Dual Cultivator Reborn [System In The Cultivation World] Chapter 1011: Solane

"Get on your feet. There’s no need for you to keep your head on the ground," Yohan instructed, looking down at Lucine, who was currently bowing deeply before him.

Upon hearing Yohan’s voice, Lucine lifted his head, his expression etched with anxiety and a deeply rooted unease.

"I thought you were with Arjun and the others. It’s quite surprising to find you all the way out here," Yohan commented, gesturing for Lucine to accompany him towards the clan's periphery.

Yohan felt a disquieting sensation due to Lucine’s peculiar demeanor. The man was typically serene and composed, but at this moment, his actions were completely untypical—as though an internal torment were consuming him.

Lucine followed without a word. Eventually, the two of them departed from the Lin clan and River Shore City, leaving them behind. Lucine remained silent, simply trailing Yohan as they flew in a specific direction. Yohan had made the decision to travel to a nearby settlement situated fifty miles distant.

This settlement was known as Solane. It was infamously recognized as a nexus for mercenary guilds, budget inns, and establishments of ill repute. Since his arrival in this realm, Yohan had not had the opportunity to visit; in truth, he had barely explored any significant portion of the Northern Region, with the exception of that spectral town where he first encountered Amelia.

"Say, do you partake in drinking?" Yohan inquired, not bothering to look back.

Lucine fell into silence. In this world, who abstained from drinking? As a rogue cultivator who had spent the majority of his existence wandering, indulging in drink and revelry were common pursuits for him, much like for mercenaries and itinerant warriors who possessed no fixed abode.

"Lord Yohan... please tell me you're not considering..." Lucine's gaze was filled with suspicion as he looked at Yohan. He was hardly naive; he had already deduced their intended destination based on their trajectory towards Solane.

"Do you object to sharing a drink with me?" Yohan finally turned, his gaze serious, entirely disregarding Lucine’s unspoken apprehension.

Instantly, Lucine felt a wave of dread wash over him, fearing he had somehow offended his master. "No... my lord... I merely questioned why someone of your esteemed status would journey to such a locale. More crucially, how could I possibly drink with an individual like yourself? I am but an insignificant nobody."

He spoke with a nervous, rapid cadence. Yohan couldn't help but frown. The man was so earnest that he failed to grasp Yohan was merely jesting.

’ Yohan mused, recalling how he had subdued Lucine and compelled him into servitude—effectively enslaving him. Observing Lucine’s attractive features and noble bearing, Yohan surmised he was not of humble origins. There was undoubtedly a history behind his life as a rogue cultivator, yet Yohan had no inclination to probe. Each individual carried their own burdens; his primary concern was understanding the source of Lucine's palpable fear and nervousness.

"Do not hold such a high opinion of me. I simply desire a drink and some palatable food," Yohan stated softly. "It has been quite some time since I last consumed alcohol."

In reality, he had not touched a drop since his transmigration to this world. Back in his former existence, he occasionally enjoyed a drink, and after arriving in this new world, he had not found any opportunity to relish such simple pleasures. He was curious to gauge the quality of the local libations. His choice of Solane stemmed from a straightforward motive: he wished to circumvent the undue attention he would inevitably attract in River Shore City, particularly in the wake of the recent tumultuous events.

Lucine remained reticent. In his perception, Yohan appeared far too young to speak with the seasoned air of a drinker, and he was utterly bewildered by the assertion that it had been "quite some time." Nevertheless, he followed in silence, acutely aware of Yohan’s temperament and still recalling the brutal beating and terror he endured while guarding the slave camp; the memory sent shivers down his spine.

Some time later, the pair descended a few dozen meters before the entrance to Solane to evade the notice of the sentries. Yohan had no intention of revealing his status as a cultivator.

"Hey Lucine, from this point forward, refrain from addressing me as ‘Lord.’ It becomes quite irritating. You can simply refer to me as Young Master Yohan," Yohan instructed, casting a sideways glance at him.

A wistful smile touched Lucine’s lips. It made little difference whether he was termed 'master' or 'lord'; the designations were essentially synonymous. Nevertheless, he inclined his head in agreement.

"Very well, let us proceed to find a respectable establishment. I trust the liquor will be satisfactory," Yohan declared, a look of genuine anticipation gracing his features, eager for a good drink.

Upon reaching the gates of Solane, they immediately drew the attention of the guards. Observing two strikingly handsome men emanating such imposing presences, the guards instinctively parted, creating a clear passage, not daring even to inquire about their identities or purpose for visiting the settlement. These guards were not simpletons; they recognized that these were no ordinary individuals—particularly the one clad in black robes leading the way.

Yohan paid them no mind, simply retrieving a small pouch of currency from his spatial ring and bestowing it upon one of the men.

"Distribute this amongst yourselves," he commanded, stepping into Solane.

The moment the pair vanished into the city, the guards exchanged bewildered glances. One quickly retrieved the pouch and, upon witnessing the dazzling silver coins, almost jumped out of his skin. Such a sum was enough to sustain their families for many years to come.

'Who… who was that person…?' they sputtered, stunned that a simple display of courtesy had led them to such a windfall.

Within the city walls, Yohan and Lucine proceeded side-by-side, attracting the attention of everyone they passed. Solane was a modest town, and individuals of their stature were seldom seen there. Affluent nobles typically favored the opulence of River Shore City, leaving Solane to the domain of mercenaries and ruffians.

Yohan remained unfazed by the constant stares. His primary relief stemmed from the fact that no one had yet recognized him. After a short while, they arrived at an establishment offering both intoxicating beverages and a place to rest.

Yohan entered without hesitation, instantly becoming the focal point of a room packed with rough-looking mercenaries and unsavory characters. The atmosphere was heavy with the scent of alcohol and the presence of women attending to the boisterous patrons. Lucine swallowed hard, a ripple of apprehension coursing through her.

Though Lucine was accustomed to such rough environments, Yohan hailed from a world of immense wealth and refined ladies.

'This place is so dirty…' Lucine mused with dread, envisioning the most unfavorable outcomes.

The entire tavern fell into a hush. Yohan possessed god-like features, his handsomeness striking and his bearing exuding the unmistakable aura of high nobility.

'This seems like a suitable place to eat. I trust they offer palatable food and drink,' Yohan commented, utterly unaffected by the gazes fixed upon him. He pointed towards an unoccupied table situated at the very center of the establishment.

'Let's claim that spot; we're fortunate to find such a fitting location!' Yohan declared with enthusiasm, perplexed as to why no one occupied it, though he didn't dwell on it. The empty seat seemed to beckon him.

As he made his way to the center of the room and took his seat, discontented murmurs rippled through the crowd. The serving women observed him with expressions of sheer terror, as if Yohan had just committed an irrevocable blunder.