternoon, casually strolling into a quaint pastry shop.

Just as Tyler stepped in to browse the colorful tarts and buns, another man arrived beside him. There was nothing extraordinary about the man at first glance—a bit of stubble, simple clothes, and not a hint of cultivation aura. But Tyler’s instincts flared. Something was wrong.

The man gave a pleasant smile. "You like pastries too? This place has the best almond buns on the island."

Tyler managed a polite smile. The air around the man felt too calm. The North’s ambient energy was too intense for ordinary mortals, and yet this man looked completely unaffected. Like hell he is a mortal. There is no mortals past Ixalaria Continent.

They purchased their pastries, and the man turned to him casually. "So, what should I call you? Phantom Blackwood? Or Tyler White?"

Tyler paused, a flicker of caution in his eyes. He was clearly surprised, but he did not show it. He just nodded. "What about you, Senior?"

The man chuckled, eyes gleaming. "You can call me ’senior’ for now. If fate allows, you’ll learn my name someday."

"Of course, Senior," Tyler said, following the man’s lead as he walked away from the pastry shop.

They strolled down cobbled streets into a quieter alley lined with old stone buildings. The sounds of the town faded behind them.

"Aren’t you curious how I found you?" the man asked.

"I figured you’d tell me eventually," Tyler replied.

"You hid yourself well. Charms, artifacts, even layered arrays. Not many could track you. Took me some time."

"But you still did." Tyler’s voice was calm, even amused. "Why go through the trouble?"

"Curiosity. And a question." The man looked up at the sky briefly before turning down another alley.

"I’m listening."

The man didn’t answer immediately. They passed children playing with floating spirit marbles, their novice auras flaring now and then.

"You have wealth, a powerful crew, resources beyond imagination. You could hide out comfortably and ascend to immortality in a few thousand years without ever lifting a sword. Why come to the North?"

Tyler took a moment. "Isn’t that why everyone comes here? The Eternity"

"Why do you think people cultivate?" the man asked.

Tyler pondered. "Some seek fame, others power. Some chase longevity. Then there are those with lofty dreams— of justice, heroism, changing the world."

"Lofty dreams," the man echoed, smirking. "Rare and extreme."

They walked in silence for a few moments.

"You don’t seem like a killer," the man added. "Your aura lacks the stain of blood. Do you even plunder and burn like a true pirate?"

Tyler laughed lightly. "I took the pirate identity for convenience. To be free. It’s a good mask for recklessness."

"Freedom." The man nodded. "Dangerous kind of freedom, though."

They spoke for a while longer. The man’s questions were layered, not just philosophical but strangely personal. It felt like a test. Tyler answered truthfully, cautiously.

Finally, the man stopped.

"Thank you for indulging an old man," he said. "Consider this a gift, for our first meeting."

He reached forward and tapped Tyler’s glabella.

A sharp jolt of cold invaded Tyler’s consciousness. A thin, dark streak leaked from his brow and vanished into thin air.

Tyler’s eyes narrowed. "What was that?"

No answer came. The man was gone. Not even spatial ripples remained. Tyler stood alone in the alley, hand at his brow.

Moments later, familiar voices called out.

"Tyler! Where were you?"

"Are you alright?"

"Even Mana couldn’t track you. The Ghost Spirit Bond didn’t work."

Lily, Mathilda, and Mana appeared, clearly alarmed.

Tyler smiled. "I’m fine. I just met... a new friend."

They frowned, unconvinced, but said nothing.

┉┈ ◈ ◉ ◈ ┈┉

Far, far away, over a stormy sea thousands and thousands of kilometers away, the mysterious man stood suspended in the sky. Wind howled around him, but he was unaffected.

Before him floated a twisted, broken structure. It resembled a cube, but its angles defied logic, like something half-formed from a dream.

Within the cube’s mirrored layers, a version of Tyler White floated in mid-air—but this one bore crimson scales and obsidian wings, his body pulsing with dark energy.

Inside the cube, Tyler opened his glowing red eyes and touched his glabella.

"He did it," he muttered with a smile.

Outside, the man scoffed. Then vanished into the void.

┉┈ ◈ ◉ ◈ ┈┉

Two Months Later...

"Roses are red,

The sun gives off heat,

If you’re ever tired,

Use my face as your seat."

Mathilda recited the shameless poem with a grin, her voice rich with playful mischief. The young maiden serving their drinks turned crimson in an instant, nearly spilling the tray in her hands.

Tyler let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. "Yeah... she’s started again."

Mathilda leaned in closer, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Oh come on. It’s not like you don’t join the fun when I finally drag her into our bed."

"You really don’t need to drop pick-up lines like that for it to happen," Tyler muttered under his breath.

"Oh?" Mathilda smirked. "Then show me how it’s done, Mr. Smooth."

Tyler raised a brow. "You want me to demonstrate?"

"Try your luck," she challenged, waving toward the blushing waitress who was attempting to pretend she hadn’t heard any of it.

With a casual stretch, Tyler stood up and strolled over to the girl. He leaned in and whispered something soft and private—his tone low and melodic.

The girl’s reaction was immediate. Her eyes sparkled, cheeks flushed even deeper, and a giggle escaped her lips. After a brief conversation, she nodded, covering her mouth as if trying to suppress her excitement. Then, with one last look at Tyler, she dashed off in a flustered hurry.

Mathilda blinked. "What the heck just happened?"

"Talent," Tyler said smugly, sitting back down.

"You asked her if she wanted to meet you tonight, and she actually agreed," Mathilda muttered, crossing her arms. "Unbelievable."

"This is what years of training in flirting gets you."

"This is what being shameless gets you," she shot back with a playful scoff. "Well, fine. I didn’t drag you out for nothing. Let’s switch it up."

Today was supposed to be a quiet date—just Tyler and Mathilda spending time together. But as usual, the moment they were together, the chaos began. Whether it was seductive whispering, ridiculous banter, or dragging innocent women into their orbit, they somehow always caused a scene.

After that, they left the place,

"I had this idea," Mathilda said as she took another sip from her drink. "Let’s play rich young master and loyal seductive maid. You know—money, power, charm, corrupting innocence."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "You’ve been reading those raunchy novels again, haven’t you?"

"Maybe," she winked. "Let’s try it."

Without missing a beat, making sure no one is around, both of them activated their Phantom Masks and changed appearance. Tyler now looked like a handsome, arrogant young master from a wealthy family, draped in silk robes with golden threads. Mathilda transformed into a sultry maid with a revealing outfit and elegant posture, every bit the fantasy come to life.

"We’ve already booked someone for tonight," Mathilda said in a sultry tone, roleplaying. "So let’s schedule the next victim for tomorrow night."

Just as Tyler was about to reply with something equally scandalous, their communication watches lit up and flickered.

"Urgent update," came Lily’s voice, calm but firm. "Just got word. The real Phantom Pirates of the North are arriving at Veins Peak tomorrow. Get ready."

Tyler and Mathilda froze.

"Ehhhhh?" Mathilda groaned, slumping into her chair. "Guess that means no rich young master fun for now."

"Well, duty calls," Tyler said, but his grin remained.

Mathilda perked up again. "At least we still have time for her."

Without wasting a second, she dropped her disguise, pulled Tyler up, and dragged him along back to the innocent girl they just flirted now. After that she wasn’t Innocent anymore.

They didn’t even wait for nightfall.