Kalzara
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Chapter 5: Disciple Management Panel
🕑 Added 2023-09-29 01:22:20 +0000 UTCThe shop interface appeared before Slifer.
Shop
- Cards
- Cultivation
- Methods
- Treasures
- Pills & Elixirs
- Mystic Techniques
- Martial Techniques
- Bloodlines & Ancestries
- Constitutions
- Spirit Roots
- Beasts & Familiars
- Create
There were cultivation methods, cultivation resources, treasures, pills, martial techniques, and more. Everything a cultivator could dream of was listed. There was even a create option!
Slifer’s eyes darted straight to the cultivation methods. Curious, he tapped on the Cultivation Methods category. Even though the System can comprehend my intentions, there's an oddly pleasing sensation in the act of selecting it myself.
Cultivation Methods
- Heaven
- Earth
- Mortal
He was greeted by an array of options, all seemingly righteous in nature. No surprise there, he mused, recalling the System's earlier reprimand about demonic techniques. As he skimmed through the vast collection, he quickly found the cheapest technique for each tier.
Heavenly Celestial Breath Method
- Channels the power of celestial stars into pure cultivation energy.
- Price: 500 Karmic credits.
Earthly Vital Core Condensation
- Focuses on condensing the vital energy in the dantian, aiding rapid cultivation breakthroughs.
- Price: 200 Karmic credits.
Mystic Heart Purity Method
- Purifies the heart and soul of the practitioner, ensuring a sturdy foundation for future cultivation.
- Price: 100 Karmic credits.
Slifer's eyebrows furrowed. Is this System trying to rob me blind? "100 credits for a basic Mortal technique? You'd think I was shopping in a luxury sect boutique!" he huffed.
With only 40 credits to his name, the situation was dire. "To afford even the most basic technique, I’d need to take down a Core Formation cultivator," he muttered in frustration. "If I wanted anything more than that then I’ll have to go on a killing spree and that’s certainly not happening!”
Feeling defeated, he thought about exploring other sections of the shop but was hesitant. "If the techniques are priced higher than a celestial mountain, I might end up doing that stereotypical xianxia blood-vomiting move out of sheer exasperation."
He chuckled bitterly, realizing that he'd always found those scenes in xianxia novels to be overly dramatic. But now? Seems I'll be joining the club of blood vomiters soon.
With a flick of his finger, he closed the System Shop's interface. "I've had enough of this for today. I’ll have to think of another way.”
A smirk formed on his lips as an idea sprouted in his mind. "Time to utilize my underlings," he murmured. After all, he had an array of eager lackeys ready to do his bidding, not counting his disciples.
He tried to recall the names of his disciples but then just decided to open up the Disciple Management Panel.
Disciple Overview
- Number of Disciples: 5
- Disciple Capacity: 5
Promote/Demote
- Outer Disciples: 4
- Inner Disciples: 0
- Core Disciples: 1
- Legacy Disciples: 0
Disciples
- Amelia: Active
- Caelum: Active
- Fenlock: Inactive
- Hughie: Active
- Tyrus: Inactive
Slifer examined the overview with a discerning eye, noting the unfamiliar names. Only five disciples? And I've only met the newly minted Fenlock? He was slightly taken aback. What was the original even doing? He mused, especially intrigued by the categorization as Outer Disciples. Elders usually took in young talents as Core Disciples, and if they had the aptitude of a genius, they'd be ranked as Legacy Disciples. However, knowing the original’s paranoia, Slifer doubted he would give away his own personal cultivation methods.
He rubbed his temples. Maybe the original just didn't care enough. Though, from the fragmented memories he'd accessed, it seemed they all reaped the same benefits as Core Disciples.
He decided to click on Amelia's profile and a new panel appeared.
Disciple Panel
Character Profile
Cultivation Profile
Name: Amelia
Current Cultivation: Mid Core Formation
Age: 20
Primary Cultivation Method: N/A
Sex: Female
Subsidiary Skills: N/A
Background: Unknown
Constitution: N/A
Affiliation: Black Rose Sect
Bloodlines: N/A
Alignment: Demonic
Spiritual Roots: N/A
Comprehension: 5
Luck: 6
Will: 4
Talent7
Management Options
Current Quest
Training Plan
Loyalty: 69%
Eying the profile, he realized that not all the information was accessible. Unknown background? Spiritual Roots not available? Great, that's helpful.
He squinted at the character profile. "Why are some sections missing?"
Disciple Management must be upgraded to access additional information and features
Slifer sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. "Of course, there's an upgrade. There’s always an upgrade. So, I buy this with credits, right?"
Disciple Management is upgraded by gaining experience in managing disciples
Slifer raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "So, I get 'XP' for this, huh?"
The System remained silent.
Typical. They always leave you hanging when you start asking the right questions.
Then, his attention shifted to the character statistics.
"System," he started, scratching his chin, "these numbers... I mean, they’re out of ten, right? So what’s the benchmark here?"
Numbers range from 1-10
1-3 is Mortal Rank
4-6 is Earth Rank
7-9 is Heaven Rank
Slifer arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. And what about 10? he wondered. The System remained silent on the matter, offering no further clarification.
Probably some mythical, universe-bending, deity-level stuff. They always love throwing in those crazy tiers.
Looking at Amelia's stats, Slifer nodded in approval. "Not too shabby. Probably a Pseudo-protagonist.”
He assumed that protagonists would have mainly Heaven Rank stats, if only he could look at his own stats then he could find out what he really was.
He then clicked on Hughie.
Disciple Panel
Character Profile
Cultivation Profile
Name: Hughie
Current Cultivation: Late Core Formation
Age: 25
Primary Cultivation Method: N/A
Sex: Male
Subsidiary Skills: N/A
Background: Unknown
Constitution: N/A
Affiliation: Black Rose Sect
Bloodlines: N/A
Alignment: Demonic
Spiritual Roots: N/A
Comprehension: 2
Luck: 8
Will: 3
Talent: 8
Management Options
Current Quest
Training Plan
Loyalty: 55%
Slifer's brows raised as he decided to look at Hughie's stats. Wow, both comprehension and will are trash. How is this guy even... His thoughts trailed off as he caught sight of Hughie's Luck, which stood tall at a staggering 8
"Eight?! This guy's luck is almost at the peak of Heaven Rank?!" he exclaimed, his voice raising a few octaves. He held his head in his hands, looking genuinely distressed. "Ah, a protagonist! A real one!"
Protagonists! Why did it have to be protagonists? Slifer mused. Sure, pseudo-protagonists were a handful, but they were manageable. But true protagonists? They're calamity magnets, a walking, talking disaster zones.
He recalled tales from classic xianxia stories. Let's see, the beloved master meets a tragic end, the sect gets obliterated, the loved ones either perish or get kidnapped... The list went on. The thought of one of those tropes landing on his doorstep made his skin crawl.
Oh no, what do I do with this guy? Do I have to die tragically for his character development?
The only reason he wanted to be a protagonist in the first place was because the number one rule of any xianxia is that the protagonist always wins. Yeah, granted, he might have to suffer for thousands of chapters but he’s the one who finally gets the Jade beauties and basically becomes a god, right?
Seeking a change from the mind-boggling stats, he clicked on Caelum's profile.
Disciple Panel
Character Profile
Cultivation Profile
Name: Caelum
Current Cultivation: Late Core Formation
Age: 25
Primary Cultivation Method: N/A
Sex: Male
Subsidiary Skills: N/A
Background: Unknown
Constitution: N/A
Affiliation: Black Rose Sect
Bloodlines: N/A
Alignment: Demonic
Spiritual Roots: N/A
Comprehension: 7
Luck: 6
Talent: 6
Will: 6
Management Options
Current Quest
Training Plan
Loyalty: 50%
The numbers were more balanced, much to his relief. "Ah, Caelum, at least you don’t seem like you'll be the death of me," he muttered.
Slifer's eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute. How did the original even manage to recruit all these talented disciples? It's like he was collecting young prodigies like trading cards." The thought unsettled him. And why did Tyrus kill him? I mean, sure, the old me wasn't winning any 'Master of the Year' awards, but still...
The original definitely was doing some sketchy stuff... His thoughts trailed off, not able to pinpoint exactly what it was.
Shaking his head, Slifer mumbled, "All I know is each and every one of these disciples is way too important. Like, plot-twist-important." He sighed. "Especially Tyrus. Why else would the old man chase him straight after failing a breakthrough?”
“Urgh, I’m thinking too much about this,” Slifer shook his head and then decided to check Fenlock’s stats, the System wouldn’t make him accept a nobody as a disciple, right?
Error
Unauthorised Access
Complete Master-Disciple Ceremony
Slifer squinted at the screen, momentarily taken aback by the denied access. "System, aren't you being a tad too formal? It's not like I'm trying to hack his bank account!" He muttered.
He then scratched his chin as he thought of the details of the Master-Disciple Ceremony. The ceremony usually involves pouring spiritual tea into jade cups. Both parties sip the tea and form a spiritual bond, eternally connecting their fates—or at least until one of them inevitably dies in some gruesome manner because that seems to only way people die in this world.
“Eh, I can do that later." He remembered how Fenlock had scurried off muttering about some “Junior Sister”.
Clearly, they both had more important things to do.
Looking back at the names, Slifer was struck by an odd realization. "Hughie? Caelum? Amelia?" he muttered, incredulous. Even though their features were unmistakably Asian, their names were decidedly... Western.
Now that I think about it, I have yet to meet anyone with an Asian name. Why would they...? Oh, wait. An absurd realization hit him. Xianxia with Western names? Are you kidding me? In his mind's eye, he pictured his disciples: Asian faces with names that wouldn't be out of place in an English pub. What's next, a cultivator named Bob?
A frown crossed his face. It's those Western authors! Trying to make everything convenient for themselves. Taking sacred Eastern traditions and... ahem... perverting them. He conveniently skipped over that one time he, a western guy, tried writing a xianxia tale, only to find himself drowning in a sea of Chinese names. Choosing to name his characters 'John' and 'Lily' to save his sanity was a memory he'd rather forget.
"Now, how should I call them?" Slifer muttered, staring at the empty room. Normally, he would use a spiritual transmission or activate a communication token, but both required spiritual Qi. Being in the Body Tempering Stage, his reserves were as empty as a beggar's bowl at a feast.
With a heavy sigh, he got up and made his way outside. His quarters were protected by all sorts of mystical runes, designed to keep external noises and unwanted spiritual senses at bay. It was like living in a self-made prison of silence.
His quarters opened into a large courtyard, filled with exotic plants and blooming spirit flowers. Even the pathways were crafted from spirit stones, glistening softly in the ambient Qi. Ponds were filled with spiritual fish that emitted faint glows. Everything was just perfect for a cultivation sect's main headquarters.
Clearing his throat, he decided to do it the old-fashioned way. "Hughie! Amelia! Caelum! Get over here!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
After a short pause, he could hear hurried footsteps approaching. A young Chinese man, appearing around 25, rushed forward. “Master, is something wrong?"
"Ah, Hughie, I need you to do something urgent for me."
Hughie, who was in fact Caelum, decided against clarifying the mix-up. Past memories flooded in — memories of the elder flying into a rage over minor details, of innocent bystanders who fell victim to Slifer's unpredictable temper. Better to be Hughie for today than not be at all, he reasoned.
Breaking his reverie, Slifer cast a scrutinizing gaze at Hughie (still, actually Caelum). "Where's Morvran?" he demanded, recalling the elderly Core Formation cultivator who was Slifer's right-hand man and, in many ways, a butler. The old man was nearing the end of his 300-year lifespan, he was raised by Slifer as a death warrior, if Slifer wanted something done, then he was the man for the job.
Gulping, Caelum was startled by the question. Doesn’t Master already know this?
"Master, Boss Morvran... umm... he's on an errand you assigned him," he replied hesitantly, is this some sort of test?
Slifer nodded, keeping his facial expression carefully controlled but inwardly, he was a jumble of confusion. What on earth did I—I mean, the original—send Morvran to do? Rob a spirit herb garden? Steal a divine beast? Start a sect war for fun? A sense of dread filled him. Knowing that old demon, it’s probably something that'll give me a headache for a decade…if I live that long.
"Very well," Slifer said aloud, feigning satisfaction. "Once Morvran returns, let me know immediately."
"Of course, Master," Caelum replied, barely masking his relief. He really thought that the Master was looking for an excuse to beat him.
Slifer handed Caelum a jade token. "Take this to the Elder's section in the sect archives. I want you and the others to find some righteous cultivation methods and bring them to me."
Caelum stared, genuinely shocked. Righteous methods? For master? The very idea was so out of character for Slifer, it was like asking a lion to go vegan. Risking a quick glance upwards, he found Slifer's eyes fixed on him. Panic surged through Caelum, and he instantly dropped his gaze to the ground, his entire body rigid as a statue.
Slifer stared at his disciple, perplexed. What's wrong with him? Did I pick a defective one?
Several heartbeats passed, and when nothing occurred, Caelum slowly opened his eyes. Seeing his master merely waiting, his breathing eased, though there was a sheen of sweat on his forehead.
"What are you waiting for?" Slifer waved his hand dismissively. "Go, get on with it."
But as Caelum began to retreat, Slifer added, "Oh, and do remember to grab some dumplings on your way back, the ones with the spicy filling.”
Caelum blinked, not sure whether to be more surprised by the request for righteous methods or dumplings. He nodded so fervently that Slifer worried he might dislocate something. "Understood, Master. Righteous methods and... dumplings, it shall be."
Then, using a movement technique, he vanished in a blur, grateful for his Master's unusual benevolence. Thank the Immortal Lords he's in a good mood today even if he might be acting a little strange, he thought as he rushed off.
Slifer sighed. He moved so fast, I couldn't even see him. Guess that's what happens when you're stuck at the bottom of the cultivation ladder. Shaking his head, he began to make his way back to his quarters. I would have just used a righteous method from the original Slifer's memory if it weren’t so foggy! The only thing clear was how quickly the old demon sold off those righteous methods.
Slifer reclined on his cultivation pillow, indulging in delicate spirit fruits he had discovered in his quarters. The juicy, radiant blue fruit burst in his mouth, releasing an aromatic essence that calmed his senses. However, his indulgence left him with sticky hands and a trail of juice dripping down his chin.
Just as he was about to take another bite, a voice resonated in his mind, clear and direct, “Master, we have completed the task.”
Was that... in my head? Slifer mused, momentarily taken aback. The sensation of a spiritual transmission, something he hadn't felt before, was oddly invasive. Knowing he couldn’t respond through the same medium, he hastily set aside the half-eaten fruit, brushing off the juicy crumbs and wiping his mouth.
Exiting his quarters and stepping into the courtyard, Slifer was met with the sight of two familiar figures kneeling. One was Hughie, the 25-year-old he had met earlier. Beside him was a girl who appeared around 16, with big luminous eyes, flowing silver hair, and an ethereal glow around her, much like an anime character straight out of his previous world’s TV shows. She even had those absurdly long eyelashes. Just the sight of her made Slifer feel uneasy. He wasn’t used to being around beautiful women…or any type of women for that matter.
Hughie extended his hand, offering a storage ring. "Master, we found 132 righteous cultivation methods in the sect archives, as instructed."
Taking the ring, Slifer's eyes shimmered with anticipation. Surely, out of all these, there must be one suitable for me. He nodded, "Good job."
Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief as she heard Slifer say, "Good job."
Did Master just...compliment us? she thought, stunned. She shot a quick glance at Hughie, whose eyes were equally wide.
Why are they making me wait? Don't they understand that a man can die from starvation!
Clearing his throat, Slifer fixed Hughie with a slightly annoyed look. "Hughie, I specifically mentioned dumplings. Where are they?"
Hughie froze, a deer caught in headlights. "Master," he stammered, "it was Caelum you spoke to regarding the dumplings. He's fetching them right now. We thought it best to deliver the scrolls first."
Slifer blinked, taking a second to process. Wasn’t this the same fellow I spoke to earlier? Do they have an army of lookalikes or is he deceiving me? He wondered if the disciples had detected he wasn't the original and were testing him. But, he brushed that off. They wouldn’t dare. If they suspected me, they’d have thrown me into the deepest dungeon, not hand over prized scrolls.
Seeing her master's indecision, Amelia quickly chimed in, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Indeed, Master. Caelum is getting them."
Slifer squinted at her, then at Hughie. They’re either very loyal or very good actors.
Insight!
Name: Hughie
Realm: Late Core Formation
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: Black Rose Sect
Disposition: N/A
He finally nodded, sighing, "Ah, yes. Very well.”
Slifer glanced at the storage ring in his hand, in his hands it was basically useless. He then looked at Amelia. "Open this," he ordered, feigning a tone of indifference as if such menial tasks were beneath him.
Amelia's heart soared with relief. Not only had they escaped punishment, but they had also been entrusted with a task. Eager to please, she quickly channeled her qi and, with a flick of her wrist, the scrolls from the storage ring materialized in front of Slifer.
Taking a deep breath, Slifer activated his 'Insight' skill. Instantly, a system notification popped up in his vision.
Cultivation Method
Moonlit Pathway
Rank: Low Mortal
Low Mortal Rank? Seriously? Slifer thought, frustration evident in his features. He rapidly toggled through the notifications for the next scroll and the next.
Cultivation Method
Windswept Harmony
Rank: Mid Mortal
Cultivation Method
Sunset Echo
Rank: High Mortal
Yet, the one that caught his eye, though still not up to his expectations, was:
Cultivation Method
Celestial Dawn's Awakening
Rank: Peak Mortal
Such grandiose names for mere Mortal Rank techniques, Slifer scoffed inwardly.
The disciples exchanged puzzled looks, watching Slifer's bizarre behavior with growing curiosity. To them, it seemed as if their master possessed such prodigious spiritual sense that merely staring at a scroll allowed its content to be discerned. Each time Slifer dismissed a scroll with increasing displeasure, their anxiety spiked.
How is this possible? Not a single Earth Rank, let alone Heaven? His face tightened with each scroll, his eyes narrowing in growing irritation.
"Useless," Slifer finally muttered, tossing the last scroll to the ground as if it were garbage. The tension among the disciples shot up; they braced themselves, certain they'd be blamed for the so-called 'worthless' finds.
Amelia, desperate to deflect potential punishment, stammered, "Master, I overheard Zarius bragging that he found a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method. He said he got it from a fallen core disciple of a righteous sect."
Slifer's gaze snapped to her. "Zarius? That braggart? Perhaps he might have something of use after all." The Master's mood seemed to lift slightly at the prospect of a stronger method.
Hughie chanced a comment, "Master, should we retrieve it from him?"
Slifer pondered for a moment, weighing the information. If what Amelia says is true, then that scroll could be the solution to all my problems.
The mere mention of "Heaven Rank" seemed to lift a cloud from Slifer's brow. His eyes twinkled like stars on a moonless night. "You two, go negotiate with Zarius. Give him whatever he demands. I must have that scroll."
Ding!
Congratulations
Your Disciples Have Been Assigned Their First Task - Retrieve the Scroll!
Reward: 5 Karmic Credits
5 Bonus Karmic Credits
Slifer's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Bonus credits? Really? This frugal System is now handing out bonuses? Well, color me impressed.
And an official task at that. Up until now, the System barely blinked when I sent them out for those useless scrolls or when I asked Caelum for some dumplings, he reflected, a touch of irony seeping into his thoughts.
Just think about it—what if every trivial command turned into an official task? A smirk tugged at his lips as his imagination began to run wild. I'd be racking up credits by sending them on errands. Heck, I could even get credits for demanding a foot massage!
Unaware of their master's whimsical thoughts, Hughie and Amelia exchanged solemn nods before vanishing in the blink of an eye.
As the minutes ticked by in their absence, an audible rumble echoed from Slifer's belly, causing him to cast an annoyed glance at the courtyard's entrance. "Where is that lazy lackey with my dumplings?" he mumbled under his breath.
Almost as if summoned by his complaint, a gust of wind swept across his face. Kneeling before him was Caelum, hands trembling as they outstretched a plate of steaming dumplings. He really does look just like the other one, he mused. Wait. Am I... am I being racist for not being able to tell them apart? Slifer shook his head, inwardly reassuring himself. No, no. Even their mothers would struggle to tell the difference.
Insight!
Name: Caelum
Realm: Late Core Formation
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: Black Rose Sect
Disposition: N/A
Oh, they really were two different people…
Catching the slight upward twitch of Slifer's lips, Caelum hesitated, unsure of his master's mood. Slifer, realizing he should remain masterful and in command, quickly composed himself, shooting Caelum a stern glare. "You've taken quite a bit of time, haven't you?" he remarked coolly.
Caelum trembled as if a cold wind had just blown through him. "F-Forgive me, Master," he stuttered, a silent prayer racing through his mind that he'd escape further reprimand.
Slifer ignored him as he swiped the plate of dumplings from Caelum's outstretched hands. "Go catch up with the others. Make sure they don't mess this up," he ordered, unable to hide the undertone of eagerness in his voice.
The quicker this brat leaves, the quicker I can eat!
"As you wish, Master," Caelum replied, vanishing as quickly as he'd appeared, the less time he needed to spend with his master, the better!
The moment he stepped back into his quarters, Slifer's stern facade crumbled like a poorly baked cookie. A grin as wide as the crescent moon stretched across his face. Ah, servants, dumplings, and a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method. Life is good.
Clutching the plate to his chest like a treasure, he shut the door behind him.
Zarius strutted through the winding paths of the sect, reveling in the way disciples of lower rank scattered out of his way. Outer disciples, inner disciples, even some Core disciples -- all dipped their heads and made room for him to pass.
Catching sight of his own reflection in a nearby pond, he couldn't help but stop and admire himself. Ah, being a Legacy Disciple certainly has its advantages, he mused, his eyes lingering on his perfectly symmetrical face and striking features. But let's not forget the main perk: me. It's like the heavens themselves carved this face to grace the sect with unparalleled beauty.
With that self-congratulatory note, he continued his strut as his thoughts shifted to the upcoming auction. He was eager to auction off the Heaven Rank Cultivation Method he had "found" during his last expedition.
Oh, how they'll scramble to bid for it, he smirked. He sighed soon after, though. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't use the Heaven Rank Method himself. His cultivation method was only at the Earth Rank, and the methods weren't compatible. I'll need to find a compatible Heaven Rank Demonic Method someday.
His musings were interrupted when three Core Formation cultivators descended from the sky on their flying swords. Behind them were five more in various stages of Core Formation. He narrowed his eyes, recognizing the uniforms they wore. Disciples of Elder Slifer. Great.
He frowned, contemplating whether to vanish into thin air. They say cultivators nearing the end of their lifespan become erratic and crazy. I don’t need that sort of problem.
The male, who Zarius now recognized as Hughie, stepped forward with a grin. "Zarius! Fancy meeting you here," he said, feigning cheerfulness.
Zarius attempted nonchalance. "Hughie. And... Amelia, was it? What brings Elder Slifer's... esteemed disciples to this part of the sect?"
Amelia responded with an almost sly smile, "We heard you acquired a little... trinket? A Heaven Rank Cultivation Method, perhaps?"
Zarius gulped, attempting to maintain composure. "I have many treasures. You'll have to be more specific."
Hughie chuckled, "Come now, Zarius. Don't play coy. The whole sect has heard about it by now.”
Amelia's eyes twinkled as she took a step closer. "Would you mind if Big Sister took a quick look at this Heaven Rank method?”
Zarius blinked, taken aback by Amelia's sudden switch to familial terms. Big Sister? She's got to be kidding. The word made him cringe. If she was 'Big Sister,' then what did that make him? Little Brother Zarius? The very thought made his skin crawl.
Forcing a strained smile, Zarius replied, "Ah, well, you see, it's going to be up for auction soon. I wouldn't want any... accidental damage."
The cheerfulness in Amelia's eyes dimmed and her smile turned almost robotic. "You think I'd damage it?"
Zarius laughed nervously, "No, no, that's not what I meant. My master said I can't show it to anyone."
Lie! Big lie! Zarius inwardly panicked. He had been flaunting the method around for days, but invoking the name of his Grand Elder master might make them back down.
Amelia let out a melodic laugh. "How funny! My master, Elder Slifer, said he'd really like a sneak peek at it. And you know, when he wants something..."
Zarius felt a cold sweat forming on his brow, when had he, a Heaven’s Chosen been pressed like this, but the name 'Elder Slifer' held a weight that was hard to ignore. "Look, I'd happily hand it over for Elder Slifer to peruse, but my master... he's very particular. Maybe you could discuss it with him?" he suggested, hoping to divert the responsibility.
Amelia's smile vanished. "I tried to be nice, Zarius, really I did."
Zarius could swear he heard thunder crackling somewhere, even though the sky was clear.
"I tried to be the kind of Big Sister who asks politely," Amelia continued, her eyes narrowing, "but it seems you don't respond well to niceness."
This is bad. This is really bad, Zarius thought, cursing his earlier hesitation.
Beside the group, Fenlock shifted uncomfortably, playing with his fingers. This isn't how I envisioned my day going, he mused, recalling the soft laughter of Junior Sister Lenvari as they strolled together, talking about their future. It had been a rare, tranquil moment amidst the sect's constant strife, and he had cherished it. But the sudden arrival of his new Senior Brother and Sister had thrown that all into chaos.
"Hey, Junior Brother Fenlock," Hughie had said, "Wanna join us for a little bit of fun?" Before Fenlock could even protest, he found himself being dragged away from Lenvari, leaving behind a trail of confusion.
Now, he cleared his throat, trying to defuse the tense situation, "Senior Sister, Senior Brother... maybe we should, you know, not resort to... um, strong measures?”
Zarius eyed Fenlock with a hint of surprise. He had heard about the newly acquired disciple of Elder Slifer but hadn’t expected him to be so... meek?
"Seems your junior has some sense, no?" Zarius tried to divert the conversation, hoping to exploit any discord.
Hughie chuckled, patting Fenlock's shoulder. "Junior Brother, you're too soft! This is the demonic path! We take what we want when we want. Isn't that right?"
Fenlock's face flushed. "It's not about having a soft heart. It's about not creating unnecessary trouble. We could maybe... trade? Or borrow it for a while?"
Amelia and Hughie exchanged glances, then burst into laughter. "You really are a funny one, Fenlock," Hughie managed between chuckles. "But in all honesty, you think this snob would agree to a trade?"
Fenlock's ears turned an even deeper shade of red. "I... I just thought..."
Amelia waved him off. "It's cute that you tried. Now, Zarius, last chance. Hand over the method, or things might get... uncomfortable."
Before Zarius could reply, Caelum appeared with a whoosh of air. "Amelia, what's taking so long? Master doesn't have all day!" He released his Late Core Formation aura with a flourish, and the energy in the area intensified further.
Amelia nodded, unleashing her own aura. "Right. Time to wrap this up."
Hughie and the others also released their auras, each one radiating with Core Formation energy. They started yelling, "Teach him a lesson!" "How dare he defy our master!" "Let's settle this!"
Zarius took a step back as his Mid Stage Core Formation aura unfurled. I could take any of them one-on-one, but all at once? This is bad. He glanced around, hoping for some support, but was met with derisive smiles from other disciples. Great, even the spectators are against me.
Fearing the worst, Zarius activated a movement technique to flee. Just as he thought he'd escaped, Amelia appeared before him like a wisp of smoke.
"Going somewhere?" she said, her grin more dangerous than ever.
With a flash of her hand, she attacked. Zarius hastily defended, feeling the force of her strike reverberate through his arms. This is a bad, bad day.
"Was it something I said?" Amelia taunted, pulling back for another strike.
"Listen, can't we just talk about this?" Zarius stammered. They're all mad! One little scroll and they've turned into rabid beasts.
"Talking time was over when you refused to give us the scroll," Caelum chimed in, landing beside Amelia.
Hughie and the others circled Zarius, their auras swelling like storm clouds. "Last chance," Hughie warned, "Hand it over and we might just let you walk away."
Before Zarius could utter a word, a barrage of attacks rained upon him. Fists, kicks, palm strikes — all coming from different directions, each hit landing with a thud.
This is it, Zarius thought, this is how I become a laughingstock.
Suddenly, a ground-shaking roar echoed, "STOP!" The beating ceased instantly.
A bald, fat Asian man appeared as if from thin air. His aura was intense, eyes like burning coals, and cheeks flushed as if perpetually angry or perhaps sunburned.
"What's going on here?" he thundered.
Amelia brightened. "Boss Morvran! How wonderful to see you. Master said the Heaven Rank Cultivation Method this disciple has is urgently needed. But this little guy is refusing to give it up.”
Morvran's face darkened. "You lot! Have I taught you nothing about subtlety and tact?"
With a movement faster than anyone could track, Morvran was in front of the beaten Zarius. Without hesitation, his foot descended onto Zarius's ribs with a sickening crunch. Zarius let out a blood-curdling scream.
Morvran then turned to Amelia and the others, shaking his head like a disappointed teacher. "Always go for the bones. Break them one by one and ensure prolonged agony. Have I not taught you this?"
Amelia's previously confident smile wavered. Both him and master... so similar in their viciousness, she thought. I still have much to learn!
Hughie chimed in. "We'll, uh, remember that for next time."
Morvran looked at Zarius, who was writhing in pain on the ground, and then back to his subordinates. "Well, since you all seem to need a lesson in finesse, let's use this as a teaching moment."
Hughie stepped forward first, slightly nervous but eager to please. He raised his foot and hesitated. "Like this, Boss?"
"Aim for the collarbone," Morvran instructed. "And twist your foot on impact for maximum pain."
Hughie nodded enthusiastically and brought his foot down on Zarius's collarbone. A crunching sound echoed, and Zarius screamed louder than before. Hughie turned for approval.
"Acceptable," Morvran noted. "But your form could be cleaner. Work on that."
Caelum stepped up next, his foot hovering over Zarius's arm. "How's this, Boss?"
"Extend your leg a bit more for leverage," Morvran said, scrutinizing Caelum’s stance as if judging a piece of art.
Caelum adjusted his stance and stomped, breaking the bone with another sickening crunch.
"Better," Morvran approved. "But never forget: a clean break leads to quicker healing, which is not what we want. Make it messy."
Make it messy? Caelum thought. Where did he learn all this?
Amelia, sporting a playful pout, said, "Boss, any tips for me?"
"Imagine you’re stepping on a piece of delicate glassware," Morvran said, the corners of his mouth turning down even further in disdain. "You don't want to crush it immediately. You want to feel it crack and give way under your foot. Savor it."
Amelia nodded, took a deep breath, and followed Morvran’s instructions to the letter. The sound of Zarius's bone breaking was followed by a guttural howl of agony.
"Splendid," Morvran commented. "You catch on fast."
Amelia beamed, "Thank you, Boss!"
Morvran's gaze finally landed on Fenlock, who had been standing at the back of the group, trying to blend into the scenery. "You there, you're up next. Complete the lesson."
Fenlock blinked in disbelief. Me? Really? I just wanted a simple, peaceful date with Junior Sister Lenvari. Now I have to break bones? These people are crazy!
"Uh, I think I'll pass," Fenlock said hesitantly, eyeing Zarius's mangled form on the ground with distaste.
Morvran raised an eyebrow. "Pass? Are you saying you don't want to learn from the best?"
Hughie chuckled. "Don't be shy, Fenlock. Learning from the Boss is a privilege."
Amelia winked at him. "Consider it your initiation, Junior Brother. Most would kill for such a hands-on lesson."
Initiation? More like hazing, Fenlock thought, feeling his stomach churn.
Reluctantly, Fenlock stepped forward. Zarius looked up at him, his eyes filled with terror and pain, pleading silently for mercy.
Morvran gestured toward Zarius's unbroken leg. "Go on, give it a try. Remember, aim for the joints. They break easier and hurt more."
This is insane. What am I doing here? Fenlock thought, his foot hovering uncertainly above Zarius's leg.
Seeing his hesitation, Morvran sighed deeply, like a chef disappointed in a student who can't even chop an onion properly. "Lift your leg higher. You'll need the gravity to assist the break."
Feeling peer-pressured and not seeing any way out, Fenlock finally stomped down, his eyes squeezing shut as he heard the predictable crunch and Zarius’s ensuing scream.
"Ah, there you go!" Morvran exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Not bad for a first-timer, but your form could use some work. Still, you'll get plenty of practice, don't worry, I’ll make sure of it."
Fenlock stepped back, feeling his face flush with a mixture of shame and nausea. Is this what it means to be one of Elder Slifer's disciples? What have I gotten myself into?
Morvran looked at the disciples, their faces beaming with pride. "Now, we have what we came for. And you have all learned a valuable lesson in the art of...dissuasion."
They collected the much-sought-after scroll from Zarius, leaving him as a heap of misery on the ground.
"As for you," Morvran looked down at the defeated Zarius, "maybe this will teach you not to reject Master."
Slifer sat on his cultivation pillow, his face smeared with dumpling sauce. With every bite, he moaned in satisfaction, lost in the flavors that danced on his tongue. Pushing aside the sinking feeling in his gut, he thought, Eh, it’s probably just the dumplings.
Slifer was about to grab another dumpling when a notification popped up in his vision.
Ding!
Congratulations
Due to Hughie’s actions, you have received 1 Karmic Credit
Slifer paused, his hand frozen mid-air, chopsticks dangling from his fingers. What the heck is Hughie up to that gets me extra credits? Intrigued but not overly concerned, he shrugged and continued savoring his meal.
Ding!
Congratulations
Due to Caelum's actions, you have received 1 Karmic Credit
Slifer grinned, the food momentarily forgotten. And I thought the System was stingy!
Ding!
Congratulations
Due to Amelia's actions, you have received 1 Karmic Credit
By now, his grin had evolved into a full-on smile. This is getting ridiculous. But ridiculously good.
Ding!
Congratulations
Due to Fenlock's actions, you have received 1 Karmic Credit
Error Error
Recalibrating
......
Cannot receive credits until Master-Disciple Ceremony is complete.
Slifer burst into laughter, not bothered by the latest notification. "I'll have to ask them what happened. Getting extra credits while just sitting here and eating? That's the life!"
Rubbing his hands together in anticipatory glee, he mumbled, "Ah, the farming season has officially commenced."
However, for some reason, the nagging feeling in his gut only grew stronger…
