Taylor knocks on the door before seeing the doorbell, but just as he was about to press the button, a voice calls out.

“Come in! The door's open!” The voice says.

Taylor raises an eyebrow. He opens the door and walks in carefully. He saw no on inside. The place was decorated in an old-fashioned manner, with lacquered oak frames and side tables; paintings of stars and there was one of an empty throne. But what drew Taylor's eyes was a purple vase. This place looks clean… He thinks to himself.

“I'm in here. Come have a seat.” The voice calls again.

Taylor follows the voice a little further down the hall and enters a large living room.

Sitting on a cushioned chair framed with some sort of golden wood was a man with black hair; he had the eyes of a clever hunter and his smile had a hint of teasing.

“Welcome, Taylor. Come. Have a seat.” He says with a smile.

“Thank you,” Taylor says with a short nod. Taylor makes his way to a similar chair near the man and takes a seat.

“Would you like a drink?” The man asks with a smile.

“Do you have anything grape related. Maybe some punch or some wine?” Taylor responds.

A purple can of soda appears in the air and the man catches it before throwing it to Taylor. The can lands on Taylor’s lap and he grabs it up before lifting the tab to release the pressure. “Grape soda. Nice.” Taylor says as he takes a small sip.

“So you want to cultivate in my territory?” The man says with a smile.

“Yes… That would be appreciated.” Taylor says honestly. He’d rather not have to cultivate at the stage seventh’s place.

“For that, you’ll have to follow some rules. The main idea of it is that this is my territory; you should know what that entails.” The man says, resting his chin on his hand nonchalantly.

“Yes, I understand. I should know where the line is.” Taylor answers with a bowed head.

“Good.” The man says as he lets out a breath. “My disciples are currently away so there should be enough energy to satisfy your cultivation…” He says before pausing to consider a few things. “And there’s one last thing… This situation would normally not require this, but… I’ll require a favor for your stay. Consider this a compliment. I smell something on you… Something attractive. I feel as if you have some good luck to offer, so I would like to be greedy and ask a favor. If not, you can still stay, but I thought I would make the effort for the connection.” The man says, his face in his hand, his eyes casual and open, waiting for Taylor’s answer.

“Sure.” Taylor says with a smile. “It wouldn’t hurt to know a few more cultivators.” He says freely. Taylor didn’t mind offering the favor. This man… Is very agreeable… Taylor ponders to himself.